The most talked about topic is the Lukla Flights during the Everest Base Camp Trekking. Ever since the establishment of the Lukla Airport, the face of the Everest Trekking changed rapidly. Large number of the trekkers flocked to the trekking routes of the Everest region. However, it brought lots of hassles to travelers. The unpredictable nature of mountain weather, geographical terrain, and airport location means lots of flights cancellation. In addition, the flight is considered as the world’s most extreme flight to the most extreme airport of the world. Therefore, lots of people are seeking for an alternative. Finally, it is possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road without Flight.

The biggest change brought by the Lukla airport is the shorter itinerary. However, the classical Everest Base Camp Trek has itinerary of about 20 to 22 days which is about 5 to 6 days longer than contemporary Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. Despite lots of cancellation risks, people were compelled to use the flight option. Now, the time has changed. The road has reached up to Surke village which is in an hour of trekking distance from Lukla.

In this blog, we will go deeper into finding the best way possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road without Flight.

Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek

• Duration: 17 Days
• Trip Grade: Moderate/Challenging
• Highest Elevation: 5545m.
• Accommodation: Lodge Basis
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Start/End Point: Phaplu to Lukla

US$1190 Per Person Only |-

Directly Whatsapp Call or text:+977-9843467921 or Email: info@everesttrekkingroutes.com 

Is it possible to reach Everest Base Camp by Road?

You can’t reach the Everest Base Camp by road at least from the Nepal’s Southern side. It takes minimum 6 to 8 days to reach the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) which is located on the Southern side by trekking. Usually, trekking starts from Lukla which has become the gateway to Everest. People take flights either from Kathmandu or Manthali Ramechhap before embarking on this epic adventure. Nowadays, they can do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road without flight using Kathmandu – Salleri (Phaplu) – Tham Danda or Surke road. Trekking starts either from Thamdanda or Surke. There is another route to take as well from Jiri in which travelers can reach up to Bhamti Bhandar on jeep before starting the trek.

Reach North Everest Base Camp in Tibet by road

Interestingly, the North Everest Base Camp (5150 m) is accessible by road. You can take a private car or jeep to the North Everest Base Camp. The altitude of the North Everest Base Camp is lower than the South Everest Base Camp. Lots of travelers prefer to visit the North Everest Base Camp by road but the policy of Tibet China government makes it difficult for travelers to easily get permits for the trip. Therefore, Nepalese side’s South Everest Base Camp which is accessible only by trekking is more popular than the Tibet’s North Everest Base Camp.

Why people are looking for an alternative to Lukla Flights for Everest Trek?

There are many reasons and factors that triggered people to search for an alternative to Lukla Flights for Everest Trek. The main reason is the high chances of flight cancellations. The cancellation of flight severely hampers the trekking itinerary. For days, people have to get stuck either in Kathmandu or Lukla waiting the favorable flight window. The unpredictable nature of the mountain weather and difficult geographical terrain are the other reasons behind the search of an alternative. In fact, it is good for tourism industry as well to have alternative modes of transportation. It will bring more travelers into the trekking route.

Drive to Everest trek starting point

There are two trail heads of the Everest Base Camp Trek if you choose to drive to these trail heads. They are Everest Base camp Trek via Salleri and Jiri EBC Classical Everest Trek route. People rarely use the Jiri section as it is long and the road accessibility has not reached more than Bhamti Bhandar which is just about 2 to 3 hours from Jiri. It takes more itinerary days. However, the Salleri (Phaplu) section covers more distance by road making it easier for travelers.

Let’s find out more about Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri (Phaplu).

Everest Base Camp trek via Salleri

The popularity of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri is increasing day by day. The condition of the road is also under renovation and the local government has increased the budget for road maintenance. Until 2025, the road is opened only in dry season of early spring and early late autumn. The section between Salleri and Tham Danda or Surke is absolutely bumpy and off road. In addition, the road is winding through steep uphill and downhill sections. There are many landslide areas as well. Therefore, it is still not hundred percent safe. Despite all these, it is the best way to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road without Flight.

Cost and Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek by Road without Flight

Here is the outline itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek by Road:

Day 1: Drive to Salleri or Phaplu

Day 2: Drive to Tham Danda or Surke

Day 3: Trek to Lukla (1 hr) or Trek to Phakding (3 to 4 hrs)

Day 4 – 13: Trek back to Surke

Day 14 – 15: Drive to Kathmandu via Salleri

The total road distance between Kathmandu and Salleri is about 265 kilometers. Salleri to Surke is approximately 50 kilometers and it takes about 4 to 6 hours to cover the distance by a local four wheel jeep. The cost of the private jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri costs 200 $ to 2500 $ and Salleri to Surke costs 100 $ to 1800 $. You can get the shared jeep at around NRs. 3000 to NRs. 4000 to reach Salleri from Kathmandu. The cost of the shared jeep from Salleri to Surke or Tham Danda ranges from NRs. 2000 to NRs. 3000. The price of the jeep depends upon the condition of road and season.

Can I do Everest Base Camp Trek by skipping Lukla Flights?

Yes, it is possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road without flight. As mentioned above, find out more about the road conditions and inquire with the experts before booking the overland EBC Trek package. For more information like these, contact the bloggers or travel planners of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. We are the Everest Trekking experts and we can knit you an ideal trekking package according to your preferences.