Day 9: Monjo - Namche Bazaar

Today is a short but steep climb from Monjo (2830 meters) in 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours before reaching Namche Bazaar (3400 meters). A few minutes outside of Monjo you will need to show your TIMS card and National Park Conservation Fee/Permit to the Sagarmatha National Park Rangers at the Jorsale station.  Jorsale has the last facilities before Namche Bazaar.  The path drops suddenly outside of Jorsale before a steady then steep climb crossing the high suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi.  You then traverse uphill before beginning a steep 1 hour ascent crossing a rest station and finally coming to the last ranger station where they check your TIMS and permits and register you and your guide/porters names. From this station Namche Bazaar is another 10 minute walk up hill.  Reaching this famous hill station, especially if you have started from Jiri, is absolutely exhilarating and makes you appreciate the modern conveniences we often take for granted.  If trekking from Jiri, we recommend at least 2-3 rest days in Namche Bazaar before continuing on to give your legs a rest and you will have a chance to visit the local monastery, Saturday Market, and take day trips to acclimatize. See the next section (Day 10-12: Rest/Acclimatization Days Namche Bazaar) for lodging, food, drink recommendations.  Even if trekking from Lukla you should acclimatize for at least 2 days in Namche Bazaar as many unacclimatized trekkers go to high to fast and suffer the consequences of AMS.