Sightseeing · Phaplu
Junbesi Village
A beautiful traditional Sherpa village near Phaplu, with whitewashed houses, apple orchards and a fine gompa.
Junbesi is widely considered one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages in the entire Everest region — a serene cluster of whitewashed houses, apple orchards and a fine old gompa set in a green valley at around 2,700 metres, a walk of several hours north of Phaplu. Long a favourite overnight stop on the low route toward the Khumbu, it rewards visitors with classic Sherpa architecture, mountain views and a deeply peaceful atmosphere.
What to expect
The village sits in a gentle, cultivated valley framed by forested ridges, with a stream running through and the white pyramid of Numbur peak visible on clear days. Tidy stone-and-timber Sherpa houses, prayer flags and mani walls line the paths, and the village gompa is among the loveliest in Solu. Apple orchards — for which Junbesi and nearby Sete are known — turn the valley fragrant in season, and small lodges offer warm hospitality and home cooking.
To understand the community whose traditions shape the village, read our guide to Sherpa people and culture.
Getting there
Junbesi is reached on foot, a walk of roughly four to six hours north of Phaplu through forest and over a ridge. It can be visited as a highlight of the Pikey Peak trek, as a stage on the classic low walk-in to Everest, or as a short out-and-back excursion from the Phaplu area for those with a couple of spare days.
Things to do nearby
From Junbesi it is a short detour to the tranquil Thubten Choling Monastery, a large retreat community of monks and nuns up the valley — one of the most rewarding side trips in Solu. The surrounding hills also offer gentle day walks among orchards, forest and viewpoints, and the village makes a calm base before the trails climb higher toward the Khumbu. See more in the top things to do in Phaplu.
Visiting respectfully
Junbesi is a living traditional village, not a museum. Walk clockwise past mani walls and chortens, ask before photographing people, support local lodges and shops, and keep noise down around the gompa. Small courtesies are warmly returned here.
Good to know
- Altitude: Around 2,700 metres — mild and green, with cool evenings.
- Stay: Simple trekking lodges and teahouses; cash only.
- Nearby: See where Junbesi ranks among the most beautiful villages in Nepal, and pair it with Thubten Choling Monastery.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Junbesi?+
Junbesi is a Sherpa village in the Solu part of Solukhumbu district, a walk of several hours north of Phaplu at around 2,700 metres. It lies on the classic low route between Jiri or Phaplu and the Khumbu, and is one of the most picturesque villages in the Everest region.
What is Junbesi known for?+
Junbesi is celebrated for its postcard beauty — neat whitewashed Sherpa houses, apple orchards, a green valley and a fine old gompa. It is a peaceful, deeply traditional village and a favourite overnight stop for trekkers walking the low route toward Everest.
How do you get to Junbesi from Phaplu?+
Junbesi is reached on foot, a walk of roughly four to six hours north of Phaplu through forest and over a ridge. It can be visited as part of the Pikey Peak trek, the low walk-in to the Khumbu, or a short out-and-back excursion from the Phaplu area.
Is there accommodation in Junbesi?+
Yes — Junbesi has simple, welcoming trekking lodges and teahouses serving home-cooked meals, as it is a long-established stop on the route toward Everest. As with the rest of Solu, expect basic but comfortable rooms, warm hospitality and cash-only payment.
