Khumjung Village: A Sherpa Gem on the Everest Trail

Khumjung Village is a hidden gem on the Everest Base Camp trail. Many trekkers pass through it but miss its true value. This Sherpa village sits at 3,790 meters near Mount Khumbila.

You can visit Khumjung Monastery to see the famous Yeti scalp. The village also has the Hillary School, which Sir Edmund Hillary built. Khumjung offers a quiet escape from busy Namche Bazaar.

Trekkers acclimatize here while exploring Sherpa traditions. Stone houses and views of Ama Dablam and Everest surround the area. Stopping at Khumjung connects you with Sherpa history and prepares you for higher climbs.

Where Khumjung Sits in the Khumbu

Khumjung Village sits in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This Sherpa village stands at 12,434 feet. The valley under Mount Khumbila is home to the Sherpa people. They respect the mountain and welcome trekkers. Travellers see Ama Dablam and Thamserku from the village. The area draws hikers and adventure seekers.

Khumjung is near Namche Bazaar on the Everest trekking route. Many trekkers stop here to acclimate before climbing higher. Green-roofed homes fill the wide plain. The village is famous along the Everest Base Camp trek for its Sherpa culture and mountain views.

What Makes Khumjung Worth a Stop

Many trekkers hurry towards the Everest Base Camp trek. Khumjung Village offers a unique cultural stop on the Everest trek. This Sherpa village feels peaceful and authentic. You can see a glimpse of Sherpa life and tradition here.

Khumjung Monastery keeps the famous Yeti scalp, which amazes travellers.

The Hillary School stands in the village. Sir Edmund Hillary built it to help Sherpa children learn.

Khunde Hospital sits nearby. Mountaineers and the Sherpa community share a strong bond. Khumjung lets visitors experience true Sherpa hospitality. You can walk past stone houses with green roofs, eat local Sherpa food, and watch yaks.

Highlights of Khumjung

• See the legendary Yeti scalp at Khumjung Monastery.
• Visit Hillary School, a landmark of Sherpa education.
• Explore Sherpa culture and taste local dishes.
• Enjoy quiet village life away from crowded trails.
• Watch yaks and admire stone houses with green roofs.

Staying in Khumjung During the Trek

During the trek to Everest, many travellers look for where to stay and eat on the EBC trek. Tea houses and small lodges in the Khumjung are simple but welcoming. These local places show the warmth of Sherpa hospitality. 

You will find basic rooms, tasty food, and a cosy place to rest after walking on the Everest Base Camp trail. The peaceful pace here is different from the busy Namche Bazaar.

Sherpa families run some tea houses and offer real local food. You can try potato stew, momos, and Tibetan bread. 

Popular trekking foods like dal bhat, noodles, and soup are always available. In the evening, trekkers and locals share stories in dining rooms warmed by stoves.

Stopping overnight helps trekkers adjust to the high altitude. 

The village stands at 3,790 meters. It’s a good place to rest before going to Tengboche, Dingboche, or Everest Base Camp. Staying here also supports the community and lets you enjoy authentic Sherpa culture.

Best Time to Experience Khumjung and EBC Trails

The best time to visit Khumjung Village and walk the Everest Base Camp trail is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). 

These months have clear skies and good weather. You will see beautiful views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other big peaks in the Khumbu region. 

In spring, the path is full of rhododendron flowers. Autumn has cool air and great visibility. Both seasons are perfect for trekking.

Monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are harder times for trekking. Heavy rain makes the path slippery in the monsoon, and the clouds cover the mountains. In winter, it gets very cold and paths may be blocked with snow. 

Tea house stays can be less comfortable, and high passes may be hard to cross. Khumjung is open all year, but picking the right time gives you a safer and better trekking journey.

Reaching Khumjung on the Everest Base Camp Route

Many trekkers visit Khumjung Village during their acclimatisation hike from Namche Bazaar. Namche is the main entrance to the Everest region. After flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, trekkers walk for two days to reach Namche.

Most people then spend an extra day in Namche to get used to the higher altitude. From Namche, a side trek goes past the Syangboche Airstrip. It takes about two hours to walk up to Khumjung. This route helps trekkers adjust and offers views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

You can also reach Khumjung by trekking towards Tengboche and making a short detour. But the hike from Namche is the most popular way. 

What Trekkers Should Pack for Khumjung and Beyond

Pack smart for your trek to Khumjung Village and on to Everest Base Camp. The right gear helps you stay safe and comfortable at high altitudes.

What to bring:

• Warm clothing: Wear layers, thermal tops and bottoms, gloves, and hats. Nights can be very cold at 3,790 meters.
• Solid boots: Pick waterproof trekking boots with good grip for rocky trails.
• Sleeping bag: Use a four-season sleeping bag. Tea house blankets may not keep you warm enough.
• Daypack basics: Carry water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a power bank.
• Altitude safety: Bring medicine for altitude sickness, first-aid items, and any prescriptions.
• Respect local culture: Take a scarf or shawl for monastery visits. Use a reusable water bottle to help the environment.

These tips make your journey to Khumjung and Everest safer and more enjoyable.

Adding Khumjung to Your Everest Journey

Adding Khumjung to the Everest trek lets travellers explore the heart of the Khumbu region. Spending a night here helps with acclimatization. 

You also get time to visit the Hillary School, Khumjung Monastery, and watch Sherpa families go about their day. It is a great way to balance rest with learning before heading to Tengboche or further to Everest Base Camp.

At Mountain Routes, trekking is more than moving from place to place. The team wants travellers to connect with local culture. Their plans highlight stops like Khumjung, where guests can slow down and listen to the tales of the Himalayas. 

They arrange Sherpa homestays and guide trekkers through history, making each trip more special.

Khumjung Village is a wise choice for those who want more from their Everest Base Camp trek. It appeals to trekkers who value culture and calm places.

If your goal is to finish the trek quickly, you may skip Khumjung. But if you want to enjoy both trekking and learning about the Himalayas, stopping here gives a richer experience in the mountains.