18 Days
8
Challenging
Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov)
This splendid classic Everest Base Camp Trek, which follows the footsteps of the earliest climbers and trekkers, doesn’t have the internal flights. It is a perfect fit for those who want to avoid the famous Lukla flights. Since no flights are involved and a jeep drive is taken, we don’t have to worry about the unexpected bad weather which usually hampers the Lukla flights. As we start the trek from lower altitude than Lukla and have many days before we reach Everest Base Camp, this trek is best from the acclimatization standpoint.
We start the trip from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, in a jeep. The jeep goes through various highways and the last one being the Everest Highway which connects to Chaurikharka village, just a little ahead of Lukla. Our first stop is at Salleri. From here, we take a drive through a dirt road until Nunthala; and from this point, we will start our trek to Everest. In this multi-day classic Everest base camp trek, we will pass through Namche Bazaar (the Sherpa capital), Tengboche Monastery (the largest in the region), Lobuche, Gorakshep and finally reach Everest Base Camp. This is the closest we get to Mt Everest without mountaineering equipment. There is an optional hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek. And then it is a downward trek to Nunthala and a long ride to Kathmandu.
Itinerary
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and he will be displaying an Trekking Top Nepal signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Note: There will be a pre-trek meeting. During the meeting we will introduce you to your trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about the trek. We will also supply you with our trek Duffel Bag and cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. We will ask you to sign a legally binding trip form as well as a non-liability disclaimer.
Overnight at a boutique hotel.
Wake up, refresh yourself and have your breakfast. We will start the jeep drive to Salleri early in the morning. It will take us 11 hours or more depending upon the road traffic. The road is newly constructed and will be connected up until Chaurikharka and called the Everest Highway. On our long drive through the Himalayan foothills, we will be greeted with splendid views.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
The road isn’t in a good condition as like in the city. It is a dirt road. Expect a bumpy ride. You might even have to walk at a few places to get to Nunthala. So be prepared for that. After Nunthala, it is a seven-hour walk to Paiyun. We will go down to the Dudh Koshi River. The trail is mostly ups and downs. We will see mountain peaks such as Numbur, Pikey, etc along the way.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We will descend down to Surkhe village, which is an hour or so behind Lukla. From Surkhe, we will take a winding trail and arrive at Choplung. This is a point where the path from Lukla meets the main Everest Base Camp trail. After a few hours of gradual walking, we will reach our destination village of Phakding.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the Gateway to Everest, is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, Internet cafes and a bakery. Namche is the largest village along the entire Everest trail.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We also hike up the Syangboche Airport near the Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We’ll have trekked to an altitude of 3,860 m upon reaching Tengboche. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony either in the evening or in the morning depending on how the trekking goes this day.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. We take our time, so we avoid getting affected by the altitude.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
This day is planned as acclimatization day. We don’t make progress towards Everest Base Camp. Instead we will take a hike to Nangkartshang peak just above Dingboche. The peak is an excellent view point. Especially of the gorgeous Ama Dablam. If weather is clear, we will get to see Ama Dablam from its summit to its feet. You can spend the afternoon strolling around the village or resting.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Today, the trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. We continue to climb as we are heading to the village of Lobuche which is located at the foot of giant Lobuche peak. Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
This is a big and difficult day walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5,365 m, the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. During spring, there will likely be expedition teams about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak Shep for the night.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of the morning is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patthar, a small peak at 5,555 m. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8,848 m, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the giants such as Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorak Shep and have hot breakfast, and then trek down to Pheriche.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Leaving the mountains behind us, our descent takes us through Pangboche and Tengboche before continuing to the town of Namche Bazaar. We arrive back to Namche in the afternoon.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
At first we will walk down the last part which we climbed so hard on the day when we reached Namche Bazaar on the way up. Then it is an easy walk to Phakding where we will have our lunch. From this point, the trail slowly climbs towards Lukla. It is the gateway to Everest for those who choose to take flights.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We will start today’s walk by descending down to Surkhe. After Surkhe, the trail goes quite steep up to Cheubas. We will walk slightly upwards for some time and then we will take a mostly downhill trail to our destination village of Khari Khola.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After a hearty breakfast, we will take a trail down to Tubing. We will pass through Junbesi and reach the Dudh Koshi River. Then, from here onwards, we will make an uphill walk to Nunthala.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We will hop onto a jeep for our long drive to Kathmandu. The road isn’t exactly in a good condition; it is a bumpy ride in many places, so be prepared for it.
Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Breakfast included.
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle
- Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (2 nights)
- Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (15 nights)
- All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff
- Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek)
- Jeep transfer from Kathmandu to Salleri to Nunthala and from Nunthala to Salleri to Kathmandu
- Free duffel/kit bag and sun hat (yours to keep)
- All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
- Official expenses
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Nepal entry visa; you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 25 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 40 and 100 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
- Personal trekking equipment (Click on the Equipment tab.)
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
- Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section
Notes
- Public transportation nearby
Here’s what travellers should know before booking the 18-day Classic Everest Base Camp Trek (without flight), which typically follows the Jiri to Everest Base Camp route:
1. Itinerary Overview
- Route: Starts from Jiri (or Bhandar) and joins the regular EBC trail at Phakding/Namche.
- Duration: ~18 days total; longer due to trekking overland instead of flying to Lukla.
- Trekking Days: Around 14–16 days, with acclimatization stops.
2. Why Choose the Classic Route?
- Scenic Diversity: Lush forests, terraced fields, and Sherpa villages before reaching alpine terrain.
- Cultural Richness: More interaction with local communities in the lower Solukhumbu region.
- Less Crowded Start: Quieter trails until Namche Bazaar.
3. No Flight to Lukla
- Overland Drive: 8–10 hours drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead (Jiri or Bhandar) by local bus or jeep.
- Weather-Proof Option: Avoids common Lukla flight delays or cancellations due to weather.
4. Physical Preparation & Difficulty
- Strenuous Trek: Requires good fitness; 5–8 hours walking daily, with several steep ascents.
- High Altitude: Maximum elevation of 5,545 m at Kala Patthar.
- Acclimatization: A well-planned itinerary helps reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
5. Accommodation & Food
- Teahouse Lodging: Basic but comfortable; limited options in remote villages.
- Food: Simple local and international meals (dal bhat, noodles, soup, etc.); prices rise with altitude.
6. Permits Required
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
7. Cost Factors
- Includes: guide, permits, meals, lodging, drive to trailhead, porter (optional).
- Excludes: personal insurance, tips, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and battery charging.
8. What to Pack
- Layered clothing, a sleeping bag (good to -10°C), trekking boots, a headlamp, water purification, and first-aid essentials.
9. Best Time to Trek
- Spring (Mar.–May) and autumn (Sept.–Nov.) offer clear skies, stable weather, and ideal conditions.
- Avoid monsoon (Jun–Aug) and winter (Dec–Feb) unless prepared for challenges.
10. Book With a Trusted Local Company
- Ensure they provide experienced guides, a detailed itinerary, emergency support, and transparent costs.
What do I need to bring?
The following gives you a general idea of the trekking equipment and clothing needed for this trek.
This is a porter-supported trek. Two clients share one porter. We will supply you with a trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items, and this bag is carried by the porter. You will need to bring your own daypack to be carried by you. In the daypack, you can put money, important documents, a water bottle/bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, etc. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the Kathmandu hotel.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be returned after the trek.)
- Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary duffel bag, which is yours to keep.)
- Daypack
- Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes above 4,000 m; We can provide it if you need one, but has to be returned after the trek.)
Upper Body
- Sun hat
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (For women)
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft and shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek.). However we still recommend you bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Misc
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of your flight.)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
+977 9851190991
