Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road: A Comprehensive Guide

Trip Overview

Traveling from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road is an exciting and adventurous journey, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unique insights into the Himalayan region. Although most travelers prefer to fly to Lukla, a road trip to the base camp is becoming increasingly popular among adventure seekers and those who want to explore the countryside of Nepal at a slower pace.

Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road typically refers to the drive journey to the starting point of the trek rather than the trek itself. It is an adventure that combines the best of road travel and trekking. Everest Base Camp Trek by road involves navigating winding mountain roads and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Everest Base Camp by road typically involves a jeep drive from Kathmandu to Salleri. From Salleri you continue to drive to Surke. The driving distance from Kathmandu to Salleri is approximately 266 km (165 miles) which takes 8–10 hours by jeep. The driving distance from Salleri to Surke, a village near Lukla is approximately 35–40 kilometers (22–25 miles). Depending on the unpaved road conditions the drive can take 5–7 hours.

Upon you reach Surke by road you start trekking adventure. From Surke you can follow the trail that directly connects to Phakding without needing to go through Lukla. Surke is a village located below Lukla. The distance between Surke and Lukla is approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and takes 1.5 to 2 hours to walk.

As your goal is reaching Everest Base Camp, bypassing Lukla can save time if you trek from Surke to Phakding. Lukla is often crowded as it is a major hub for trekkers flying in to start their journeys. By skipping Lukla, the trek from Surke to Phakding covers a distance of approximately 10.8 kilometers which takes around 6 hours of hiking. However, if you wish to visit Lukla simply to experience the bustling town, you can choose to make a detour to reach Phakding.

From Phakding, you ascend through picturesque villages, cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and pass through lush forests, ultimately reaching Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. After acclimatizing and continuing past Tengboche Monastery, you reach Everest Base Camp, where you can experience stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. After the visit to Everest Base Camp, the next day early morning you climb to Kalapathar to enjoy outstanding views of Mt. Everest. Then you retrace your steps. The return trek often allows you additional time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and local culture along the way. After reaching Surke, you drive back to Salleri and continue driving to Kathmandu.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the journey, including the route, transportation options, key attractions along the way, challenges, and essential tips for a memorable adventure.

Highlights of the Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road

• Scenic Road Journey: Travel through lush hills, rivers, and remote villages to reach the starting point of the trek.
• Gradual Acclimatization: By starting at lower altitudes, you minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
• Authentic Cultural Experience: Pass through traditional Sherpa villages that are less frequented by tourists.
• Avoidance of Lukla Flight Challenges (flight delays and cancellations): The weather in Lukla is unpredictable, often causing flight disruptions. Starting by road eliminates the stress of waiting for clear skies.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path: The road trek takes you through quieter and less commercialized routes, offering peaceful natural beauty.
• No Lukla Airport Nerves: Lukla’s short runway and challenging landings are infamous. Trekking via road avoids this entirely.

Why Choose the Road Journey to Everest Base Camp?

While flying to Lukla is faster and more convenient, the road journey offers several unique advantages:
• Cultural Immersion: Experience the authentic lifestyle of the local communities along the way.
• Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountain terrain.
• Flexible Itinerary: Take your time to explore hidden gems and less-trodden paths.
• Adventure Factor: The combination of a road trip and trek adds a sense of accomplishment and adventure to the journey.

Best Time to Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road

The ideal time for the Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp journey by road and trek is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent visibility of the Himalayan peaks.

Weather Conditions

1. Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather with blooming rhododendrons
2. Autumn (September to November): Crisp air, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes
3. Winter (December to February): Cold temperatures but fewer crowds
4. Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rains and slippery trails

Itinerary of Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel by car. Orientation of the trip. Preparation for the trek. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (Alt. 2362m/7749ft). Driving Distance 266 Km. Driving 8/10 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 3: Drive from Salleri to Thamdanda to Surke (Alt. 2309m/7575ft). Driving 4/5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 4: Trekking from Surke to Phakding (Alt. 2657m/8717ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 5: Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (Alt. 3441m/11289ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 6: Acclimatization day. Day trip to Shyangboche and Khumjung Village (Alt. 3780m/12402ft) and trek back to Namche Bazaar. Walking 4/5 hours. Overnight at Mountain lodge/Tea House.
Day 7: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (Alt. 3860m/12664ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 8: Trekking from Tengboche to Dingboche (Alt. 4350m/14272ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 9: Acclimatization day. Walk around Dingboche. Walk around for 3 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 10: Trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche (Alt. 4910m/4910ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 11: Trekking from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (Alt. 5365m/17602ft) then back to Gorak Shep. Walking 8 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 12: Early in the morning hike up to Kalapatthar (Alt. 5555m/18225ft) then trek down to Pheriche (4200m/13780ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 13: Trekking from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (Alt. 3441m/11289ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 14: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Surke (Alt. 2290m/7513ft). Walking 7:30 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 15: Drive from Surke to Salleri (Alt. 2362m/7749ft). Driving 4/ 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 16: Drive from Salleri to Kathmandu (Alt. 1400m/4593ft). Driving Distance 265 Km. Driving 9/10 hours.
In the evening complimentary farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese Restaurant in Kathmandu with cultural dances of different communities of Nepal. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal. Our tour officer will drop you at the Kathmandu International Airport and see you off. End of Service.
Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road Cost

Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road cost includes transportation, tea house stay, permit fee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day in the trek, two-night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, airport transfers on your arrival and departure that are offered by Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is as below:

Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road Cost USD 1195 Per Person

The given package cost of Everest Base Camp by road includes below services:

The above Package Cost includes:
• On your arrival day airport pickup service by car.
• 2-night accommodation in Kathmandu at Tourist Standard Hotel with breakfast (1 night before the trek and 1 night after the trek).
• Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri to Surke by jeep in sharing.
• Drive from Surke to Salleri to Kathmandu by jeep in sharing.
• 14-night accommodation in Tea House during trekking.
• 3 Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in a day during the trek.
• During trekking, one experienced friendly trekking Guide.
• Expenses for food, accommodation, insurance, transport, and the wages of trekking staff.
• Trekking Permit (TIMS Card)/ Khumbu Gaun Palika fee.
• Sagarmatha National Park fee.
• All ground transport types are as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Altitude medicines, Oximeter, first aid medicines.
• Map of Everest Base Camp Trekking route.
• Trip Achievement Certificate will be awarded after completion of the trip.
• All government taxes, local taxes, and tourist service charges.
• Farewell dinner on the last night of the trip at a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu with cultural dances of different ethnic groups of Nepal.
• On your departure day airport drop service by car.

Below are services that are not included in the above Everest Base Camp trek by road price.

The above Package Cost does not include:
• Airfare for your international flight.
• Nepal Visa Fee (You can easily get Nepal visa at the arrival time at the airport in Kathmandu)
• Your travel insurance (As the EBC trek is a high altitude journey it is advised to do travel insurance which covers medical & heli evacuation.)
• Alcoholic beverages, Hot and cold drinks, hot water, bottled water, dessert.
• All kinds of personal expenses like phone calls, internet use, laundry, battery charge, hot shower during trekking, excess baggage charge, etc.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except for farewell dinner on the last night of the trip.
• Porter
• In case of emergency helicopter rescue/ evacuation & its cost.
• Tips for Trekking Staff.
• Any expenses arising due to unforeseen situations like flight cancellation, personal sickness, natural calamities, political strikes, etc.
• Cost of any extra services, if you use which are not mentioned in the above package, includes section.

Notes:

I. The above Everest Base Camp Trek cost is on a per-person basis for a minimum group size of two persons.
II. If you are single and want to do a Solo Trek, we also operate the Everest Base Camp Trek by road for solo trekkers. For the solo trekker, we have a separate Everest Base Camp Trek Package price. Please contact us for the Everest Base Camp Trek cost for Solo Trekking.

Packing Essentials:

• Sturdy trekking boots
• Warm clothing (layers)
• Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
• Trekking poles
• First-aid kit and altitude sickness medication

Guides and Porters:

Hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and assistance with carrying heavy loads.

Accommodations:

Tea houses and lodges are available along the trekking route. Booking in advance is advisable during peak seasons.

Challenges and Safety Concerns

• Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize properly and stay hydrated to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
• Rough Roads: The drive from Kathmandu to Salleri is a paved road. From Salleri to Surke is unpaved.
• Weather Fluctuations: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially at higher altitudes.
• Trail Conditions: Some sections of the trail may be steep and require careful navigation.

Conclusion

The journey from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road is an adventure that combines the best of road travel and trekking. It is the best alternative to the usual route that involves flying to Lukla. It also offers an immersive experience, stunning landscapes, and a sense of accomplishment that is unmatched. With proper planning, preparation, and a spirit of adventure, this journey can become one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime.

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