Khumjung Village (3,680 m) is the largest village in the Everest region and a prominent acclimatization hiking spot from Namche Bazaar. This village is the biggest Sherpa village in the Everest region and is believed to house a yeti scalp. It is not as touristy or crowded and remains a traditional Sherpa village. Visiting Khunde and Khumjung villages is a popular activity in Namche Bazaar, as it helps trekkers acclimatize before continuing their journey to Everest Base Camp. The hike to this village begins from the northwest of Namche Bazaar. Shaped like a bowl, Khumjung village is located at the base of Mount Khumbila and offers stunning views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mount Khumbila, Mt. Thamserku, and many more. Once you enter Khumjung Village, you will find a traditional Sherpa settlement with teahouses, lodges, the Khumjung Monastery, and a few bakeries and cafes, the most famous being Everest Bakery Cafe. Most trekkers acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar take a hike to Khumjung sherpa village before ascending further into the mountains.
Khumjung village in Everest has long been an important Sherpa village and was also along the old trade road between Tibet and Nepal. The Khumjung Sherpas traded goods like salt, wool, and yak items with Tibetan merchants and people living in the lower regions of Nepal. Since Khumjung altitude is 3,680 meters, trekkers need to be careful about altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness, AMS). It is a popular acclimatization stop for those heading towards Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, or the Three Passes Trek. If you already feel unwell in Namche Bazaar (3,440m), it is best not to hike to Khumjung. Instead, you should rest and explore Namche until you feel better before going to a higher altitude.
Where is Khumjung Village?
Khumjung village, Nepal is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Everest region, located at an altitude of 3,790 m near Mount Khumbila. This village lies inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khumjung village can normally be reached as a side trip from Namche Bazaar during the Everest Base Camp trek. Situated above Namche Bazaar, it is approximately a 1 to 1 and half hour hike from there.
How to Reach Khumjung Village?
You can reach Khumjung Village on a short day tour during the Everest Base Camp trek.
- By Foot: Khumjung Village can be visited as a side trip during your Everest Base Camp trek. First option is, take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then hike through Phakding or Monjo to reach Namche Bazaar. From Namche Bazaar, you can take a day trip to Khumjung and Khunde villages. Khunde Village is adjacent to Khumjung and is often considered its sister village. If you prefer not to take a flight, another option is to drive to Salleri and hike to Chaurikharka, which takes a couple of days. From there, follow the same trekking route from Phakding to Namche and then to Khumjung Village.
- By Helicopter: Or you can also reach Khumjung or Khunde Village by chartering a helicopter from Kathmandu, which will take a total of 57 minutes. Usually, a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla will take 45 minutes, and from Lukla, another 10–15 minutes to reach Khumjung Village. But no one usually takes a direct flight from Kathmandu to Khumjung village due to the risk of altitude sickness.
Namche Bazaar to Khumjung Village Distance
The hike from Namche Bazaar to Khumjung Village is about 3 km and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. On the way, you will pass Hillary Viewpoint, which is 2 km from Namche bazaar, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach. This spot offers stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. From Hillary Viewpoint, Khumjung Village is another 30 to 40 minutes away. If you want to visit Khunde Village, which is next to Khumjung, it’s about a 40-minute walk from Hillary Viewpoint.
Yeti Scalp at Khumjung Monastery
Khumjung Monastery Yeti scalp attracts plenty of attention from locals, researchers, and travelers. The monastery carefully preserves this mysterious item in a locked cabinet, making it a popular spot for those curious about the legendary Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman.
The scalp is dark brown and appears to be made up of animal hair. Its shape is unlike the hair of known animals, and some believe it could be that of a Yeti. The scalp was carried to the monastery by local Sherpa people, claiming that it was a genuine piece of the Yeti, an animal said to inhabit the high Himalayan ranges. For years, people believed that the scalp was evidence of the Yeti's existence.
Sir Edmund Hillary, the famous mountaineer, examined the scalp in 1960 when he was on his expedition. He was intrigued by it, and later scientific examination discovered that the scalp would have been of a Tibetan blue bear or serow (goat-antelope species), and not of a Yeti. But this piece of information did not change the strong belief of the local people in the myth of the Yeti.
Despite the scientific explanation, the scalp continues to be culturally important to the Sherpa people. It represents the Yeti myth, which is a significant component of their folklore. Tourists to Khumjung Monastery can see this interesting artifact.
Popular things to explore in and around Khumjung Village
Khumjung Monastery
Khumjung village day hike allows you to visit the Khumjung Monastery which is one of the most prominent religious landmarks of the Khumbu region. It is famous for having maintained a mysterious relic that is reportedly the scalp of a Yeti, a mythical Himalayan creature. The monastery is a central spiritual place of worship for the local Sherpas, and one can observe traditional Buddhist ceremonies, stunning murals, and centuries-old scriptures. The peaceful setting and the scenery offered by surrounding mountains make it a perfect location for cultural tours.
Khumjung Hillary School
Khumjung Hillary School was established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 as a program to raise the level of education in Nepal's rural villages. It is one of the first schools in the Everest region and has been contributing a lot to providing quality education to Sherpa kids. The khumjung school has been expanding year after year and now educates students from different parts of the Everest region. The visitors are able to view the work of Hillary and understand the challenges of education in villages at high altitudes.
Khunde Hospital
Khunde Hospital is another brilliant work by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust. It was established in 1966 and provides critical medical care to the people of the Khumbu region. It is the only hospital in the area that has modern health facilities, including maternity services, vaccinations, and emergency services. The hospital also has local and foreign doctors who work day and night to deliver proper medical care to the isolated communities.
Everest View Hotel
Everest View Hotel is one of the highest-altitude hotels in the world at 3,880 meters above sea level. This hotel is a luxurious facility that offers panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan mountains. It is an ideal destination for trekkers and tourists who wish to experience the beauty of the Everest region and relax in comfort. Visitors enjoy tasty meals, hospitable services, and a memorable sunrise or sunset over the mountains.
Syangboche Airport
Syangboche Airport is a small airstrip located near Namche Bazaar, at 3,780 meters above sea level. It was built first to meet the needs of the Everest region, but due to its high altitude and short runway, it is not utilized for normal commercial flights. Instead, it is used for the most part for chartered helicopters and special cargo flights. The airport offers stunning scenery of mountains surrounding it and serves as a transit point for helicopters carrying tourists and supplies.
Sir Edmund Hillary Viewpoint
Sir Edmund Hillary Viewpoint is a scenic viewpoint dedicated to the legendary mountaineer , Sir Edmund Hillarywho, along with Tenzing Norgay, became the first person to summit Mount Everest in 1953. From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other stunning peaks. Many trekkers stop here to capture photographs and appreciate the incredible landscape.
FAQs
Are there any Teahouses and lodges in Khumjung Village?
Yes, there are several lodges and teahouses in Khumjung village with comfortable rooms and good Nepali food. Some of the popular lodges include Everest View Lodge, Sherpa Rest House, Khumjung Guest House, and Hotel Khumjung.
What is the weather like in Khumjung Village?
The weather in Khumjung village is cold, especially in the winter months, with temperatures dropping below freezing. In spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking.
Are there any ATMs in Khumjung village?
No, there aren't any ATMs in Khumjung village, but you can find some ATMs in Namche Bazaar.
