Namche Bazar – A Popular Stop for Acclimatization
Explore the colorful hub of Sherpas that lies in the lapses of the Himalayas.
Namche Bazaar(3,440m) is a scenic townlet in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. Surrounded by green terrains and snowy mountains, Namche Bazaar is a great location to stop by. The town is a region’s trading hub full of Internet cafes, eateries, bakeries, hotels, lodges, and shops. In fact, it is the busiest place in the entire Khumbu Region.
The town is scattered with colorful houses on a sloped hill; the hill looks arch-shaped. In the west of the town is Kongde Ri(6,187m) and to the east is Mt Thamserku(6,608m). The adjoining hills are full of green woods, making the region picturesque.
As we enter the town, we see the new look of the ancient trading market. The market of Namche Bazaar is such a happening one. Every day it opens to welcome hundreds of travelers, trekkers, and mountaineers.
And it serves all of them well with the welcoming hospitality of Sherpas. There are some famous German Bakeries and an Irish Pub in the town. Whether a cup of coffee or a glass of beer, you can drink something good here in Namche Bazaar. Or you can try Yak Steak, a popular local meal in the region.
Actually, Namche Bazaar is a stop popular for rest and acclimatization. Everyone going to the mountains through the route of Namche Bazaar has to spend a whole day here. Yes, that is what every traveler does in Namche Bazaar. A full day of rest is good for the lungs going higher places. The acclimatization makes the bodies get used to the elevation of the region. And you also get some time to explore the town and the area by the city.
Overall, Namche Bazaar is a lovely town en route to the Himalayas in the Everest Region. The picturesque hub makes everyone’s journey exciting and memorable. If you are trekking or flying in the region, you can’t escape the town.
Popular Everest Region Treks you might want to join: Everest Base Camp Trek, EBC with Helicopter Return, EBC– Cho La Pass – Gokyo Trek, Gokyo Lake Trekking, Everest base camp trek with Island peak
Where Can you Go During Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar?
As said above, an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is a must for every Everest Region visitor. Every Everest Region Trek happening through Namche Bazaar has an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. One full rest day in Namche Bazaar helps you acclimatize to the altitude and weather. As our bodies need some time to acclimatize to the heights, Namche Bazaar is for that purpose. It slows the trek and gives a whole day to acclimatize. And the next day, you can start gaining heights.
In the name of acclimatization, you get one extra day to explore the beauty of Namche Bazaar and the surrounding area. You’ll have various options to do on the acclimatization day. For example, you can just remain in the town to explore its streets. Or you can go to the nearby Sherpa villages for some cultural exploration. Here are some hike options that a trekker can do on the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar:
Everest View Hotel
Everest View Hotel(3,880m) is around a 2-hour uphill hike from Namche. The hotel is one of the highest hotels in the world and offers a great view of Mt Everest. Plus, the hotel has a delicious food menu for visitors. That’s why this hiking option is so popular among the acclimatizing trekkers. One can eat a delicious meal while watching peaks such as Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. The lush vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park is also visible from the hotel. After this visit, you can return to Namche Bazaar.
Explore Khumjung and Khunde
Another acclimatization hike option is Khumjung and Khunde Village, the two big Sherpa villages. The hike to these two villages offers you a clear understanding of Sherpa’s culture and lifestyle. Both of the villages also have historical importance, with some monasteries. You will explore all of that along with mountain views throughout the visit. It is a short hike from Namche, so it is an excellent option to acclimatize and explore while in Namche Bazaar.
Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Centre
Or you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum located in Namche Bazaar. You can learn many things about the part, from its flora to fauna. There are stones in the museum for display from across the world. Similarly, you can get information about mountain climbing in the museum. The museum also offers a lovely view of the Sagarmatha National Park. It is not too far from Namche Bazaar, so it is an easy hiking option while in Namche Bazaar.