12 Days in the Everest Foothills

Climbers are motivated to scale unseemly heights simply because it is there. There lies a vast map of sky-kissing summits calling unto those who can hear. However, the Himalayas have a spectrum of different topographical tones. The harsh and barren snow ensconced heights being just one of the many colorful variants, while the foothills are characterized by verdant, flourishing flora and a number of endemic species of fauna in their natural habitat in the slopes. Also many a turquoise watercourses are found winding through these lowlands at the mountain feet, following which shall take you upstream to the glacial heights that are the origins of rivers. Trekking the hinterlands at the foothills is a far call from the rugged heights, nonetheless full of unique and diverse attractions. The Everest Foothills trek follows one such itinerary across the gentle ridges and hills along the foothills.

Lesser trodden, enjoyably challenging, and comfortably accommodated on the journey at local homestays, this trek is perfect for beginners in awe of Nepal. The highest altitude reached on this foothills trek is only 4000 m, a cakewalk! And the average walking duration every day is 5-6 hours on gentle gradients. One can conveniently opt for the foothills trek round the year, though the window of October to March is most highly recommended for crystal skies and absolutely clear spellbinding mountain views.

Taking us into the depths of the forested hinterlands of Khumbu Valley, this adventure also serves as a cultural exploration of the ethnic Sherpa homeland. The Sherpa community of Nepal have historically been known to assist mountaineers accomplish the greatest of heights. The hospitality and warmth of the Sherpa people are as exemplary and well-known among travelers as the true tales of the Sherpa’s superhuman tolerance to the hardships of life in the mountains. Making pit stops at typical Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and numerous other nooks of the Khumbu Valley will give you the perfect opportunity to know this slice of life in the Himalayas.

The charm of this itinerary lies in the terraced rice fields along the sleepy village slopes, the hush and din around monasteries and colorful bazaars where villagers come from miles away to gather with their wares. Finally, the path snakes off and away over the horizons, far from civilization in the quiet forests of the unspoiled Himalayan foothills. The snowline lights up around here as formidable mountain peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Mount Everest meet the eye. Exceptional views of the highest mountain on earth in the golden hours of morning and in the dusk make the end of this long journey worth it all.

This is one trek in Nepal to keep your cameras forever on the ready to capture ethereal scenes, have your nerves relaxed, thanks to the easy nature of the challenge, and connect soul deep with the very grain of this beautiful country that is Nepal!

Highlights of Everest Foothills Trek:

• A foray into the magnificent Khumbu region of Nepal, home to the world’s tallest mountain.
• Living in close harmony with the ethnic population of the Sherpas, with elements of ecotourism in the accommodation and traveling styles.
• Exploring the colorful markets of the Sherpa capital - Namche Bazaar. You may stumble into the finest pieces of jewelry, handicrafts, and sundries with the signature of Nepal in these markets.
• Exploring the sacred Himalayan landscape - the pristine banks of the Dudh-Kosi River and the surrounding forests, and the many monasteries and temples dotting the mountainside.
• Accustoming to the Nepal Himalayas and opening up to further aspirations of exploring higher altitudes.
• Winsome photographing opportunities to masterfully capture the high peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. Carry your high-res photographic gadgets and tripods by all means!