Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, is more than just a peak — it's a symbol of adventure, endurance, and the pursuit of the extraordinary

Located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, this awe-inspiring mountain has captivated climbers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts for centuries.

How to Get There

By Air to Nepal: Most travelers start their Everest journey by flying into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal. From there, you'll take a short but thrilling flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. Flights to Lukla cost around $150-200 USD one-way and take about 35 minutes.

By Air to Tibet: Alternatively, you can fly to Lhasa, Tibet, and continue overland to the North Base Camp via the Friendship Highway.

By Trek: The most popular way to see Everest up close is by embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek, a challenging 12-15 day journey from Lukla to Base Camp.

Day 1: A Thrilling Introduction to Everest

Morning: Fly to Lukla and Begin the Trek

Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the world's most dangerous airports due to its short runway and mountain location. This breathtaking flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Once in Lukla, you'll start your trek, heading toward Phakding, a village located about 4 hours from Lukla. This relatively easy trek is the perfect introduction to the rugged beauty of the region.

Along the way, you'll pass through small Sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges, and get your first glimpse of Everest's imposing peaks in the distance.

Lunch: Tea Houses Along the Route

For lunch, stop at one of the many tea houses along the trek. These rustic lodges offer hearty meals like Dal Bhat (rice and lentils) or noodle soup, perfect for fueling your trek. A meal typically costs around $5-8 USD.

Afternoon: Explore Phakding and Surroundings

After arriving in Phakding, take some time to explore the village, which sits along the Dudh Koshi River. The peaceful surroundings and towering mountains offer a taste of what’s to come. If you have the energy, you can hike up to Monastery Hill, a short uphill trek that offers panoramic views of the valley below.

Evening: Rest and Dine in a Tea House

After a long day, settle into your tea house for the evening. These accommodations are basic but cozy, with warm meals and the company of fellow trekkers. Rooms typically cost around $10-15 USD per night, and dinner (like Sherpa stew or fried rice) is about $5-10 USD. You'll fall asleep listening to the sounds of the river and preparing for the next day's adventure.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Capital

Morning: The Trek to Namche Bazaar

On day two, you'll embark on a more challenging trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa village in the region and a key stop on the way to Everest Base Camp. The trek takes about 6-8 hours, with steep inclines and rugged trails. As you climb, the air thins and the mountains loom larger, creating a truly epic atmosphere.

Lunch: Riverside Stop in Jorsale

Take a break at Jorsale, a small village halfway to Namche. Enjoy a simple lunch of Tibetan bread or dumplings (momos). Meals here cost around $5-8 USD.

Afternoon: Entering Namche Bazaar

After crossing a series of suspension bridges over the roaring Dudh Koshi River, you'll begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. The climb is tough but rewarding, and as you approach the village, you'll catch your first views of Everest itself — an unforgettable sight. Namche is a bustling hub for trekkers, with markets, bakeries, and gear shops, making it a great place to stock up on supplies or rest for a day of acclimatization.

Evening: Stay in Namche Bazaar

At an altitude of 3,440 meters, Namche is a great place to acclimatize. Stay in one of the many comfortable tea houses, with rooms ranging from $15-20 USD per night. For dinner, try a hearty meal of yak steak or vegetarian momos, with dishes priced around $5-10 USD.

Beyond Namche: Continuing Your Everest Journey

If you're continuing the trek to Everest Base Camp, Namche is the perfect place to rest before the real challenge begins. From here, you’ll trek to higher altitudes, passing through Tengboche, home to a famous monastery, and eventually reaching Base Camp, located at 5,364 meters.

For those not embarking on the full trek, Namche offers several day hikes to nearby viewpoints, such as the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village, where you can experience the culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people.

Dining Along the Everest Route

Food along the Everest trek is surprisingly varied, with local staples like Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), Tibetan bread, noodle soups, and Sherpa stew being widely available. As you get higher, expect prices to rise due to the difficulty of transporting goods — meals in Namche Bazaar and beyond can cost up to $10-15 USD.

Accommodation Recommendations

Most trekkers stay in tea houses, which are basic lodges offering simple rooms and meals. Prices range from $10-20 USD per night, depending on the altitude. In larger villages like Namche, you may also find slightly more comfortable lodges with hot showers and Wi-Fi, but expect to pay extra for these luxuries.

Visiting Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will challenge you both physically and mentally while rewarding you with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. This incredible journey allows you to connect with nature, experience Sherpa culture, and stand in awe of the world’s tallest peak. So, Lykkers, makeup your mind and go for an adventure like no never before!