The journey from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar starts with the famous scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Once you’ve landed in Lukla – and had time to collect your thoughts – you’ll meet your porters and begin your trek. The first section of your trek (to Namche Bazaar), takes 2 days as it’s important for acclimatisation purposes to spend a night halfway in Phakding at 2600m. From Phakding you’ll take on the infamous ‘Namche Hill’ which is an 800m steep ascent leading to Namche Bazaar. At which point most people start to feel how altitude can affect your physical abilities. Adding to the difficulty of the steep up hill climb is the constant stream of yaks which don’t leave much room on the track and they do not ‘give way’!
Watch the landing at Lukla airport
This is a day to take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Himalaya, tranquil river views, cow bells ringing in rhythm with the slow and steady pace of the yaks and the ‘ta tink, ta tink’ of the stonemasons chipping away at the rocks building new lodges. Sounds that will stay with you for a long time after you leave Nepal. Our trekking groups are well rewarded on arrival in Namche Bazaar. We always stay at our favourite Himalayan lodge/hotel; the Namche Hotel with our welcoming hosts Ang Maya and Dorjee Sherpa and their family. The Namche Hotel provides great hot showers and the always anticipated special ‘Chilli Chicken’.
Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar is how your trek begins
All our Everest region treks spend at least 2 nights at Namche Bazaar and staying in this beautiful Sherpa village is a real highlight. Keep following our frequent blog posts for regular expedition updates on the trail from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar and beyond.
Watch videos from our Everest region expeditions on our YouTube channel.