Everest Base Camp Drive, Trek In-Fly Out 2024-2025

Duration: 13 Days(5)of 4 reviews
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Overview

  • Duration 13 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude 5,545m. | 18,192ft.
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu-Kathmandu
  • Trip Area Everest Region
  • Best Season Spring and Autumn

Highlights

  • Trek through the classic route from Bupsa to Everest Base Camp.
  • Experience the scenic views of every hill, river, and mountain while driving
  • Marvel at stunning views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
  • Explore the heart of the Khumbu region. Experience the Sherpa lifestyle, culture, and ancient monasteries.
  • Follow in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norge Sherpa.
  • Complete a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining breathtaking mountain views, cultural immersion, and historical significance.
  • Trek up to 5545m through spectacular scenery.
  • Informative guides uncover the history behind sights.
  • Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, and scores of other lesser crests are seen from a peaked vantage point.
  • Walkthrough the hustle and bustle of market town Namche Bazaar.
  • Suitable Trip for people aged over 12 and below 65.
  • Ancient world heritage site.
  • To achieve a lifetime of unforgettable memory from nearby the top of the world.
  • Explore the world heritage site listed Sagarmatha National Park and see the dramatic grand Himalayan giants with your very own eyes.

The Everest Base Camp Trek by driving up to Bupsa is a classic route taken by mountaineers, adventurers, and trekkers. It is considered one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal. The route offers a unique experience to trekkers who want to witness the beauty of the Himalayas. They can immerse themselves in the Sherpa culture.

The classic trekking route of Everest Base Camp Trek by road distance is about 150 km including the drive route from Kathmandu. This road drive to Everest Base Camp Trek takes 13 days to complete. It takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region. It will showcase its spectacular mountain ranges, including Mount Everest. The trek offers stunning views of other mountains like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and more.

Trekkers will explore the local culture and learn about the Sherpa lifestyle. They can also visit ancient monasteries along the way. The trek requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is worth experiencing.

Everest Base Camp Trek by Road: Overview and Bupsa Route

bupsa-guest-house

This trek is a popular route for trekkers to experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. Before the Lukla Airport was built, this trek was the only way to reach the Everest region. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes, quaint villages, and Buddhist monasteries. For trekkers who are looking for an alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek, this can become the best choice.

Another reason to choose Everest Base Camp by road is usually due to the Lukla Flight. The first thing is Everest is one of the busiest trekking trails in the world. Due to that, there are flights from Manthali only during the peak season of Autumn and Spring. So, in the morning itself, you will have to rush to the Manthali Airport. From there still, it will not be so sure whether the flight would fly or not. This is why we always recommend that travelers have the second mindset ready.

We still are able to manage the road travel up to Bupsa which is the classic route to Everest Base Camp. Moreover, you will benefit from the Everest Base Camp by driving and trekking more than any other trekkers as in the similar cost to Everest Base Camp Trek or for seniors, you are going through many more villages. This way you will have more stories to tell and more exploration of the Everest Region.

The trek starts from Bupsa, a small village in the Solukhumbu district. You can reach up to Bupsa directly on a shared jeep managed by our trekking company. From Bupsa you need to keep on walking up to Lukla from where the main trail begins.

After reaching Lukla, trekkers can move to the gateway to Everest - Namche Bazaar.

The route from Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp offers many breathtaking views. Along the way, you'll pass through famous landmarks such as Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche, and Gorakshep. These places hold significant cultural and historical value. They are an excellent way to learn about the region's heritage.

Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norge Sherpa were the first to successfully summit Mount Everest. Their legacy lives on through these landmarks.

Also, Check Alternatives to EBC Trek in the Everest Region.

Best time to hike Everest Base Camp from Bupsa

The best time to do an Everest Base Camp trekking via Bupsa is from March to May or mid-September to mid-December. These times are better because they don't have a lot of snow or heavy rain. During winter, there's too much snow, and in the summer, there's too much rain. So it's best to avoid these seasons.

If you go in the spring or fall, you'll have better weather and a more enjoyable trekking experience.

Itinerary

Show Detail ItineraryClose Detail Itinerary

On the first day, we will drive up to Bupsa in either a private or a shared jeep which will take around 10 hours of driving. Throughout the drive, you will see beautiful mountain ranges of the Everest region. You will also not miss any scenic views of the hills, rivers, and any of the community villages throughout the journey.

Once we reach Bupsa we will stay overnight here.

After we have breakfast early in the morning in Bupsa Danda we now start our hike. We ascend the trail toward Surke. You will see lots of rhododendron forests throughout the hike which will have made the whole hill red, yellowish or white. You will even see langur monkeys occasionally who will warmly welcome you on the trip.

After 6-7 hours of the hike, we will reach Surke and stay overnight.

Our third day on the trek also starts with an early breakfast and we hike up to Monjo. You will not miss any breathtaking views throughout the region. The Sherpa villages will be the first ones you will witness on this trail. The people will always smile looking at you smile as the Everest is smiling at you.

Once we reach Monjo we will rest in a teahouse and get ready to reach Namche tomorrow.

This day you have to push yourself a bit hard because we have to reach the gateway to Everest; Namche Bazaar.

As Monjo is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, we have to get permits in the region.

Once we get the necessary permission and information from the park's office, we will continue our journey to the main town of the Sherpa people, Namche Bazaar.

To get to Namche Bazaar, we will first go up a little bit to a place called Jorsale. On the way, we will see a beautiful waterfall. After crossing the river again, we will keep walking and slowly go higher until we reach the last bridge of the day. This bridge is one of the highest ones on our trail and it's where two rivers, Dudh Koshi and Imja, come together.

From there, we will have to climb steeply for about an hour and a half to reach Namche Bazaar. It's a lively and busy town located at an altitude of 3440 meters. Throughout the day, we will pass by villages surrounded by amazing forests with colorful flowers like rhododendron and magnolia. We will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

Today is a day to rest and get used to the altitude in Namche Bazaar. This is a busy town with many things to do like visiting government offices, bars, cafes, shops, and markets.

You can also go to the Sherpa Cultural Museum to learn about Sherpa culture and the Everest Summit or go on a trek to Khumjung, Kunde, and the Everest View Hotel.

During the trek, you can see mountains like Everest and Ama Dablam, visit old monasteries, schools, and hospitals in Khumjung, and see different kinds of plants and animals. We'll spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

We will leave the village and climb up a ridge to a mountain path. We can see Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangru from here. We will then see Am Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse as we make our way down a branch ridge.

After walking past two tea houses and the village of Trashinga, we will hear the Dudh Kosi River and descend to it at Phunki Tenga. We will climb up the mountainside to Tyangboche, where there is a large plateau and a monastery.

Tyangboche is a great place to watch the sunset over Everest and Ama Dablam. We will spend the night at a teahouse.

After breakfast, we leave Tyangboche and walk through a forest with rhododendron trees. We come across a long wall of Chorten stones and enter Deboche village.

We cross a suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River and climb up while admiring the views of Ama Dablam and Kantega mountains. We reach a fork, and if we take the lower path, we will see Pangboche village and its potato fields. We cross a stream through the village before reaching a Mani Stupa. Finally, we reach Dingboche where we will rest in a teahouse.

We will walk north for about 40 minutes until we reach a holy monument called Chorten Stupa. The trail will be easy and we can see Pheriche village below. Along the way, we will have great views of mountains such as Mt. Taboche, Ama Dablam, and Pokalde Kongma-tse.

After walking for two and a half hours, we will arrive at Thukla (4610m) where we will stop for lunch before crossing a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu Glacier. Then, we will trek up a steep hill for an hour until we reach the top where we can see Mt. Pumori and other peaks to the west of Everest.

After taking a short break, we will continue trekking up to Lobuche, which is a comfortable and sheltered place. Here we rest today.

We will walk on a rocky path and see a frozen glacial pond and icebergs on the Khumbu glacier. We will reach Gorakshep after a short downhill walk. It is a flat area below Kala Patthar and Mt. Pumori. This is where the original Everest Base Camp is located, with a new campsite located further up the valley.

We will then walk on a rocky path and see the Nuptse, Lho-Latsee, and Khumbutse mountains in front of us. Sometimes we will see a big group of people on the way. After a while, we will come back through the Khumbu glacier and see great views of Lobuche, Cholatse, Pumori, and Tabuche. We will rest our day in Gorakshep.

Wake up early and climb to Kala Patthar to see the sunrise. You can see a lot of mountain peaks from here including Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbetse, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and more.

In Pheriche, you can make phone calls anywhere in the world. You can also see mountain yaks in Pheriche. They are used as porters in the area. Pheriche is a windy town and you can see the vertical walls of Cholatse and Tawache there. We rest in Pheriche today.

The journey back is easier and faster as we follow the same trail with stone walls around. We pass through Pangboche, Deboche, and Tengboche and arrive at Phunki Thanga. Then, we cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and continue the trek to Kyangjuma.

From there, we can see stunning views of peaks like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, and Lhotse. We can also see wildlife such as Pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk deer, and wild goats in the rhododendron forest. Kyangjuma is known as the trinity ways to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village, and Namche Bazaar.

We go back the same way we came, passing through places like Phakding to reach Lukla. We can see the beautiful Sherpa valleys on the way.

In Lukla, we will confirm our flight ticket and take a walk around. At night, we celebrate the end of our journey with a dinner.

Today is the final day of the trek, but not the trek. We will get to the airport around an hour before our flight arrives for boarding.

Once we get back to Kathmandu within 30 minutes, we will be back to our office. Here you will be congratulated for your trek completion and be provided with the tip achievement certificate. This way, we will finally drop you back at your hotel and will wait to see you again for another trip to Nepal.

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Trip Map

Everest Base Camp Drive, Trek In-Fly Out 2024-2025 map

Cost Details

Included

  • Comfortable one way ground transportation and fly back domestic flight cost as per itinerary
  • Domestic Air Tax
  • Your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin-sharing room for lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Trekking Guide-One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment.
  • Accident insurance for all staff
  • Himalayan Scenery Brand Cap, Duffel bag & trip achievement certificate (Upon completion of the trek)
  • First aid kit, oximeter for checking pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate at higher altitude
  • Entry Permit for Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card Fee (Required: 2 passport size photos)
  • $20 - Local Government Tax
  • Assistance with rescue and evacuation (Insurance is required for evacuation)
  • Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.

Excluded

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
  • International airfare
  • Personal Expenses, extra food, and beverages
  • Personal trekking gear, Internet, Hot showers, and phone calls
  • Single Trekker Suplementary Fee- $250

Useful Info

Preparing for trekking from Bupsa to Everest Base camp

This trek requires good physical fitness due to the terrain. Trekkers should prepare by doing regular exercise and building endurance. Training for at least three months before the trek is recommended. Check out another blog on how to prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek.

Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful trek. Here's a list of things you should bring:

  • Warm clothes and a sleeping bag
  • Trekking boots and sandals
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • Water bottles and purification tablets
  • First-aid kit and medicine
  • Snacks and energy bars
  • Trekking poles and a headlamp

More than that there are amendments to guide rules in Nepal. Hiring a guide is mandatory now. It's recommended for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Guides can help you navigate the trail. They can provide insights into local culture and ensure your safety. It's best to hire a guide from a reputable trekking agency.

Also, check Frequently Asked Questions About Everest Base Camp Trek

FAQs

  • Q1. Is Lukla flight safe?

    Yes, Lukla's flight is completely safe. There are twin-otter airplanes to Lukla. However, the Lukla Airport runway being so short, is considered to be the most dangerous airport in the world.

  • For foreigners in Nepal, Passport and ID photos are required to get permits and other documentation for Everest Base Camp Trek. For Nepali, their citizenship and ID photos will work fine.

  • No, you cannot solo trek to Everest Base Camp. Since 2023, the Nepal Government doesn't allow solo treks to EBC, so you'll need to join a group or hire a guide.

    Many trekkers often experience altitude sickness and need evacuation. Plus, it's easy to lose your way if you wander off the main trail. So, getting a guide or joining a group is the best option.
     

  • Yes, the Everest Base Camp is crowded in the peak seasons (Spring and Autumn). Every season, 30,000 to 40,000 adventurers take on this journey. In the busiest times, up to 500 trekkers start their journey daily.

  • If you often hit the gym, swim, run, or train physically, you're well-fit for the Everest Base Camp Trek. But if you're not active, you should walk 4 to 7 kilometers every day at least for 3 months before starting the trek.

  • From either Salleri or Lukla, 95% of trekkers successfully reach Everest Base Camp. The trek to Everest Base Camp takes anywhere from 12 to 15 days to finish.

  • On the trek, porters can carry up to 15kg (33 lbs) of your main pack. Just be careful not to overbuy in Namche. It's a good idea to have an extra bag to leave gear in Kathmandu that you won't need for the trek. Typically, the plane also allows luggage up to 15kg (33 lbs).

  • The Everest Base Camp trek is generally safe and enjoyable, even with the risks of high-altitude sickness or unexpected natural events. Regardless of potential altitude challenges, the trek suits all travelers, depending on the time they can set aside for rest and acclimatization.

  • Yes, you can exchange your money in Namche Bazaar. There are money exchange companies like Western Union and IME are available. Even there are few banks in Lukla and Namche Bazaar that do the money exchange. But the exchange rate is so low in those places. So, it is better to exchange the currencies in Kathmandu.

  • Yes, you can use card payment in Everest Region up to Namche only. The more you elevate the hotels usually prefer cash payments. So, it is more advisable to use cash.

  • Yes, you can sleep at Everest Base Camp during the expedition time only. But the package itineraries will have accommodations in Gorakshep. You will have to pay separately to sleep in the base camp. The Everest Base Camp location usually keeps on changing every year due to weather and climate change issues. But it is completely safe to sleep in a tent there.

  • The Lukla flight limits you to carry a weight of up to 15 kg (33 lbs.). This weight is divided into 10kg of luggage and 5 kg of hand carry.

  • Yes, you can smoke as well as drink on the trek. But it is not advisable for your health as you cannot safely elevate to higher altitudes by drinking and smoking.

  • Yes, you can hire a guide as well as a porter in Lukla. Usually, the porters are only hired in Lukla. However, we recommend you to hire a guide from your tour operator in Kathmandu.

  • Yes, the helicopter can take you back to Lukla. This is usually chosen by trekkers because the return route on the trek is the same as the elevation.

  • There are 3-start up to 5-star hotels up to Everest View Hotel in the Everest trek. However, at higher altitudes, there are fewer hotels. In peak seasons, there are tents made available by the hotels in case rooms are not vacant. However, you can also get sharing rooms at higher altitudes.

  • You can see the first view of Everest during the EBC trek on the second day of your trek. This is when you hike towards Namche from Phakding. There is a resting point in the middle. From there you can visualize Everest for the first time during the trek.

  • Yes, there are hot showers available in the EBC. You need to pay an extra charge to the hotels to take hot showers.

  • Usually, you don't need an oxygen cylinder for the EBC trek. But when your oxygen level is so low, then in that case only, oxygen is made available for you. Actually, the oxygen cylinders are for the Everest Climbers.

  • Yes, Everest base camp trekking is 100% worth it. You get all the time to unwind and immerse yourself in the Himalayas. The views are sensational and worth all the long, tough walk for more than 10 days. You get to learn about the Himalayas and the natives.

  • The major health issue that can occur is altitude sickness. To avoid this problem, you have to drink lots of water. You should carry an effective medicine called Diamox and have it immediately after the attack. We will provide the guides and helpers who are experienced and trained to take different kinds of precautions and safety measures in this kind of situation. If your condition becomes severe, you will be taken 300m downward from your current position. From there, you can trek again in substitute time according to the rate of your body recovery.

  • There are a few internet cafes in Lukla, Namache and a few villages up to Gorak Shep. They are affordable but not completely reliable. You can connect with yours relatives through satellite phones. Some tea house offer satellite or wired phone service. Just point the device mostly east. It is an easy and inexpensive way to letting those back home know where you are and you are ok.

    Mobile phone service is available with a Nepal Cell phone company SIM card. They work perfectly well even outside the cities. However, as you go higher, you will lose the strength of the network or have no network at all.

  • Everest base camp trek difficulty is moderate to tough. The trail has lots of ascents and descents through rough, steep paths. You go above 5,500 meters and travel in a very remote area.

  • Yes, a beginner can do Everest base camp trekking. You have to be well prepared for the trek. Build walking habits and work on your stamina. Papackul all the essentials and meet us on a given date in Kathmandu. We'll take care of everything else in Nepal.

  • Usually, the Everest base camp cost begins at USD 1400 and goes above your itinerary and services. You need additional money for international flights, tipping, travel insurance, visa, personal expenses, and emergency funds.

  • From Lukla, you'll reach Everest base camp after eight days of walking. The Everest base camp itinerary is usually 14 days or 15 days. You can add a side trip to Gokyo Lakes or one of the high passes if you have time to trek more.

  • Yes, the Everest base camp trek is safe. You trek with an experienced guide and porter. In case of any emergency, they will help you and take care of you. While our professional team arranges all the things for your journey in Nepal, so you'll have a safe trip overall.

  • Yes, you can take a helicopter to the Everest base camp. However, landing a helicopter at EBC can be difficult because of inadequate space. If you are on a helicopter tour, you land at Kala Patthar, which offers better views.

  • Yes, you can bring along your electronic devices with you. However, not all devices can survive the extreme change in temperature and pressure. Digital Cameras are free of danger. If you have a laptop, make sure it is well-packed and shielded.

  • Yes, the teahouses have charging plug points. Most of these plugs are powered by solar and are pretty useless during cloudy days. Charging your electronic devices will cost you some money, especially at higher elevations. Carry along spare batteries for your camera. There is a lack of constant electrical supply in Nepal. You may not always get to charge your devices during the power cut time.

  • Walking to Everest Base Camp is not that hard if you are physically fit and have trained well. However, the altitude up to 5,644 meters (18517ft.) can get you mountain sickness and other health issues. But the trained people do not feel quite hard trekking to Everest Base Camp as there are plenty of spaces for resting and having talks with fellow travelers.

  • The standard hike to Everest Base Camp takes 12 days to complete. It will start from Kathmandu, where you will be hiking for continuous 8 days till Everest Base Camp. Then it will take exactly 4 days to get down to Lukla and fly to Kathmandu.

  • Usually, the cost of Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from $1400 reaching up to even $3000. This expensiveness depends upon the package you choose and your own extra expenses. The tour operator generally will charge you $1400-$2000.

  • As EBC is not the most difficult trek in the world, obviously, beginners can do it. But make sure you get trained both physically and mentally before starting the journey.

  • You actually do not climb to Everest Base Camp; you walk. Yes, the normal person can simply trek to Everest Base Camp with proper training and physical fitness. You will trail along the hills first and then the mountain paths all along.

  • A healthy individual aging from 10 years to 70 years with good physical and mental fitness can involve in the EBC trek.

  • Everest Base Camp sits about 200-300 km from Kathmandu. A plane ride to Lukla takes roughly 35-40 minutes. From Lukla, it's a 65 km trek to EBC, requiring around 7-8 hours of walking each day.

Price fromUS $1350US $1700per person
Total Price:US $1350

Client Reviews

Showing 4 reviewsWrite a Review
  • TripAdvisor

    Subba Adhikari: The Guardian Angel!

    We were 6 childhood BFFs on the trip. It was our bucket list. Actually, the plan was to conquer Everest, but had no experience in the mountains as we belonged to the desert. But the trek became so memorable that nothing could surpass our happiness.

    The trek to EBC was brutal, the climate unforgiving, but our guide Subba Adhikari's spirit was unbreakable. He was our guardian angel, navigating us safely through treacherous paths, and keeping our spirits high. His relentless commitment and Porter Namgel Sherpa's assistance turned our ordeal into an unforgettable adventure. EBC became heaven to us because of the Himalayan Scenery. If these guys were not there, maybe we could've failed too.

    E
    EmmaFrom: Australia,April 13, 2023
  • TrustPilot

    Unforgettable Camaraderie with Wangchu Sherpa!

    Haha, could you imagine with fractures at 3 places on my right leg, I did the EBC trek? It's true guys, I am thrilled. I really thank God, I really thank myself, and my spirit for letting me get this opportunity. At first, I had doubts as Ram Krishna told me I could easily get the trek done. I doubted him. But, man, he was the man of his word. He managed everything for the trek and even gave me secret tips for the journey, well, you gotta ask him the tips, I ain't going to share them here. Anyway, the trip with me and my wife on the EBC was brilliant.

    Oh yes, Wangchu Sherpa, our guide, was the star of our trekking adventure. His laughter was infectious which even fixed the pain on my leg.

    Even Kumar, our porter, matched our step with our enthusiasm, and their collective support made the journey unforgettable.

    M
    Max FischerFrom: Germany,March 20, 2023

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