Everest Base Camp Trek without flight to Lukla (By Road)
Trip Overview
Everest Base Camp Trek by drive, without a flight to Lukla, is the most reliable route to visit Everest Base Camp (EBC). In Nepal, there are a couple of routes to visit the base camp of Mount Everest. Many people start Everest trekking from Lukla after flying from Kathmandu to Lukla. But, the Lukla route often gets disturbed by the irregularities of flight due to the weather. In any bad weather condition, the Lukla flight has a high degree of cancellation possibilities and it causes a great headache to every trekker. To be safe from this problem, Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition has introduced a new program of Everest Base Camp Trek by the drive.
Everest Base Camp Trek by the drive is safe and more scenic than the traditional route that starts from Lukla. There are some advantages also following the driving route. In this route, you start trekking from the lowland ‘Salleri’ and then pass through villages of various tribes like Sherpa, Brahmins, Chhetris, and Rai to enter the alpine zone. Thus you will have plenty of time to be acclimatized to the mountain environment. Consequently, you will not get much more suffer from altitude sickness. The people who start the EBC trek from Lukla are often suffering from altitude sickness.
Further, some people feel fear of flying to Lukla as it is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world. If you follow the route of Everest Base Camp Trek by drive you will avoid your mental problem of the Lukla flight.
Moreover, the trail of the EBC trek by the drive is more diversified. In the conventional Lukla to EBC trek, you have nothing but dramatic alpine scenery and a constant backdrop of snowy mountains. By contrast, the Salleri/Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek provides livelier villages of different ethnic groups, green Hillary scenery, and warmer weather along with mountain views. This makes your travel unforgettable and a lifetime.
Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight to Lukla starts from Salleri. From Kathmandu, after 8 hours of drive-by Jeep or Bus, you arrive in Salleri. Salleri is the administrative headquarters of Everest Region. From Salleri by walking on the quiet and pleasant trail you will join another EBC trail starting from Jiri at Ringmo. Then you pass the places called Tak Shindo, Kharikhola, Paiya, and Surke before reaching Phakding.
Once you reach Phakding the usual route of Everest Base Camp Trek takes place. Further, your Journey follows the route of Namche Bazaar. You will have one more day in Namche Bazaar for the Acclimatization break before heading towards Tengboche. After Tengboche, you walk through the places called Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep to reach Everest Base Camp. After the exploration of Everest Base Camp, our guide also takes you to hike Kalapathar (5545 m), the best viewpoint for a close-up view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and many other Himalayan peaks.
After that, you descend following the same route using Pheriche rest point instead of Dingboche to arrive at Salleri. You will end this mesmerizing and adventurous trekking in Salleri. From Salleri you drive back to Kathmandu.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is possible to do any time of the year. However, the best time for EBC Trekking is during the months of September, October, November, March, April, and May. During these months the weather becomes enjoyable with a clear Sky and temperatures at higher places are more bearable.
In winter the most serious obstacle to trekking is cold and snowfall in the alpine area. In winter, days can be perfectly comfortable but at night and morning goes minus degrees. In monsoon time (June, July, and August), the rainfall may disturb while walking.
Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek without Flight to Lukla (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 265 Km. Driving 9/10 hours. Overnight at Tea House. |
Day 3: Drive from Salleri to Thamdanda. Trek from Thamdand to Paiya (Alt. 2730m/8957ft). Driving 5/6 hours. Walking 2 hours. Overnight at Tea House. |
Day 4: Trekking from Paiya to Phakding (Alt. 2657m/8717ft). Walking 6 to 7 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: Trekking from Surke to Thamdanda. Drive from Thamdanda to Salleri (Alt. 2362m/7749ft). Walking 4 hours. Driving 5/ 6 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. |
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost without Flight to Lukla (By Road)
Silver Package Cost | USD 1150 |
Gold Package Cost | USD 1275 |
The Services inclusive in the above Packages:
Services Name: | Silver Package includes | Gold Package includes |
Airport pick-up on arrival day | By Car/ Van | By Car/ Van |
2-night Hotel in Kathmandu (1 night before Lukla, 1 night after Lukla) | Tourist Standard Hotel | Tourist Standard Hotel |
Meal in Kathmandu | Breakfast | Breakfast |
14-night Accommodation during Trekking | Mountain Lodge/ Tea House | Mountain Lodge/ Tea House |
Meal during Trekking | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Experience Trekking Guide | Yes | Yes |
Porter | No | Yes |
Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri & from Salleri to Kathmandu | By local Jeep in sharing | By local Jeep in sharing |
Drive from Salleri to Thamdanda & from Thamdanda to Salleri | By local Jeep in sharing | By local Jeep in sharing |
Trekking Permit Fee | Yes | Yes |
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee | Yes | Yes |
Trip Certificate | Yes | Yes |
First Aid Medicine and Oximeter | Yes | Yes |
Trekking Map for Group | Yes | Yes |
Meal, Salary, Accommodation, Insurance of Trekking Staff | Yes | Yes |
Dinner with Cultural Show on the last night of the Trip in Kathmandu | Yes | Yes |
Local and Government Taxes | Yes | Yes |
Airport drop on departure day | By Car/ Van | By Car/ Van |
The Services exclusive in both Packages:
1. Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days/ USD 50 for 30 days period). You can get a Nepal visa on your arrival time at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
2. Airfare for your international flight.
3. Your travel insurance which includes evacuation.
4. Alcoholic beverages, hot and cold drinks, bottled water, boiled water, and dessert.
5. All kinds of personal expenses like phone calls, internet use, laundry, hot shower during trekking, battery charge, excess baggage charge in flight, etc.
6. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu “except farewell dinner in Kathmandu”.
7. In case of emergency, the cost of helicopter rescue/ evacuation.
8. Tips for Trekking Staff.
9. Any expenses arising due to unforeseen situations like personal sickness, natural calamities, political strikes, flight cancellation, etc.
10. Cost of any extra services you use which are not mentioned in the package price.
Notes:
I. Porter will be provided only in Gold Price. As usual, a porter is provided based on 1 porter for 2 trekkers. 1 porter carries the baggage of two trekkers with a maximum total weight limit of 25 kg.
II. The above Everest Base Camp Trek cost is on a per-person basis for a minimum group size of two persons.
III. If you are single and want to do Solo Trek. We also organize the Everest Base Camp Trek 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.
IV. If you are planning for Everest Base Camp Trek from mid-June to the end of Sep, the below long itinerary is advised. From mid-June to the end of Sep, Monsoon becomes active in Nepal. Thus, due to rainfall, the dirt road from Salleri to Thamdanda may be damaged and muddy. Consequently, the drive becomes uncomfortable from Salleri to Thamdanda and from Thamdanda to Salleri during the monsoon period.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Everest Base Camp Trek, or if any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.
Why Excellent Himalaya Company for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Many companies promote the Everest Base Camp Trek package. Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt Ltd are different from others in the sense that it is based only in Nepal and managed by Nepalese tourism experts and local guides. Our team is engaged in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2002. We are the direct operator of Everest Base Camp Trek, not the agent and middle people. We are a trekking company authorized by the Nepal Government Tourism Ministry. Our company’s government registration number is 175840/074/075 and our license number to operate trekking, tour, and mountain expeditions in Nepal is 2432. We are associated with different tourism organizations like TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), etc.
Our further features are as below by which people around the world trust us as the authentic organizer of Everest Base Camp Trek:
Team of Local Experts and Guides: As this company is managed and run by well-trained, experienced & competent local experts, and guides, we know well about the mountain trail, ecology, culture, etc. of the trekking routes. We know the best way of trekking and also we get you the same way.
Trustworthy: Trust is something that comes from commitment. Hence, being a legally registered company, we commit to providing the best, most satisfactory trekking, tours, and expeditions. We are operating all trekking, and climbing tours in Nepal based on reality, integrity, and honesty.
Focus on your needs: We highly value all our clients. We always move according to your interests and requirements. Because your satisfaction is our goal. Thus, all our trekking, tour, and mountaineering packages are customizable.
Fair Price: As we are a direct operator, not an agent, our price is always competitive and does not have any middle and hidden fees. We provide the value of what you are buying from our services at least equal to your paying amount.
Safety: Your safety is our priority. Trekking to the Himalayas is both exciting and adventurous. So we provide you with all the safety materials needed, along with motivational counseling.
Friendly, and Professional Staff: We have highly friendly, helpful, and professional staff. Our staff looks after you right from the moment of your arrival to the time of your departure. They can cope with most emergencies including those requiring evacuation and hospitalization.
Real Cared Services: Our one travel consultant or our local trekking guide keeps in touch with our clients every time. We make sure their protection is guaranteed so that they will have peace of mind while trekking with us.
Packing List for the Everest Base Camp Trek
This is a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Everest Base Camp Trek:
• A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
• Rucksack or daypack (50 to 65 liters) with waterproof cover
• Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
• T-shirts or shirts
• Down jacket*
• Wind/ waterproof light jacket
• Fleece jumper or jacket
• Inner Thermal (top and trousers)
• 4 to 6 pairs of Socks and underwear
• Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
• Inner and outer gloves
• Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
• Sun protection cream, lip balm, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
• Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
• One-litre water bottle and water purification tablets
• 4 Season sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); *
• Hiking poles, if you need
• Your daily medicine if any, small personal first aid kit, aspirin, plasters (band-aids), anti-diarrhea pills, anti-headache pills, cough or cold medicine, anti-altitude sickness pills (Diamox or Acetazolamide), etc.
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables
*Down jacket and sleeping bag you can rent/hire from Trekking gear shops in Kathmandu
If you want the Everest Base Camp Trek with a flight to Lukla, please click this link for details: https://excellenttrek.com/everest-base-camp-trek-package/
Itinerary
Our tour officer will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. He/She will be displaying play card with your name written in it outside the airport terminal. He will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do a pre-trip meeting with you. You will be briefed about your overall program, introduced your guide and clear your questions/queries if any. During the meeting please clear the due balance and handover a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Overnight at a hotel.
Today in the morning you will drive from Kathmandu to Salleri by Jeep or bus. The overland journey is exciting with beautiful landscape, mountain scenery, and natural beauty. It has many ups and down through the countryside including some bumpy. While driving from the place called Pattale Village at the elevation of 2,840 meters, you can have views of Mt. Everest, Mt Makalu, and other peaks. For the lunch, you will be stopped at the highway restaurant. Then continue drive to Salleri. After 8 to 8:30 hours of drive, you will arrive at Salleri. Salleri is a mountain town and also the administrative headquarter of Everest region. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today is your first day of trekking. After breakfast, you start trek passing Salleri Bazaar (Market) with several shops, hotels, and local houses. First of all, you get into Phaplu. In Phaplu airport you will see small planes flying from Kathmandu landing there. Then, the trail crosses the villages of Sherpas and Rai, farm terraces and forest to reach Ringmo village. From Ringmo the trail ascends for 30 minutes to an hour through the dense forest with ancient Buddist Chorten and several Mani walls before Takshindu la (3,071m). This is mountain pass offers views of different peaks of Everest region. After passing you downhill to Tak Shindo village for night halt. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
In the morning, you will catch views of various peaks of the Everest region. Then after breakfast, you descend to Nunthala village. It is a nice village of mixed ethnic people (Sherpa, Rai, Magar, Tamang, and Chettries). From Nunthala the trail leads you down and continues to the Dudhkoshi River Bridge (1510m). This is the lowest place of your entire trekking. Here the trail winds through terraced fields and yards of houses. The trail continues through forests then climbs up to reach Jubing (the Rai village). Further, the trail will take you slowly around a ridge to the village of Khari Khola. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Khari Khola village, first of all, you go for crossing Khari-Khola (Stream). Then continue the steep hill climbing for few hours to reach a top ridge at Bupsa. It’s another village with lodges to stay. It also offers magnificent views of mountain landscapes. From Bupsa you again ascend to head on to Bhumsing village around the thick forest. Now you gradually get cooler air as walk leads into high terrain. You continue trekking to the north side of the valley to reach Paiya village. This village is inside a forest with a couple of lodges. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After night stay at the lodge of Paiya, you follow the winding trail with few small ups and downs to small Surkhe village located at the beneath of Lukla. Then you climb to the north to Chaurikharka, a large scattered village with a monastery. It is known as the breadbasket of the Khumbu area because the land is very fertile for barley, wheat, and enough green vegetables. Today you can see many trekkers from Lukla and coming back from Everest Base Camp. From here the path is quite busy with trekkers, porters, and pack animals as you are joining with the trail from Lukla. After a few hours of walk, you will reach Phakding. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Continuing up the Dudh Koshi valley you will reach a cluster of local Bhatti (porter rest houses) and a small hydroelectric project. The trail climbs up over the ridge and pines to the small village of Toktok. You will soon get your first view of Thamserku peak (6608m). The trail again climbs steeply around the ridge and reach Benkar. Here you find waterfalls. Leaving Benkar the trail crosses east bank of Dudh Koshi River over suspension bridge and heads to Chumoa. From Chumoa it’s another steep climb to the outskirts of Monjo village. Just above the Monjo, there is a checkpoint for Sagarmatha National Park. Your trekking card is checked here. Afterward, the trail cuts across to the west bank of the Dudh Koshi River on another suspension bridge and runs to Jorsale. Above Jorsale you follow the river bank over gravel before climbing to the forest. You will see flowing together of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. From here it continues ascent through dense pine forests and then eventually enters to Namche Bazaar. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today you stay at Namche Bazaar to avoid symptoms of Altitude Sickness (AMS). This doesn’t mean you have to stop walking. You hike up the Shyangboche. You cross grass airstrip at Shyangboche and walk towards the Everest View Hotel, the highest hotel in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. From here you can have a good view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. Then you continue walking to Khumjung, the largest Sherpa village in Everest region which sprawls below the peak of Khumbila (5761m). The houses here are large and ostentatious and many locals own tracts of land further north along the valley. You visit Khumjung Gompa. One of the treasures kept here is a Yeti Skull. From the flat area in front of the Gompa, there are views east to Amadablam, Thamserku, and Khumbila. After the visit to Khumjung village, you return directly to Namche Bazaar following the path behind the village school. Today you will have also option to visit Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center where you can see some well-preserved displays on Himalayan flora and fauna and the culture of Sherpa people. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you follow the path by the giant Mani in Chhorkung and trek north around the long ridge. At the end of the bluff is a viewpoint over a panorama of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. Then trail reaches Kyangjuma. After a short walk, it takes to trail junction at Sanasa. You follow the trail to Tengboche runs gently downhill towards the river traversing Lawichasa, Tashinga, and Phunki Thenga. Then it crosses the river on the bridge. From here the trail climbs past some water powered prayer wheels and begins a sustained climb through a forest of rhododendrons. On the way, there are many porter rest stops. Eventually, you will reach Kani and a pair of chortens and arrive at Tengboche. The major attraction of this place is Tengboche Gompa. Inside the monastery are incredibly elaborate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Your day starts with following the trail through conifers and rhododendrons forest. The trail sooner reaches Debuche. Then the path continues through rhododendron forests to Milinggo. From here the trail descends steeply to the suspension bridge over Imja Khola. Crossing the bridge it climbs. You find the good photo shooting place of beautiful Stupa mirroring towering Ama Dablam. Afterward, you will soon arrive at Pangboche. Leaving Pangboche the trail climbs above the tree line and enters the arid landscape of alpine meadows. It follows the path of Imja Khola (stream) and passes Shomare and Orsho. After Orsho the trail splits. You will follow the lower path along the west bank of Imja Khola that leads to Dingboche. From Dingboche, you can have good views of Island Peak, Peak 38 and Lhotse. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today you spend a day in Dingboche for the acclimatization. In the morning you have refreshing breakfast while admiring views of the looming Ama Dablam (6,856 m). Then after our guide take you a short walk to Nangkartshang Gompa. This Buddhist monastery is 400 m above Dingboche on the ridge. From there you can enjoy the view of Makalu (8463m), the fifth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu. From this vantage place, you can also see Imja valley as well as picturesque fields and pastures. Then you walk back to Dingboche and get relaxed at your lodge. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Dingboche, you follow the path climbing slowly along the ridge through the village of Dusa. On the way, you can have a spectacular view of twin peaks of Taboche and Cholatse, Ama Dablam and Kantega. Then the trail drops down to a glacial stream following rising up to Dughla. From this village, the trail goes directly up gravelly terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier. Afterward, it moves at the top of the ridge which covered with memorials to lost climbers and Sherpas. From here you can enjoy an impressive view of Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), Changtse (7550m) Nuptse and Lhotse. Then trail meets the junction. You follow the path that ascends north over the loose moraine and arrive at Lobuche. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today your trek begins following a narrow gap between the glacial moraine and the mountain wall past the Italian Pyramid. The route of the path changes regularly as the edge of the moraine tumbles into the glacier. To find the trail look for cairns of stones left as markers and hoof prints and dung left by yak trains. After rounding the trail you will have your first views of Kalapathar (5545m). As you climb to take the time to detour to the edge of the moraine to look out over the Khumbu Glacier. Then the trail passes Changri Shar Glacier and reaches Gorak Shep, flat sandy bowls at the foot of Kalapathar. You continue walking to Everest Base Camp following the path across the Khumbu Glacier. Everest Base Camp is at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall at 5365m. Visiting Everest Base Camp you trek back to Gorakshep for night halt. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Wake up early in the morning then hike up to Kalapathar through grassy ridge above the Gorak Shep. It takes one and half hour to two hours to reach the summit which is marked by prayer flags. As you climb it the peak of Pumori looms dramatically ahead. By climbing 200 m you will find yourself in front of world’s definitive mountain views- a 360-degree panorama of Himalayan giants from Pumori and Lobuche to Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. From this elevation the true height of Everest becomes clear. The entire south face of Everest is visible. After taking photos this world-class scenery you back down to Gorakshep. Have lunch in Gorakshep. In the afternoon you trek to Pheriche retracing your steps along the moraine of Khumbu glacier. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you descend to the valley of Orsho then follow the west bank of Imja Khola to Shomare and on to Pangboche. From Pangboche you retrace your footsteps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche and Tengboche. From Tengboche, you trek down to Phunki Thenga then climb the ridge towards Namche Bazaar. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Namche Bazaar you descend the long way before crossing the bridge and walking further to Monju. You will stop in Phakding for lunch. Then continue walking enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa villages until Surke. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Surke you start trekking by walking from the north side of the valley. Then you ascend through the valley of oak and rhododendron trees. Further, you will walk steep downhill to Bupsa village. From Bupsa you follow the trail to Kharikhola stream then to Kharikhola village. Leaving Kharikhola, you will cross a ridge and enter Jubhing village. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today from Jubhing you trek to Nunthala. From Nunthala you start trekking climbing up Takshindu la (3,071m). Then downhill to Ringmo village. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Ringmo after a few hours of walking crossing forest, farm terraces and the villages of Sherpas and Rai, you will reach Salleri. Rest at Salleri. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you start the drive by jeep or bus to back Kathmandu following the same scenic road that you used before. The overland journey is 8 hours and more. After reaching Kathmandu, check in hotel and have a rest. In the evening our officer will come to meet you at the hotel to take to the typical restaurant for the farewell dinner with live local musical dances.
The trip concludes today. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Travel Tips
All foreign nationals except Indian Nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival time in Kathmandu at the airport. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can be also taken at entry points at Nepalese borders. For Nepalese Visa it requires your passport with at least six months of validity, a recent digital photo (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″), and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:
Visa Facility | Duration | Fee |
Multiple entries | 15 days | US$ 30 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
Multiple entries | 30 days | US$ 50 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
Multiple entries | 90 days | US$ 125 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
We would offer you the meeting and greeting service in Kathmandu International Airport on your arrival time. For this, you need to pass us your International flight details at least 2 days before your arrival date in Kathmandu. After you get down from the aircraft you just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see our tour officer standing with a playcard with your name written on it. He will greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to the hotel.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp does not require tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Lodges typically offer a room with a wooden bed with a simple mattress or foam pad, a cotton pillow, and a blanket or quilt. They have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in a local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for you (here rooms cannot be booked in advance).
In the case of Kathmandu, we offer you a tourist standard hotel unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice.
In the trail of Everest Base Camp Trekking, it’s commonly available of Authentic Nepali meal: Dal Bhat (rice with lentils soup and seasonable vegetables), noodles, pasta, chapatis, eggs, French fries, porridge, and muesli. The restaurant of lodges also serves Tibetan foods like momo, thukpa, chowmein, along with pizza, spring rolls, pancake, and another continental as well as Indian foods.
Tea and hot lemon are traditionally the main drinks on the trail though coffee is found everywhere. Bottled soft drinks, bottled water, and even beer are common along the route but the price of each bottle rises each day when you move upward.
The trekking team who will go with you is the most significant thing that makes your Everest Base Camp trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable. We would provide you with skilled, experienced, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful trekking guide and porters. The trekking guide leads you in the trail and brief you all the about this route and porters carry your luggage. Our all trekking guides are carefully selected in terms of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and their knowledge about local culture, ecosystem, geography, flora and fauna, and history. With aim of sustaining local communities, we only employ local people as trekking guide and porter. Our all trekking guides are certified by Nepal Government, Ministry of Tourism. We manage trekking team such a way that one trekking guide in each group and porters like one porter for two trekkers.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or crossbreeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. – a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room in Kathmandu for free of charge.
Every morning, first of all, packing your bags and then have a hearty breakfast at the lodge restaurant. Then set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours you all stop for lunch in a local restaurant. Then continue walking for your destination. After lunch, it’s the only a couple of hours walking. You usually arrive at your destination in the time of afternoon tea. Check in at the lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure. At the free time, you may explore the surrounding village, doing a bit of washing or simply relax by reading books and writing a diary. On some days you will arrive at your destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. Most people also spend free time playing cards and other games reliving the day’s adventures. Then in the evening have dinner and you will be briefed by your trekking guide about your next day’s walking and then go to your bed for a well-earned sleep.
Everest Base Camp Trekking is moderate trek suitable for any passionate walkers who able to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can do this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but not compulsorily required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip.
At high elevations, the combination of reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure can produce a variety of unpredictable effects on the body, known collectively as Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also commonly known as Altitude Sickness. Everyone who treks over 3500 m experiences some mild symptoms of AMS like slowness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, racing pulse, disturbed sleep and swelling of the hands and feet but serious cases are very rare. The golden rule of prevention from Altitude Sickness is don’t walk too fast at altitude, drink plenty of liquids, eating well, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding alcohol. If in case you feel any mentioned symptoms the simple cure is to move down (descend) and you shouldn’t ascend further until you start feeling better. To treat AMS there is also available medication Acetazolamide (better known under the brand name Diamox). The dosage is 250 mg every twelve hours. Diamox improves respiration at altitude and can, therefore, accelerate acclimatization. Some doctors recommend a preventive dose (125 mg twice a day) for people trekking at high elevations. At the time of trekking our trekking team always guides you to prevent from Altitude Sickness and they always have Diamox along with first aid kit.
We believe casualty and a serious sickness will not happen in the trip. If it happens we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since all the expenses incurred in evacuation liable to you please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
We strongly advise you to take travel insurance before joining a tour which should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and helicopter evacuation at high altitude places and loss of your luggage. We would request you to bring your insurance documents when you come to Nepal.
The following list is a guideline to help you pack for your trekking. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg or 33 pounds. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day- pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you pack only what is necessary.
Important Items : Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; Cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
The itinerary for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of the trip ending should always coincide with the original itinerary.
Kindly keep in mind that sometimes unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
In Everest region as you climb through the hills mixed deciduous forests and scattered rice terraces give way to pine forests, then rhododendrons, then scrub junipers, before finally, the only vegetation is low alpine shrubs and grasses. As you walk, scan the skies and the undergrowth for golden eagles and the spectacular Himalayan Monal (danphe or impeyan pheasant) with its regal, shimmering green, blue and purple plumage. In forested areas around Namche Bazaar, Thame, Phortse and Tengboche, keep your eyes peeled for Himalayan Thar and musk deer often spotted beside trails early in the morning. You may also hear the strange hoarse call o the muntjak or barking deer. Everest is also home to both leopards and snow leopards and allegedly the fearsome yeti.
Naturally Everest Region is so beautiful but equally, it is fragile as well. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of this area. We at Silver Himalaya Adventures are extremely conscious about protecting its beautiful natural environment and preserving the fascinating local culture. We are doing our level best to minimize our impact as much as possible. Our all trekking guides and porters are well trained and motivated to following guidelines for responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism. In trekking, they also advise you do’s and don’ts to minimize your impact on the local environment.
In addition to your Trekking trip, you can join in various side Trips in Nepal like a cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jungle Safari in National Park, White Water Rafting in Himalayan Rivers, Golfing, Adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, Altra Light Flight, Paragliding, Jeep flyer etc. You also can extend your trip to neighboring Himalayan Countries: Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim (India) which seems more appealing to you. On your request, we will give you the detail of the side trips.
Trip Reviews
It’s my dream from my childhood to reach the base camp of Mount Everest. By reading several travel books I knew it needs one experienced trek organizer for the best trip experience. I talked with a couple of friends who already did it. They recommended me Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition. Rightly Excellent Himalaya Trek is very efficient since the first contact and very patient in designing my itinerary as there were many changes on my side. After I landed in Kathmandu they offered me family environment took care well. Suman, the owner, provided very experienced trekking guide and porter. I am sure that without their assistance I could not succeed this trip. Overall, I appreciate the fact that everything is well managed. Thank you Excellent Himalaya Trek for your perfect services.