It is the largest village and commercial centre in the Khumbu region, with restaurants and shops.

Namche Bazaar is the unofficial capital of the Sherpa region and a critical acclimatization station for climbers heading to Everest. Built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 3,440 metres, the village looks like a giant horseshoe hugging the mountainside, with its colourful houses perched on top of each other.
Namche Bazaar's history is inextricably linked to trade and mountaineering. For centuries, it was an important trading crossroads between Nepal and Tibet, where salt, yak wool and other goods were exchanged. Its transformation into an international mountaineering destination began with the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953, and today it is the last "civilized" stop before entering the Himalayan wilderness.
The famous weekly Saturday market (Haat Bazaar) remains a living tradition, where Sherpa and Tibetan traders gather to exchange goods. Visitors can find everything from traditional thangka (Tibetan paintings), handmade woolen goods and local jewellery, to specialist mountaineering equipment and fresh produce transported by yak from the lower altitudes.
Namche has evolved to cater to the needs of international visitors, featuring cafes with Wi-Fi, bakeries serving fresh croissants, and restaurants offering both local specialties such as serpentine tea with yak butter and momo (local dumplings), and international dishes. At the same time, it retains its authentic atmosphere with traditional stone houses, Buddhist stupas and prayer flags flying in the air.
The village is also home to the Sherpa Museum, where visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Sherpa tribe, and the Sagarmatha National Park, which offers information about the unique flora and fauna of the region. From Namche's famous "viewpoint", visitors can enjoy their first views of Mount Everest, especially in the early morning hours when the sun gilds the snow-capped peaks.
Today, Namche Bazaar is a unique example of how a traditional settlement can adapt to modern demands while maintaining its cultural identity. It is a place where ancient Sherpa wisdom meets modern mountaineering culture, creating a unique atmosphere that makes staying here an integral part of the Everest experience.