Khumbu Ramba

The Khumbu Himalayan region of Nepal has captured the imaginations of travellers and explorers since time immemorable. It is also home to the highest peak on the planet - Mt. Everest - and the Sherpa peoples famous for their hospitality, braveness, and charm. The Khumbu is where dreams transform into reality for many outsiders who long to walk beside the mighty Himalayas.

 

Over the past few decades, the region has undergone a dramatic change from increasing tourist numbers. In 2016 alone, over 37 thousand tourists passed through on trekking trips. The numbers have increased year by year. The Khumbu today is now Nepal's wealthiest region - outpacing the capital city of Kathmandu.  

 

With more people comes more money, and with more money comes more commercialisation. Many now say that the Khumbu has lost its charm with the bakeries, Irish pubs, foreign foods and wifi all catered towards those seeking adventure and comfort. But this is only true in the lower regions and at the provincial centre of Namche Bazar.

 

Despite this, you can still see this region without succumbing to the comforts of a city - wilderness and natural beauty are non-substitutable. You don't have to venture far or have super-human abilities to discover this - this is why I keep returning. The Khumbu is still a region rich in everything that captivated the explorers who came before - you simply have to look harder and wake up earlier.