Khumjung is a quiet Sherpa village in a sheltered bowl above Namche Bazaar in the Everest Region, known for its school and its monastery. At about 3,790 m, it is a favourite acclimatisation walk and a gentler alternative to the busier main trail through Namche.
Altitude: about 3,790 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Khumjung is and why trekkers stop
Khumjung sits on a broad shelf above Namche, reached by a steady climb of a few hours that varies with pace and trail conditions. Trekkers stop here for the Namche rest day, to see the school and monastery, or as a night on routes such as the Everest View trek. It also joins the trail on to Tengboche, so some itineraries link it with the main Everest path. Visiting the school and monastery is worth the time if the day allows.
What to expect at Khumjung
Expect stone houses with potato fields and low walls, a calm main lane and a few lodges and tea houses. The village is shielded from the worst wind, and its bowl shape gives a peaceful feel quite unlike the busy town below. Views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega open from the paths around it. Visitors should dress modestly at the monastery, remove shoes where asked and ask before taking photographs inside. Locals are welcoming but the village is a home, not a museum.
Altitude and how you may feel
At about 3,790 m, Khumjung is higher than Namche, so many trekkers use it as the high point of the acclimatisation day and walk back down to sleep. That climb high and sleep low pattern is a sound habit. If you stay overnight, expect a slightly harder night than in Namche, with possible headache or restless sleep. Drink plenty and ascend gradually. Altitude illness can strike at this height, and if symptoms worsen you should descend and tell your guide.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges are fewer and simpler than in Namche, though many are warm and family run. Menus follow the Khumbu pattern of dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, soup and eggs. Bring cash, since options for card or bank machine use are limited. Take layers, a hat and sunglasses, because the exposed walk up gets sunny and then cold fast. Ask your guide which path suits you, since there are routes back to Namche, on to Tengboche and across to other villages.
Stage guides that pass through Khumjung
These day-by-day guides start or end at Khumjung, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Khumjung to Pangboche trek: stages, altitude and time
- Namche Bazaar to Khumjung trek: altitude, time and route
- Khumjung to Dingboche trek: stages, altitude and time
- Lukla to Khumjung trek: stages, altitude and time
- Phakding to Khumjung trek: stages, altitude and time
- Monjo to Khumjung trek: stages, altitude and time
- Khumjung to Tengboche trek: altitude, time and route
- Khumjung to Deboche trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
What is Khumjung known for?
It is known as a quiet Sherpa village in a sheltered bowl, with a respected school and a monastery. Visitors often walk there on the Namche rest day for the calm and the mountain views.
Is Khumjung higher than Namche Bazaar?
Yes. Khumjung is at about 3,790 m, around 350 m above Namche. That makes it a good high point for the rest day walk, followed by a return to sleep lower.
Can I trek from Khumjung to Tengboche?
Yes, the trail continues from the village across the hillside and down to the main route towards Tengboche. Timing varies with pace and trail conditions, so ask your guide on the day.
