Punam Phuyal
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
We can reach Namche Bazaar through three ways:
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.
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 is the walking route to Namche without flight. The brief itinerary of Namche trek without flight:
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.
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.
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