Everest Panorama Trek

Foods and Accommodation During the Everest Panorama Trek

Foods available during the trek

Trekking in the Everest region is one of the best experiences for trekkers worldwide. Since we will be travelling for several days for a few hours every day, you must eat solid and hygienic food to remain fit and healthy. We must consume more carbohydrates and protein products for trekking and maintaining our hydration.

Generally, foods are divided into breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Regarding everyday breakfast, you will get Tibetian Breads, Chapati, French Toast, Cornflakes, Boiled and Fried eggs, Hashbrowns, etc.

Standard lunch options include Dal Bhat, Thukpa, Dumplings or Momos, Bread, Chapati, Sherpa Stew, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Pizza, Burgers, Sandwiches, etc.

Finally, standard dinner options are local Nepalese food in Dal Bhat, momos or dumplings, Noodle Soup(Thukpa), Roti, Chapati or Bread, Sherpa Stew, Pizzas, Burgers, Yak and Sheep Steak, Spaghetti, Macaroni, etc.

Furthermore, you will also frequently drink hot drinks like milk or ginger tea, honey, lemon tea, black and milk coffee, etc.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the Everest Panorama Trek is quite simple but beautiful. You will either stay in a lodge, mostly in city areas or teahouses in small villages. You will find rooms with single beds for 2-3 people with cosy blankets, pillows, and mattresses to prevent the cold.

You will also get an attached bathroom, a clean sink, availability of hot water, and WIFI in most teahouses. You will receive a private room without the additional expenses if you are a single female traveller.

Difficulty on Everest Panorama Trek

Everest Panorama Trek is considered one of the most doable and easy to complete since the highest elevation we will reach is 3,867m in Tengboche. If the trekkers have prior experience trekking higher elevations or are physically fit and robust, this trek will be easy.
Fatigues

So, the trekkers may need more stamina and constant fatigue, but if you start exercising, maintaining a diet, and becoming physically fit months before your trek, you will efficiently complete the trek.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness is another difficulty that trekkers might face during the Everest Panorama Trek. Generally, the sickness starts after an altitude of 3000m and has symptoms of Nausea, Headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep.

You can prevent altitude sickness by drinking hot drinks like Green Lemon Tea and honey frequently, which keeps heat in the body. Another way to avoid the illness is by frequently acclimatising, which we have booked as the fourth day of our trip. It is also essential to keep medicine like Diamax to get relief in case of sickness, giving ample time to descend and lower altitude.

Best time for Everest Panorama Trek

The best time to do the Everest Panorama Trek is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions and clear views of the mountains.

Spring (March to May):

The spring season is the preferred trekking season in Nepal. The weather is pleasant during the day at 10°C to 15°C and drops to almost 0°C to -5°C during nighttime in higher altitudes. Skies are clear for stunning views of the Everest landscape.

Wildflowers bloom during the spring season and are responsible for beautifully coloring the landscape. Spring has great conditions devoid of extreme cold temperatures and thus best ideal for trekking.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is also a high season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is dry and cool, with clear skies and excellent visibility of the mountains. Day temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C, and night temperatures fall to around -5°C at higher altitudes.

Autumn offers some of the best conditions for broad-angle views of the Everest area, and the trails are less crowded than in spring, providing a peaceful trekking experience.

Avoiding Monsoon and Winter:

Monsoon (June to August) is very wet with heavy rain, which covers trails with water and reduces visibility. Winter (December to February) is very cold, with temperatures dropping to freezing and snow cover, which makes trekking challenging.

Overall, spring and autumn are the optimal times to trek the Everest Panorama Trek.

Elevation and distance on Everest Panorama Trek

The round-trip distance of the Everest Panorama Trek is approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) total, a moderate trek for most trekkers. It begins in Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,350 meters (4,429 feet) and takes you to some of the most scenic destinations of the Everest region.

The highest point of the trek is at Tengboche with an elevation of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet) where you get great views of Mount Everest and other mountains. The lowest point of the trek is at Lukla and it is an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet).

On the trek, you will ascend and descend step by step with the total elevation gain of about 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). The trek has various ascents, like the ascent from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, and the trek to the Everest View Hotel on your acclimatization day.

The trekking has been organized in such a manner that ample time is provided to acclimatize as well as for the trekkers to settle down and witness the splendor of nature surrounding them, along with immersing oneself in the friendly Sherpa culture.

Maximum and minimum walk per day

The Everest Panorama Trek includes varying walking hours daily, based on the day’s itinerary. The shortest walking hours are on Day 3 when you trek from Lukla to Phakding. This is a gentle day with 3-4 walking hours as a soft start to the trek.

On the other hand, the longest walking times are on Day 7 when you trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar. The longest walk of the day lasts for around 7 hours and is a descent with a chance to observe local Sherpa culture, so it’s a satisfying, though long day.

As far as average walking time goes, trekkers can expect to walk between 5 and 6 hours a day. The trek features predominantly moderate walks, and the distances tend to range from 3 to 7 hours per day. This provides ample time to rest, enjoy the spectacular views, and absorb the culture along the route.

Generally, the trek is organized with a proper speed to enable trekkers to enjoy the landscapes and acclimatize well without putting too much strain on the body. The duration of walking is proper to make the experience of trekking enjoyable.

Alternative routes for Everest Panorama Trek

If you are looking for alternatives to the Everest Panorama Trek, then there are alternative treks in Nepal that will give you comparable experiences with great views of the Himalayas, along with exposure to Nepalese culture. Here are some of the best alternatives:

Everest View Trek: It is a shorter and easier variant of the Everest Panorama Trek. It takes you to the famous Everest View Hotel to have spectacular views of Mount Everest, along with other surrounding peaks. The trek starts from Lukla and proceeds to Namche Bazaar, paying special care to acclimatization and scenery.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Located in the Annapurna region, this trek is renowned for providing breathtaking vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. The trek itself is moderate, with scenic rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and breathtaking sunrise views from Poon Hill.

Langtang Valley Trek: If you prefer a less crowded trek, the Langtang Valley Trek is an option. Starting at Syabrubesi, the trek features forests, waterfalls, and tiny villages, all of which have stunning vistas of Langtang Lirung and nearby mountains.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: This is a more personal perspective of the Annapurna massif and is famous for its sheer natural beauty. This trek involves slightly more altitude gain than the Everest Panorama Trek but offers stunning views of glaciers, rivers, and terraced fields along the way.

These choices offer a variety of experiences, ranging from less strenuous treks with stunning views to more challenging ones with diverse landscapes and cultures.

Can a beginner do this trek?

Yes, the Everest Panorama Trek is ideal for beginners who are in good health and have a general fitness level. While it’s not a highly challenging trek compared to some of the others in the Everest region, it still requires stamina and the capacity to walk for several hours each day at high altitudes.

The trek involves moderate daily walking hours, typically between 3 to 7 hours, which is manageable for beginners who are prepared and take it at a steady pace. The maximum altitude you’ll reach is 3,867 meters (12,687 feet) at Tengboche, which is high enough to require acclimatization but not so extreme as to pose a significant risk of altitude sickness for most trekkers. The hike also includes one acclimatization rest day at Namche Bazaar to avoid altitude issues.

The hike is well way-marked and most of the hike is along good trails in Sherpa villages and scenic viewpoints. There are also plenty of resting stops and sightseeing around the beautiful environment.

Beginners need to ensure that they possess suitable gear, such as sturdy hiking boots, a good backpack, and warm attire. Physical preparation, such as daily walking or trekking throughout the months leading up to the trek, will ensure an easy experience. Proper planning, and the Everest Panorama Trek is a feasible and fulfilling experience for beginners.

Preparation and physical fitness

Preparing for the Everest Panorama Trek requires both physical fitness and the right gear. Since the trek involves walking for several hours each day at moderate altitudes, it’s essential to build up your stamina and strength in advance.

A few months before the trek, start by engaging in regular cardio activities like walking, jogging, or cycling to improve your endurance. Aim for 3-4 times a week of aerobic exercise, building up intensity and duration to increase stamina. Train your legs through leg squats, lunges, and step-ups to help the uphill walking. Hiking uphill or using a treadmill that tilts will most accurately replicate the trekking situation. Further, include upper and core body exercises to improve posture and balance, especially when backpacking.

Ensure that you are properly equipped with appropriate gear, such as sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, an appropriately fitted backpack, warm outer layers for higher altitudes, and a cold-weather-rated sleeping bag. Break in your gear in advance so that you do not feel uncomfortable during the hike.

Altitude sickness is a problem on treks above 2,500 meters, and therefore physical fitness is beneficial, but equally valuable is gradual acclimatization. The day spent acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar will help to acclimate to the altitude.

If you train physically and obtain the right gear, and you will trek confidently.

Gadget charging, internet, and communication

While on the Everest Panorama Trek, gadget charging, internet, and communication facilities are limited but available nonetheless, particularly at the more crowded trekking places such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Lukla.

It is possible to charge your equipment at a higher altitude, but charging can be problematic, and most of the teahouses along the path have charging centers. Charging your devices will cost you some money, though, and electricity cannot be relied upon. Electricity in most areas away from major cities will be powered by solar panels or generators, and so charging will not be as quick as you might be accustomed to.

The internet is available in a few of the bigger teahouses, but only at Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. You may be able to access Wi-Fi for a fee, but it will be slow and unreliable as it is in a remote area. If staying connected is essential, you may prefer to get a local Nepali SIM card with data, which is available in Kathmandu. Mobile phone coverage improves closer to Namche Bazaar, but it may be spotty at higher altitudes.

For communication, locally available Nepali SIM cards are suitable for use in Kathmandu and main stops like Namche. The signal is weak or nonexistent at higher altitudes. In case of an emergency, teahouses have satellite phones, but these tend to be expensive to use.

In general, access to technology is limited, but it adds to the trekking experience of being in isolated, natural settings.

Permit for Everest Panorama Trek

For the Everest Panorama Trek, several permits are required to ensure safe and legal trekking in the region.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:

This permit is mandatory for all trekkers entering the Sagarmatha National Park, which encompasses the Everest region. The Park is home to Mount Everest and offers breathtaking landscapes, unique biodiversity, and cultural significance. This permit can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the Monjo checkpoint, near the park’s entrance.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit:

Required for trekking in the Khumbu region, this permit supports local development and conservation efforts. It covers areas such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and other villages in the Everest region. This permit is typically obtained in Lukla or Namche Bazaar after arrival.

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System):

The TIMS card is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board and is necessary for all trekkers. It helps authorities monitor trekkers’ movements for safety and emergency response. The TIMS card is available in Kathmandu and must be carried throughout the trek.

These permits are typically included in trek packages, but it’s important to ensure they are arranged before you begin your trek to avoid delays or issues along the route.

Transportation

In the Everest Panorama Trek, transport is only used at the beginning and end of the journey to reach and return from the trekking zone.

The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is the gateway to the Everest region. Lukla is located in a remote, hilly area with no road access, and hence, flying is the most convenient option. The flight takes about 32 minutes and provides stunning views over the Himalayas. Lukla has a tiny airport with a short but high-altitude runway, and this is thus an exciting and scenic way to begin the trek.

When the trekkers finally arrive at Lukla, they proceed with their trek on foot. The trek is thereafter completed along the hills, when villages and dense forests need to be traversed using not a single motor vehicle for this portion of the trek. From Lukla to Phakding is a very well-marked trek, and one also gets an opportunity to fully embrace the nature and culture of the region.

At the end of the trek, trekkers reverse direction back to Lukla and take the flight back to Kathmandu. The outward flight is like the arriving flight and is the sole transport for going back to the capital city.

For the trek, flights are employed for transport only, and the rest of the distance is on foot.

Insurance

Insurance is a highly crucial component of planning for the Everest Panorama Trek as it provides financial protection in case something unexpected occurs along the route. All trekkers are strongly encouraged to have suitable travel insurance that covers the specific requirements of high-altitude treks.

What the Insurance Must Cover:

The trek takes place at altitudes where medical attention is limited. Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and the cost of medical evacuation must be reimbursed by insurance in case of illness or accident. This applies especially to altitude diseases like acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Since the trek is in a remote region, evacuation through helicopter or other means could be needed in case of an emergency. Ensure that the policy provides for helicopter evacuation from places like Lukla or other high-altitude locations.

In case of unforeseen circumstances, such as sickness or acts of nature, leading to trip cancellation or early return, insurance should reimburse the ensuing expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, and unrecovered trekking expenditures.

The insurance should also cover the loss, theft, or damage of personal items like trekking gear, electronics, and luggage.

Having the proper insurance will enable you to trek with confidence, knowing that you are covered in case of need.

What to expect on Everest Panorama Trek?

A day to remember, the Everest Panorama Trek is a mix of stunning mountain views, cultural immersion, and a touch of adventure. How it will unfold is as below:

Tracing steps to the centre of the Everest region provides wonderful perspectives of the Himalayas, for example, known summits including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Scenic outlooks among the greatest mountainscapes across the world could be visible in places including Everest View Hotel and will keep you speechless.

You will be exposed to the colorful Sherpa culture along the way. You can go through monasteries, be welcomed by traditional Sherpa, and gain insight into the customs and lifestyle of the locals by going through sites such as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche.

The walk is moderately tough with a variety of terrain, like forests, rivers, and ascending steeply. While the route is suitable for most, be prepared for walking for hours and the fitness involved in trekking at high altitude.

To avoid altitude sickness, one acclimatization day has been provided at Namche Bazaar. This will help your body adapt to the altitude before moving ahead higher.

When you enter the Everest region, get ready for the experience of loneliness and peace with nature, a break from the chaos of day-to-day life.