West of Namche, the valley of the Bhote Koshi leads towards the Nangpa La, the glaciated pass by which the Sherpa people are thought to have entered the Khumbu from Tibet about five centuries ago and which their yak caravans long used for trade. Thame (about 3,800 m), half a day’s walk up this valley, sees a fraction of the traffic of the Base Camp trail.
The village is known for its mountaineers — Tenzing Norgay spent his childhood here, and record-holding Everest climbers such as Apa Sherpa and Kami Rita Sherpa come from Thame — and for its monastery, set against a cliff above the houses. On 16 August 2024 a flood caused by the outburst of glacial lakes upstream destroyed a large part of the village, including homes, lodges, the school and the clinic. Rebuilding is under way, and facilities may still be limited: ask in Namche before you go.
What to see and do: Thame
Climb to Thame gompa
A 30-minute climb above the village, the monastery is one of the oldest in the Khumbu and holds its own Mani Rimdu festival in spring, usually in May. The terrace looks back down the valley to Thamserku and Kangtega.
Walk the Bhote Koshi trail
The path from Namche passes the hamlets of Phurte and Thamo (where there is a nunnery), rock paintings of Guru Rinpoche, and forest where pheasants are often seen.
Start the Renjo La
Thame is the western foot of the Renjo La. Trekkers heading to Gokyo this way continue to Marulung and Lungden before crossing the pass.
Support the recovery
Staying a night, eating locally and hiring local guides puts money directly into a community that is rebuilding after the 2024 flood.
Getting to Thame
- From Namche Bazaar: three to four hours on a gently rising trail; easy to do as a long day return or, better, an overnight.
- From Gokyo: over the Renjo La (about 5,360 m) via Lungden — a long, high crossing for acclimatised trekkers only.
- Border zone: the trail beyond Thame towards the Nangpa La is restricted. Do not continue north of the usual trekking route without checking the rules locally.
Visitor tips
- Check the state of lodges and the trail in Namche; flood damage altered parts of the route.
- Thame is an excellent, quiet alternative for an extra acclimatisation night before going higher.
- Carry cash — there are no ATMs.
- Spring visitors may catch the Thame Mani Rimdu; dates follow the lunar calendar.
Treks & tours that include Thame
These guided experiences are the easiest way to reach Thame:
Challenging guided trek from €1559 Everest Three High Passes Trek: 17-Day Guided Trek
The complete circuit of Sagarmatha National Park: three passes above 5,300 m link the Imja, Khumbu, Gokyo and Thame valleys, taking in Base Camp, Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri on the way. Long, high and demanding — for fit, experienced trekkers.
- Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La — all above 5,300 m
- Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the Gokyo Lakes
- A full circuit of the park’s high valleys
Challenging guided trek from €1782 From Kathmandu: 20-Day Everest Three Passes Trek with Flight
The Three Passes circuit on a more generous twenty-day schedule, which leaves room for acclimatisation and for a day lost to weather. Includes the flights between Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) and Lukla.
- A slower schedule for the three high passes
- Lukla flights included
- Base Camp, Gokyo and the Thame valley
