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The Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla flight follows the footsteps of the earliest climbers and trekkers and does not involve internal flights. It is the ideal option for those who wish to avoid the famous Lukla flights.
Since no flights are required and a private tourist vehicle is used, we don’t need to worry about the unpredictable weather that often disrupts Lukla flights. Starting the trek from a lower altitude than Lukla, and with several days to acclimatize before reaching Everest Base Camp, this route is excellent for acclimatization.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where we take a private tourist vehicle. The paved road to Salleri takes 8 to 10 hours, and beyond Salleri, a dirt road continues for another 3 to 5 hours to Kharikhola, which marks the start of our trek.
From there, we will pass through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, ultimately reaching Everest Base Camp. This trek brings you closer to Mount Everest than any other route, without the need for mountaineering equipment. An optional hike to Kala Patthar offers the highest viewpoint of the trek, followed by a return journey down to Jubing and a long ride back to Kathmandu.
This trek is only operated during dry seasons, from October 10 to December and from January to May, as the road from Salleri to Jubing is not paved and is susceptible to monsoon rains, making travel impossible by vehicle during this period.
The Everest Base Camp Trek by road is considered the most reliable route for visiting Everest Base Camp (EBC). Many trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to begin their journey, but this often faces delays and cancellations due to unpredictable weather. To avoid this inconvenience, Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition has introduced the Everest Base Camp Trek by road.
This route is not only safer but also more scenic than the traditional Lukla flight route. Starting from the lowland of Salleri, you will pass through villages inhabited by various ethnic groups, such as Sherpas, Brahmins, Chhetris, and Rais. The extended trek through these villages provides ample opportunity for acclimatization, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness, which is more common for trekkers who start from Lukla.
Additionally, some trekkers fear flying to Lukla, often regarded as one of the most dangerous airports in the world. By opting for the road route, you can avoid this concern.
The drive-to-trek route is more diversified. While the traditional Lukla-EBC trek offers dramatic alpine scenery, the Salleri-to-EBC trek provides lush green landscapes, vibrant villages, and warmer weather, all in addition to stunning mountain views. This combination of cultural richness and natural beauty makes the trek a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The trek begins with an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, the administrative headquarters of the Everest region. From Salleri, you will follow a quiet and pleasant trail, joining the traditional EBC route starting from Jiri. You will pass through Tak Shindo, Kharikhola, Paiya, and Surke before reaching Phakding.
From Phakding, the typical Everest Base Camp route continues through Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend an acclimatization day. From there, the trek continues to Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and finally to Gorakshep, the last stop before Everest Base Camp.
After exploring Everest Base Camp, you can hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the best viewpoint for a close-up view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and other Himalayan peaks.
The return journey follows the same route but takes a detour via Pheriche instead of Dingboche, eventually reaching Salleri. From Salleri, you will drive back to Kathmandu.
While the Everest Base Camp Trek can be completed year-round, the best months for trekking are September, October, November, March, April, and May, when the weather is more stable, skies are clear, and temperatures at higher altitudes are more manageable.
In winter, cold temperatures and snowfall in the alpine region can be significant obstacles, with mornings and nights reaching sub-zero temperatures. During the monsoon (June to August), rainfall can disrupt trekking, making the trail slippery and challenging.
The Everest Base Camp Trek by road offers a more pleasant journey, with the added benefit of saving money compared to the flight option. The route from Kathmandu to Thamdanda passes through several charming towns, including Salleri, Phaplu, Takshindu, Kharikhola, Bupsa, and Thamdanda—each offering unique cultural experiences. Along the way, you will enjoy a variety of landscapes, from lowland villages to high mountain vistas, with stunning views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and other peaks in the Solukhumbu region.
By choosing the road option, you will also strengthen your body’s resistance to altitude sickness, which can be a significant issue for trekkers who take the flight to Lukla.
Your 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek by road begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda, where you will begin your trek. From Thamdanda, you will ascend to Surke, pass through Paiya, and continue to Phakding. The route then continues past Lukla, Chheplung, and Nurning to reach Namche Bazaar. After a day of acclimatization in Namche, you will continue to Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. From Gorakshep, you will ascend to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for breathtaking views. The descent follows the same route, with a stop in Pheriche before returning to Salleri. Finally, you will drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 1:
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport
Maximum Altitude: (1,400 m)
Day 2:
Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri
Maximum Altitude: (2362m/7749ft)
Trekking duration: 9 to 10 hours
Day 3:
Drive from Salleri to Thamdanda trek to Paiya
Maximum Altitude: (2730m/8957ft)
Trekking duration: 5 to 6 hours
Day 4:
Trekking from Paiya to Phakding
Maximum Altitude: (2657m/8717ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Day 5:
Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: (3441m/11289ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 hours
DAY 6:
Acclimatization day trip to Shyangboche and Khumjung Village and trek back to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: (3780m/12402ft)
Trekking Duration: 4 to 5 hours
DAY 7:
Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (Alt. 3860m/12664ft). Walking 6 hours.
Maximum Altitude: (3860m/12664ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 hours
DAY 8:
Trekking from Tengboche to Dingboche
Maximum Altitude: (4350m/14272ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 9:
Acclimatization day walk around Dingboche
Trekking Duration: 3 hours
DAY 10:
Trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche
Maximum Altitude: (4910m/4910ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 hours
DAY 11:
Trekking from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp then back to Gorak Shep
Maximum Altitude: (5365m/17602ft)
Trekking Duration: 8 hours
DAY 12:
Early in the morning hike up to Kalapatthar then trek down to Pheriche
Maximum Altitude:(4200m/13780ft)/(5555m/18225ft)
Trekking Duration: 7 hours
DAY 13:
Trekking from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: (3441m/11289ft)
Trekking Duration: 7 hours
DAY 14:
Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Surke walking trekking from Namche Bazaar to Surke
Maximum Altitude: (Alt. 2290m/7513ft)
Trekking Duration: 7:30 hours
DAY 15:
Trekking from Surke to Thamdanda to Salleri
Maximum Altitude: (2362m/7749ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 16:
Drive from Salleri to Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: (1400m/4593ft)
Trekking Duration: 9 to 10 hours
DAY 17:
Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal
The journey begins early in the morning. During peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights to Lukla from Kathmandu may be rerouted to Manthali Airport. If this occurs, we will wake you up around 12:30 AM at your hotel for a 5-hour drive to Manthali Airport. The flight from Manthali to Lukla takes approximately 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can bypass the long drive by booking a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which costs around 550 USD, assuming five people share the expense.
During the off-season (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you will fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for an exciting 40-minute flight to Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport.
Once in Lukla, we’ll begin our trek to Phakding. Today’s hike will be short and relatively easy, allowing ample time for acclimatization. You’ll also have free time to explore the local monasteries and the charming village of Phakding.
Trek Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
Flight Hours: 40 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) / 20 minutes (Manthali to Lukla)
Highest Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Your trek begins early in the morning as you follow the northern banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. Shortly after, you’ll reach the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint, where your permits will be registered. From there, the trail ascends through dense forests, offering your first view of the majestic Mt. Everest. The journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant gateway to Everest Base Camp.
Trek Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,285 ft
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Take the time to explore Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub with Wi-Fi-connected cafes, restaurants, souvenir and gear shops, clubs, and bars. For those who want to venture further, consider hiking to the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center or trekking to the nearby Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung, just an hour away.
Another highlight of the day is a hike to the Everest View Hotel, where you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Mt. Everest. After soaking in the scenery and exploring, return to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.
The trek from Namche to Tengboche begins with breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail includes a series of challenging ascents and descents, but the stunning vistas make every step worthwhile. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan tahr.
The journey continues with a descent to the Dudh Koshi River, which you’ll cross before ascending through dense alpine forests. Soon, you’ll arrive at the charming settlement of Phunki Thenga, followed by Deboche, located just a short distance further.
A highlight of the route is the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Once in Deboche, you’ll have free time to explore nearby monasteries and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
Trek Distance: 9.2km / 5.7miles
Today is a second acclimatization day in Dingboche, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude. Though we take it easy, the day offers a chance for exploration.
You’ll hike up the ridge above Dingboche, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of majestic snow-capped peaks, including Lhotse, the rear face of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. The hike also provides stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks surrounding the Khumbu Khola Valley to the north, creating an unforgettable experience.
The trek to Lobuche is both captivating and rewarding, with breathtaking mountain views throughout the journey. The trail begins with a short uphill climb near a ridge crowned by a shrine, followed by a path through a wide valley.
As we continue, we’ll cross a glacial moraine and pass a small cluster of lodges. The trek gradually ascends, offering ever-improving views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks. Along the way, you’ll encounter memorial statues honoring climbers who lost their lives in this challenging terrain, serving as a poignant reminder of the mountain’s power.
Upon reaching Lobuche, you’ll find a relatively large settlement with several hotels and shops, providing a comfortable base for the night.
Trek Distance: 8.5 km / 5.2 miles
Highest Altitude: 4,930 m / 16,175 ft
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Today is the highlight of your journey as you reach Everest Base Camp. The trek begins from Lobuche, and we head toward Everest Base Camp, trekking through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The path leads us to Gorak Shep, a mesmerizing settlement surrounded by stunning mountain peaks.
We leave our luggage at Gorak Shep and continue the final stretch to Everest Base Camp. This is the moment you’ve worked so hard for — standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak. As you take in the incredible views of Everest, memories of your journey and struggles to get here will flood your mind.
This is the closest you’ll ever be to Everest, unless you decide to climb it. With pride in your hearts and a celebratory mood, you can enjoy the views, take plenty of pictures, and relish the achievement. Afterward, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Trek Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Highest Altitude: 5,364 m / 17,598 ft
Trek Duration: 6-8 hours
Today marks the pinnacle of your journey. Kala Patthar, a renowned viewpoint, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. We’ll start early in the morning, hiking to Kala Patthar to witness the sunrise over Everest and its neighboring mountains.
After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we’ll return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and a brief rest. From there, we’ll continue our trek through dense forests and meadows, heading toward Pheriche, a charming village. Along the way, you’ll have time to reflect on the unforgettable memories made at both Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Trek Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles
Highest Altitude: 5,555 m / 18,208 ft
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Today, you’ll trek down hillside trails surrounded by rhododendron trees. In spring, the landscape bursts with color as the rhododendrons bloom. The trail will take you across a bridge over the Imja Khola, leading you into a Juniper forest before arriving at Dingboche.
After a final steep climb, you’ll reach the renowned Tengboche Monastery, where you will stop for the night. This is a perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day’s journey.
Trek Distance: 8.5 km / 5.2 miles
Highest Altitude: 4,250 m / 13,945 ft
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
The trail to Namche Bazaar meanders through dense forests, home to wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, and, on rare occasions, snow leopards. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures along the way. As you trek back, take time to capture photos and enjoy the stunning views of Everest’s summit and the rear face of Lhotse.
Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you can head to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Trek Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,855 m / 12,850 ft
Trek Duration: 5 hours
As we begin our return journey, the path descends alongside the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll cross several suspension bridges along the way. After trekking through lush forests and passing small villages, you’ll arrive at Phakding, just beyond Benkar.
Trek Distance: 7.4 km / 4.5 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,285 ft
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
This day marks the final stretch of our trek as we descend along the Dudh Koshi Valley. From the Kusum stream, the trail gently ascends toward Lukla. Just before reaching Lukla, the path steepens to the west. After the initial climb, we pass through the small village of Toktok, offering a fresh perspective of the surrounding landscape. Continuing onward, we’ll eventually reach the bustling town of Lukla, where we’ll rest before catching our flight back to Kathmandu the following day.
Trek Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
Highest Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
At the end of your trek, you’ll fly from Lukla to either Manthali or Kathmandu, depending on the trekking season.
To avoid the long drive from Manthali to Kathmandu, you can opt for a helicopter ride at an additional cost of 550 USD (shared with four passengers).
We hope your flight is relaxing, offering you a chance to reflect on the incredible memories made along the trail. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy at your leisure.
Flight Hours: 40 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) / 20 minutes (Manthali to Kathmandu)
Here’s a suggested packing list for your Everest Base Camp trek. Consider this as a starting point, adjusting based on your personal needs and the season. For winter treks, you’ll need additional layers of warm clothing. We’ll provide you with a 75-liter duffel bag for the trek, which you’ll receive during the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag is yours to keep!
