Are you afraid of flying? But still, want to go on a journey to witness the mighty Mt. Everest up close? Then Everest Base Camp Trek by Road is an excellent option for you. It is a newly offered package that will take you to the foothills of the world’s highest white giant without flying. Come and secure your place today with the Nepal Hiking Team.
At a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Durations
17 days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Activities
Trekking
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodges
Meals
B.L.D
Group Size
Min. 2 Pax
Trip Overview
This 17-day trip doesn’t require you to take a flight to Lukla. Hence, trekkers do not have to worry about the bad weather and flight cancellations. Furthermore, strolling on this path will let trekkers interact with the locals in the lower villages of Solukhumbu District.
One can witness the unique lifestyle of the ethnic Sherpas in the lower region rather than the upper Khumbu areas. Therefore, despite featuring a cultural experience of the same ethnic groups, the trip offers a chance to witness a different way of lifestyle.
You can appreciate the beautiful village of the Sherpa communities and the mesmerizing grand monasteries while viewing the majestic peaks. Appreciating the fine villages of Sherpa communities and grand monasteries while viewing majestic peaks, this tranquil trip grants some breathtaking and unforgettable experiences.
The trail follows the region's narrow canyons and gushing white rivers. Witnessing the serene beauty of the pastures and the terraced farms in the shadows of mountain peaks, this trek lets you enjoy the gorgeous setting beneath giant snow-capped mountain peaks.
Altogether, it's a lovely trek that lets you see parts of Everest that would otherwise go unnoticed. The vistas of the mountain peaks will wow you at every bend of the walking path.
Best Highlights for Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
Take a scenic drive to and from Ringmo via a private 4WD Jeep.
Explore the undiscovered Sherpa Communities of the lower Everest region.
Enjoy the seclusion of a less-traveled trail before reaching Phakding.
Explore the Himalayan wildlife and vegetation in the Sagarmatha National Park, one of the UNESCO sites.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful sunset view amidst the magnificent mountains from Kongde Village.
Cherish yourself in the beauty of Namche Bazaar along with the incredible Tengboche monastery and many other charming Sherpa traditions.
Appreciate the fine beauty of the Everest massif from Everest Base Camp
Witness the world's highest glacier, "the Khumbu Glacier."
Savor the glorious sunrise view from Kala Patthar
Enjoy the vistas of the glorious surrounding mountains- Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, etc.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road takes place only in the dry season. Except for the monsoon season, lasting from June to mid-September, the journey takes place in spring, autumn, and winter.
We do not recommend traveling during the monsoon as the roads are not black-topped and might be extremely muddy. Heavy monsoon is likely to diminish the roadways and make this journey difficult. We don't recommend it during monsoon as the roads are still not wholly pitched. Thus, heavy monsoon rain is highly likely to diminish the road conditions and make the journey difficult.
Among the three seasons, the best time for Everest Base Camp trek by Road is spring and autumn.
The spring season lasts from March to May and offers chilly and warm weather conditions. It is a good weather season for trekking and offers snow-covered hills and clear mountain scenery.
Meanwhile, from September to November, autumn is another ideal time for this trek. With lovely weather, spellbinding views, and dry conditions make it another beautiful time for trekking.
At the same time, doing this trek is also possible during the winter season; however, it gets challenging due to the freezing temperature. Nevertheless, the Himalayan vistas are grand around this time, making your journey worthwhile.
Route Overview
Your journey to the base of Mount Everest begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu. It takes 8/9 hours to reach Salleri and you will be driving 266 kilometers on this day. The distance is long, has varied geography along the way, and poor road conditions. After Phaplu, you’ll continue your drive to Paiyun Village and rest your body before your exhilarating trek to the base of Mount Everest.
From Paiyun Village, you start your trek toward Phakding. After spending a night in Phakding, the journey continues towards Namche Bazaar, where you stay for two nights to acclimatize by strolling to the Hotel Everest View, the highest-placed hotel, and admiring ancient stupas, Sherpa museums, and Memorial Stones.
Then, continuing your walk-through of the trails to a monastery at Tengboche Village, you can take your time to adore the mesmerizing view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Thamserku. After arriving at Dingboche, you will be awed by the spectacular Ama Dablam and walk towards Nangkartshang Peak.
Keep following the EBC route, you'll reach Gorakshep after twists and turns through the Khumbu Glacier, and then finally, you will reach the Base of Mount Everest. You can witness how the Khumbu Icefalls mesmerize you as it unwind the timeless beauty of this region. After a few moments of admiration, you will descend to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.
The next day, you hike to Kala Patthar to watch the sunrise rising from Everest. After that, you will descend to Pheriche. After reaching Pheriche, you’ll again trace your steps back towards Namche and then to Surke Village and Jubing. From there, you’ll take a Jeep and drive back to Kathmandu. The next day, you’ll be transported back to the Airport, for your departing flight back home.
If you also want to go on this unique trek, you can contact the Nepal Hiking Team. We can also customize any treks as per your preference and have experienced guides to assist you in your journey.
Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will greet you.
He will assist you to your trip Hotel, where we will hold a small meeting to go over the details of your journey. After that, there are no schedules so you can enjoy the rest of your time.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu
We will start drive to Phaplu in the morning today. It will take us 6-7 hours, depending on the traffic. The road is mostly paved in concrete.
Day 03: Drive to Paiyun Village (2,760 m) Duration: 7 hrs
As we set off from Phaplu to Paiyun, our adventure takes us down a rugged dirt road, only passable in a 4WD. It's a bumpy, authentic experience, lasting about 6-7 hours. This route is quite sensitive to the monsoon season, which means we can only travel this way when it's dry.
But as we journey through the Himalayan foothills, the incredible vistas promise to make every moment worthwhile.
Day 04: Trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft), Duration: 6 Hours
Today, we are heading toward Phakding. It is the first destination we reach that is included in the regular trekking route.
We will follow our trail through a ridge at 2800 meters before gradually descending to a hill that leads to Surke. From Surke, we will track a route toward Phakding.
The trekking track is flatter, meandering along the valley’s contours through lush, fragrant mossy woodlands. You’ll be trekking along a trail cut deep into the valley’s rocky side, where you might see mule caravans following you.
Standing on top of the slope of the impenetrable valley, the walking trail rejoins the Dudh Koshi River Valley, where you can witness beautiful vistas of the ebbing river below.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft), Duration: 6 Hours
We leave the settlements of Phakding and follow a trail toward Jorsale that brings us to Monjo, another beautiful Sherpa hamlet.
Our leading destination today is Namche Bazaar. We reach the bustling town by going through Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.
Endangered animals such as Snow Leopard and the Himalayan Thar call the park’s forests home. We will be treated to a breathtaking vista of the Himalayas set against beautiful pine and cedar forests throughout the trek.
We will arrive in Namche Bazaar after a strenuous climb up the elevation.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 06: Acclimatization Day - Hike To Everest View Hotel, Duration: 3-4 Hours
Today is a rest day. You can utilize this day exploring attractions around Namche Bazaar or simply sitting in a cafe enjoying warm coffee while engaging with a book or journal.
However, if you do not want to sit still, you may visit the Syangboche Airport.
It is 3700 meters above sea level and is one of the world’s highest airports. From the airstrip, the views of the Himalayan hamlet and the Peaks are breathtaking.
Then, hike to Everest View Hotel for a delightful warm tea or coffee while enjoying the area's superb scenery.
After a beautiful hike, visit the excellent Sherpa Culture Museum to learn more about the region's significant inhabitants.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 07: Namche to Tengboche (3860m/12660ft), Duration: 5 hours
Following the trail leading to Dudh Koshi valley at Pungki Thanka, we leave Namche Behind and start our journey to Tengboche village.
The village houses the grand Tengboche monastery with the incredible sights of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and many other peaks. The largest monastery in the Khumbu region is also known as the spiritual heart of the area.
The Tengboche Monastery is the Khumbu’s spiritual core, while Namche is the region’s commercial center. It is also known as the Dawa Choling Gompa, and the monastery’s hillsides are gorgeously adorned with rhododendrons in the spring.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 08: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft), Duration: 5 hours
We proceed towards Dingboche village, or Summer Valley, crossing the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola.
We climb the small ridges that tower over the small villages of Sherpa and reach Dingboche. Throughout the trek, the impressive sights of Lhotse, Ama Dablam shall accompany you.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 09: Acclimatization day - hike to Nagerjun and return, duration: 4-5 hours
This is the second acclimatization day on the trek. Trekkers are free to use the day however they like. It is arranged to help trekkers adjust to the increasing altitude; staying engaged with light activities such as short hikes is best.
Partake on a walk to Nagerjun, located just above Dingboche on the edges of Chhukung valley. It is absolutely beautiful and offers heart-pounding sights of Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Kangtega (6685m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), and Ama Dablam (6856m). Along with mountain scenes, you can also see Pheriche valley. Savoring awe-inspiring views from Nagerjun valley, we descend back to Dingboche.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 10: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft), Duration: 5 Hours
This day begins with a gradual ascend towards Thukla; here, the scenery changes and becomes much barer and more desolate, with only alpine scrubs surrounding the trail.
After some time, the trail becomes somewhat strenuous, with a steep uphill over the moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Upon climbing the steep ridge, you will arrive at the summit of Thukla Pass. There is an area where you will see many stone shrines dedicated to fallen climbers.
Following this pass, you will walk through grassy valleys and rocky terrain to arrive at Lobuche. This village consists only of teahouses, with no permanent settlements here. It lies in a narrow meadow sandwiched between Lobuche Peak and Khumbu Glacier. You can enjoy the incredible sight of Taboche and Nuptse soaring above the teahouse.
In the evening, you may take a short hike to the narrow gap between the moraine and the mountain wall to see the Khumbu Glacier.
Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner included.
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5180m/16990ft) - Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) and back to Gorakshep, Walking Distance - 14 to 15 km, Duration- 8 hours
It takes a few hours on this challenging trail before you will arrive in Gorak Shep. You will have a little time to rest and leave your backpack before walking towards Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you will see several small streams and glacial moraines and will be walking alongside the Khumbu Glacier.
The Khumbu Glacier resembles a lunar landscape with gray boulders, ice formations, and small craters. It will take about two hours before you will be standing at the foothills of the world’s highest mountain — Mount Everest.
Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, you can celebrate your achievement with your trekking guide and team members.
From Everest Base Camp, you will have a marvelous sight of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and a little bit of Everest.
After celebrating and enjoying the well-deserved view, you will head back to the barren terrain of Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner included.
Day 12: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar (5545m/11283ft), then trek back to Pheriche (4210m/13810ft). Walking Distance - 13 to 14 km, Duration - 7 hours
Located at 5,545 meters, Kala Patthar is the highest elevation of this trek. From the summit, you can enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas, with a 360-degree view of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, and more.
After taking in the sunrise, you will return to Gorak Shep for breakfast before descending towards Pheriche. You will walk along the rugged trail through Lobuche and Thukla Pass.
Once you descend the ridge of Thukla Pass, you will cross a short bridge over a glacial stream to arrive at Pheriche.
Pheriche is a small settlement surrounded by hotels, teahouses, and yak pastures. It is also home to the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic. This voluntary non-profit clinic serves as a rescue station for trekkers and mountaineers in the Himalayas.
Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 13: Trek to Namche (3440m/11283) Walking Distance - 14 to 15 km, Duration- 7 hours
Most of the day will be spent walking under dense rhododendron and juniper forests. You may also glimpse rare wildlife, including Himalayan griffons, wild goats, musk deer, and pheasants.
Along the way, you will pass through several villages, including Tengboche and Phunki Tenga. Once you reach Phunki Tenga, the trail turns into a steep uphill. The ascent takes about an hour before you return to the Dudh Koshi River. Here, you will cross a small suspension bridge to reach Kyangjuma village.
This small community is where three popular trails of the Everest region meet — Namche Bazaar, Gokyo Valley, and Khumjung Village. Here, you’ll follow the trail to the Namche Bazaar, where you will stay overnight.
Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner included.
Day 14: Namche to Surke Village (2535m) Duration: 7-8 Hours
We trek down to Surke Village, passing Jorsale, Monjo village, Phakding etc.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 15: Trek back to Jubing, 5-6 hours
Trek back to Jubing, and our trek is over.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu
We get on the waiting vehicle that will take us back to Kathmandu.
Overnight at the Hotel, Breakfast, and Lunch are Included.
Day 17: Departure
A representative from Nepal Hiking Team will bring you to the airport approximately three hours before your flight back home. We wish you a safe return journey!
Breakfast Included.
If the above Everest Base Camp Trek by Road itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications.
All ground transports in private vehicles, including airport transfers
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
Full board meals with tea/coffee (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Best available lodges for accommodation during the trek, we provide you attached bathroom with a hot shower at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche.
One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide and porters (1 Porter for 2 hikers), including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance.
Duffle bag for the trekking
Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
All require trek permits
Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate
Government taxes and office service charge
Cost Excludes
Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary.'
Travel Insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US$ 100. Please bring two copies of passport-size photos.)
Cold drinks Inc. coke, water, Fanta, etc.
Snacks and other personal expenses
Hot showers during the trek except for Phakding, Namche, and Lukla
WIFI internet during the trek
Personal trekking equipment
Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
Cost and Date
Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.
The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the -days Everest Base Camp Trek by Road departure dates don't fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.
Three of us had planned the Gokyo Lake and Renjo La Pass trek. We met with Balaram to go over our itinerary.
Unfortunately, flights into Lukla were suspended for days due to adverse weather conditions.
Resourcefully, Balaram arranged a jeep ride for us and expertly rearranged our plans to keep us on schedule. Our guide, Sagar, was incredibly attentive, patient, and accommodating. He genuinely cared for us every step of the way.
Dumbar and Bikash, our porters, were the epitome of support. They did more than just carry our bags; they offered us their hands to steady us over slippery rocks and steep declines.
Our journey was unfolding smoothly until one of us began to feel weak towards the end. Sagar swiftly arranged a horse for hire and stayed in constant contact with Balaram to organize a helicopter ride.
Remarkably, Dumbar carried our friend on his back, climbing the steep inclines to the helipad. Their incredible display of concern, unwavering support, and commitment to our safety was deeply touching and far exceeded our expectations. We were airlifted off the mountain within a day. As a farewell gesture, our porters gifted us Tibetan scarves.
This experience humbled us profoundly, and the three of them became like family through the care they bestowed upon us. I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to this remarkable team; they truly deserve all the recognition in the world.
