In the Himalayas of Nepal, there are villages situated at altitudes above your imagination. Imagine villages above 4500 meters (14,764 ft) and higher. The unique blend of mountainous life and their way of living in such harsh environments is what makes the Mountain Village of Nepal very attractive.
Despite the stunning landscapes, the life in mountains is not easy, people need to be friends with extreme cold, thin air, and limited access to basic services. Still, the high-altitude village and its people have made their living in places like Gorakshep, Thorong Phedi, and Lhonak quite interesting, adapting so well to the downsides of these high-altitude environments.
Mountain life: Struggling against the odds
Life in these villages has always been tough. People are located far from the modern cities, so they have to depend on what they can grow or raise. With no road access, everything has to be carried by coolie (porter), yak, or helicopter.
The extreme weather, low oxygen density, and isolation make daily life a constant challenge. But for the villagers, this is their home, and have learned to survive where most would break their back.
Just imagine that a few of these villages have 3-star standard hotels, built completely with materials carried by porters or helicopters. That’s crazy, isn’t it? Here’s the information related to the Mountain villages of Nepal, which can help any traveller experience the unique blend of lifestyle, culture and more.
Gorakshep (5132 meters/16837 feet)
Gorakshep, the final stop on the way to Everest Base Camp, is listed among the world’s 6th highest-altitude villages. This village lies in Khumbu Pasanglhamu, a rural municipality of Solukhumbu district with a total population of 8,720, according to the Nepal Census 2021 report, but, hardly 200 locals are living here now. Naturally, the daily life here is demanding, with freezing temperatures and limited resources.
However, Gorakshep is not a typical sad village – it’s a very busy and happening place. Most villagers here work in lodges catering to trekkers. The altitude makes farming impossible, and everything has to be flown in a helicopter or carried up by humans.
Yet the villagers have been able to provide warm beds and food to thousands of tourists headed in the Everest adventure. Gorakshep’s adaptation and its economic success can definitely be an inspiration to many high-altitude people worldwide.
Jeng-La Phedi (4900 meters/16,076 feet)
In the far west, Jeng-la Phedi is in one of Nepal’s most remote regions. The village lies in Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality of the Dolpa district, with a total population of 3,635, according to the Nepal Census 2021 report.
The people here are largely self-sufficient, herding yaks and practising subsistence farming. There are no roads, schools, or hospitals nearby, even the most basic of facilities here is a big struggle. Villagers live in near-total isolation for much of the year, relying on their own resourcefulness to get by. Reports show that Jeng-La Phedi might be totally out of villagers by 2050.
Lhonak (4790 meters/14,715 ft)
Located near Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest peak, Lhonak is a small, remote village. The village lies in Phaktanlung rural municipality of Taplejung district, with a total population of 11,719, according to the census 2021 report of Nepal.
Despite some development in tourism, Yak herding is still the main source of income for the people living here. Winters are severe, and the village often gets cut off from the outside world for months. There’s no electricity, and healthcare is far away, which makes life especially hard during emergencies. Maybe Lhonak can follow in the footsteps of Gorakshep, developing it as a big tourist hub, thus attracting more income and infrastructure.
Thorong Phedi (4550 meters/14,928 feet)
This settlement is along the Annapurna Circuit, one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. The village lies in Manang Ngisyang, a rural municipality of the Manang district with a total population of 1,595, according to the Nepal Census 2021 report.
Thorong Phedi is a rest stop for those heading over the Thorong La Pass. The few families who live here run teahouses and lodges, helping trekkers along the way. The cold and lack of resources make it a tough place to live year-round. But in the good season, they are quite busy with tourists, thus making Thorong Phedia a popular high-altitude area of Nepal.
Dharmashala another high-altitude village of the Manaslu Region is a unique name in this list. The village lies in Chumanubri rural municipality of Gorkha district with a total population of 5,932, according to the census 2021 report of Nepal.
In Dharmashala itself, there are only 8 households with 32 locals currently. These villagers face extreme isolation, especially in the winter when snow covers the trails. Most goods are carried in by yaks or porters. The lack of healthcare and modern infrastructure makes it a tough place to survive, but the village plays a key role in supporting trekkers. The only reason for this village to still exist is its function as a rest point for Manaslu trekkers.
The way ahead
For the people living in these high-altitude villages, life is a daily struggle. Most settlements do not have roads, meaning all supplies have to be carried by hand or animal. This makes everything more expensive, from basic food items to fuel. Water sources often freeze, and there is no steady electricity. Health issues are common due to the cold and altitude, but medical help is often far away.
Even with all the challenges, there are ways to make life easier for these remote communities. Here’s a list of things that can help to make their life comfortable.
Better infrastructure: Building basic roads to reach these villages would reduce the cost of supplies and give residents better access to schools and hospitals. It would also help local economies by making it easier for villagers to sell their goods.
Improved healthcare: Setting up small medical clinics or mobile health services would make a big difference. Locals could be trained in first aid to handle common injuries or illnesses, while better-equipped centres could be established in accessible areas.
Renewable energy solutions: Solar panels or wind turbines could bring reliable electricity to these isolated villages. With renewable energy, residents wouldn’t have to depend on expensive and hard-to-get fuel.
Tourism management: While tourism brings money to these villages, it needs to be managed in a way that benefits everyone. Programs that support local culture and sustainability can help ensure tourism doesn’t damage the environment or disrupt traditional ways of life.
Living in Nepal’s high-altitude villages is a remarkable feat of endurance and adaptation. These communities have found ways to thrive in one of the world’s toughest environments. However, with the right support and careful development, their lives can be made easier without sacrificing the rich cultural traditions that make them unique. The path forward lies in finding a balance between preserving their way of life and improving access to modern necessities.
