The Changing Nature of the Everest Trekking Route
While the Mount Everest summit is a world of rock and ice, the lower valleys are a botanical paradise. Everest trekking in the autumn offers a unique chance to see the resilient flora of the high Himalayas.
The national flower of Nepal lines the trail from Lukla to Namche. In the spring, they are red and pink; in the autumn, their deep green leaves provide a lush contrast to the white peaks of the Mount Everest expedition region.
As you approach Everest Base Camp, look for the tiny, woolly Edelweiss flowers peeking through the rocks. These hardy plants survive the same extreme UV that climbers face on the Mount Everest summit.
The scent of juniper is the smell of the Everest region. It is burned in monasteries and teahouses for purification. It is a sensory part of the Everest trekking experience that connects you to the local culture.
The Himalayas are more than just mountains. The plants that thrive here are as tough and beautiful as the Mount Everest summit itself.
