| Duration: 12 day | Max Altitude: 5545 | ||
| Group Size: 02-10 | Location: Everest | ||
| Difficulty: moderate | Per Day Walk: 06-07 hrs | ||
| Accommodation: Hotel / Teahouse |
The Everest Base Camp Trek By Road offers an adventurous and unique alternative to the traditional trek with road trek with return by flight option. For those seeking the thrill of the journey as much as the destination, this 12-day overland adventure provides a chance to explore the beauty of Nepal’s landscapes from the comfort of a jeep or bus and return by flight. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a different experience, travelling by road to Everest Base Camp is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the majestic Himalayan surroundings.
While most trekkers opt for a flight to Lukla, the Everest Base Camp Trek By Road presents an exciting alternative, allowing you to experience the natural beauty and culture of Nepal in a more immersive way. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene foothills of the Himalayas, this trek offers a rare chance to witness the diversity of Nepal’s terrain and villages without the high cost and limited time constraints of a flight.
The Everest Base Camp Trek By Road is an exciting alternative to the traditional flight-based trek. This 12-day journey takes you from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu to the quiet, awe-inspiring base of Mount Everest, travelling through a variety of landscapes and charming villages.
The road trip offers a unique opportunity to witness Nepal’s rural beauty, with the route connecting some of the most iconic places in the Khumbu region. Along the way, you’ll traverse rugged mountain roads, crossing bridges and valleys before finally reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp, where the true adventure begins.
The journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the small town of Jiri, where the real trekking begins. From Jiri, you’ll make your way towards Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. The drive offers stunning views of lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque villages nestled in the Himalayas. After reaching Namche, the trail continues up to the Everest Base Camp, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking mountain views, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Travelling by road to Everest Base Camp offers some unique and memorable experiences that you wouldn’t normally encounter with a flight.
Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (Phaplu) (8-10 hrs, 2,390m)
Salleri to Surke Drive and Trek to Phakding (4-5 hrs, 2,610m)
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (5-6 hrs, 3,440m)
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (5-6 hrs, 3,860m)
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (5-6 hrs, 4,410m)
Acclimatization day in Dingboche
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (5-6 hrs, 4,910m)
Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (7-8 hrs, 5,364m)
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m) and trek back to Pheriche (6-7 hrs, 4,240m)
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (6-7 hrs)
Trek to Lukla and drive back to Kathmandu (Option 1)
Trek to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu (Option 2)
The journey starts with a scenic jeep drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (or Phaplu), covering winding mountain roads, lush hills, and local villages. The long but rewarding ride prepares you for the upcoming trek.
The journey from Salleri to Surke takes you through winding mountain roads before starting a gentle trek to Phakding. In about 4–5 hours, you’ll walk along peaceful trails, pass small villages, and reach Phakding at 2,610m, a lovely stop by the Dudh Koshi River.
Cross Hillary Suspension Bridge and trek through Sagarmatha National Park. Ascend to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest, bustling with trekkers, lodges, and shops.
A necessary rest day to adjust to the altitude. Explore the Everest View Hotel, visit the Sherpa Museum, or take a short hike to Khunde and Khumjung villages.
Descend towards the Dudh Koshi River, then ascend through pine forests to reach Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Everest region.
Pass through Pangboche village, home to the oldest monastery in the region. Enjoy breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and Everest as you ascend to Dingboche.
A second acclimatization stop. Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) for better adaptation and spectacular Everest views.
A gradual ascent through Thukla Pass, passing memorials dedicated to Everest climbers before reaching Lobuche.
Trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep before pushing towards Everest Base Camp. Celebrate reaching the iconic site, then return to Gorak Shep for the night.
An early morning climb to Kala Patthar offers the best sunrise views over Everest. Descend towards Pheriche for the return journey.
Retrace your steps through Tengboche and Pangboche, enjoying the downhill trail back to Namche.
Conclude your journey from Namche trek to Lukla that takes around 6-7 hours, covering a scenic downhill trail through dense forests, suspension bridges, and Sherpa villages.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, offering a faster and more comfortable return journey.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp by road is an alternative for those who prefer using roads and enjoying trekking experiences. While it offers a scenic and budget-friendly experience, there are a few key factors to consider before taking on this journey. From road conditions and trek duration to accommodation availability and weather, these elements will help you prepare for a smoother and more enjoyable adventure.
The road trek to EBC presents a diverse range of weather conditions, making it essential for trekkers to prepare for varying climates. At lower altitudes, the weather is generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging between 10°C to 20°C. However, as you gain elevation, temperatures start to drop significantly, especially at night, reaching -10°C or lower in higher camps. Sudden weather changes are common in the Himalayas, with unexpected snowfall, high winds, and occasional storms, particularly in the pre-winter and winter months. Trekkers should always check forecasts and pack accordingly, ensuring they have the proper layering system to combat the changing climate.
One of the major challenges of the EBC trek by road is altitude sickness, which occurs due to reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. Although the gradual ascent via road trekking allows better acclimatization compared to the rapid altitude gain of a Lukla flight, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) still exists. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath can appear above 3,000 meters. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a steady trekking pace are crucial in preventing AMS. Trekkers are advised to take adequate rest days, avoid alcohol and excessive exertion, and descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
The best time for the EBC trek through the road aligns with the ideal trekking seasons in Nepal:
Accommodation along the Everest Base Camp trek by road is available in tea houses and lodges, offering basic to moderate facilities depending on the altitude. Lower-altitude lodges provide comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, while higher elevations have more basic accommodations with shared toilets and minimal heating. During peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn), securing a place can be challenging, so early booking is highly recommended. Despite the simplicity, the warmth of local hospitality and stunning Himalayan views make the stay worthwhile.
Food options along the route include standard Nepali trekking meals, ensuring trekkers receive the necessary nutrition and energy for long hiking days. The most common dish is Dal Bhat, a high-carb meal consisting of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables, known for its unlimited refills. Other available meals include momos (dumplings), noodles, soups, fried rice, pasta, and basic Western dishes. While fresh produce is available at lower altitudes, food variety becomes limited as you go higher. Trekkers are advised to carry snacks for extra energy during long trekking days.
Travel insurance is an essential requirement for any high-altitude trek, including the EBC trek by road. Given the unpredictable weather and altitude risks, trekkers should ensure their insurance policy covers emergency helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellations. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, and in severe cases, immediate evacuation is necessary. Without proper coverage, emergency rescues can be extremely costly, making insurance a crucial investment for a safe and worry-free trek.
The cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp by road depends on factors such as accommodation, food, guide and porter services, permits, and transportation. Below is a detailed breakdown, including an optional return by flight for those looking to shorten the journey.
Transportation Costs:
Permit Costs:
Accommodation & Food:
Guides & Porters:
USD 1300-1500 per person for a 12-13 days trek, including accommodation, food, permits, transportation, and guide/porter services.
Booking your road trek to Everest Base Camp is a hassle-free process with the right planning. Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, securing permits, arranging transportation, and selecting the best itinerary are key steps to ensure a smooth journey. Since trekking by road involves multiple days of travel through rugged terrain, it’s best to book with a trusted operator who handles logistics, accommodations, and experienced guides. For a seamless experience, you can contact us at Mountain Routes. We offer fully organized EBC road trek packages, covering everything from jeep transport and accommodation to permits and guided trekking.
Both options have their advantages. EBC by flight is faster, taking about 30–40 minutes from Kathmandu to Lukla, allowing trekkers to start the journey quickly. However, weather delays and altitude adjustment can be challenging. EBC by road offers a more gradual ascent, reducing altitude sickness risk, but it takes longer due to the drive to Salleri or Phaplu before trekking. If you prefer a faster trek, the EBC trek with helicopter return is also ideal. If you want a scenic, gradual approach, the road trek is a better option.
Solo trekking to EBC is possible but not recommended for beginners due to unpredictable weather, high-altitude risks, and remote terrain. Hiring a guide or porter can enhance safety, navigation, and overall experience. Also, recent trekking regulations in Nepal require solo trekkers to register with a trekking agency.
No, you cannot reach Everest Base Camp entirely by car. The furthest you can drive is Salleri or Phaplu, after which you must trek. Roads are being developed in the region, but currently, no motorable route leads directly to EBC.
The total distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road is approximately 200 km (124 miles). However, due to the rugged terrain and high-altitude trekking route, it takes 10–12 days to complete the trek. If travelling by road, the journey to Salleri or Phaplu takes 8–10 hours by jeep, followed by trekking for about 8–10 days to reach EBC.
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