Namche Bazaar (3,500 m) is the staging point for expeditions to Everest and other Himalayan peaks in the area. It has developed into a small, colourful market town selling everything from Tibetan artefacts to trekking and climbing equipment and everything you might need during your trip. The visitor center at park headquarters has detailed information on various climbs in the area, memorabilia from different mountaineering expeditions, and information on the lifestyle and culture of the Sherpa people.
A historic trading hub, famous for its homemade yak cheese and butter, Namche is situated on the slope of an arch-shaped mountain, with amazing views of giant Himalayan peaks from anywhere in the valley, night and day. Once a major trading centre of the Khumbu region, Sherpas from neighboring villages and traders from Tibet would gather to barter goods displaying exotic traditional arts and crafts. Namche Bazaar despite its prosperity, still maintains its ancient culture, traditions and heart warming hospitality.
Now a major gateway to Everest, Namche Bazaar has become a busy tourist hub where climbers and trekkers can do last minute shopping for essentials.
One of the popular stops along the Everest route, this Sherpa dominated settlement seems to have it all. Besides the usual collection of hotels, restaurants and equipment stores, one can even find a regular pub, cyber cafe and a place to play pool. It is wise to halt here for a couple of days to get acclimatized by walking up and down in the vicinity as acclimatization is a slow process. A visit to Syangboche or some Sherpa villages such as Thame, Khumjung and Khunde just a few hours walk from Namche are good options for whiling away your time, which also help you to acclimatize.
