Where is Namche? How would I spend a day in Namche?
Namche Bazaar is the unofficial capital of the Solukhumbu District in north-eastern Nepal. Namche is approximately 30 kilometres from Mt Everest Base Camp and is a main stopover point for all visitors trekking in the Everest region. Most visitors to the Everest region will spend two nights in Namche on their way up the valley. At 3440m, Namche sits at a critical altitude for those planning to head higher and safe acclimatisation protocols require people to spend at least 36 – 48 hours at this altitude before proceeding further. So if you’re planning on an Everest Base Camp Trek, or even a visit to the sacred Gokyo Lakes, you’re in for a couple of days in this stunning mountain town. So what should you do? How do the locals spend a day in Namche Bazaar?
After years visiting, spending time and passing through Namche, this author could happily live there for months at a time. The village is vibrant, the people are friendly and there are heaps of things to do.
How to spend a day in Namche
Set your alarm early and if the weather is clear head up to the army post above Namche and witness sunrise over Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. You’ll be captivated by the view and be rewarded for getting up early. For many, this will be the first time they lay eyes on Everest, so it’s an experience that will be long remembered. Stroll back to you hotel or lodge and watch the locals as they begin their day. Most are up early, opening their businesses and are keen to welcome visitors. Enjoy a hearty Sherpa breakfast and absorb the magnificent Himalayan views. After breakfast, walk through the narrow streets and visit one of many local bakeries. Buy a souvenir, maybe a book and there are now plenty of places to send an email or check your facebook!
The local monastery is a must see and the Lama is always ready to bestow a blessing on passing expeditions or individuals. This blessing ceremony has become an important part of all Trek Climb Ski Nepal expeditions and it is warmly embraced by Sherpa guides and expedition members alike.
For lunch be sure to sample some of the local Namche fare. Sherpa stew, chilli chicken and dal bhat to name a few. After lunch an afternoon walk up to the Everest View Hotel is the perfect acclimatisation hit-out. The roundtrip will take around 3 hours but is well worth it and the views across the valley to Tengboche, Ama Dablam, Everest and Lhotse will make you glad you did. If you feel the hike to the Everest View Hotel is too much, then a visit to the Sherpa Culture Museum at the Sherwi Khangba Centre is a perfect alternative.