Everest View Trek

The Everest View Trek may be short, but it perfectly introduces you to Sherpa culture and offers gorgeous views of the world’s highest mountain, Everest and the surrounding peaks. The spectacular scenery of the diverse landscapes of the Khumbu region also adds to the extraordinary experience. You will take a thrilling and scenic flight to Lukla and begin your trek.

Within a short time, you can explore some of the major highlights of the Everest or Khumbu region. Firstly, the trekking route follows the classic trail to Everest Base Camp up to Namche Bazaar. You will follow the winding trail, traversing beautiful, traditional Sherpa villages. The moderately challenging terrain and the moderate altitude also make it perfect for first-time trekkers.

Likewise, you can get a taste of authentic Himalayan adventure within a short timeframe. You will get a taste of the iconic trail without worrying about the distance and elevation. Due to relatively lower altitude trekking, you do not have to take acclimatization or worry about altitude sickness. As a result, the Everest View Trek is a perfect introduction to the Khumbu region.

Sherpa Villages and Monasteries Along the Route

Most locals residing in the Everest region belong to the Sherpa ethnic community. The charming Sherpa villages and the age-old monasteries are some of the major highlights of the 5 Days Everest View Trek. They offer you a doorway to enter and glimpse at their vibrant culture, deep-rooted beliefs, and unique way of life. Your teahouses and lodges are also run by the locals, which further provides deeper cultural immersion. As you trek on the iconic Everest View Trek route, you will see numerous stupas, prayer wheels, mani walls, and chortens along the way. Most of the suspension bridges are adorned with colorful prayer flags that reflect the religious spirituality of the locals.

You will begin your trekking journey from Lukla, a small Sherpa town that is also a gateway to Everest. There are prayer wheels at every corner of the village. You can rotate it clockwise as you pass by the wheels. However, be careful while spinning, as rotating it counterclockwise is disrespectful or inauspicious. From Lukla, you will head to another notable Sherpa village, i.e., Phakding. It is a beautiful village that sits on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. The village is surrounded by age-old mani walls that are carved with Buddhist prayers. There is also the Phakding Monastery known as Rimishung Monastery locally here. It is a small but one of the culturally significant monastery of Khumbu region.

Similarly, you will also pass by the charming Sherpa village of Monjo. Although you will not stop here, it is an entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. You can see many colorful prayer flags around the village area. There is a small but beautifully decorated Monjo Monastery near the park’s entrance gate. From Monjo, you will head toward Namche Bazaar. It is the trading as well as cultural hub of the Khumbu region. Namche is the largest settlement of the area, and the majority of the residents are Sherpas. Due to the massive influence of Sherpa culture, the town is known as the Sherpa Capital. There are several small monasteries and the Sherpa Museum here.

In a short hiking distance from Namche lies the Khumjung Village. It is another traditional village where you can see the age-old Sherpa culture and customs. Sitting right beneath the beautiful Mount Khumbila, it is also home to the ancient Khumjung Monastery. It is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and holds various religious ceremonies.

Trekking past these Sherpa villages and monasteries is the best way to experience the Sherpa culture and heritage. From the small town of Lukla to the bustling town of Namche Bazaar and the spiritual hub of Khumjung Monastery, you will come across several beautiful Sherpa villages and monasteries along the route of the Everest View Trek.

Which Spot Offers the Best View of Mt Everest?

The 5 Days Everest View Trekking showcases the spectacular Himalayas of the Everest region, including Mt Everest. Despite its short duration, you will not miss the gorgeous mountain views. Here are some of the best spots that offer the best views of Mt Everest:

• Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): The town offers your first glimpse of Mt Everest along with Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. It is also the perfect spot for sunrise photography.
• Syangboche Airstrip (3,780 m): The airstrip is located at a slightly higher altitude than Namche. You can see Everest’s summit behind Mt Lhotse. Likewise, you can see Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri from here.
• Everest View Hotel (3,860 m): It sits on a ridge above Syangboche and offers a great view of Mt Everest and other surrounding panoramas. On clear days, you can enjoy a wide view of the Everest without ascending to an altitude above 4,000 m.
• Khumjung Village (3,790 m): The village offers a partial or distant view of Everest. However, you can catch a glimpse of the world’s highest mountain on a clear day. Similarly, you can enjoy wide panoramas of Mt Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Khumbila.

Comparing the Everest View Trek with the Everest Helicopter Tour and Mountain Flight

The Everest View Trek is ideal for those seeking a brief yet exhilarating trekking adventure within 5 days. However, if you do not have the physical fitness to trek on the diverse trail of the Everest region, the Helicopter Tour or Mountain Flight are excellent alternatives. The Helicopter Tour is a 4-5-hour luxurious flying experience over the Khumbu landscapes, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar. Meanwhile, the Mountain Flight is a 45-minute thrilling aerial journey that offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the towering Himalayas.

Aside from the duration, the highest altitude between these three are significantly different. The Everest View Trek takes you to its highest point at Everest View Hotel (3,860 m). Meanwhile, the Everest Helicopter Tour’s highest point is Kalapatthar (5,545 m) and Mountain flight is around 6,000 m, which is the flying altitude. For the Everest View Trek, you will need moderate fitness as you will have to trek for 5 to 6 hours each day. As for the other two, there is no need for any physical requirements.

The risk of altitude sickness is moderate during Everest View Trekking. Compared to this, the helicopter tour has high risk as you will be gaining elevation rapidly during the flight. As for Mountain flight, the altitude-related risk is very low. For those looking for a rich cultural experince should opt for trekking. You will traverse Sherpa villages and monasteries, so there is deeper cultural immersion. The cultural experience during Everest Helicopter Tour is limited. You will only stop at selected stops like Lukla and Everest View Hotel, so there is no deeper immersion. On the other hand, the cultural experience during Mountain flight is none.

Another significant differences between the three are the costs. The cost of Everest View Trek starts from USD 775 per person. The cost of Everest Helicopter Tour starts from USD 1,399 per person. Likewise, the cost of Mountain flight is USD 1,399 per person.

If you want to experience Himalayan trekking, the Everest View Trek is the most suitable for you. It is for physically fit trekkers who want adventure, mountain views, and rich cultural experience. The Everest Helicopter is for travelers who want to luxuriously witness Mount Everest and skip trekking. It is also perfect for travelers with limited time. Those with limited time and budget can opt for the Mountain Flight. It offers quick view of Everest without trekking. 

Everest View Trek Cost

The Everest View Trek costs USD 775 per person. It includes airport pick-up and drop-off, flight to Lukla, trek permits, accommodations, meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and an English-speaking guide. The group costs for the Himalaya Trip’s Everest View Trek package are as follows:

The trek package cost can vary slightly depending on the trek season, duration, service customization, and group size. For example, the price of the venture will get higher if you add more duration and personalized services.

Aside from the total cost of the package, trekkers must also calculate personal expenses while budgeting. They are not included in the trek cost. Factors such as international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, hotels and meals in Kathmandu, beverages (including cold, mineral water, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks), hot showers and water, battery charges, tips for guides, trekking gear, and other miscellaneous expenses come under personal expenses.

What Kind Of Foods Do We Expect During The Trek?

The lodges offer a variety of food menus, so you will have your own choice. From local cuisines to international dishes, you can enjoy a wide variety of options. Additionally, the foods are hygienic and usually locally sourced. But it is not like city food. Non-vegetarian food is not recommended because it may not be hygienic.

• Breakfast: Simple Breakfast (Eggs, toast, Gurung or Tibetan Bread, Pancake, Muesli, Oat Porridge, etc.)
• Lunch: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam, Tomato Hot spicy), Macorani, Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Fried Rice, Fried Noodles, French fries, etc.
• Dinner: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam, Tomato Hot spicy or pickle), Macorani, Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Fried Rice, Fried Noodles, French fries, etc.
• Dessert: Fresh Fruit (Apple, orange, pomegranate, banana, with any seasonal fruit) serves as a sweet dessert.

Note: All drinks, including soft, hot, and hard options, are not included. Also, if you have any dietary requirements, please specify at the time of booking.

When Is The Best Time To Do This Trek?

We organize this trek every day of the year. But if you are planning to do this trek at the best time, we recommend you follow the time.

• Winter (December – February): This is the coldest time of the year. The temperature at the higher region can drop below the freezing point. It is still possible to do this trek, but you will require warm clothing and the right gear.
• Spring (March – May): This is the best time to trek on the Everest View Trek. You will have wonderful weather with warm temperatures. The sky is clear with excellent visibility. You will also have chances to see the blooming rhododendron flowers in the lower forest trail.
• Summer (June – August): This is the monsoon time in Nepal. There is a chance of rain every day, and it will be cloudy. Lower forest trails are often muddy and slippery. There are high chances of flights getting cancelled or postponed. The rain poncho or rain jacket is needed.
• Autumn (September – November): This is another of the best times to do this trek. It falls in the pre-monsoon season. Thus, it will be fresh, and the vegetation is lush. The weather will be clear and warm. Moreover, the crisp sky offers brilliant visibility and spectacular views.