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Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep

Trip code HH-EBC-JEEP
Package name Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep
Duration 16
Max. elevation 5545 m
Level DIFFICULT
Transportation All Land service.
Accomodation Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu and best Available lodge in the mountain
Starts at Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route Kathmandu- Salleri- Surke- Namche- Everest Base Camp-Namche- Surke- Salleri- Kathmandu
Cost USD 995 per person

Highlights

Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep: A Practical Overland Alternative

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek by Jeep is an excellent alternative to avoid the uncertainty and crazy cost of Lukla flights. The trek through the scenic lower Khumbu area like Thamdanda, Surke and Paiya offers better acclimatization and a richer cultural experience. It is possible to drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda or Surke via jeep, without taking any flights to and from Lukla. The drive passes through Salleri, Phaplu, and other Sherpa settlements, allowing trekkers to experience the diverse landscape, culture, and hospitality of the region. This route also provides a gradual ascent, reducing the risk of altitude sickness that is certain if one flies straight to Lukla.

Can we get to Everest Base Camp Trek without flying?

Yes, we can reach Everest Base Camp without flying to Lukla. As an alternative to flying, we can drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda or Surke via Salleri by jeep. We then trek from there via the lower Khumbu region using the old traditional routes to reach EBC. It takes around 16-17 hours to drive by jeep from Kathmandu to Surke via Salleri and Thamdanda.

Can I walk to Everest Base Camp without a Lukla flight?

Yes, you can begin your Everest Base Camp trek from Thamdanda or Surke as well, skipping flights. The  EBC trek without flight from here follows the classical route through villages like Cheplung, Paiya, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, etc. Lukla are flights far too expensive than the jeep ride from Kathmandu to Salleri and then to Thamdanda and Surke. So, it’s better to go with jeep ride to and from Thamdanda or Surke  while doing Everest Base Camp Trek without a Lukla flight.

Can I go to Everest Base Camp by Jeep?

 It is possible to go to Everest Base Camp by jeep to Thamdanda or Surke and begin the formal walk, thus,  it is not viable to go to Everest Base Camp entirely by jeep. The jeep ride shortens the approach but from these points, walking is required to reach EBC. First Sections of jeep drive is from Kathmandu to Salleri and then to Surke or Thamdanda taking all 16-17 hours in total.

Key Facts of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Land:

This Everest Base Camp trekking route without flight is a fulfilling alternative that enhances acclimatization, gives cultural experience, and bypasses the uncertainties of Lukla flights.

It is going by Jeep to Everest Base Camp trek, better than going by Lukla flight?

Both options—taking a jeep to the Everest Base Camp trek starting point or flying to Lukla—have their pros and cons. It depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.

Here's a breakdown: Flying to Lukla (Traditional Option),

Jeep to Everest Base Camp Trek (Phaplu or Salleri Route),

Choose yourself which One Is Better?

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival and Orientation 1,338 m and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal international airport, Haven Holidays' Representative will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. After getting introduced with the staff or the representative, your baggage will be loaded either in car, coach or bus as per group size. A short drive to the center of Kathmandu city, where your hotels is located. On checking to your lovely rooms, getting refreshed from Jet-Lag, then get ready for group briefing. Where you will meet with other members of Everest base camp Short trek.
The guide or group leader brief with related information regarding the trek, culture, accommodation and foods. Includes information about hours of walks and overnight stops and views along the treks. Rest of the time will be yours and can enjoy whatever way you like.

Optional Itinerary: If you arrive earlier on the day, you can do some sightseeing tour of Kathmandu including Swoyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan.

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

Driving from Kathmandu to Salleri offers an alternative to flying for those trekking to the Everest region. You will ride on a sharing jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri today. This drive will last for 7-8 hours. 

Leave the hotel with a packed breakfast, and head to Gausala, Kathmandu, where the sharing jeep is available. Your guide will arrange it for you.  

You begin this jeep drive along Pasang Lhamu Highway until you reach Khurkot, Okhaldhunga and finally reach Salleri. You'll this drive today as you pass through beautiful landscapes and local villages with winding rivers and waterfalls on the way to Salleri. 

Salleri Bazaar, the administrative headquarters of the Solukhumbu District in eastern Nepal, serves as a gateway to the Everest region. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,362 meters. The town is accessible by road and is an alternative starting point for treks to Everest Base Camp, especially for those seeking to avoid the flight to Lukla. The surrounding landscape is characterized by lush hills and scenic views, making it a pleasant spot for trekkers and travelers.

Day 3 : Drive to Thamedanda and trek to Paiyu/Surke (2,290 meters (7,513 feet) ) 6 hrs.

You begin today's trip with a short jeep drive to either Thamdanda and begin your trek for either Paiyu or Surke. 

You again have an adventurous drive by sharing jeep to either Thamdanda 2-3 hours and you will enjoy the trek through awe-inspiring landscapes till you get to Surke. 

Surke is a beautiful settlement resided by Sherpa people  just below Lukla airport and Lukla town. 

Arrive at Surke and stay overnight at local lodge. 

If it dry seasons like Spring and Winter, you can directly drive to Surke from Salleri.

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

Today's walk will take you to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park which is Monjo. You will enjoy this section of today's walk via deep woods of fir, rhododendron, juniper, oak and pine forest. Also, you will celebrate this beautiful walk by crossing suspension bridges and passing through local Sherpa people's settlements, Ghat. Phakding, Tot-tok and Banker. Monjo is a serene and picturesque village that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Everest region. Stay overnight at the local lodge. 

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

Morning after breakfast, enjoy the pleasant walks on gradual trail and crossing a long suspension bridge, with slow climb after Monjo village. From Monjo enter the famous Sagarmatha National Park (Sagarmatha name for Mt. Everest in Nepal, while the Sherpa call as Chomolungma of Tibetan origin language). Entering the park cross another bridge above Dudh Koshi River to Jorsalle village for lunch stop. Afternoon walk follows the river bed amidst lovely cool forest of rhododendron, oaks, pines and fir trees. Slowly the walk leads to climb then cross the last bridge to Namche Bazaar, from the bridge undulating winding ups till Namche Bazaar is reached for overnight halt.

Namche Bazaar the major commercial hub of Khumbu villagers as well as for trekkers, a moderate size town. Where all good houses serves as guest-house, lodges and hotels placed stands on an amphitheater U shaped. Great views of Kwangde and Thamserku peaks, at Namche Bazaar check into a nice lodge for two overnights stay.

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

Namche Bazaar a perfect place for rest day, as well as right altitude for acclimatization before heading higher elevate.

Things to do in Namche Bazaar on rest day:

Enjoy the pleasant rest day with short hike to the view-point above Namche Bazaar for best look of Mt. Everest. Includes grand view of Ama Dablam(6,812 meters (22,349 ft), Thamserku and Kwangde peaks with aerial view of Namche Bazaar.

From the high view-point visit the nearby national park museum treasures all necessary information of Khumbu region. The history, cultures of Sherpa tribe, flora/fauna, and history of mountaineering around Khumbu and Mt. Everest.

For energetic people, they can hike up to Everest View Hotel about 2 hours walks with steep climb. Provides excellent views of Mt. Everest in the comfort of luxury Everest View Hotel at 3,880 m high.

Optionally, you can go to explore Thame Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Khumbu region spending a full day (7 hours) walk.

Afternoon browse around the streets of Namche Bazaar lined with shops, stores, banks, includes fancy restaurants and café.

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

Adventure continues from Namche Bazaar, after an enjoyable and pleasant rest day, the first part of the walk is gradual. From Namche Bazaar after a short steep climb, the trail leads with scenic views of Everest and an array of peaks. 

After a few hours of a good walk, downhill to Imjatse River a favorite lunch spot at Phungi Tenga. The afternoon climb starts through dense beautiful woods of tall rhododendrons, pines and fir trees, and after a few hours reaches Tengboche.  

Tengboche is one of the most exciting picturesque and photogenic spots en route to Everest base camp with the majestic colorful monastery. Enjoy the sweeping panorama of Everest, Ama Dablam with a series of snow-capped peaks, located amidst beautiful forest surrounding. At Tengboche, several simple good lodges serve nice foods or enjoy a short walk further down to Deboche for an overnight halt. Staying in Tengboche or a little further downhill, but having time to visit the monastery interior of great cultural and religious interest.

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

Staying overnight in Tengboche or at Deboche facing grand views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam. Morning walk heads down to cross a strong suspension bridge, leaving the tall trees behind for mountain wilderness. Crossing the Imjatse River a slow climb to Pangboche, the last permanent village en-route Everest base camp.

From Pangboche onwards with temporary settlements at Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche and Gorakshep. Walk heads higher with great close views of the majestic
peak of Ama Dablam. Slowly the walk heads to a small stream and then an hour climb to enter Imjatse valley. Where the lovely settlement of Dingboche is located beneath the towering North Face of Ama Dablam facing views of the famous Island Peak.

Dingboche houses have many nice lodges and restaurants within scenic Imjatse Valley from here onwards within the foothills of giant Himalayan peaks.

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

A great scenic spot Dingboche for another pleasant rest, enjoy the morning hike on top of Nakarjuna hill. Offers a grand panorama of snow-capped peaks that surround the beautiful Imjatse Valley. From the top ridge of Nakarjuna facing views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak with Mt. Makalu. It is important for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp or other high-altitude destinations. This rest day helps your body adjust to the thinner air, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers typically take short hikes to higher elevations and return to sleep at a lower altitude, a strategy known as "climb high, sleep low."

These hikes not only aid acclimatization but also provide a chance to enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Rest of the afternoon relax and enjoy a short stroll around Dingboche amidst beautiful scenery.

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

Adventure slowly leads us closer towards our main destination Everest base camp, a morning short climb to a high ridge. From the scenic ridge adorned with prayer monuments, a pleasant walk on a gradual up to Thukla. A small settlement with few huts serves as tea houses and restaurants, a possible lunch stop before the trek up to Lobuche.

Thukla where the trail from Pheriche and Dingboche joins towards Lobuche and Everest base camp. From here a steep climb of less than an hour to Thukla Ridge where you're referring to a memorial dedicated to those who have lost their lives on Mount Everest and surrounding peaks, various memorials along the trekking routes to Everest Base Camp and the Everest region commemorating climbers and Sherpas have died on the mountain. These memorials serve as reminders of the risks and challenges associated with climbing Everest and pay tribute to those who have perished while pursuing their dreams. The trail follows on gently up to Lobuche for an overnight stop. Lobuche is a small settlement with several fine good lodges with grand views of Lobuche and Nuptse Peak.

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

Our main and final day of the adventure, as well as the longest high-altitude trek, to complete our major goal. Start the early morning with a slow walk for an hour and then climb over the rocky moraine above the Khumbu glacier. Then down to a flat sandy glacial field at Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest base camp.

Gorakshep is located beneath Mt. Pumori and Kalapatthar rocky scenic peak as well en route to Everest base camp. From Gorakshep few hours of good walk reach you at Everest base camp, after walking through a glaciated path.

At Everest base camp enjoy the dramatic arctic zone of icy landscapes with massif Khumbu Ice-Fall and glacier. An exciting place to experience standing on the foot of Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. During mountaineering expeditions, the base camp is flooded with various nationalities tented camp and commotion.

After achieving the goal of a lifetime, return walk to Gorakshep for the last overnight on the highest spot in the Everest region.

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

Rise up early morning for stunning sunrise views and clear views of surrounding towering snow-capped peaks. Start the climb towards Kalapatthar rocky hilltop, a strenuous haul for a few hours, once on top. Enjoy the glorious sunrise with the closest views of Mt. Everest with adjoining giant peaks, after a refreshing morning climb.

Descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then on the road downhill to Thukla and then to Pheriche Valley for an overnight stay.

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

Enjoy the morning views of Ama Dablam, after breakfast head down to Tengboche. Having a refreshing stop along with the surrounding grand panorama of peaks and serene Sagarmatha National Park at Tengboche, you will descend to the river, Phungi Tenga, and ascend to the trail which takes you to Namche Bazaar. Reaching the junction of Namche Bazaar, Khumjung and the trail to Gokyo, from here onwards an easy pleasant walk to Namche Bazaar.  

Trekking back to Namche Bazaar from higher elevations, such as Everest Base Camp or Dingboche, is a rewarding journey that takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region. The descent involves retracing steps through familiar paths, offering a chance to enjoy the scenery with less exertion compared to the ascent.

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

Walk down to the suspension bridge and cross it to move to the other side of the Dudhkoshi river. You, now, begin to enjoy walking through serene and cool shady trail with local people and mules carrying heavy loads. 

You love crossing thrilling suspension bridges several times and finally arrive at Surke and enjoy this second last day of your Everest Base Camp Budget Trek with your friends and team.

Day 15 : Trek back to Themedanda and drive back to Salleri ( 2362 m),06 hours

If you are travelling in dry seasons like Spring and Winter ( Mar-May and Dec., Jan, and Feb), you can directly drive to Salleri from Surke via Thamdanda wit hour walking from Surke to Thamdanda. If the condition is so, then, you are lucky.

Walk along the riverside and cross the suspension bridge to reach the other side in lower Everest region. After a few hours of walk, you will reach Thamedanda from where you can get jeep drive to Salleri. 

You get the sharing jeep from Thamedanda and drive back to Salleri. 

You will be driving through rocky mountain roads with local village of lower Khumbu region before you get to Salleri.

Arrive at Salleri and stay overnight at local lodge and prepare for the next day's long drive back to Kathmandu from Salleri.

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

Drive via rough country road in the beginning as you leave Salleri for Kathmandu. The road is little bumping and dusty and later it turns to be smooth and via Khurkot and finally through Bhaktapur, you will enter into Kathmandu and check in the hotel. 

Get refreshed with shower, have some snacks and stroll around the city. Attend a beautiful cultural farewell dinner with Haven Holidays Team in the evening.

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