This guide is comprehensive and suitable for someone going to the Khumbu for the first time, as well as for someone who has trekked in Nepal before.

The first third gives general information about trekking in Nepal, and the Everest area in particular. A key section deals with the options for doing a trek – with an organised group, hiring a guide and/or porter for your own private trek, or simply going lightweight and carrying everything yourself. Another section deals with trekking with minimal environmental impact. Other sections cover: what time of the year to go; what to expect by way of food and accommodation; getting to Kathmandu and travelling within the country; health and hygiene; kit and maps; Nepalese culture and customs; and sightseeing in Kathmandu. The guide touches on pretty much everything you need to know, and gives sources for obtaining additional information.

The treks are divided into seven “routes” which can be linked together in a variety of ways to make a complete trekking holiday, according to how much time and money are available. Each route is divided into sections of one or more days with walking directions and timings, is illustrated by a colour sketch map to complement the main map that you will also need, and includes generous notes about the places visited and points of interest along the way. Places where accommodation is available are mentioned.

The guide is enhanced by excellent photographs, of the mountains of course, but also of the villages and points of interest. It concludes with appendices on the history of Everest, the trekking peaks, useful addresses, some basic Nepali, a comprehensive bibliography, and some leads if you want to get involved in helping the Nepalese people.

Prospective trekkers might consider purchasing the Trailblazer guide “Trekking in the Everest Region”, as the two books are to an extent complementary.

John Dixie