Where is Pangboche Village ?
Pangboche Village is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Everest region, located at 3,190 meters in the Solukhumbu district. It lies within Sagarmatha National Park,a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The village is located between Namche Bazaar and Dingboche and is about 2.5 km from Debuche. Many trekkers choose Pangboche as an alternative to staying in Debuche while hiking to Everest Base Camp.
How to Reach Pangboche Village ?
There are two main ways to reach Pangboche: by flying to Lukla and trekking or by driving to Salleri and then trekking. Since there is no road access to Pangboche village, trekking is the only way to get there. The first option is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche before reaching Pangboche. The total trekking distance from Lukla to Pangboche is approximately 20 km.
The second option to reach Pangboche is to drive from Kathmandu to Salleri and then trek to Chaurikharka, which takes a couple of days. From there, you follow the same trail as above from Phakding to reach Pangboche.Pangboche village has one helipad, but it is only used for emergencies or medical evacuations.
Pangboche Village to Everest Base Camp Distance
The distance from Pangboche Village to Everest Base Camp is about 16-17 kilometers (10-10.5 miles). However, the actual trekking distance is longer because of the steep trails and high altitude.
It usually takes 3-4 days to reach Everest Base Camp from Pangboche. This is not just because of the distance but mainly due to the big altitude gain. Pangboche is at 3,930 meters (12,894 feet), while Everest Base Camp is at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). To adjust to the high altitude, trekkers stop at Dingboche and Lobuche along the way.
Accommodation and Facilities in Pangboche Village
In Pangboche, you can find several teahouses and lodges that provide basic but comfortable accommodation. Most Pangboche teahouses have simple rooms with twin beds, warm blankets, and shared bathrooms. Some lodges in Pangboche Village offer private rooms with attached bathrooms, but these are limited. The lodges also have dining halls where trekkers can enjoy hot meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes.
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Facilities in the Pangboche village are quite basic due to its remote location. Electricity is available but may be limited, and Wi-Fi is provided in some lodges for an extra charge. Mobile network coverage is weak, but some places offer satellite phone services. Hot showers are available in most lodges, though you may need to pay extra. Since Pangboche is at a high altitude, trekkers should be mindful of acclimatization and drink plenty of water.
Things to do in and around Pangboche Village
Visit Pangboche Monastery
Pangboche Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region, located at an altitude of 3,980 meters. Originally built in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1667, it sits along the route to Everest Base Camp. The monastery is currently maintained by 18 monks and 14 community members from Pangboche village. Inside, visitors can find "The Statue of God Green Tara" which includes 21 statues. The monastery has an interesting connection to Lama Sangwa Dorje, known as "The Flying Lama," who according to legend was helped by a Yeti while meditating in a nearby cave. The monastery is an important spiritual center where visitors can join prayer rituals, participate in meditation sessions, and receive blessings from monks. It's also known for celebrating important festivals like Dumjee, Kengyur, and Ngungne Puja. Visiting Pangboche monastery is one of the best things to do in Pangboche village however, there is an entry fee of 250 Nepalese Rupees for tourists in Pangboche monastery, which goes toward maintaining the monastery.
Hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp
From Pangboche, you can take a hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600m) . The village is in a perfect spot with amazing views of the Ama Dablam mountain. The trail to the Ama Dablam base camp is beautiful, with stunning Himalayan scenery. At the base camp, you get an up-close view of Ama Dablam, a mountain with a sharp, unique peak which is recognized as the Matterhorn of Himalayas.
Learn about Sherpa people and their culture
Pangboche is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu Valley. Here, you can see traditional stone houses decorated with prayer flags and meet local Sherpa people. You can learn about their Buddhist traditions, daily life, and farming methods. The village is a great place to understand how Sherpas have kept their culture alive while also adapting to modern times.
Hiking and Acclimatization
Since Pangboche is at 3,980 meters, it is an important stop for trekkers going to Everest Base Camp. Acclimatizing in Pangboche village helps your body adjust to the high altitude before moving to higher places. You can take short hikes around the upper Pangboche, which helps with acclimatization and also offers the stunning views of surrounding mountains like Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
FAQs
Can i see Mount Everest from Pangboche Village?
From From Pangboche Village, you can see part of Mount Everest, but it is not as clear as from places like Tengboche or Kala Patthar. However, the village offers stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, and Kangtega.
What is the best time to visit Pangboche Village?
The best time to visit Pangboche Village is during the spring season, from March to May, and the autumn season, from September to November, as the weather during these seasons is stable and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In autumn, you can also experience festivals like the Mani Rimdu Festival.
What are the food options in Pangboche Village?
Most teahouses in Pangboche village serve Nepali and Tibetan cuisine, including dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), thukpa (noodle soup), momo (dumplings), yak cheese and bread, tea, coffee, and energy drinks.
Are there ATMs or money exchange facilities in Pangboche Village?
No, there are no ATMs or money exchange facilities in the Pangboche Village. The last ATM in the Everest region is in the Namche Bazaar, so make sure to bring enough Nepali Rupees (NPR) for your expenses.
