Must Visit Destination Everest Region of Nepal

 The most dramatic and picturesque landscape of Everest region has amazed the world making it mostly visited area of Nepal. The area is protected under Sagarmatha National park and is the land of the highest peak of the world, the Mt. Everest (8848m), Highland Sherpas and the Yeti. The national park is the home to huge wildlife including Red Pandas, snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Marten, Pika (Himalayan mouse); more than 115 species of birds; high land plants like Juniper, silver fir, hemlock, pine, rhododendron and alpine plants. Excellency in natural appearances has convinced the UNESCO to list this area in the World Natural Heritage Site in 1979 A.D. Meantime, culture and tradition of Sherpas living in this region has even popularize the place to visit once in lifetime.

Just 35 minutes exciting flight from Kathmandu will take to Lukla airstrip from where, a journey to Everest starts. The area is widely settled by the ethnic group Sherpa and follows the Himalayan Buddhism. The valleys like Gokyo, Khumbu and Imja highly displays the rich monasteries culture and traditions followed by highland dwellers. The places like Thame, Khumjung, Junbesi, Namche, Tyangboche and Pangboche are the monasteries zone and hub of Sherpa culture. The major festivals celebrated by the Sherpa are Dumje, Mani Rimdhu and Lhosar.

The attractive views of snowcapped mountains over 6000 m includes Kongde, Kusum kangru, Thamaserku, Amadablam, Baruntse, Makalu, Everest, Lotse, Choletse, Lhotsesar, Nuptse, Choyu, and Pumori making the landscape wonderful and is made more exciting by the passes over 5000 m: Kongma-la, Cho-la, Renjo-la, Tashi lapcha, Amphu lapcha and Serpinicool. The astonishing views from the Gokyo Ri, hiking to Fifth lake, Khumbu Glacier to the foot of Mt. Everest at Base Camp, Kalapatthar Hike to view Everest are overwhelming adventurous experience at Everest region

The Everest region offers different option for trekking to expedition from short and moderate to challenging climbing and expeditions. The mostly used trekking route is Gokyo, Kalapatthar Everest Base Camp Trek. No doubts, the area used wide alternate routes and even offer remote trail to Peekey and Hinku Valley. Even, follow the ancient salt-trade route to Tibet following the Gokyo valley trail from Thame, the ancient traditional Sherpa village; still see the Yak Caravans coming down toward Lumde from Tibet. Participate in traditional “Hatt Bazzar” held every Saturday is really interesting and a great experience of shopping home appliance for a week. For accommodation, choose from Budget lodge to luxurious and camping too. Likewise, get the plenty of shops and restaurants at Namche, Khumjung, Lukla even offers good internet and good options for meals ranging from local Sherpa Cuisine to continental, Japanese, Chinese to Italian Spaghettis and Pizzas as well.

The Langtang Valley

The destination to be visited in 2017 is Langtang Region of Nepal. The New York Times 2017 has listed the Langtang Valley of Nepal in 43^rd Destination to be visited once. Out of 52 destination, the first and second listed destination are Canada and Atacama Desert of Chile. The Langtang valley was nearly wiped out by the avalanche of 2015, which is now standing as one of the most targeted destination. Appreciating Tourism as an important source of livelihood, the welcoming people of Langtang has now opened the valley for visitors.

This Langtang valley is the closest Himalayan region from Kathmandu valley bordering to Tibet. It is an isolated and awe-inspiring place which is visited by fewer tourists. Just some hours’ drive with no options of flight to valley unfolds the colorful culture, religion and traditions of Tibetan origin ethnic groups on the back dropped of astonishing mountain scenario with least effort while trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. The area is protected under Langtang National park and also designated as first protected Himalayan National Park of Nepal in 1971 A.D., becoming home to the number of flora and fauna; wildlife includes the migratory birds, Tahr, Panda, monkey and Pika. Changes in elevation combined with the complex topography and geology have produced a unique patchwork of vegetation in this region. This trekking route heads through a varied landscape ranging from ever green forests, cascading waterfalls and turbulent streams to sub-alpine grasslands and closer to the peak profile of Langtang Lirung (7246m), Gang Chhenpo (6388m), Lenpo Gang (7083m), Dorje Lakpa (6990m). To give extra flavor, trekking to Langtang region could be combined with Gosaikunda and Helambu in the south and Ganesh Himal in the south. Trekking to these routes, is an opportunity to enter to the secret land exposing the Tibetan Buddhism, maintaining rich cultural heritage evident in ornately carved wooden windows, lively dance festivals, and skilled weaving traditions. Access to Gosaikunda and Helambu is very quick and easy while trekking from Sundarijal, the nearest stop for trekking. However, for the Ganesh and Langtang, the stop starts and ends at Dhunche and Syabrubesi. The highlight of this region are: Kyanjin Gompa, Shin Gompa, and sacred Gosaikunda with more than 108 lakes, Briddim cultural dance and the historical fort- Rasuwagadi. The festival celebrated here are the Shaman worship on the Janaipurnima (Full moon day during August/September), Lhosar, and Sakadhowa.

Trekking to Langtang region is accessible with good transportation services, enough lodges en-route expect in Ganesh Himal area giving an opportunity to explore the Tamang villages, Himalayan culture and tradition and a climb to small peaks along with a visit of glaciers in more comfortable altitude.