Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Distance by Road

Trip Overview

Reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a dream for many adventurers and trekking enthusiasts. While most people opt for the classic trekking route from Lukla, some may wonder if it’s possible to travel by road from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp. In this article, we explore the distance, routes, and challenges of reaching Everest Base Camp by road.

Can You Reach Everest Base Camp by Road?

The direct road access to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) is not available from Kathmandu due to the rugged Himalayan terrain and protected national park zones. However, road networks have expanded over the years, making it possible to drive a significant portion of the journey before switching to trekking.

Distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road

The approximate distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road is around 300 kilometers. However, since there is no direct road to the base camp, travelers must take an indirect route through Kathmandu to Salleri, or Phaplu to Surke and then continue the journey on foot. This is a more accessible route from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road.

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.

Note: The road leading from Kathmandu to Salleri, and Phaplu is likely paved. The road from Salleri/ Phaplu to Surke is unpaved. Thus the road onwards Salleri/ Phaplu may be affected by the monsoon weather in June, July, Aug, and Sep making the journey challenging.

Day to Day Itinerary from Kathmandu to EBC by Road with Distance

Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp (EBC) by road typically takes 15 days round trip. Below is a day-by-day itinerary with distances:

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 (165 miles). Driving 8/10 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 3: Drive from Salleri to Thamdanda to Surke (Alt. 2309m/7575ft). Driving 4/5 hours. Driving Distance 35–40 kilometers (22–25 miles). Overnight at Tea House.
Day 4: Trekking from Surke to Phakding (Alt. 2657m/8717ft). Walking 6 hours. Distance 8-9 km (5-5.5 miles). Overnight at Tea House.
Day 5: Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (Alt. 3441m/11289ft). Walking 6/7 hours. Distance 10-11 km (6-7 miles). 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. Distance 3-5 km. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 7: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (Alt. 3860m/12664ft). Walking 6 hours. Distance 9 km (5.5 miles). Overnight at Tea House.
Day 8: Trekking from Tengboche to Dingboche (Alt. 4350m/14272ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Distance 10 km (6 miles). Overnight at Tea House.
Day 9: Acclimatization day. Walk around Dingboche. Walk around for 3 hours. Distance 3-6 km. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 10: Trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche (Alt. 4910m/4910ft). Walking 6 hours. Distance 8-9 km (5-5.5 miles). Overnight at Tea House.
Day 11: Trekking from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (Alt. 5365m/17602ft) then back to Gorak Shep. Walking 8 hours. Distance 12 km (7.5 miles). 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. Distance 12-13 km (8 miles). Overnight at Tea House.
Day 13: Trekking from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (Alt. 3441m/11289ft). Walking 7 hours. Distance 20-22 km (12-14 miles). Overnight at Tea House.
Day 14: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Surke (Alt. 2290m/7513ft). Walking 7:30 hours. Distance 18-20 km (11-12 miles). 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.

Why choose Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road?

While flying to Lukla is faster and more convenient, the road journey offers several unique advantages:
• 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.
• No Lukla Airport Nerves: Lukla’s short runway and challenging landings are infamous. Trekking via road avoids this entirely.
• 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 Travel to Everest Base Camp

The best seasons for traveling to Everest Base Camp by road are:
• Spring (March to May): Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons.
• Autumn (September to November): Stable weather, excellent visibility, and the best trekking conditions.

Packing Essentials for the Journey

• Clothing & Gear:
• Thermal base layers
• Insulated trekking jacket
• Waterproof pants and gloves
• Trekking boots
• Sleeping bag (-10°C rating)

Health & Safety:

• Acclimatization medication
• First-aid kit
• Trekking poles
• Water purification tablets

Documents & Permits:

• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
• Khumbu Gaunpalika (Local Government) Permit

Conclusion

While there is no direct road from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, it is possible to travel part of the journey by jeep or bus and then continue on foot. Road route from Kathmandu to Salleri/ Phaplu to Surke offer alternatives for those preferring road travel over flights. However, trekking remains the most authentic and rewarding way to experience the journey to Everest Base Camp.

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