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| Tours in Everest Region |
Thamo (3,700 m) and Thame (3,900 m) are Sherpa villages, about 2-4 hours northwest of the park headquarters. The two settlements of about 50 households fall on the way to Renjo La Pass, very popular among tourists. A little off the main trekking trail, Thamo and Thame offer untouched Sherpa culture in home-stay accommodation. The jungle near the settlement harbor endangered wildlife species, like musk deer and pheasants.
PHORTSE ECOTOURISM VILLAGE (KHUMBU):
Phortse (3,950 m) is a unique Sherpa settlement of about 80 households in the lap of the mountains offering wonderful views and wildlife experience that include the musk deer, peacocks Himalayan tahr and the rare snow leopard. Lush Phortse is about a 4-hour walk northeast from the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters. One has the option of returning via Phortse while coming down from Everest Base Camp.
CHAURIKHARKA (KHUMBU):
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.
OTHER TREKKING PEAKS:
There are 12 trekking peaks ranging from 5,806 m to 6,476 m in the Sagarmatha National Park. Permits to climb these peaks are processed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in Kathmandu.
