One of the most famous mountain ranges in the world, with some of the highest peaks, Everest is a number one destination for hikers and mountaineers the world over, thanks to its challenging reputation, fantastic landscapes, and entirely unique culture. Offering plenty of challenges, and many opportunities for meeting new people since 1921, this region more than lives up to its legend.
Standing at 29,029 feet, Everest is without a doubt an intimidating and exciting prospect for any would-be adventurers or climbers and requires discipline and experience to climb to the top of this giant of nature. With many part-climbs or hikes available at less dizzying heights, there are many different ways to experience Everest to suit your needs and skill levels.
Located at 27.9881° N, 86.9250° E, Everest is based in the beautiful Mahalangur mountain range between Nepal and China, and as such has its own completely diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. This makes Everest an excellent place to take in the local culture and lifestyle, with countless villages and communities coexisting with incoming climbers and mountaineers peacefully. Known as the top of the world, tourists come from far and wide to view its snowy peak and staggering scale.
Everest is best known for its intense climbing routes, allowing adventure-seekers to reach the peak of one of the tallest locations on Earth. With over 29,000 feet of mountain to climb, Everest still feels very much like a community rather than a solo expedition, with many tourists, hikers, and climbers making a pilgrimage to the famous landmark every year. As such, a fully-fledged tourism economy exists around the many trails and circuits.
For those thinking about taking on Everest, it's essential to have a good level of fitness to be able to do your visit justice. With some of the routes to the top of the peaks requiring high levels of skill or experience, having other climbs under your belt is a must to be able to reach the ultimate goal; the peak. For those with less ambition, Everest features camps at varying levels, allowing you to climb or hike to your own comfort level with ease.
From June through to September, Nepal and China experience their Monsoon season, where 70-80% of the annual rainfall is condensed into a few short months. With Everest trekking trails becoming muddy and slippery and climbs difficult during this period, it's recommended to wait for the drier seasons before attempting to conquer the mountain range. Visiting Everest in October/November and March are considered optimal times for climbing, as it is relatively dry and not quite as cold.
With a long, rich history behind it, it's no wonder that Everest is the ultimate adventure for recreational climbers and serious mountaineering expeditions alike. For many, it represents an item on their bucket list or a lifetime goal - and for those looking to experience one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world up close, the Everest region is well worth the trip. Friendly locals, a sense of community, and some great local food only add to the appeal of the area and make it even more worthwhile to visit.