Namche Bazar is the largest of the Sherpa villages and a place where virtually all trekkers on their way to Mt. Everest Base Camp, or anywhere else in the higher areas of the Khumbu Region, stop for a day of rest and acclimation.

At 11,287 feet, Namche is situated just at the point where altitude-related health issues may start to kick in for some people. One important part of dealing with altitude is drinking lots of water, and another is ascending slowly — hence two nights in Namche.

The town itself is remarkably developed, especially considering its elevation and lack of road access. Everything has to be carried or helicoptered in, yet one can find bars, pool tables, bakeries, coffee shops, movies, fairly modern hotels, lots of stores with outdoor gear for sale or rent, money exchange, and ATMs. And yet it is still Nepal; it’s not unusual to find yourself enjoying a piece of chocolate cake, getting your hair done or walking out of an Irish pub and seeing a train of yaks going up the main street.

As for the day, some people choose to rest, while others go for a walk. An easy destination, in the upper part of town, is a memorial park to Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who was one of the first two people (with Sir Edmund Hillary) to summit Mount Everest. The park features a statue of Tenzing, a museum of Nepali culture, and a terrific view up the valley to Everest, Ama Dablam, and other high snow peaks.

A far more challenging destination, and a great way to follow the dictum “climb high, sleep low,” is to head up a steep trail to the Everest View Hotel. This luxurious destination offers even better views of Everest and the valley; it will also give you a stiff test of your conditioning as you wind up and up a narrow ridge. You might wonder why you’re doing this on a “rest” day, but your legs and lungs will appreciate it later in the trip.

Besides, all that effort in the morning makes your coffee, cake or nap in the afternoon that much sweeter.

And the next morning, it’s back on the trail for Day 4 of the trek to Everest Base Camp, a scenic and challenging day that winds up at the world famous monastery of Tengboche.

Trek the Himalayas

with Embark Exploration Company!