Where is Pheriche Village?
Pheriche village altitude is 4,371 meters above sea level within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the Khumbu Valley, the village lies between Dingboche and Gorakshep. As an alternative to Dingboche village, Pheriche is a popular stop for trekkers on the way to Everest Base Camp. Pheriche serves as a common overnight stop, offering several teahouses and lodges.
Pheriche Village to Everest Base Camp Distance
The distance from Pheriche to Everest Base Camp is about 12-13 kilometers (7.5-8 miles). It usually takes 2-3 days to hike mainly because of the difficult terrain and the need to adjust to the high altitude. Pheriche is at 4,371 meters (14,340 feet), and the trail goes uphill through the Khumbu Valley. Trekkers pass through Lobuche and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp, which is at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar Distance
The distance from Pheriche village to Namche Bazaar is approximately 20-22 kilometers (12-14 miles). It usually takes 2 days for trekkers to complete this downhill hike while returning back from the Everest base camp. The trail goes from Pheriche at 4,371 meters (14,340 feet) down to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters (11,286 feet). It will take you through villages like Pangboche and Tengboche along the way, offering the great views of peaks like Ama Dablam and the Everest range. The trek is easier, being mainly downhill and much quicker; however, the paths are rocky, necessitating careful walking.
How to reach Pheriche Village?
To reach Pheriche in Nepal's Khumbu region, take a 30-40 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m). Then, trek over four days Lukla to Phakding (2,610m) , Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Namche to Tengboche (3,870m) , and Tengboche to Pheriche (4,371m).
For those who prefer not to fly you can take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri. From Salleri, it takes a few days of trekking to reach Chaurikharka, where the trail connects to the main Everest Base Camp route. This path also passes through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche before reaching Pheriche.
Accommodation and Facilities in Pheriche
Pheriche accommodation are often filled with basic teahouses and lodges. The Pheriche lodges are simple, with twin beds and shared bathrooms, and the stone buildings have minimal insulation. While some places provide electric blankets, it’s important to bring a warm sleeping bag, as nights can be very cold. Teahouses have a dining room at the center with a stove for heating and offer simple Nepali and Western food such as dal bhat, momos, noodles, and soups. Hot beverages, including ginger tea, are also easily available to help acclimatize to the altitude. Basic facilities in Pheriche include the HRA clinic, which provides emergency medical treatment and altitude sickness medication. Basic satellite WiFi is available on the treks for which a fee is paid; lodges do provide limited charging facilities for electronics, usually charged per hour. Small shops sell necessities, snacks, and bottled water.
Popular Things to do in Pheriche Village
Visit the Pheriche Aid Post
The Pheriche Aid Post, established in 1973 by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), is a vital medical facility in Nepal’s Khumbu Himalayas. Located at 4,371 meters (14,340 feet) in Pheriche village, it provides emergency care for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and other trekking-related issues. From a simple yak hut to its present well-equipped facility, it is serviced by international volunteers and locally based medical professionals. It is a 24/7 facility, has daily educational sessions on altitude sickness prevention, and operates on donations. It operates during peak trekking seasons and has become an essential stop for trekkers and expedition groups, saving countlessness lives and promoting safety in the Everest region.
Acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang Peak or Chukung
The Nangkartshang hike is a popular acclimatization hike from Pheriche village, a 3-4 hour climb and 1-2 hours down. The trail lies behind Pheriche village and goes steep uphill on a ridge, offering breathtaking views of different peaks like Amphu Lapcha, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Cholatse, and even Mount Everest and Lhotse on good weather days.The pheriche weather is generally colder in comparison to dingboche. It gains about 700 m in altitude, making the climb ideal for acclimatization even though the top is quite steep. Another option is the longer hike to Chukung, which takes 4-5 hours each way. This trail follows the Imja Khola valley through yak pastures and rocky terrain, offering unique views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam. It is less steep but longer, with tea houses en route where one can rest and take food. Chukung also forms a base for trekkers bound for Island Peak.
Visit Pheriche Monastery
The Pheriche Monastery, or Pheriche Gompa, is one of the significant but smaller monasteries within the village of Pheriche. This monastery is on a hill in a quiet location with a stunning mountain view. This monastery has also been built traditionally in Tibetan style with colored flags, Buddhist paintings, and sacred artifacts. This monastery offers an opportunity to visitors for participating in early morning prayers and observing monks performing the rituals. During Buddhist festivals, the monastery hosts special ceremonies .Although it is smaller compared to famous monasteries like Tengboche, it provides a close look at Sherpa spiritual life.
Enjoy stunning views of the himalayas
Pheriche village offers stunning views of the mountains, including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Taboche, Kangtega, Island Peak, Everest, and Cholatse. Located in the wide valley, one can get an unobstructed view from Pheriche village of these towering peaks. The views are specially stunning during clear mornings and evenings when the sunlight turns the snow-capped mountains golden.
FAQs
Can you see Everest from Pheriche Village?
Yes, Mount Everest is visible from certain area around Pheriche village. However, the view of Everest is somewhat limited, as peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Taboche dominate the immediate landscape
What is the difference between Pheriche and Dingboche?
Both Dingboche and Pheriche are villages in the Khumbu region and are popular acclimatization stops on the way to the Everest Base Camp trek. Dingboche village is generally considered warmer compared to Pheriche, making it a perfect spot for acclimatization due to its protection from icy winds and more pleasant weather. However, Dingboche village (4,410 meters) is slightly higher in altitude than Pheriche village (4,371 meters).
