The drive in and drive out trek to Everest Base Camp is a 18-day journey that offers a unique and challenging alternative to the traditional Lukla flight. This trek takes you through stunning scenery and allows you to challenge yourself both physically and mentally. You'll have the opportunity to experience the culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people, as well as witness the majesty of the world's highest mountain. This unforgettable journey is perfect for those seeking adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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At a Glance
- Duration 18 Days
- Trip Grade Moderate
- Destination Nepal
- Start/End KTM/KTM
- Group Size 1-12
- Max. Altitude 5545m
Itinerary
- The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road involves a long journey in a 4WD jeep, which means you should be prepared for a bumpy ride and the discomfort that comes with it.
- The Everest Base Camp by Road is not advisable during the monsoon season due to the heavy rainfall that can cause road conditions to deteriorate, making the journey challenging and potentially dangerous. It is recommended to plan your trek during a different time of year when road conditions are favorable.
Your journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. One of our team representatives will welcome you to the airport and take you to the hotel. We meet you in the late evening over welcome dinner. Until then, you have a remaining day free to rest and explore the surrounding area on your own.
We have a full-day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu today. The tour takes you to the ancient historical sites in the city that showcases Nepal's history and culture. Our tour guide is very knowledgeable, so you'll learn a lot from him regarding Nepali art, architecture, and practices.
Some of the monuments you visit during the tour are Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupati Temple, Swyambhuath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the late afternoon, we have a short meeting with the trek guide. He'll brief you about the trek, and we then proceed with our final packing.
The Kathmandu to Phaplu drive begins early in the morning. We leave the city and follow a winding hillside road via multiple settlements. The route is beautiful. You get to see the countryside area of Kathmandu along with rivers & mountains. As the drive is long, the remaining day is spent relaxing.
From Sallery, newly build rough road take us to Thandanda. It is 6 hours of driving. We stay overnight in Thandanda. There are only a simple local lodge available. We introduce our porter today.
We continue trekking on a long winding path before crossing Sebuk Danda & Chotok La (2,945 m). From the pass, we descend 700 meters to Surkhe village and walk on the western side to the main trail to Lukla.
Further trekking via Gaikharka and Choplung, we'll join the Lukla trail. We then cross Tarhe Khola and walk on a gentle trail to Ghat village. Crossing a few suspension bridges, we walk to Phakding village for the night stay.
Leaving Phakding, we walk towards Namche Bazaar. The trail crosses many hanging bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and constantly goes through rhododendron & magnolia forests from Monjo onwards. We’ll enter the Sagarmatha National Park after walking for 20 minutes from Monjo. The trail then descends to Jorsale village and then ascends to Namche Bazaar, the tourist hub of the Khumbu region.
We will spend this day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. In the morning, the guide will lead us to the Hotel Everest View. We have the option to continue, then hike to Khumjung village or return to Namche Bazaar. From Hotel Everest View, we get to see the first proper glimpse of Mt. Everest along with Mt. Nuptse & Mt. Lhotse. Later in the day, we will visit museums, souvenir shops, and cafes.
The trail from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche follows an uphill route. We will ascend to a ridge top and walk via a winding path alongside verdant hills. On the way, the views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Kongde Ri are fantastic. We'll reach Phungi Thenga and further trek through forests of blue pine, magnolia, rhododendron, and birch trees to Tengboche village.
We will walk via lush forests and descend to Imja Khola. The mountain views are outstanding on the way. Crossing the Imka Khola, we walk on uphill slopes to Pangboche village. From here, the next village is Somare. We'll further cross a small bridge and gradually ascend to Dingboche village. Dingboche is known as the summer valley of the Khumbu region. You can see many farming terraces around the village.
We spent another day in Dingboche village to acclimatize. At this point, we need a good rest and a hike too. In the morning, we will go on a hike to Nangkartshang Hill, from where we can see a stunning panorama of the Island peak, Mt. Makalu, Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, etc. After the hike, we enjoy the remaining day relaxing.
Follow an uphill trail on the north to a ridge. Then descend overlooking Pheriche village and striking mountain views of Pokalde, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Makalu, etc, along with the great wall of Nuptse. We then ascend towards Thugla, following a steep glacial path. The view of Mt. Everest from Thugla is outstanding. Walking past the memorials of the climbers, we reach Lobuche village.
We will finally trek to Everest base camp on this day. From Lobuche, it's a gentle ascend along the rocky moraine. We can see glacial ponds and icebergs of the Khumbu glacier on the way. The trail descends from the moraine and leads us to Gorak Shep. From here, we hike to Everest base camp, walking via a rocky dune & moraine and passing by streams. During the peak season, we can see many tents of the climbers set throughout the base camp. After a good time at the base camp, we'll descend to Gorak Shep to spend the night.
We’ll leave Gorak Sherp early in the morning to hike to Kala Patthar. The hiking route is rough and steep. From Kala Patthar, we can see the finest view of Mt. Everest. It's all the ocean of mountains and peaks from this point. The sunrise is extremely gorgeous too. Later descend to Pheriche for the night stay.
Leaving Pheriche, we walk to a bridge. Crossing the bridge, we follow a downhill route with a few gentle uphill climbs between Pangboche and Tengboche. From Tengboche, we descend to Namche Bazaar. Most of the trail retraces its way back to Namche Bazaar. The mountain views are equally enchanting on the way back.
Trekking in the same route up to Manjo. Walk toward Phakding and trek down to Surke. After Phakding, you find other trekkers hardly. It is to way of catching our driving route back to Kathmandu. We overnight in simple local tea house here in Surke.
Easy trekking down to Thandanda. We say good bye to our porter and driving about 5 hours with local jeep with guide. Salleri is another simple place to overnight in local tea house tonight.
Drive back to Kathmandu today. It is 8 hours same way driving back with lots of stop on the way. Reach at Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel for overnight.
Our airport team will help you with your luggage and escort you to the international airport. You will leave three hours before your flight departure time, so make sure to pack your luggage timely.
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Map & Altitude Graph
Inclusions
- Airport transfers
- Three nights’ Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
- Meals during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast
- Sagarmatha national park entry permits and TIMS permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
- Jeep transportation (Local Jeep on Share basis) from Kathmandu-Salleri- thandada & return
- Tea house/Lodge Accommodation during the trek on twin sharing
- A guide and porters (1 porter for every two trekkers)
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (which will be paid by travel insurance company)
- Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffel bag, if necessary and returned after the trek
Exclusions
- Nepal Entry visa fee
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Meals (Lunch and Dinner) while you are in Kathmandu
- Your personnel expenses/shopping
- Entrance fees on Kathmandu tour
- All the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
- Sweet things like chocolate bars and bar bills
- Hot shower, internet, telephone and laundry
- International airfare
- Tips for the guide and staffs
- Anything not mentioned in the included section
Add-Ons & Options
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement cost of US $175.00 applies.
Note: When booking your accommodation for this trip, please note that while we guarantee a single room for you in the city of Kathmandu, there may be limited availability of mountain lodges and you may need to share a room with a fellow trekker of the same gender during certain parts of the trek. We will do our best to ensure your comfort and privacy throughout your journey.
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