• Duration 17 Days / 16 Nights
  • Price from $979 / person
  • Difficulty Level Medium Hard
  • Max Altitude 5545m

The standard Everest Base Camp trek begins in Lukla or start from Jiri now from Shivalaya or Bhandar but that takes extra one week to get to Lukla. But we have good news for you that there is off the beaten path to Everest Base Camp from Salleri and Phaplu; south of Lukla. There are daily flights to Phaplu and daily local 4WD jeep is available from Kathmandu if just in case your flight is delayed or considering trip cost. Salleri to Everest Base Camp route itself is challenging at times: no altitude problems, but the steep up and down segments will leave you with burning thighs and shaking knees! In particular, the stretch from Kharikhola to Lukla (the last 2 days or so) is relentless in its ascent from the valley and does not offer much in the way of view or attractions. Before Kharikhola, however, you are constantly rewarded as the trail winds through rice terraces, farmland, and small villages dotted with stupas and monasteries.

Why Everest Base Camp from Salleri or Phaplu?

9 Top reasons to start Everest Base Camp Trek from Phaplu

  • You don't have to take flight to Lukla / Everest Base Camp trek without fly in to Lukla.
  • It makes you much physically fitter and stronger and makes ready to hike Everest Base Camp
  • Better acclimatized before reaching Base Camp, less risk of altitude sickness.
  • It has warm weather, hilly and green scenery, less trekkers on the way, so it is calm.
  • Local village experiences, organic food and vegetable is served in teahouses.
  • Covers the trail of Classic Jiri Everest Base Camp trekking route
  • Alternate route to Lukla Everest base camp trekking
  • Short and economic entrance to nearest road to Everest Region
  • Everest Base Camp 5,364m and Kalapattar 5545m

One of the best aspects of taking this route to Everest Base Camp is; it makes you physically much fitter and keeps well acclimatized before heading to Everest Base Camp without taking Lukla flight. Many trekkers are hit by altitude sickness when they begin the trek straight from Lukla. Not only this; this route provides chances one to observe the fascinating rural daily life in each village you pass through. Families grow their own vegetables, livestock and run the teahouses. Anything else they need is transported from other villages via mule or porter. Another great thing is; this route is less trekked, so this trail calm and quiet than upper Khumbu that so crowded often. As this trail is newly introduced very few trekkers have explored this route, which is newly proposed. Trek to Everest Base Camp via Salleri offers you the fresh route, and you do not have to fly to Lukla, rather the drive by a private vehicle takes you to Salleri, which is also the district headquarter of the Solukhumbu. It is incredible to trek in this unusual trail to Everest Base Camp.

Choices in reaching to Lukla from Kathmandu.

Yet there is no road access to Lukla; possibly soon within few year the state government will build the road. But there is comparatively good road access to Salleri; the road to Salleri from Kathmandu is pretty good and black on top. Dirt road further to Ringmo and Nunthala village is accessed as of our last trekking update but jeep is not readily available all the time.

  • Ride local bus to Jiri or Shivalaya (10-11 hours) and Walk 5-7 days. Jiri and Shivalaya is further along from Phaplu, same route plus 2-3 days.
  • Sharing Jeep and local bus to Salleri or Phaplu (2,413m, 10-12 hours) and trek 3-4 days. Jeep, private or shared to Phaplu or Jiri. Faster than the bus, walk 3-4 days. 
  • Fly to Phaplu (2,413m)  then trek 3-4 days to Lukla.
  • Fly to Lukla, is by far the easiest, quickest and possibly cheapest way to go when you take into account the extra money you’ll spend while trekking.

Foreigner’s transportation cost to Salleri / Phaplu from Kathmandu

Local bus USD 20 per head
Local sharing jeep USD 25 per head
Private Jeep Hire USD 325 (Good space for 7 people)
Flight cost USD 155 /flight/head. 
Flight to Lukla USD 179/flight / head

Itinerary

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This is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause to change of day to day plan

We start to drive from Kathmandu to Salleri in a local Jeep, it is about 10 hours drive. We can book flights or private car / jeep for comfortable keen travelers. If taking ground transfer; we can view the panoramas of Riverside, jungle, wonderful landscape and the scattered villages during the ride. We cross the bridge at Sunkoshi River and continue through Okhaldhunga. On the way, we can see the incredible peaks as Dudhkunda (Numpur Himal), Everest and others.Then it is a continual drive up and up, which takes us to the district of Solukhumbu-Salleri. Overnight at Lodge.

Today we trek to Takshindo, we start our foothill journey after the hot breakfast. It goes through the countryside road, which is wide and after our entire hike today is easy and comfortable. The view of Numpur Himal is awesome and the local scenarios accompany it. The trekkers, who fly to Phaplu from Kathmandu for 25 minutes, have also the same route for trekking. We cross small streams and hill gorges. From Fera, we walk through the jungle of Pine till we get to Ringmo. We walk furthermore 2 hours to reach Taksindo. We enjoy the first day trek and take a rest. Overnight at Lodge.

From the hill of Takshindo, the picturesque scenarios of Salleri can be explored. The monasteries of the village represent mystical touch with Tibetan Buddhism. From another ridge, the views of Lukla, Nunthala valley astound us. Then we descend through the pine and oak forest, pass the Nunthala village and continue trek down, cross the Dudhkoshi River and get up to Jubing. After about 2 hours ascend, we reach to Kharikhola. It will take about Overnight at Lodge.

We have a pass or two, dense forest and majorly an uphill trek in this section of the trail. Initially the trek passes through the settlement of Bupsa, after the view of Khumbila mountain and explores the forest mostly dominated by monkeys before we reach to Kharte. Further on the trail we have uphill climb to the Khari La Pass (3145m). We have views of Gyanchung Kang and Khubila mountain from this pass. We shall carefully descend on rather slippery trail on the way to Puiyan after crossing a small stream. We may further ascend through the ups and downs and cross another Chutok La Pass (2945m), traverse through the Dudh Koshi canyon and end this section of the trek at Surke. 

Puiyan or Surke to Phakding The trek past this section of our trail shall be mostly of alpine vegetation though we shall have ups and downs in the trail. We continue besides the river through forests as we pass the route leading to Lukla airport and continue on to reach to the settlement of Chheplung where we meet the main trail to Everest that comes down from Lukla. We have more trekkers from this point onwards as we move along the trail with the view of snow-clad mountains, gompas and prayer wheels and interaction with the trekkers and locals we meet on the way. After the settlement of Dukhdinma, we continue straight on to the stoppage place of Phakding. Overnight in Phakding. 

The trek for this section of our trail begins with traverse through pine forest and a short climb to skip a narrow gorge before we cross small stream and erach to the settlement of Monjo, the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. After obtaining the permit and getting necessary information from the office of the national park we head for the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. Beginning with a slight climb to Jorsale, the trail passes a waterfall. We cross the river again and continue along the trail gaining the height steadily reaching the last bridge of the day, and one of the highest of the trail and reach to the confluence of Dudh Koshi River and Imja River. Further on, we have a one and half hour steep climb to the lively and vibrant settlement of Namche Bazaar (3440m). All day, we pass villages interspersed with magnificent forest – rhododendron, magnolia trees and giant firs, and . Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

The trek for this section of our trail begins with traverse through pine forest and a short climb to skip a narrow gorge before we cross small stream and erach to the settlement of Monjo, the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. After obtaining the permit and getting necessary information from the office of the national park we head for the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. Beginning with a slight climb to Jorsale, the trail passes a waterfall. We cross the river again and continue along the trail gaining the height steadily reaching the last bridge of the day, and one of the highest of the trail and reach to the confluence of Dudh Koshi River and Imja River. Further on, we have a one and half hour steep climb to the lively and vibrant settlement of Namche Bazaar (3440m). All day, we pass villages interspersed with magnificent forest – rhododendron, magnolia trees and giant firs, and . Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

The trail is relatively flat and easy in the earlier trek with the view of the tallest Everest and other mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse Sar, Taboche, Kang Taiga and others besides the wild lives of pheasant, musk deer, Himalayan Thar in the forests as we are led up to the Kyangjuma. In the winding path that leads us ahead we descend deep into the valley of Dudh Koshi at the settlement of Phunke Tenga intermittently through the stone steps and bridge over the torrential river. This settlement has a couple of teahouses and an army post surrounded by forests. Moving ahead in the trail we have a tough climb through the pine forests before reaching to Tengboche. A settlement with largest Buddhist monastery in Khumbu region and the marvelous view of several mountains, Tengboche is a cultural hotspot of the region. Overnight in Tengboche.

We begin this section of the trek with a short, steep and mudy descent to Deboche through a forest of birches, conifers and rhododendrons. Marvelous views of the mountains including Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse are visible from Deboche. After this picturesque scenario we move past the long prayer Mani walls till the narrow bridge over Imja River and along the trail to the settlement of Somare where we have close up view of Ama Dablam Mountain. We move further along the Imja River through a short walk on relatively flat section before we branch off towards the Dingboche from the trail leading to Pheriche. Then the route enters alpine meadows above the tree line before reaching Dingboche at 4240m. This settlement of Dingboche is a beautiful and small village with houses made by stone walls, cultivation of barley, buckwheat and potatoes, occupational animal husbandry and the celebration of cultural and traditional values. Overnight in Dingboche. 

The trek on this sections starts with passing the prayers stupa along the gradual path and view of the mountains including Mt. Tawache, Ama Dablam, Kongma Tse and the Nuptse besides overlooking the beautiful Pheriche village. Crossing the wooden bridge at Thugla and marveling the view of Pumori we trek the steep landscape to the terminal moraine of Khumbu glacier. Atop the ridge of Chupki Lhara we find the array of stone with prayer flags to remember the mountaineers deceased on a mission to climb the Everest. We further move along into the vicinity of Everest with the view of several great peaks right in front of us while the Khumbu glacier remain hidden due to the lateral moraine. Overnight in Lobuche.

An important day in the entire itinerary where we shall have the breathtaking view of the Everest from the Kala Patthar and reach to the lap of the Everest at the Everest Base Camp before which we ascend to the Gorak Shep. We start with the trek past the Italian Research Centre and along the Khumbu Glacier and climbing steeply up to the top of the Gorak Shep through the stream of Changri glacier we have the view of Kalapatthar. We proceed towards the Everest Base Camp along the new moraine route. The feeling of being close to the tallest mountain of the planet is a euphoric feel. We then return from the lap of the tallest mountain and have overnight stay at the Gorak Shep. Overnight in Gorak Shep. 

The next day we start early and ascend to the Kala Patthar to have the breathtaking view of sunrise over the snowcapped mountains. Preparation for ascend to the Kala Patthar requires preparation the previous day. We have a steady ascent to the summit of the Kala Patthar with several stoppages in between to catch our breath and take scenic pictures. We further ascent to the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by prayer flags for unbelievable Himalayan panorama. After capturing the moments we descend to the Gorak Shep and gradually descend to the settlement of Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.

After breakfast, we begin a long walk down to Namche Bazaar via Pangboche and Phunki Tenga. The views of the Himalayas and forest are wonderful. Overnight at Lodge.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla. 5-6 hours. From Namche bazaar, we continue to trek down to Lukla, the last trekking day of the trip. With the view of the waterfall and Sherpa villages, we cross the Phakding and reach to Lukla. Overnight at Lodge.

After finishing the Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek, we fly back to Manthali then drive to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Customized Trip

What's Included

  • An experienced registered and friendly local trekking guide.
  • An assistant guide if the number is trekkers are more than 6 pax.
  • 1 Sharing high altitude porter for 2 travelers (weight limit: 23-25kg plus their own stuffs).
  • Meals: all trekking breakfasts during the trekking.
  • Lodge accommodation during the trek on twin /double sharing basis.
  • Kathmandu – Phaplu by comfortable private jeep.
  • Lukla – Kathmandu flight (USD 180.00) per person and airport taxes.
  • Air transport of your guide (USD 60.00)
  • All necessary trekking permits for Everest Base Camp trek from Phaplu.
  • Guide and porters fees and all their expenses. 
  • Office service charge and government taxes and vat etc
  • Insurance and trekking gear for guide and porter.

What's Excluded

  • Transfers, meals and accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • Meals in trekking other than breakfasts. 
  • Guided sightseeing and monuments entrance fees in Kathmandu
  • Bar bills and beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water
  • Hot shower, hot water, wifi and battery charge during trekking.
  • Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls, laundry.
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political trouble, natural calamities, flight delays etc.
  • Gratitude and tips for guide and porters.

Availabilities

Check our fixed departure dates for the trip start dates and cost for Salleri to Namche Bazar and Everest Base Camp Trek. If it does not suit your dates and length of trip, please kindly contact us for your customized departure date, itinerary and the price. As WE (Wilderness Excursion) is a local tour and trekking operator based in Kathmandu; we guaranty your small private group departure any date you select that meets your travel needs. Thank you and Namaste!

Useful Information

Nepal Government Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most of the flights to Lukla will diverted from Manthali at Ramechhap until further notice to avoid the serious traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 4 hours drive).

As an alternative, helicopter arrangements can be made on 5 people sharing basis with the addition of USD 500 for one way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and figure out groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot promise it. The drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is almost always guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather situation.

Travelers are requested to inform us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.