Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek

Duration: 20 Days
At a Glance
  • Duration 20 Days
  • Trip Grade Fairly Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End KTM/KTM
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Max. Altitude 5555

Highlights

  • Close interaction with locals from different communities & live their mountain lifestyle
  • Unbelievable sceneries of huge pastures, hills, and snow-capped mountains in the background during the start of the trek
  • Get to experience tranquil trekking via lush forests and picturesque villages up to Lukla
  • Ditch the overwhelming Lukla Kathmandu flight
  • Follow the famous EBC trail from Lukla onwards and walk past famous villages such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, etc
  • Visit ancient monasteries and come across many stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, and mani walls along the way
  • Get to see different types of plants, animals, and birds while trekking through dense forests of pine, rhododendron, fir, magnolia, etc
  • Cross numerous hanging bridges and pass by cascading waterfalls before ascending to glaciers and moraines
  • Reach Everest base camp and hike to Kala Patthar

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.

You'll Experience

Everest Base Camp

Itinerary

The Phaplu to Everest Base Camp is 20 Days program with your arrival and departure days. A cultural day tour in Kathmandu and an extra buffer/extra day at the end of the trek are also included in the 20-day itinerary of the Phaplu- Everest Base Camp Trek. The extra buffer day is used if you need any extra day on the trek or if there is any delay or cancelation on return flight from Lukla, which happens sometimes due to the bad weather conditions.

There are flight options available from Kathmandu to Phaplu occasionally as there is no scheduled flight like at Lukla Airport. There is also a drive option from Kathmandu to Phaplu and the Phaplu route follows the classic route of Jiri from Nunthala, So, this is the best alternative to Jiri EBC Trek and regular Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla if you want to avoid the Lukla flight.

We have included one day drive to Phaplu and a return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu at the end. However, if want to end the trek in Phaplu and take a both-way drive also available at Outfitter Himalaya.

The offered 20-day itinerary is a guideline itinerary, and we also offer a tailor-made program if the offered one is not suitable for you. Let us know our days and requirement for your program.

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Our team picks you up from Tribhuvan International Airport. They will transfer you to the hotel and help you with check-in. Get freshen up and unpack. Explore your surroundings if you have enough time.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

You will be spending the first half of the day exploring historical monuments such as the popular Monkey Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Our tour guide will accompany you with a private four-wheeler and driver. The tour guides working with us are very friendly and have good knowledge. Therefore, you will have a very immersive experience.

Later in the day, we meet you in our office and prepare for the trek. The mountain guide will introduce himself and brief you about the trek. We then go on with packing the duffel bags and purchasing the missing trekking gear.

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2413

We’ll begin trekking today. The trail from Phaplu to Nunthala is long. First we ascend towards the Takshindo Gompa. From here, we will walk through lush forests and many small villages. The mountain lifestyle along the way will amaze you, along with soothing landscapes.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2330

Begin the day walking on gentle slopes via terraces and lush forests. We may come across langur monkeys on this part of the trail. The trail ascends all the way up to a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river. Crossing the bridge, we will walk on the uphill trail to Jubing (1,675 m) and move towards Kharikhhola. From here, we trek up to another ridge and steeply walk to Bupsa, a quaint village with a superb landscape.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2245

Our next stop is Puiyan. The climate begins to get much cooler. The trail goes through oak and rhododendron forests. Along the way, we can see many species of plants, including Danphe Bholua, a Nepalese paper plant. We'll cross the Kharte Danda and ascend to Kharte La (3,880 m). From here, we descend to Puiyan village.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2800

Today, we will be walking past Lukla. From Puiyan, 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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2610

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3860

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4410

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4410

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4910

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude5364

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude5545

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.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

Today is the last day of the trek. Descend steeply from Namche Bazaar and trek through lush forests. We will again cross numerous suspension bridges and walk past beautiful villages. From Phakding, the trail ascends along the Dudh Koshi river to Lukla.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2840

We take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. The flight is short and offers beautiful aerial views of the hills & mountains. The remaining day is free in Kathmandu. Take plenty of rest and enjoy delicious food. Stroll in the lively streets of Thamel and do shopping.

Note: Lukla Flight Updates!

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

This is day is a buffer day to use in case we need on trek. You have one full day in Kathmandu today to do shopping and visit monuments. We suggest visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square on this day. In the late evening, join the team for a farewell dinner.

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

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.

  • MealsB

Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

Looking for a customized itinerary? Reach out to our experts.

Map & Altitude Graph

Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek map

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • Four 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
  • Flight fare (Lukla-Kathmandu) with domestic airport tax
  • Local  Shared jeep transportation from Kathmandu to Phaplu/Salleri
  • 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)
  • Food (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu
  • Your personnel expenses/shopping
  • Entrance fees on the Kathmandu tour
  • All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
  • Sweet things like chocolate bars and bar bills
  • Hot shower, internet, telephone, and laundry
  • International airfare
  • Tips for the guide and staff
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Essential Info

Phaplu Everest base camp trek difficulty

This is a moderate to difficult trek for new trekkers. If you have previous trekking experience, then trekking to the Everest base camp will not be a challenge for you. In terms of the terrain, there is no technical climbing or very arduous sections. The handful of steep, rugged paths along the way only enhance the trail and make it adventurous. However, what makes the Everest base camp trail difficult is the constant long walk for many days.

The trail has good accommodations and meal facilities. Even though it will be nothing like the city, you will have a good night's sleep on a comfortable bed at the end of your day. Your endurance and readiness to adjust to the limited services do play a huge role in defining the difficulty level of the Phaplu Everest base camp trek. If you can walk for at least 6 hours a day, you can do the EBC trek.

Phaplu Everest base camp trek preparation

You can do a number of things to prepare for Phaplu Everest base camp trekking. First of all, if you are completely new to trekking, then we highly suggest you have 4 weeks (minimum) to prepare for the trek. During these four weeks, do regular long walks, and if possible, go on day hikes. Get yourself trekking boots and walk in them. It will help you adjust to the boot and reduce the chances of blisters while trekking.

Likewise, you can exercise in the gym and do cardio at the end. Improve your leg muscles and strength. You have to maintain your energy while trekking, so your physical preparation must help you build stamina. Other activities, such as cycling, swimming, running, etc are also great to build stamina.

Book Phaplu Everest base camp trek 2023/2024 spring/autumn departure

Spring and autumn is the best time to do Phaplu Everest base camp trekking. You can book the Phaplu Everest base camp trek 2023 spring/autumn departure with us anytime. Our team will help you with booking and all of your queries.

If you are not satisfied with our proposed itinerary, then feel free to let us know. We'll custom-create the itinerary as per your demand. We highly recommend combining a helicopter return from Kala Patthar to Lukla or Kathmandu. It will make the ending of your Phaplu Everest base camp trek outstanding.

Optional trekking package

We have a 12-day short Everest base camp trek and an Everest base camp luxury trek available with us. Likewise, the Everest View trek, EBC trek with helicopter return, and Renjo La pass trek are a few other famous trekking packages in the Everest region.

These are some other famous trekking packages in the Himalayas; Langtang valley trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Mardi Himal trek, Upper Mustang trek, Manaslu circuit trek, and Annapurna circuit trek.

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