Everest Base Camp Trek by Road

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
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.
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    17 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Moderate
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Lodges
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax

EBC Trek by Road: 17-day adventure

This 17-day Everest Base Camp Trek by road 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 EBC Trek by road 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 of the Everest Region- Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, etc.

Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek by Road

The Everest Base Camp 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. The 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.

Drive to the Everest Base Camp: Route Overview

Your journey to the base of Mount Everest via road begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu. It takes 8/9 hours to reach Salleri, and you will be driving 267 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,  known as one of the best viewpoints, 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.

Detailed Itinerary

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.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2413m/7,917ft), Distance: 267 km, Duration: 7–8 hours

We will start drive to Phaplu in the morning today. It will take us 7 -8 hours, depending on the traffic. The road is mostly paved in concrete. 

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 03: Drive to Paiyun Village (2760m/9,055ft), Distance: approx. 137 km, Duration: 6–7 hours

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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 04: Trek from Paiyun Village to Phakding (2652m/8,701ft), Distance: 9 km, 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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,155ft). Distance: 10-12 km, Duration: 7 hrs.

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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 06: Acclimatization Day - Hike To Everest View Hotel

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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 07: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m/12,665ft). Distance: 10-11 km, Duration: 5 hrs.

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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 08: Trek to Dingboche (4410m/14,469ft), Distance: 11 - 12 km, 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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 09: Acclimatization day - hike to Nangkartshang/Nagerjun and return, 5 - 6 km, 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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4910m/16,109ft), Distance: 11-12 km, 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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to EBC and back to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft), 14–15 km, 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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 12: Trek to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft) and descend to Pheriche, 13 km, 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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,286ft), Distance: 14–15 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.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 14: Trek to Surke Village (2290m), Distance: 18 km, Duration: 7–8 hours

We trek down to Surke Village, passing Jorsale, Monjo village, Phakding etc.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 15: Trek from Surke to Jubing (2100m/6,890ft), Distance: 9 km, Duration: 5–6 hours

Trek back to Jubing, and our trek is over.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu

We get on the waiting vehicle that will take us back to Kathmandu.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included
  2. Accommodation: Hotel

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!

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included

Cost Includes

  • 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

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Brothers Bucketlist Adventure Of A Lifetime

    We had a truly exceptional experience with our hiking companions, Paban (guide) and Melon (porter), and the Nepal Hiking Team for organizing our itineraries and recommendations. From our arrival in Kathmandu to our departure, everything was meticulously organized. The highlight of this journey was the excitement, cultural immersion, culinary experiences, and camaraderie with our hiking team. This lifetime experience with my brother was made possible by the Nepal Hiking Team, who delivered outstanding service. We are grateful to have entrusted our adventure to you.
    Namaste!

    - Cid and Gus M.

     

    C
    - Excellent

    Mr. Cid and Gus M.

    11th May 2025
  • Outstanding EBC experience

    I had the great opportunity to join the Nepal Hiking Team and experience the two-week base camp Everest trekking during the last week of September and the first of October 2024.

    Everything was great from the very first second I set foot in Nepal to the last moment of farewell at the airport. It was such a fulfilling and exciting experience, and this great time was only possible thanks to my guide, Ram and his assistant, Bishnu. They made this journey possible and doable, keeping the spirit high even in the most challenging moments.

    There was not a single second where I and the rest of my group companions did not feel safe with them. They were handling everything with the best professionalism and resourcefulness, especially when the most unexpected, snowy conditions occurred.

    Thanks a million for this lifetime experience.

    Robert

    R
    - Excellent

    Mr. Roberto Vetrone

    20th Jan 2025
  • EBC, end of September start of October.

    The trek to Everest Base Camp was an unforgettable journey through some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. The route takes you through traditional Sherpa villages and past ancient monasteries and offers stunning views of peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and, of course, Mount Everest itself.

    My guide, Santosh, was incredible. I picked up a cough in KTM, and by Namche, I was fevering out, he would come and check on me and give me steam inhalation baths to clear my airways, he was amazing. His calm approach kept me going; he never lost confidence.

    The trek's challenges - from the thin air at high altitude to the basic teahouse accommodations - are well worth it for the incredible experience. I completely recommend EBC to the Nepal Hiking Team, especially Santosh.

    T
    - Excellent

    Mr. Todd Holland

    29th Dec 2024
  • An insane journey to EBC with the perfect guide

    Last month, I trekked alongside five friends to Everest Base Camp on a sixteen-day. Originally, we planned to fly from Rammechap to Lukla, but bad weather meant we could be waiting days for a flight. With our return flights already booked, we didn’t want to risk the delay.

    Instead, Nepal Hiking Team quickly stepped in, offering to drive us from Kathmandu to Phaplu on the first day, then from Phaplu to Jubing on the second day, and finally, hike from Jubing to Phakding on Day 3 – all at no additional charge. This way, we avoided days of airport waiting and stayed right on schedule.

    Given the recent floods in Nepal, we weren’t sure we’d even be able to finish the trek, however, NHT went above and beyond to make sure the trek wouldn’t be affected.

    From start to finish, our guide Deepak made us feel safe and kept us well-informed. He made sure we were always fed, had enough water, a roof over our heads, and were happy every step of the way.

    Before the trip, we thought we’d be staying and sleeping in very basic teahouses and eating dal bhat every day. But, surprise, the accommodations and meal options exceeded what we expected through the way up to base camp.

    Every place we stayed offered various food options - wifi and power were available either included or for a small fee. We found that most villages even had cafes or restaurants if you wanted other options.

    Each day of the trip was an absolute blast. We became close friends with Deepak, who spoke fantastic English, understood our Aussie humor, and gave us great advice for the trail. I honestly don’t think we would’ve had such an amazing experience without Deepak.
    I highly recommend this trek to anyone even remotely thinking about it. It was an unforgettable experience, and I’ll remember it forever. Huge thanks to Deepak, Bikash, and Nepal Hiking Team for having us.

    Guide: Deepak Dhakal

    Assistant Guide: Bikash

    Porters: Prem, Suman, and Gyan

    Toby H
    - Excellent

    Ms. Toby H

    5th Nov 2024
  • Unforgettable experience to EBC

    I went to EBC with Nepal Hiking Team (NHT), and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. I highly, highly recommend them! From my very first talk with Mr. Ganga (the owner) to the moment I was dropped off at the airport, everything went simply. The company provided fantastic sleeping bags and jackets. The tea houses we stayed in during the trip seemed to be the best available in each place.

    I booked the group option, and I was so lucky with the people I trekked with. The porters were absolutely amazing—they’re the real kings of the mountains! And as for the guides, what can I say? We had three—Rajesh, Sabin, and Krishna—and they were simply the best guides ever! Each of them was incredibly helpful and made the journey to EBC (and back) so much easier for everyone. They even surprised me with a birthday cake on the day we returned to Lukla!

    When I come back to Nepal, I’ll definitely reach out to NHT for more adventures. I wish all the best to the wonderful guides, porters, and Mr. Ganga.

    Namaste! 🙏🏻

    Eunice, Portugal

    Eunice
    - Excellent

    Ms. Eunice

    1st Nov 2024

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