Namche Bazar
Namche Bazar is a small town in the Khumbu region. This is a center for Sherpas who are involved in the mountaineering business. Namche Bazar is located at the lowest point in the Khumbu area at 3,440 meters (11,286 ft) and has a widespread population. This town is also a trading hub and quite urban in comparison to other places in the region. Since the town is situated close to Mount Everest and Everest Base Camp, it sees tourists throughout the year. Namche Bazar has not just gained popularity as a trading hub but also as a place where tourists come for rounds and to buy things. What one purchases here is mostly expensive due to the transport costs and other such factors. And, there aren’t as many trading areas besides Namche Bazar, which is the reason why it is called “Bazar,” meaning market in Nepali.
If you want to know more about Namche Bazar, make sure to read till the end of this article. We have summed up everything that might interest you!
Where is Namche Bazar located?
Namche Bazar is located in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu District of Province No. 1 in north-eastern Nepal. This town is located at the lowest point of the Khumbu region. The area of Namche Bazar is somewhat urbanized in comparison to the other areas in Khumbu. Likewise, the neighboring towns and areas to Namche Bazar are Kongde Ri (6,187m) in the west and Thamserku (6,608m) in the east. Though urbanized to an extent, the town is located in a rather unconventional area, which might not be as comfortable of a place to many outsiders.
The town has the most modern facilities, from the Internet to luxurious lodges and restaurants. Here, you have a wide range of options for where you can stay and eat and what facilities you are seeking. Additionally, there are three small museums, a stupa, a monastery, bakeries or cafes, and interesting shops. Since this town is quite facilitating, connecting to the world beyond the Khumbu region becomes simpler for tourists. Not only this, but Namche Bazar is also the gateway to the Himalayas in Nepal. Plus, it has, to this date, been considered a town in the wealthiest district in Nepal. The wealth of the district has mostly been accumulated due to trekking activities there.
What is Namche Nepal famous for?
Namche Bazar is one place where you can easily get access to the Himalayas in Nepal. Moreover, it has always been famous for tourism and trekking activities. Namche also provides the most modern facilities to the tourists who visit here. The place has basically become a tourist hub besides the actual trekking areas. Visitors very often stay here and eat here before and after their take off to and from Kathmandu.
The area is quite expensive, but given the fact that there aren’t as many other places in the Khumbu region that provide the facilities as Namche Bazar, visitors, whether they are from or outside Nepal, tend to buy things here more than often. To top this, Namche Bazar is also one of the towns that is situated in the wealthiest district in Nepal.
Moreover, the main attraction in this town is that it is situated in some of the tallest mountains in the world, which makes tourists prefer this place as the perfect one for acclimatization and rest. Since Namche Bazar is located at a low point, it is almost the best option for acclimatization for anyone who wants to start their journey slow and steady.
How can you go to Namche Bazar from Kathmandu?
Most people are concerned as to how they can go to Namche Bazar from Kathmandu. The route is not very complicated as you can easily catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to begin with. It is, however, crucial that you do not choose peak times to go there since there is a likelihood of you not finding a seat. When you go through flight in times with low traffic and demand, you will definitely find yourself not struggling.
Similarly, if you do not trust flight or prefer to continue the journey on the road, then you can consider the option of taking a Jeep along. Kathmandu to Jiri or Phaplu is only a day jeep trip. Once at Jiri, you can finally start your way to Lukla by hiking. And once you are in Lukla, Namche Bazar is not too far.
Tourism in Namche Bazar
Namche Bazar is one of the most popular marketplaces in Nepal. There are not many places in the Khumbu region that are as facilitative as this town, which is also a reason it has become a tourist hub. The busy markets, the first acclimatization spot, as well as several other services provided to the visitors here, is a reason why tourism in Namche Bazar is one aspect that has overpowered the businesses in Khumbu besides the mountaineering and trekking businesses.
The following are some of the reasons why Namche Bazar has become the tourism hub in Nepal:
Trading Post to Busy Hub
Namche Bazar was simply only a trading hub in the initial years. This was when there weren’t as many mountaineers visiting Nepal. As time passed along with the popularity of mountaineering in years after the 1950s, tourists, as well as Nepali people from all around the world as well as from Nepal, came to Namche Bazar on their way to and from the Himalayas in Nepal. It was only a matter of time before it converted Namche Bazar from a trading hub for the local Sherpas to a busy hub.
There are plenty of businesses conducted in the area. The area is flocked with tourists, and some of the most popular businesses thriving in Namche have been hotels and lodges, restaurants and cafes, internet cafes, etc. Visitors also have the option to choose what level of services and what type of facilities they are looking for. Since Namche Bazar is earning quite some revenue from tourism and services, most of the people in the area are involved in serving the visitors. The place, overall, is quite welcoming to all the visitors and basically a busy hub as of the present time.
Managerial Center
The main managerial center in the Khumbu region is the Namche Bazar. There are police posts, army barracks, a bank, as well as headquarters for Sagarmatha National Park in Namche Bazar. Since the area is the most urbanized, visitors can feel the authenticity of the Sherpa lifestyle and culture when they’re in this town. Namche Bazar is also fairly responsible for the preservation of the flora and fauna in Khumbu, as most of the administrative functions are done here.
For tourism, the managerial center, out of all the other places in the Khumbu region, does the most as per necessity.
Acclimatization point
The first acclimatization point that you will stay at when looking to climb the tallest of mountains is Namche Bazar. The town is at the lowest point of the Khumbu region, which is a reason why you will be staying here for at least a day if you want to succeed in your climbing session.
Climbers need acclimatization to adjust themselves to the oxygen level and altitude conditions of the higher points of mountains in Khumbu. Therefore, taking time to acclimatize will help you grow accustomed to the conditions of the mountainous region slowly.
Without proper acclimatization, adjusting one’s bodily functions to the outer environment is almost impossible. Hence, Namche Bazar serves as the most preferable acclimatization point.
Information Center
Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Center is located in Namche Bazar. It is at the top end of the town, close to the Tengboche trail. There are plenty of photos and information that one can get from this information center. It is not the locals who get the most benefit from this information center but the tourists who are looking to find more information about wildlife in the Sagarmatha National Park.
Sherpa Culture
The Sherpa community dominated Namche Bazar. These inhabitants moved to Khumbu in the 15th century and are originally from Tibet. Ever since the Sherpa people have created a home of their own in the Himalayan region of Nepal. They had always been traders who worked with wool, farming, herding yaks and cows, and doing trades associated with what they did. The livelihood remained the same for a while until mountaineering and trekking took their economy to a whole different level. Sherpas have been earning quite some income from their trading as well as the tourism industry to this day. In fact, the modern times and growing interest in mountaineering and similar physical and traveling interest has increased the likelihood of growth in income of these locals.
When visitors come here, they can not only get the facilities that they are likely to find back home but also get the option to try out Sherpa cuisine, get an experience of living in conditions as they do, learn about their traditions and religion, and associate with people from the community.
Sherpa Museum
The Sherpa Museum is quite famous among tourists. There are artifacts and a brief history of the Sherpas in the museum. This community is quite interesting, and its history is enough to keep a visitor hooked for a while. Furthermore, a “Hall of Fame” in the Sherpa Museum has a bunch of people who have managed to climb Mount Everest successfully, including Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, placed in the gallery.
Healing Centre, Namche Library, and Namche Monastery
For tourists looking for a healing center or a library, there are both services that you can find in Namche Bazar itself. Another major attraction is the Namche Monastery. Namche monastery has locals and visitors rounding the place to offer their prayers. The monastery is based on Buddhism, and you are likely to see Buddhist monks and devotees there.
Similarly, there are several Tibetan handicraft stores around the same street.
Weekly Market
Every Saturday, you will find a rushful crowd in the Saturday market in Namche Bazar. You can find both climbing equipment and gear as well as some local products in this market. The market attracts lots of traders who are willing to sell soap, vegetables, butter, etc., to tourists. Also, if you have forgotten or missed out on any equipment on your visit to the mountains, you can find a suitable pair of gear or equipment in the Saturday market.
Syangboche Airport
Helicopters and STOL aircraft landing from Kathmandu to Lukla can be spotted in the Syangboche airport. The condition of the airport is not as good as one might consider safe and convenient. However, there are many who travel from the capital city of Nepal to Namche Bazar through Syangboche Airport. One of the biggest limitations, however, is that this airport does not facilitate licenses for commercial operations which has become a downside for especially the locals in the area.
Visit of Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter, the former President of the US, paid a visit to Namche Bazar with his wife Rosalynn in 1985. Carter came to the town in the personal chopper that belonged to the Late King Birendra Bikram Shah. Though not the only aspect that attracts tourists, this fact has definitely helped to spread the fame of the small town among people in other countries, especially America, to a great extent.
Nathan Rogers’s song from The Gauntlet
The mention of Namche Bazar in Nathan Rogers’s song from The Gauntlet is about defining the mix of culture down the road. The international artist gave the essence of the town to people outside Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Namche Bazar worth visiting?
Yes, Namche Bazar is worth visiting because of its fostering services and its being the gateway to the Himalayas in Nepal.
Can you see Everest from Namche Bazar?
Yes, you can get a scenic view of Mount Everest from Namche Bazar.
What can I buy in Namche Bazar?
You can buy trekking equipment, medicines, and other traditional products like soap, butter, and vegetables in Namche Bazar.
How long to trek from Lukla to Namche Bazar?
It takes 13 hours and 30 minutes to trek from Lukla to Namche Bazar.
Can you drive from Kathmandu to Namche Bazar?
There is no vehicle access directly from Kathmandu to Namche Bazar.
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Prakash Devkota
Meet with Prakash Chandra Devkota, Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Devkota hails from the beautiful hilly region of Gorkha District. He started his career as a guide in 1997 and quickly became a reputed figure in the Tourism Industry because of his extensive experience. He has gathered impressive experience in all Trekking and Climbing Routes, such as Mera, Island, Lobuche, Ama Dablam etc.
His success also lies in his brilliant mind and hospitable nature. He is fully dedicated to providing excellent services and introducing innovative concepts. With more than 15 years of experience in trekking and expedition operations in Nepal, Tibet, India, and Bhutan, he has earned a reputation as a renowned leader in the field. He understands the importance of personalized service for creating memorable experiences for his clients and constantly seeks innovative company operation methods.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices.