Upon arrival in Kathmandu, enjoy a scenic drive to Salleri, passing through hills, rivers, and villages. From Salleri, your trek begins to Taksindu, winding through Sherpa villages and rhododendron forests. The journey covers a driving distance of 266 km and a trekking distance of 8 km, with an estimated 8–10 hours of walking and an altitude gain of 1,570 meters.
Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek
Trip Type
Trekking In Nepal
Accomodation
Tea House
Destination
Nepal
Start Point
Kathmandu
Region
Everest Region
Duration
14 Days
The Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek is a unique route to EBC. Unlike the traditional route that begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, this trek starts with a long scenic drive to Salleri, the district headquarters of Solukhumbu.
The trail passes through pine and alpine forests and remote villages. One of the best things about this trek is that it keeps you physically fit and gives you enough time to acclimatize properly before heading to Everest Base Camp.
Trek Insights
Seasonal Information
Weather plays a significant role in shaping your trekking experience, and conditions vary across the seasons. In spring (March to May), expect clear skies, daytime temperatures of 10°C to 15°C at lower altitudes, and nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Mountain views are usually excellent. During autumn (September to November), the weather is dry and stable. Daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C at lower elevations, while nighttime temperatures fall between –10°C and –15°C (14°F to 5°F). In winter (December to February), high-altitude areas become extremely cold.
Daytime temperatures are around 0°C to 5°C, with significant drops at night. Monsoon season (June to August) brings continuous rainfall below 3000 m, resulting in slippery trails and limited visibility. For the best experience, plan your trek in spring or autumn.
Cultural and Natural Insights:
- Explore Sherpa culture and traditions, including their simple lifestyle and rich mountaineering history.
- Visit key spiritual centers in the region, including Tengboche and Taksindu Monasteries.
- Observe Buddhist practices along the route, including prayer flags, mani stones, and stupas. You can also attend morning prayers at the monasteries.
- Discover the region’s flora and fauna within Solukhumbu National Park, including wildlife like the Himalayan monal and musk deer, as well as rhododendron and pine forests.
- Appreciate the geographical features of the Everest region, such as glacial valleys, rivers, and majestic mountain summits.
- Pass through remote villages along the route, including Salleri, Taksindu, Nunthala, Kharikhola, and Paiya.
Preparation Guide
Physical Fitness: Cardiovascular exercise is essential. You also need strength training to handle long walking days, and should practice regular hikes.
Packing List
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Clothing: Layered outfits, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, trekking pants, gloves, hat, gaiters
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Footwear: High-quality waterproof trekking boots
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Gear: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp
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Essentials: Sunscreen, lip balm, water purification tablets
Permits: You must obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Environmental Responsibility
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Avoid using non-degradable items and stop using plastic bottles.
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Do not disturb wildlife and always ask locals for consent before taking photos.
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Support eco-friendly lodges that follow sustainable practices.
Cultural Aspects
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Respect the local culture and traditions.
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Buy products from the local economy to help uplift the community.
Sustainable Trekking
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Hire guides and porters for an ethical adventure experience.
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Avoid single-use plastics.
Modern Trekkers’ Expectations
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Internet access is available at teahouses via Wi-Fi.
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Enjoy comfortable accommodations with upgraded teahouses and improved hygiene facilities.
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Expanded menu options include pizza, pancakes, and vegetarian dishes.
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Trekking follows sustainable and ethical practices, including waste management and the use of renewable energy.
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Health support for high-altitude issues is provided by the Himalayan Rescue Association in Pheriche.
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Trekking experiences can be customized for solo travelers or groups to make the adventure more enjoyable.
Short Treks You might like:
Highlights of the Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek
Highlights:
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Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Salleri.
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It has more acclimatization days to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
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You can explore villages like Salleri, Taksindu, Nunthala, Kharikhola, and Paiya, where Sherpa and Rai communities live.
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Hike through rhododendron forest, suspension bridge, deep valleys, and glaciers.
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You can witness the great Khumbu glacier and icefall.
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Option of trekking, or you can take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
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You can witness the sunrise from Kala Pathar, with views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
Short Itinerary ( 14 days )
Your trek begins by passing through villages such as Nunthala and Kharikhola, crossing suspension bridges along the way. You will also have the opportunity to explore the authentic Sherpa culture. The trek covers a distance of 16 km, takes approximately 6–7 hours, and involves an altitude loss of 230 meters.
Following the route, we’ll trek to Tengboche (3,860 m) to visit Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in the region. The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours, covering a distance of 10–12 km with an altitude gain of 420 meters. Overnight stay is at a guesthouse in Tengboche.
Acclimatization day continues at Dingboche. You can hike to Nangkartshang peak for a panoramic view of mountains.
Stop at the Thukla Pass Memorial, a site honoring climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The trek to this point takes approximately 5–6 hours, covering 7–8 km and gaining 500 meters in altitude.
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), passing along the Khumbu Glacier and celebrating the achievement while enjoying views of the icefall and towering peaks. Afterward, we return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay. The trek covers 8–10 km, takes approximately 5–6 hours, and involves an altitude gain of 454 meters.
Trek back to Lukla, passing through forests and crossing suspension bridges along the way. The trek takes approximately 7–8 hours, covering 10–12 km and losing 600–700 meters in altitude. Overnight stay is in Lukla.
Cost Includes
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Transportation Cost
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Accommodation Cost
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Basic meals, but nutritious
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Guide and porter's service
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Medical service
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Government taxes and services
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Equipment
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Cost of Permit
Cost Excludes
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International flights
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Visa fees for Nepal
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Meals in Kathmandu (actually not included)
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Your personal trekking gear
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Your personal expense
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Tips for guides or porters
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Cost of Hotshowers and Charging
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Cost of additional services
Trip FAQS
It is quite moderate to challenge as it has long distance and high altitude. So it requires good physical fitness.
It takes 21 days on average to complete this trek.
The best time is in spring and autumn.
You need TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park, and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits.
Yes, hiring a guide or porter can enhance your trek and provide a more authentic and enriching experience.
Yes , and it costs around $500-$700 per person.
Yes, you need travel insurance incase of an emergency. Your insurance covers your expenses.
Risks on this trek include altitude sickness, harsh weather, and physical strain.
You can experience more acclimatization days to prevent altitude sickness, explore remote villages along the route, and you can avoid flight delays to Lukla.
