Khumjung Archives - Nepal Sanctuary Treks

Best Side Trips of Everest Base Camp Trek

Posted on December 25, 2019September 22, 2022 by nsadmin

The Everest Base Camp trek is the most thrilling and adventure of a lifetime. Everest region is a popular trekking destination where Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa have first stepped their foot on this region and top of Everest.

Trek to Everest Base Camp rewards with great mountain terrain and cultural diversity. The trail takes you through the rugged landscape, massive Mountain View, heart-throbbing high suspension bridges lined with fluttering prayer flags, lustful forest trails, exceptional wildlife, quaint Sherpa settlements, and spiritual monasteries.

Beyond the legendary peaks and landscape, trekkers get insight into the culture of Sherpa. Additionally, the trekker will also get an opportunity to taste the authentic local foods in these region made from the firewood.

This trek is all about admiration and enthusiasm which captivates all adventure seekers to the core of your own heart. One can join this marvelous trek as a family trekker, solo trekkers or with school groups to touch this peak, reaching Everest Base Camp.

And one of the perfect things that makes the Everest Base Camp Trek unforgettable is the extensive range of side trips offered in this region. Everest Base Camp Trek side trip excursion is also part of acclimatization. The trekkers are acclimatized sufficiently to fully relish the main trek. Here is a list of side trips of Everest Base Camp:

1. Thame Legendary Hike (3,899m) from Namche; Hiking Duration Approximately 5 hours

Namche is the is an ideal place for acclimatization and trading hub of traders come from all corners of the Khumbu and as far as Tibet to trade their products. Village dweller makes their weekly trek to Namche Bazaar to purchase goods.

Thame is the home to numerous well-known Sherpa mountaineers, comprising Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first man to ascent Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary, Ang Rita Sherpa, known as “Snow Leopard” and Apa Sherpa, 21 times Everest summiteer.

This side trip leads trekkers through a part of an ancient trade route joining Khumbu to Tibet. The walk itself is serene with outstanding views of the mountains as it winds in and out of the woodland on the side of the gorge. Along the trail, we encounter abundant wildlife such as Tahrs and Monals, numerous stupas and vibrant prayer paintings on rock walls.

Clinging to the side of the massif far in the distance, Thame is the last Sherpa settlement to the border of Nepal and Tibet in Khumbu called ‘Namgpala’. Thame monastery is also one of the three ancient monasteries in Khumbu. The annual ceremony of the Mani Rimdu festival takes place in Monastery.

2. Khumjung and Khunde (3,790m) from Namche; Hiking Duration Approximately 2 hours

Khumjung is one of the most charming Sherpa hamlets and can opt to hike up to Khumjung as well as Khunde. These are twin green villages with rock walls dividing stony fields have beautiful landscape views on all sides.

The cluster of houses in Khumjung topped with consistently green roofs that intermingle seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. It is dominated by Khumbila to the north and the valley encircled by a beautiful forest of fir and rhododendron. The views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and other almighty peaks are awe-inspiring. Khumjung is the traditional village along with another village Khunde. Trekkers can often spot Himalayan Monals and Blood Pheasants while Lammergeiers and Golden Eagles are not an irregular sight in the skies above.

This short side trek will be worth visiting where you will come across the Sherpa people and their distinctive culture. Moreover, trekkers get an opportunity to be close to these fascinating mountain people and experience their generosity. Learn more about Khumjung’s attraction.

4. Syangboche (3,450m) from Namche; Hiking Duration Approximately 2 hours

A side trip to Syangboche provides panoramic vistas Nuptse (7,855m), Everest(8,848m), Lhotse(8,516m), Ama Dablam(6,812m). This day`s trek trail is steep, yet Syangboche hill offers unrivaled 360º views of snow-white mountain peaks. The landscape is sublime and we could witness the entire Namche Bazaar after a short climb toward Syangboche. On a hill overlooking Namche Bazaar is the Syangboche Airport, an unpaved airfield which is not licensed for commercial operations and has few facilities. If you hiked up to Everest View Point Hotel (3,800m) then you can see the closer vistas of Mount Everest including other accompanied peaks.

3. Amadablam Base Camp (4,570 m) from Pangboche; Hiking Duration Approximately 4 hours

Amadablam Base Camp is a less trekked path side trip that leads trekkers right up to the base of one of the Khumbu region’s most magnificent mountains. The trail from Pangboche to Amadablam presents a succession of lofty and rugged mountains abounding in charming and sublime scenery. Trekkers can enjoy the 360-degree surreal mountain views including Mt. Lhotse-Nuptse massif from base camp. Trekking to Amadablam Base Camp makes feel as if you are wrapped in the arms of this splendid mountain, known as the jewel of the Khumbu.

4. Nangkartshang Peak (5,050m) from Dingboche; Hiking Duration Approximately 4 hours

Trekkers spend a few rest days acclimatizing in Dingboche before ascending to a higher altitude, for example, Kala Pattar, Everest Basecamp, or Island Peak.

For acclimatization, most trekkers take Nangkartshang Hill from Dingboche as a side trip. Nangkartshang Peak looms above Dingboche that offers a commanding panoramic view of the Khumbu region, comprising Makalu, Ama Dablam, Chukhung and Numbur.

Locals called this peak Nangar-JOONG. Whatever the name of the peak is, it is an extremely remarkable viewpoint to immerse in the views of the several towering mountains in the Khumbu region.

Depending on the speed, it takes 3-4 hours to ascend the peak. The trekkers can either start the hike from Dingboche (4,410 m) or Pheriche (4,371 m). The route encompasses a steep climb all the way with roaring winds as one goes higher.

5. Chukung (4,730m) from Dingboche; Hiking Duration Approximately 3 hours

The Chukhung Valley is a small village in the northeast of Dingboche where it connects the Pheriche Valley. The trail passes through the vast landscape, stone-walled fields, and Imja Khola valley before entering glacier moraines amid the lofty peaks.

Chukung is an acclimatization day trip for trekkers before heading on to Gorak Shep and Kala Pathar. The walk is easy, less crowd and the mountain views are simply spellbinding. As you go higher the scenery grew more and more outlandish.

Besides acclimatization, the side trip to Chukung helps trekkers to know about diverse alpine shrubs grown in the alpine region. The trail winds through the beautiful rhododendron and juniper shrubs. The medicinal plant such as Alpine Shrubby Horsetail or Somlata is also found here. The multi-colored alpine shrubs along the route certainly captivated the trekkers. During spring, the entire trail covered with rhododendrons along with honeysuckle and cinquefoils.

The mountain panorama is simply awe-inspiring. Trekkers can soak the view of almighty peaks including Ama Dablam, Imja Tse (Island peak) Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest.

6. Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m) from Gorakshep; Hiking Duration Approximately 3 hours

Kala Patthar (5,550m), literally called “black rock” is the most popular vantage point in the Everest Base Camp trek route. One can witness the closet spectacle of the world’s highest Mt. Everest along with several adjacent peaks and dazzling views of Khumbu Glacier.

The iconic mountain view that can be seen from Kala Pathar are Lingren (6,714m), Khumbutse (6,636m), Changtse (7,550m), Lho La (6,036m), Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,863m), Ama Dablam (6,856m) and Kangtega (6,635m). While some trekkers make a real early start to catch the mesmerizing glimpses of sunrise from this viewpoint.

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FAQ about Everest Region

What is the difficulty level of Everest Base Camp trek?

Everest base camp trek does not require professional trekking experiences. However, one should be physically fit and sound mental determination. It is advisable to involve in hiking, cycling, uphill climbing prior to the trek.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health result of high elevation. It occurred by speedy exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. To know more about Altitude sickness link the article: Altitude Mountain Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Can I apply for a visa online?

You can get visa online – filling the form and following the step by step procedure at http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa

Do I need to get a visa to travel to Nepal? What are the documents required to visit Nepal?

All nationals must hold a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. An entry visa for all except Indians for Nepal is required. You need to arrange these prior to departure with the relevant embassy/consulate or you even get a visa on arrival. Learn more: Visa and Documents requirement

Do I need to take permits to trek in the Everest region?

The trekkers who wish to trek the Everest region need a TIMS card, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park permit. If you are trekking Pike Peak at Lower Everest region then, the trekkers require to obtain TIMS and Gauri Shankar National Park Permit. Nepal Sanctuary Treks is here to arrange all the permits and organize the customize treks for you.

Khumjung: The Capital of Sherpas in Solukhumbu

Posted on September 10, 2018September 22, 2022 by nsadmin

Nepal is a beautiful country,and of course, the villages in Nepal add more beauty to the country. Away from the cities which are busy in development, there are some villages in Nepal which are still quite away from these development activities, crowd and the rush. Khumjung, in the lap of the mountain, is one of these villages in Nepal.

More about Khumjung

Khumjung, located in the Khumbu sub-region of the Sagarmatha National Park, is the largest Sherpa village in Khumbu. Lying at the altitude of 3,790 meters above sea level, the Khumjung village is more like a flat land between the low ride of Namche and holy mountain Kumbi la (5,765 masl). Khumjung is nestled at the foot of the sacred mountain Khumbi la, that’s why it is known as “Valley inside the Clouds”. The Khumjung village is situated in the Khumbu Pasanglhamu rural municipality of Solukhumbu district, Province no.1 of north-eastern Nepal. The village is inhabited by 1912 people residing in 551 houses during the time of 2011 AD census.

Khumjung is a beautiful village. There is uniformity in the structure and the colors of the houses in the village. All houses are painted white with green roofs. Also known as the capital of the Sherpas in Solukhumbu district, the village is mostly inhabited by the Sherpas. Life in the Khumjung village is rural. People spend most of their time working in their fields. They harvest potatoes during the October which is the major trekking season in Khumjung. The prayer flags, the Mani walls and the white chortens in the village give a clear idea about the prevalence of the Buddhism in the village.

Khumjung village offers the visitors to experience the remote village life of Sherpas in the lap of mountain which is situated 85 miles away from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. Despite of being a rural mountain village of Nepal, the village provides you with the facilities of internet, mobile phones,and the landlines to enhance your communication.

Places to visit in Khumjung

The small Khumjung village offers the visitors with the historic places to explore. Here are the places you should not miss during the visit to Khumjung:

The Khumjung School

The Khumjung School in the village of Khumjung is a historical school established in 1961. The school was built by Edmund Hillary’s ‘the Himalayan Trust’, with an agreement with the Nepal government. The school is also called the Hillary School named after the name of Edmund Hillary, the first conqueror of the highest peak; the Mount Everest. The school only had a single classroom during the time of establishment and now it provides a secondary level education up to class 10 to around 400 students.

The Khumjung School celebrated its Golden Jubilee Event in 2011 on the occasion of the anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent to the top of the Mount Everest.

The Kunde Hospital

Founded in 1966, by Edmund Hillary, the Kunde hospital is in the town of Kunde, Nepal. Until 2002, Edmund Hillary used to recruit the volunteers and the doctors mostly from New Zealand and Canada to serve in the hospital, but now, the hospital is facilitated by the Nepalese medical professionals; Dr. Kami being the first Sherpa doctor to manage the hospital in 2002.

The locals enjoy the hospital facilities all around the year. The hospital is serving about 8,000 of the local people as well as the trekkers that make their way passing through the Khumjung region. The averages of about 25 patients visit the hospital each day.

The pregnant mothers are also facilitated by the hospital. The hospital has a delivery room and ultrasound facilities.

The Khumjung Monastery

The Khumjung Monastery is a center of Sherpa’s culture and religion in Khumjung. Located at the altitude of 12,400 feet, the monastery is near the Everest and is a historical monument.

Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake of 2015 damaged the monastery immensely. The Sherpa community came together and contributed to the reconstruction of the monasteryto prevent the permanent loss of the monastery. Households contributed their labor for two weeks and raised donations to open the monastery once again. Thus, stepping towards the conservation of their own culture, the Sherpas reopened the monastery in August 2017.

The monastery was reopened with a huge enthusiasm in Khumjung. It was the contribution of the local people which lead to the monastery to re-open. The opening day was full of celebrations and colors and attended by high Lamas of the area and many guests.

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The Yeti Scalp

The Yeti Scalp is something you should not miss in Khumjung. The scalp is in the shape of a half circle and is in the cabinet of the Khumjung Gomba. To get a glance of the scalp, you must donate to the monks in the Gomba according to your will in a Nepalese rupee. But, always keep in mind, your donation, does not matter how much, never contributeto physical contact to the scalp like touching by your own. The monk will take the scruffy-haired dome out of the small box and allow you only to see it. The scalp always remains inside the locked box.

According to the village story, the scalp came from the “abominable snowman.” Edmund Hillary and a journalist found it in the home of the Khumjung women, which she kept as a sign of good luck for the entire village. Edmund Hillary asked the women if he could take the scalp for examination but the woman was determined to keep it for herself. After offering donation to the monastery and the local school in Khujung, the woman then agreed to give the scalp for the purpose of examination.

Later on, Hillary found that the scalp belonged to a hide of an animal, probably a goat-antelope which is native to the Himalayas and returned the scalp into the monastery. There also exists one duplicate scalp at New York’s Explorer’s Club in Khumjung. Khumjo Chumbi, the monk at the charge of the monk, stated, “We don’t believe in giraffes and lions in Nepal because there are not any here. Likewise, you do not believe in yetis because you have none in your country.” Whether the scalp truly belongs to a yeti or not is yet to be confirmed, but it is worth visiting.

Getting up to Khumjung

Khumjung is popular among the trekkers heading for Everest Base Camp. Khumjung could be a short break from your pre-planned journey if the Base Camp trek. Khumjung village can be a small side trek as you follow the trail of Everest Base Camp. After a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and starting your trek from Lukla to Phakding, you will reach Namche Bazaar. From Namche Bazaar, Khumjung is where you can proceed for a short trek. Namche Bazaar is a famous tourist destination of Khumbu region and is most common for a place to acclimatize for the trekkers. With enough lodging and stores in the area, Namche Bazaar is successful in meeting the demands of the trekkers. You can choose camping instead of lodging in a hotel as well.

Trekking to Khumjung and Kunde villages is a great idea during your few days stay at Namche Bazaar for altitude acclimatization. The trek will convert your dull and boring time in the lodge into exciting and fun moments. The trek also provides you with the experience to meet the Sherpas in the mountain village, view of the mountains and the warm hospitality, and the culture of the locals. You can also get a chance to taste the local Sherpa’s cuisine.

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Returning to Namche Bazaar from this short trek, you can now continue your trek to Base Camp. The Tengboche, where stands the largest monastery in the Khumbu region and other monasteries, and the Dingboche, a Sherpa village are the places you will explore in your journey. Dingboche, at the altitude of 4,360 meters, is again popular for acclimatization which provides you an additional chance of trekking around the area.

Continuing your trek from Dingboche, you will now reach to Duglha (4,600) and then to Lobuche (4,940 meters). A little more and you then stand at Gorakshep at an altitude of 5,710 meters which is the destination to Everest Base Camp. From Gorakshep, trekkers go to Kala Patthar, which only takes around a few hours for the closer and magnificent view of the great Mount Everest.

More About Khumjung Region

Back to Pheriche and Namche Bazaar, its time you arrive at Lukla and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Return to your next destination or home from Kathmandu with a heart filled experience.