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• Volunteering

Why Khumjung and Khunde Villages in the Everest Region Need Volunteers

Experience the Heart of the Himalayas While Making a Difference

Nestled high in the heart of the Khumbu region, inside the pristine Sagarmatha National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—lie two of Nepal’s most culturally rich yet often overlooked villages: Khumjung and Khunde. Located above Namche Bazaar at elevations of 3,790 and 3,840 meters respectively, these twin Sherpa villages are surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and steeped in deep-rooted traditions.

While the Everest region is globally renowned for trekking and mountaineering, villages like Khumjung and Khunde often fall into the shadows of more tourist-heavy destinations like Namche Bazaar or Tengboche. Yet these villages are equally—if not more—deserving of attention and support, especially from those seeking meaningful ways to contribute while exploring one of the most breathtaking places on earth.

A Hidden Gem Beyond the Usual Trails

Unlike the bustling lodges and cafes of Namche, Khumjung and Khunde are quieter, more traditional settlements that offer visitors an authentic experience of Sherpa culture. Their iconic green-roofed homes dot the landscape, standing proud against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks and sacred mountains like Khumbu Yül-Lha.

Despite their beauty and heritage, these villages often get bypassed by trekkers, resulting in fewer economic opportunities. Yet the people of Khumjung and Khunde remain incredibly resilient, relying on small-scale farming, modest lodges, and community support. This is where volunteers can make a real impact.

The Need for Volunteers: Education, Empowerment, and Cultural Exchange

1. Support for Local Schools

Khumjung is home to the Khumjung Edmund Hillary School, established in 1961 by the Himalayan Trust, while Khunde boasts a hospital founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1966. These institutions play a vital role in the well-being of the entire Khumbu region. However, like many remote areas in Nepal, they suffer from a shortage of trained teachers and educational resources.

Volunteers with teaching experience—or simply the enthusiasm to help—can:

• Assist in English language instruction

• Provide extracurricular activities and skill-based learning

• Offer mentorship and exchange knowledge with local teachers
  
  

Even a month-long stay can leave a lasting impact on young minds and contribute to strengthening the educational foundation of these remote villages.

2. Empowering Sherpa Women

The women of the Himalayas are among the most resilient in the world. They manage homes, raise children, farm, and in some cases, run small lodges for occasional trekkers. Yet many lack access to basic education and awareness programs, particularly in English communication, reproductive health, and personal empowerment.

Volunteers can:

• Conduct basic English classes tailored for adult women

• Facilitate workshops on menstruation hygiene, reproductive health, and gender equality

• Encourage women to gain confidence and build small businesses such as homestays and teahouses
  
  

Through these efforts, volunteers help equip women with the tools they need to engage more fully with the growing tourism economy.

Why One Month Matters

Volunteering in remote Himalayan regions is more than a brief stop—it’s a cultural exchange that takes time. A minimum of one month is recommended to:

• Build trust and rapport with the local community

• Understand their way of life, challenges, and aspirations

• Ensure your contributions are sustainable and meaningful
  
  

Whether you choose Khumjung, Khunde, or our other volunteering destination—Tsum Valley—your presence can create ripples of positive change while offering you a transformative experience of your own.

Discover. Connect. Contribute.

By volunteering in Khumjung and Khunde, you’re not just giving back—you’re immersing yourself in the very soul of the Himalayas. The rewards are many: profound friendships, unforgettable stories, and the chance to be part of a community that has guarded its traditions while slowly embracing the new.

Join us in supporting these beautiful Sherpa villages—where every effort, every lesson, and every conversation brings hope and opportunity.

Contact us today to learn how you can become a part of this journey.