Khumjung Village is nestled in the heart of the Khumbu region in northeastern Nepal. Perched at an altitude of 3,790 meters (12,434 feet), it lies just above the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, making it a key stop for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp or exploring the Sherpa heartland.

Khumjung is located in Nepal, within the Solukhumbu District of the Himalayas. It is one of the largest and most culturally significant Sherpa villages in the Everest region.

Khumjung is one of the largest Sherpa settlements in Nepal. Visitors can see stone houses with carved wooden windows and green roofs, surrounded by terraced fields of barley and potatoes in the village. A tight-knit Sherpa community known for mountaineering expertise and Buddhist traditions lives here. Local bakeries and teahouses serve authentic Sherpa cuisine. 

Khumjung Hillary School, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961, who was one of the first person to climb Mount Everest, is also in Khumjung. was one of the first educational institutions in the Khumbu region. A legendary Yeti Scalp is also housed in the Khumjung Monastery.

Less crowded than Namche Bazaar but equally rich in culture. You should also visit the nearby Khunde village, which has the Khunde Hillary Hospital, when you come to Khumjung.

Khumjung : Key Summary Table 

Khumjung Secondary School

The Khumjung Secondary School, which is also known as the Edmund Hillary School, is an important educational institutions in the Khumbu region. Founded in 1961 by Sir Edmund Hillary (the first climber to summit Mount Everest), this school was created to provide Sherpa children with access to modern education. Before its establishment, formal schooling was extremely limited in this remote Himalayan village.

The school started with only a couple of classes and gradually expanded into becoming a full fledged higher secondary school. Its students sat for the grade 10 board exams in Nepal, S.E.E. (S.L.C. then), in 1984, a decade after it was handed over to the Government of Nepal (Khumjung Secondary School, 2024). 

Today, many students in the region are enrolled in the school, which has all facilities required for quality education. It follows Nepal’s national curriculum while also teaching Sherpa traditions and environmental conservation. Many graduates have become mountain guides, teachers, and healthcare workers, proving the school’s lasting impact.

The school is known for its students’ excellent academic performance, especially in the S.E.E. exams. In 2024, it was the top performing school in Solukhumbu district in the exams with a hundred percent pass rate and high individual student scores (Choegyal, 2024).

Visitors can tour the Khumjung Hillary School with permission, and many trekkers choose to support it through donations. The aluminum structure from Sir Edmund Hillary was the school’s classroom for many years. Now it has been turned into the Hillary Visitor Center, which is akin to a museum and showcases his photographs. It was opened in 2023 to mark the 70th anniversary of Everest’s first summit.

Khumjung Secondary School : Key Details

Khumjung Monastery and the Legendary Yeti Scalp

Khumjung Monastery is a historic Buddhist site in the Khumbu region. It is renowned for housing a relic believed to be a Yeti scalp. Built by Sherpa settlers from Tibet centuries ago, this spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism is considered the second oldest monastery in the Khumbu region.

The monastery has intricate murals, prayer flags and statues of deities. Its architecture reflects traditional Tibetan design, with detailed carvings, thangka paintings and prayer flags symbolizing Buddhist teachings.

Festivals like Dumje, which honours Guru Rinpoche, and Mani Rimdu, which is a masked dance festival symbolizing Buddhism’s victory over evil, are celebrated at the monastery and by the village at large. Monks conduct regular prayer ceremonies with chanting, butter lamps and incense.

Visitors can respectfully observe or join the festivities. Local lodges often organize cultural exchange programs, where guests help prepare festival foods or learn traditional Sherpa crafts like wool spinning. Our guided tours can explain its history and cultural significance to you better.

Yeti Scalp

The scalp of Yeti (abominable snowman) which locals believe to be 300-years-old was taken for inspection by Sir Edmund Hillary. Apparently, Hillary and journalist Desmond Doig were looking for the existence of the abominable snowman in 1960 when they found the skull at the home of a woman in Khumjung.

The woman called it a “goodluck charm for the village”, and was hesitant to let it leave the town in fear of something terrible happening. Hillary promised to open a school in the village, donate to the local monastery and take a “guardian” monk, Khumjo Chumbi, from the village for the scalp.

Unfortunately, researchers found the scalp to be made from the fur of a goat-antelop species native to the Himalayan region (Martin, 2017). However, locals are still certain it is a yeti scalp and keep it safely in a box in the Khumjung Monastery.

Khunde Village

When talking about Khumjung, an important town we shouldn’t miss is the nearby Khunde village. Located a short walk from Khumjung, Khunde village probably has the most authentic Sherpa lifestyles in the Khumbu region.

Unlike its more tourist-focused neighbor Khumjung, Khunde's economy is rooted in traditional agriculture. Most families tend potato fields and yak herds graze on its high pastures. The Khunde Hospital, established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1966, is also located in the village.

 The town also has the Khunde School, which is a sister institution to Khumjung’s Hillary School.

Khunde Hillary Hospital

As its name suggests, the Khunde Hospital, also written as Kunde Hospital, is situated in Kunde village. Established in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary, this 15-bed facility offers a range of medical services, including outpatient care, maternity and child health services, family planning and immunization programs, inpatient treatment and diagnostic pathology.

The hospital is staffed by a doctor in charge, a medical officer, nurses, a certified medical assistant (CMA), an auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) and a lab technician. In addition to its main facility, Kunde Hospital has extended its healthcare services to village clinics in Phortse, Thame and Monjo.

Since 1977, the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada has provided full financial support for the hospital and its satellite clinics. Administration and operations are overseen by the Himalayan Trust Nepal.

Hidden Valley and Green Valley

Khumjung is called the ‘Hidden Valley’ and the ‘Green valley’, too. As it is located at the foot of the Khumbi-La mountain with mountains surrounding it from all sides, its location feels isolated. It seems like the valley is “hidden” within the mountains. This is why it is also called the Hidden Valley.

The story behind the name ‘Green Valley’ is an interesting one. A noticeable feature of houses in Khumjung is that all their roofs are painted the same shade of green. This is why the town is also called the Green Valley.

Best Time to Visit and Climate Guide for Khumjung

Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)

Khumjung has a diverse climate throughout the year. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit, with moderate temperatures and clear skies ideal for trekking and enjoying panoramic mountain views. During spring, you will see blooming rhododendrons throughout the region, while autumn has crisp air and excellent visibility. ​

At Trek Me Nepal, we offer guided tours to Khumjung year-round, ensuring safe and memorable experiences regardless of the season. 

Traveling during the monsoon season (June to August) has some challenges, like slippery trails and increased risk of landslides. Winter months (December to February) bring cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, offering serene, snow-covered landscapes for those prepared for the chill.

Regardless of when you choose to visit, our experienced guides are equipped to navigate the varying conditions, ensuring a safe and enriching journey.​

Khumjung During Spring

Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)

Khumjung experiences a cold spring with gradual warming from March to May. March is the coldest, with daytime highs reaching only 5°C and nighttime lows dropping to -21°C. The mean daily temperature remains subzero, with a maximum of 0°C and a minimum of -14°C.

In April, conditions improve slightly, with highs of 8°C and lows of -14°C, while the mean daily temperatures rise to 4°C (max) and -8°C (min). By May, temperatures become relatively milder, with daytime peaks at 11°C and nighttime lows at -8°C.

The mean daily maximum reaches 7°C, while the minimum remains at -2°C. This steady temperature rise indicates a transition toward summer, but cold nights persist, making Khumjung’s spring both chilly and unpredictable.

Khumjung During Summer

Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)

Khumjung’s summer is cool and relatively stable, with temperatures peaking in July and August. June starts with daytime highs reaching 13°C and nighttime lows dipping just below freezing at -1°C. The mean daily temperatures rise to 10°C (max) and 3°C (min).

In July, temperatures reach their summer peak, with daytime highs of 14°C and lows staying above freezing at 3°C. The mean daily maximum climbs to 11°C, while the minimum is 5°C. August mirrors July, with identical temperatures, maintaining a mild summer trend.

While days remain cool, nighttime temperatures stay low, and the weather never turns truly warm. Despite being the monsoon season, the temperature variation remains moderate, making summer in Khumjung mild but not warm.

Khumjung During Autumn

Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)

Autumn in Khumjung brings a sharp drop in temperatures as the season progresses. September remains relatively mild, with highs reaching 12°C and nighttime lows at -1°C. The mean daily maximum is 12°C, while the minimum is 3°C, making it the warmest autumn month.

In October, temperatures start to decline, with daytime highs of 10°C and lows dropping to -10°C. The mean daily temperature falls to 6°C (max) and -4°C (min). By November, winter-like conditions take over, with highs only reaching 6°C and nighttime temperatures plunging to -15°C.

The mean daily temperatures drop to 3°C (max) and -10°C (min). The rapid cooling between September and November highlights autumn as a transition from the mild summer to the harsh winter, with increasingly colder nights and shorter, cooler days.

Khumjung During Winter

Note: (Meteoblue, 2025)

Winter in Khumjung is harsh, with freezing temperatures dominating both day and night. December starts with daytime highs reaching 5°C, but nights drop as low as -21°C. The mean daily maximum is 0°C, while the minimum averages -15°C.

January is the coldest month, with highs barely reaching 2°C and nighttime temperatures plummeting to -27°C. The mean daily temperatures remain well below freezing, with a maximum of -3°C and a minimum of -20°C.

February remains frigid, though slightly warmer than January, with highs of 2°C and lows of -25°C. The mean daily maximum rises slightly to -2°C, while the minimum stays at -18°C. Throughout winter, temperatures rarely climb above freezing, and extreme cold persists, making it the harshest season in Khumjung.

Lifestyle, Culture and Community of Khumjung Village

The economy of Khumjung Village revolves around three main sectors: tourism, agriculture, and trade. As one of the largest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu region, most families have at least one member working in the trekking industry. Many local men work as mountain guides, others as porters. A part of the population is also engaged in agriculture.

During peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn), most working-age villagers are employed in tourism-related jobs. This includes lodge owners, cooks, and staff at the dozen or so guesthouses in Khumjung.

The village has seen growth in specialty tourism services too, with some locals offering cultural tours, photography workshops and yoga retreats. A newer generation of educated Sherpas are entering professional fields like teaching (at the Hillary School), healthcare (at the Khunde Hospital nearby), and conservation work with Sagarmatha National Park.

Some households now have members working abroad, mainly in Gulf countries or Malaysia, who send remittances back home. Daily life in Khumjung is directly affected by the seasons.

In peak trekking seasons (autumn and spring), the town is more bustling and busy the whole day welcoming and housing tourists and trekkers. In off seasons, the town is more laidback.

Flora and Fauna of Khumjung Village

Khumjung is part of the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village sits at the tree line (3,790m), with forests of blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) and Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis) at lower elevations. Above the village, it transitions to juniper shrubs and rhododendron thickets, with the crimson Rhododendron arboreum blooming well in April and May.

The area supports surprising biodiversity despite the altitude. Commonly spotted mammals are the Himalayan Tahr, a goat-antelope that grazes on steep cliffs, musk deer and the red panda, which is mostly nocturnal. Snow leopards occasionally pass through the valley, although their sightings are extremely rare.

Birdlife is also particularly rich here, with over 120 species recorded. The Himalayan monal (Danphe) is found in the open slopes and blood pheasants scratch through undergrowth. Raptors like the golden eagle and Himalayan griffon soar on thermal currents above the village. Conservation programs protect these species, with community-managed “no hunting” zones established around key habitats.

Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences at Khumjung Village 

Sherpa cuisine in Khumjung reflects both nutritional needs at high altitude and centuries of cultural exchange along Himalayan trade routes. A common staple is tsampa, roasted barley flour that's mixed with butter tea to make a dough. This calorie-dense staple provides sustained energy for mountain work. Most lodges serve it with their breakfast sets.

For trekkers, the most common dishes are thukpa, rikikur (grated potato pancakes fried with local spices), shyakpa (meat and vegetable stew with homemade noodles) and momo.

Modern influences have added items like pasta and fried rice to lodge menus, but the healthiest options are the local dishes adapted to high-altitude nutrition needs. Several lodges now offer cooking demonstrations where guests can learn to make momo or thukpa from scratch.

Trekking Route to Khumjung

Khumjung naturally falls on the way to the Everest Base Camp when you start your trek from Lukla. After passing by the villages of Phakding and Monjo, you reach Namche Bazaar. Khumjung is a short walk up from Namche Bazaar.

Most popularly, Khumjung is a side trip many trekkers take as they spend a day or two acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar. Since the village is close to Namche, guides can take them there quickly. The village of Khunde is also close to Khumjung and can be visited on the same day.

After returning to Namche Bazaar, trekkers move further north in the Khumbu region, travelling to the village of Tengboche next.

Attractions and Things to Do in Khumjung

Khumjung Hillary School: Founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, now a top-performing school with 100% exam pass rates. Visit the Hillary Visitor Center showcasing the Everest expedition.

Khumjung Monastery: Houses the legendary Yeti scalp and features intricate Tibetan Buddhist art. Hosts vibrant Mani Rimdu festivals.

Khunde Village: Authentic Sherpa settlement with traditional farms and Khunde Hillary Hospital.

Hidden Green Valley: Scenic hike through yak pastures with Ama Dablam views. Named for its emerald-green rooftops.

Sherpa Culture: Join momo-making classes, wool spinning or Lhosar (New Year) celebrations.

Wildlife Spotting: Look for Himalayan monals (colorful pheasants) and golden eagles in Sagarmatha National Park.

Sustainability and Conservation Efforts in Khumjung Village

Khumjung Village has done its fair share for sustainable tourism in the Everest region. The town has implemented the plastic ban in the Khumbu region since 2020 to preserve its fragile Himalayan ecosystem (Mandal, 2019). As part of Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO-listed since 1979), the village requires trekkers to use refillable containers.

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), which is funded by $2 from each trekking permit, oversees trail maintenance and alpine grassland restoration projects.

Community-led conservation is central to Khumjung.

Local Sherpa teams manage anti-poaching patrols and reforestation drives, planting 5,000 blue pine saplings annually. Wildlife protection efforts in the village include bird-friendly lodge windows.

Conclusion

Khumjung, often called the ‘Green Valley’ of the Khumbu region, is a hidden gem with breathtaking landscapes, rich Sherpa heritage, and historical significance. The village houses Khumjung Hillary School and the sacred Khumjung Monastery with the Yeti Scalp.

Whether you visit in spring for rhododendron blooms, in autumn for crisp mountain views, or even in winter for a serene snow-covered experience, Khumjung has adventure in store for you year-round.

References

Choegyal, L. (2024, July 3). Hillary school attains Himalayan heights. Nepali Times. https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/hillary-school-attains-himalayan-heights 

Khumjung Secondary School. (2024, July). Introduction. Khumjung Secondary School. https://www.khumjungschool.edu.np/page/2_64f179c6d8374 

Mandal, C. K. (2019, August 22). No plastic bottles and bags in Everest region from January. The Kathmandu Post. https://kathmandupost.com/climate-environment/2019/08/22/no-plastic-bottles-and-bags-in-everest-region-from-january 

Martin, C. (2017, March 23). The Yeti Scalp of Khumjung. Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-yeti-scalp-of-khumjung-khumjung-nepal

Meteoblue. (2025). Climate & weather data for Khumjung. Meteoblue. https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/khumjung-chamga_nepal_7996815