Thame

This side trip will take you through a part of the old trade route connecting Khumbu to Tibet. In stark contrast to its historic importance, you will encounter surprisingly low traffic along this section. The few trekkers along this route will be ones who have made their way from the Rolwaling Valley past the formidable Tashi Lapcha (5,755m) or on their way to Gokyo Lakes through Renjo La. The good thing about this trip is that there are some stunning views, plenty of wildlife and less people. The bad thing about this trip is that getting to Thame and back makes for a rather long and strenuous day. Think at least 7 hours if you are fit. We strongly suggest against doing the Thame and back thing unless you are absolutely sure of yourself. And in any case take a flashlight and some warm clothing just in case. A compromise is to limit your trip till Thamo/Thamu which will reduce your trip to about half. However, since Thamo is about the same altitude as Namche, it will only provide limited acclimatization. Either way no lunch pack will be necessary for this trip as there are lodges along the way. The trail begins at Nauche Gumba. There is another trail that climbs up to Syangboche to the north from here. Follow the trail that contours to the south. Past the ridge, you will be walking through pine forests. Watch out for Tahrs and Monals along this section. About 45 minutes from Namche you will reach Phurte which has a nursery established by Sir Hillary's Himalayan Trust. From Phurte the trail descends to the stream. Once past the bridge the trail picks up again. At the first bend in the ridge, a large trail leads up along the ridge to Mende and Laudo Gumba which is popular as a meditation retreat among western practitioners of Buddhism. To get to Thamo keep to the trail to the left. You should be in Thamo within 20 minutes. Exit Thamo from the west past the newly made local monastery. Make sure to avoid the trail that descends to the river below. About 45 minutes later you will come to the small village of Somde. Past this village the trail ascends briefly only to descend steeply later to the river below. Past the suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi the trail winds up rather steeply to Thame. Thame is one of the oldest villages in Khumbu. The associated monastery is also one of the three oldest monasteries in Khumbu. However, if you are planning on making a return to Namche, you might consider forgoing the steep climb to this monastery which will take at least an hour and half of your time. Closer to where the lodges are there is another monastery if ticking one is mandatory. Make sure to allocate at least 3 hrs for the way back to Namche. A quick fun fact about Thame is that it is home to Tenzing Norgay who with Sir Ed Hillary was the first person on top of Everest. Actually Thame is kind of great at producing climbers of exceptional abilities. It is probably not related, but the Sherpas say Thame has the best potatoes too.