Tour Guide, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Famous for its spectacular mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants (the Sherpas), the Everest region (Khumbu) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Nepal. While many of the routes through the mountains are arduous, there are ample places to rest and enjoy a meal along the way. Furthermore, do not worry about getting lost. Just ask a local the way to the next village on your route and they will direct you. Most Sherpas under the age of fifty can at least understand basic English and many speak it fluently.
While trekking is possible in this area the whole year round, the best times to visit are from the beginning of March to mid-May and from the beginning of September to mid-November. The winters are very cold and snow may make it difficult to travel higher than Tengboche and also lodges may be closed above this altitude. Summers, on the other hand, is wet and the spectacular peaks are often lost in the clouds. April and early May is a good time to see the hedgerows and trees bursting into bloom with Rhododendrons, in particular, adding a spectacular splash of colour to the landscape. However, dust from the plains of India during the spring routinely provide less than ideal conditions for clear mountain views. The views are much better after the summer monsoons have cleared the atmosphere of dust, but the days are shorter and cooler.