Visit Namche Bazaar | Activities to Do and Places to Visit in Namche Bazaar in Nepal (2024)

With an altitude of 11,286 feet, life in Namche Bazaar might be pretty grueling for most people, but not for the lively and warm people staying there. For them visiting Namche Bazaar is like breathing. Located in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, this town is quite famous for its unique crescent shape. Most of the tourists who go there are adventure-seeking trekkers. They prefer to stay in Namche Bazaar for a day or two to acclimate themselves during their treks. That is why the number of hotels in this town is not scarce.

Apart from being a stop in their trek from Lukla to Sagarmatha National Park, this town offers an unparalleled view of its surrounding. From any corner of Namche, you will get to see the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas. The shape of the town helps tourists get a panoramic view of its surrounding scenery. Before 1953, nobody knew about this site. Only the locals used to stay there, but after Tenzing Norgay’s and Sir Edmund Hilary’s climb of the highest mountain peak in the world, tourists started visiting there in large numbers. After the 70s, this town began getting thousands of tourists in a year.

As Namche is the most prominent spot for overnight staying in the Khumbu trek, the entire town got accustomed. The locals of the area started planning their lives around the tourists. That is why almost every member of this town is involved in tourism in some way. Many of them have converted their homes into beds and breakfasts, while others have opened up stores and eateries to accommodate the tourists. You will be shocked to know that Khumbu is the most affluent Nepal district, partly due to Namche Bazaar. There are many stores in this tiny town that sell trekking equipment and gears.

Many people call Namche the “Sherpa capital” due to its abundance of trained Sherpas. Most mountaineers hire their Sherpas from this town while climbing Mount Everest. If you are planning on an epic adventure of your life and are planning to stay in Namche for a couple of days to get accustomed to the lower oxygen levels and the harsher climate, then you are at the right place. In this blog, we will talk about all the things that make Namche special. As you will be staying there for a few days, why not know everything about it? Why not explore it as well? So, without much ado, let us get lost in the beauty of the magical Namche Bazaar.

What Activities to Participate in Namche?

Namche Bazaar might mostly be famous for being the gateways to Mount Everest, but there are several things to do over there that make it a popular tourist spot. Some of the most popular activities to do in Namche are provided below.

1. Hiking

Not every trek from Namche will take you to Mount Everest. Some sites are located relatively closer to the town that can be reached within a day from there. If you plan on partaking in much more strenuous hikes from this town, then a great way to get acquainted with the area’s climate is by going on shorter walks. One of the most popular short hikes from Namche Bazaar is the Thame trek. Thame is located at a height 1000 feet more than Namche, and that trekkers take around one day to reach there. By participating in this hike, you will build a lot of stamina that will come in handy while resuming your trek to Mount Everest or Gokyo Lake treks.

2. Having a Drink at the Irish Pub

You might be surprised knowing that pubs are prevalent in Namche Bazaar, a town located at the height of 11434 feet. The Irish Pub in this town is a rare entity. While staying in the city, visiting this pub is one of the best things you can do. When will you ever get the chance of having some fun in a pub at such an extreme altitude? It is suspected that the Irish Pub is the highest in the world. If you love to have a pint of beer, certainly visit this pub to commemorate the trip. But even if you are not a drinker, we would suggest you go to this pub to witness the nightlife of this otherwise quaint town.

3. Shopping in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar in English means, Namche market. That is why it is pretty natural that shopping ought to be one of the most popular activities that tourists love partaking in Namche. Even though many shops are located in this town, the market comes to its purest form during Saturdays. Try going to Namche on a Saturday. You will genuinely be stunned to see the hustle and bustle of the town during this day. There is almost every kind of necessary items that one could buy in this Bazaar. Try visiting the market in the morning as most of the shops are closed by the afternoon.

What are the Must-See Places in Namche?

Apart from being the resting stop on different trekking trails in Nepal, Namche has many various sites. We are providing the details of some of the most popular sightseeing spots in the town.

1. Syangboche Hill

Syangboche Hill is located at an altitude of 12,795 feet, and it is the most beautiful place near Namche. To reach this site, you will have to hike for several hours from the town. The steep trail might discourage you from completing the expedition, but you will understand that every trouble accompanied with the hike was worth it after getting to the hill. Syangboche Hill is the best area near Namche, from where you will have an unhindered view of the Himalayas. Moreover, you will get to see the spectacular Mount Everest from there. Other peaks visible from this point include Khmbila, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and others.

2. Sherpa Museum

The Sherpa Museum is one of the most important places in Namche as it allows you to get acquainted with Nepal’s Sherpa culture. Sherpas are, after all, the people who make it possible for tourists to climb different mountain peaks in Nepal. Most Sherpas in the region have climbed some part of Mount Everest in their lives. You will learn a lot about Sagarmatha National Park as well while visiting the museum. The view of the massive statue of Tenzing Norway amid the background of Mount Everest in this museum is genuinely a sight to behold.

3. Thame

Thame is a quaint village located at an altitude of 12,532 feet, and we have explained earlier in the blog how one can reach there from Namche. Now, Thame has an immense significance in Nepal. It is the site where Tenzing Norway’s house is located. Despite being so crucial to the history of Nepal, this village rarely gets any visitors. The high altitude and the harsher trekking trail make it difficult for tourists to go there. You will genuinely be pleased to visit this village as it is exquisitely spectacular and helps you strengthen your stamina.

How to get to Namche Bazaar?

As you already know that Namche Bazaar is essentially the first point towards your journey to Mount Everest; reaching there will not be that easy. There is no other way to go to this town other than hiking. But to start your hiking trip to Namche, you will first have to get to Lukla. Now, reaching Lukla is relatively easy. Either you can avail a flight or a car from Kathmandu to get there. The airport in Lukla is named Tenzing-Hillary airport.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla will take you only half an hour. In case you want to get there by jeep, you will have to take a jeep from Kathmandu. Apart from Lukla, you can take a jeep to Phaplu or Jiri. By availing of this route, you will save some time on your trekking for reaching Namche. Many tourists even take a helicopter to Lukla from Kathmandu. But this trip is highly costly. After getting Lukla, you will have to start your trekking expedition to reach Namche.

The trek from Lukla to Namche usually takes around two days. Many trekkers with many years of experience can complete the entire hike in one day, but it would be best for you if you take another day to reach there. While trekking, you will follow the mesmerizing Dudh Kosi river. The scenic views accompanying the trekking trail are breathtakingly beautiful. Most trekkers tend to spend the first night of their hike in Phakding. Even though some might find the first day of the trek extremely difficult, but in reality, it is nothing compared to the walk in the upcoming day. On the second day of the tour, you will have to climb a steep trail. Most tourists get immensely tired at this point of the expedition. But when you reach the coveted Hillary Suspension Bridge during the trip, they get great satisfaction from their hard work. From this bridge, the first view of Mount Everest can be seen. You will reach Namche soon after crossing the suspension.

What is the Perfect Time to Visit Namche Bazaar?

Namche Bazaar is located at a high altitude, and that is why its weather can get relatively harsher at a moment’s notice. That is why it is essential to know the climate of this town in other months.

If you visit Namche between December to February, you will encounter a great cold. The nights are even more unbearable than the day during these months. Even if you are not planning to climb Mount Everest, visiting this region in the winter is not a good idea. You will have immense difficulty in getting acclimated to the area at that time.

In case you visit Namche in the summer between April to June, you will get fine weather. The days are pretty warm, and the nights are cooler during these months. But the only negative point of visiting Namche during the summer or spring is that the mountains’ visibility might get hampered. Due to the high amount of dust, you might not get the crystal-clear view of the Himalayas that Namche is quite well-known for. But you will get to witness the beautiful vibrant wildflowers specific to this location in Nepal in the spring.

That is why going to Namche between mid-September and mid-November is the best period to visit Namche. During these months, the days will be comfortable, and the nights will be cool but not cold. Moreover, the visibility of the Nepal skyline is pristine during these months.

What are the Best Places to Stay in Namche Bazaar?

Namche Bazaar has no shortage of accommodations. These hotels might not be as luxurious as most hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara, but they are relatively comfortable. Some of the popular ones are provided below.

1. Panorama Lodge

Panorama Lodge is one of the best hotels in Namche Bazaar for you if you want to get spectacular views of the Himalayas from your room. The hotel’s name is quite apt as it genuinely offers a panoramic view of the surroundings quite well. This is one of the highest-rated properties by the guests as it has a fantastic location. You will get to reach the main market square of Namche by walking five minutes from this hotel. The in-house restaurant of this hotel is quite famous for serving delicious European and local cuisine.

Address: Namche Bazar Marg, 56002, Nepal.

Phone Number:+977 985-2850021

Website: http://www.panoramalodge.com.np/.

Price of a room per night: INR 3000.

2. Khumbu Lodge

Khumbu lodge is one of the most popular hotels among mountaineers who plan to climb Mount Everest. As this property is located 29 km from the world’s highest peak, many adventure seekers prefer to stay there. The cost of staying on this site is meager. You will genuinely be shocked to see such a low price given the room’s excellent and clean conditions. While staying there, you will be provided with Asian breakfasts.

Address: VDC, Namche 56000, Nepal.

Phone Number:+977 985-1051988

Website: http://www.khumbulodge.com/.

Price of a room per night: INR 370.

3. Hotel Sherwi Khangba

Hotel Sherwi Khangba is another hotel located near Namche that is quite famous among tourists. This property’s outer and inner design makes it stand out from the rest of the hotels in the locality. Inside the hotel, you will find a kid’s club, terrace, bar, restaurant, and impeccably clean rooms with a panoramic view of the surroundings. The hotel is highly affordable, which is why it is bustling with tourists most of the time.

Address: Namche Marg, Namche 56000, Nepal.

Phone Number:+977 38-540005.

Website: Not available.

Price of a room per night: INR 900

Namche Bazaar is a unique town. Despite having such a harsh climate, this region is quite hip. Namche has become a significant tourist spot in Nepal with surrounding splendor and proximity to major ecological spots. We have tried to include every possible information regarding Namche in this guide. By studying this, you will get there with no problem.