Treks through the Everest or Sagarmatha National Park have inspired countless dreams and adventures, including visions of scaling the highest mountain on earth to those of getting a taste of the high mountains with a pack on their back and a camera in hand; ready to capture some incredible views of the lofty snowy mountain peaks that seem to grow in this region.

Sagarmatha is the Nepalese name for Everest. The National Park is located in eastern Nepal and it contains parts of the Himalayas and the southern half of Mount Everest. The park was created in July 19, 1976 and in 1979 was inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site. Sagarmatha is Sanskrit for "Sagar = sky (not to be confused with sea/ocean) and matha = forehead or head " and is the modern Nepali name for Mount Everest.

Most of the park area is very rugged and steep, with its terrain cut by deep rivers and glaciers. Unlike other parks, it can be divided into four climate zones because of the rising altitude. The climatic zones include a forested lower zone, a zone of alpine scrub, the upper alpine zone which includes upper limit of vegetation growth, and the Arctic zone where no plants can grow. The types of plants and animals that are found in the park depend on the altitude. The park contains the upper watershed of the Dudh Kosi river basin system.

The original route taken on the first ascent of Everest was from Jiri. The approach to this region now usually begins with a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airstrip (2,800 meters). If you decide against the flight then it will mean a trek in from Jiri, this will take about seven to eight days walking. Lukla means place with many goats and sheep, you are not likely to see many roaming around these days. Lukla has a variety of shops and lodges where you can have basic western style meals and pick up any last minute items for the trekking or climbing ahead. If you cannot find required items in Lukla, better luck can be had in Namche Bazaar.

When you arrive at Lukla you are surrounded by the glistening spires of snow peaks from the start of the trek, and they only get higher and more magnificent as you go. The route is dotted by sacred Tibetan Buddhist mani stones (engraved with prayers and Buddhist images), prayer flags, and the occasional stupa (representing the mind of Buddha). The winding Dudha and Bhote Koshi rivers are a beautiful glacier-fed aqua blue, joined by many tributaries supporting waterfalls. Trekkers can visit on the way bustling Namche Bazaar, the revered Tengboche Monastery, the crystalline Gokyo Lake, the historic Everest Base Camp, and many other remarkable places in the Everest region. You share the trail with yak trains and Tibetan nomads and can choose to stay in simple but welcoming guesthouses in all but the most remote areas. Treks can be from one week to more than a month. On the trek a steady well paced ascent is required to suit the acclimatisation needed. Expect to take some rest days for acclimatization as most trails quickly go above 3,500 meters.

Nepal is a fascinating country and trekking through the mountains allows you to get both close to the scenery and the people.