Namche Bazaar Acclimatization | Everest Base Camp Trek Day 3

After the climb from Phakding, Day 3 of the Everest Base Camp trek is spent in and around Namche Bazaar. You sleep in Namche for a second night, giving your body more time to adjust before the route continues higher into the Khumbu.

An acclimatization day does not mean staying indoors all day. Weather and health permitting, your guide may lead a walk above town toward viewpoints near Syangboche, Khumjung or Hotel Everest View. You then return to Namche to rest and sleep at approximately 3,440 metres.

Overnight stop: Namche Bazaar, approximately 3,440 m
Day’s activity: Acclimatization walk and time to explore Namche
Walking time: Varies with the route and your group’s condition

View from Headquarter — View from headquarter of Sagarmatha National Park. View Includes giant statue of Tenzing Norgey

Why Spend a Second Night in Namche?

The trek gains considerable altitude between Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Spending another night at Namche gives your body time to respond before you move on toward Tengboche and the higher villages.

A common approach is to walk to a higher point during the day, then return to sleep at the same altitude. The destination and length of the walk should suit the weather and how everyone feels. Reaching a particular hotel or viewpoint is never more important than acclimatizing safely.

Tell your guide promptly if you develop a headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not ignore symptoms simply because this is called a “rest day.”

Views from Above Namche Bazaar

A walk uphill from Namche soon opens views across the town and surrounding valley. One possible stop is the area near the Sagarmatha National Park visitor centre, where you can learn more about the protected region and look out toward the mountains when skies are clear.

The scenery changes with the weather. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and other peaks may come into view, but clouds can cover them even during the main trekking seasons. Your guide can choose the most worthwhile viewpoint on the day.

View from Everest View Hotel that includes Mt. Everest.

Walking Toward Syangboche and Hotel Everest View

If conditions are suitable, you can continue up toward Syangboche and the trail to Hotel Everest View. This is a steady uphill walk, so take it slowly and carry water, a warm layer and rain protection.

The hotel area, at approximately 3,880 metres, is a popular viewpoint for Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. You may stop for a drink and enjoy the panorama before descending to Namche. The walk itself helps make the day useful for acclimatization, even when clouds hide the mountains.

Your guide may instead choose a shorter walk or another route, including a visit toward Khumjung. The plan depends on the group’s energy, symptoms, trail conditions and weather.

Namche Bazaar and Mt. Kwangde seen from the hilltop near by Syangboche Airport

Explore Namche at a Comfortable Pace

Back in Namche, there is time to explore its shops, bakeries and cafés or rest at the lodge. You may also visit a monastery or walk through the town to see daily life in this important Khumbu trading centre.

If your visit falls on a Saturday, you may find the local market in operation. Its activity depends on the day and season, so it is best treated as a possible experience rather than a fixed part of the itinerary. Ask before photographing people, and give porters and pack animals space on the narrow lanes.

Preparing for the Next Trekking Day

Before dinner, check your clothing and equipment for the route ahead. Keep water and a warm layer handy, and speak with your guide about how you felt during the acclimatization walk.

The next stage usually follows the hillside trail toward Tengboche. After a second night in Namche, you leave town with a better feel for the altitude, the landscape and the steady pace needed for the journey to Everest Base Camp.