This fast-paced Nepal journey takes you along the first few days of the trail to Everest Base Camp up to Namche Bazaar, a traditional Sherpa hamlet and the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region, ideal for people with limited trekking time.
You'll trek through Sagarmatha National Park, which is known for its spectacular suspension bridges, Buddhist monuments, and, of course, magnificent Himalayan views, including Mount Everest.
Highlights Of The Seven Days Namche Bazaar Trek
- Visit the Sherpa people's homeland in Nepal.
- Views of Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak, are available.
- Follow the famed Everest Base Camp Trek for the first few days.
Itinerary In Brief
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu(1,400m) to Lukla(2,880m) and then Trek to Phakding(2,610m)
Day 03: Trekking from Phakding(2,610m) to Namche Bazaar(3,440m)
Day 04: Resting in Namche Bazaar and an Optional Day Hike
Day 05: Trekking from Namche Bazaar(3,440m) to Lukla(2,880m)
Day 06: Flight from Lukla(2,880m) to Kathmandu(1,400m)
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary of the Seven Days Namche Bazaar Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
The flight into the Kathmandu Valley is awe-inspiring, with vistas of the Himalayas and the terraced valley level. A representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
You'll have time to tour the city after you've settled in (depending on your time of arrival). Kathmandu's Durbar Square and its tiny alleyways are crowded with little stores, historic temples, and local restaurants, as well as Swayambhunath temple, where you can watch the sunset over the valley and the Himalayas to your north, are recommended places to explore on your first day.
Thamel, Nepal's tourist center, is an excellent place to enjoy your lunch, with a selection of cafes and restaurants serving you both Western and indigenous Nepali cuisine. Then, if it's not too late, visit Asan Tole, the city's busiest bazaar, for an accurate display of spice, seafood, and vegetable stands that make for fantastic photo opportunities. Learn a few basic Nepali phrases and strike up a conversation with friendly people!
Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then Trek to Phakding(2,610m)
You'll travel to Lukla (30 minutes) after breakfast and land on a steep mountain runway, which will take trekkers to the start of your journey. Try to get a window seat on the plane's left side and keep your camera close at hand: On clear days, the flight will take you between mountains and into valleys, with spectacular vistas of the Himalayas.
Today you'll hike a short distance through local settlements, where you'll likely come across other trekkers, people, and yaks with their tinkling bells. Continue on a well-marked trek through the Dudh Koshi Valley and spend the night in Phakding.
Day 03: Trekking from Phakding(2,610m) to Namche Bazaar(3,440m)
You'll begin a challenging and steep ascent towards Namche after breakfast in Phakding. This might prove to be a difficult day for you since you'll start to feel the effects of the altitude. The route also includes many high-suspension bridges that must be crossed over the Dudh Kosi River.
The Sagarmatha National Park of this region, which was established to safeguard and conserve the delicate alpine ecosystem, is just outside the settlement of Monjo (your travel guide will cover all of your permit fees here). The trail becomes steeper as you progress, and if the weather is clear, you will be able to see Mount Everest for the first time.
When you get to Namche, choose a place to stay and explore the town. Namche is a fantastic site to resupply because it has a lot of little businesses providing snacks and hiking gear, as well as restaurants and pubs. Check out the Saturday market if you're here on the weekend—it's a gathering spot for Hindu traders from the Nepali lowlands and Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed through the glaciated Nangpa La.
Day 04: Resting in Namche Bazaar and an Optional Day Hike
Today is a relaxation day, so take advantage of it by sleeping in and relaxing in the morning. Namche, nestled between two ridges amidst the Khumbu's massive peaks, is an excellent spot for acclimating to the increased altitude.
There are numerous lodges, tea shops, and souvenir stores to choose from. You can also visit Sir Edmund Hillary's Khunde Hospital or take a one-hour hike up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche to view renowned peaks, including Ama Dablam, Lhotse Nuptse and Everest. The Sherpa Culture Museum, located slightly above the town, offers excellent views.
Day 05: Trekking from Namche Bazaar(3,440m) to Lukla(2,880m)
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast in Namche Bazaar, then follow the Dudh Kosi river valley down to Lukla. It'll be a long day, but it won't be too difficult because it'll be downhill, and you'll be in terrific form from your previous treks.
You'll pass past villages like Chumoa, Benkar, Phakding, and Chuthawa before arriving at the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, which marks the end of your journey. Though most of the trail is a gentle downhill slope, the final bit before arrival pulls you uphill, which is an appropriate way to end.
While you ponder on your adventure, there are many things to do in Lukla, including shopping, clubs, cafes—and even a phoney Starbucks!
Day 06: Flight from Lukla(2,880m) to Kathmandu(1,400m
After breakfast in Lukla, you'll fly back to Kathmandu early the following day. You'll be met by your representative at the Tribhuwan International Airport and transferred to your hotel, where you may spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Explore Kathmandu's streets by foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps for souvenirs or to see what you missed at the start of your journey.
Other options include treating your muscles to a massage at Seeing Hands (services provided by blind people) or the more upscale Kinjalla Spa after your hike. Pranamaya Yoga, which has two sites in Thamel and Patan, also offers an early evening yoga class. Choose from a variety of Nepali, Vietnamese, French, and Middle Eastern dishes in Kathmandu in the evening.
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu
It's time to bid Nepal farewell. Enjoy one more breakfast at a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping in Kathmandu. A representative from your respective travel agency will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport for your return trip home. It's a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
