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From Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar – Entering Everest Region
Hey there, explorer! Looking to go from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar, the main tourist hub in the Everest region, but wondering how? You have come to the right place! Going from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar is not half as difficult as it may seem. Traveling individuals will for sure know how to figure out the routes. In fact, if you simply take a flight to Lukla and follow a map to trek to Namche, even beginner-level trekkers won’t face significant challenges on this journey. That said, you will enter the Everest region, heading towards Namche Bazaar, via two different routes: Jiri or Phaplu.
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You will trek up to an elevation of 3,440 m above sea level. In Kathmandu, you will stay in a comfortable hotel. As you enter the Khumbu region, you will be staying in a teahouse or a lodge. In comparison to your stops before reaching Namche Bazaar, the popular Sherpa town has more accommodation facilities and quality amenities for the trekkers to enjoy. Furthermore, it is a great place for acclimatization or a good choice for trekkers who want to explore the Everest region’s culture and natural beauty without having to go on a challenging trek.
Can You Drive to Namche? The Truth About the Road!
a. Kathmandu to Jiri Route (Classic Everest Base Camp Trail)
If you didn’t know already, Sir Edmund Hillary reached the Everest region through the Kathmandu to Jiri route, which is also known as the classic Everest Base Camp trail. Some of the most amazing views you will see are the panoramic terrains and scenery you’ll see not too many times in your lifetime. No exaggeration! You will also be exposed to Sherpa, Gurung, and Rai culture through charming villages from the beginning to the end of the trek.
Also, the road conditions can differ depending on your travel location. This route is perfect for slow trekkers or beginner-level journeyors. Likewise, road conditions can get bumpy and rough along the way. Trekkers will also spend a longer time acclimatizing when they follow this route. And for all the gastronomes out there, Jiri is just as famous for its local cuisine! Furthermore, trekkers can avoid delays in the Lukla flight with this pathway.
- Distance: ~190 km
- Travel time: 7–9 hours drive
b. Kathmandu to Phaplu Route (Shorter Alternative)
The route from Phaplu to Kathmandu is a shorter alternative to the previously mentioned route. You will find this route convenient because of the time taken and the better road conditions than the Jiri route. You will trek from either Phaplu or Salleri when you follow this route. Moreover, this route connects with the Lukla-Namche path. Along the way, you will see some of the best views of Dudh Kunda and Numbur Himal. Also, this route is quieter than the aforementioned classic route.
Some of the villages you will come through in your journey are Takshindu, Phaplu, Ringmo, Nunthala, Kharikhola, and Bupsa. The road conditions on this route are better than those on the Jiri route. And since you will get access to road transportation in Ringmo or Salleri, you will have to walk less. Any beginner trekker could benefit from this journey. Moreover, there are comparatively fewer descents and ascents in the Kathmandu to Phaplu route than in the Jiri route.
- Distance: ~270 km
- Travel time: 10–12 hours drive
Get Ready for Himalayan Air Madness – Kathmandu to Lukla
Helicopter Ride from Kathmandu to Lukla
Trekking tires you, but you still consider yourself an adventurer at heart? We get it! But hey, you can opt for a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Namche. It does not take as long for you to reach the destination back and forth from the journey, and you save yourself lots of bodily aches and sweat. It’s simply the best of both worlds. The flight is likely to take around 45 to 60 minutes. You will be flown from an altitude of 1,400 m in Kathmandu to 3,440 m in Namche Bazaar. Travelers will return to Kathmandu on the same day by evening when they opt for the Namche to Kathmandu helicopter flight, provided they start their journey early in the morning.
Some standard airlines that will serve you with a helicopter flight include Simrik Airlines, Altitude Air, and Heri Everest. It would also be best for you to opt for early bookings, especially during the peak seasons (autumn and spring), because there is always more crowd during these seasons. If you have any problems booking, you can contact us. There may be weather delays before the flight, regardless of the season, though more during the off-seasons. However, you can still go there prepared by booking early, checking the weather forecast beforehand, consulting with experienced adventurers, etc. An alternative to this flight is the drive to Jiri/ Phaplu with a trek.
Thrilling Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport
This is the classic journey to Namche from Kathmandu. Travelers can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla for a quicker journey. The airplane flight is going to take from around 25 to 30 minutes. Also, you will be traveling a total distance of 138 km one way. Some popular airlines known for the Kathmandu to Lukla flight for the journey to Namche Bazaar are Sita Air, Summit Air, and Tara Air. Like in your helicopter journey, you may face delays in flight because of weather or any other exceptional reasons.
The flight is less luxurious than the helicopter flight. But you can still go comfortably from one end to another without hassle. And it takes you much less time to travel by flight to Lukla than to take either of the routes by road. Contrary to what many travelers believe, it is safe to travel. You can worry less about colliding with the Himalayas and look forward to the scenic beauty of the mountains instead! Finally, once you have reached Lukla, you will proceed on a trek towards Namche Bazaar.
Ramechhap Airport – An Alternative Airport to Lukla
Ramechhap airport, or Manthali airport, is known to be an alternative airport to the Lukla airport. During peak seasons like autumn and spring, a large number of trekkers catch flights through Lukla airport. This causes heavy air traffic, further increasing demand for air tickets at Ramechhap airport. Tribhuvan International Airport also shifts your flight from the Lukla airport to the Ramechhap airport in such cases. You can reach the airport by driving on the road from Kathmandu for 4 to 6 hours. Trekkers will reach Lukla within 15 to 20 minutes from the airport.
Can You Handle the Trek to Namche Bazaar from Lukla?
Finally, going on a trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar is this journey’s best and most adventurous part. When you’re going to Namche Bazaar, you don’t necessarily have to consider the difficulties of the trek, as there aren’t as extreme difficulties in this journey as in more challenging journeys. You will travel a total distance of 13 km one way. The highest altitude you will reach through this trek will be at Namche itself. The elevation at Namche Bazaar is 3,440 m. Reaching your destination from Lukla will take 2 days, with a stop in beautiful Phakding.
Other key acclimatization stops in your journey are Monjo and Jorsalle. Acclimatizing properly will save you from the possibilities of altitude sickness and suffocation. Through the suspension bridges of Dudh Koshi River, you will finally push your way towards Namche Bazaar. And for all the aesthetes out there, when you finally reach Namche Bazaar, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and find yourself amid the best view of the Himalayas, especially Mount Everest!
Namche Isn’t Just a Village – It’s a Backpacker’s High-Altitude Heaven
Namche Bazaar is where you will find your attitude lifted along with the altitude. No joke! Traveling to Namche Bazaar can feel like you’ve achieved something amazing as a trekker; you will have done that. This is where you can enjoy Tibetan butter lamp and candle fragrance in each Saturday supermarket with a hint of Westernized traditions and amenities at every step. The wifi and food here might be the same price, but this will all be the least of your concerns when you spend at least a day or two in this location. And must we say, Namche Bazaar might feel like heaven on earth for travelers, especially beginners!
Trekkers know this landmark as a trekker’s town because of the modernity it has been filled with, unlike other landmarks. From enjoying beer with your pals at the Irish Pub, munching on some mouthwatering cinnamon rolls in a cozy bakery, and going on an exploration journey to the Sherpa Museum, there is something for all kinds of travelers in this lively, colorful, and engaging town. Also, if you’re going to Namche Bazaar without cash, you should reconsider the decision because while there are ATMs, you don’t want to risk any last-minute money problems. That said, Namche Bazaar is a destination for adventurers worldwide for many reasons!
Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar Weather? Which’s Best for Your Boots?
Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar are both at two totally different altitudes from one another. Therefore, you will find both pros and cons in either of the locations’ weather. Kathmandu has an average weather of 28.7°C (83.7°F) during the day and 15.7°C (60.3°F) during the night. Likewise, the city has a humidity level of around 57%. In a day, you can expect around 7 hours of sunshine when you’re here. On the other hand, Namche Bazaar has an average temperature of 13°C (55.4°F) during the day, which can drop to -2°C (28.4°F) during the night. The location has a humidity percentage of 74%. Off-seasons can affect the weather of both locations.
So, which is the location that will keep your boots in the best condition? Kathmandu for sure! From the roadways to the weather, Kathmandu will keep your boots intact and prone to the least damage. Namche Bazaar is not that extreme of a location for treks or even your boots. But, given the condition of the trails and how much you will have to walk and your boots will have to endure because of the weather conditions, you might as well return home with slightly beaten-up boots after the Namche Bazaar trek.
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12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
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Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Tour
Got Your Permits? Don’t Hike to Namche Without These Documents
When you trek to Namche in the Khumbu region of Nepal, you will need the following permits:
- TIMS: The Trekkers Information Management System card, or TIMS card, is mandatory for trekkers in Nepal. The card is a joint initiative from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). It ensures that every trekker registers their journey and returns home safely. Whether you are traveling alone or trekking with a guide, you will need this card.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Traveling to Sagarmatha National Park can be an important part of your trip from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar. You need this permit to get inside the national park ethically. It is also mandatory, so there’s no skipping this permit!
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit: Khumbu Rural Municipality is the home to all the trekking landmarks in your trek to Namche Bazaar. Hence, you need this permit to enter the locality safely and ethically.
| Permits | Cost for SAARC Nationals | Cost for Non-SAARC Nationals | Where to Obtain | Needed for |
| TIMS Card | 2000 | 600 | Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu | Trekking in the Khumbu region |
| Sagarmatha National Park Permit | 3000 | 1500 | Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu Monjo Checkpoint | Entry into Sagarmatha National Park |
| Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit | 2000 | 1000 | Lukla checkpoint Monjo checkpoint | Trekking in the Khumbu region |
Conclusion
By the end of this article, we bet you have concluded that you will be doing a high-intensity cardio up in the Himalayas during your Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar trek. Whether you take a helicopter flight or choose to trek to your destination, going from the capital city to Namche Bazaar is going to feel like upgrading from a simple beginner-friendly yoga class to coming close to climbing Mount Everest. Regardless, your journey is going to be filled with views of the tallest mountains in the world, several plates of momos, a mix of many different cultures in Nepal, and an adventure of a lifetime. Happy journey ahead!
