Montbell Everest: A Trekker’s Guide

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Guidebook to trekking in the Everest region of the Himalaya in Nepal, including Thame Valley, Lukla to Namche, Everest Base Camp from Namche and Gokyo (the Cho la and Phortse route), plus one route in Tibet (the Kharta Valley). Also describes the Three Passes trek (Dingboche to Namche via Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La).

Cicerone says:

Everest has an eternal appeal for mountain lovers and the classic trek to Everest Base Camp is high on the bucket-list of many trekkers. This guidebook covers the most popular route in the Khumbu Valley, from Lukla via Namche Bazaar and Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Everest. It also describes the classic route from Jiri to Lukla taken by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, as well as a trek north to Gokyo with its spectacular lakes and the peak of Gokyo Ri. Finally, the Three Passes Trek, also starting in Namche, links the region’s major passes and valleys.

The guidebook includes suggestions for side trips and time spent in Namche Bazaar, Pangboche, Dingboche and Gokyo, as well as one trek approaching Everest from Tibet – from Kharta to the Kangshung Face.

It is packed with essential advice on trekking in the Himalayas, including planning and preparation, trekking formalities, health and acclimatisation, as well as notes on culture and the fascinating history of the region, making this a complete guide to exploring the area.

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: Spring, preceding the summer monsoon, and autumn are the main trekking seasons, with April enjoying blooming rhododendrons and November blessed with brilliant clear sky. Cold winters and rainy summers are challenging.
• Centres: Kathmandu, Jiri, Junbesi, Salleri, Phaplu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Chukhung, Gokyo, Thame
• Difficulty: A range of possible itineraries – from fairly easy Everest View Trek to Namche or Pangboche, to ambitious Three Passes Trek – ensure trekkers of various abilities and ambitions can find a route for themselves. No technical skills are required; acclimatisation must be carefully planned. Hiking crampons are recommended for some trails.
• Must See: Guidebook to the Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar peak, the famous trekkers’ attractions in Khumbu. Also covers the route to the magnificent Gokyo, the Three Passes Trek over Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, along with hikes to Ama Dablam and Island Peak base camps and a trek in Tibet.

Specifications

• Edition: Sixth
• Number of pages: 320
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.8cm
• Weight: 363g