Phakding – First Destination of Everest Base Camp Trek

Phakding is a small Sherpa village located in the Khumbu Region of Nepal on the bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Resting at an altitude of 2610 m, Phakding lies north of Lukla and south of Monjo.

Thirty minutes walk around the village will acquaint you with the exceptional Sherpa and Tibetan hospitality. UNESCO listed Phakding village as World Heritage Site in 1979.

The village is the resting point for the trekkers on the journey to Everest Base camp. In addition to restaurants and lodges, the main attraction here is the Irish Pub, though not relaxed and sophisticated as those in Namche Bazaar.

The trails around the village are furnished with bright spring flowers with the smell of spring forest. And you will always be accompanied by heavily loaded horses and mules with the melodious chirping of cute little birds. This beauty of nature is enough to overwhelm every tourist visiting Nepal.

Lurked two hundred meters up the slope of the end of the village, the scintillating view of Thaktul Monastery welcomes each trekker on their way. Tourists rarely visit the monastery. There is a school at the monastery, so one can often meet little novices at pujas.

Phakding Economy

Being one of the main tourist stops on the significant trek routes to Everest, the entire village is dedicated to tourism. Residents have converted their dwellings into lodges, shops, and bars.

The narrowing of the Dudh Koshi river makes the path the central axis of circulation where significant flows of trekkers cross towards Everest. Goods are transported by porters or pack animals. Tourism has profoundly transformed the economy of this territory and led to growing needs for water and electricity.

Mani Wall
Mani Wall

Activities in Phakding

The village has the accommodation options of your choice. After settling in the lodge of your preference, you can take a small tour around the town and get the first glimpse of Nepali culture and lifestyle.

You can also enjoy the lavish green landscape, visit the monastery, and acclimate for additional hiking days.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 Days Moderate
US$ 1850

Weather of Phakding

Unlike other villages approaching Everest Base Camp, the village of Phakding is characterized by a warm and temperate climate. The temperature fluctuates between 0°C and 20°C. The best seasons to visit Phakding are spring and autumn, with the average daytime temperature between 10°C to 15°C.

From Lukla to Phakding

It takes approximately four hours to walk from Lukla to Phakding, passing through Chaplung and Ghat. The path from Lukla to Phakding will run through pine, cedar forests, and Sherpa villages along the banks of the picturesque river Dudh Koshi.

During these few hours of hiking, the constant sound of Dudh Koshi river water flow will accompany you along with the fluttering chime of small and large prayer flags in the wind. You will be hailed with the majestic views of the Kongde peak and Lukla landscape.

Being the first route towards Everest Base Camp, trekkers have about a dozen inns to choose from, all with a restaurant. The menus are simple: potatoes, rice or noodles, vegetables, and an optional egg. Nepal’s national dish is at the top of the menu for the hungry: Dal Bhat – rice, lentils, vegetable curry, and some pickled vegetables, including a second helping.

Hanging bridge near Lukla
Hanging bridge near Lukla

From Phakding to Namche Bazaar

It takes about 6 hours to walk from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (about 3440m above sea level). On the first day of actual walking, the crossing of many suspension bridges will punctuate. You will follow the Dudh Koshi for quite a while, crossing it regularly.

You will pass through the Rimijung village with its 350-year-old Pema Choling Monastery. The site claims the protection of fauna (snow leopard, pheasant, musk deer) and flora (rhododendrons).

You will get the first sight of the majestic summit of Thamserku, 6618 m high. On the way, you will go through the entry procedures at the National Park Office and enter the Sagarmatha National Park area.

The climb will continue, so take your time and take it slow while paying attention to your physical strength and altitude acclimatization. When you come to Namche Bazaar, there are many small souvenir shops and stylish coffee shops.

If the weather permits, you can relish a spectacular view of Mount Everest. As a place of the trade from Tibet, the bazaar is lined with rare souvenirs such as power stones.