Nestling at an altitude of 2835 m in the Everest Region of Solukhumbu District, the small Sherpa village Monjo is the next stop for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp. It is a mountain trail famous worldwide for its simplicity. Though tiny, the Monjo village has much to offer visitors.
Monjo is adorned with uphill streams, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and green terraced landscapes. You will continuously go along with heavy carrying yaks, mules, and the sounds of bells constantly ringing around their necks.
As an entry gate to Sagarmatha National Park, the village gives you the most prominent view of Mount Everest and Thamserku, among others. The panorama from this village is in no way inferior to that from Everest Base Camp. The village lets you see Nepal through the eyes of a pioneer.
Weather in Monjo
The climate near Phakding is also warm and temperate. However, in winter, the temperature can drop to 0°C. Most of the season, the daytime temperature ranges between 10°C and 20 20°C. The best time to visit Monjo is in spring and autumn, when the weather is warm and soothing, with a clear blue sky.
Activities in Monjo
Monjo stands like an old town untouched by modern civilization and technologies. The indigenous Sherpa people welcome you with open arms, offering their friendship and hospitality.
A brief rest in this village will help you understand the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people. Small restaurants offer Nepali dishes ideal for those with adventurous taste buds who wish to try something new and delicious.
And a short acclimatization in this village amongst the majestic mountains of Thamserku and Khumbila will prepare you for the thrilling trek ahead.
From Phakding to Monjo
With a 3-hour hike from Phakding, you can reach the small village of Monjo. The downhill track transitions to an uphill section, so carrying heavy backpacks is wise. A leisurely walk while glimpsing the lives of the people at the foot of the Himalayas makes your hard labor worthwhile.
The uphill ascent onward offers the pure white appearance of the Himalayan folds, which is beautiful against the clear blue sky. After a while, there is a waterfall, and if you climb the slope opposite it, you will arrive in a village called Benkar.
If you go further, a long suspension bridge will appear, and Khumbila peak, the sacred mountain of the Sherpas, will come into view. After climbing a steep hill and turning a corner, you will reach Monjo Village, a world of different times out of an old tale.
Monjo to Namche Bazaar
A five-hour walk from Monjo will take you to the capital of the Sherpas, Namche Bazaar. But before, you will be in front of the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. The park is located at the highest altitude in the world, in the Khumbu mountain range, home to the world’s famous high peaks. From here onwards, the area is registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and an entry permit is required.
Then, a 10-minute descent, crossing a suspension bridge, brings you to the village of Jorsale at an altitude of 2,800 m. On a busy path, pass through several small villages and a pine forest.
The first breathtaking view for you will be the western ridge of Kusum Kanguru. Further, your route passes along the Dudh Koshi River, crosses a suspension bridge, and then stubbornly conquers another steep climb to the town of Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation in Monjo Village
You can get many lodges in Monjo, like Namaste Lodge and Restaurant, Mount View Lodge, Mount Kailash Lodge, etc. Similarly, Yeti Mountain Home and Everest Summit Lodge are the luxury accommodations in this place. The price of accommodation starts from US$10 to US$250. You can choose anyone to stay there. Usually, you do not need to book hotels or lodges in the low season, and we highly recommend booking the luxury lodge before your trip. You will get a discount if you book these lodges through Peregrine Treks and Tours.
