10-Days Sherpa Village Trek
USD 999
10 Days / 9 Nights
Easy to Moderate
3,820 m (Thame Village)
3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights), local tea houses/lodges during trek
Private transfers in Kathmandu + Round-trip scenic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
2–12 people (private departures available)
March–May (Spring) & September–November (Autumn)
Highlights
- Trek through the famous Khumbu Valley, which is home to the Sherpa people and has been known for more than a century for helping climbers reach Everest.
- For generations of monks and mountaineers, Thame Monastery has been a spiritual centre. It is over 350 years old.
- Visit Khumjung Village, where the Khumjung Monastery and the famous “yeti scalp” relic are.
- From quiet ridgelines far from busy trails, you can see Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Thamserku in all their glory.
- Cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, which is named after Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the top of Everest with Tenzing Norgay.
- Stay in family-run Sherpa tea houses and try traditional foods like butter tea (su cha) and Sherpa stew (shyakpa).
- Visit Sherpa villages where life is shaped by Buddhism, farming, and climbing the mountains.
- Walk by mani walls and prayer wheels that spin, and learn about the Tibetan Buddhist customs that shape Sherpa life.
- Sleep under the clear skies of the Himalayas, where the Milky Way seems almost within reach.
- Great for people who have never hiked before, love culture, or want to see Everest without the hard work of the Base Camp trek.
10-Days Sherpa Village Trek Introduction
The cultural centre of the Everest region can be reached by doing the 10-day Sherpa Village Trek. Each step immerses you in the Sherpa people’s warm friendliness, each trail is rich in history, and each breeze delivers the sound of ancient chants. Physical conquest usually the main focus of high-altitude excursions, but this trip is different. It allows for a more deliberate and leisurely connection with the Khumbu Valley. Beautiful views of the Himalayas and historic customs can be found in the valley.
You will be away from the throng, yet you will retrace the routes once used by well-known mountaineers. From the bustling marketplace of Namche Bazaar, you will go to the serene monasteries of Thame and Khumjung. A combination of leisurely walks and profound cultural encounters, such as sipping butter tea at a family-run teahouse, observing prayer flags flying over suspension bridges, and sleeping beneath the Himalayan stars, are part of each day.
For families, first-time hikers, and anyone interested in learning more about the local way of life, this is an excellent walk. In addition to being inexpensive and easily accessible, it offers vistas of Everest without the intensity of Everest Base Camp. In addition to being beautiful scenery, the mountains here are the living, breathing guardians of a civilisation that has flourished for hundreds of years.
Gallery
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla — Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Khumjung Village (3780m)
- Day 5: Khumjung to Thame Village (3820m)
- Day 6: Thame to Lungde Village (3,850m)
- Day 7: Lungde to Phortse Village (3,800m)
- Day 8: Phortse to Namche Bazaar
- Day 9: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Day 10: Lukla to Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla — Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
The journey begins with scenic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, landing on one of the world’s most dramatic airstrips, in approximately 35-minute flights. Your first ‘trekking’ is easy, along the shimmering Dudh Koshi River, with a backdrop of lush pine forest and rhododendron. Following the river, structures of iconic suspension bridges adorned with zig-zagging prayer flags, dancing in the wind, mirror the sense of adventure. The 3–4 hour walk (approx. 8 km) and we arrive in Phakding, a beautiful village on the river with welcoming tea houses. You sense the hospitality and kindness of the village immediately.
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Today, we walk along the undulating patterns of river valleys and forests. The trail crosses a number of suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge, to find the Dudh Koshi flowing furiously below us. As we walk on ‘forest trails’, we gradually climb out into one of the higher valleys, and the distant peaks begin to reveal themselves. Our first glimpses of Everest and Ama Dablam tease us along the trek. After 5–6 hours walking approximately 10 km, we arrive in Namche Bazaar, the bustling hub of Sherpa civilization, with the crescent moon-shaped region perched above the valley.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
Take a breather today and enjoy your first taste of Sherpa culture. You may take optional walks today; for example, a 2-3 hour (5km) walk to the Everest View Hotel will take you above the town to an area with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also wander around the lively main market street of Namche or head to the Sherpa Culture Museum and find out a little more about this hardy mountain community.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Khumjung Village (3780m)
We will depart Namche today and move in a south and east direction through fragrant rhododendron and terraced fields. Khumjung is the traditional village of the Sherpa people and has a lovely old monastery that is rumored to house a yeti skull! Khumjung is a quiet village, and the streets reflect the ambience of a typical Himalayan village, untouched by modern life. Today is a relatively easy trek of 4-5 hours over roughly 8km. Although up and down, the ascents will not be exhausting, and today will have a more relaxed, meditative tone.
Day 5: Khumjung to Thame Village (3820m)
After Khumjung, we walk for 4-5 hours, about 10km, through a pine forest and ridge walking, ending up in Thame, a village which has mountaineering experience. The monastery offers a spiritual point for both local and climbing Sherpas. You can think more slowly here, as Thame is where you learn how to feel and be in the heartbeat of the Sherpa.
Day 6: Thame to Lungde Village (3,850m)
Step off the beaten path and travel to Lungde, a delightful, rural village that has not been spoiled by mass tourism. The trek is approximately 7–8 km, which will take you about 4–5 hours. As you pass trail-side forests, pasture land, and hardy yaks, you won’t encounter much foot traffic in this serene setting, which will add to its charm. Lungde is a genuine picture of life for the Sherpa in the Himalaya mountains.
Day 7: Lungde to Phortse Village (3,800m)
After a restful night in Lungde, the trail guides you gently down for about 4–5 hours, covering 7 kilometers, to Phortse Village, where you will be introduced to a quaint village situated on a ridge with stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Don’t miss the local monastery, which is the spiritual and communal focus of Phortse. Appreciate the tranquility and peace of the mountains while in Phortse.
Day 8: Phortse to Namche Bazaar
Today, you will take a different route back to Namche, which is a beautiful 12 km, 5–6 hour trek. You will hike a route that guides you to new views of both the valley and the surrounding high peaks. Enjoy the return to civilization and the excitement of the Sherpa market town of Namche.
Day 9: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Your final day of trekking is a longer day consisting of approximately 20km of descent to Lukla over 6–7 hours. Once again, you retrace your steps to Lukla, passing natural deep forest and suspension bridges that give you impressive views of the valley below, and return to the town for a celebratory evening with your guides and porters who completed your trek with you.
Day 10: Lukla to Kathmandu
Back from Lukla to Kathmandu via flight. A beautiful 35-minute flight providing an aerial experience in the Himalayas – a mountain magic and Sherpa spirit farewell to this amazing journey.
Includes
Airport Transfers in Kathmandu:
- Private transfers to make sure you are welcomed to Nepal and farewelled appropriately.
2 Nights' Accommodation in Kathmandu:
- Stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Thamel, breakfast included, to give you a chance to rest and prepare for your trek before and after your trip.
Round Trip Scenic Flight:
- Taking you from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, flying high above the ridges and valleys of the Himalayas, and experiencing breathtaking views.
All Ground Transport:
- All your land transport, as well as local transfers, will be included in the cost of your trek itinerary.
Experienced Licensed Trekking Guide:
- One companion, protector, and storyteller for the duration of your trek.
Porter service:
- One shared porter for every two trekkers to carry much of your heavy luggage, allowing you to trek with a light pack.
Permits and Fees:
- All permits, including the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and a TIMS card, will be arranged.
Accommodation on the Trek:
- Simple tea house/lodge accommodation in Sherpa villages, basic in layout and standards, but cozy with a genuine hospitality consistent with mountain life.
All Meals During the Trek:
- Our price will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your time on the trails, and warm drinks of tea and coffee.
First Aid Kit & Safety Measures:
- Safety measures, as well as medical supplies to assist you at high altitudes.
Government Taxes and Service Charges:
- Our price will be an upfront, single price with no hidden fees.
Excludes
Nepali Visa Fee:
- The fee is paid upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Please note the latest visa requirements before travel.
Travel Insurance:
- We highly recommend travel insurance if you are trekking to an altitude, as it is vital for emergencies, as it covers medical emergencies, evacuation, cancellations, and so on.
Meals in Kathmandu (Lunch & Dinner):
- Explore the food scene in Thamel at your leisure; Meals are the only meals not provided.
Hot Showers and Wi-Fi on the Trail:
- Please be aware that this will be an extra charge for some tea house provisions.
Snacks, Soft Drinks, and Bottled Water:
- Available for purchase during the trek, and you may want to bring your favorite snacks. Hydration is very important at altitude!
Personal Expenses:
- This includes the likes of laundry, calls, souvenirs, batteries, or other small comforts you may desire.
Tips for Guide and Porter:
- This is optional, but a great way to show appreciation for their dedication and hard work throughout your adventure.
What Makes This Sherpa Village trek Special ?
This walk combines beautiful views of the Everest region with a deep look into the lives of Sherpas in their villages. You’ll see the mountains from all sides without the crowds at Everest Base Camp, visit monasteries that have been around for hundreds of years, and stay in family-run tea houses for a real experience. Great for people who want to connect with others instead of being high up.
