Namche Bazaar: the capital of the Sherpas
At the gates of Khumbu, an authentic encounter with Sherpa culture in the shadow of 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
The trek "Namche Bazaar: the capital of the Sherpas" is designed for travelers who wish to discover high mountain landscapes without exceeding 3,500 meters in altitude, while meeting the Sherpa community. Good physical condition is recommended, but it is not necessary to be an experienced trekker. Throughout the journey, your guide accompanies you at your own pace and ensures the smooth running of each stage. This trek immerses you in the atmosphere of the Everest region, between rhododendron forests, mountain villages and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. You follow ancient trails used for centuries by Sherpas to Namche Bazaar, the cultural and commercial center of the Khumbu valley. Between Buddhist monasteries, local traditions and encounters with local people, this journey constitutes a first immersion in the world of Nepali Himalaya.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu, you are welcomed and assisted by our local representative. A short car ride then takes you to your hotel, where you can settle in and rest. Over a welcome drink, the team presents your travel itinerary and reviews with you the documents necessary to obtain your trekking permit.
The visit of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
You will discover the main sites of the Katmandou Valley:
Bhaktapur, a medieval city and former royal palace, is inhabited largely by Newars who are predominantly Hindu. You will discover its squares and historical monuments of great artistic value.
You will then visit the famous Bouddhanath stupa, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region, surrounded by numerous monasteries and Tibetan shops.
Finally, you will reach Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On the banks of the river, you can observe the cremation rituals, in an atmosphere reminiscent of Varanasi (Benares), in India.
First Steps in the Khumbu
The day begins early with a short flight to Lukla, the starting point of your trek. During the journey, you discover the landscapes of the Himalaya, mountain ranges from Langtang to Jugal Himal, passing through Rolwaling, Gaurisankar and Menlungtse. This first panorama of the summits marks the beginning of your mountain adventure.
Your trek begins at the gateway to the Khumbu Valley, at the entrance to the village of Lukla. Throughout the day, several stops allow you to meet the locals, take photos and enjoy the landscapes dotted with snow-capped peaks reaching 6,000 meters. Along the way, you pass near the imposing Thado Kosi mani stone, engraved with prayers, then bypass the many chortens and prayer wheels of Sano. The afternoon is free. If you wish, you can climb up to a small Gompa overlooking the village.
In the evening, you gather around an aperitif by the fireside, followed by dinner.
Trek along the Dudh Koshi to Monjo
After breakfast, you head towards the Monjo village. The trail runs along the right bank of the Dudh Koshi, crosses the Phakding village, then crosses several suspension bridges over the river. You continue your walk through a pine forest and several small villages. A break allows you to admire Thamserku peak, which reaches 6,623 meters.
After a few hours of walking and crossing new suspension bridges, you reach the small Monjo village.
Acclimatization in Namche
Shortly after leaving your lodge, you reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. While your guides take care of the trekking permits, you can observe the 3D map and consult the various information panels.
You then continue your walk for about forty minutes along the Dudh Koshi, before crossing its tributary, the Bhote Koshi. Your ascent towards Namche then begins, the vibrant Sherpa capital with its many colorful shops. The trail gradually moves away from the river and climbs in zigzags up to the tree line. You finally emerge onto an altitude basin before reaching the village of Namche.
Day 6
The morning begins with a short acclimatization walk at altitude. Your guide takes you to different viewpoints overlooking the Himalayan peaks. Above the deep valleys, the Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest and Ama Dablam are revealed.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the shops and cafés of Namche at your own pace.
If you feel fit enough, you can continue to the villages of Khumjung and Kunde, where a clinic and school were able to open thanks to the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Namche - Phakding
After your stay in Namche, you resume your journey towards Phakding. The winding trail crosses through the forest before returning to the lush vegetation of the valley. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to spot a Himalayan monal (Danfe) foraging. This colorful-plumed bird, cousin of the peacock, is the emblem of Népal.
You take a break for lunch along the way at the Monjo lodge, before continuing your stage towards Phakding.
Phakding - Lukla
You continue your walk for another 3 hours to reach Lukla and finish your trek with a final climb with an elevation gain of 200 metres. On the way back, you can stop for a drink and, if you wish, visit Chaurikharka school as well as the Kyongma monastery.
In Lukla comes the time to say goodbye to your trekking team, before spending your last night in the mountains.
Flight to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you take your return flight to Kathmandu. This short flight allows you, weather permitting, to enjoy one last time the panoramic views of the mountains. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you are transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and rest for a while.
The free day in Kathmandu
Today, you enjoy your day at your own pace to stroll through Kathmandu or opt for a guided tour of the city's main sites. You also have the option to participate in an immersive activity with a traditional craftsperson. According to your preferences, choose from various experiences: cooking classes, sculpture, painting, music and many other activities.
A fun moment to share with family and an opportunity to discover local craftsmanship.
Good to see you again and until next time!
According to your flight schedule, transfer to the international airport approximately 3 hours before your departure for your return flight.
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 of 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
- Overland transfers described in the itinerary
- 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
- Entrances to Everest National Park and TIMS
- Daily fees and insurance for Nepali local teams
- Your travel advisor's 24/7 assistance
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
