Can I do the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight to Lukla?

Trek to Everest Base Camp without flying to Lukla Airport

For many trekkers around the world, flying to Lukla serves as the starting point for the classicEverest Base Camp Trek.However, can I do the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight to Lukla? Recently, this question has become the most common one we receive from our clients. Trekking to Everest Base Camp without a flight to Lukla means avoiding the hassles of flight delays, cancellations, and the anxiety of landing at the world’s most dangerous airport.

Trace the legendary footsteps of icons like Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary to explore the Everest Region from the base to the summit of Everest. This traditional route offers scenic views of the lower Everest Region and brings you close to the mighty 8000-meter peaks, including Mount Everest. Starting from the lower part of the Everest Region allows for more time to acclimatize, reducing the risk of altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Overall, the trek to Everest Base Camp without flying to Lukla rewards you with a more scenic experience in Khumbu. The journey enables you to immerse yourself in and learn about the Sherpa community right from the lower part of the region. Additionally, choosing this trek is the best way to avoid the crowded pathways along the route.

Why choose the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight to Lukla?

• Easy access to the Khumbu Region without taking a nerve-wracking flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
• You can avoid the Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Ticket Price both ways.
• Deep insights into the Khumbu as you can explore from the bottom of the Region.
• Excellent opportunity to stay away from the crowd who want to do the regular Everest Base Camp Trek.
• It is an alternative EBC Trek by road, which is equally thrilling and adventurous.
• No stress of excessive luggage or baggage while traveling to EBC by road.

Traveling from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by Road

Are you still wondering how to get to Everest Base Camp by road? Yes, it is possible to trek to EBC via road. First, drive from Kathmandu to Thamsanda via Salleri in a shared or private jeep. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours to reach Salleri from the Kathmandu Valley. Then, from Salleri, another 4-5 hours of driving will take you to Thamdanda. From Thamdanda, the trek begins, following the regular EBC Trek route to Phakding and onward to Everest Base Camp. After successfully hiking to Everest Base Camp, you will retrace the same route back to Surke, where you will again drive to Kathmandu via Thamdanda and Salleri in a jeep. This way, you can effectively travel from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by road.

Challenges of the Everest Trek by Overland Jeep

While the Everest Base Camp Trek by road offers many rewards and benefits, it's essential to be aware of the challenges as well. The jeep journey from Kathmandu to Salleri can be lengthy and exhausting as it traverses rough highways. Additionally, as you gain elevation, the trek itself involves many ups and downs. The drive can already wear you out after two consecutive days of bumpy travel.

Besides the long jeep ride, the itinerary for the EBC Trek by road is longer than the standard 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek. It takes about 16-17 days to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight to Lukla. Furthermore, the hike from Gorakshep to Kalapathar is challenging due to the rugged and rocky trail.

Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Route Map & Itinerary

The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, which is the starting and ending point of this trek.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (2300m, 8-9 hours)

Day 03: Drive from Salleri to Thamdanda (2344m, 4-5 hours)

Day 04: Trek from Thamdanda to Phakding (2650m, 5-6 hours)

Day 05: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3440m, 5-6 hours)

Day 06: Acclimatization at Namche

Day 07: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3860m, 5-6 hours)

Day 08: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4400m, 5-6 hours)

Day 09: Acclimatization at Dingboche

Day 10: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4900m, 4-5 hours)

Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5100m) and hike to EBC (5364m)

Day 12: Hike to Kala Patthar (5545m, 2-3 hours) and Trek down to Pheriche (4200m, 5-6 hours)

Day 13: Trek from Pheriche to Namche (3440m, 5-6 hours)

Day 14: Trek from Namche to Surke (2500m, 5-6 hours)

Day 15: Trek from Surke to Thamdanda and drive to Salleri (2300m, 7-8 hours)

Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu

Day 17-18: Departure

EBC Trek with Lukla Flight Vs EBC Trek without Flight to Lukla

Well, EBC Trek with Lukla flight vs without Lukla flight has a few advantages and disadvantages respectively. When you directly fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, it shortens your Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. If the flight operates on time without any delays, you can even do the 10-Day Everest Base Camp Trek. Whereas, without flying to Lukla, you need at least 15-16 days with acclimatization. People who are short on time can’t do the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight to Lukla. Likewise, the regular EBC Trek with Lukla flight can be a bit difficult in terms of altitude, as you will already be around 3000 meters on the first day. Whereas, by driving to Salleri from Kathmandu, you will get enough time to acclimatize and have less risk of getting altitude sickness.

Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek without flying

The Everest Base Camp Trek Without Lukla Flight costs vary from USD 1249 to USD 1800 per person. The cost varies based on the service we provide to our valuable clients, including a sherpa guide, accommodations, transportation, meals, and other logistical aspects. Also, if you have a group of friends or family, then you can get a certain amount of discount on the Everest Base Camp Trek cost.

FAQs

Is there any alternative to the Kathmandu to Lukla flight?

Yes, there is an alternative way to reach Lukla: Helicopter Flight from Kathmandu or Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri and trek to Lukla.

Can I reach Lukla from Kathmandu by road?

Yes, you can reach Lukla from Kathmandu by road. However, it takes an extra 1-2 days by car from Kathmandu to Thamdanda via Salleri.

Can the Everest Base Camp Trek be done without flying to Lukla Airport?

Yes, it is possible to do the EBC Trek without flying to Lukla Airport. At first, drive to Thamdanda for 2 days and trek to Phakding to join the regular EBC Trek route.

What is the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri?

The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri starts from USD 1299 per person, depending on the season, group size, itinerary, and other factors.

Final Thoughts

In summary, after knowing, can I do the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight to Lukla? You can choose the trip that suits your interests, budget, and challenges you want to take. Taking the regular Everest Base Camp Trek poses its challenges of flight delays and disruptions. Meanwhile, the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight can be long, but rewarding at the same time. The choice is yours, and the rest of the planning and arrangement you can leave it to our hands, Overland Trek Nepal. We are experts in organizing several treks in the Everest Region. For more details, feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779851138871.