Dingboche: The Last Sherpa Village in the Everest Region

Dingboche is a small Himalayan village in Everest region. It is an ultimate stop for trekkers and climbers heading to Everest base camp. The village is rich in culture and diversity. The nearby Nagarjuna peak is a hiking site for acclimatization and amazing views of snowcapped mountains. 

All you need to know about Dingboche !!

Dingboche is the Sherpa village located at 4410 m /14468.5 feet in Everest region, Solukhumbu district, Nepal. It is the best place for an amazing view of Mount Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Lhotse, and Island peak. The lowest atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen level increases chance of altitude sickness in Dingboche. Therefore, most trekking companies offer rest day in Dingboche to acclimatize for Everest base camp trek.

Dingboche is the last Sherpa village in Khumbu region in its history but currently we can see settlements in Lobuche, Gorekshep and other places higher than Dingboche. The gompa, mane and chorten reflects Buddhist religion of Dingboche. The farming, reduced vegetation and treeless hills and mountains below snowcapped peaks. 

Nagarjuna peak: hiking site for a day in Dingboche

Nagarjuna peak is the hiking peak from Dingboche to gain altitude and return to lower elevation for acclimatization. The Nagarjuna peak is located at 5089 m / 16696.19 feet. We can have great view of mountains from the peak. 

Food

The tea houses in Dingboche offer three meals a day. We can get breakfast at around 7:00 to 8:00 am in the morning. The breakfast items include bread, porridge, fried rice, muesli, tea/coffee, egg items.  Breakfast and dinner contain similar food items like Nepali thali, noodles, soup, spaghetti, mo:mo, chapati which can be chosen from the menu. 

Accomodation

We can enjoy a comfortable night stay in Dingboche. The clean rooms, big dining hall, firewood heater with the great view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and its surrounding peaks are common on tea -houses of Dingboche. 

Popular tea houses in Dingboche

• Hotel Tasi Delek
• Hotel Summit
• Dingboche Inn
• Hotel Dingboche Resort
• Imja Tse Lodge
• Good Luck Lodge

Wifi and network

There is good facility of wi-fi and network in Dingboche. We can call our family members and share the beauty of the place. We can use Ntc (Nepal telecom) sim card to connect with our relatives. 

Dingboche weather

The Dingboche weather keeps on changing based on the condition of sun and cloud. We can experience pleasant weather during days of spring and autumn while the cold weather occurs in the evening of November, December, January and February. 

The annual average maximum temperature in Dingboche remains 7.9 ℃ and average minimum temperature remains - 6.1 ℃. The winter temperature fall to -25℃ or lower in night while the day remains sunny. The temperature does not fall below 0℃ during June, July, August and September only. 

Floral and faunal diversity

The high-altitude village Dingboche has the least variety of flora and fauna. We rarely see diverse fauna in Dingboche. Himalayan Yak, mountain goats and pheasants are common fauna in Dingboche while reduced Himalayan flora are visible. Potato, barley and buckwheat are most common vegetation in agricultural land whereas reduced medicinal herbs and shrubs are found pastures.

Sherpa culture

Dingboche is a sherpa village where we can observe different Sherpa culture and festivals. The most common Sherpa festivals are Mani Rimdu, Lhosar and Dumje which is celebrated in Dingboche as well.

Dingboche remains closed in Monsoon

Monsoon begins in mid-May and continues to mid-August. This time is off season for trekking in Everest region. Most of the tea houses remain closed during these months. The villagers close their hotels and shift to lower elevations. Burning firewood is strictly prohibited during monsoon season.

Challenges 

• Altitude sickness 

The high elevation of Dingboche increases the risk of altitude sickness due to its low atmospheric pressure and oxygen level. We should drink enough water, garlic soup and keep ourselves warm to prevent altitude sickness.

• Low temperature

The freezing temperature of Dingboche is the challenge for all trekkers. We should wear thick jackets and try to keep our bodies warm during the night.

Conclusion of Dingboche village !!

Dingboche village is best known as an acclimatization site during the Everest base camp trek. All the trekkers and climbers who follow the route from Namche to Tengboche continue to Dingboche for reaching Lobuche or higher elevation. We can enjoy the scenic view of mountains except Mount Everest Nagarjuna peak.