Everest Trek
The Everest National Park is of course famous for being home to Mount Everest, the highest point on the earth. It is situated 120 km northeast of Kathmandu. The region has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1979 and It covers an area of 1148 sq km. Trekking in Everest region is out of this world with many treks to choose from. It is also home of the famous Sherpa's who are an extremely tough mountain people hardened and weathered by the climate they live in. The majority are primarily followers of Nyingma Buddhism and trekking up an into their culture really adds to the trekking experience.
The landscape in the region varies from alpine Swiss like in the southerly regions becoming much more harsh and rugged, dissected by deep gorges the higher you trek. Elevations range from 2845m in the south to 8848 meters and the summit of Everest in the north on the border with Tibet. At lower levels there are forests of silver fir, birch and rhododendron with juniper scrub found at around 4500m. Important mammals found in the park include the Himalayan black bear, red panda, musk deer and thar.
The majority of people who visit Nepal would like to see Everest at least once whilst they are here. The easy option is to take a mountain flight from Kathmandu. However, for those who prefer to make their encounter with this giant a much more rewarding experience there is only one way: A trek to witness the last earthly rung on the stairway to the heavens, a truly magical experience.