Reached Namche Bazaar

We kicked off the day in Phakding with a hearty breakfast—a plate of omelet alongside a warm bowl of oatmeal drizzled with honey and fresh apple slices. With our energy replenished, we set off for Namche Bazaar, a 6-hour trek ahead of us.

The morning started cloudy, and soon, the sky opened up with heavy rain. Out came the rain gear, but even that wasn’t enough to keep everything dry. I had to pull out an umbrella to shield my boots—wet boots in these conditions take forever to dry, and that’s the last thing you want on a multi-day trek! Hiking in the rain is a unique experience—the trails glisten, the scent of fresh earth fills the air, and the rhythmic sound of raindrops against the leaves creates an oddly calming backdrop.

Along the way, we stopped at the Permit Checkpoint to obtain our Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. 

Inside, there was a 3D model of Everest and its surrounding peaks, giving a breathtaking preview of what lay ahead.

During a quick bathroom break, I had an unexpected reunion—I ran into Nigma, my Sherpa from last year’s Island Peak summit! It was a completely chance encounter, and seeing a familiar face in the middle of the Himalayas made the journey even more special.

As we moved forward, we reached the Hillary Suspension Bridge, one of the most iconic crossings on the Everest trail. The long, swaying bridge, draped in colorful prayer flags, stretched high above the raging Dudh Koshi River. Crossing it is always a thrilling experience, with the roaring river below and the towering peaks above.

We finally arrived in Namche Bazaar by the afternoon, just in time for a warm meal. A short nap later, I took a moment to appreciate where we had arrived. Namche is the most populous village on the trek, offering a level of comfort you won’t find anywhere else in the mountains. The teahouse rooms here come with hot showers, and if you’re lucky, some even have fancier accommodations than the standard trekker lodges.

A photo opportunity with my Sherpa and our porter Alyn in Namche Bazaar.

The village is also famous for its shops—you can find dupe versions of big brands like North Face, Columbia, and Patagonia at a fraction of the price. Plus, the cafés here are legendary, serving fresh coffee, warm pastries, and even pizza—a luxury at this altitude.

Tonight, after a hot dinner, I’m calling it a day. 

I’m adding a blog link here that covers all the latest happenings on Everest every weekend. If you're interested in following the season’s progress, Alan Arnette is the go-to source- https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2025/

Alan is a well-respected mountaineer, expedition journalist, and Everest expert known for his detailed and authentic blogs. He has summited Everest himself and has been covering the Everest climbing seasons for years, providing real-time updates, analysis, and insights on climbers, weather conditions, and expedition logistics. His blog is trusted by both aspiring climbers and seasoned mountaineers for its accuracy and depth.

If you’re curious about the latest on Everest, from summit pushes to weather delays and expedition strategies, his blog is an excellent resource!