Phakding to Namche Bazar

 We started our trek at around 8 am. The trail was surprisingly crowded, not only with trekkers but also with mules and horses carrying goods.  I spoke with many trekkers, who were from all over the places such as a group from Portugal, a group from Bay Area, California, a small group from Wyoming, as well as a few from Brazil, Switzerland. It is really an international trek. Local sherpas and other folks are mainly porters, guides, and some taking care of mules. 

The way these mule transport things is really amazing. I had not imagined something of this magnitude is even possible. 

There were several suspension bridges over the Dutha koshi that we go over and over. The bridges are narrow so mules and trekkers must take their turns. It seemed the trail is well-shared and the communication between trekkers and mules also seems quite natural. 

The hike was fairly modest for about 3 hours until we arrived Jorsele, where we had lunch. After that, it was several hours of crazy uphill all the way to Namche Bazar. We passed the entrance of the Sagarmatha national park, where everyone had to register. Neplai pay 100 Rs and foreigners pay 3000 Rs. 

The uphill was quite exhausting but at around 4 pm we started seeing glimpses of Namche Bazar. This view was absolutely satisfying and gorgeous. As the sun was pretty low in the horizon at this time, Himalayas were glowing. 

I started asking questions to myself about how this city was built. There is no road access to it but there are beautiful houses and hotels. The lifestyle here seems self-complete. You can buy almost anything, and the vibe is similar to that in Thamel. About 70 percent of people seem like visitors. 

We stayed in Khumbu Lodge. It had hot shower and heated bed, both of which we enjoyed. The fun part was that the next day was our acclimatization day. In the morning, we walked to Everest view hotel area, which is about 12000 ft. We show two helipads,  actively used by helicopters. It was fun to take pictures in front of them. 

Regardless of how you arrive the view of the Himalayas is spectacular, which includes the view of Mt. Everest and Ama Deblum. We got some ideas of rest of our trekking routes, for another several days. 

Nov 14, 2025