No of people | Price per person |
---|---|
2 - 4 | $985 |
6 - 10 | $945 |
12 - 16 | $905 |
Everest Base Camp Budget Trek can be done all round the year, except for wet monsoon times from mid-June to August. The best seasons are spring and autumn/fall, the peak time for trekking and other adventures around the Himalayas.
Springtime begins from March onward to May, when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom. The day is much longer full of sunshine, and can get cloudy in the afternoon sometimes. Chances of light rain and snow during the treks sometimes. However, sunny days for views, pleasant walks, cold mornings, late afternoons, and nighttime.
The next best time is autumn/fall, days are mostly clear with enough sunshine, but shorter days are due to sunlight hours. Cold mornings and nighttime can get snowed sometimes, with shorter days due to sunlight hours.
Interested people can trek during winter times from December to February, most days are crystal clear for views and walks. But shorter sunlight hours, much cold morning, late afternoon, and nighttime. You can expect snowfall sometimes during wintertime.
If you want to know some more authentic details about Weather in Nepal, weather-in-Nepal
High altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when our body is not adapting well to having less atmospheric pressure and oxygen at high altitudes. It typically affects individuals who are not acclimatized to high altitudes and can be potentially dangerous if progresses to more severe forms without treatment.
Low Atmospheric Pressure: The decrease in atmospheric pressure is primarily due to the thinner air at high altitudes. Low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes has several effects on the human body and develops altitude illness.
Less Oxygen: The primary factor in altitude sickness, oxygen pressure becomes thinner at higher altitudes. This leads to hypoxia, in this condition body tissues have inadequate oxygen.
Rapid Ascent: Ascending to high altitude rapidly does not give your body enough time to adjust to the changing altitude and the reduced oxygen levels.
People type and search for things to know before deciding on a trip to Nepal on Google and other social media platforms and find several posts about the topic. Though you are fed several pieces of information about things you should do before deciding on a trip to Nepal, you have to be very selective about the authentic ones. If you go haphazardly through the article and the information, you may be misled while travelling in Nepal and before deciding on a trip to Nepal. Ultimately, your vacation trip will be nasty. So, you must be very watchful about the must-know things to know before departing to Nepal from your country.
Various things are must-know things before deciding a trip to Nepal but a few things are much more important things to know before departing from your country. There are must-know things before deciding on a trip to Nepal. They are Weather Conditions, Geography and Culture, Currency, Food and Accommodation and Health and Securities. Now, let’s talk must know things before deciding a trip to Nepal.
A small landlocked country situated between China and India, covering 0.03% of the whole continent, is Nepal. Also known as the land of the Himalayas, Nepal is a treasure cove for adventure activities. Eight of the fourteen highest mountains above the height of 8000m lie here. Trekkers are bound to come across countless forests, gushing rivers, turquoise lakes, and sparkling glaciers on the trekking routes. More: Nepal Travel Info will give you more authentic information about your travelling in Nepal.
Many people may not know the tips to make a trekking or tour day productive and they waste their valuable time haphazardly with chaotic schedule.
Yes, you are on the vacation and you must make each second, each minute, each hour and each day very fruitful and highly productive. Otherwise, you will just wander aimlessly with a big mess and ultimately, you will spoil your entire trip.
Visit us at 30 Tips to make Day-Trek or Day-Tour Productive and turn your special vacation day a memorable and very fruitful.
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 Swyombhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan.
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.
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.
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.
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 Tharmasarku peaks, at Namche Bazaar check into a nice lodge for two overnights stay.
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 metres (22,349 ft), Tharmasarku 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.
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.
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.
A great scenic spot Dingboche for another pleasant rest, enjoy the morning hike on top of Nakarjung hill. Offers a grand panorama of snow-capped peaks that surround the beautiful Imjatse Valley. From the top ridge of Nakarjung 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.
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 Thugla. A small settlement with few huts serves as tea houses and restaurants, a possible lunch stop before the trek up to Lobuche.
Thugla 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 Thugla 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.
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 Kalapathar 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.
Rise up early morning for stunning sunrise views and clear views of surrounding towering snow-capped peaks. Start the climb towards Kalapathar's 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.
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.
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.
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 withour walking from Surke to Thamdanda. If the condistion is so, then, you are lucky.
Walk along the riverside and cross the supension bride 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.
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.
I recently completed the Everest Base Camp Trek without flying with Haven Holidays, and it was an incredible experience! The trek started with a scenic drive to Salleri, allowing us to experience Nepal’s stunning countryside and avoid the unpredictable Lukla flights. While the trek was longer than the traditional route, it provided a more immersive experience with fewer crowds in the early days. Our guide was outstanding—knowledgeable, patient, and always making sure we were comfortable. The teahouses along the way were well-chosen, offering great hospitality and warm meals. The gradual ascent helped with acclimatization, and I felt much stronger reaching Base Camp compared to my previous trek where I flew to Lukla. For anyone looking for an alternative way to reach Everest Base Camp while enjoying more of Nepal’s beauty, I highly recommend this trek with Haven Holidays. It was an adventure of a lifetime.
Avoiding Lukla flights was the best decision I made for my Everest Base Camp trek! Haven Holidays organized everything perfectly, from the jeep ride to Phaplu to the well-paced itinerary. The extra days of trekking before reaching the main trail made a huge difference in my acclimatization and overall endurance. What stood out the most was the incredible service—our guide and porters were professional, friendly, and made sure we had the best experience. The trek was challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking landscapes, welcoming Sherpa villages, and awe-inspiring views of Everest and its surrounding peaks. If you're looking for a well-organized, hassle-free trek to Everest Base Camp without the stress of flying, I can't recommend Haven Holidays enough.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp without flying was a unique and rewarding experience! Instead of dealing with flight delays and cancellations at Lukla, Haven Holidays arranged a comfortable drive to Salleri, allowing us to explore the lower Solu region before connecting with the classic EBC route. The trek had everything—lush forests, traditional Sherpa villages, and stunning mountain views. It was more challenging than the standard route, but the gradual elevation gain helped me acclimate better. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the culture and mountains along the way. If you want a less commercialized and more adventurous trek to Everest Base Camp, this is the perfect option. Haven Holidays made sure everything was seamless, and I would absolutely do it again.
To avoid flying to Lukla, use the following options:
Overland Journey to Salleri or Phaplu: Make a journey from Kathmandu to Salleri or Phaplu via jeep, approximately 8 to 9 hours. Trek for approximately 3 to 4 days from there to meet the main Everest Base Camp trail to Namche Bazaar.
Jeep to Thamdanda or Surke: Take a jeep directly to Thamdanda and trek for approximately 8 hours to Lukla. You can also go directly to Phakding without ascending to Lukla if you go Thamdanda or Surke from Kathmandu by jeep. This choice avoids the flight completely.
Classic Jiri Route: Travel by bus or jeep to Jiri or Shivalaya and begin the trek from there. This is the longer, more culturally interesting original route.
These choices not only avoid potential flight delays but also enable one to appreciate the local culture and landscape more.
No, if you drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda by jeep, then you do not need to walk to Lukla. Thamdanda is also a starting point for Everest region treks. It is an 8-hour trek from Thamdanda to reach Lukla but you can skip Lukla town and go directly to Chheplung next to Lukla and then to Phakding.
This route allows trekkers to experience the local culture and scenery without flying to Lukla. The jeep journey to Thamdanda takes 16 to 17 hours, covering a distance of approximately 358 kilometers.
Flight fares from Kathmandu to Lukla are determined by the traveler's nationality:
Nepali Citizens: Approximately NPR 5,500 per person.
Indian Citizens: Around INR 8,370 to INR 9,185 per person.
Foreign Nationals: Approximately $180 per person from Ramechhap and $230 from Kathmandu
These flights offer a quick 25 to 35-minute journey, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas.
The most popular mode of transport to travel to Salleri from Kathmandu is a jeep, particularly if you are heading to the Everest region. The cost varies if you use a shared or private jeep:
Shared Jeep: A seat in a shared jeep will generally cost NPR 3,000 to NPR 3,500 per individual.
Private Jeep: Renting an entire jeep can range from $310 to $450, accommodating up to 7 passengers.
The journey covers approximately 270 kilometers and takes about 8 to 9 hours, depending on road conditions.
The cost of a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Thamdanda or Surke varies depending on type of service (shared or private), time of year, and fuel prices. A shared jeep trip typically costs between NPR 5,000 to 8,500 (approximately USD 50 to 70) per person. During holiday periods like Dashain and Tihar, prices can be higher due to more demand and less return passengers. Private jeep hires can be in the range of NPR 65,000 to 90,000 (approximately USD 650 to 750), which can carry 8 to 10 passengers.
The road from Kathmandu to Thamdanda and Surke is mixed as far as condition. The initial section to Salleri is well blacktopped and paved, with a smooth ride. After Salleri, the road becomes more challenging and harder, with off-road segments requiring a 4WD car. Heavy monsoon rains can bring landslides and render some sections of the road impassable or very challenging. Tourists should prepare for a rough and thrilling ride, especially after Salleri.