DOSSIER: Everest Region
Everest Base Camp
Everest in Close Up
Arun Valley North to Sagarmatha
Westward loop route to Everest Base Camp via Thame & Renjo La

Anyone who knows the legends – George Everest identifying it as the world’s highest peak in 1852, Mallory’s immortal “Because it’s there”; Tensing and Hillary’s heroic 1953 first ascent and the victories and defeats that have followed – might well want to reach EVEREST BASE CAMP:  the launch-pad of endeavour.  For such is the stuff that myths are made of.

The best views on this trek are from Kalapattar, west of and looking across to the great Khumbu Glacier and ice fall and above to the wind-swept summit.

The very best views of all however, revealing the  total awesomeness of the Everest massif  are on the trail via Gokyo-Ri and Cho-La; this indeed is EVEREST IN CLOSE-UP.

A third choice of route is from the south to EVEREST USING THE ARUN RIVER VALLEY. This is an incredibly informative journey inexorably linking the high Himalayas to the sub-continent below.

TEA-HOUSE TREKKING with Guide & Porters
The ‘tea-houses’ are the Himalayan lodges we stay at; simple and hospitable, with good food and stunning views.

Why ‘tea-houses’?  To put it succinctly, there’s precious little point sleeping in a tent when a matter of yards away there’s a comfortable lodge or ‘tea-house’.  (This is why our fully supported tented treks are entirely away from all well-trodden routes in areas where there are no lodges.)
This is why ‘tea-house’ trekking is our chosen method in the Everest region; using the best available lodges.  Most of these lodges sleep perhaps 16-20 people, cook good food and are fairly concerned about hygiene.  Most use kerosene for cooking.  The basics of conservation and of ecology are practised with some success.

GUIDES & PORTERS - Every Guide with Himalayan Encounters has considerable first-hand local experience.  His chief concern is his group’s welfare and safety and he’ll help set a relaxed pace and will ensure the best possible food and accommodation.  He’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen that you should come to know and love Nepal.

Our Porters work hard and cheerfully (one day, soon perhaps, to train as junior guides).