Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing at 8,848.46 meters (29,032 feet), and serves as a natural border between Nepal and Tibet. Its southern face lies within Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes, Sherpa villages, and rich biodiversity, while the northern flank is located in Tibet, China, offering a less-visited and more remote approach.
People from all over the world who visit Mount Everest come not only for the mountain’s height but also for the journey itself. Most travelers reach the region through Nepal, taking a short flight to the small town of Lukla to begin the famous Everest Base Camp trek. This trek takes adventurers through vibrant Sherpa settlements such as Namche Bazaar, ancient monasteries like Tengboche, and breathtaking high-altitude landscapes leading to the base of the tallest mountain on the planet.
In addition, the trek offers a unique blend of local culture, tradition, and natural beauty, allowing trekkers to experience something far greater than just a physical journey—while those seeking a shorter adventure can still enjoy a condensed version of this remarkable experience.
Insights
Geographic Location
Mount Everest is situated in the Mahalangur Himal subrange of the Himalayas, approximately at latitude 27°59′ N and longitude 86°55′ E. The mountain's northern face lies in Tingri County in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, while its southern face is in Nepal, forming part of Sagarmatha National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Several other towering Himalayan peaks, including Lhotse (8,516 meters), Nuptse (7,861 meters), Changtse (7,580 meters), and Makalu (8,485 meters), surround Everest and contribute to the breathtaking skyline of the region. Everest’s location between Nepal and Tibet gives it both geographical and cultural significance, placing it at the heart of one of the world’s most untamed and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes.
Local Names and Meaning
To honor its cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, Mount Everest has been given several names. In Nepal, the mountain is known as Sagarmatha, which means “Head of the Sky.” This name highlights the mountain’s immense size and profound cultural importance. Its Tibetan name, Chomolungma, translates to “Mother Goddess of the World,” emphasizing the mountain’s revered status as a natural deity and its sacred place in Tibetan Buddhism.
In 1865, the English name Mount Everest was given in honor of Sir George Everest, the Surveyor General of India, in recognition of his contributions to mapping and expanding knowledge of the Himalayan region.
Together, these names convey the mountain’s significance as the highest point on Earth and its enduring spiritual, cultural, and historical importance, reflecting how different communities have respected and celebrated it over time.
Ideal Season & Required Permits
The best time for trekking in the Mount Everest region largely depends on the weather and trekking conditions. The spring months, from March to May, offer relatively stable weather, blooming rhododendrons, and are the primary climbing season for expeditions.
The autumn months, from September to November, offer clear skies and moderate temperatures, making them ideal for trekking and the busiest season. Winter is freezing, with heavy snow, and is suitable only for experienced climbers. Summer, with its monsoon rains, creates difficult trekking conditions, but the valleys become beautiful, covered in lush green trees and vegetation.
Travelers are advised to prepare properly and meet all practical requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. In Nepal, permits are required, including the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
How to Reach Everest
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Travelers arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and are transferred to their lodging. Briefings on trekking, altitude preparation, and permits are conducted, and equipment and gear are checked.
Day 2: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakdin
An approximately 30-minute flight is taken to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. From there, the trail leads to Phakding, where the first night is spent in local teahouses. The trail passes through pine forests and crosses suspension bridges over glacial streams.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
The trail continues through small villages interspersed with rhododendron forests, crossing several suspension bridges and rivers, and offering beautiful views along the way. The trek reaches the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, where rest and acclimatization are recommended.
Day 4: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
A short hike around Namche Bazaar provides an opportunity for acclimatization to the elevation. Trekkers visit local monasteries, cultural sites, and the market area, and have the chance to view some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas, including Everest, from a nearby vantage point.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
The trail climbs through rhododendron forests and steep ridges. Upon arrival at Tengboche Monastery, trekkers visit this major cultural and spiritual site, enjoying views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
The trek continues through high-elevation landscapes and moraines, passing small villages where opportunities for acclimatization are available. The trail becomes more alpine, and water sources are glacier-fed.
Day 7: Acclimatizing in Dingboche
The day focuses on rest and acclimatization, with optional local hikes to nearby ridges to prepare the body for higher altitudes and take in views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
The trail gradually ascends, passing memorials and mountain ridges. Lodges in Lobuche are reached, with views of glaciers and surrounding moraines.
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
The trek reaches Gorak Shep, followed by a hike to Everest Base Camp (South) at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). Trekkers enjoy views of the Khumbu Glacier, Lhotse, Nuptse, and nearby peaks, with time for photos and rest before returning to Gorak Shep.
Day 10: Kala Patthar Excursion – Return to Pheriche
A pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar (5,644 meters) offers stunning views of the Everest summit at sunrise. Afterward, trekkers return to lower altitudes, spending the night in Pheriche or a similar village for further acclimatization.
Day 11–13: Descent Route Back to Lukla via Namche Bazaar and Phakding
The trek retraces the route through Lobuche, Dingboche, Tengboche, Namche Bazaar, and Phakding, with appropriate rest stops and acclimatization. Villages, forests, and suspension bridges are traversed in reverse.
Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu
A flight from Lukla returns trekkers to Kathmandu. After concluding briefings, there is time to rest and possibly enjoy recommended sightseeing activities in the city before departure.
Cultural and Natural Wonders of Mount Everest
The Everest area is not only renowned for its towering height and status as the world's highest point, but also for its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and unique sense of place. The Khumbu region is home to the Sherpa people, who have a deep connection with Tibetan Buddhism. Along the trekking trails, travelers will encounter vibrant monasteries, colorful images, prayer flags, and stone stupas.
Tengboche Monastery is a notable site in the region, recognized as a significant cultural and spiritual landmark. Before embarking on any expedition, Sherpas perform a puja ceremony with offerings in front of Mount Everest to pay respect and seek blessings for a safe journey.
The region also boasts remarkable natural beauty and a high level of biodiversity. Sagarmatha National Park, a protected area spanning over 1,148 square kilometers, is home to a diverse array of animals, including snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and numerous bird species.
At lower elevations, pine, rhododendron, and juniper forests create stunning landscapes, while higher elevations reveal alpine meadows, glaciers, and rugged terrain.
Practical Tips & Recommendations
Along the route, teahouses and lodges are available for accommodation, and some villages even offer luxury options. Hiring guides and porters is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural learning.
Trekkers need to be aware of altitude in relation to their physical and medical conditions. GNU recommends ascending to higher altitudes gradually and including rest days to reduce the risk of altitude sickness (e.g., acute mountain sickness).
Trekking at high altitude and in rugged terrain presents physical challenges, so trekkers should be prepared to stay active and physically ready—most treks involve 5 to 7 hours of walking each day over steep and uneven terrain.
FAQs
1. Where Is Mount Everest Located?
Mount Everest is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet. The southern side is in Nepal, and the northern side is in Tibet.
2. What Is the Official Height of Mount Everest?
The height of Mount Everest is 8,848.46 meters (29,032 feet).
3. How Do You Get to Everest From Nepal?
You fly to Lukla, then trek through the Khumbu region to Base Camp.
4. What Is the Altitude of Base Camp in Nepal?
The altitude of Base Camp is 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
5. Is There a Base Camp in Tibet?
Yes. The northern Base Camp in Tibet is located at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet).
6. When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Spring and Autumn are the best times, with clear skies and stable weather patterns.
7. What Permits Do You Need?
You need a Sagarmatha National Park permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
8. Is There a Likelihood of Altitude Sickness?
Yes. You must acclimatize and ascend gradually whenever possible.
9. Why Is Everest Culturally Significant?
It is sacred to Nepali and Tibetan cultures, and both cultures perform a puja ceremony (ritual) before anyone attempts to summit the mountain.
10. Is Altitude Sickness a Possibility?
Yes. It’s important to take several rest days, stay hydrated, and ascend slowly.
11. What Animals Can Be Found Near Everest?
Wildlife in the area includes snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and a variety of bird species.
12. Are There Other Options Instead of Trekking?
Absolutely. Options include helicopter flights to Base Camp, cultural treks, or luxury lodge packages.
13. What Are the Villages on the Trek to Base Camp?
There are six main villages between 8,000 and 14,000 feet along the trek: Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
14. Can Beginners Trek to Base Camp?
Yes, if they are in good physical condition, follow their acclimatization schedule, and travel with a guide.
15. Are There Cultural Experiences?
Yes. You can visit monasteries, see prayer flags, observe local festivals, and meet the Sherpa community.