Here, We Give You the BEST Village Stops while on the Everest Trekking
Lukla (2,860m / 9,383 feet): Where the Climb Begins:
The tiny airstrip at Lukla is often labeled the most dangerous airport in the world. However, in reality, Lukla Airport is one of the most exciting and thrilling airports in the world. It is once in a lifetime experience that anyone should experience at least once.
Quite often, flights to Lukla can operate only in the mornings when the weather is clear and before the winds pick up. The airport has a short inclined runway, which means pilots need serious expert skill to land or take off.
Despite the hair-raising arrivals by air, Lukla stands as the thrilling kickoff point for any trek to the Khumbu Valley. At 2,860 meters, Lukla town is very lively with all the different activities to witness. It also serves as a crucial junction where expedition or trekking groups meet with their local crew members and start off with their Himalayan adventure.
It was Sir Edmund Hillary who initiated the construction of this airport in 1964, when it was only reachable by a multi-day hike through Jiri.
Beyond the airport, the town is very lively with local vendors, bakeries, and ample teahouses. Take your time to witness the flights flying in and out of this fascinating airport. The genuine warmth and lively atmosphere in Lukla energize all travelers, inspiring them for their expeditions ahead.
Significantly, Lukla Town will be a short stop for starters and a party hub for those who have finished their expeditions. It serves as a last-night stop for travelers who will be flying back to Kathmandu the next day.
Every day or Night, Lukla town will be lively for travelers who will be celebrating their achievement with their local crews. Dancing, drinking, singing, and tipping with applause is an everyday event at Lukla.
Phakding (2,610m/8,563 feet): A Place to Catch Your Breath:
I don't think there is anyone who isn't excited to rush out of Lukla and enjoy their first day hike through the Chaurikharka village. After the thrilling flight to Lukla, we will walk to the end of the village and gradually enter the Sagarmatha buffer zone area.
Passing through traditional Sherpa houses and farming terraces, we will walk the stunning valley of the thundering Dudh Kosi River. The 4-hour hike eventually lands you in Phakding at 2,610 meters, which is situated amongst towering Himalayan pine and rhododendron forests.
Our first day destination, Phakding, stands over 200 meters lower than Lukla, which is great in terms of acclimatization principles. This descent in elevation, combined with the peaceful scenery, makes Phakding the perfect place to catch your breath.
Since we wake up quite early for a flight to Lukla, this overnight stay aids both in acclimatization and in taking time to enjoy this incredible journey. The short walk to Phakding is very pleasing, which will give you an ample understanding of the legendary valley.
It is said that Phakding in the 1960s served as an overnight rest stop for porters shuttling gear to Everest Base Camp. Carrying heavy equipment on their backs or Dhoko (bamboo baskets), these PORTERS 'Himalayan taxis', paced with speed and took a break here overnight.
Today, Phakding serves as a crucial point for trekkers or mountaineers as an overnight halt for better acclimatization.
Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 feet): The Heart of Khumbu:
On Day 2, the 6- 7 hour ascent out of Phakding to Namche Bazaar stands as one of the biggest elevation gains of the trek, rising over 800 meters. Namche Bazaar, situated at a height of 3,440 meters, is a hub of the Khumbu Valley. As the largest town in the Khumbu region, it acts as an important trading and cultural center for the Sherpa people.
Pace yourself slowly, take plenty of breaks for water and snacks, and take ample photos. Walking to Namche Bazaar is indeed very fascinating. Starting from Phakding, we will be crossing 5 suspension bridges, of which the last one is the highest, Hillary Bridge. This bridge has been an iconic image in almost all Everest Documentaries. Now they have Bungee Jumping over the old Hillary Bridge.
Eventually, rounding a final corner, we will have the beautiful sight of luxurious Namche Bazaar. It is certainly very fascinating to witness luxury in the remoteness of the Himalayas, surrounded by majestic peaks of Kongde and Thamserku.
Namche offers cozy mountain lodges, internet cafes, bakeries, and even souvenir shops and bars. It is indeed a remote mountain city with luxury. Trekkers can enjoy hot showers, warm beds, and even try tasty yak steaks after days of hiking. It also has facilities like a medical clinic, a post office, and telephone booths.
Every Saturday, Namche comes alive even more with its bustling local market. Villagers from remote areas and lowlands come to trade food, household supplies, and handicrafts. It will be a great spot to witness Sherpa culture and traditions as people gather in their colorful costumes.
Being at an altitude of 3440 meters, Namche Bazaar makes the perfect place to acclimatize and adapt to a high-altitude environment. An acclimatization hike to Everest View Lodge or a visit to Sagarmatha Next is worth it. This acclimatization hike offers you a spectacular panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Kusum Kanguru, the iconic Ama Dablam, and many more.
Off the Beaten Path to Thame (3,800m / 12,467 feet):
Most trekkers doing the famous Everest Base Camp Trek follow the traditional route out of Namche up to Tengboche Monastery. However, many trekkers take a side trip to the more isolated village of Thame to experience off the beaten path.
Thame is also believed to be the first-ever settlement of the Sherpa people. It is said that 600 years ago, the Sherpas who came from Eastern Tibet crossing the Nangpa La Pass 5,806 m / 19,050 feet, first settled in Thame. It is certainly worth considering a side trip off the beaten path to the more isolated village of Thame, which takes you back to a timeless, magical existence.
The side trip to Thame is a beautiful three-hour hike through the scenic valley. Walking this untouched and pristine valley through ancient settlements, we will arrive at the spiritual heart of Thame (3,800m).
It is said that, at one time, Thame Village used to have around 5,000 residents, but the 1996 flooding turned it into a small village of only 50 homes. Furthermore, the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on August 16, 2024, caused significant damage to Thame Village. It was reported that this tragic flooding destroyed 20 houses, an elementary school, and a clinic, and displaced 135 people.
However, a side trip to Thame Village is very significant. A visit to an ancient monastery through the antique stone prayer walls with the mesmeric view of the valley is phenomenal. Most significantly, Thame Village holds ample legends and myths about YETI sightings, which can be very fascinating.
Khumjung (3,790m / 12,434 feet), The Valley Inside the Clouds:
Situated at a height of 3,790 meters at the base of the forbidden mountain of Mount Khumbila (5761m / 18,900 feet) lies the picturesque Sherpa village of Khumjung. This beautiful, hidden Sherpa Village of Khumjung is also popularly known as the 'valley inside the clouds'. Usually in the afternoon, a thick blanket of clouds from the valley often envelops this beautiful green valley of Khumjung.
Most trekkers would take a side excursion to Khumjung as an acclimatization hike from Namche. Some trekkers would walk a short hike from Namche Bazaar to Khumjung and stay overnight for better acclimatization.
Khumjung is a picturesque, hidden village and home to the warmest and most welcoming Sherpa people. At the heart of the village stands the Edmund Hillary School, built in 1961, and students from different parts of remote valleys get a quality education here.
Another significant highlight of the Khumjung Village is the ancient Buddhist monastery, where you can witness a Yeti’s scalp. This remains of the Yeti Scalp is evidence to support the existence of the mythical, elusive Yeti that roams in the highest peaks.
Furthermore, a visit to the Khunde Hospital is worth it, which was built with the support of Sir Edmund Hillary and his Himalayan Trust fund in 1966. It promotes modern healthcare for remote mountain villages and for the trekkers, both national and international.
Phortse 3810 meters: The most picturesque Village.
The village of Phortse is situated at a height of 3,810 meters. Phortse is a rarely visited settlement, and it is considered the most picturesque village in the Khumbu region. This stunning Himalayan settlement lies away from the busy and commercial regular Everest Base Camp Trail.
Since the village is less trodden, the lack of crowds and commercialization allows you to enjoy the genuine Sherpa lifestyle amidst breathtaking mountain vistas. To get to Phortse village, we skip the regular EBC trail and walk the Gokyo valley trail. Eventually, once again, we skip the Gokyo trail and, crossing the Gokyo River, we walk the untouched forested trail to Phortse.
As we enter the Phortse Village, you will witness the ancient terraced farming fields fenced with stonewalls. During the season of potatoes and barley, the entire village looks fascinating against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
The agricultural lifestyle still thrives in the village as it did centuries ago. Local traditional Shepa houses, along with a few teahouses in the terraced ridge, look simply glorious. The focal point is the ancient Phortse Gompa, which offers one of the most spectacular aerial views of the village.
Phortse village offers the dazzling views of Mt. Kangtega and Mt. Thamserku over this valley. Significantly, on a clear weather day, the village offers travelers the most glorious sunrise and sunset views. However, the Phortse remains a peaceful, serene, and picturesque settlement offering a raw Himalayan beauty.
More Sherpa Culture at High Altitude:
As you go further up the Khumbu Valley towards Mount Everest Base Camp, you will encounter more stunning Sherpa village stops at these sacred heights. Continuing further past Phortse village, you will get to witness more of such traditional Shepra villages like Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, etc.
Pangboche 3,990 m: The village under the shadow of Iconic Ama Dablam
At an altitude of 3,930 meters lies the small mountain village of Pangboche under the shadows of mighty pyramid-shaped Ama Dablam. This stunning mountain village of Pangboche makes an ideal rest stop along the trek to Everest Base Camp.
However, Pangboche is widely used by mountaineers climbing mt. Ama Dablam. If you are doing the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, Pangboche will serve as an ideal base camp before heading to the Ama Dablam Base Camp.
The Pangboche village is significant for its oldest Buddhist monastery in the region, which is still in use. It may not be as active as the Tengboche Monastery, but it is one of the oldest, which is said to be 350 years old. It safeguards the region's myths and legends, and the locals have a strong belief.
This ancient monastery of Pangboche safeguards the body parts of the YETI, a mythical, elusive man-like creature who lives in the mountains. Pangboche is certainly a very fascinating mountain settlement with a panoramic view and a rustic village setting. You can witness wild Himalayan Tahr and Pheasants in the farming terraces of the village, who roam in peace without fear.
Dingboche 4410 meters: Sherpa Village With Altitude
Nestled in the dramatic Imja Valley at an altitude of 4,410 meters lies the beautiful mountain village of Dingboche. It is a vital acclimatization stop for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp or climbing any surrounding peaks. Surrounded by towering Himalayan giants like Lhotse, Island Peak, and the imposing Makalu, Dingboche offers unparalleled 360-degree mountain views from anywhere you stand.
As high-altitude climbs can be punishing, it's crucial to rest here and allow one's body to adjust before proceeding upwards. Slow wanderings around the valley fields lined with historic stone fences are the perfect light activity without overexertion. Absorb the mountain panoramas marked by the rays of the lowering sun – which is magical.
Both trekkers and mountaineers find this village a vital refueling spot before scaling the heights of the nearby peaks. In the company of epic mountain majesty and friendly locals, Dingboche offers a typical Everest region experience where nature and culture interweave flawlessly.
Lobuche and Gorak Shep: High Altitude Stops
The small outposts of Lobuche (16,207 feet) and Gorak Shep (16,942 feet) serve as overnight stops for trekkers and climbers visiting Everest Base Camp. These are not permanent settlements, they exist to serve the trekkers and climbers temporarily. However, their extreme altitude comes with dangers that make them unsafe places to linger for more than a night or two. At this height, most people experience symptoms of altitude sickness including headaches, nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
Prolonged exposure significantly increases the risks of developing potentially deadly conditions like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). The human body simply cannot acclimate well to elevations over 16,000 feet in just a short period. So while spending a night allows just enough time to rest before summiting Kala Patthar, extended stays could pose serious health hazards. However, there are Preventions to High Altitude Sickness.
The only exception would be for Mount Everest climbers who progressively acclimatize as they prepare for their ultimate ascent. But for regular Everest Base Camp trekkers, Lobuche and Gorak Shep should be viewed as transient stopovers rather than destinations to settle in. Avoiding overexertion and minimizing time at such altitudes is vital.
New Friends in High Altitude Paradise
As the journey through the Khumbu Valley draws to a close, you will be left with gratitude and awe. The Everest region gives you peaks larger-than-life, pristine valleys, crystalline rivers, and rainbow prayer flags fluttering in the wind. But what will remain permanent are the friendly Sherpa people and their vibrant villages, be it bustling Namche or the remote hamlet of Phortse in the shadows of Kangtega.
The smiles, stories, culture, and hospitality shared will show you the true spirit of this land. As long as these ancient, colorful trails exist, winding around stone homes and glowing monasteries, the majestic roof of the world will always feel like home for anyone. The mountain will continue to call, and the valleys will continue to welcome you back.
As you cross suspension bridges swaying high over river gorges, do you want to follow the sound of roaring rivers? Do you want to wander off the commercial trail and take the path into timeless stone alleyways? Do you want to get along with the Sherpas and then her to their stories and legends? Do you want to be invited by giggling children to join their game at an ancient glowing monastery? Do you want to try local delicacies offered by a wrinkled, wise-eyed woman from her loving hands? Do you want to experience Everest for a lifetime?
Join Nepal Pyramids to experience all this as we deliver what we promise. Uncover more of these local legends, customs, and characters. Our knowledgeable guides pave the way for you to discover the true spirit of the Khumbu Valley and create memories that will last far longer than reaching Everest Base Camp ever could.
Also, check out Why Trek to Everest Base Camp and Why you should do Everest High Passes Trek.
