Namche Bazar

Namche Bazaar is the most developed town in the Everest region of Nepal. It serves as the gateway to the southern base camp of Mount Everest. Every altitude trekking, such as the EBC trek, Gokyo Lake trek, Gokyo Cho La Pass trek, and Everest three passes trek, passes through this Himalayan Thamel.

Namche Bazaar altitude 3,440 meters, making it an essential acclimatization point for trekkers heading to higher elevations. It is the second-day destination reached after trekking from Phakding.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar marks the second walking day of the Everest Base Camp trek. The walking distance is 7.4 kilometers, requiring trekkers to navigate uphill pine trails, suspension bridges, and stone-paved stairs. The trek takes approximately six hours and is more challenging than the Lukla to Phakding route due to its uphill terrain.

The route includes the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park and passes through small Sherpa villages such as Toktok, Banker, Monjo, and Jhorsalle. The diverse flora, fauna, suspension bridges, and Himalayan landscape make this a scenic journey.

Attractions in Namche Bazaar

• Namche Viewpoint: A short hike offering stunning views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
• Luxury Facilities: Includes banks, ATMs, restaurants, and advanced hotels.
• Sherpa Culture Museum: Established in 1990, showcasing Sherpa lifestyle, traditions, and Everest Expedition history.
• Syangboche Airport: A small airport at 3,748 meters, mainly used as a helipad.
• Everest View Hotel: Listed in the Guinness World Records in 2004 as the highest hotel in the world.
• World’s Highest Irish Pub: A unique experience for trekkers.
• Sagarmatha National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning biodiversity.
• German Bakery and Coffeehouse: A great place to relax with local and Western snacks.

Namche viewpoint

Namche viewpoint is the hiking point from Namche. All the trekkers resting in Namche bazaar hike to the viewpoint to see the first view of Mount Everest. Also we can enjoy Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and many other peaks of the Mahalangur range. The short hiking to Khumjung at 3790 m gives amazing view of mountains in Everest region. We can also visit the Everest View Hotel, enjoy the coffee and return Namche for Lunch. The short hiking is key to acclimatize the body by gaining elevation and returning to Namche. 

Best lodge and food

Nemche bazaar is the most popular town due to its high facility regarding food and lodge. We can get luxury hotels and tea houses for a night stay. Hot water shower, attached room and beautiful Namche Bazaar hotels has increased its popularity. 

We can get Nepali, western and local food in most of the hotels of Namche Bazar. Trekkers can select the food from menu as per trekking company’s recommendation. 

Sherpa culture museum

Sherpa culture museum is a historical museum that includes artifacts resembling ancient Sherpa’s lifestyle and tradition. It was established by Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa in 1990 AD. The museum exposes the cultural dress, utensils, traditional farming technology, rituals, dress and Sherpa houses through gallery. We can also visit Mount Everest documentation center to know about Sherpa climbers and Everest Expedition history by Sir Edmund Hillary and the team.

Facilities 

Namche is the advanced town in Everest region where we can get all luxury facilities. We can draw money from ATM, enjoy live music and spend overnight in luxury hotels. Bank, laundry, parlour, markets and medical in Namche provide all essential services required for normal life. Trekkers can buy trekking and expedition equipment, swipe their cards and enjoy Luxury life in mountain while being in Namche. 

Syangboche airport

Syanboche airport is a small airport at 3748 m in Namche. The airport has one runway of 405 m length. It is in poor condition for aircraft flight and in use as helipad. The airport was constructed in 1971 AD under the leadership of Takashi Miyahara. Tara air and Nepal airlines were operating flight from Syangboche to Kathmandu from 1973 AD. Later on, the airport remained closed after the expansion purposal. The airport was closed to continue tourism from Lukla to Namche. 

Everest view hotel

Everest view hotel was recorded as the highest hotel in the world in 2004 AD. It is a luxurious hotel established in 1971 AD by Takashi Miyahara at an elevation of 3962.4 m. We can have coffee with the mesmerizing view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu and surrounding peaks of Mahalangur range from Everest view hotel. It is the attraction point of Namche with its guinness world record. 

Monastery in Namche Bazaar

Namche monastery is one of the best attractions of Namche Bazaar. Buddhist chant, hanging prayers flag and peaceful environment creates positive vibes to visitors and entire mountain. 

Hat Bazaar on Friday and Saturday

Hat bazaar is a temporary local market where we can get everything possibly available in Everest region. We can taste local food, observe locally prepared goods, utensils, baskets and culinary. It promotes local economy and exposes Sherpa’s lifestyle. The hat bazaar remains open on Friday and Saturday that facilitates economic rate. 

How to reach Namche Bazaar?

We can reach Namche Bazaar through three ways:

• Trekking from Lukla
• Helicopter flight 
• Trekking from Phaplu

Trekking from Lukla

The most common and exploited route to Namche is trekking from Lukla. It will be difficult to reach Namche in one day from Lukla, therefore we should stay overnight in Phakding. The trekking continues to Namche after having breakfast in Phakding. The trek from Lukla includes Lukla flight from Kathmandu or Ramachap. 

Helicopter flight

We can reach Namche directly by flight from Kathmandu or from Lukla. Heli flight is the easiest way to reach Namche. Heli flight takes 15 minutes to reach Namche from Lukla whereas it takes one hour 15 minute to reach Namche from Kathmandu. 

Trekking from Phaplu

Trekking from Phaplu is the walking route to Namche without flight. The brief itinerary of Namche trek without flight:

• Day 1: Drive to Phaplu from Kathmandu
• Day 2: Trek to Nunthala from Phaplu
• Day 3: Trek to Bupsa from Nunthala
• Day 4: Trek to Cheplung from Bupsa
• Day 5: Trek to Namche Bazaar from Cheplung

Accommodation and Food in Namche

Namche Bazaar offers various accommodation options ranging from tea houses to luxury hotels. Trekkers can enjoy hot water showers, attached rooms, and clean facilities.

Food options include traditional Nepali, Western, and Sherpa delicacies. Local specialties such as Sherpa tea, momo, and Nepali thali are must-tries.

How to Reach Namche Bazaar

• Trekking from Lukla: The most common route, requiring an overnight stay in Phakding before reaching Namche.
• Helicopter Flight: Direct flights from Kathmandu or Lukla to Namche.
• Trekking from Phaplu: A less common route with an extended trekking duration.

How to Spend Acclimatization Day in Namche

• Hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village
• Explore Namche Town
• Enjoy a relaxing massage or spa
• Have coffee at the German Bakery
• Experience Irish pubs and live music

Conclusion: Namche Bazar

Namche Bazaar is an essential stop in the Everest Base Camp trek, providing trekkers with a comfortable resting point, luxury amenities, and breathtaking mountain views. Visitors can enjoy Sherpa culture, museums, and hiking opportunities, making it a highlight of the Everest region.