Monjo Village (2,835m) in Everest is a small Sherpa settlement located near the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the official gateway to the national park and usually serves as a stopover on the way to Namche Bazaar of the Everest region for trekkers. Monjo is famous for its checkpoint, where trekkers have to collect their park entrance permits before continuing their trek in the Everest region. The village is situated in a small valley carved by the Dudh Koshi River against dense forests and high peaks such as Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, and Kongde Ri. While on a trek from Monjo to Namche Bazaar, one has to cross the iconic Hillary Bridge, which is the longest and highest suspension bridge in the Everest region.
Monjo village, Nepal, is a seemingly small but important village in the Everest region occupied by the Sherpa people, residing there for generations. The village has simple stone houses, multicolored prayer flags, and small teahouses where travelers can rest. Along the trails, you will see prayer wheels and mani walls, which people spin and pass by for good luck. Monjo village is moreover surrounded by beautiful rhododendron and pine forests. The Monjo Everest base camp trek has no big market like Namche Bazaar, but the Sherpas earn their livelihood through trekking tourism and small trade businesses. The visitors here can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, clean mountain air, and the hospitable Sherpa people while experiencing the pleasant Monjo weather.
Where is Monjo Village?
Monjo Village is situated between Phakding and Namche Bazaar, serving as an alternative stopover to Phakding Village. It stands at an altitude of 2,835 meters, on the edge of Sagarmatha National Park. Monjo is the official gate of the park where trekkers must check their permits before proceeding further towards the Everest region.
How to Reach Monjo Village?
There are several options to get to Monjo Village. You can either fly to Lukla and then walk for a day to Monjo, or take a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then walk to Monjo Village.
By Foot: There are two ways to get to Monjo Village on foot. The first option is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and walk to Monjo via the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. It is about 9.5 km from Lukla to Monjo and is at a relatively low altitude, so it is easy to get to Monjo Village within one day. The second alternative is to drive to Salleri and trek to Chaurikharka, which will take a couple of days, and then follow the same route from Chaurikharka to Monjo.
By Helicopter: While there is no direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Monjo, you can fly in a helicopter to Lukla and hike for a couple of hours to Monjo Village. However, this option is not very common among travelers. So, alternatively, you can take a helicopter from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar directly.
Distance from Lukla to Monjo Village
The distance from Lukla to Monjo Village is about 12.6 km, and it serves as an alternative stopover to Phakding Village. This Monjo village trek can be completed within a day. The trail is relatively easy to follow, but it includes some moderate uphill sections that may require extra effort. Once you reach Monjo, you can rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey to Namche Bazaar.
Distance from Monjo to Namche Bazaar
The distance from Monjo to Namche Bazaar is about 7.8 km, and it can be completed within a day. The trail goes through the Hillary Suspension Bridge. The hike from Monjo to Namche Bazaar is steep, making it a bit challenging. It usually takes 4-5 hours to finish. You will need to get permits at Jorsalle before continuing.
Accommodation and Facilities in Monjo Village
On the way from Monjo Village to Everest Base Camp, several teahouses and lodges are offering comfortable rooms with twin beds, warm blankets, and shared or private bathrooms with hot showers. The teahouse in Monjo village serves Nepali meals like dal bhat and international dishes such as pasta and pancakes. Some lodges provide free WiFi, though the connection may be slow. Popular teahouses include Everest Summit Lodge, Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Hotel Waterfall, and Kongde Hotel.
The village also has small shops for snacks and trekking supplies, and lodges offer charging stations for a small fee. Trekkers must show their permits at the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint. Basic medical help is available, but serious cases may require evacuation. Monjo is a convenient stop before reaching Namche Bazaar.
Top things to explore in and around Monjo Village
Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO that starts at Monjo village. It is 1,148 sq km wide and includes Mount Everest, the highest point in the world. Upon entry into the park from Monjo, you will be asked to show your entry permit. The park presents stunning views of white-capped mountains, valleys, glaciers, and alpine forests. It is home to endangered animals like the snow leopard and the musk deer. The park also has several trekking routes with panoramic views of the Himalayas. The entrance fee for the park safeguards the park against tourism and global warming.
Monjo Monastery
Monjo Monastery is a small Buddhist monastery within the village. It offers a peaceful insight into the religious existence of the local Sherpa community. Visiting Monjo monastery is an interesting thing to do in Monjo village, as the monastery contains religious relics like prayer wheels and thangkas (paintings), as well as multicolored prayer flags and traditional Tibetan architecture. People can visit the monastery respectfully (shoes off) and observe the monastic daily ceremonies. The monastery is a serene area for meditation, and at times, monks provide blessings to trekkers who are starting their trek to Everest Base Camp.
Hillary Suspension Bridge
The Hillary Suspension Bridge stands as the highest and longest suspension bridge spanning the Dudh Kosi River near Monjo. The suspension bridge honors Sir Edmund Hillary, who became one of the earliest summit climbers on Everest in 1953. The bridge stands as a major landmark during the journey and produces an exhilarating experience for all trekkers. The tall bridge stands above the fast-moving river with colorful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Views from the bridge are incredible because visitors can see the river valley and the mountains that surround it.
Jorsalle
Jorsalle is a small village beyond Monjo, in Sagarmatha National Park. It's the last stop before the strenuous trek to Namche Bazaar. Jorsalle is a good spot to rest, with teahouses and lodges where trekkers can eat a meal or drink, and there are also several small gear shops in the village. The village runs along the Dudh Kosi River, offering picturesque riverside views. Jorsalle region features beautiful pine forests, and if you are lucky, there is a possibility you might spot some wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see Mt. Everest from Mojo Village?
No, you cannot see Mt. Everest directly from the Monjo village. In order to see Mount Everest, you need to hike up to Namche Bazaar and then hike to the Everest View Hotel or Syangboche village to see the Everest.
Should I stay in Phakding or Monjo Village during the Everest Base Camp trek?
If you're looking for a more popular and comfortable resting point during your trek, Phakding village would be the best option for you.
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