The Everest region is located in the
northeast of Nepal. The 10-day walk through the middle hills of Solu to the
higher altitudes of Khumbu to the base of Sagarmatha, or Mt. Everest, the
world’s highest peak, is an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily
life of the legendary Sherpa people. The prime attraction – the 8,848 m peak of
Mt. Everest – lies in Sagarmatha National Park, which is also home to two other
eight thousanders – Lhotse and Cho Oyu – besides several other prominent peaks
above 6,000 m.
Designated as a World Heritage Site
in 1979, much of the 1,148 sq. km park lies above 3,000 m. The park is
composed of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. The
vegetation in the park changes from pine, hemlock, fir, juniper, birch,
rhododendron and shrubs to alpine plants and then to bare rock and snow. It is
home to the ghoral, tahr, serow and musk deer as well as the impeyan pheasant,
blood pheasant, red-billed chough and the yellow-billed chough.
The trail to Everest also begins at
Lukla, the airport at 2,850 m. The trail climbs up the Dudhkoshi River Valley,
and the following day brings you to the legendary Sherpa village of Namche
Bazaar in the Khumbu (3,500 m), which is the staging point for expeditions
to Everest and other peaks in the area. Above Namche lie the traditional
villages of Khunde and Khumjung. Khumjung which is the largest
village in the Khumbu lies at the foot of the sacred peak Khumbila. The Khunde
Hospital, maintained by Himalayan Trust, and Khumjung School, the original
Hillary School set up in 1960, lie here.
Across the canyon from Khunde,
perched on a high ridge, is the Tengboche Monastery, the leading
Buddhist center in the Khumbu. The monastery rests amid stunning views of
Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Pines, azaleas and colorful mountain
rhododendrons ring the attractive monastery. There are rest houses,
lodges and camping sites here.
From Tengboche you can continue on
to Pheriche, Kala Pattar and the hamlet of Gorakshep. From here, the site
of Everest Base Camp is easily accessible, as is the summit of Kala Pattar
(5,545 m), from which much of Mt. Everest is clearly visible. However, you must
take time to properly acclimatize as the altitude gains are rapid.
The settlements of Chaurikharka
(2,600-3,000 m), that fall en route to Namche from Lukla, provide excellent
options for acclimatization. A little off the route to Everest, Rimijung is a
charming settlement in Chaurikharka, which is a day hike from Lukla. Rimijung
is a quaint little village with the old Pemachholing Gompa (monastery) and
nunnery settlements. Tourists can observe the Sherpa lifestyle and culture.
Tourists are also interested to visit the local blacksmiths to watch them at
work. In addition, cultural programs are performed by the local people on the
tourists' request. Also in plenty are beautiful views of the mountains,
including spectacular views of Mt. Everest and other mountain peaks. Wildlife
like Himalayan bear, Himalayan Tahr, and non timber forest products are found
in Rimijung. The rare snow leopard is also reported to have been spotted by a
lucky few sometimes. Camping grounds are available in Rimijung. Another
settlement in Chaurikharka worth a visit is Lumding which offers panoramic view
of more than 45 mountain peaks. Lumding is 4-day trek from Lukla. Trekkers need
to carry camping gear and be self sufficient in terms of food and water when
visiting Lumding.
No comments:
Post a Comment