Trekking in the Everest Region Everest, the world's highest mountain, rises in the eastern part of Nepal, in the Solu-Khumbu region, an area inhabited by the famous Sherpa people. The Sherpas started to become well known in the 1950s when the Tibet border closed following the occupation of Tibet. The trade between Nepal and Tibet stopped then, and the Sherpas, in search of a new means of livelihood, began to act as guides for foreign expeditions. Previously the Sherpas had never climbed mountains that are regarded by them as the abode of their gods. The northern part of the district, the Khumbu, is encompassed in Everest National Park. To the east of Everest National Park is Makalu Barun National Park, a remote and wild stretch of mountain peaks and deep and densely forested valleys. To the west is the Rolwaling valley, a well-protected microcosm of cultures and ecology. The southern part of the district, Solu, is much less frequented by tourists, and consequently has retained much more traditional characteristics. The Peekye trek and the Dudh Kunda trek are two of the most beautiful destinations.