Description

After a few days acclimatising in the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, this is a day where you will leave the beaten track and head up into a much wilder corner of the Khumbu. Begin the day by climbing up to the famous Gompa which overlooks Namche and then follow a path which traverses north-west out of town.

There is so much to look at on the first hour or 2 of the hike that it can be hard to decide where to focus your attention! Fortunately you do not have far to cover today so you can take your time and divide your time between looking at the north face of Kongde Ri, the juniper, oak and birch trees, and the numerous mani walls (built from hundreds of hand carved stones, each engraved with a Tibetan script). The initial section of the hike takes you high above the Bhote Khosi river and through the tiny settlements of Samshing, Theso, Thame and Samde.

Not long after passing Samde (and about 4 hours after leaving Namche) descend down to the valley floor, cross a suspension bridge and climb briefly to reach Thame. The village has a long history and has long been one of the most important settlements in the Khumbu.

When salt trading was at its peak between Nepal, Tibet and India, Thame was the highest village on the trade route which was inhabited year round.

More recently it has been home to Ama Sherpa, who holds the record for the number of Everest summits, with 21. Take some time to visit the famous old Thame monastery and also to savour the relative solitude of the village compared to the bustle of Namche.