Everest Base Camp Trek by Road via Salleri, Phaplu

Overview of the trek

Everest Base Camp Trek by road (without flight) is possible via Salleri, Phaplu. The Salleri to Everest Base Camp trek is a unique and challenging route that offers an alternative experience to the more common Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek. Salleri and Phaplu (2.5 km from Salleri) have recently been connected to Kathmandu by a blacktop road, and the road to Thamdanda (Tham Danda) just beyond Bupsa is under construction.

It is also possible to drive from Salleri to Thamdanda except during the monsoon season. The Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri without flights to and from Lukla usually takes about 18–22 days and passes through beautiful landscapes, forests, Buddhist monasteries and traditional Sherpa villages.

If you don't want to fly to Lukla and back, the right option is to do the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri and return the same way. With the “drive-in” and “drive-out” Everest Base Camp Trek, you don't have to worry about flight cancellations and flights to and from the dangerous airport in small planes.

The trail offers a more gradual acclimatization and starts at a lower altitude in Salleri, Phaplu or Thamdanda. Phaplu to Thamdanda road is under construction but nowadays accessible by 4WD jeeps. It is always better to use a local jeep which knows the road conditions well. The trek from Salleri, Phaplu or Thamdanda to Everest Base Camp provides an opportunity to explore the most fascinating Solu and Khumbu trekking areas together, therefore this trek route is also called Solukhumbu trekking.

There are daily public bus and jeep services from Kathmandu to Salleri and Phaplu (266 km), which take about 8 hours. Some trekkers prefer to travel directly from Kathmandu to Tamdanda in a single day, which is about a 14-hour drive. We advise against choosing this option as it is a strenuous, long journey. From Phaplu, you have the option to either hike or take a local jeep to Thamdanda to shorten your trekking days. The drive from Salleri, Phaplu to Thamdanda (2780 m) takes about 5 hours by local jeep, which can be shared or private depending on the service booked. After reaching Thamdanda, you will start your trek to Paiya (2,730 m) on the same day, which takes about 2 hours.

The next day, you trek to Phakding through a few descents and more ascents. The trek passes through beautiful villages like Surke, Chaurikharka and Chheplung. It is the meeting point of the Everest Trail, which leads from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. From Chheplung, the trail leads gently downhill through rhododendron forests, past several traditional Sherpa villages and slightly uphill to Ghat. The trail from Ghat to Phakding (2,610 m) is mostly flat and easy to walk.

The trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar begins with an easy hike along the Dudh Kosi upstream, past the villages of Monjo and Jorsale. After about an hour of mostly flat terrain from Jorsale, the trail begins to ascend and the view of the surrounding mountains opens up. The ascent is gradual at first, but it becomes steeper as you get closer to Namche Bazaar. Finally, you reach Namche Bazaar, the main trekking hub in the Khumbu Valley. Namche Bazaar is a bustling town with a variety of stores, restaurants, and teahouses. It is a great place to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing the trek to Everest Base Camp.

From Namche Bazaar, the trail climbs through the villages of Tengboche, Deboche, Shamare, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep (5,140 m). The trail passes through breathtaking mountain scenery, including towering peaks, glaciers, and forests. The final destination of the trek is Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5,364 meters.

Everest Base Camp is a remote and barren place, but standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain is an unforgettable experience. To get a better view of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains, you have to climb Kala Patthar, which lies at an altitude of 5,545 meters. The climb to Kala Patthar is steep and challenging, but well worth it for the view.

After enjoying the view from Kala Patthar, trek back along the same path you took from Thamdanda. The trail descends through a steep and rocky terrain, so it is important to be careful and take your time. The views from the trail are stunning, and you will get to see Everest and the surrounding mountains from a different perspective.

After Thamdanda, take a local jeep to Phaplu, Salleri. Stop there and take a private jeep, a shared jeep or a bus to Kathmandu the next day. After a long trek and a long drive, you need a good rest in Kathmandu.

Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road

Avoid flying in and out of Lukla, perhaps one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
Experience the hilly road and some off-road routes with local transportation.
Encounter remote villages and interact with the locals, gaining insight into their daily lives and customs.
Explore Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, two key cultural hubs with monasteries, and breathtaking views.
Experience the rich biodiversity of the region, observe wild animals and enjoy the beauty of the rhododendron and pine forests.
Enter Sagarmatha National Park and appreciate the conservation efforts to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trek through the rugged terrain of the Khumbu Glacier, getting a closer look at the Khumbu Icefall.
Conquer the challenge of reaching Everest Base Camp, and climb Kala Patthar for a stunning panoramic view of Everest and other snow-capped mountains.
Stay overnight in teahouses along the route, rest, enjoy local food and share experiences with other hikers.

Detailed Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 01

Arrive Kathmandu

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Day 03

Kathmandu drive to Salleri and Phaplu (2469 m)

Day 04

Phaplu drive to Thamdanda (2780 m) and trek to Paiya (2730 m)

Day 05

Paiya trek to Phakding (2610 m)

Day 06

Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

Day 07

Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

Day 08

Namche Bazaar trek to Tangboche (3867 m)

Day 09

Tengboche trek to Dingboche (4410 m)

Day 10

Dingboche trek to Lobuche (4910 m)

Day 11

Lobuche trek to Gorak Shep (5140 m) and Hike to Everest base camp (5364 m)

Day 12

Gorak Shep Hike to Kala Pattar (5545 m) then trek to Pheriche (4260 m)

Day 13

Pheriche trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

Day 14

Namche Bazaar trek to Surke (2290 m)

Day 15

Surke trek to Thamdanda (2780 m) and drive to Phaplu, Salleri

Day 16

Phaplu, Salleri drive to Kathmandu (1350 m)

Day 17

Reserve Day in Kathmandu

Day 18

Depart Kathmandu

Gear Up for Your Trek

Here’s a concise guide of essentials to prepare smartly for your trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview & Essentials

Typically, packages include accommodation, meals during the trek, guide and porter services, permits, and ground transportation. Flight costs, insurance, and personal expenses are usually excluded.

While prior trekking experience helps, most treks are designed to be achievable with average fitness. Some high-altitude treks may require conditioning or preparation beforehand.

There is no strict age limit, but participants should be reasonably fit. Trekkers above 60 or with health conditions should consult a doctor before the trip.

Arrival & Visas

Most travelers require a tourist visa, which can often be obtained on arrival or online. Check your country’s embassy website for up-to-date visa policies.

Airport pickup is often included in the tour package. If not, taxis or pre-arranged transport options are available and reliable.

Yes, arriving early is a great way to rest and adjust before your trek. We can help arrange additional accommodations if needed.

Health & Safety

Guides are trained in first aid and will assist you immediately. In serious cases, evacuation (often by helicopter) can be arranged. Travel insurance with emergency coverage is strongly recommended.

Yes, especially above 2,500 meters. Our itineraries are designed with gradual acclimatization and rest days to help prevent it. Drinking water, eating well, and resting are key.

Yes, all certified guides are trained in altitude awareness, first aid, and emergency protocols to ensure your safety throughout the trek.

Weather & Temperature

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most popular trekking seasons with stable weather and clear skies.

Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at higher altitudes. Days are usually moderate, but proper layering is important.

Yes, extreme weather can cause delays, especially for flights or high passes. We always try to adjust plans safely and flexibly.

Accommodation & Facilities

Accommodations are usually in local lodges or tea houses with basic amenities—clean beds, shared bathrooms, and dining halls.

Some lodges offer hot showers for an additional fee, but availability may be limited at higher altitudes.

Charging is available in most lodges for a fee. Power supply may be limited or solar-based, so bring a power bank as backup.

Packing & Gear

You’ll need layered clothing, good trekking boots, a daypack, a sleeping bag (if not provided), and basic toiletries. A detailed packing list will be shared upon booking.

Yes, you can rent most essential gear like down jackets, sleeping bags, and poles from local shops at affordable rates.

Keep your daypack light with only essentials (water, snacks, jacket). The porter will carry your main bag, usually limited to 10–15 kg.

Location

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