The two high-altitude villages in the Khumbu region just below Everest are Khumjung and Khunde. These two twin villages are on the way to Everest Base Camp, which is surrounded by snowy peaks, stone trails and forests.
These quiet villages have a powerful story of Sir Edmund Hillary, the man who climbed Everest along with his fellow climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa for the first time in 1953 A.D.
After his ascent, he didn’t return to his country; instead, he stayed connected with local sherpa people who helped him. Hillary saw the struggle of the sherpa people in the Everest Base Camp Trek and decided to make contributions to the Khumbu region.
Among his contributions are Khumjung and Khunde, which are the villages where Sir Edmund Hillary made some of his contributions. He made numerous contributions in the form of schools, hospitals and water systems, which changed the lives of people in the Khumbu region.
In 1966 A.D., Sir Edmund Hillary built a hospital in Khunde, which was the first such dedicated building for healthcare in the region. He also built a school in Khumjung, which opened many doors of opportunities for children in remote areas.
The Dream Beyond Summit
The world took notice when Sir Edmund Hillary stood on top of Mount Everest alongside Tenzing Norgay because it showcased bravery, human strength and determination. After reaching Mount Everest’s peak, Hillary dedicated himself to performing additional work at the base of the mountain.
The Sherpa population at Mount Everest’s base presented a greater meaning to him than the mountain summit since they had endured every harsh challenge to guide him.
Before seeking recognition in his home nation, Hillary dedicated himself to improving the welfare of the Khumbu people. He saw how they lacked basic education, healthcare, and opportunities, even while living in the shadow of the world’s tallest peak.
His emotional reaction prompted him to silently pledge assistance to the Sherpa territory because they had guided his career ascent.
And true to his word, he began building not just schools and hospitals but a long-lasting bond of respect and care that still lives on today.
Khumjung Today: A Village of Hope
Today, Khumjung feels alive with energy. The school Hillary founded still thrives, teaching new generations under the wide Himalayan sky.
Every classroom, every smiling student, feels like a quiet tribute to Hillary’s vision of empowerment through education.
Visitors can also see the famous Khumjung Monastery, which claims to hold a yeti scalp, a little mystery tucked inside ancient walls. Stone houses line the village, and prayer flags dance in the wind, carrying the hopes of a people whose lives were forever changed.
Khunde Today: Healing in the Highlands
In nearby Khunde, the hospital Hillary helped build still serves the local people. Though small, it stands strong against the harsh elements, offering care and healing in a place where distances are vast and life is tough.
Walking into the Khunde Hospital is like stepping into a living story, one where compassion has made all the difference. Every bed and every patient cared for speaks to the legacy Hillary left behind.
He didn’t just build a structure; he created a space where people could heal with dignity. The hospital continues to serve generations of Sherpas, keeping alive Hillary’s quiet mission of giving back.
Why These Villages Matter
Khumjung and Khunde are not just another pair of Himalayan villages. They are proof that real change doesn’t need to be loud or flashy. It can be steady, quiet, and built stone by stone.
Hillary’s legacy here teaches us that climbing the highest mountains is important but lifting others up is what truly lasts. Visiting Khumjung and Khunde is like stepping into a timeless story. A story where courage, kindness, and community rise higher than even Everest itself.