Mount Everest: Facts, Trekking Routes, and Why It Draws Millions to India’s Himalayas

When you think of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, standing at 8,848 meters above sea level. Also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, it’s not just a peak—it’s a symbol of human endurance and a magnet for adventurers worldwide. Though Everest sits on the border between Nepal and Tibet, India plays a crucial role in the journey. Thousands of trekkers begin their expedition from Indian towns like Gangotri, Joshimath, and Darjeeling, using them as training grounds and cultural gateways to the Himalayas. The Indian side of the Himalayas offers some of the most accessible high-altitude treks that prepare you for the real thing—without the permit chaos of Nepal.

Many travelers confuse Everest with other Himalayan giants like Kanchenjunga or Nanda Devi, but Everest’s fame comes from its sheer scale and the raw challenge it presents. Climbing it requires months of preparation, acclimatization, and physical conditioning. But you don’t need to summit to feel its pull. The Everest Base Camp trek, a 12- to 14-day journey through Sherpa villages, monasteries, and glacial valleys is one of the most popular high-altitude hikes on the planet. And while the official route starts in Lukla, Nepal, Indian trekkers often take the same path after training on trails like the Valley of Flowers or Roopkund. The air gets thinner, the views get sharper, and the silence? It’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard.

India’s Himalayan states—Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh—are home to dozens of treks that mimic Everest’s conditions: steep ascents, cold nights, and thin air. These aren’t just practice runs—they’re life-changing experiences that build the mental toughness Everest demands. You’ll find local guides in Manali who’ve led expeditions to Everest, and tea houses in Darjeeling that serve the same momos eaten by climbers in Namche Bazaar. The culture, the rhythm, the altitude—it all feels familiar because the Himalayas don’t stop at borders.

What most people don’t realize is that Everest isn’t just about climbing. It’s about the people who live around it, the monasteries clinging to cliffs, the prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the quiet moments between camps. That’s why so many who come for the mountain end up staying for the journey. Whether you’re planning your first high-altitude trek or dreaming of standing at Base Camp one day, India gives you the perfect launchpad.

Below, you’ll find real stories, practical tips, and hard-won advice from travelers who’ve walked the trails that lead to Everest’s shadow. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to know before you take your first step into the mountains.