The Everest Region -- known locally as the Khumbu -- is the roof of the world, home to Mount Everest (8,849m) and some of the most spectacular trekking on earth. The region lies in the Solukhumbu district of northeastern Nepal and is protected as the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most trekkers come for the classic Everest Base Camp trek, a two-week round trip from Lukla through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. But the region has more to offer than the base camp trail. The Gokyo Lakes trek takes you to turquoise glacial lakes beneath Cho Oyu. The Three Passes route -- crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La -- is a challenging circuit for experienced trekkers. And for those short on time, the Everest Panorama trek reaches Tengboche monastery in about a week.
The Sherpa people of the Khumbu are welcoming hosts, and the teahouse infrastructure along the main trails is well developed. You will sleep in simple but warm lodges, eat dal bhat and potatoes, and drink endless cups of tea. Prices rise with altitude -- expect to pay more for everything above Namche Bazaar.
The best trekking seasons are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November), when skies are clearest and the mountains are at their most dramatic. Winter treks are possible but cold and quiet. The monsoon months of June through August bring rain, clouds, and leeches to the lower trails.