Overview of Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a town acting as the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region. This Sherpa capital is only accessible by walking or by helicopter, as it is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Namche Bazaar is a popular spot among trekkers as the “Gateway to Everest” since it is the last town trekkers reach during their journey to Everest Base Camp.
The location of Namche Bazaar at an elevation of 3,440 m (11,368 feet) is the only reason why tourism is possible in the Khumbu region, especially for Everest. Which is why locals and even mountaineers from various trekking routes gather here and share their exciting mountain stories during their acclimatization break in this beautiful Himalayan town.
Every trekking route that goes through the Khumbu region passes through Namche Bazaar. Treks like the Everest Base Camp trek (5,364 m), Gokyo Lake treks (4,700-5000 m), Everest Three Passes Trek (including Kongma La at 5,535 m, Cho La at 5,420 m, and Renjo La at 5,340 m), Thame and Rolwaling Valley Routes, Island Peak and other exciting expeditions pass through Namche.
Namche Bazaar is a must-visit destination in the Everest Region, as there is much more depth to the Sherpa village, and it is more than just a standard stopover location for trekkers. This town is developed for hustle and bustle for trade as well as catering to thousands of tourists every year by providing facilities like lodges, restaurants, guest houses, local shops, markets and everything trekkers need during their journey.
There are various activities that you can do during your visit to Namche, such as visiting various museums, enjoying breakfast and drinking at the highest hotel and Irish Pub in the world, respectively, shopping at the local Sherpa market and so on. Usually, trekkers spend two nights at Namche for acclimatization during the Everest Base Camp. But you can extend your stay if you want to explore more in the town.
Short History of Namche
Namche has been the traditional trading hub of the Khumbu region for a long time. Over centuries, Sherpas traded various materials such as salt, wool, and yak products from Tibet in exchange for basic food supplies such as rice, grains, and goods from the lowlands of Nepal.
To this day, its famous Saturday market still reflects their heritage, even if they are more focused on trekkers with gear shops, bakeries, and cafes now. From being once a center of Himalayan trade, Namche has progressed and become the bustling Sherpa capital, i.e. Gateway to Everest.
Where is Namche Bazaar Located?
Namche Bazaar is a town located in the Solukhumbu District of Koshi Province in Northeast Nepal. It lies within the Khumbu area at 3,440 m high altitude, populating the sides of a hill. Sherpas in the tourism business are usually from the Namche area. Its location as the gateway to the high Himalayas and several lodging, stores and internet cafes catering to the needs of trekkers makes Namche Bazaar a perfect fit for an acclimatization spot for treks.
When to Visit Namche Bazaar?
Consider visiting Namche Bazaar during the spring or autumn seasons since the weather is most pleasant around this time. During the day it's warm, and at night it gets pretty chilly. There are chances of fog and some rain in springtime time but the skies remain clear during autumn.
If you are visiting this season, expect a lot more crowds on the trail and struggle to get accommodation units if not booked in advance. So, prior booking is highly recommended.
Pro tip: To avoid crowds, you can visit in the off-season, specifically at the beginning of winter and the summer season. Get the trail all to yourself and enjoy the empty tea houses and special discounts.
Some Unique Things you should do in Namche Bazaar
1. Visit Sagarmatha National Park Museum
Sagarmatha National Park visitor center is located at the top of Namche Bazaar. It is a small museum that holds strong significance in terms of its establishment. The museum exhibits the geology, wildlife and culture of the Everest region, including detailed information on the history of mountaineering.
The museum showcases Sherpa traditions, photographs of early Everest expeditions and an interesting 3D model of the entire Khumbu valley. Not just that, during the visit, you can observe a panoramic viewpoint that offers some of the early glimpses of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
2. Explore Sherpa Culture Museum & Khumjung Village
The Sherpa Culture Museum lies just above Namche Bazaar, which gives visitors a glimpse of the traditional Sherpa way of life. The museum showcases various ancient tools, clothing, photographs and household items that help us understand how Sherpas survived the harsh mountain life before the concept of tourism.
After the museum visit, you can go for a short hike to Khumjung Village (3,790 m), which is considered one of the largest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu region. Here, you will get opportunities for cultural immersion, experience authentic Sherpa hospitality and witness their daily life struggles besides the busy trekking trails. Also visit Khumjung Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery.
3. Breakfast at the highest hotel in the world
You can get to enjoy a proper breakfast in the world's highest hotel, situated at an altitude of 3,880 m, Everest View Hotel. Established in 1971 by Takashi Miyahara, this hotel has a standard of luxury unmatched by the rest of the existing hotels in the region.
The visitors are usually trekkers headed towards Everest Base Camp and hike to this hotel for acclimatization. Everest View Hotel is a beautiful destination itself, so you should visit here while you're at Namche Bazaar.
4. Enjoying drinks at the highest Irish pub in the world
Namche Bazaar has everything that will please you in every way possible. If you love yourself a chill cup of drink in the remote, breathtaking environment of the Himalayan region, then you should visit the Irish pub and drink a pint of Guinness.
If you visit here on your way up the trek, then go for non-alcoholic drinks and amazing dishes. But if it's your way down after the journey, then it's the perfect place to unwind and share your story with other travelers. The pub has a cozy vibe with friendly staff, so everyone who visits here has nothing but good words for this amazing place.
5. Paying visit to the last survivor of the first summit of the Everest
Kanchha Sherpa, the last survivor of the first summit from the 1953 Everest Expedition. Kanchha has many adventure stories on Island Peak, Makalu, and numerous Everest Expeditions.
To visit him, we have to go to Nirvana Lodge in Namche Bazaar and pay NPR 500 in exchange for his efforts to share his legacy. He might not be able to speak proper English, but not to worry, one of our guides will join the team and be the translator.
I recommend you check out a book called “Tough and Cheerful” on your journey to Mount Everest.
6. Explore this Saturday market
Namche Bazaar is the last place visitors leave that has a proper market before their trekking journey starts. So make sure to purchase all of your essentials and complete your trekking gear from a reasonable shop and considering the remoteness of the town itself. The prices of commodities increase the higher you go, so it's a smart decision to make necessary purchases here.
Especially on Saturdays, there are various temporary markets where locals gather and sell their locally produced goods. There are ATM services as well, just in case you run out of cash. Exploring the market to buy souvenirs on your way back to the city is the best decision you can make because there are many options to choose from. Roaming around the Namche Bazaar is an interesting activity in itself.
7. Short hikes around Namche
There are a few hikes and small treks that you can do around Namche. Destinations like Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, Khunde and Thame villages, Shangboche Hill, Syangboche Airport and so on offer a perfect acclimatization hike for trekkers.
If all of this destination interests you, then you can request a custom itinerary so that you can hike all of these locations for a few extensions in your stay.
8. Cultural Festival Celebrations
Among many festivals that the monastery tends to hold, such as Dumji and Gyalpo Lhosar, the Mani Rimdu festival is one of the well-known ones. It is the Tibetan lunar calendar that is used to determine the festival’s date. Mani Rimdu is celebrated with traditional dances, rituals and various cultural performances.
Accommodation facilities in Namche Bazaar
The accommodation units available in Namche Bazaar range from luxury lodges like Everest View Hotel and upscale tea houses to budget-friendly guesthouses and home stays. The establishments are run by Sherpa families in their traditional way and with hospitality.
Wi-Fi, bakeries, hot showers and basic amenities are provided by these units; however, some demand a few extra charges in return.
- Teahouses:
The most commonly available and affordable accommodation units are in Nache Bazaar. They offer basic rooms with shared bathrooms and basic meal facilities.
- Lodges:
These are slightly upscale than normal teahouses as they offer private bathroom facilities, more comfortable and furnished rooms, as well as dining rooms with wider menu options.
- Hotel:
There are limited hotel options in Namche, but they provide top-notch facilities, like Everest View Hotel, which offers high-quality amenities and comfort despite the remoteness of the region.
How do we get to Namche Bazaar?
To visit Namche Bazaar, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek from there to Namche Bazaar. But if you want to avoid trekking, you can go for a helicopter flight that will take you directly to the Namche Bazaar. This option is faster and more convenient than a usual flight, but more expensive at the same time.
Another common alternative to reach Namche Bazaar is through a road trip and trekking. Take a full-day scenic jeep or bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri or Phaplu and trek to Lukla, then finally to Namche Bazaar. It takes several days with this route, also known as “Pioneer’s Route”.
Final Words,
From the rich Sherpa heritage and lively markets to scenic hikes and acclimatization spots, this beautiful town in the Khumbu region offers a perfect combination of tradition and adventure.
Are you looking to visit Namche Bazaar? Let us make your travel arrangements for a smooth and unforgettable journey to the Khumbu region.
Feel free to reach us out on www.ammoniteadventure.com for more travel related information.
