Phakding is a small lodge village beside the Dudh Kosi river in the Everest Region, and the usual first night for people flying into Lukla. At about 2,610 m, it sits lower than the airstrip, so the short first day ends with a gentle descent. From here the trail follows the river towards Monjo and Namche Bazaar.
Altitude: about 2,610 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Phakding is and why trekkers stop
Phakding lies on both banks of the Dudh Kosi, a few hours of easy walking from Lukla. It has become the standard first halt because the stage is short and leaves time to rest after the flight. On our itineraries, day one is often a flight and a walk to Phakding, with the next day taking you up to Namche Bazaar through the river valley and across the high suspension bridge. Many routes, including Everest Base Camp, Gokyo and Khumjung, share this stop.
What to expect at Phakding
Expect a string of lodges and tea houses along the trail, with the sound of the river never far away. The setting is green, with pine and rhododendron on the slopes and prayer flags over the bridges. Evenings are quiet, and the village feels more relaxed than Lukla. The day after, the trail crosses several suspension bridges and gains height steadily. Walking Phakding to Lukla in reverse is a net climb, so allow more time and set a slower pace than on the way down.
Altitude and how you may feel
Phakding is about 250 m lower than Lukla, so most people sleep well and feel normal. That makes it a kind first night for a body that has just been lifted from Kathmandu. Use the evening to drink water, eat properly and keep the alcohol for later. Mild symptoms such as a light headache can still appear. Altitude illness can strike anywhere on the trail, and if symptoms worsen you should tell your guide and descend rather than hope they pass.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodging is basic but comfortable, usually twin rooms with shared bathrooms and a dining room heated in the evening. Menus offer dal bhat, noodles, soups, pasta and eggs. Book ahead in the main spring and autumn seasons, since rooms fill early when many flights land. Charge devices when power is offered, and carry cash for extras. Walking time from Lukla varies with pace and trail conditions. Our guides usually set a slow pace on day one so the group arrives rested.
Stage guides that pass through Phakding
These day-by-day guides start or end at Phakding, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Lukla to Phakding trek: altitude, time and route
- Phakding to Khumjung trek: stages, altitude and time
- Phakding to Monjo trek: altitude, time and route
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar trek: altitude, time and route
- Phakding to Tengboche trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
Why do most trekkers sleep at Phakding?
The walk from Lukla is short and mostly downhill, so it suits the day you arrive by air. Sleeping lower than Lukla also helps your body begin to adjust before the climb to Namche Bazaar.
How high is Phakding compared with Lukla?
Phakding is about 2,610 m, which is roughly 250 m lower than Lukla. Your sleeping altitude falls on the first night, then rises again the next day on the way to Namche Bazaar.
What comes after Phakding on the trail?
The trail follows the Dudh Kosi through Monjo, passes the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint and continues to Namche Bazaar over the high suspension bridge. The next day is a steady climb.
