Everest’s Gateway Namche Bazaar Elevation, Weather & Facts

A small, vibrant town in the Khumbu region of Nepal is the Namche Bazaar. It is the gateway to the venture of Everest and various Himalayan peaks in its vicinity. Namche is a historical trading hub for buying and selling Tibetan artifacts, climbing and trekking gears, livestock, etc. The Bazaar (market) is also well known for homemade butter and yak cheese.

Namche Bazaar is a bustling market surrounded by mountains, where tourists can have quality time in one of the top hotels. Tourists can enjoy a few regular pubs and Wi-Fi, play pool, and spend a few days experiencing Tibetan culture and tradition. Namche is a point to acclimatize for higher altitude treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, Three Pass Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek, etc.

Namche Bazaar Elevation

The Namche Bazaar elevation reaches an altitude of 3,440 meters above sea level. As the risk of altitude sickness starts above 3,500-meter elevation, Namche serves as a crucial point for acclimatization for the trekkers going to Everest Base Camp and other high-altitude treks.

Namche Bazaar Weather

The weather in Namche Bazaar is moderate. The Namche Bazaar average temperature ranges between -10°C to 15°C. Spring (March-May) in Namche is relatively warm, with a clear sky providing a pristine view of the mountains surrounding the town. The average temperature during spring ranges from 10°C-15°C. This season is the best season to see blooming rhododendrons.

Likewise, the Autumn (September-November) season has calming, clear weather that offers excellent views of the mountains. The temperature during this season also ranges from 10°C to 15°C. During winter (December-February), the temperature drops to -10°C to 5°C. In contrast, if you like snowfall, then winter can be the best time to visit Namche Bazaar.

Summer (June-August) comes with monsoon rain. The region faces heavy rainfall during this season. The roads are muddy and slippery, and the risk of insects, leeches, and reduced visibility due to rain and mist make summer challenging.

What to do in Namche Bazaar?

• Visit the Namche Monastery.
• Stroll around the local market, shops and cafes.
• Take a tour of the Hillary School.
• Visit Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center.
• Explore Sherpa Museum.
• Share gifts among local children who are in need.
• Trek to Hotel Everest View.

Fun Facts About Namche

• Namche is the unofficial capital of the Sherpa Community in Nepal.
• The Bazaar is a hotspot for buying mountaineering gear and other essentials for the tip.
• Namche Bazaar is one of the highest towns in the world, at 3,440 meters (11,286 feet).
• Every Saturday, the town hosts a fair for buying and selling goods from Tibet and neighbouring villages.

• It is a primary station for rescued people. Clinics here are well-equipped and provide immediate medical services for the victims.
• You can find one of the highest ATM services in Namche Bazaar.
• Electricity in Namche is powered by a local hydropower station.
• President Jimmy Carter and his wife flew to Namche on the late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah’s private helicopter and stayed in Khumbu Lodge.

Distance, Time & Cost From Kathmandu By Flight

The total distance from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar is approximately 156 km. You can reach Lukla via a flight from Kathmandu, which takes about 30-35 minutes and covers 138 km.

There is no direct flight to Namche, so the Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar flight price is not fixed. However, you can book a private helicopter from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla will cost you around $150-$200 (one-way) according to the season you travel and the change in price for the flight.

Distance, Time & Cost From Kathmandu By Trek

The journey to Namche starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport. From Lukla, you need to trek to Phakding (2–3 hours), and the next day, you can reach Namche Bazaar (4–5-hour trek). This will take you around 7-8 hours in total. The distance from Lukla to Phakding is 7.8 km, and the distance from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is 10.4 km.

The cost of trekking includes accommodation and food, which costs around $50-$100 per person.

Namche Bazaar Accommodation

The Namche Bazaar accommodation is comparatively better than the accommodation on the route. The teahouses, hotels, restaurants, and lodges provide decent services. They provide clean and warm bedding, Wi-Fi service, local, continental, and Western foods, and shared and attached bathrooms. Some good hotels might have hot showers and heated rooms.

Namche Bazaar has a variety of options based on your budget and preferences.

Top 10 Hotels in Namche Bazaar

Hotel Namche

This hotel is known for its clean rooms and good food. The hotel costs around $60-$80 per night.

Khumbu Lodge

The comfortable room and stunning mountain view from the hotel will cost you around $50-$70 per night.

Panorama Lodge and Restaurant

It is an excellent family-run business that provides top facilities for around $40-$60 per night.

Hotel Khangri

The Hotel Khangri is well known for facilities like Wi-Fi and hot showers that come in around $50-$70 per night.

Namche Hotel

The Namche Hotel provides friendly, basic accommodation with an awesome view for about $40-$60 per night.

Himalayan Lodge

The main highlight of Himalayan Lodge is lots of options in food and a welcoming environment, which cost you just $30-$50 per night.

Alpine Lodge

The Alpine Lodge is popular among tourist for their warm hospitality and private clean rooms. It costs you around $30-$50 per night.

Namche Hill

Warn atmosphere and friendly service from Namche Hill is the best feature of this hotel that costs you around $40-$60 per night.

Yeti Mountain Home

The Yeti Mountain Home is well-known for its comfortable rooms, excellent service, Wi-Fi, and heated rooms, and it will cost you around $90-$120.

Nirvana Home

Tourists tend to enjoy the homely and relaxing environment offered by the Nirvana Hotel. It cost around $25-$40 per night.

Note: The price for the hotels is likely to change according to the services you take, size and quality of the rooms, and trekking season.

Treks from Namche

Namche Bazaar is a gateway to several treks in the area of Mount Everest. Here are some notable treks that can be accessed from Namche Bazaar:

Everest Base Camp Trek

This is one of the most famous treks. It takes you to Everest base camp, where you can get a close glimpse of Mount Everest and other Himalayan Ranges. This trek generally takes around 12-14 days.

Gokyo Lakes Trek with Renjo La Pass

The trek takes you to the Renjo La Pass through the Gokyo Lakes. It usually takes about 12-14 days. The trek offers a pristine view of Gokyo Lake and an awe-inspiring view from Renjo La Pass (5,345 meters, one of the highest Passes in the world).

Everest View Trek

This is one of the shorter treks for those who are interested in seeing the majesty of the region but do not wish to trek all the way to the base camp. It offers a spectacular scenic view of Mount Everest and other mountains, and the trek normally lasts seven to ten days.

Tengboche Monastery Trek

It is a shorter trek route that leads to Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the entire Himalayan region of Nepal. This has gorgeous views of Everest and the other mountains, which are normally done in 5-7 days.

Everest Three Passes Trek

This is a difficult trail, and hikers have to overcome three major passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La Pass. Moreover, it provides rich sightseeing and an opportunity to explore the Everest region. The trek normally lasts between 17 and 21 days.