Monjo Tours

Located in the Dudh Kosi River Valley, Monjo is a small village in the Everest region of Nepal. It’s north of Phakding, where many hikers spend the first night of the Everest Base Camp hike. While Monjo itself isn’t a necessary stopping point, at 9,301 feet (2,835 meters) it’s a good alternative to bigger and higher Namche Bazaar (11,286 feet/3,440 meters).

The Basics

Monjo is the last village hikers will reach from Lukla before the start of the Sagarmatha National Park. The park checkpoint is located here, and there’s plenty of accommodation options. The town itself is not particularly memorable, but it’s a convenient place to stop. Many people hike from Lukla to Phakding, which takes about three hours. Hikers with more stamina or who arrived in Lukla early can continue on to Monjo, which takes around six hours.

Most hikers pass through or stop at Monjo on the Everest Base Camp hike, although there are lots of other hiking options in the area. These include the Gokyo Lakes, the Three High Passes, and the shorter Everest Panorama.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Learn the signs of altitude sickness before your trip, and be prepared to return to lower elevation if they appear.
  
• Accommodations fill up fast in the peak season. Hiking with a guide is not only safer, it will guarantee you a place to sleep.
  
• While most lodges (teahouses) in the Everest region are simple and comfortable, Monjo is home to an Everest Summit Lodge, a local chain of luxury lodges. 
  

How to Get There

Hiking is the only way to get to Monjo. Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu (a spectacular and nail-biting flight of about 30 minutes), then walk the rest of the way. Monjo is about the same altitude as Lukla, but there is some up and down along the way.

When to Get There

Peak hiking season in the Everest region, like most of Nepal, is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The weather at low and medium altitudes is warm, and skies usually clear. Hiking in winter (December–February) is possible as long as you are well prepared for the cold. Monsoon season (June-August) hiking is not advised.

Visit Namche Bazaar on a Saturday 

Namche Bazaar is the largest town in the Everest region, located 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Monjo. If possible, aim to be there on a Saturday so you can catch the weekly market. ‘Bazaar’ means market in Nepali, and the town has been a Sherpa trading hub for centuries. People from nearby villages come to shop at the lively market.