Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Overview
Are you excited about embarking on the Everest Base Camp Trek but prefer a less explored route with concerns about Lukla flight issues? We have an exclusive EBC Trek package without Lukla flight. Our experienced and knowledgeable mountain guide, well-versed in the region's terrain and weather conditions, will be with you every step of the way.
You will enjoy a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. By opting for this alternative route, you can experience a different side of the Everest region. The trek will take you through lesser known trails, where you'll encounter unique flora and fauna. It will also provide a sense of adventure and discovery as you make your way toward the base camp.
Compared to the busier EBC trek route, the route offers breathtaking views, untouched natural beauty, and a tranquil environment. In addition to the advantages of this less explored path, you can also avoid potential flight-related challenges that often arise when flying to Lukla.
The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Salleri offers a more reliable and predictable mode of transportation, ensuring a smoother start to your trekking adventure in the beautiful Everest region.
Everest Base Camp Trekking by Road Highlights
- No Lukla flight; instead you drive to Thandada from Kathmandu and begin trekking from Thandada to Everest base camp
- At the start of the journey, enjoy a less crowded and offbeat trail before joining the mainstream EBC trek route later
- Walk through lush rhododendron and pine forests, crossing numerous suspension bridges and small mountain passes
- Spend nights in beautiful Sherpa villages, where comfortable teahouses and lodges are available, and see their daily lifestyle.
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the mountain communities as you visit ancient monasteries along the trail. This unique cultural experience is sure to leave you fascinated and wanting to learn more. Adventurous side hikes to Hotel Everest View, Nagarjuna Hill, and Kala Patthar
- Trek via glacier fields and glacial paths on the upper part of the trail
- Witness diverse flora and fauna, stunning landscapes, and jaw-dropping mountain panoramas.
- There is less risk of altitude sickness as this itinerary provides ample time to adjust to the elevation and environment.
- Perfect EBC trek package for trekkers of all ages
Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Attractions
There are many attractions during the EBC trek by Road and many reasons why should do this trek and find some of them below.
A great alternative to the Kathmandu Lukla flight
Located northeast of Kathmandu, the Khumbu region (Everest region) welcomes thousands of trekkers yearly. While most take the thrilling Kathmandu Lukla flight, a handful of travelers look for an alternative way to reach Lukla every season.
Therefore, we have introduced this fantastic 18 day itinerary to the Everest base camp without Lukla flights and the views of pine forests and cow pastures are incredible on the EBC Trekking by Road.
If you are looking for something different and want to skip the Kathmandu Lukla flight, the Everest base camp trek by road is a fantastic option.
Relatively less risk of altitude sickness on EBC Trek by Road
One factor that makes the Everest Base Camp hiking by Road is the best Everest trek package is the gentle rise in elevation. Unlike the Kathmandu Lukla flight, which takes you to 2,860 meters from 1,400 meters in a few minutes, increasing the chance of altitude sickness, during the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road, you will not see any drastic elevation change. Therefore, there is a less risk of altitude sickness.
Everest Base Camp Trek by Road itinerary also includes ample rest days, which help you acclimate and enjoy the trek to the fullest. In addition to a very well acclimatizing journey, our mountain guide will ensure your safety in the mountains.
Himalayan Views and cultural experiences during the trek
As the trek unfolds, you will be enchanted by the allure of the trail. Passing through small streams and traversing hilly gorges, you'll be surrounded by magnificent pine and rhododendron forests.
One of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road is the close-up view of Numbur Himal. The dense forests open up to terraced fields and meadows. The region becomes barren and rocky once we are above the tree line.
Numerous mountains, hills, waterfalls, and glaciers are seen along the trail. The views are phenomenal, from the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,849 m), to Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall.
Some other iconic Himalayan mountains you will come across during this trek are Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,608 m), Mt. Pumori (7,161 m), and Mt. Cholatse (6,440 m).
The traditional villages you encounter along the way provide a glimpse into the local way of life, adding cultural richness to your experience. Every step you take reveals a fantastic backdrop that constantly reminds you of the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
Tengboche Monastery (3,867 m) and Pangboche Monastery (3,985 m) are significant monasteries you will visit while trekking. The locals are very welcoming and friendly. You will experience the mountain lifestyle first-hand and see the villagers' daily lives.
Our guide will facilitate your interactions with the villagers, sharing fascinating stories and myths about the villages. This trek is about more than just the stunning landscapes-it's about the Sherpas and other mountain communities like Rai, Sherpa, Lama, and Limbu, offering a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions.
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 help you acclimatize and allow us to see breathtaking mountain panoramas.
We hike to Hotel Everest View (3,962 m) while acclimating in Namche Bazaar and to Nangkartshang Hill (5,100 m) above Dingboche village.
Visit ancient monasteries
The ancient monasteries and stupas along the trekking route showcase the strong religious beliefs of the locals. Many stupas and monasteries are on the Everest base camp trekking by Road 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 many stories and beliefs of the locals.
Meet with trekkers from all around the world on the Trail and rejuvenate
On the Everest base camp trail, you can meet the world. People worldwide visit this place to enjoy 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 an excellent opportunity to make new friends. The EBC trek by road is very scenic, with many solitary moments. The difficulties will let you push your boundaries, and the beautiful landscapes will help you unwind. Everest base camp trek by road goes beyond adventure and teaches many things.
Hike to Everest base camp and Kala Patthar
Everest base camp is at 5,364 meters. It is a moving glacier and a permanent camp of climbers. No tea house or lodge is at the base camp; hence, you do not spend a night here but descend to Gorak Shep. You will not see the views of Mt. Everest, so we hike to Kala Patthar to witness the Everest view.
Kala Patthar is above Gorak Shep. It is a famous viewpoint at 5,644 meters, which is the highest point of this trek. You will see a gorgeous sunrise and a vast view of the Himalayan Mountains.
Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Itinerary
Everest base camp trek by road in Nepal begins with a captivating drive that offers breathtaking views of lush green forests, gushing rivers, dramatic gorges, and terraced fields. This comprehensive itinerary is designed to provide you with a clear understanding of the journey ahead, ensuring you are fully prepared for the adventure.
The itinerary is designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments in case of unforeseen weather conditions, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. The panoramic vistas will leave you in wonder as you make your way toward Salleri, the starting point of this incredible adventure. From Salleri (2,362 m), you will drive to Thandanda (1,686 m), from where the trek begins to Phakding village (2,610 m).
After crossing Sebuk Danda and Chotok La (2,945 m), the trail descends to Surkhe village. From here, it connects to the main route through Lukla. On the way, we will cross a bridge over Tarhe Khola and trek via Ghat village to Phakding. The trail passes through dense forests and uneven cliff sides.
From Phakding onwards, we will follow the popular Everest base camp trek route via Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), Tengboche (3,860 m), Dingboche (4,410 m), and Lobuche (4,940 m) villages. While passing these villages, we will cross many suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, walk past small settlements, share the trail with yaks and mules, and visit ancient monasteries.
After Dingboche village, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged. We will cross a glacier field and pass by memorial stones to Lobuche village. The trail gradually ascends to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and finally leads to EBC (5,364 m).
After visiting Kala Patthar (5,545 m), we will drop down at Lobuche village and trek to Pheriche (4,371 m). Further, trekking through Namche Bazaar, we will continue to Thandanda via Surke village, where the trek ends. Like the start of the trek, we will drive to Salleri from Thandanda and take another long ride to Kathmandu.
