Phaplu EBC Trek 20 Days: Drive in Fly Out
Spend a long time in the mountains and have intimate encounters with locals from different ethnic groups during our 20 days Phaplu Everest base camp trekking. Enjoy the most mesmerizing Himalayan scenery and get to enjoy the trek to EBC to the fullest on this very special trek.
Phaplu Everest base camp trek is a longer version of the usual Everest base camp trek. Instead of taking the overwhelming flight to Lukla, you'll rather drive to Phaplu from Kathmandu, which is around 8 to 9 hours long. There is also an option to take a short flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu, which is very unlike the Kathmandu Lukla flight. The Phaplu Everest base camp trekking lets you savor the most stunning mountain landscapes and the warmest welcomes.
Located east of Nepal, Phaplu (2413 m) is a beautiful mountain village. To be exact, Phaplu is located 90 km away from Kathmandu. This is the iconic trail followed by the legends Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa during their Everest Expedition. The Phaplu Everest base camp trek is a very safe & somewhat comfortable alternative. The itinerary has a slow pace, thus great for travelers looking to spend a long time in the mountains.
The trail explores the beautiful Dudh Koshi and Imja river valleys. The terraced farms, rivers, lush hills, and snow-capped mountains make the scenery a blessing for your eyes and heart. The lifestyle of the Sherpas and their interaction with other communities makes the trek more exciting. You can look forward to views getting better and the hospitality of the villagers being generous.
For your information, the starting part of the itinerary is known as the Sherpa Heritage Trail. Once you reach Lukla, the trail joins the famous Everest base camp trekking route. You will walk past small villages, crossing several suspension bridges & walking through rhododendron & magnolia forests to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). The trail then gradually ascends to the base camp of Mt. Everest (5,364 m) over the next few days before making the final climb to Kala Patthar (5,644 m), the highest point of the journey.
A great alternative to the Kathmandu Lukla flight
Located northeast of Kathmandu, the Khumbu region (also known as the Everest region) welcomes thousands of trekkers every year. While the maximum takes the thrilling Kathmandu Lukla flight, there are a handful of travelers every season who look for an alternative option to reach Lukla. Therefore, we have introduced this fantastic 20-day itinerary to the Everest base camp. The trail is not crowded up to Lukla (2,860 m), and the views of pine forests & cow pastures are incredible.
Relatively very low risk of altitude sickness
One of the factors that make Phaplu Everest base camp trek the best Everest trek package is the gentle rise in elevation. Unlike the Kathmandu Lukla flight that takes you to 2,860 meters from 1,400 meters in a few minutes, increasing the chance of altitude sickness, during the Phaplu EBC trek, you will not see any drastic elevation change. Therefore, there is a very low risk of altitude sickness.
You will get a lot of time to acclimatize as you trek from one village to another to reach Lukla. Our Phaplu Everest base camp trek itinerary has ample rest days, too, that furthermore help you acclimatize and enjoy the trek to the fullest. On top of a very well-acclimatizing journey, our mountain guide will assure your safety in the mountains.
Phaplu Everest base camp trek attractions
Ditch the Lukla flight and enjoy trekking on a less crowded trail till Lukla
If you are in quest of something different in the Khumbu region and would love to pass the Kathmandu Lukla flight, then the Phaplu Everest base camp trek is a fantastic option. You also have the option to start the trek from Jiri. The trail up to Lukla is not crowded because not many trekkers do this program.
Spend a lot of time with locals from different ethnic groups
While trekking, we spend nights in the villages along the way. The villages are home to many different communities starting like Chhetri, Brahmin, Sherpa, Rai, etc. From Namche Bazaar & onwards, you will mostly see Bhotiyas, Rai, Lamas, and Sherpas. All of these ethnic groups have their separate cultural heritages and customs.
Witness mesmerizing landscapes and stunning mountain views
We cannot talk enough about the view you get to see during the Phaplu Everest base camp trekking. To be honest, the words will not be enough or fair. Still, the views along the trail are jaw-dropping. You'll see diverse landscapes as the trail gains elevation. From verdant hills to rocky mountains, the scenery changes drastically.
Mountains, glaciers, streams, river valleys, and waterfalls decorate the Khumbu region. Himalayan giants like Everest (8,849 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Island Peak (6,160 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Taboche (6,495 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), and numerous others are seen along the way.
Go on side excursions during acclimatization days
We go on hikes to nearby places during our acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These hikes will help us to acclimatize and see breathtaking mountain panorama. We hike to Hotel Everest View (3,962 m) while acclimating in Namche Bazaar & to Nangkartshang Hill (5,100 m) located above Dingboche village.
The ancient monasteries & stupas along the trekking route showcase the strong religious beliefs of the locals
There are many stupas and monasteries on the Phaplu Everest base camp trekking route. Similarly, you'll come across chortens, mani walls, and prayer wheels throughout the trail. Most of the places are marked with prayer flags too. Tengboche monastery (3,860 m) and Pangboche monastery (3,985 m) are the two places you will stop by while trekking.
Likewise, you also have the option to visit the Khumjung monastery during your hike to Hotel Everest View. The locals of the Khumbu region follow Buddhism and are somewhat influenced by Tibetan Buddhism too. The trekking guide will tell you a lot of stories and beliefs of the locals.
Meet with trekkers from all around the world on the trail and rejuvenate
You can meet the world on the Phaplu Everest base camp trail. People from around the corner of the Earth visit this place to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views and experience the life-changing EBC trek. Neither do the trekkers feel shy to say hello, nor do the locals. So, you have a great opportunity to make new friends and if not, lifelong memories.
The EBC trekking route is very scenic, and you get many solitary moments. The difficulties will let you push your boundaries, and the beautiful landscapes will help you unwind. The Phaplu Everest base camp trekking goes beyond adventure and teaches a lot of things.
Hike to Everest base camp and Kala Patthar
The Everest base camp is located at 5,364 meters. It is a moving glacier and a permanent camp of climbers. There is no tea house or lodge at the base camp, hence you do not spend a night here and rather descend to Gorak Shep. The views of Mt. Everest is blocked from the base camp, so we hike to Kala Patthar to witness the Everest view.
Kala Patthar is above Gorak Shep. It is a famous viewpoint and stands at 5,644 meters, making it the highest point of this trek. You will see a gorgeous sunrise from this place, along with a vast view of the Himalayan mountains.
End the trek with a thrilling flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla
At the end of the trek, we fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla. The flight will be 35 minutes long. And trust us, it will be one of the most thrilling flights of your life. You can also opt for a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
