Namche Bazaar: The Capital of the Sherpas
At the gates of the Khumbu, an authentic encounter with Sherpa culture in the shadow of the Himalayan giants.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,790/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
"Namche Bazaar: the capital of the Sherpas" is particularly suited to the expectations of travelers who do not wish to go above 3,500 m, but nevertheless seek a taste of high mountain landscapes and wish to discover the Sherpa community.
We ask that you be in good physical condition. There is no need to be an experienced trekker to fully enjoy this trip. Your guide will accompany you throughout your stages, respecting your pace.
This trek allows you to discover the unique atmosphere of the Everest region, between rhododendron forests, mountain villages and exceptional panoramas of the Himalayan peaks. You will follow ancient trails frequented for centuries by the Sherpas, up to Namche Bazaar, a true cultural and commercial center of the Khumbu valley. Between Buddhist monasteries, local traditions and warm encounters, this adventure offers a first immersion in the fascinating world of the Nepalese Himalaya.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome and assistance by our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu. A short drive will take you to your hotel where you can rest for a while. The welcome drink will be an opportunity to present the program and review the documents necessary for the trekking permit.
The visit of sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit of the main sites in the Katmandou valley:
Bhaktapur, a medieval city and former royal palace, inhabited mainly by Newars who are predominantly Hindu. Bhaktapur contains squares and historical monuments of great artistic value.
Visit to the famous stupa of Bouddhanath, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region surrounded by numerous monasteries and Tibetan shops.
Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. You can see the river and the cremation rituals that are performed on the banks of the river. It resembles Varanasi (Benares) in India.
Flight to Lukla and start of our trek!
The day starts early, with a short but spectacular flight to Lukla, the starting point of our trek. From the Langtang chains to the Jugal Himal, passing through the Rolwaling, the Gaurisankar and the Menlumtse, before your first sight of the Everest: the panorama is breathtaking.
We start our trek at the Khumbu gate at the entrance to the village of Lukla. Throughout the day, many stops are planned to meet the locals, take photos and of course enjoy the landscape and the view of the multiple snow-capped peaks, reaching up to 6000 m.
You pass near the enormous mani stone (prayers) Thado Kosi, then go around the numerous chortens and prayer wheels of Sano. You have a free afternoon. Those who wish can climb up to a small Gompa, overlooking the village.
You meet for an aperitif by the fire and dinner in the evening.
Phakding - Monjo
After breakfast, we walk to the village of Monjo. The trail winds along the right bank of the Dudh Koshi, crosses the village of Phakding, then uses many suspension bridges over the river.
You continue through a pine forest then cross several small villages, before taking a break and admiring the majestic Thamserku, towering above us at 6,623 m.
A few hours later, after crossing several more suspension bridges, you reach the small Village of Monjo.
Two nights in Namche to acclimatize
Day 5
Shortly after leaving your lodge, you reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. You can view the 3D map and look at the information panels, while the guides take care of the trekking permits.
From there, you walk for another forty minutes or so along the Dudh Khosi, before crossing its tributary, the Khosi Bhote, and beginning your ascent towards the dynamic Sherpa capital Namche, and its many colourful shops.
The trail moves away from the river, zigzagging upwards, climbing gradually to the tree line, before finally opening onto a high altitude basin and arriving at the village.
Day 6
The beginning of the day is dedicated to a short walk to acclimatize well to the altitude. Afternoon free to enjoy the shops and cafés of Namche. As you stroll around, your guide will take you to wonderful viewpoints and you will be able to admire the "rock stars" of the Himalayan world. Feast your eyes: towering above the deep valleys, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, and Ama Dablam are on display.
Finally, if you feel sufficiently fit, you can continue to the charming villages of Khumjung and Kunde where a clinic and a school were able to be opened thanks to the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Namche - Phakding
After wonderful moments in Namche, it's time to retrace your steps back to Phakding. You set off along the winding trail, through the forest, before rediscovering the lush vegetation of the valley. You may be lucky enough to spot a resplendent lophophore (Danfe) pecking at the ground. This bird with its superb plumage, cousin of the peacock, is the emblem of Népal.
Lunch on the way at the Monjo lodge.
Phakding - Lukla
Another 3 hours of hiking to return to Lukla, you finish our trek with one last climb with a positive elevation gain of 200 meters! On the way back, you can stop for a drink, possibly visit the school in Chaurikharka and the Kyongma monastery.
It's then time to say goodbye to your trekking team before spending our last night in the mountains.
Flight to Kathmandu
The free day in Kathmandu
Today you have the choice, you can take advantage of the day to stroll through Kathmandu or ask us for a guided tour of the city's main sites.
We offer you the opportunity to participate in an immersive and exclusive activity with a traditional craftsman. Choose from: cooking class, sculpture, painting, music and much more. A fun activity for the whole family. The best memory you can take home!
Good to have you back and see you next time!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel Insurance: Cancellation / Repatriation / Trip Interruption / Baggage Loss
- Supplement for an English-speaking guide: 400 EURO to be divided by the number of travelers
- International flights
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
- Tips
- Lunch and dinner meals in Kathmandu
Included
- Terrestrial transport described in the program
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu - Lukla Return
- Accommodation at Gokarna Resort for 3 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast
- During the trek, accommodation at Yeti Mountain Home with full board
- The guidance of an English-speaking Nepalese guide
- A porter for 2 trekkers
- Les entrées dans le parc national de l'Everest et TIMS
- Daily fees and insurance for Nepalese local teams
- Your travel advisor's 24/7 support
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kathmandu Valley
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
