Thame
The home village of Everest's legendary Sherpa climbers
Thame (3,820 m) is a historic Sherpa village in the Bhote Koshi valley, home to an ancient monastery and many famous Everest climbers, on the way from Renjo La to Namche Bazaar.
Why Thame is known
Home village of many famous Everest climbers, including Tenzing Norgay's childhood home
Thame Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu
Mani Rimdu festival celebrations
Quiet terraced fields away from the main Everest trail
On the return route from Renjo La to Namche
About Thame
Thame (3,820 m) is a traditional Sherpa village in the Bhote Koshi valley, west of Namche Bazaar. Spread across terraced fields below the peaks of Kongde and Tengkangpoche, it is one of the oldest settlements in the Khumbu and the home village of many famous Everest climbers, including Tenzing Norgay, who grew up here, and record-breaking summiteers such as Apa Sherpa.
Thame Monastery
Thame Gompa sits on a rocky hillside above the village and is one of the oldest monasteries in the region. Thame is also one of the places where the Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated, with masked dances held each year. The short climb to the monastery gives fine views over the village and valley.
Thame on the Three Passes Trek
Coming down from Lungden after Renjo La, trekkers pass through Thame on the way back to Namche Bazaar. It feels very different from the main Everest trail: quiet fields, stone houses and few other trekkers. From Thame, Namche is about 3 hours away along the Bhote Koshi through forest and past mani walls.
Practical tips
Thame has a few lodges, a school and a small health post. It is also a good alternative acclimatisation walk from Namche (about 3 hours each way) for trekkers on other Everest routes.
Highlights
- Visit Thame Gompa on its hillside above the village
- Walk through quiet terraced Sherpa fields
- Learn about the village's famous Everest climbers
- Enjoy the forest trail back to Namche Bazaar
Location
Open in Google MapsFrequently asked questions
How high is Thame?
Thame is at about 3,820 m (12,530 ft) in the Bhote Koshi valley, west of Namche Bazaar.
How far is Thame from Namche Bazaar?
About 3 hours on foot, through forest and past mani walls along the Bhote Koshi river.
Why is Thame famous?
It is the home village of many famous Everest climbers. Tenzing Norgay, who made the first ascent of Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953, grew up here.
Can I visit Thame Monastery?
Yes. Thame Gompa sits on the hillside above the village and welcomes respectful visitors. Remove your shoes, dress modestly and ask before taking photos inside.
Is Mani Rimdu celebrated in Thame?
Yes. Thame Monastery holds its own Mani Rimdu festival with masked dances. Dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar, so check with your guide.
Is Thame a good acclimatisation trip from Namche?
Yes. Walking to Thame and back, or staying a night, is a quiet alternative to the Everest View Hotel hike and helps your body adjust.
Which treks pass through Thame?
The Everest Three Passes Trek (on the way back from Renjo La), the Gokyo-Renjo La loop and the Tashi Lapcha Pass trek from Rolwaling.
Are there lodges in Thame?
Yes, several simple lodges, a school and a health post. It is far quieter than Namche.
