"Nepal: 1963/heute - Mt. Everest Region Panorama Poster

Khumbu (also known as the Everest Region) is a sub-region in Solu Khumbu on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest. The Everest region is officially called Khumbu and includes the Sagarmatha National Park (above Monju) and the Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone (between Lukla and Monju). The former is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many villages scattered throughout Khumbu. The Khumbu is a glacier believed to be the result of the last great Ice Age, ~500,000 years ago. Lonely Planet has ranked Khumbu region in sixth best region in the world to travel. Famous for its spectacular mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants (the Sherpas), the Everest region (Khumbu) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Nepal. While many of the routes through the mountains are arduous, there are ample places to rest and enjoy a meal along the way. Don't worry about getting lost: just ask a local the way to the next village on your route, and they will direct you. Most Sherpas under the age of fifty can at least understand basic English, and many speak it fluently. While trekking is possible in this area the whole year round, the best times to visit are from the beginning of March to mid May and from the beginning of September to end of November. The winters are very cold and snow may make it difficult to travel higher than Tengboche, and also lodges may be closed above this altitude. Summers, on the other hand, are wet, and the spectacular peaks often lost in the clouds. April and early May is a good time to see the hedgerows and trees bursting into bloom, with Rhododendrons, in particular, adding a spectacular splash of colour to the landscape. However, dust from the plains of India during the spring routinely provide less than ideal conditions for clear mountain views. The views are much better after the summer monsoons have cleared the atmosphere of dust, but the days are shorter and cooler. TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) permits are required to venture forth for any trek, also for the Khumbu region, they are easy to obtain in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board against US$20, a recent passport size photo and filling in the required form before you embark to your trek. If you are with an organised trekking party your tour operator will do this for you. Also a National Park Entry Fee is required and can be obtained either in Kathmandu or while entering the Park. Lodges and restaurants in Khumbu only accept Nepalese rupees. Budget can vary hugely between Rs 1,500-2,000 per person per day for food and accommodation - prices rise with the altitude, though you may spend more in Namche because there is more on offer. Add more if you consume beer, softdrinks and other amenities.