For years, trekkers and climbers used to start the trip to the Everest Base Camp from the famous Jiri town of the Dolakha district of Nepal. It was before the establishment of the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. After the construction of the Lukla Airport, trekkers started to fly and the Lukla became the trail head for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is still the lifeline of the Everest Region’s trekking activities. Nowadays, it is possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road.
How to do Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla Flight?
The unpredictable nature of the Lukla weather often leads to the flight cancellations. This is the biggest hurdle of the Everest Trekking! Therefore, some people who are involved in the Nepal Government decided to accelerate the road network up to Lukla. Thus, now it is possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road.
Trekkers can call this package as the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek Package. Originally, if you buy the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek then you will have to start the trek from Phaplu. There are two villages Bupsa and Nunthala where trekkers spend overnight before reaching the Phakding village.
Besides these two options, you can also choose to do the Everest Base Camp Trek in a classical way. The classical EBC Trek route starts from the Jiri village. This is also the route which Sir Edmund Hillary took on his quest to the first ascent of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest.
What is the road distance between Salleri and Surke?
The road distance between Kathmandu and Salleri is about 260 kilometers. The road is well maintained barring some sections where the road is filled with puddles due to floods and landslides. However, most of the road sections are black topped! The road between Surke village and Salleri is not well maintained. It is newly opened road track. Travelers have to drive through off – road. Expect bumpy rides! The total distance between Salleri and Surke is about 64 kilometers completely off – road.
Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Itinerary
The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Itinerary is similar to the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary barring the Lukla flight and jeep drive. The only difference in the itinerary is that trekkers reach Phakding without flying to Lukla. Travelers have to allocate at least 3 days extra to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road trip. The travel planners of the Mountain Watch Trek highly recommend travelers to allocate at least 4 days to avoid any kinds of cancellations and hassles. Our itinerary is one day more as we don’t allow travelers to drive directly to Surke from Kathmandu via Salleri. The road condition does not allow the night driving as the safe way of traveling. Our itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road has three nights before reaching Phakding to continue regular EBC Trek itinerary.
Travelers spend overnight in Salleri and then continue jeep drive to Surke followed by trek to Phakding.
Do I get cheaper EBC Trek package if I use road instead of Lukla Flight?
The cost of the EBC Trek package is somewhat similar if you use road instead of Lukla flight. There are three additional nights and four days extra if you choose to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by road. On top of that the cost of the jeep is also relatively high due to the condition of the road. The best part about this is that you can share the price of the jeep among fellow trekkers.
When is the best time to do EBC Trek by road?
The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road is during the months of spring and autumn season. Please note that you can’t do this trek during late spring and early autumn. The rain chances are very high during late spring and early autumn. If it rains then the road trip is almost impossible in the Salleri to Surke section. It is not highly recommended for the trekkers to do the trek in the off – season! If it is the winter season then it is possible to do the trek but it doesn’t guarantee the better view and clear skies as you trek higher. The average temperature in the places above Tengboche is very low during winter season. Overall, choose mid months of the spring and autumn season to do the EBC Trek by road.
What are the permits required for Everest Trekking in Nepal?
Trekkers must obtain Sagarmatha National Park Permit that costs Nrs. 3000 to the foreigners and Nrs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. In addition, trekkers have to obtain the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit that costs Nrs. 3000 to all except to the Nepalese citizens.
Do I reach Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar if I do Everest Trekking by Road?
Yes, the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road itinerary can take you to the base camp of the Mt. Everest. It is the most interesting way to reach the base camp without using the usual Lukla flights facilities. In another word, this way of doing the trip in the Everest region of Nepal can be considered as the guaranteed departure destination. There are no risks of flights cancellations! Avoid the flight to the world’s most extreme airport the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek!
For years, trekkers and climbers used to start the trip to the Everest Base Camp from the famous Jiri town of the Dolakha district of Nepal. It was before the establishment of the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. After the construction of the Lukla Airport, trekkers started to fly and the Lukla became the trail head for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is still the lifeline of the Everest Region’s trekking activities. Nowadays, it is possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road.
How to do Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla Flight?
The unpredictable nature of the Lukla weather often leads to the flight cancellations. This is the biggest hurdle of the Everest Trekking! Therefore, some people who are involved in the Nepal Government decided to accelerate the road network up to Lukla. Thus, now it is possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road.
Trekkers can call this package as the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek Package. Originally, if you buy the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek then you will have to start the trek from Phaplu. There are two villages Bupsa and Nunthala where trekkers spend overnight before reaching the Phakding village.
Besides these two options, you can also choose to do the Everest Base Camp Trek in a classical way. The classical EBC Trek route starts from the Jiri village. This is also the route which Sir Edmund Hillary took on his quest to the first ascent of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest.
What is the road distance between Salleri and Surke?
The road distance between Kathmandu and Salleri is about 260 kilometers. The road is well maintained barring some sections where the road is filled with puddles due to floods and landslides. However, most of the road sections are black topped! The road between Surke village and Salleri is not well maintained. It is newly opened road track. Travelers have to drive through off – road. Expect bumpy rides! The total distance between Salleri and Surke is about 64 kilometers completely off – road.
Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Itinerary
The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Itinerary is similar to the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary barring the Lukla flight and jeep drive. The only difference in the itinerary is that trekkers reach Phakding without flying to Lukla. Travelers have to allocate at least 3 days extra to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road trip. The travel planners of the Mountain Watch Trek highly recommend travelers to allocate at least 4 days to avoid any kinds of cancellations and hassles. Our itinerary is one day more as we don’t allow travelers to drive directly to Surke from Kathmandu via Salleri. The road condition does not allow the night driving as the safe way of traveling. Our itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road has three nights before reaching Phakding to continue regular EBC Trek itinerary.
Travelers spend overnight in Salleri and then continue jeep drive to Surke followed by trek to Phakding.
Do I get cheaper EBC Trek package if I use road instead of Lukla Flight?
The cost of the EBC Trek package is somewhat similar if you use road instead of Lukla flight. There are three additional nights and four days extra if you choose to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by road. On top of that the cost of the jeep is also relatively high due to the condition of the road. The best part about this is that you can share the price of the jeep among fellow trekkers.
When is the best time to do EBC Trek by road?
The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road is during the months of spring and autumn season. Please note that you can’t do this trek during late spring and early autumn. The rain chances are very high during late spring and early autumn. If it rains then the road trip is almost impossible in the Salleri to Surke section. It is not highly recommended for the trekkers to do the trek in the off – season! If it is the winter season then it is possible to do the trek but it doesn’t guarantee the better view and clear skies as you trek higher. The average temperature in the places above Tengboche is very low during winter season. Overall, choose mid months of the spring and autumn season to do the EBC Trek by road.
What are the permits required for Everest Trekking in Nepal?
Trekkers must obtain Sagarmatha National Park Permit that costs Nrs. 3000 to the foreigners and Nrs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. In addition, trekkers have to obtain the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit that costs Nrs. 3000 to all except to the Nepalese citizens.
Do I reach Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar if I do Everest Trekking by Road?
Yes, the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road itinerary can take you to the base camp of the Mt. Everest. It is the most interesting way to reach the base camp without using the usual Lukla flights facilities. In another word, this way of doing the trip in the Everest region of Nepal can be considered as the guaranteed departure destination. There are no risks of flights cancellations! Avoid the flight to the world’s most extreme airport the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek!
Details Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Drive to Salleri
Day 3: Drive to Surke
Day 4: Trek to Phakding
Day 5: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Acclimatization Hike to Everest View Hotel
Day 7: Trek to Tengboche
Day 8: Trek to Dingboche
Day 9: Acclimatization Hike to Nagarshan Hill
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep; Hike to Everest Base Camp
Day 12: Kalapathar Hike for Sunrise; Trek to Pheriche
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 14: Trek to Lukla
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 16: Reserve Day
Day 17: Departure
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
Meet our airport representative in the International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu mainly in Thamel or any hotel agreed for the trekking package. All the trip details will be finalized and you will be introduced to our trekking guide. You will be given the welcome dinner in the Nepalese cultural restaurant. Overnight in a hotel
Day 2: Drive to Salleri (2390m.) 8-9 hours
For about 7 to 8 hours, we will be on the beautiful jeep road trip to the town of Salleri. This is a joyous ride as the road is well maintained and you can get lots of picturesque scenery of mountains, hills, villages, and terraced farmlands. Overnight in a lodge
Day 3: Drive to Surke (2500m) 5 hours
Today is the most difficult day of driving. The road condition is completely off – road and it takes about 4 to 6 hours to reach the village of Surke from Salleri. Normal jeep and local bus can’t drive in this road section. Therefore, we will be using the four-wheel local jeep to drive to Surke. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 4: Trek to Phakding (2610m.) 5-6 Hour
Today we will be walking through terraced farmlands, small hamlets, green lush forests and cross few suspension bridges. There are many chortens and pagodas along the way. We will continue walking spinning the Mane Wheels and reach Phakding which is located on the banks of Dudhkoshi River. Overnight in a tea house
Day 5: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441m.) 5-6 Hour
We will begin our trekking after breakfast. Today is the longest day of the trekking as we will have to walk along the banks of Dudhkoshi River crossing several suspension bridges. The trekking trail is on a gentle flat terrain until we reach the Hillary Twin Suspension Bridge. Before reaching this place, we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park near Monjo. We will get our National Park permit in the entry gate. The crossing of the twin bridge over the Imja River is enticing as well as adventurous. Nowadays, you can also do the bungee jump from the lower bridge and it is equally fascinating.
Some trekkers do this adventurous activity while descending down after reaching the Everest Base Camp. The trekking trail from this bridge is uphill all the way to Namche Bazaar. The first sight of the Mt. Everest is also possible on this day. Few meters before reaching the Namche Bazaar you can see the glorious view of the mountain but it depends upon the type of the weather condition. If it is a clear day then this is the first time that you will see the Everest.
Namche Bazaar is beautifully situated in a hill. It is horse shoe shaped town and you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains like Thamserku and Kwangde. You can visit the marketplace in the evening after checking in at the tea house. Overnight in a tea house
Day 6: Acclimatization; Everest View Hotel Hike
If you are on any high altitude trekking then you must not skip the acclimatization activity. The first acclimatization activity during the Everest Base Camp Trek takes place today. We will start our hike to the Everest View Hotel after breakfast in our tea house. Before heading to the Everest View Hotel, we will also visit the climbing memorial park in the top of the Namche Bazaar.
We will get the breathtaking scenery of the mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Tabuche, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kwangde, etc. from this memorial park. It is indeed the best way to start this acclimatization hike. We will then continue walking uphill to the Everest View Hotel. In the hotel we will enjoy the sip of coffee and get enchanted by the landscape of an abode of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. After spending about an hour, we will descend back to Namche Bazaar and rest. You can stroll around the market as well and relax your body. Overnight in a tea house
Day 7: Trek to Tengboche (3867m.) 5-6 Hours
We will start the trek after breakfast. Today’s trail is flat trail until we reach the Kyangjuma Village. From this village we will have to descend down through green lush forests to Phungi Thanga and cross the river. We will have our lunch here and our permits will also be checked in this place. The trekking trail is completely uphill up to Tengboche. In the evening, we will explore the Tengboche Monastery and offer our prayers.
The view of the Everest and Pangboche Valley including the sight of the Amadablam Mountain in the backdrop is definitely the most enticing sight to behold. Overnight in a tea house
Day 8: Trek to Dingboche via Pangboche (4410m.) 5-6 Hours
We will descend down to Debuche and cross the Imja River to reach the Pangboche Village. This village is one of the densely populated Sherpa villages on the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail. We will have lunch in the small village called Somare before trekking to Dingboche village. Slowly, we will notice the change in the vegetation as we trek higher altitude places. The trail is rugged but we will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the mountains.
After reaching the stupa style chorten, we will see the beautiful village of Dingboche. This is the last densely populated village in the Everest Base Camp Trekking route. Overnight in a tea house
Day 9: Acclimatization; Nagarshan Hill (5100 m) Hike
The second acclimatization takes place today. We will begin our acclimatization activity of climbing to the top of the Nagarshan Hill (5100 m) after breakfast. The trail is well maintained and steep uphill! It takes about 2 hours to reach the top of the hill. Some of the trekkers prefer to return from the halfway and rest in their tea house. We will reach the top and spend about 15 to 20 minutes before returning back to Dingboche. Overnight in a tea house
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4940m.) 5-6 Hour
Beyond this village, there is high risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, you will have to heed instructions of your trekking guide. We will walk on the grassy meadows ridge line overlooking Lobuche, Cholatse, Tabuche, etc. mountains. The trail is on a gentle flat surface until we reach Thukla where we will have lunch before trekking uphill to Thukla Pass. At the top of the pass, we will visit the various memorial chortens built in the memory of those climbers who died during the Everest Expedition.
The trail beyond Thukla Pass is over a rugged and rocky trail along the Lobuche River. We will reach the small village of Lobuche after walking for about an hour from the top of the Thukla Pass. Overnight in a tea house
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep; Everest Base Camp Hike (5364m.) 8-9 Hours
Finally, we will reach the Everest Base Camp today. We will begin our trek after breakfast and walk on the glacier to reach Gorakshep. The Everest Base Camp Hike begins after lunch. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the base camp. We will leave our footprints in the base camp and collect lots of memories. After spending about an hour in the base camp, we will return back to Gorakshep. Overnight in a tea house
Day 12: Kalapathar Hike for Sunrise (5545m.); Trek to Pheriche (4370m) 8-9 Hours
Early in the morning about 4:30 am or 5 am, we will begin our hike to the Kalapathar Top. It is completely uphill. We will wait for the sun to rise and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of sun rising from the casement of the mountains. Get an outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and Lhotse from the top of the Kalapathar. After spending about half an hour at the top, we will descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast. We will retrace the same trail back to Pheriche via Lobuche and Thukla. We will not take the Dingboche route rather we will descend downhill and reach the small village of Pheriche situated on the valley overlooking Tabuche Mountain. Overnight in a tea house
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar 6-7 Hours
We will meet the Pangboche to Dingboche Trekking trail after walking for about half an hour from the Pheriche Village. Once we meet the original Everest Base Camp Trek route, we will retrace the same trail back to Namche Bazaar via Tengboche. Overnight in a tea house
Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2860m.) 6-7 Hour
After breakfast, we will retrace the same trail back to Lukla via Monjo Sagarmatha National Park and Phakding. In the evening, we will enjoy with our trekking crew members after the successful trekking to the Everest Base Camp. Overnight in a tea house
Day 15: Flight to Kathmandu 30 Minutes
We will board the flight and return back to Kathmandu. In the evening the agency will host the farewell dinner and review the trekking trip together. Overnight in a Hotel
Day 16: Final International Departure
Your trekking guide or the agency representative will take you to the airport for the final departure. We will bid farewell promising to meet again for future trekking trips in Nepal.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Airport Transfers – Pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Accommodation in Kathmandu – 2-3 nights in a standard hotel (twin-sharing, with breakfast)
- Domestic Flights – Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu (including airport taxes)
- Trekking Permits – Sagarmatha National Park Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- Accommodation during Trek – Teahouse/lodge stays along the route (twin-sharing)
- Meals on Trek – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including tea/coffee)
- Professional Guide & Porters – English-speaking trekking guide and porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
- Guide/Porter Salary & Insurance – Includes wages, meals, accommodation, and insurance for staff
- First Aid Kit – Carried by the guide (basic first aid supplies)
G
overnment Taxes & Service Charges – All necessary local and national government fees - Trekking Map – For reference during the trek
Cost Includes
- International Flights – To and from Kathmandu
- Nepal Visa Fees – Can be obtained on arrival
- Meals in Kathmandu – Lunch and dinner not included
- Personal Trekking Gear – Sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, etc. (can be rented in Kathmandu)
- Travel Insurance – Mandatory (must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation)
- Drinks & Snacks – Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and personal snacks
- WiFi, Hot Showers & Charging Fees – Available at extra cost in teahouses
- Tips for Guide & Porters – Customary but not mandatory
- Extra Costs Due to Delays – Flight cancellations, landslides, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances
- Optional Activities in Kathmandu – Sightseeing, cultural tours, or adventure activities
FAQ
Route Map
Client Reviews
Zhang Wei
USA: 22/Jan/2025
Kathy Selli
Canada: 25/Jan/2025
An Unforgettable Adventure to Annapurna Base Camp
I recently completed the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, and it was nothing short of spectacular! From start to finish, the experience exceeded all expectations.
The trek takes you through such a diverse range of landscapes—starting with lush forests, quaint villages, and terraced fields, and ascending to breathtaking alpine vistas surrounded by towering peaks. Every day offered something new and awe-inspiring.
The highlight, of course, was reaching the base camp itself at 4,130m. Standing amidst the majestic Annapurna range with the sunrise lighting up the peaks was an emotional and humbling experience. It felt like stepping into another world.
Our guides and porters were incredible—knowledgeable, friendly, and always ensuring we were safe and comfortable. They shared stories about the region, explained cultural nuances, and even taught us a few Nepali phrases. The teahouses along the trail were cozy, offering hearty meals, warm hospitality, and a chance to connect with fellow trekkers.
While the trek is challenging at times, especially with the uphill climbs and altitude, it’s entirely doable with proper preparation and pacing. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a sense of personal achievement.
I’ll carry the memories of this trek with me forever and can’t wait to return to the Himalayas for another adventure. If you’re considering the Annapurna Base Camp trek—do it. You won’t regret it!
John Marta
Australia: 19/Mar/2025
Lantang Trekking in Nepal
The Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal, and my journey with Mountain Watch Trek made it even more special. From the breathtaking landscapes to the warm hospitality of the locals, every moment of this adventure was unforgettable.
The Langtang Trek with Mountain Watch Trek was an incredible experience. The combination of stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and excellent service made this journey truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a short yet rewarding trek in Nepal, I highly recommend the Langtang Valley Trek with Mountain Watch Trek!
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek
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