TASHINGA TO MONJO KEY STATS
- Starting Point: Tashinga (3,540m/11,614ft)
- Finishing Point: Monjo (2,840m/9,318ft)
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Trekking Time: 3.5 Hours
- Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home Monjo
TASHINGA TO MONJO EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK DIARY
If you have been following the DomOnTheGo Everest Journey from the start, then you may recall that we created an itinerary that combined the main Everest Base Camp Trail and the Three Pass Trail. These are two of the top Everest treks in the region, which, when combined, offer trekkers a more challenging route and minimal backtracking on the same trails.
The stretch between Tashinga and Namche were new to us, which made trekking through this section still exciting for us. Imagine having the high of being at Everest Base Camp and then dragging your feet for the next four to five days because you have seen everything that you are passing on your way back down. If you have the time and are up for a challenge, customize your route and see more of the region.
The further we moved away from the peaks and into the trails below the tree line, the more the broader mountain panoramas revealed themselves. Each time we would turn around, we got to admire views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Nuptse (7,861m), Thamserku (6,623m) and Lhotse (8,516m).
Enroute to Namche we passed the Rolex-sponsored memorial stupa built to honor the 50th anniversary of the first Everest summit. It specifically pays homage to Tenzing Norgay and the Sherpas of Everest. We had the opportunity to meet so many accomplished Sherpas on our adventure – it’s nice to see a focus on honoring them and acknowledging their importance to Everest expeditions.
After an hour and a half we made it back to the town of Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Our flight delay into Lukla on day one of our trek meant that we needed to get creative with our itinerary to keep it on track. Having shaved off a day in Namche on our ascent, it was nice being back and being able to spend some time there.
We grabbed a coffee and meandered the tiny cobblestone alleys to explore the shops. If you are looking for snacks, souvenirs or outdoor gear, the bustling mountain village of Namche has you covered. We avoided it all like the plague on the way up. Word to the wise – knowing now the lack of a lot of this stuff along the trail, this would be the place to stock up on any comforts you may want on your ascent. Grab a book. Grab some chocolate. Grab something. Even if you see it later on the trail, be prepared to cough up double or triple the price for your favorite little treats.
After picking up a packed lunch, we left Namche and made our way in the direction of Monjo. Be sure to have your trekking permit handy – as soon as you leave you will pass through the Namche Checkpoint. Your pass proves that you paid the park fees and that you made it back safe and sound.
(Side Note: We encountered a very gassy donkey shortly after we left Namche. I feel childish writing about it, so you’ll just have to watch the video to hear it trumpeting along the trail. I don’t think I laughed that hard the whole trip. Enjoy.)
Once we were south of Namche, we were officially on the same trail that we enjoyed the first couple of days. I have fond memories of the blue hues in the glacial rivers rushing under the prayer flag adorned suspension bridges. Even though at this stage we were backtracking, it was worth a second meander through this stretch of trail.
Rob on the other hand was seeing everything for the first time. You may recall that he struggled the first couple of days due to food poisoning, but somehow managed to power through until we visited a doctor in Namche. It was a very tough stretch of trail for him on our ascent, so we were both very pleased he got to experience it again without the urges of mother-nature calling.
The paths continued to be unforgiving. While there were some flat stretches, we knew that every steep trail we happily took down; we knew we would need to take a steep one up. The final upward push of the day was the long flight of stairs and massive Mani wall just before the Sagamartha National Park entrance in the town of Monjo (2,840m).
The area was buzzing. Trekking season was in full swing and the hordes of trekkers along the trails and those checking in at the park entrance reminded us how lucky we were to have the most of the trails to ourselves over the past fourteen days.
We enjoyed our stays at the other Yeti Mountain Homes along our trek, but this one took the cake. In addition to the awesome meals, comfy bed and bathroom equipped with hot showers, we had massive windows that allowed us to admire the views as we rested in our room. Don’t get me wrong – I love the rustic aspect of a lot of the teas houses we have stayed in along the EBC trek, but sometimes you just want a hot shower, a cold Everest beer and a bed that is guaranteed to keep you warm in the Himalayas.
And that’s exactly what we got on our second to last trekking day from Tashinga to Monjo.
TASHINGA TO MONJO VIDEO
LOOKING FOR NITTY GRITTY DETAILS?
Check out the day as recorded by Stava. See the trails taken, overall elevation gains, trekking times and how fast (or slow) we made it from Point A to Point B.
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS: NEPAL
Flights
Nepal is accessible via Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Check out Kayak to find the best deals on flights to Nepal.
Accommodation
As a long-time rewards member, Hotels.com is my first stop when exploring accommodation options. Not only do they have great inventory, but you get a free nights stay after every 10th booking.
Travel Insurance
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. (As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.)
ENJOY TASHINGA TO MONJO? CHECK OUT MORE OF THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK AT EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK DIARY.
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The photo of accomodation Everest Summit Lodges Tashinga, and not Yeti Mountain Home!
Hi Palmo – The first image in the post is the Everest Summit Lodges in Tashinga as we were saying goodbye and making our way back to Monjoy. The Everest View Lodges are featured in the Day 13 post where we move from Periche to Tashinga. The images at the end of Day 14’s post is in Monjo at the Yeti Mountain Home. Both very lovely places.
Wow! This really seems like an unforgettable trekking experience. The pictures are truly stunning and show a picturesque scenery and landscape! 😉
Thanks for the kind words Agness! The experience was indeed awesome and one I hope more people get to see this part of the world in person.
You have beautifully described your Everest voyage and this prompts me to take this adventure once in a lifetime. I am sure you’ll cherish this experience all through your life as it is no small feat. Beautifully written!
Glad that you felt like you were on the adventure. Thanks for the kind words as always.
Wow epic!!! So cool to the images of the route you took all the way up! Would love to see those donkeys en route too!
Thanks Claire – glad you enjoyed checking out the posts and the images of the journey.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. This such a unique experience. Your photos are also very beautiful and vivid. They make me feel like I’m taking the trek with you.
Thanks for coming along for the journey. ☺ Happy Travels.
This is such a dream for us, it’s inspiring to see others heading up there. The images of the mountains are just awe inspiring!
The trip was epic and the experience is one that I will never forget. Knowing what you guys are into, I’d say get there sooner rather than later. ☺ Happy Travels.
Your photos are truly stunning, I am in awe. What a beautiful part of the world, it makes me feel so small. This is on my bucket list, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for checking us out Carmen. Glad that you enjoyed reading about the adventure and even happier that it’s on your bucket list. Don’t leave it there too long.
I’ve not brought myself to the realizagon of doing a Himalayas trek. I feel I might fall sick and probably, not make it back. But reading about people’s adventures at Himalayas? I love that. I read with so much attention that i might pass for someone preparing a trek. Thumbs up to you!
You are too funny Lydia. ☺ Glad you enjoyed the post and my view into the Himalayas. Happy New Year.
I am planning Everest base camp trek for sometime now. I know I have a long way to go still, have to do it one day. I loved reading your experience. I like the idea of taking side tracks & exploring new places.
Glad you enjoyed the post. Hopefully the series will help you plan your trip and give you a steer on what you are in for. Happy Travels!
This is an incredible beautiful trek, and I’d like to do something like this just once in my lifetime. Love the photos of the gassy donkeys, I would have been right there laughing with you! Some stunning photos and very dreamy too!
The gassy donkeys were a real treat on day 14. Thanks for the kind words – glad you enjoyed the post. Happy Travels.
Once again your photo’s are just amazing and inspiring! Not many people get to see this part of the world and you have brought it together for us. What an epic adventure that must have been.
Thanks again for the kind words. Glad that you are enjoying the adventure.
What a fantastic journey. I don’t think I could do it, but I appreciate that you were able to. Thanks for sharing the amazing pictures. So glad you were able to enjoy some down time with coffee and shopping before the brutal hiking.
Thanks for the kind words Lance. Glad you enjoyed the photos and got the opp to peek into what the adventure is like.
What a cool adventure! I had no idea there was that much “stuff” up there (towns, houses to sleep in) up there. And I didn’t realize you needed a trekking permit.
Yea – you definitely need a permit to trek through the region and another to sleep at Base Camp. It was nice having the little shops and towns dispersed through the region. Even though we were in the middle of nowhere, you knew there was always someone around the corner if you needed.
Wow! This looks absolutely impressive and intense. I truly admire anyone who has the determination to take on an adventure of this nature and really appreciate you sharing these awesome photos as I doubt I’ll even be able to take in these views in real life!
The views in real life are worth adding this trip to your bucket list. There are ways that you can get to the region and take some of the views in without heading all the way to Base Camp. Still a bit of a workout, but a great alternative to experiencing it for yourself.
So the amazing journey continues. This part of the trek continues with the same thrill multiplied by the factor of nearing your destination.Thoroughly loved reading it. I was touched reading about the stupa constructed to honour Tenzing. The Sherpas are indeed deserving of all the honour and recognition the world can bestow and more.
Thanks again for the kind words Sandy. Much appreciated. We were indeed getting closer to the end of the trek, which was bittersweet for sure.
This sounds like an incredible journey! Your photos are amazing, the article made me feel like I was actually there going through it all. I’ve never done something like this but I definitely would love to try!
Thanks for the kind words. Really pleased that you got to take part in the journey. Hopefully it was the extra little push to get this experience on your bucket list.
What epic views. Love the look of Namche Bazaar, great advice to make time in one’s itinerary to pause there for a little time. And your Yeti Mountain Home looks absolutely lovely.
Ha the Yeti Mountain Homes were a real treat along the way. It almost felt a bit too indulgent having it on the trek, but really helped make some of the nights along the 15 day trek very comfortable.
Have heard so much about the EBC and the thrill can be seen in your narrative. I completely hear you when you say you were sad that you were leaving the mountains. Those colourful woollens reminded me of all the shopping in Thamel! So good to see the hardworking sherpas were honoured!Namche bazaar looks so vibrant! The account is extremely inspiring because of the challenges you faced and the trail you took! Kudos!
Many thanks for your thoughtful words. The adventure was one I had been wanting to share for quite some time. I feel really blessed to have had the opportunity to be there and spend time in the region. And yes – the Sherpas make the mountains happen for us. It’s far too easy to forget that. You mentioned shopping in Thamel. When did you visit?
Wow – what an incredible journey! Gorgeous photos and such an adventure!
-Malini
Much appreciated Malini. Thanks for checking us out.