Phakding

Phakding is the first real stop of the Everest trek, just 3-4 hours on foot from Lukla along the Dudh Kosi river. Trekkers spend a single night here before continuing to Namche Bazaar, almost always in March-May or September-November. It's a small village of simple teahouses, with little to do beyond resting and taking in the first views of the Khumbu valley — the point here is easing into the altitude rhythm before the harder climb ahead.