phaplu to Everest Base camp trek 2024-2025

  • Trip Duration21 Days
  • Starting Price (P/P)Contact Us
  • Group Sizeminimum 2 person
  • Trip GradeModerate to Strenuous

Trip Facts

Destination: Nepal

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Transportation: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane

Accommodation: Lodge + Camping

Trek Style: 1

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Destination: Nepal

Trekking Region: Everest

Trek Start Point:  Salleri/Phaplu

Trek End Point: Lukla

Trekking Accommodation:  Teahouse / Camping

Trekking Grade: Medium

Best Season:  March - June / September-November

Max Elevation: 5545m

Duration: 19 Days 

Salleri or Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek Only a few trekkers have trekked through this route, which was recently opened after the construction of a motor road. There are also a few flights a week from Kathmandu to Phaplu. If you don't want to travel a long road drive you can use a flight. Walking from Salleri or Phaplu to Everest Base Camp is an alternative way to start the Everest Base Camp trek without using a flight to Lukla. The trek from Salleri or Phaplu to Everest Base Camp provides an opportunity to explore the most fascinating Solu and Khumbu trekking areas together, hence the route is also called Solukhumbu trekking. There are daily bus and jeep services from Kathmandu to Salleri and Phaplu which take approximately 9-10 hours.

The road makes easy and shortest access by overland to enter the Everest region means before Salleri and Phaplu road construction we need to follow the trek from Jiri bazaar (old transitional route) for the Mount Everest Base Camp trek those who preferred to go trekking starting point by overland which is required long holiday but Salleri and Phaplu route make bit shorter. Driving distance from Kathmandu to Salleri and Phaplu is quite long (275km) but really unique experience to explore the countryside.

If you decide to start the trek from Salleri or Phaplu, you don't have to worry about flight delays, changes in weather, and the dreaded landing at Lukla airport. Everest Base Camp trek through Salleri or Phaplu offers an untouched trail, traditional lifestyle, hospitality of local people, Buddhist monasteries, unique landscapes, snow-capped mountains and landscapes of flora and fauna.

If you are wondering how to reach Lukla from Kathmandu by Bus or Jeep then still it is not possible. If you are looking for alternative flights to Lukla, you will have to take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri and Phaplu, the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. Our itinerary below is designed for traveling from Kathmandu to Salleri and Phaplu by Bus/Jeep and returning from Lukla by flight.

The good news is that now a motor road connects Salleri with Kharikhola and Bupsa, making travel easier for trekkers who want to avoid the flight to Lukla and travel to Everest region on a budget. If you prefer to use an off-road drive between Selleri or Phaplu to Bupsa then you will need to hire a jeep or travel with a local sharing jeep and start your trek from Bupsa. From Bupsa, it is easy to reach Phakding or Lukla by walking for 2 days.

 

The cost of hiring a Mahindra Scorpio/Tata Sumo private Jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri, Phaplu (About9- 10 hours drive) is U$290 per jeep. And from Kathmandu to Bupsa-Thamdanda (About 12-14 hours drive) is U$490 per jeep. Please contact us if you are interested in using a jeep instead of walking from Salleri or Phaplu or don't want to use a flight from Lukla after the trek.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01April 06,: Arrive KathmanduAfter you arrive in Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport please check our company board outside the main gate there will be our airport representative you will meet with him and he will transferred to hotel by private vehicle and our representative will help you to check-in your hotel after that if time enough, representative will take you to our office for short briefing about the trip but if not enough time then give a short trip brief in hotel and request to pay the due balance for the trip. Overnight at Hotel

Day 02April07, Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation After hot breakfast, Kathmandu visits Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa which are all World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square throws light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage places for all Hindus religion. Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. Late in the afternoon, we introduced you to your mountain/trek guide. Overnight at Hotel

Day 03April08: Kathmandu drive to Salleri and Phaplu (2469m) Early in the morning, we start to drive from Kathmandu to Salleri in a local Jeep/bus . It is a long drive but the road is nice. It is newly constructed road. During the drive, we can view the panoramas of Riverside, jungle, wonderful landscape and the scattered villages. We cross the bridge at Sunkoshi River and continue through Okhaldhunga. On the way, we can see the incredible peaks as Dudhkunda (Numpur Himal), Everest and others.Then it is a continual drive up and up, which takes us to the district of Solukhumbu, Salleri and Phaplu. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge. We stay overnight at teahouse.

Day 04April09: Phaplu to Ghumne( Sherpa village)2860m ,We stay overnight at Tent

Day 05April10: Trek to Yotelmya(Bhotekharka)2745m ,We stay overnight at Tent

Day 06April11: Trek to Thulodhunga 1850m,we stay overnight at Tent

Day 07April 12: Rest and village excursion day ,we stay overnight at Tent

Day 08April13: Trek or drive to Bupsa (2360m) Today trek from Thulodhunga the descent continues to the Dudh Kosi (‘Milk River’) and cross this river using a 109m long suspension bridge (1510m) then climbs out of the river valley through fields of barley, wheat and corn to the sprawling Rai village of Jubing (1680m). We continue to climb up a ridge to a Sherpa, Rai village named Khari Khola (2010m). After cross the suspension bridge at Khari Khola then trail ascent with pass some water driven mills then continue climb to Bupsa (2360m) overnight at teahouse

Day 09April14: Bupsa trek to Chablung/Chheplung (2700m) Today trek starts with a gentle climb, passing the village of Kharte and continues on through forests inhabited by monkeys. From this part of the trek we can admire views of Cho Oyu (8153m). We keep climbing the ridge till we reach the teashop on Khari La pass at 2840m. From the pass, the trail descents into the deep canyon of paiya Khola. After crossing bridge we reach the small settlement of Puiyan (2770m). The trail climbs up and down for about an hour after Puiyan to a ridge that offers a good view of the Khumbu region and then descents about 500m towards Surke (2290m). Continuing our trail upwards again, we climb through a jumble of boulders, passing some wonderful mani walls until we reach at Chablung (2700m). Overnight at teahouse

Day 10April15: Chablung trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) The trail drops steeply for bit then descends to Thado Khosi gaon there is suspension bridge that you have to cross after that you see the head of the valley Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6367m). After bridge climbs bit to reach at Ghat (2590m) on banks of the Dudh Koshi River just short visit at monastery then little easy walk then after climb again to reach at Phakding (2610m) after that the trail we cross the Dudh Koshi river and climb gently the valley to Toktak (2760m) and Benkar (2710m) The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring months, when the flowers are in bloom and also you will see the beautiful waterfall. We will see the snow-capped peak of Thamserku (6623m) & Khumbi La (5765m) at Benkar. We cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar. From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2840m). Just beyond the Monjo trek enters the Sagarnatha (Everest) national park where you need to check your permits. After checking the permits the trail steep rocky descend to large farm aftermath cross bridge at Dudh Kosi and follow the west banks. Just short distance up the river is Jorsale (2830m). The trail follows the river for a while, then re-crosses the Dudh Koshi along the river bank and after short ups and downs, makes a steep climb near the confluence of the two rivers (Bhote Koshi & Dush Koshi) then little climb and re-crosses bridge at Dudh Koshi after that the trail follows steeply ascent towards the Namche Bazaar(3440m). One hour before arrive Namche Bazaar from where we may see the Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7879m) first time in your life. Namache bazaar is gate way to khambu. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La pass. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 11 April16: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m) Acclimatization is most important before heading higher. Most off the trekker’s acclimatization at Namche on their trek schedule. Today you may excursion either Thame village or viewpoint as your wish but better to consult with your guide regarding the day trip earlier night. If you prefer to Thame it takes approximately 7/8 hours walking both way go and return to Namche. it is popular for visiting Thame monastery but most of the trekker’s choose the easy option just to go Viewpoint in the stand point of splendid view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Lhotse shar (8382m), Nuptse (7879m), peak- 38(7591m), Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum kangaru (6367), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche peak (6495m), Khumbi La (5765m) and Kwangde Ri (6011m) etc. overnight at teahouse.

Day 12April17: Namche Bazaar trek to Tangboche (3867m) Today the trail at first slightly climb up for a while up to the Chor camp at Namche Bazzar then continue easy level walk to kyangjuma 3550m. Along the way from chor camp at Namche bazaar to kyangjuma you may enjoy incredible view of Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Lhotse shar (8382m), Nuptse (7879m), peak- 38(7591m), Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum kangaru (6367), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche peak (6495m), Khumbi La (5765m) and Kwangde Ri (6011m). From kyangjuma the trail follows for a while easy level walk through Rhododendron forest to sanasa .There is two way from where one way left hand side leads to the Gokyo valley trek and another way right hand side leads to the direct Everest base camp trek. From sanasa the trail descends gradually through pine forest to lausasa where there are a few teahouses aftermath the trail drops steeply through the pine and Rhododendron forest to Phungi thanga, a small settlement on the river banks of the Dudh kosi at 3250m. The trail climbs steeply at beginning then a gradual ascent through blue pine and Rhododendron forest at the hill top of Tengboche Monastery at 3867m. The view of sunset and sunrise as well as magnificent view of the Mt. Everest including other Himalayas form Tengboche probably most amazing during your treks. Tengboche monastery is one of the beautiful monasteries in solu khumbu area as well as the religious center of the whole ‘Sherpa land ‘entire solu khumbu area. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 13April18: Tengboche trek to Dingboche (4410m) From Tengboche the trail at first descent to Deboche (3820m) through a forest of birches, juniper, conifers and rhododendrons. There is a small settlement as well as monastery at Deboche. The level trail further ahead from Deboche to Imja khola passes many mani walls in a deep rhododendron forest. Along the way from Tengboche before crossing Imja khola you can often see the musk deer, pheasant (national birds of Nepal) and blue sheep etc. After crossing the Imja khola the trail climbs past some magnificently carved mani stones to lower pangboche (3930m). Beyond pangboche the trail lead level and gradually up to somare (4010m) then level walk to orsho (4190m). There are two trails further ahead from orsho whereas one trail higher up left hand side leads to Pheriche and lower trail right hand side above Imja khola leads gradually ascend to Dingboche (4410m).during the day you can see amazing views of Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Lhotse shar (8382m), Nuptse (7879m), peak- 38(7591m), Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum kangaru (6367), Cholaste (6335m) and Island (6189m) overnight at teahouse.

Day 14April19: Dingboche trek to Lobuche (4910m) From Dingbouche the trail follows through farmlands and meadows before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier then you will reach at Dughla (4620m) after that continues rocky steeply climb uphill to Dughla Pass (4830m) from whereas you can see the lots of stone memorials of climbers who have perished on nearby summits. You can see magnificent views including Mt. Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Cholaste (6335m), Lobuche east (6090m), Pumori (7165m), Lingtren (6713m), Khumbutse (6639m)and Nuptse (7879m) etc. Beyond the Dughla Pass the trail gently climb up and drops a bit then continue level walk to Loboche (4910m). Overnight at teahouse

Day 15April20: Lobuche trek to Gorak Shep (5140m) & Everest base camp (5364m) Today, the trail follows western side of khumbu valley ascends gently through meadows nearby the glacial moraine after that ascends and descends in the rocky path with some rounding the bands. Along the way you can enjoy incredible views of Pumori (7167m) Lingtren (6713m), Khumbutse (6639m), Nuptse (7879m), Lobuche east (6090m) as well as Khumbu glacier and icefall. After finishing several bands you will a bit descends to Gorak Shep (5140m). After reaching Gorak Shep you may have your lunch and leave your bag pack at teahouse then start your journey to Everest base camp (5364m). You will spend about 4 and half hours trek up to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak shep. The trek trail is on glacier and snowcapped rocks. You can also see many small frozen lakes around the Everest Base Camp. There are several mountains including Pumori (7165m), Lingtren (6713m), Khumbutse (6639m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8516m) but you can’t see the mount Everest (8848m) from Everest base camp although you will see it along the trail. The most impressive view from Everest base camp is the Khumbu icefall. After enjoying beautiful moment at the Everest base camp then return back to Gorak Shep. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 16April21: Gorak Shep Hike to Kala Pattar (5545m) then trek to Pheriche (4260m) Today early in the morning from Gorak shep hike up to Kala patter for magnificent view of the numerous Himalaya as well as breathtaking view of sunrise. The trail from Gorak sheep to Kala patter at the beginning steep climb up approximately half an hour reach the flat land where have been attending Nepal government cabinet meeting regarding the issue of the global warming in 2009.it was first cabinet meeting in such a high place in the world. Aftermath the trail steep climb with lots of bends finally you reach at kala patter after that about 50 meters steeply with rocky climbing to summit the main Kala pattar (5545m). Today you may see excellent view of sunrise on the Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7879m), Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum kangaru (6367), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche peak(6495m) Lobuche peak (6090m) , Lingtren (6713m), Khumbutse (6639m), Lho La ,south col, changste as well as Everest base camp, Khumbu Icefall and few lake. Once you are at the kala pattar you may feel you are touching Mt. pumori and close-up view Mt. Everest. Finally the dream comes in true then will return back to Gorak shep have a breakfast continue trek heading down through Lobuche and Dughla. Little further from Dughla you will cross the river comes from Everest base camp and khumbu icefall then you will meet two trail where one way left hand side goes to Dingboche and lower one right hand side goes to Pheriche . From here easy walk in the valley to pheriche (4260m). Overnight at teahouse.

Day 17April22: Pheriche trek to Tengboche (3867m) From Pheriche at first the trail leads level walk in the valley for a while then descent to Imja Khola and cross a bridge then ascend to the hill where is a few stone memorials of climbers. After that the trail leads slightly descends to Orhso continue level walk to Somare then slightly descents and a bit ascend for a while then level walk to two way junction where one trail higher right hand side goes to Phortse village via upper Pangboche and another lower trail left hand side goes to Tengboche through lower Pangboche. Beyond pangboche the trail descends past some magnificently carved mani stones to the Imja Khola, which we cross via a steel suspension bridge high above the river at a spot where it rushes through a narrow cleft then to Debache and a short steep climb to Tengboche through a forest of birches conifers and rhododendrons. Finally you reach at Tengboche(3867m). You may enjoy the breathtaking view of sunset and sunrise as well as magnificent view of the Mt. Everest including other Himalayas from Tengboche. Tengboche monastery is one of the beautiful monasteries in solu khumbu area as well as the religious center of the whole ‘Sherpa land ‘entire solu khumbu area. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 18April23: Tengboche trek to Monjo (2835m) Today we trek back along the Dudh Kosi River through a magnificent rhododendron forest and past brilliant waterfalls. Shortly before reaching Namche, the trek takes us through a pine forest, where musk deer often graze in the early morning. Arriving in town, we may see lowland porters, highland Sherpas, and Tibetan people and again you reach in Namche bazaar. After Namche the trail descend to Larja dobhan (confluence of two rivers) though the pine forests before you reach at Larja Dobhan you may get last opportunity to see Mt. Everest and Lhotse. After cross the bridge at Larja Dobhan the trail descends for while and then walk along the Dudh Koshi River. Re-cross the Dudh Koshi continue level walk to Jorsale. Beyond the Jorsale the trail leads a bit ascend after that re-crosses the suspension bridge then short steep climb to Monjo (2835m) overnight at teahouse.

Day 19April24: Monjo trek to Lukla(2840m) From Monjo the trail leads descends for a while and cross Dudh kosi over the suspension bridge then short easy level walk to Benkar. After Benker the trail follows a bit up and down and level walk along the Dush kosi valley then after re-crossing the suspension bridge you reach at Phakding (2610m). Beyond Phakding the trail follows a short descends continue level walk for a while then short steep climb up passes several Buddhist setups at Ghat village. Aftermath short steep climb up to Thado kosi and a bit descends re-cross the small bridge then climb up a short distance after that finally you re-crosses last long suspension bridge of your trek. The trail after the long suspension bridge follows the up wards route as far as Chablung, then turns off towards Lukla. The broad trail at Chablung leading uphill to the left hand side climbs steadily past a few (bhattis) local inn and houses. From there the trail follows through scrub forest above the school and houses of Chaurikharka village then final climb up of your trek about half and hour reach lukla Tamang tole where a new settlement with houses and Bhattis then short distance walk to approach to Hotel close by Lukla airport. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 20April25: Lukla flight to Kathmandu (1350m) In the morning, we take the tiny aircraft to flight from Lukla to Kathmandu which is very interesting scenery flight journey on the earth. After arrival in Kathmandu airport we drive you to hotel. Overnight at Hotel

Day 21April26: Reserve Day in Kathmandu Lukla gets occasional flight delays during the main season. This may cause missing your international flights as well, so we recommend you to prepare accordingly. Lukla suffers from quick weather changes and that may affect inbound and outbound flights. We reserved this day for possible flight delays. If we have a timely flight on DAY 17, we can use this day for rest in Kathmandu. You can shop around local markets and walk around the city. Overnight at Hotel

Day 22April 27 : Depart Kathmandu After breakfast, End of our services with departure transfer to the Kathmandu airport to board flight for your onward destination

Cost Include

 

PRICE INCLUDES:-

  • Airport pick up and airport drop by private transportation including before and after the trek
  • One welcome dinner  on your arrival day and farewell dinner on your last day.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (2 and above participants get twin sharing room)
  • Historical monument city sightseeing with a tour guide
  • Historical monuments city sightseeing transportation by Non A/C Comfortable Vehicle
  • Kathmandu to Salleri/Phaplu Overland transportation by local Jeep
  • Domestic air tickets from Lukla to Kathmandu for guests, guide and porter
  • Trekking accommodation in normal Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse (2 and above participants get twin sharing room)
  • Three time meals a day during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner/Main course
  • Dessert (Fresh Fruits/Chocolate) after dinner on behalf of the company
  • One Experienced English-speaking, government licensed and ministry of tourism trained trekking guide and his food, accommodation, and salary
  • Porters from Kathmandu to carry your luggage while trekking (Two guests get one porter carrying a maximum of 25 kg of luggage)
  • Everest / Sagarmatha National park entry fee
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee
  • Insurance for Nepalese staff (Trekking guide and Porters)
  • Nepal Government taxes and office service charge

 

PRICE EXCLUDES:-

  • Lunch and Dinner during the stay in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • International air tickets and airport taxes
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Personal trekking equipment and Clothing
  • Wire Transfer charge or Credit card service charge as company rule
  • Alcoholic beverages, laundry, Telephone calls and all types of hot drinks in Trekking
  • Soft drinks such as cola, mineral water etc
  • Hot water, battery charge and hot shower charge during the trek (If need to pay)
  • Personal nature expenses and Tipping (Tips)
  • High risk medical / travel insurance and First aid kit
  • Expenses resulting from delays beyond our control in case of weather, flight cancellations, or natural calamities
  • Emergency rescue evacuation (if needed)
  • Any other things not mentioned 

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