Exploring the Everest Base Camp (EBC) has always been a dream for trekkers worldwide. While most journeys begin with the adrenaline-filled flight to Lukla, there is a road less traveled that bypasses the skies altogether. Enter the Everest Base Camp Trek without Flight, an 18-day adventure that combines the thrill of road travel with the magic of the Himalayas. Perfect for those seeking a grounded approach to this iconic trek, this alternative route is an experience like no other.
If you are looking for adventure hiking without the flight cancellation, and turbulence, the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road is for you.
Everest Base Camp Trek By Road Highlights:
- Trek to Everest base camp via a off-road overland adventurous drive.
- Hassle free about flight delay, cancellations, hotel rebooking, Itinerary rescheduling.
- Escape the midnight drive during the season as flights resume from Ramachhap Manthali Airpot.
- No need to think twice to fly at Lukla Airport: World most dangerous airport.
- Explore extra miles to reach Surke Helipad via Salleri, Tham Danda and more.
- Adds the attractions of lower Everest called Solu with its unique yet mix Sherpa-Magar culture, lifestyle, settlements and more.
- Ridge road comes with unique valley, lush rhododendron forest with mix of highland pine.
- Attractive numerous swinging suspension bridges decorated with prayers flags and khada.
- Religious blessing and vibes from, Tengboche, Pangboche, and Salleri.
- Discovery of diverse landscapes, himalayas mountain views and wildest terrain.
- View of world 5 Highest mountains from top ten list: Mt. Everest. Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyo, and Kanchenjunga.
- Walking on the Khumbu Glacier and its moraine towards Everest Base Camp.
- Trek along the Khumbu Glacier and pass by glacier moraine before reaching the lap of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest
- Witness a indescribable Himalayan panoramic view from Kala-Patthar viewpoint.
- Lifetime achievement and experience of standing at the base of world highest base camp.
- Mountain sunrises, sunsets, vistas and artistic with clouds on blue sky.
- Learn, revive, and explore the adventurous trekking trails, Nepal and more.
Everest Basecamp Trek without Flight: Everest Trek by Road The Adventure of a Lifetime with Trekking Trail Nepal
Not all those who wander are lost, but some prefer a 4WD jeep drive over a plane.
Why Choose the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road?
Avoid the Lukla Flight
Flying to Lukla can be overwhelming due to unpredictable weather and the nerve-wracking reputation of the airport. The road trek to Everest Base Camp with Trekking Trail Nepal eliminates all this uncertainty, stress and makes a smoother start to your trek.
More Time to Acclimatization
Driving to Tham Danda via Salleri Bazar and Phaplu eases your transition into the high altitudes. The trek starts at a more manageable elevation, reducing the chances of altitude sickness like Manaslu Base Camp Trek.
Submerge in Local Culture and People like never before
Small village settlements like Salleri, Phaplu, Pattle, Paiya and more creates the life time moments. As all these are are Sherpa community yet not commercialized by tourism and modern lifestyle. Each small-small stops reveals a tapestry of vibrant traditions, heartfelt welcoming people, with their own small and stunning landscapes.
Key Point for Everest Base Camp Trek without flight
- Drive to Thamdanda: Begin our journey with an adventurous jeep ride, cutting through lush valleys and rugged roads lead by team of Trekking Trail Nepal.
- Namche Bazaar: The bustling Sherpa town where tradition meets modernity. The biggest commercial hub of everest awe your imagination.
- Tengboche Monastery: A spiritual hub and peaceful religious shrine in the lap of towering peaks have to experience in any way.
- Everest Base Camp (5364m): Engirt at the foot of the world's highest mountain; The name is enough. Mt. Everest.
- Kala Patthar (5545m): Witness a panoramic sunrise over Everest and its neighbouring mountain peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Lhola, Pumori.
Short Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek via Road
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Welcome at the airport, escort to our hotel and prepare for the trek ahead with Trekking Trail Nepal guide and leader meet up. Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel during the evening, if time permits.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri/Phaplu (2413m)
Start a scenic 8 to 9 hour drive through the hills, rivers, valleys, villages of Nepal.
Day 3-4: Jeep to Tham Danda and Trek to Paiya (2730m)
As we closer to the Himalayas, the road becomes trail. From these points, you will experience the Sherpa culture and more as we pass small-small stops..
Day 5-11: Trek to Everest Base Camp
Pass through Ghat, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Tengboche, Deboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Thukla, Lobuche, Gorekshep and culminating a visit to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar sunrise hike.
Day 12-16: Return Trek and Drive Back to Kathmandu
Retrace your steps, enjoying familiar yet breathtaking vistas before driving back from Thamdanda to Kathmandu.
Day 17-18: Leisure in Kathmandu and Final Departure
Celebrate your accomplishment with a day of relaxation and shopping before bidding farewell to Everest Base Camp Trek and team of Trekking Trail Nepal.
Trekking is not just about reaching a destination; it is all about how you reach there by embracing the journey.
Common Questions and Answers for Everest Basecamp Trek Without Flight
Here Trekking Trail Nepal collecting some common questions for everest base camp trek via road. These question are change into some basis information that make your preparation as top of Everest and push you to reach to base camp.
The Best Time to Trek
- Spring: Months of March, April, and May: Blooming rhododendrons, white mountains with blue clear skies.
- Autumn: Months of October, November, and December : Crisp air, stable weather, cold morning and evening, warmer day, and vibrant festivals.
While trekking during winter or monsoon is challenging, the road-based approach makes year-round travel feasible, avoiding flight cancellations and weather-related delays. Everest trekking during monsoon (June to August), and winter (Mid December to February) is challenging due to poor weather, basis amenities, slippery or snowy trail conditions, and low visibility. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek without flight approach allows year-round travel by avoiding the risk of flight cancellations to Lukla.
Physical Fitness and Preparation
The Everest trek is moderately to challenging in grade. The only difficult side is altitude and some short steep uphills. However you dont' have to plan severely. As perfectly planed itinerary and guidance, average or good physical fitness is must for this Everest trek via road. Daily up-hill and down hill hikes about 5 to 7 hours on rugged terrain makes you achieve your dream.
Altitude Sickness, Acclimatizations, and Permits Requires
This Everest Base Camp Trek by Road comes with significant elevation gain, as the trip starts in Kathmandu 1,365m and ascending to Kala Patthar 5,550m within 12 days. Such changes in elevation increases the risk of altitude sickness. However proper acclimatization help mitigate this risk.
Our itinerary at Trekking Trail Nepal is built-in rest cum acclimatization days. You will spend 2 acclimatization hike days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Unlike the standard Short Everest Base Camp Trek, this Everest Trek by road, comes with lower risk of altitude sickness. However it is highly recommended to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, listen to your body, and share every minor changes to our mountain expert guide. Stay alert for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, or insomnia. To minimizes risks:
- Drink at least 4 litres of water daily, sip by sip.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, stop smoking, and follow the healthy routine.
Everest Trek via Rood also requires two permits:
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fees: NPR 2000/person
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3000/person
Everest is more than a mountain; it's a state of mind and destination of dream.
Difficulty Level
The Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep extends your trekking by 2–3 days, even fall under moderately challenging grade. Although this is long trek of 15-16 days, this package is suitable for most of hikers, who has good physical fitness, even without prior trekking experience and physical training.
NOTEL: If you don't like overland journey, especially with turn and twist, we suggest you to get the regular Everest Base Camp Trek with Lukla flight.
We are stating this because the road route till Lower Lukla is full of sharps bends, narrow and cliff side. Even passes through uneven hillsides, river valley and dense forests. As we drive longer, our road to everest stepped into rugged gorges and moraines. Here are the most challenging sections of Everest Base Camp Trek without flight:
- Larje Dovan Phedi to Namche Bazaar
- Thukla to Lobuche
- Fungi Thanga to Tengboche Monastery
- Lobuche to Everest Base Camp
These segments involve steep ascents which requires 1 to 2 hours of 8 hours of the day mostly after lunch. Although the Everest Base Camp Trek is not technically difficulty need to be physical fit to deal continuous 12-15 days on the rugged terrain, harsh alpine climate, basis amenities and meal items. This is more difficult on mind setup rather than reality.
Accommodation Meals and Upgrades of Services
Typically this trek includes basic tea-house accommodation along the trail and any star hotel stay in Kathmandu. As Everest Base Camp Trekking region is one of the popular area, the standard of hotels and tea house are vires from basis to luxury. The presence of Comfort Luxury Lodges makes possible of Luxury Everest Base Camp Trekking.
Restrooms are common at most lodges, with squat toilets common at higher elevations. Western-style facilities are usually found at lower altitudes. You have to carry your own toiletries for the trekking in Nepal. Twin sharing room is basis principle of trekking in the Himalayas, unless you booked Luxury Trek with single accommodation.
Meals on Everest Trek without Flight
Everest Base Camp Trek by Road package with Trekking Trail Nepal comes with three daily meals with tea and coffee. However only breakfast and a farewell dinner will be provided in Kathmandu. With us you will get à la carte menu and choice is yours. We recommend every hikers to be a vegetarian while going up to avoid potential food poisoning from stored meat. Carry some energy bars, snacks, nuts, chocolate, tidbits for the day, although it can be purchase along the trail with higher rates.
Upgrade of Services
Trekking Trail Nepal always listen our valued guests, weather to upgrade the services or to customized the itinerary or any. With our Everest Base Camp Trek without flight. Upgrades of hotels from standard to deluxe or even luxury is possible. Same as in Kathmandu. Instead of hiking down to Lukla or even Kathmandu, you can fly in a helicopter. Similarly the choice of luxury land cruiser is available instead of public bus from Kathmandu to Taha-Danda or Salleri. All these upgrade of services on Everest Base Camp Trek via road is possible with your interest, resources and time frame. With helicopter rides, you can make the trek more short and adventurous.
Is there is any festivals along the way
Depending on the dates and months, when you visit, you may witness vibrant festivals celebrated by the locals:
- Gyalpo Lhosar (January or February): Sherpa New Year celebrations. A big festival to celebrate with brother and sisters, with feast.
- Dumji Festival (May or June): Honouring Guru Rinpoche with traditional and spiritual dances and rituals.
- Yartung (August or September): A unique horse racing festival in Lower Solu.
Trekking Insurance
Trekking Trail Nepal request you to have a comprehensive travel insurance covering the high altitude emergency air evacuation, medical, and related expenses.Know your insurance that fits for trekking in the Himalayas before purchase. Check out the best Nepal Trekking Insurance.
Some Pro Travel Tips
- Electricity: Charging devices costs USD 2-4 at tea house. We strongly suggest you to carry a solar charger or power bank as backup.
- Internet: Buy a Nepali SIM for better connectivity, however some sections of the trail may lack coverage. If not, every hotel has paid wifi services.
- Cash: Withdraw cash in Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche Bazaar.
- Tipping: Set aside extra funds to tip guides, porters, and drivers, in total 7-10% of trip prices.
- Luggage: Limit your duffel bag max to 12 kg and your backpack to 5 kg, including you camera and valuable gears.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 4 litres of water daily to combat altitude sickness.
- Pack Smart: Apply your experience, or check out our Trekking Gear Checklist.
- Budget Wisely: Account for personal expenses, tips, and optional porter services.
- Be Flexible: Road travel to Salleri can be unpredictable, so plan buffer days.
Everest Trekking without Flight Itinerary: Everest by Road
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal
Trekking Trail Nepal team will welcome you at Kathmandu, and transfer to our hotel in tourist hub of Thamel. In the evening, team of Trekking Trail Nepal will introduce with your guide. Here we will address all your last minutes questions and provides all needed suggestion and answers.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu 2,469m. 9-10 Hours Drive
Early morning the adventure of Everest Base Camp Trek by road begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu. Along the way, you can enjoy picturesque views of the hills, mountains, valleys and and unique landscapes. All these nature beauty makes a perfect introduction of Nepal and Adventure. After a long drive, you will reach Phaplu, a peaceful small town nestled in the hills. You will spend the night here, resting up for a short drive and trek ahead. Overnight stay in Phaplu, with local people, meals and drinks at the teahouse.
Day 3: Drive to Tham Danda and Trek to Paiya 2,730m. 7-8 Hours in total
After breakfast, we start our local drive to Tham Danda just for an hour, to start the most popular trek. The trail passes through beautiful forests and terraced fields, providing a serene environment for your adventure. The trek to Paiya is a relatively easy one, and upon reaching this small village, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight stay in Paiya with meals at the teahouse.
Day 4: Trek to Phakding 2,610m. 5-6 Hours Hike
Continue your trek today, descending to Phakding. Along the way, you will pass through several small villages and cross a few suspension bridges. Phakding is a popular stop on the Everest Base Camp trekking trail, known for its picturesque surroundings and serene atmosphere. Today we follow the classical trekking tail of everest. You will spend the night here at a local teahouse.
Day 5: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,434m. 5-6 Hours Trek
Trek takes you through the Dudh Koshi river valley and into the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Crossing few small yet beautiful suspension bridges, you will ascend towards Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and Namche Bazaar is the busiest and richest Sherpa town with a unique modern charm and amenities.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar and Hike to Khumjung Village
Spending a day acclimatizing in Namche is crucial for your body to prepare for the higher altitude. Today you explore the town, visit local markets, and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest from the world highest hotel; Everest View Hotel. Today you will speak less and soak more with these views and nature. For the lunch we hike down to Khumjung village and hike down to Namche Hotel before sun goes down. If time allows you can explore the town.
Day 7: Trek to Tengboche 3,868m. 6-7 Hours Hike
After breakfast, trek through rhododendron and pine forests towards Tengboche, a small village renowned for its monastery. The monastery is one of the biggest and famous of the region, aligning with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This is a beautiful section of the trek, although it has one short steep section. Once you reach the top you will have time to visit this spiritual and architectural marvel before you sit next to heater.
Day 8: Trek to Dingboche Valley 4,400m. 5-6 Hours Hike
Today, you will continue your trek, passing through beautiful landscapes with views of Ama Dablam and other towering peaks, crossing Pangboche the oldest town and Somare the lunch place. Upon reaching Dingboche, a picturesque village surrounded by mountains, you will have time to relax and capture the stunning views of sunset over Inja Mountain and Mt. Ama Dablam.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Another day to acclimatize your body to adjust to the challenges comes with higher altitude and thin air. You can take a short hike to a higher elevation to aid in your acclimatization with our trekking guide. Or simply explore Dingboche or Chukung Valley a peaceful village with spectacular view and market. This rest day will prepare you for the higher altitudes ahead.
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche 4,910m. 5-6 Hours Hike
Today's trek takes you along the glacial moraine and over sandy trails to Lobuche, a small hotel village at the foot of the Lobuche mountain. Along the way, you will have great views of Mount Nuptse, Pumori, and other Himalayan giants. Thukla Pass is the another attraction of the day, although it carries the sad story of our might climbers.
Day 11: Trek to Gorak Shep 5,130m, and achieve Everest Base Camp 5,364m.7-8 Hours Trek
The day starts with a hike to Gorak Shep, the final settlement before Everest Base Camp. With light lunch we, continue the hike to Everest Base Camp, where you can experience the incredible thrill of standing at the foot of the world's highest peak. However you can not see the top of the world from where you stand. The untold story of Everest Base Camp Trek.
After soaking in the majestic views and acheivente, you will return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Trek to Kala Patthar 5,550m, and hike down to Pheriche 4,200m. 7-8 Hours Trek
An early morning trek will take you to Kala Patthar for breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Everest and surrounding mountains. Afterward, descend towards Pheriche, following the same Trekking Trail. You will feel the difference from low altitude and accomplishment while hiking down. This section of Everest Base Camp Trek also considered as beautiful as we passes through the valley of Pheriche.
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,434m. 7-8 Hours Trek
Today, you will retrace your steps back towards Namche Bazaar. The descent through the valley offers a different perspective of the landscape. The nature and surrounding which you missed before you will get that and appreciate it.
Day 14: Trek to Surke Heli Port 2,420m. 6-7 Hours
Continue your descent today, heading towards Surke. This is the small flat area which get the name as Heli Port. This is a relatively easy day of trekking, allowing you to relax as you make your way down the trail.
Day 15: Trek to Tham Danda 2,630m, 3 hours walk, and 5 hours off-road dive to Phaplu
Todays' trek takes you back to Phaplu, as followed the day 4 of our itinerary Everest Base Camp Trek by road. The trail and around is scenic, and you will have the chance to reflect on your journey as you make your way back..
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu 1,365m. 9-10 Hours Drive
After breakfast, take a scenic hilly drive back to Kathmandu from Phaplu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your Everest Base Camp Trek by road ( without Flight).
Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu
The day to celebrate the success on your own. Last minutes shopping and enjoy as you like. Overnight in our hotel.
Day 18: End of Everest Base Camp Trek without Flight ( By road )
Our team of Trekking Trail Nepal will transfer you to the airport with cherished memories of adventure of Everest Base Camp Trek without Flight. We hope to welcome you back to the Himalayas and explore more.
Let us know if you would like more details or assistance with the itinerary to make the best Everest Base Camp Trek without flight covering via road, with Trekking Trail Nepal.
Why Everest Trek by Road with Trekking Trail Nepal?
With over 10 years of expertise, Trekking Trail Nepal, full of adventure and passion guarantees a seamless and memorable trekking services in Nepal. From expert guides to transparent pricing, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and satisfaction with best treat for guides and porters.
- No Hidden Costs: You will see where your money goes. Fair Price and Fair Pay.
- 100% Success Rate and Zero Rescue:
- Local Expertise: Our guides are professionals with mountain knowledge and experience of the trail.
- Customizable Packages: We personally craft your trek to suit your needs and preferences.
- Provides the real information: We focus on providing ground reality rather than making business with blindfold.
Cost Include-Excludes for Everest Base Camp Trek via Road
Services Included
- Airport transfers for international flights.
- 3 nights in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (BB Basis).
- Public jeep transfers to/from Phaplu with guide.
- Local sharing jeep transfers to/from Tham Danda to Paiya.
- Accommodation during the trek (standard lodges and tea houses).
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide (including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance).
- Duffel bag and trekking map for the Everest Base Camp Trek via road.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit fees.
- Water purification tablets and a first aid kit with oximeter.
- Government taxes and service charges.
Services Excluded
- International and domestic flight tickets.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Travel and health insurance (covering emergency evacuation).
- Porter services, to carry your luggage.
- Personal expenses: tea, coffee, snacks, bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging fees.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu where not mentioned.
- Extra nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to changes in itinerary.
- Tips for guides and driver,(expected highly recommended).
Porter Service
You can enhance your Everest Base Camp Trek via road without flight experience by hiring a sherpa porter. As 1 porter carry up to 24 kg of luggage, 2 traveller can share 1 porter and share the cost, which is the usual practices for trekking in Nepal. Sharing the luggage, allows you to trek more comfortably and focus on the journey and enjoyment. Cost of a Porter: USD 300 for entire trip.
FAQs for Everest Trek Without Flight
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic adventures destination for trekking enthusiasts. Most of the hikers take a short flight to Lukla Airport, however as the road is linked to lower Lukla, many are now exploring Everest Base Camp Trek by road. In this program of Everest Trek without flight Trekking Trail Nepal includes here the top frequently asked question and Answers to help you plan your best Everest Basecamp Trek without Flight.
1. Where is the Phaplu, how far from Kathamndu and How to reach Phaplu?
The Phaplu is the small old town in the Lower Khumbu region, close to Phaplu Airport of Salleri. This is the one of the old market place for Everest Area as it lies in the classical trekking route to Everest Base Camp. Salleri is 270 Km far from Kathmandu following the NH03 Highway. Although the distance does not sound long, however the hilly road, lots of potholes, and without highway discipline the journey useably takes about 9 to 10 hours from Kathamndu on 4WD. Above all this overland journey towards Lukla and everest will be the best as it passes through the untouched Sherpa culture of Nepal. You only have 2 option to reach Phaplu. 1. By flight from kathmandu and 2. By road weather private 4WD or public sharing jeep, which roughly takes 9-10 hours with few brunch breaks on the way.
2. How do I reach Salleri, the starting point of the trek?
There are two main ways to reach Salleri:
- By Air: Fly to Phaplu Airport and take a short drive to Salleri.
- By Road: Take a direct bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri. While this option is more affordable, it takes longer (8–10 hours).
3. Is prior trekking experience required for this trek?
While prior trekking experience is not mandatory, it is beneficial. This Everest Base Camp Trek involves average hiking hours but in significant altitude gains. Following the best Itinerary from Trekking Trail Nepal, Everest Base Camp Trek without flight does not need any prior trekking experience. However average physical fitness with active lifestyle with hiking and running will surely enhance your experience.
NOTE: Trek is easy part, the most difficult section is the long driving journey from Katmandu to Tham Dadnda. If you are not used to for over landing in mountainous region please book the private 4WD jeep for more comfort and flexibility.
4. How long does Everest Base Camp trek take to complete?
Everest Base Camp Trek without flight can complete in 13 days, if we count the days from Phaplu to Phaplu, while the complete package is available of 17 or 18 Days. In this 18 days, 2 days are arrival and departure, 2 days for acclimatization, 2 days drive between Phaplu-Kathmandu, Kathamndu-Salleri, and 11 days hiking up to base camp and back, and 1 day is for relaxation in Kathmandu.
5. How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek via road ?
This trek is considered moderately to difficult, similar as the classical Everest Base Camp Trek. If we remove the steep ascent and knee breaking downhill, this trek is moderate difficulty grade. Similarly if we consider bustling and turning off-road drive and high altitude, Everest Base Camp Trek without flight comes under a mild difficult trek category.
5. Is it necessary to hire a porter for this trek?
As per the law of Nepal, all trek must be done with trained guide. However this is not mandatory to have a porter. Having porter for Everest Base Camp Trek without flight by road gives you freedom to enjoy the best of Everest Region in comfortable and peaceful mind. Trekking Trail Nepal strongly recommend you to have a porter who cares you luggage app to 24 kg, normally 1 porter is best for 2 hikers.
Are you ready for Everest Base Camp Trek without flight?
Want to test you upper limits via exploring the region of world highest mountains base camp and the mighty himalaya. Book your Everest Base Camp Trek by Road without Flight today and experience an adventure of a lifetime.
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp/Viber: +977 9818008337
