11 Apr 2024 6 min to read
Outdoor Himalayan Trek is delighted to present an article on ‘5 Short Everest Region Treks’ for travelers willing to trek to the Everest region. The short treks in the Everest region can be completed in a week. It is an ideal option for trekkers having limited time, some physical limits, and want a short break in the vicinity of the Everest region. The highlight of this short trek is its maximum elevation is below 4,000m which makes travelers prepare for a trek more comfortably.
This short trek treats travelers to breathtaking views of the world’s highest Mt. Everest and surrounding eight-thousanders even at low elevations. Not only the snow-covered mountains but also the authentic Sherpa villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and the vibrant Sherpa capital Namche. Witness the warm hospitality of the Sherpa locals, try local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Everest region.
Spring season (Mar-May) is the best season for the Everest region treks followed by the Autumn season (Sep-Nov). During these seasons, the weather is stable, and the temperature is moderate which offers awesome views as the sky is clear. The trails are covered with seasonal flowers such as Rhododendron during Spring. The trails are comfortable to walk, availability of teahouses, and pleasant scenery make the Everest region a perfect destination to do short treks. The best 5 short Everest region treks are as follows:
Everest View Trek (5 days)
Trek Start/End: Lukla
Max. Elevation: 3,790 m (Khumjung Village)
Difficulty: Moderate
Required Permits:
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Lukla-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Hike to Khumjung/Everest View Hotel-Monjo-Lukla
Everest View Trek is one of the best short treks in the Everest region which takes travelers to the wonderful Khumjung Village. Pass through the beautiful Sherpa settlements and spend some quality time at the vibrant Sherpa hub Namche. Take a short hike to Everest View Hotel to witness the incredible views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks. Then, take a short tour of the serene Khumjung village where you are welcomed by friendly locals. Enjoy the local food and interact with them. Visit the Khumjung Monastery which has a purported Yeti scalp. Also, tour the Khumjung School built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. Admire the stunning views of Mt. Khumbila and other snow-capped peaks from here.
Thame Trek (5 days)
Trek Start/End: Lukla
Max. Elevation: 3,792 m (Thame Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate
Required Permits:
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Lukla-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Hike to Thame-Lukla
Thame is a beautiful village in the Khumbu region that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. Visit the oldest Thame Monastery in the region which holds great cultural significance. This monastery is renowned for the annual Mani Rimdu festival and attend if you are here during the festive time. Trek to Thame Pass at an elevation of 3,792 m to witness the awesome surrounding views. The natural beauty of this region is sure to mesmerize the travelers.
Everest Panorama or Tengboche Monastery Trek (6 days)
Trek Start/End: Lukla
Max. Elevation: 3,867 m (Tengboche Monastery)
Difficulty: Moderate
Required Permits:
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Lukla-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla
Admire the beautiful landscapes and snow-covered peaks including Everest during the Everest Panorama or Tengboche Monastery Trek. One of the favorite short treks in the Everest region is a blend of nature and culture. Visit the largest Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region where a vibrant Mani Rimdu festival (October/November full moon) is held annually every year. Attend this grand festival where colorful mask dance festivals are prime attractions. Get familiar with the Sherpa culture, and their lifestyle, and enjoy the local foods during this trek. The panoramic views of towering snowy mountains on a backdrop during the trek captivates every traveler.
Pikey Peak Trek (5 days)
Trek Start: Dhap Bazaar
Trek End: Phaplu
Max. Elevation: 4,067 m (Pikey Peak)
Difficulty: Moderate
Required Permits:
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Dhap Bazaar-Jhapre-Pikey Base Camp-Junbesi-Phaplu
One of the newly introduced Pikey Peak Trek in the Everest region is an ideal alternative short trek. The less crowded trek takes travelers to Pikey Peak (4,067 m) to witness the awesome views of surrounding scenery and mountain peaks including Everest, Makalu, Numbur range, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga. Relish the magical sunrise views over the snowy mountains. Pass through green hills, terraced fields, impressive landscapes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries during this trek. Interact with the friendly local Sherpa natives and immerse in their culture and lifestyle for deep understanding.
Everest Helicopter Tour (3 days)
Trek Start: Lukla
Trek End: Kathmandu (by flight after a short helicopter tour)
Max. Elevation: 5,644.5 m (Kalapatthar)
Difficulty: Moderate
Required Permits:
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Lukla-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Kalapatthar (Helicopter Landing)-Fly over Everest Base Camp-Kathmandu Return
The Everest Helicopter Tour is a perfect option for travelers who wish to complete the trek in short days. This trek is suitable for all types of travelers with limited time, trek difficulty issues, and who want to enjoy both a trek and a helicopter tour. For two days, enjoy trekking by passing through forested trails admiring the picturesque scenery of the surroundings. On the third day, take an early helicopter tour from Namche helipad. Land at Kalapatthar and step out to witness the close-up views of the world’s highest Everest and other surrounding peaks. Throughout a helicopter tour, adore the scenery of changing landscapes, huge glaciers, glacial lakes, gorges, rivers, etc.
Quick Tips before 5 Short Everest Region Treks
Everest Region short treks’ maximum elevation gain is below 4,000m which is achievable with proper planning and preparations. Only during a Helicopter tour an elevation reach above 5,000m but only for a few minutes.
During the Everest region’s short treks:
- Take a proper acclimatization rest.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Strictly following the guide’s instructions during the trek.
Before starting the Everest region’s short treks:
- Participate in physical and mental exercises at least for a month.
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Consult a doctor and do necessary check-ups.
- Obtain travel insurance (covering evacuation, emergencies, elevation above 5,000m, losses of belongings, etc.) from a reputed company.
Everest Short Trek’s Required Permits & its Cost
The Everest region treks compulsory permits are:
Khumbu Rural Municipality permit costs:
- Foreigners- NPR 2000
- SAARC- NPR 1000
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) permit costs:
- Foreigners- NPR 3000
- SAARC- NPR 1500
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit costs:
- Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
- Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
