Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
- DestinationNepal
- Duration17 days
- Trip DifficultyModerate
- ActivitiesTrekking
- AccommodationHotel/Lodges
- MealsB.L.D
- Group SizeMin. 2 Pax
Trip Overview
This 17-day Everest Base Camp Trek by road trip doesn’t require you to take a flight to Lukla. Hence, trekkers do not have to worry about the bad weather and flight cancellations. Furthermore, strolling on this path will let trekkers interact with the locals in the lower villages of Solukhumbu District.
One can witness the unique lifestyle of the ethnic Sherpas in the lower region rather than the upper Khumbu areas. Therefore, despite featuring a cultural experience of the same ethnic groups, the trip offers a chance to witness a different way of lifestyle.
You can appreciate the beautiful village of the Sherpa communities and the mesmerizing grand monasteries while viewing the majestic peaks. Appreciating the fine villages of Sherpa communities and grand monasteries while viewing majestic peaks, this tranquil trip grants some breathtaking and unforgettable experiences.
The EBC Trek by road follows the region's narrow canyons and gushing white rivers. Witnessing the serene beauty of the pastures and the terraced farms in the shadows of mountain peaks, this trek lets you enjoy the gorgeous setting beneath giant snow-capped mountain peaks.
Altogether, it's a lovely trek that lets you see parts of Everest that would otherwise go unnoticed. The vistas of the mountain peaks will wow you at every bend of the walking path.
Best Highlights for Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
- Take a scenic drive to and from Ringmo via a private 4WD Jeep.
- Explore the undiscovered Sherpa Communities of the lower Everest region.
- Enjoy the seclusion of a less-traveled trail before reaching Phakding.
- Explore the Himalayan wildlife and vegetation in the Sagarmatha National Park, one of the UNESCO sites.
- Immerse yourself in the beautiful sunset view amidst the magnificent mountains from Kongde Village.
- Cherish yourself in the beauty of Namche Bazaar, along with the incredible Tengboche monastery and many other charming Sherpa traditions.
- Appreciate the fine beauty of the Everest massif from Everest Base Camp
- Witness the world's highest glacier, "the Khumbu Glacier."
- Savor the glorious sunrise view from Kala Patthar
- Enjoy the vistas of the glorious surrounding mountains of the Everest Region- Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, etc.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
The Everest Base Camp by Road takes place only in the dry season. Except for the monsoon season, lasting from June to mid-September, the journey takes place in spring, autumn, and winter.
We do not recommend traveling during the monsoon as the roads are not black-topped and might be extremely muddy. Heavy monsoon is likely to diminish the roadways and make this journey difficult. We don't recommend it during monsoon as the roads are still not wholly pitched. Thus, heavy monsoon rain is highly likely to diminish the road conditions and make the journey difficult.
Among the three seasons, the best time for Everest Base Camp trek by Road is spring and autumn.
The spring season lasts from March to May and offers chilly and warm weather conditions. It is a good weather season for trekking and offers snow-covered hills and clear mountain scenery.
Meanwhile, from September to November, autumn is another ideal time for this trek. The lovely weather, spellbinding views, and dry conditions make it another beautiful time for trekking.
At the same time, doing this trek is also possible during the winter season; however, it gets challenging due to the freezing temperature. Nevertheless, the Himalayan vistas are grand around this time, making your journey worthwhile.
Route to Everest Base Camp: A Journey by Road
Your journey to the base of Mount Everest via road begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu. It takes 8/9 hours to reach Salleri, and you will be driving 267 kilometers on this day. The distance is long, has varied geography along the way, and poor road conditions. After Phaplu, you’ll continue your drive to Paiyun Village and rest your body before your exhilarating trek to the base of Mount Everest.
From Paiyun Village, you start your trek toward Phakding. After spending a night in Phakding, the journey continues towards Namche Bazaar, where you stay for two nights to acclimatize by strolling to the Hotel Everest View, the highest-placed hotel, and admiring ancient stupas, Sherpa museums, and Memorial Stones.
Then, continuing your walk-through of the trails to a monastery at Tengboche Village, you can take your time to adore the mesmerizing view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Thamserku. After arriving at Dingboche, you will be awed by the spectacular Ama Dablam and walk towards Nangkartshang Peak.
Keep following the EBC route; you'll reach Gorakshep after twists and turns through the Khumbu Glacier, and then. Finally, you will reach the Base of Mount Everest. You can witness how the Khumbu Icefalls mesmerize you as it unwind the timeless beauty of this region. After a few moments of admiration, you will descend to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.
The next day, you hike to Kala Patthar, known as one of the best viewpoints, to watch the sunrise rising from Everest. After that, you will descend to Pheriche. After reaching Pheriche, you’ll again trace your steps back towards Namche and then to Surke Village and Jubing. From there, you’ll take a Jeep and drive back to Kathmandu. The next day, you’ll be transported back to the Airport for your departing flight back home.
If you also want to go on this unique trek, you can contact the Nepal Hiking Team. We can also customize any treks as per your preference and have experienced guides to assist you in your journey.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will greet you.
He will assist you to your trip Hotel, where we will hold a small meeting to go over the details of your journey. After that, there are no schedules so you can enjoy the rest of your time.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu
We will start drive to Phaplu in the morning today. It will take us 7 -8 hours, depending on the traffic. The road is mostly paved in concrete.
Day 03: Drive to Paiyun Village
As we set off from Phaplu to Paiyun, our adventure takes us down a rugged dirt road, only passable in a 4WD. It's a bumpy, authentic experience, lasting about 6-7 hours. This route is quite sensitive to the monsoon season, which means we can only travel this way when it's dry.
But as we journey through the Himalayan foothills, the incredible vistas promise to make every moment worthwhile.
Day 04: Trek to Phakding
Today, we are heading toward Phakding. It is the first destination we reach that is included in the regular trekking route.
We will follow our trail through a ridge at 2800 meters before gradually descending to a hill that leads to Surke. From Surke, we will track a route toward Phakding.
The trekking track is flatter, meandering along the valley’s contours through lush, fragrant mossy woodlands. You’ll be trekking along a trail cut deep into the valley’s rocky side, where you might see mule caravans following you.
Standing on top of the slope of the impenetrable valley, the walking trail rejoins the Dudh Koshi River Valley, where you can witness beautiful vistas of the ebbing river below.
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar
We leave the settlements of Phakding and follow a trail toward Jorsale that brings us to Monjo, another beautiful Sherpa hamlet.
Our leading destination today is Namche Bazaar. We reach the bustling town by going through Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.
Endangered animals such as Snow Leopard and the Himalayan Thar call the park’s forests home. We will be treated to a breathtaking vista of the Himalayas set against beautiful pine and cedar forests throughout the trek.
We will arrive in Namche Bazaar after a strenuous climb up the elevation.
Day 06: Acclimatization Day - Hike To Everest View Hotel
Today is a rest day. You can utilize this day exploring attractions around Namche Bazaar or simply sitting in a cafe enjoying warm coffee while engaging with a book or journal.
However, if you do not want to sit still, you may visit the Syangboche Airport.
It is 3700 meters above sea level and is one of the world’s highest airports. From the airstrip, the views of the Himalayan hamlet and the Peaks are breathtaking.
Then, hike to Everest View Hotel for a delightful warm tea or coffee while enjoying the area's superb scenery.
After a beautiful hike, visit the excellent Sherpa Culture Museum to learn more about the region's significant inhabitants.
Day 07: Namche to Tengboche
Following the trail leading to Dudh Koshi valley at Pungki Thanka, we leave Namche Behind and start our journey to Tengboche village.
The village houses the grand Tengboche monastery with the incredible sights of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and many other peaks. The largest monastery in the Khumbu region is also known as the spiritual heart of the area.
The Tengboche Monastery is the Khumbu’s spiritual core, while Namche is the region’s commercial center. It is also known as the Dawa Choling Gompa, and the monastery’s hillsides are gorgeously adorned with rhododendrons in the spring.
Day 08: Tengboche to Dingboche
We proceed towards Dingboche village, or Summer Valley, crossing the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola.
We climb the small ridges that tower over the small villages of Sherpa and reach Dingboche. Throughout the trek, the impressive sights of Lhotse, Ama Dablam shall accompany you.
Day 09: Acclimatization day - hike to Nangkartshang/Nagerjun and return
This is the second acclimatization day on the trek. Trekkers are free to use the day however they like. It is arranged to help trekkers adjust to the increasing altitude; staying engaged with light activities such as short hikes is best.
Partake on a walk to Nagerjun, located just above Dingboche on the edges of Chhukung valley. It is absolutely beautiful and offers heart-pounding sights of Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Kangtega (6685m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), and Ama Dablam (6856m). Along with mountain scenes, you can also see Pheriche valley. Savoring awe-inspiring views from Nagerjun valley, we descend back to Dingboche.
Overnight at the Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 10: Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep
Day 12: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar, then trek back to Pheriche
Day 13: Trek to Namche
Day 14: Namche to Surke Village
We trek down to Surke Village, passing Jorsale, Monjo village, Phakding etc.
Day 15: Trek back to Jubing
Trek back to Jubing, and our trek is over.
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu
We get on the waiting vehicle that will take us back to Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure
A representative from Nepal Hiking Team will bring you to the airport approximately three hours before your flight back home. We wish you a safe return journey!
Cost Includes
- All ground transports in private vehicles, including airport transfers
- Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Best available lodges for accommodation during the trek, we provide you attached bathroom with a hot shower at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche.
- One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide and porters (1 Porter for 2 hikers), including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance.
- Duffle bag for the trekking
- Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
- All require trek permits
- Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate
- Government taxes and office service charge
Cost Excludes
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary.'
- Travel Insurance
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US$ 100. Please bring two copies of passport-size photos.)
- Cold drinks Inc. coke, water, Fanta, etc.
- Snacks and other personal expenses
- Hot showers during the trek except for Phakding, Namche, and Lukla
- WIFI internet during the trek
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
Cost and Date
Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.
The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 17 days Everest Base Camp Trek by Road departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.
Media Gallery
Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Photos
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Travellers‘ Reviews
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Outstanding EBC experience
I had the great opportunity to join the Nepal Hiking Team and experience the two-week base camp Everest trekking during the last week of September and the first of October 2024.
Everything was great from the very first second I set foot in Nepal to the last moment of farewell at the airport. It was such a fulfilling and exciting experience, and this great time was only possible thanks to my guide, Ram and his assistant, Bishnu. They made this journey possible and doable, keeping the spirit high even in the most challenging moments.
There was not a single second where I and the rest of my group companions did not feel safe with them. They were handling everything with the best professionalism and resourcefulness, especially when the most unexpected, snowy conditions occurred.
Thanks a million for this lifetime experience.
Robert