If you are short of time yet wish to trek to the Everest Region, a short trek in the Everest Region is the best choice for you.
There are a number of short Everest Treks to suit different needs and preferences. From easy to more challenging routes, you can choose the one that is suitable for you.
Though short, these short Everest Treks offer fabulous and intimate views of the Everest Region. Along with these, they offer an actual Himalaya Trekking experience.
Contents
Highlights on Everest Short Trek
- Walk along the popular Everest Base Camp Trail to reach Namche Bazaar.
- The highest trade center in the world and also the hub of the legendary Sherpas of Nepal.
- Close up views of the mountains in the Everest region like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt Thamserku, and Mt. Ama Dablam and many other peaks.
- Experience the wilderness, flora, and fauna of the Everest Region.
- Pass through different traditional, and remote villages of the Everest Region.
- Experience the culture and lifestyles of the Sherpa people.
Available Routes for Everest Short Trek
Everest Panorama Trek or Tengboche Trek
Duration: 7-9 Days
Highest Elevation: Tengboche Monastery- 3,860m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This is the ideal trek for those who wish to enjoy the fabulous views of the Everest Region within a short time span.
Everest Panorama Trek is also ideal for those who do not want to go through exhausting long and difficult treks.
Ideal for beginners and novice trekkers, it is also perfect for any other trekker wishing for a comfortable and relaxed trekking experience. It can also be a family-trek.
Highlights:
- Witness the spectacular Himalayan giants like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and many others.
- A chance to explore the rich culture of the beautiful Sherpa settlements.
- A chance to visit old monasteries and stupas.
- Fabulous and scenic mountain flight to and from Kathmandu.
- Tengboche Monastery: One of the largest and oldest monasteries of the Everest Region.
- Namche Bazaar (3,500m): The highest trading center in the world. Also the Sherpa capital of Nepal and the gateway to the Everest Region.
Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek
Duration: 9-11 Days
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Highest Elevation: Kala Pathar- 5,550m
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is usually completed in 12-15 days. Yet, for those seeking more thrill, adventure and challenge than the regular and classic trek, the rapid trek is the best option.
As the name suggests, You reach the Base Camp of the world’s highest mountain in a very short time. You will also cross the high pass of Kala Patthar during this trek.
You will enjoy all the perks of a regular EBC trek. This rapid version of the EBC trek is more suited to the fitter and more experienced trekkers rather than the beginners. This Rapid EBC Trek has no acclimatization or rest days, so it could be tougher than regular treks.
Highlights:
- A chance to complete one of the world’s most popular treks in a short time
- Witness the beautiful scenery, wide variety of flora and fauna of the Everest Region
- Visit the Base Camp of the world’s highest peak
- Kala Patthar: Amazing panorama of the highest mountain ranges in the world.
- A great way to challenge yourself and test your endurance
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 9 Days
Highest Elevation: Kala Pathar
If you wish to trek to EBC yet do not have the fitness required to do the complete trek, then this can be the option you are looking for.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return takes you to EBC and Kala Patthar on foot. On the return, you take a helicopter ride from Gorak Shep to Lukla. From Lukla, you fly back to Kathmandu.
This way, you don’t need to walk back, making the trek significantly shorter. Anyone who can walk for 4-5 hours for the duration of the trek can do this trek. Unlike the rapid trek, you do not need to be fitter or more experienced trekker. If you have the budget for it, you can opt for this trek.
You can also enjoy all the perks of a regular EBC trek on this journey.
Highlights
- An impeccable journey to the Base of Everest in a short time
- A chance to view the fabulous panorama from Kala Patthar Pass
- Stunning panoramic views of the highest mountain ranges in the world during the helicopter ride.
- Awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest(8848 m), Lhotse(8516m), Nuptse(7861m), Amadablam and many more peaks
Gokyo Valley Trek
Highest Elevation: Gokyo Ri- 5,357m
Duration: 9-13 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Gokyo Valley Trek is one of the popular treks in the Everest Region. It offers one of the most adventurous and exploratory treks. On this trek, you cross Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes.
It takes you to the lap of the world’s 6th highest mountain- Mt. Cho-Oyu and Melungtse peaks. Filled with pristine glacial lakes, the region is regarded as holy in Hindus and Buddhists.
Highlights:
- An opportunity to witness the world’s tallest and best-looking mountains
- Pass through the largest glacier in the Himalayas, Ngozumpa Glacier. You will see other exquisite glaciers as well
- Short mountain flight to and from Kathmandu to Lukla
- A chance to trek through the magnificent valleys of Dudh Koshi
- A chance to witness the rich biodiversity of the Everest Region
- A chance to visit old Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and traditional Sherpa villages
- Picturesque views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Thamserku (6,623m), Lhotse (8,516m) and Nuptse (7,861m).
- A chance to climb Gokyo Ri Peak
- A chance to see the spectacular sunrise on the Himalayas
- A chance to see the beautiful emerald Gokyo lake, along with other smaller mountains.
- A chance to see and explore the Gokyo Lakes- the highest freshwater lakes in the world. There are six lakes, of which Thonak is the largest one. Four of the Gokyo lakes lie on the western border of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Namche Bazaar & Thame
Highest Elevation: Thame- 3,440m
Duration: 5 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Outline:
Day 01: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m): 4 hours Trek
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m): 6-7 hours
Day 03: Namche Bazaar (day hike to Thame, 3800m)
Day 04: Trek back to Lukla (2,860m): 7 hours
Day 05: Flight to Kathmandu (1400m): 30 mins
The Kongde Loop
Duration: 10 Days
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Highest Elevation: Kongde- 4,250m
Itinerary Outline:
Day 01: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m): 4 hours
Day 02: Trek to Monjo (2835m): 3 hours
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m): 6 hours
Day 04: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Trek to Thame (3800m): 3 hours
Day 06: Trek to Kongde (4250m): 7 hours
Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Kongde
Day 08: Trek to Phakding (2610m): 5 hours
Day 09: Trek to Lukla (2860m): 4 hours
Day 10: Flight to Kathmandu (1400m): 30 mins
Note: You can only walk from Thame to Khongde during good weather conditions. Else, you will need to have rope skills or know how to use basic mountaineering equipment.
Make sure to choose the ideal weather conditions if you are a beginner or novice trekker.
It is one of the most amazing walks in the Khumbu/ Everest Region. Consult your trekking guide for the ideal weather conditions for this trek.
Pikey Peak Trek
Duration: 3-9 Days
Highest Elevation: Pikey Peak-4,065m
Difficulty: Moderate
Pikey is a peak and ridgeline that cuts across the lower Everest Region. It lies to the southwest of Lukla.
Highlights:
- A chance to experience rural Nepal
- Great views of Everest
- A chance to visit Thubten Choeling Monastery and Chiwong Monastery
- A chance to climb Pikey Peak
Itinerary Outline:
Day 01: Drive to Dhap and Trek to Japre (2920 m): 4 hours trek
Day 02: Trek from Japre to Pikey Base Camp (3640 m): 6-7 hours trek
Day 03: Sunrise at Pikey Peak and Trek to Loding (2515 m): 8-9 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Loding to Junbesi: 4-5 hours trek
Day 05: Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu (2960 m): 5-6 hours trek
Day 06: Trek from Taksindu to Phaplu (2459 m): 5-6 hours trek
Day 07: Flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu (1400 m): 30 mins
Dudh Kunda Trek
Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: Dudh Kunda- 4560m
This is one of the newer trekking routes of Nepal. Hence, Dudh Kunda Trek is a great option for the seasoned trekkers looking for a different option in the popular Everest Region.
It takes you to the lap of Mt. Numbur in Solukhumbu district of Nepal. The beautiful lake Dudh Kunda is a sacred lake with religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists.
Highlights:
- Pass through many traditional villages
- Breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan Range, and the highest mountain in the world- Mt. Everest
- A visit to Dudh Kunda (Milky) Lake- also known as ‘Shorong Yul Lha’ which translates to ‘Protector of Solu region’
- A chance to spot exotic Himalayan wildlife like Mountain leopard, thars and pheasants among others
- Pass through the river valleys, slender ridges, and hills
Best Season for Short Treks
Local spring and autumn season is the best time for almost all treks and tours in Nepal.
The spring and autumn months of Nepal see clear and warm weather conditions. In the Khumbu/Everest Region, the days will be warm and dry during this month. Yet, the early mornings and nights can get cold.
In spring, you can enjoy the sight of green, lush vegetations in the lower regions.
In autumn, you can enjoy the blossoming of the local flora of the region. Along with these, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscape.
Most of these treks are also doable in the local summer and winter seasons. Yet, the trails are more challenging during these seasons. You can face slippery and wet trails, and occasional rainfall and snowfall.
Therefore, most trekkers avoid these seasons for Everest short treks. This is especially true for the Kongde Loop trek. But, if you want to challenge yourself and prefer fewer crowds on the trails, these seasons can be for you.
Solo or Group Everest Short Trek
None of the Everest Short Treks fall under the restricted treks of Nepal. Hence, you can go on these treks as a solo trekker or with your group.
It is recommended to go on group treks, or else trek with a guide and/or porter for safety and security reasons.
For solo treks, opt for the easy-moderate level trekking options. These are more comfortable and have fewer risks. These are also more accessible.
If you don’t have a group, you can let your trek operator know in advance. This way, they can add you to a group.
The group Everest Short treks are cheaper and safer as well.
Accommodation & meals
You can find a wide variety of options on your accommodation and meals till you reach Namche Bazaar.
The wide options have made it possible to enjoy some luxury while trekking in this region. This is the same for the Everest Short Treks as well.
Some of the fancier eateries even serve pizzas, pasta, and fresh bakery products others. These places also offer freshly brewed coffee and different flavors of tea.
Difficulty of Everest Short Trek
The easy-moderate level treks are doable and suitable for beginners and novice trekkers.
Moderate-strenuous level treks are for the fitter and more experienced trekkers. These involve higher altitudes with fewer intervals, lesser or no acclimatization days, and longer walking hours.
So, people looking to go on these moderate-strenuous need to train harder and longer.
With/Without Guide and Porter
You can choose to do any of the Everest Short treks with or without the local trekking staff.
However, it is always recommended to go on the treks with one or more of them.
To make the trekking experience easier and more comfortable, hiring one or more of them is ideal.
A porter will help carry your belongings- trekking gear and supplies. This will leave you free to focus on the trails and roam the surrounding without added burden on your back.
When you hire a guide and porter, ensure that they are professionals.
Packing for Everest Short Trek
Like all other treks in Nepal, packing for a trek depends on the season you trek in, the duration, and the type of trek you do.
On average, you need to bring the trekking essentials for a trek in Nepal.
Tips for your Trek
Flexible Schedule:
You may face delays to and from Kathmandu due to the weather conditions.
The weather conditions can cause flight delays, cancellations as well as roadblocks.
Hence, make sure you have a day or 2 extra to cope with such situations. You might have to face such situations in the high altitudes of the Everest Region, even during the most suitable seasons.
Physical Fitness
Most of the Everest Short trek takes you along the gentle, rocky path.
For most of these treks, you will need to walk for 5 to 6 hours a day for the entire duration of the trek. Before going on the trek, make sure that it is doable and suitable for you. You also need to consult your doctor before going on the trek.
You do not need to have any technical and physical training for these Everest Short Treks. Yet, you do need basic physical training and mental preparedness for a smooth and comfortable trek.
The fitter you are, the easier and more comfortable the trekking experience will be for you.
Khumbu Cough
The Khumbu region is cold and dry. So, many trekkers develop the ‘Khumbu cough’ due to the dry dust.
Make sure you prepare for this with precautionary medications and the right clothing (buffs to cover your neck, mouth, and nose). It will help keep most of the dust away.
Altitude Sickness
All these treks take you to elevations of 2,000m and higher. Hence, there is a risk of altitude sickness. Make sure you have enough information about this, like knowing the symptoms, precautionary measures, and risks involved.
Final Say
Everest Short Trek is ideal for those who are short on time and eager to trek in the Everest region of Nepal. There are different routes to choose from that can cater to different needs of trekkers.
You can create custom duration and itinerary for any of the given treks or any other treks and tour in Nepal to suit your needs. Feel free to contact us for this and any further queries or questions related to treks and tours in Nepal.
