After the grueling climb to Namche Bazaar, it was REALLY nice to arrive at the Khumbu Lodge for a two-night stay as an acclimatization day for the group headed to Everest Base Camp. I liked the Khumbu Lodge as it had all the amenities I “longed for” (sounds so dramatic!) and the staff and service were great. I think the group as a whole liked it a lot. Good start to our time in Namche! (No, I did not get a free stay or perks for writing this. I, like my companions, really liked this lodge!)
The Khumbu Lodge in the center of the photo
We sat in the dining room catching up on Internet-based things and rested before showering and getting ready for dinner. I loved the almost 270 degree view from the dining room and the spaciousness of the room.
Namche Bazaar from the dining room
Namche Bazaar is the most sizable town on the route to Everest Base Camp. It is nestled on the side of a mountain, carved on its sides sort of auditorium style. Its alleys are covered with steps and unevenness so one better pay attention – no smooth sidewalk in sight! (I exaggerate perhaps just a little…). Of course, it is loaded with souvenir shops but also all the practical places needed for life as a local and as a trekker (drug stores, food markets, coffee shops, etc.).
A typical ‘street’ in Namche Bazaar
View over Namche Bazaar
Our schedule had us doing a short hike on the morning on day 3 to a point at the edge of the town, high up, with a fantastic view of Mt. Everest in the distance with Lhotse next to it (the world’s fourth tallest mountain). We spent a good bit of time on photos and just enjoying the beautiful spot and sunny day. The short hike was steep so it was a good warmup for day 4 when we would exit past that same point. There was a small museum at the top of the climb that was well worth the time to check out and learn more about the area.
At the monument honoring Sherpa Tenzing Norgay
Everest on the left and Lhotse on the right
Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam on the right
Coming back down we made a stop at another local private museum, the Sherpa Culture Museum, at a place where Sir Edmund Hillary had camped on his way up and that he later visited a few times when a hotel was established. It had a neat collection of household items from the region and also a short movie as well as a souvenir shop (the other one was a public museum with no shop).
Ticket to the Sherpa Culture Museum
Map on the Sherpa Museum ticket
Sherpa Culture Museum
Typical Tibetan design in a window at Namche Bazaar
Yep, this is the real thing. Good for burning in a stove…
Later that day, I was thrilled to discover Hermann Bakery where I ate a nice pastry and enjoyed a latte. Plus, we got to used a very fast Internet connection (that I could also tap from my hotel room!) which always makes me happy.
This last photo will be the image of Namche Bazaar that sticks with me forever – a gorgeous spot in the Himalayas!
View from the lodge’s dining room
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Read on: Day 4 – To my turning point: Deboche
A friend I met in India hiked to base camp in December and she loved Namche Bazaar. I have been wanting to do this trek forever and I am hoping to make it a reality in October. Love reading about your experiences!
Erin Marie Musich recently posted..Revisiting Past Travel Destinations
I hope you get to make it but maybe you should wait until 2017 when TFK goes again and join me THIS November in an amazing Ethiopia hike in the incredible Simien Mountains landscape (NOT my image of what Ethiopia is!)!!
I’m happy to read more of your Trekking for Kids adventures. I’m not sure I’ll ever get to the Himalayas, but I feel like I have by following you.
Leah recently posted..Back to School: Learning the Art of French Cooking in the South of France
If I know one thing about you is that ability to go beyond and live life to the fullest. I think you would ‘feel’ Kathmandu. Maybe not all the hiking and all but that town has something special… And, if not, I am glad I gave you a window to that part of the world, an honor for me!
I’d be up for this kind of adventure with you as a guide. But I have a feeling that my experience hiking the foothills around my hometown would not be enough… Maybe one day. 🙂
Pola (Jetting Around) recently posted..Expat Life Part Deux: Moving to Paris
It is worth the effort, Pola!! And a great place to sit for a few days and just write… wish I had been able to do that!
Lovely, Raul! You paint a wonderful picture of what Namche Bazaar is like. How magnificent it must have been to see Everest that up-close. A dream for me, really!
Francesca | The Working Mom’s Travels recently posted..A Storybook Inn: Comfortable luxury in Central Kentucky
Thanks, Francesca. It WAS a dream for me to see it in person. While not as close as I could have gone, I am satisfied!
I have completed my ABC trek and i am planning for the Everest Base Camp. It is very exciting to walk through the mountains. I’ve heard Namche Bazaar is very beautiful and you can get nice view of Everest. Hope to explore it soon, thank you for sharing.