The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. For many years everything started with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and whilst certainly convenient, it has often meant many headaches, as flights are often delayed or canceled due to the fickle mountain weather. There are also weight restrictions for luggage, and tickets are expensive. For those wanting an alternative, there is now a road-based trek to Everest Base Camp. The road-based trek involves a jeep drive to a location where it then joins the classic Everest trail. Although it is longer, it ultimately feels more reliable, allows for gradual acclimatization, and offers a greater immersion in the culture.
Step 1: Starting the Journey from Kathmandu
The trek starts with a jeep journey from Kathmandu to Thamdanda or Paiya. Generally, this drive takes 8-10 hours, depending on the road conditions. The road is often rough and bumpy at times, but at least you will not need to worry about the uncertainty of air travel. While shared jeeps are cheaper than private jeeps, private jeeps allow flexibility and comfort. After getting through that drive, trekkers will begin walking through lower-hill villages before heading to higher narrows.
Step 2: Entering the Lower Khumbu Region
Trekkers will commence their trek from Thamdanda or Paiya on foot. The trail takes trekkers from Salleri to Phaplu, Takshindo La, Kharikhola, and chhad Bupsa to reach Surke and Phakding after. Trekkers will be walking in the less frequented area which is less busy as compared to the Lukla trail but are witnessing fabulous country and terrain of a rural Himalayan area where they are now also meeting Rai, Tamang, and Gurung communities along with Sherpas. Trekkers encounter forested pathways, suspension bridges, and terraced farmlands during this part of the trek and they are treated to a wonderful cultural mix of rural Nepal.
Step 3: Joining the Classic Everest Trail
At Phakding, the road-based route crosses the traditional Everest trekking route. From here the route follows the well-trodden trail up to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the commercial centre of the Khumbu region, as well as a well-deserved acclimatization stop for trekkers where it is common to spend one extra day acclimatizing. The nature of the acclimatization day suggests walking an extra distance, which could include a short hike to Everest View Hotel or the village of Khumjung. The idea being that the body will acclimatize while still providing the opportunity to enjoy stunning 180-degree views over Everest and Ama Dablam.
Step 4: Trekking Higher into the Khumbu
From Namche the path gradually climbs. As you go you'll walk through Tengboche, famous for its ancient monastery and great views of the mountains and then to Dingboche, where you will have an extra day for acclimatization. In Dingboche while you are going to acclimatize we will do some short conducted hikes around the area of Dingboche doing the acclimatization our bodies need to help adjust to altitude.
The next stop after Dingboche is Lobuche and then Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp.As we advance higher you will be spending longer days fitted into the same amount of time you are used to. The air is going to be thinner too meaning it will become harder to breathe, you really need to acclimatize your body to this scary experience.
Step 5: Reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
You will trek to 5,364-meter Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep. The mountain climbers get dressed here in an attempt to scale the world's highest peak. By the time you arrive at base camp, you will be surrounded by tall mountains and glaciers.
The next morning you will rise hike to the summit of Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters. This is where you will also receive the best close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori mountains. Most people consider this to be the highlight of the whole trek to everest base camp trek
Step 6: Returning to Lower Elevations
It's time to return after seeing Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp. After passing through Pheriche, Namche, and Phakding, you will return to Paiya and Thamdanda.
You have more time to appreciate the mountain views you might have missed on your walk up if you head back down. You'll be able to take in the scenery more because you won't be as exhausted or breathless. You will take a jeep ride back to Kathmandu once you return to Thamdanda. Your trip is officially over at that point.
Duration and Difficulty
The road trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes 14–18 days. The road version is slightly longer, but it only takes 12 to 14 days if you fly to Lukla instead. So, obviously, the road version takes a tad longer.
You will typically trek approximately 5 - 7 hours each day. Each day, and you'll travel from medium difficulty and up to pretty darn steep, and nearly anything can happen including altitude sickness. The trek is considered moderately hard to pretty hard, so you should be in reasonable shape before you go.
In order to ensure that your trip is a positive experience, you should be fit and have good stamina. You will likely need the appropriate gear and equipment.
Sample Itinerary for 16-Days (Everest Base Camp Trek by Road)
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda
Day 2: Trek from Thamdanda to Paiya
Day 3: Walk to Phakding
Day 4: Walk to Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Rest day in Namche to get used to the altitude
Day 6: Walk to Tengboche
Day 7: Walk to Dingboche
Day 8: Rest day in Dingboche to adjust to the height
Day 9: Walk to Lobuche
Day 10: Hike to Gorakshep, and then Everest Base Camp
Day 11: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar, then hike back to Pheriche
Day 12: Hike back to Namche Bazaar
Day 13: Walk back to Phakding
Day 14: Walk back to Paiya
Day 15: Walk back to Thamdanda
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu
Ideal Seasons for the Trek
March to May (spring) and September to November (fall) provide the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp trek along the road. The spring is spectacular, with rhododendron flowers covering the mountainsides and generally more stable, clear weather. Autumn provides many of the same advantages while providing stable weather, good visibility, and generally good conditions for trekking. From December to February, the months are cold with heavy snow. The months between June to August can be dangerous due to heavy rain, muddy trails, and dangerous landslides.
Cultural and Scenic Experiences
The road walk trek provides opportunities to interact with many more communities than the flight route. Trekkers will meet Rah, Tamang, and Gurung people in the lowlands, and Sherpas in the Khumbu region. Along the way, trekkers will see monasteries, prayer walls, and chortens. All signs of the primary Buddhist culture in the area. Natural scenery includes forests of rhododendron, alpine scenery, and Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mountains seen include Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Lhotse.
Final Thought
The Everest Base Camp trek by road is an inexpensive and dependable way to bypass the flight to Lukla. The direct route provides an ease of acclimatization, additional opportunities to experience the culture along the way, and ultimately views of the same mountains at the end. While this is a longer journey, it takes more patience; the advantages are a greater comprehensive experience of the landscape and the people of the Everest region. So, if you are a trekker who wants to avoid the flight and view of peril that gets you to a steady step at the base of Everest, the road trek is an ideal option.
Treks That You Might Like:
If you’re interested in the Everest Base Camp trek, here are some shorter EBC treks you can complete in different durations:
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How long does the trek take?
Average trek time is between 14 and 18 days.
2.Where does a trek begin?
With a jeep drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda or Paiya.
3.What is the highest point?
Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters.
4.Is it harder than the flight route?
It's a little longer in distance, but you acclimatize better.
5.Are flights used at all?
You will not use flights as you will begin the trek on the road instead of flying to Lukla.
6.When is the best time to go?
Spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November).
7.What permits do I need?
A TIMS card, a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit are the shortest required permits.
8.What type of accommodation can I expect?
Teahouses and lodges along the trail.
10.Do I require a guide?
You do not require a guide, but a guide and/or guide and porter is encouraged.
11.Is the road trip safe?
Yes, the jeeps run daily, but it will be a bumpy ride.