July 28, 2025

The Everest Region, known locally as Khumbu, is not only home to the world’s tallest mountains but also a rich repository of Sherpa culture, Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and ancient heritage sites. While the snow-capped peaks may draw most visitors, it’s the monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and spiritual landmarks that reveal the heart of this highland civilization.

This guide explores some of the most meaningful and culturally significant places to visit along the popular trekking routes in the Everest region.

1. Tengboche Monastery (Thyangboche Monastery)

  • Elevation: 3,867 meters
  • Location: Between Namche and Dingboche

Tengboche Monastery is the most important religious institution in Khumbu. Rebuilt after the 1989 fire, it remains an active center of Tibetan Buddhism. It hosts the famous Mani Rimdu Festival, a colorful three-day celebration of dance, music, and masked rituals observed by Sherpas and local monks.

The monastery sits on a ridge with incredible views of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest, making it both spiritually and scenically awe-inspiring.

2. Pangboche Monastery

  • Elevation: 3,985 meters
  • Location: On the trail between Tengboche and Dingboche

Believed to be the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, Pangboche Monastery dates back over 300 years. It was once famous for housing relics believed to be linked to the Yeti, although these have since been lost or stolen.

Pangboche is also home to a community of senior monks and is an excellent place to observe traditional rituals, daily chants, and the peaceful rhythm of Sherpa religious life.

3. Khunde and Khumjung Villages

Located above Namche Bazaar, these twin villages are among the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu.

  • Khunde houses the Hillary Hospital, established by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960s to support local healthcare.
  • Khumjung is home to the Khumjung Monastery, which famously claimed to house a “Yeti scalp.”

These villages offer a glimpse into daily Sherpa life, with stone-built homes, yak pastures, and sacred prayer walls scattered throughout.

4. Namche Bazaar

  • Elevation: 3,440 meters
  • Function: Administrative and commercial hub of Khumbu

Namche is the gateway to Everest and the most vibrant town in the region. It’s a traditional market town where highland traders and lowland porters meet. The village also features:

  • The Sherpa Culture Museum
  • Namche Monastery
  • Buddhist stupas and prayer flags around every corner

Spend a day here to adjust to altitude and immerse yourself in Sherpa culture.

5. Thame and Thame Monastery

  • Elevation: 3,800 meters
  • Location: Northwest of Namche, off the main trail

Thame is a quiet valley rich in spiritual tradition. The Thame Monastery hosts another celebration of Mani Rimdu, drawing locals from surrounding villages. Thame is also the home of several world-famous climbers, including Apa Sherpa and Tenzing Norgay.

The walk to Thame offers solitude, traditional chortens, and beautifully carved mani stones.

6. Everest View Point and Shyangboche Ridge

Above Namche, a short acclimatization hike takes you to the Everest View Hotel, which offers panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Along the ridge, you’ll find prayer flags, stupas, and sweeping alpine vistas—ideal for reflection and quiet moments.

7. Sacred Mani Walls, Chortens, and Prayer Flags (Throughout the Trail)

Throughout the Khumbu, you’ll encounter:

  • Mani walls: Stone walls inscribed with sacred mantras, often flanked by prayer wheels.
  • Chortens: Small Buddhist stupas, sometimes whitewashed or painted with symbolic eyes.
  • Prayer flags: Strung across ridges, bridges, and rooftops—carrying blessings on the wind.

These elements form an integral part of daily life and spiritual practice for the Sherpa people.

8. Gokyo Lakes

  • Elevation: 4,700m–5,000m
  • Location: West of the main Everest Base Camp trail, along the Gokyo Valley

The Gokyo Lakes are a chain of six glacial lakes considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. Locals believe the lakes are protected by divine beings, and rituals are often held here—especially during Janai Purnima, when pilgrims make the difficult journey to bathe in the icy waters.

Aside from their spiritual importance, the lakes are among the highest freshwater lake systems in the world and are stunningly beautiful—especially in the early morning light when the surrounding peaks reflect on their turquoise surfaces.

From Gokyo, a steep hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) offers one of the best panoramic views in all of Nepal, including four 8,000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Cultural Notes for Visitors

  • Always walk clockwise around chortens and mani walls.
  • Remove shoes before entering any monastery or religious site.
  • Ask before taking photos inside sacred places.
  • Donations to monasteries help with upkeep and are appreciated.