Can I get to Everest Base Camp without Flying?

Can I get to Everest Base Camp without Flying?

Yes, one can go to Everest Base Camp without flying. There are two options for this:  sharing jeep or private jeep ride and public bus ride to and from Thamdanda or Surke. A large number of people want to avoid Lukla flights as they are either postponed or cancelled frequently which spoils their entire Everest Base Camp Trek. The trekkers who are planning to eascape flights, escpcially, Lukla flights can simply go with either jeep ride or public bus ride from and to Thamdanda or Surke. Surke and Thamdanda are the villages located just below Lukla and one can directly get into the main trail to EBC without ascending Lukla Town. If you use jeep ride or bus ride from Kathmandu and while retunring from Kathmandu, you don’t need to go Lukla. 

Everest Base Camp Trek by Road from Kathmandu 

For trekkers who don't want to take flights to Lukla and those who want to trek to EBC by road, the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek overland from Kathmandu is an excellent alternative. The trip goes on an overland journey to the trailhead, which is more convenient and reduces the risk of Lukla's unpredictable weather.

The drive for Surke or Thamdanda begins with a long drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Salleri (2,390m) or Thamdanda (2,900m), taking approximately 10–12 hours by jeep. The Solukhumbu district center of Salleri is the most common start point. Using the normal lower Everest region trek route from it through villages including Ringmo (2,720m) and Nunthala (2,220m) to reach Phakding (2,610m) in order to follow the main EBC route from there. A road alternative brings one to Thamdanda in order to continue to Surke (2,290m) and Lukla (2,860m).

Actually, in the dry seasons like in Winter( Dec-Feb) and Spring( Mar-May), one can directly drive to Surke, just below Lukla and in other rainy seasons and other unfavorable times of the year, the jeep goes only up to Thamdanda.

The EBC trek by land from Salleri adds 3–4 days to the normal EBC trekking trail from Phakding. The longer trek has a slow acclimatization process, passing through diverse landscapes, Sherpa villages, and lush forests. Trekkers experience the rich Solu culture before merging with the normal route at Namche Bazaar (3,440m). From Namche, the trek passes through Tengboche (3,860m), Dingboche (4,410m), Lobuche (4,940m), and Gorak Shep (5,164m) before arriving at Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

The return journey from Everest Base Camp by road is the same route to Thamdanda or Salleri, where jeeps drive back to Kathmandu. This is a budget-friendly and scenic way to EBC without the hassle of Lukla flight cancellations. It is for those who prefer a more gradual ascent, cultural immersion, and a safer, more dependable means of transport.

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Everest Base Camp Trek without Flying 

One can trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) without flying by using the old overland route through Jiri or Salleri instead of flying to Lukla. This option avoids the risk of flight cancellations owing to weather and also provides a gradual walk-in to higher altitudes, reducing the risks of altitude sickness.

Starting from Salleri or Jiri, mostly, people begin from Salleri, trekkers pass through diverse landscapes, traditional Sherpa settlements, and less crowded trails before meeting the standard EBC route at Phakding. The Jiri route, used by the early Everest expeditions, takes around 22–24 days, while the Salleri route shortens the trek to 18–20 days.

The trek involves more ups and downs and is thus physically more demanding than the Lukla alternative. It does, however, offer a more intense cultural experience of rural Nepali life with the opportunity to explore villages like Bhandar, Junbesi, and Nunthala. Teahouses along the way offer food and accommodation.

This route via Salleri and Thamdanda is ideal for individuals with time to spare, looking for a less busy, more adventurous journey to Everest without flight. While it extends the trip, the natural scenery, cultural experiences, and acclimatization benefits provide a valuable alternative to the flight itinerary.

Why you should avoid Lukla Flights?

You should avoid Lukla flights for the following reasons:

Unpredictable Weather – Lukla's high altitude (2,860m) means regular weather disruption, delays, and cancellations. Sudden fog, wind, and rain cause poor visibility, making flights unpredictable.

Short and Dangerous Runway – Tenzing-Hillary Airport has a 527m runway with a steep slope. Pilots need to make precision landings, and errors are fatal, as past accidents testify.

High Accident Rate – Lukla is ranked among the world's most dangerous airports. Several crashes, including fatalities in 2008, 2017, and 2019, bear witness to the risks.

Limited Flight Capacity – It is only served by small aircraft (DHC-6 Twin Otters), which restrict passenger and cargo weights, contributing to travel uncertainty.

Better Alternative Itineraries – Treks from Phaplu, Salleri or Thamdanda/Surke or Jiri are safe and allow gradual acclimatization, with minimal danger of altitude sickness compared to a rapid flight to Lukla. Most popularly, people begin their Everest Trek from Thamdanda or Surke without Lukla flight these days to make it smoother and less expensive.

Very Costly:  The Lukla Flights are very costly comparing it to jeep ride or bus ride to and from Surke or thamdanda. The flights cost from Ramechhap is USD 180 and the direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla USD226. Aren’t these costly? Yes, they are. If you want to avoid this expensive Lukla flights cost during Everest Base Camp Trek, you can go with either jeep ride or bus ride to and from Surke/Thamdanda.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary without Flight ( by road)

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation (1,338 m/4390 ft) and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Salleri (2362 m / 7749 ft) 7 hrs.

Day 3: Drive to Thamedanda and trek to Paiyu/Surke (2,290 meters (7,513 feet) ) 6 hrs. ( can drive to Surke directly in dry seasons)

Day 4: Trek to Monjo (2880m/9449 ft) - 06 hrs.

Day 5: Trek to Namche ( 3440 m/11,286 ft) 5 hrs

Day 6: At Namche, Acclimatization and Rest (3880 m/12,730 ft) 4 hrs

Day 7: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,867 m/12,687 ft) - 05 hrs.

Day 8: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,470 feet) -05 hrs.

Day 9: At Dingboche rest day for acclimatization(4410 m) Nagarjuna Peak(5080 m/16,667 ft)

Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4,960 m/16,273 ft) - 05 hrs.

Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) and back to Gorakshep(5190m/17,027 ft) - 07 hrs.

Day 12: Climb Kalapathar( 5,545 m/18,192 ft) trek to Periche( 4,200 m/13,779 ft)-08 hrs.

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) via Tengboche - 07 hrs.

Day 14: Trek back to Surke (2535m) 6 hrs

Day 15: Trek back to Themedanda and drive back to Salleri ( 2362 m),06 hours) ( can drive directly to Salleri from Surke in dry seasons)

Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu- 1338 m ( 8 hrs)

Kathmandu to Surke/Thamdanda Jeep Ride

The Kathmandu to Thamdanda jeep ride is a popular but challenging one for trekkers on their way to the Everest region without flying. The Kathmandu to Thamdanda distance is approximately 265 km, and the journey passes through Salleri and Surke. The journey is an alternative to flying to Lukla and is a less expensive but time-consuming option.

The first section of the jeep drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda is a drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, a distance of approximately 265 km that takes around 8 to 10 hours by jeep. The journey follows the BP Highway and merges with the Mid-Hill Highway before reaching Salleri, the administrative headquarter of the Solukhumbu district. The road is mostly on blacktopped roads until Phaplu, where the road becomes rough and bumpy.

From Salleri, the EBC Jeep Ride continues to Thamdanda, 5 to 7 hours more. It is a rough, unsealed, and weather-sensitive path, so traveling is not easy. The final leg from Thamdanda to Surke is a short 2 to 3 hours' walk downhill to Surke, which is situated in the main Lukla trail. One can drive to Surke in dry seasons ( Winter and Spring) from Thamdanda.

How much is the Jeep from Kathmandu to Thamdanda/Surke?

The jeep fare from Kathmandu to Salleri ranges from NPR 2,500 to NPR 3,500 per person in a shared jeep. The cost of a private jeep ranges from NPR 2,0000 to NPR 25,000 depending on the season and availability. The jeep fare from Salleri to Thamdanda is approximately NPR 2,000 to NPR 2,500 per person in a shared jeep, and hiring a private jeep costs NPR 15,000 to NPR 20,000.

What type jeep are available for Thamdanda from Kathmandu?

The jeeps used for the journey are mostly 4WD vehicles such as Toyota Land Cruisers, Mahindra Boleros, and Tata Sumos that are capable of off-road travel. However, roadblocks, landslides, and unpredictable weather can cause delays, especially during monsoon and winter.

Preparations

Travelers should prepare themselves for rough, lengthy journeys and potential discomfort. Bringing motion sickness tablets, snacks, and warm clothing is recommended. Pre-booking of the jeep, especially during peak trekking season, is also preferable to avoid time and effort. Check the weather forecast and possible weather extremes during this long  jeep drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda/Surke. 

Kathmandu to Thamdanda/Surke Bus Ride 

Traveling from Kathmandu to Thamdanda by bus offers a trekking option to the regular flight to Lukla for those who want to visit the Everest region. The trip begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, the district headquarters of the Solukhumbu District. The distance is approximately 270 kilometers and takes between 10 to 12 hours to reach. Travelers can either take jeeps or buses, and the more favored of the two is the jeep, considering it can handle the various road types more effectively. A jeep ride ranges from NPR 4,500 to NPR 5,000 per person, while buses charge NPR 3,000 to NPR 3,500. 

The bus ride to Thamdanda from Kathmandu begins along the BP Highway, passing through Dhulikhel and Khurkot, before linking with the Madhya Pahadi Highway to Okhaldhunga. From Okhaldhunga, the road becomes more rugged, traveling to Salleri. This section of the trip allows travelers to view the diverse scenery of Nepal, which is comprised of river valleys, terraced fields, and small villages.

Having reached Salleri, the bus ride extends to Thamdanda. The distance is approximately 63 kilometers and involves off-road driving, making driving challenging yet exciting. It takes between 6 to 9 hours driving from Salleri to Thamdanda, subject to weather and road conditions. Along the drive, travelers pass through the villages of Jubing, Kharikhola, and Bupsa, which provide an understanding of Sherpa culture and life.

For trekkers who want to go as far as Surke, the road continues past Thamdanda. It takes about 10 kilometers to reach Paiya from Thamdanda and another 15 kilometers to Surke. It may take between 4 to 5 hours depending on the condition of the roads and the vehicle. Surke is near Lukla and is one of the starting points for Everest region treks.

Trekkers need to be prepared to encounter several challenges on this road. The roads, especially after Salleri, are likely to be unsealed and could be at the mercy of the weather, making for muddy or slippery paths during the monsoon season. Landslides and blockages of the road are likelihood, and the journey can be physically strenuous due to the long hours of travel on rough roads.

For a more pleasant trip, it's ideal to undertake the trip during the dry seasons between October and May and Dec-Feb when roads are less problematic. Booking through reputable agencies can provide more reliable service and the ability to customize the trip to provide rest stops and acclimatization time. Visitors should also be prepared for basic accommodations and reduced amenities at some of the remote villages along the route.

In sum, the bus ride from Kathmandu to Thamdanda and onward to Surke offers a unique overland adventure into the  lower Everest area. Although it requires careful planning and one must be ready for the rigors of rural travel in Nepal, the scenic and cultural rewards are more than worth the effort for intrepid travelers. The bus ride to Thamdanda/Surke is a perfect eascape to Lukla flights for your smooth EBC Trek.

Final Worlds

Yes, and one can actually get to Everest Base Camp without a flight, by taking a land drive. Instead of the risky and unpredictable flight to Lukla, tourists can have the choice of traveling by jeep or bus from Surke or Thamdanda from Kathmandu. Jeep or bus ride from Kathmandu to Surke/Thamdanda offers a consistent and scenic route, bypassing the often unpredictable and risky Lukla flights.

An 8-10 hour jeep or bus ride to Surke or Thamdanda from Kathmandu is undertaken. The total distance from Kathmandu to Thamdanda varies but stands at about 250-300 km. The journey can range from $40 to $60, depending on the means of transport and route on sharing basis. The privae hire will rise higher than this.

Trekkers in EBC may avoid flights to Lukla due to the numerous risks involved, such as weather disruptions and safety concerns. The jeep drive from and to Thamdanda/Surke provides for a relaxed experience, where the trekkers can gradually acclimatize to the altitude before embarking on the trek to Everest Base Camp. The jeep or bus ride from and to Thamdanda/Surke also provides a clearer view of rural Nepal.

If you go to EBC by road without flying, your EBC Trek will be smoother and cheaper as well without any interruptions of unpredictable and costly Lukla flights. Therefore, EBC without flying is also popular as EBC Budget Trek.