Nature · Phaplu
Walk north to Ringmo's apple orchards
Follow the old trail north from Phaplu through forest and Sherpa villages to Ringmo, a village known for its apple orchards, where lodges serve apple pie, juice and home-made apple spirit. The first stage of the walk-in to Everest.
Before Lukla's airstrip, every Everest-bound traveller walked through Solu, and Ringmo was a natural halt where trails from Jiri, Junbesi and Phaplu meet. Apples were introduced to the village in the 20th century and took well in the cool, sunny valley at about 2,700 m. Now orchards surround the houses, and Ringmo apples are known across Solu.
From Phaplu the trail climbs gradually through pine and oak forest, past chortens, mani walls and Sherpa farmhouses, taking about 5–6 hours. In September and October the orchards are heavy with fruit and lodges serve apple pie, apple juice and apple rakshi, the clear home-distilled spirit. In March and April the trees blossom white and pink.
Ringmo makes a pleasant overnight. From here the old Everest trail continues east over the Taksindu La, about 3,070 m, past Taksindu monastery to Nunthala and down to the Dudh Koshi, joining the main route below Lukla in two or three more days. Or turn west to Junbesi and its monasteries. Either way, buy a bag of apples for the trail.
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Questions
How long is the walk from Phaplu to Ringmo?
About 5–6 hours on the old trail through forest and Sherpa villages, with moderate ups and downs. Ringmo lies at about 2,700 m, so altitude is not a concern. It makes a gentle first day of the walk-in route to Everest or a two-day loop via Junbesi.
Is Ringmo famous for apples?
Yes. Ringmo's orchards are among the best known in Solu, and in September and October lodges serve apple pie, fresh juice and apple rakshi, a home-distilled spirit. Blossom comes in March and April. The village is a traditional halt on the old trail from Jiri and Junbesi towards Khumbu.
Can I walk from Phaplu to Lukla?
Yes. From Phaplu the old route goes via Ringmo, the Taksindu La, Nunthala, Kharikhola and Paiya to join the main trail below Lukla in about 4–5 days. It is quieter than flying, gives better acclimatisation and passes through Sherpa and Rai villages. Lodges are simple and friendly.
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