Mission Summit Trek
Phakding is the touristic village on the bank of the Dudh Koshi. It is the most popular accommodation site of Everest base camp trek and other trekking in the Everest region. We can get normal to luxurious tea houses in this village. The burble of Dudhkoshi, the peaceful environment and greenery of Khumbu region create amazing surroundings in Phakding. It is the best village for the first night in the EBC trek, the Amadablam base camp trek and other trekking in the Khumbu region.
Phakding is located in 2610 m above sea level, which is 250 m lower than Lukla (2860 m). We should walk around four hours from Lukla to reach Phakding. The trekking route from Lukla to Phakding is an easy route that passes through the bank of the DudhKoshi, forests, and small villages. We should walk downhill from Lukla, followed by a stone-paved trail featured with mani walls, mane, and chorten. Lukla to Phakding trekking distance is 6.2 km, thus we can easily reach Phakding after Lukla flight. It is the best trial without difficulties in the Everest region.
The journey to Phakding begins from Lukla town. The welcome gate, full of Buddhist architecture, directs towards Phakding. The stone walls, terrace farming, and Himalayan yaks are common environmental components on the way to Phakding. Trekkers should pass through the suspension bridges and small local villages: Cheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat, and Chhuthawa before reaching Phakding.
Phakding is a local Sherpa village that has modified each house into a hotel to provide services for trekkers. We can get a variety of food items, attached rooms, hot water showers, and comfortable bedding in Phakding. It is the best starting point to reach Namche. Trekkers choose it as the best place to spend a night in the Everest region.
Lukla flight timing is based on weather conditions and can be delayed in bad weather. Thus all the trekking agencies book tea houses in Phakding to minimize the risk of accommodation. Lukla to Phakding trek is the first day of trekking; thus, it is like a warmup trek. This is another reason to choose Phakding for the first night stay for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Phakding is located in low altitude, thus the temperature remains normal, as that of other hilly regions in Nepal. It is warmer than other higher regions of Everest. The temperature ranges from 0℃ to 20℃ throughout the year. The night temperature can be lower in the peak winter season (mid-December to mid-February).
Always choose Phakding for a nightstay after starting the trek from Lukla. It is the best destination for taking a rest and enjoying Sherpa’s hospitality. The rocky trail, decorated with rocks with Buddhist chants of Om Mani Padme Hum, forests, and suspension bridges, makes trekking amazing from Lukla to Phakding.