Pangboche, Nepal: Complete Travel & Trekking Guide

Pangboche: Home of the Khumbu's Oldest Monastery Beneath Ama Dablam

Pangboche (about 3,985 m) is one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region, set on a sunny hillside directly beneath the soaring spire of Ama Dablam. It is home to Pangboche Monastery, widely regarded as the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, and to the legend of the "yeti scalp and hand" that drew explorers here for decades. Pangboche is also the gateway to Ama Dablam Base Camp, one of the finest day hikes on the Everest trail.

Most trekkers pass through Pangboche between Tengboche and Dingboche on the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek and the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Few stop for long, yet those who do find a peaceful village of stone houses, juniper groves, potato fields and some of the most authentic Sherpa culture on the route.

This guide covers everything you need to know: location, how to get there, things to do, the Ama Dablam Base Camp hike, itineraries, best time, permits, teahouses and travel tips, followed by the 15 questions trekkers ask most.

Pangboche at a Glance

Detail	Information
Location	Upper Khumbu, Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province, Nepal
Altitude	About 3,930–3,985 m (Lower Pangboche); Upper Pangboche about 4,000 m
Position on the trail	Between Tengboche (3,870 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m) on the EBC route
Famous for	Oldest monastery in the Khumbu, yeti relic legend, Ama Dablam views
Signature hike	Ama Dablam Base Camp (~4,600 m)
Founding legend	Monastery attributed to Lama Sangwa Dorje, traditionally dated to the 17th century
Mountain views	Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Lhotse and Everest
Difficulty	Easy–moderate from Tengboche
Best seasons	March–May and late September–November
Accommodation	Family-run teahouses in Lower and Upper Pangboche
Permits	Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Treks that pass through	Classic Everest Base Camp Trek (from US$ 1,200), Everest Three High Passes Trek (from US$ 1,450)

Where Is Pangboche?

Pangboche lies in the upper Khumbu, inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits above the Imja Khola river, about 2 hours beyond Tengboche, on the main trail to Everest Base Camp. Just above Pangboche, the trail splits: one branch climbs to Dingboche and the Imja Valley, the other to Pheriche and the Khumbu Valley.

The village has two parts:

• Lower Pangboche (~3,930 m): on the main trekking trail, with most of the lodges.
• Upper Pangboche (~4,000 m): a quieter cluster of old stone houses around the monastery, reached by a short side trail.

How to Get to Pangboche

Pangboche is reached on foot after a flight to Lukla and a gradual climb through the Khumbu.

1. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m) via the Kathmandu to Lukla flight, or from Ramechhap in peak season.
2. Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) along the Dudh Koshi River.
3. Climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and take an acclimatisation day.
4. Trek to Tengboche (3,870 m), with its famous monastery.
5. Continue to Pangboche (~3,985 m), about 2 hours further via Deboche.

Tengboche to Pangboche: Route Stages

Stage	Approx. time	Altitude	Highlights
Tengboche → Deboche	20–30 mins	3,870 → 3,820 m	Descent through rhododendron and birch forest; small nunnery
Deboche → Imja Khola bridge	30–45 mins	3,820 → ~3,750 m	Mani walls and a suspension bridge over the gorge
Bridge → Pangboche	45 mins–1 hr	~3,750 → ~3,985 m	Gradual climb with Ama Dablam towering ahead
Total	1.5–2 hrs	~115 m net gain	About 4–5 km

From Pangboche, it's a further 3–4 hours to Dingboche (4,410 m) or Pheriche (~4,250 m).

Treks That Pass Through Pangboche

Trek	Duration	Pangboche on the route	Price from
Classic Everest Base Camp Trek	14 days	Day 6 (Tengboche → Dingboche) and on the return via Pheriche	US$ 1,200
Everest Three High Passes Trek	19 days	Day 6 (Tengboche → Dingboche)	US$ 1,450
EBC + Ama Dablam Base Camp (custom)	15–16 days	Overnight in Pangboche with a day hike to Ama Dablam BC	On request

Compare all routes on our Everest Region Treks page.

Top Things to Do in Pangboche

1. Visit Pangboche Monastery, the Oldest in the Khumbu

Pangboche Gompa in Upper Pangboche is widely regarded as the oldest monastery in the Khumbu. Local tradition attributes its founding to Lama Sangwa Dorje, the legendary "flying lama" who is said to have brought Buddhism to the region in the 17th century. Inside, ancient murals, sacred texts and butter lamps create a deeply atmospheric space, and many trekkers stop here for a blessing before heading to higher altitudes.

2. Discover the Yeti Legend

For decades, the monastery displayed a mummified "yeti hand" and scalp, said to have been brought back by Lama Sangwa Dorje from a meditation cave. Explorers and scientists came to examine them in the 1950s, and the hand was stolen in the early 1990s. In 2011, a New Zealand team presented the monastery with replicas made by Wētā Workshop, which are now on display. Whatever you believe, it's one of the Himalayas' most intriguing stories.

3. Wander Through Upper Pangboche

The quiet upper village, with its stone houses, mani walls and sacred juniper trees, feels far removed from the busy main trail. Legend says the juniper grove beside the monastery grew from hair scattered by Lama Sangwa Dorje. It's a lovely place for an unhurried walk and photographs of Ama Dablam.

4. Hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (~4,600 m)

The day hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp is one of the most rewarding side trips on the Everest trail and an excellent acclimatisation hike.

Detail	Information
Start / end	Pangboche (~3,985 m)
Base camp altitude	About 4,600 m
Height gain	About 600 m
Time	3–4 hours up, 2–3 hours down (6–7 hours return)
Difficulty	Moderate
Highlights	Close-up views of Ama Dablam's west face, Lhotse, Everest, Taboche and Cholatse; climbing camps in season

The trail crosses the Imja Khola below Pangboche, then climbs steadily through yak pastures and moraine to a broad, grassy meadow beneath the mountain's dramatic west ridge. In spring and autumn, you may see expedition tents from climbers preparing to summit Ama Dablam (6,812 m).

5. Enjoy Ama Dablam and Everest Views

Pangboche has one of the most striking settings on the trek, with Ama Dablam rising almost directly above the village. On clear days, you can also see Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Lhotse and the summit of Everest peeking over the Nuptse ridge.

6. Meet the Climbing Families

Many Sherpa climbers and guides come from Pangboche and nearby villages, and families here have long ties to Ama Dablam and Everest expeditions. Evenings in a teahouse dining room often bring fascinating stories from the mountains.

Pangboche Highlights at a Glance

Attraction	Time needed	Difficulty	Why go
Pangboche Monastery	1 hr	Easy (short climb to Upper Pangboche)	Oldest monastery in the Khumbu, blessings, yeti relics
Upper Pangboche walk	1–2 hrs	Easy	Traditional Sherpa houses and juniper grove
Ama Dablam Base Camp	6–7 hrs return	Moderate	Close-up mountain views, acclimatisation
Village viewpoints	30–60 mins	Easy	Sunset and sunrise on Ama Dablam

Sample Pangboche Itineraries

Option 1: Passing Through on the Classic EBC Trek (14 days)

Day	Route	Overnight altitude
5	Namche Bazaar → Tengboche	3,870 m
6	Tengboche → Pangboche → Dingboche	4,410 m
10	Kala Patthar → descend to Pheriche (just above Pangboche)	~4,250 m
11	Pheriche → Pangboche → Namche Bazaar	3,440 m

On Day 6, stop in Pangboche for lunch and a monastery visit before continuing to Dingboche. See the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary.

Option 2: EBC with an Overnight in Pangboche and Ama Dablam Base Camp (16 days)

1. Day 6: Tengboche → Pangboche (2 hrs). Afternoon at the monastery and Upper Pangboche.
2. Day 7: Day hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (~4,600 m) and back to Pangboche, a superb climb-high, sleep-low acclimatisation day.
3. Day 8: Pangboche → Dingboche (3–4 hrs), then continue to Everest Base Camp as normal.

Add it to your trek through our trip planner.

Option 3: On the Everest Three High Passes Trek (19 days)

On the Everest Three High Passes Trek, you pass through Pangboche on Day 6, between Tengboche and Dingboche, on the way to Chhukung and Kongma La.

Altitude and Difficulty

The walk from Tengboche to Pangboche is easy to moderate: 1.5–2 hours on a well-built trail with a short descent and a gradual climb. Pangboche sits at nearly 4,000 m, though, so altitude is a factor.

Factor	Detail
Altitude	About 3,985 m
Walk from Tengboche	1.5–2 hrs, easy–moderate
Walk to Dingboche	3–4 hrs, moderate
Ama Dablam Base Camp hike	6–7 hrs return, moderate (~600 m gain)
Altitude risk	Moderate; acclimatise in Namche first
Suitable for	Fit beginners to experienced trekkers

Acclimatisation tips:

• Spend at least two nights in Namche before reaching Pangboche.
• Use the Ama Dablam Base Camp hike as a climb-high, sleep-low day.
• Drink 3–4 litres of water a day and avoid alcohol.
• Tell your guide immediately about headache, nausea or dizziness. The HRA aid post in Pheriche, a few hours above Pangboche, operates in peak seasons.

Best Time to Visit Pangboche

The best times to visit Pangboche are October–November and March–May, when Ama Dablam stands out against clear blue skies.

Season	Months	Day / night temp (approx.)	Conditions	Verdict
Autumn	Late Sep–Nov	8–15°C / -6 to 0°C	Clear, dry and stable; best mountain views	Best
Spring	Mar–May	8–16°C / -5 to 2°C	Rhododendrons below the village; Ama Dablam climbing season	Excellent
Winter	Dec–Feb	0–8°C / -15 to -8°C	Cold, quiet and often clear; some lodges close	For hardy trekkers
Monsoon	Jun–Aug	10–16°C / 3 to 8°C	Cloud and rain; the summer Dumje festival is held in the village	Least suitable for views

Permits and Costs

No special permit is needed for Pangboche or Ama Dablam Base Camp. The two standard Everest-region permits cover the village and the surrounding trails.

Permit	Fee for foreign nationals	Where checked
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit	NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT	Monjo
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit	NPR 3,000	Lukla

Both permits are included in all Nepal Trip Services Everest packages. A climbing permit is only needed to climb Ama Dablam itself, not to visit its base camp. On the trail, budget about US$ 20–25 per day for extras such as hot drinks, showers, charging and Wi-Fi, plus a small donation for the monastery. There are no ATMs above Namche Bazaar.

Teahouses and Food in Pangboche

Pangboche has a good choice of family-run teahouses, most in Lower Pangboche on the main trail, with a few quieter lodges in Upper Pangboche near the monastery.

• Rooms: simple twin-sharing rooms with beds and blankets; some lodges have rooms with Ama Dablam views.
• Bathrooms: mostly shared; hot showers available for a fee.
• Dining: warm dining halls with yak-dung or wood stoves.
• Food: dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, momos, potatoes, Sherpa stew, porridge and Tibetan bread.
• Connectivity: paid Wi-Fi (often Everest Link cards) and charging.
• Tip: choose vegetarian meals at this altitude, as meat is carried up for days without refrigeration.

Packing List for Pangboche

• Clothing: base layers, fleece, down jacket (rated -10°C to -15°C), waterproof shell, trekking trousers
• Head & hands: warm hat, sun hat, buff, gloves, UV400 sunglasses
• Footwear: broken-in trekking boots, camp shoes, wool socks
• Sleeping: four-season sleeping bag (rated -15°C)
• Gear: daypack, trekking poles (useful for the Ama Dablam BC hike), headlamp, refillable water bottles, purification tablets
• Health: sunscreen, lip balm, personal medicines, blister kit, rehydration salts
• Extras: small cash for monastery donations, power bank, camera with a zoom lens for Ama Dablam

Responsible Travel in Pangboche

1. Respect the monastery: remove shoes and hats, don't touch sacred objects and leave a small donation.
2. Walk clockwise around mani walls, chortens and prayer wheels.
3. Protect the sacred juniper grove and don't cut or break branches.
4. Carry out all rubbish and use refillable water bottles.
5. Ask before photographing people, homes and ceremonies.
6. Support local teahouses by eating where you sleep and hiring local guides and porters.

Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Pangboche, Nepal

1. Where is Pangboche in Nepal?

Pangboche is a Sherpa village in the upper Khumbu (Everest region), inside Sagarmatha National Park in Solukhumbu District. It lies on the Everest Base Camp trail between Tengboche and Dingboche, directly below Ama Dablam.

2. What is the altitude of Pangboche?

Lower Pangboche, on the main trail, sits at about 3,930–3,985 m, depending on the map. Upper Pangboche, around the monastery, is slightly higher at roughly 4,000 m.

3. How long is the walk from Tengboche to Pangboche?

The walk takes about 1.5–2 hours and covers around 4–5 km. The trail descends through forest to Deboche, crosses the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge and climbs gently to Pangboche.

4. Why is Pangboche famous?

Pangboche is famous for having the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, the legend of its "yeti scalp and hand", spectacular close-up views of Ama Dablam and its role as the starting point for the Ama Dablam Base Camp hike.

5. Is Pangboche Monastery really the oldest in the Khumbu?

Yes, it is widely regarded as the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. Local tradition credits its founding to Lama Sangwa Dorje, traditionally dated to the 17th century, though exact dates are uncertain. It remains an active place of worship.

6. What is the Pangboche yeti hand?

For many years, the monastery kept a mummified hand and scalp said to belong to a yeti. Researchers examined them in the 1950s, and the hand was stolen in the early 1990s. In 2011, replicas made by New Zealand's Wētā Workshop were presented to the monastery and are now displayed.

7. Can I visit Pangboche Monastery?

Yes. Visitors are welcome to visit the monastery in Upper Pangboche, usually during daytime hours. Remove your shoes and hat before entering, don't touch sacred objects, ask before taking photos inside and leave a small donation.

8. How do I hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp from Pangboche?

The trail crosses the Imja Khola below the village and climbs through pastures and moraine to base camp at about 4,600 m. It takes 3–4 hours up and 2–3 hours down. It is a moderate hike and a great acclimatisation day.

9. Is Pangboche on the Everest Base Camp trek?

Yes. Pangboche lies on the main EBC trail, and trekkers pass through it on the way up (Tengboche to Dingboche) and on the way down (Pheriche to Namche). It is also on the Everest Three High Passes Trek.

10. Should I stay overnight in Pangboche?

Most itineraries pass through Pangboche without stopping, but an overnight stay is well worth it. It lets you visit the monastery in the quiet evening, hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp and gain extra acclimatisation.

11. Is altitude sickness a risk in Pangboche?

At nearly 4,000 m, altitude sickness is possible. Acclimatise properly in Namche Bazaar, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide right away about symptoms such as headache, nausea or dizziness.

12. What is the difference between Upper and Lower Pangboche?

Lower Pangboche lies on the main trekking trail and has most of the lodges. Upper Pangboche is a quieter, older settlement around the monastery and the sacred juniper grove, reached by a short side trail.

13. Do I need a special permit for Pangboche?

No. The standard Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit cover Pangboche and the Ama Dablam Base Camp hike. A climbing permit is only required to climb Ama Dablam itself.

14. When is the best time to visit Pangboche?

October–November and March–May offer the clearest skies and best views of Ama Dablam. Winter is cold but quiet, while the monsoon brings cloud and rain.

15. How do I book a trek that includes Pangboche?

Pangboche is included in our Classic Everest Base Camp Trek (from US$ 1,200) and Everest Three High Passes Trek (from US$ 1,450). To add an overnight stay and the Ama Dablam Base Camp hike, contact us or use our trip planner.

Plan Your Pangboche Visit with Nepal Trip Services

Pangboche is far more than a stop on the way to Everest Base Camp. It's where the Khumbu's Buddhist story began, where yeti legends were born and where Ama Dablam rises so close it seems to fill the sky. Spend an extra night here, walk up to the ancient monastery and hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp, and Pangboche may become one of the most memorable places on your trek.

With 16 years of Himalayan experience, Nepal Trip Services takes care of every detail:

• Licensed local guides who share the history and legends of Pangboche
• Flexible itineraries, including an overnight in Pangboche and the Ama Dablam Base Camp hike
• Well-paced acclimatisation and daily health checks with a pulse oximeter
• All logistics handled: Lukla flights, permits, porters and teahouse bookings
• Responsible travel that supports local families and monasteries

Ready to visit Pangboche? Choose our Classic Everest Base Camp Trek or Everest Three High Passes Trek, browse all our Everest Region Treks, or plan a custom trip with an Ama Dablam Base Camp side trip. Spring and autumn departures fill quickly, so we recommend booking 2–3 months ahead.

• WhatsApp / Viber: +977 982-8696557
• Phone: +977-9813593530
• Email: info@nepaltripservices.com
• Office: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Response time: usually within 0–2 hours

Altitudes, timings, permit fees and prices are approximate and current as of October 2026. Conditions change with weather and season; your guide will share the latest information.