Namche Bazaar is a very popular village in the Solukhmbu district that lies in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality. It lies at an altitude of over 3500m and is regarded as the gateway to Everest Base Camp and other mountain regions around the area.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is very famous for local and foreign tourists not only because it is the last town settlement before the hard trek towards Everest Base Camp but also because you can find all the important information on the required trek you are going to on the park headquarters’ visitors centers. Here are a few things to do in Namche Bazaar when you’re on an acclimatization day.
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You can also get close to the traditions, culture, and lifestyles of the Sherpa people which are very different than Western culture or even the culture of people living in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Generally, Namche Bazaar is considered as the stopgap or resting station during the Everest Base Camp Trek however there are lots of things to do in the said place so let’s get into it.
Read More: How to Get to Namche Bazaar from Kathmandu?
Sherpa Culture Museum
Sherpa Culture Museum is one of the important places in the Namche Bazaar that you can enjoy if you are on the road to Everest Base Camp or just there to enjoy the place in general. The museum showcases unique Sherpa architecture, reflecting their lifestyle, traditions, and culture.
The museum is a traditional example of the Sherpa culture in a whole spectrum whether you look at it from the inside or the outside. The museum is the purest form of traditional civilization where there is not a hint of modern aspects of life as simple living thinking Sherpas continue to protect their civilization and have been protecting ever since the start of time.
The main attraction of the Sherpa Culture Museum is the old Sherpa artifacts from homes, monasteries, and temples which show the longevity of the culture and its significance. In the museum, you can also visit the prayer room of Buddhists where tourists can see how Buddhist culture is different from Western culture.
The Sherpa Museum is quiet and peaceful resonating with the belief of Buddhist people and the mannerisms of Lord Buddha himself. In the basement of the Sherpa Museum, you can find a stable for domestic animals like yak, sheep, cows, buffalos, etc where the people of Namche Bazaar respect all the animals like humans.
Another key significance of the Sherpa Cultural Museum is that it is open to all the people from any culture and tradition who want to learn about Sherpa’s beliefs and lifestyles.
Syangboche Airport:
Syangboche Airport is a small but iconic airport located inside the Sagarmatha National Park near Namche Bazaar. It lies on an elevation above 3750 meters and is the entry point for the chartered planes and helicopters that are coming from Kathmandu and Lukla.
Generally, the trekkers who prefer scenic routes or helicopter tours of Everest Base Camp use Syangboche Airport, considered among the tourist attractions.
Sagarmatha Next Centre
Sagarmatha Next Centre is a paradise for local people, or tourists around the world who are interested in learning new cultures, and traditions and learning the way of protecting, and promoting tourism in Nepal.
People from all around the world who are lovers of art, culture, and tradition can enjoy a day of uniqueness and knowledge as most of the trek is relentless walking from one place to another. The main objective of the center is to aware everyone that you can not only reuse waste products but you can create something new as well.
Namche Bazaar faced the problem of waste management when the incoming tourist rate was increasing but there was no proper management which responsibility is now taken by Sagarmatha Next Centre.
Hence if you are a tech and cultural enthusiast and are planning to visit Namche Bazaar then Sagarmatha Next Centre is the must-place to visit.
Dumji Festival
Dumji Festival is one of the famous festivals of the Solukkhumbu region which is celebrated in Namche Bazaar. The festival is celebrated in June/July.
The festival is conducted and celebrated through various rituals, dances, songs, and local gatherings in honor of Guru Rinpoche also known as Padmasambhava. If you are in Namche during the month then do not miss this festival as you can see the true tradition, culture, and brotherhood of the Sherpa people of Khumbu.
Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Centre
Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Centre is another popular attraction in Namche Bazaar which holds an important cultural and environmental significance for the local people. It is an environmental and cultural archive for foreign people who are not aware of the history, tradition, and lifestyles of the Sherpa people along with being an informational outpost.
The Park Visitor Centre is the main source of information if you want to know about the Khumbu region, the local people living in the area, their culture, their traditions, the number of rituals they follow, and also the local foods and drinks that they enjoy.
Another highly important significance of the park visitor center is the information available on the sightings of extremely rare flora and fauna of the Khumbu region like Fur, Birch, Rhododendron, Pine, Snow Leopard, musk deer, and wild boars.
Furthermore, in the area in front of Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Centre, you can catch a glimpse of some of the beautiful mountains in the region like Mount Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
Other than information on natural wildlife and cultures of Sherpa people, if you are looking for information on any trekking destinations, routes, or gear then you can find them on the national park as well.
Hike to Hotel Everest View
Hike to Hotel Eveest View is recorded as the highest altitude hotel in the world situated at over 3960m. It is most famous for its amazing view of Mountain Everest. Every day tons of tourists from different parts of the world hike to the said hotel to catch a glimpse of stunning Mount Everest and all other panoramic mountain views.
Despite Namche Bazaar being the palace to rest and acclimate we suggest you hike a short distance to the Hotel Everest view and do not miss the chance of a lifetime to see some beautiful mountains.
Namche Bazaar Viewpoint
Another stunning viewpoint in Namche Bazaar is the Namche Bazaar Viewpoint from where you can see magnificent views of the Himalayas and catch a glimpse of many mountains over 8000 meters.
If you are in love with the surroundings and have a passion for photography then this place is a major attraction on its own.
Namche Bazaar Monastery
Namche Bazaar Monastery also known as Namche Monastery is another cultural importance reflected right in the middle of the town. The said monastery is built in the Nyingma style of Buddhism followed in the parts of Tibet.
The place inside has shrines along with several murals and paintings. The view from the outside and inside of the monastery is as beautiful. The place is as quiet and peaceful as it can be and gives a serene and spiritual experience to the newcomers.
Khumjung Edmund Hillary School
Khumjung Edmund Hillary School is the iconic collaborative school made by the Sherpa locals and Sir Edmund Hillary who is very dear to the Nepalese heart around the country. Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa conquered Mount Everest for the first time in 1953.
The visitors are allowed to tour the school and take a look into the life of Sherpa’s children and their educational journey which has helped them preserve their culture from generation to generation.
Khumjung Monastery
Khumjung Monastery is another iconic monastery in Namche Bazaar which lies at an altitude of above 3900m. Just like Namche Monastery, Khumjung Monastery has also helped conserve old and important cultures and traditions of Sherpa around the place.
Khumjung Village
Khumjung village is another major attraction in Namche Bazaar which is a very quiet and peaceful village where anyone is allowed to trek and explore. The village is situated a few hours’ walk from Namche Bazaar and is situated at an elevation of over 3590m.
The small village is mostly popular for the friendly people sharing similar culture, tradition, and clothing along with spectacular views of mountain ranges.
Photography Locations
Namche Bazaar is one of the key attractions for photographers all around the world. There are many points in the town for amazing and pristine mountainous scenes where you can take breathtaking pictures that are certain to last in your memory for a lifetime.
Shopping Destinations for Souvenirs and Trekking Equipments
If you are tired of walking different places in Namche Bazaar then you can just enjoy yourself in the local market. Namche Bazaar is a shopping destination for tourists who are looking to purchase trekking equipment, gear, and other items needed for continued trekking.
Furthermore, if you also need to purchase some souvenirs from Nepal or Sherpa village to take to your home country you can purchase them in Namche Bazaar.
Local Restaurants, Pubs or Coffee Shops
Namche Bazaar is probably the best tourist destination around the Khumbu region mainly due to the availability of local and western foods in its different local restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops.
Tons of restaurants in Namche Bazaar like Cafe 8848, The Irish Pub, Namche Bakery, etc provide local eateries along with all the western cuisines for you to enjoy.
Final Say
Hence Namche Bazaar holds different values in the people of Khumbu region for its local and cultural adaptation. Furthermore, it is the gateway to Mount Everest so it is equally important to foreigners as well.
Despite being shouted as the stopgap for trekkers going to climb Mt Everest, Namche holds its ground and there are many attractions that you can enjoy for a day or two.
