8 things you should know about Namche Bazaar when trekking to Everest Base Camp

Aug 12, 2014

Namche bazaar (3440m /11,285ft) is one of the most popular resting stops on the Everest Base Camp trek. Shaped like a horse shoe and positioned in a very unconventional location it has limited expansion to grow, however has a lot of things to offer for trekkers and climbers.

  1. Saturday market.

  2. Wherever climbing, Namche bazaar offers the cheapest option for purchasing any trekking or climbing gear you might need. Saturday market as the name implies offers variety of trekking and climbing gear every morning on Saturday. It attracts variety of traders from all over Tibet and local areas to sell goods like soap, butter, vegetables and other produce in the region.

  3. Mendafu View Point

  4. If you want to see the “big picture” of the Everest, then this is the place to go. Mendafu View point offers a stunning vantage point of all the tallest peaks in the region. The view can be so mesmerizing you could spend hours watching the cloud formations surrounding the mountains and still be amazed by the scenery it presents.

  5. Above altitude sickness

  6. Acclimatization when climbing is very important. Being situated at high altitude Namche Bazaar serves as an acclimatization stop for climbers. Usually during an Everest Base Camp trek about two days are spent at Namche Bazaar to acclimatize your body to the higher altitude and avoid above altitude sickness.

  7. Nauche Gonda Visitor Centre (small monastery)

  8. The visitor center educates tourists on Tibetan Buddhism, Namche community, the city and Gonda. Apart from that, it serves as a trading venue for locals to sell handicrafts.

  9. Unofficial capital

  10. It is considered the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. Originally a trading post, Namche Bazaar has become one of the most popular trekking stops. However, despite it’s increased popularity amongst trekkers it has still remained a small village to day.

  11. Khumbilia mountain

  12. Also known as a ‘Protector’, Khumbilia mountain is considered sacred. Due to it’s unique association, no one is allowed to climb this mountain.

  13. Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Centre

  14. This center has some extraordinary pictures of the wildlife in the region and offers very useful information about it.

  15. Sherpa Museum

  16. Rich in information about various expeditions of Sherpas, life cycle of Sherpa culture and artifacts. You can see ‘Hall of Fame” gallery of Sherpas who summited Everest, including photos of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay who are first climbers confirmed to reach the summit of Everest.

Namche bazaar is a fascinating city. If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp and are spending a couple days in it, make sure to make most of it. Familiarize yourself with local phenomenons that this village has to offer and share your experiences with friends.

Dan Metcalfe