After Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal reach the top of Mount Everest in 1953, adventure tourists began to come to Nepal for adventure activities after that period. After 65 years of that moment, Nepal has become a hub of tourists for trekking, mountaineering, Natural and cultural tours. The main famous trekking in Nepal now is Everest Base Camp. It is reaching at Base camp of world highest peak Mt Everest and hikes to Kalapathar for best sunrise and mountain views including Everest. Normal trekking plan is for 12 days including 2 days acclimatization and rest days on the way before reaching Base Camp region. Trekking in Nepal and the Everest region is not only the Mountains, but also to explore the beautiful landscapes, cultural peoples, monuments, and more….
To starts Everest Base Camp Trekking most of the peoples plan to fly Lukla airport which is maximum 35 minutes flight with tiny aircraft. Tenzing–Hillary Airport is frequently referred to as the most dangerous airport in the world. Arriving and departing aircraft must use a single runway (06 for landing and 24 for takeoff). There is a low prospect of a successful go-around on a short final approach due to the terrain. Weather is also unpredictable. Trekkers keen to trek in the Everest region may take land route if there were shortest one. Road in the Khumbu region now is touching almost the main trekking trail of EBC. One of the shortest and easiest road Kathmandu to Salleri can be a good option. It now Trekking to Everest Base Camp without Lukla flight makes now possible.
Everest Base Camp Trekking without Lukla flight can be 20 days plan including your days in Kathmandu, Arrival day, and departure day. One of the best ways is Kathmandu to the Salleri can reach within a day drive through the scenic beautiful roadside. The following benefits can well describe when you do EBC trekking without Lukla flight.
Safe high flight fair
Lukla flight cost is nearly the cost of some international flights. USD 180 is the one-way flight cost. The two-way cost is USD 360 per person. Within this cost your private 4wheel jeep to Salleri and more 4 days trekking cost covers.
Safe from scary Lukla flight and Lukla airport
Because of its runway, small parking, and weather, Lukla flight is always scary and one of the dangerous flight. You will be safe and no need to be fear if you skip Lukla flight and make drive towards the main trekking trail to Everest Base Camp through Salleri or Phaplu.
Lukla Airport
Stay safe from Cancellation of flight
The flight is always in the morning time. The afternoon starts heavy winds. It also always depends on the weather conditions. Flying through high hills, if there will be deep clouds and windy on flight route, flight can’t starts their flight from Kathmandu. Peoples have to wait many hours and more chances to get a cancellation. Cancellation of your flight first day cannot get again the same time flight the next day. You will be pushed last hour's flight if there are seats available. Due to cancellation, your itinerary may disturb you.
Keep delay of Lukla flight and cancellation. Peoples are waiting a long hour at Kathmandu airport to expect their flight to Lukla. Pic from (katieaune.com)
Trek through an unexplored region of Khumbu
If you skip flight to Lukla and trekking through Salleri, Phaplu, or from Jiri you will be exploring unexplored Khumbu region were fewer people’s treks. There are basic lodges owned by local peoples. Lower Khumbu region is mix settlement of different cast groups and interesting cultures. You will serve by warmly welcomed peoples. You will definitely get a different experience of Nepal Trekking
Program on schedule
Due to Lukla flight cancellation, your program can be disturb. Sometimes flight cancellation goes continuously for many days. If this condition comes, your program schedule disturbs. If you choose a trek without Lukla flight, there is no chance of disturbance.
Low risk of high altitude
You are starting your trekking from low altitude and slowly gain high altitude area. It is less chance to get any high altitude sickness. If you do take a flight to Lukla you immediately reach at 2860 miter altitude and altitude continuously gain every hour. Which is a high risk of getting high altitude sickness?
Away from extra cost
Road trip to Everest Base Camp does not extra cost. Choosing this trekking through Lukla flight and if your flight is canceled and wait for more than a day in Kathmandu, you might choose to fly with Helicopter which costs you more than your ticket fair. Helicopter flight to Lukla from Kathmandu got more chances even in bad weather. That makes your trekking cost more and extra. Instead, if you plan to drive no extra cost.
