Mountain town in Koshi Province, Nepal
Namche Bazaar
Sherpa trading town at 3,440 m, the acclimatisation stop on the Everest Base Camp trek, with bakeries, gear shops and mountain views. Cold, expensive and reached only by flight and walking.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$778–1,170Comfortable, one person · Rs120,000–180,000Details
- Value for money71/100Better value than 70% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 19°CDetails
- Internet89 MbpsFixed broadband, Nepal medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledUse safe-water refill stations (about NPR 100–150 a litre), or boiled and treated water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Getting aroundWalk from LuklaVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashA few ATMs exist but run out of cash or fail.Details
Apps that work in Namche Bazaar
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Maps.me: Offline trekking trail maps
- Taxis: No vehicles on the trail. Everything moves on foot, by yak or by helicopter; ask lodges to arrange porters or flights.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Nepal.
- Mostly cash A few ATMs exist but run out of cash or fail. Carry all rupees you need for lodges, food, wifi and tips from Kathmandu.
- Currency: Rupee (NPR). US$1 ≈ Rs154.20 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs often charge foreign cards about NPR 500 per withdrawal and cap withdrawals at NPR 10,000–35,000.
- Tipping: Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge plus 13% VAT. Tip trekking guides and porters about 10–15% of the trek cost.
- Paying by phone: Fonepay and eSewa QR codes are everywhere but need a Nepali account; Indian visitors can pay them by UPI.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa on arrival at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports and main land borders: US$30, 50 or 125 for 15, 30 or 90 days.
- Fill the online arrival form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before landing to shorten the airport queue.
- Since 2023 most trekking routes in protected areas, including Everest and Annapurna, require a licensed guide and a TIMS card.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1144
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters at Kathmandu airport; bring your passport. Ncell tourist plans cost NPR 595–1,995 for 7–28 days. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Nepal
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.