Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trekking

    Phaplu to Everest base camp trekking
    Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trekking Highlights
    • Best Alternative trekking route of Everest Base Camp
    • Drive to Phaplu 8 hours from Kathmandu or take 20 minutes flight to Phaplu airport, less scary flight than Lukla
    • Less risky of high altitude sickness and opportunities of exploring lowland of Khumbu region less touristic area
    • 2 days acclimatization Namche and Dingboche to get fit your body to make successful Everest Base camp and climb Kalapathar
    • Trekking back to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu. Also have option to trek up to Phaplu and driving back to Kathmandu or fly.
    • Staying in local tea houses, comfortable twin sharing room tourist standard neat and clean. Hygienic foods provided by local restaurants
    • Trekking with English speaking professional trekking guide and porter  

    Trekking to Everest Base Camp from Phaplu is the alternative trekking route. It does skip your Lukla flight and have an opportunities of exploring less touristic trekking route with fabulous lower part of Khumbu. Besides that, Everest Base Camp Trek from Phaplu also get acclimatized gradually to the climate and altitude of the Khumbu region. 16 days trek is driving from Kathmandu to Phaplu and return Kathmandu by Lukla flight. You also have option to trek up to Phaplu and driving back to Kathmandu again at end of the trek.

    Kathmandu to Phaplu is 7/8 hours driving with Jeep. It also have option to take Kathmandu Phaplu 20 minutes flight. This trekking is really good idea to skip adventure flight of Kathmandu Lukla. Mountain driving road is a kind of adventure drive but you will have a witness with an amazing landscape, beautiful hills and the colorful valleys, local villages. After trekking for 2 full days you will meet regular trekking path of Everest Base Camp that is Phakding. The regular trekking path reach at Namche to get extra day stay for acclimatization and hike to best Everest view point. Dingboche is another Sherpa village where we again will have another extra day to get more acclimatization and get rest to be ready for climbing Kalapathar (5,545m) and walking up to Everest base camp (5,360m). Trekking through dense forested trekking path with the views of high Himalayas including three over eight thousand meter high mountain Mt Everest, Mt Cho-oyu, Mt Makalu. Way from Tengboche to Dingboche become less vegetation and area of less oxygen. Among three major valleys inside Everest region, Everest Base Camp, Chhukung and Gokyo, you will reach near the Chukung valley and explore full of Everest Base Camp valley. Trekking path become harder from Dingboche to Lubuche, Gorakhshep and to EBC and Kalapathar due to walking on high altitude.   

    Gorakhshep is the last village to get guest house accommodation. From here we will trek to Everest Base Camp and back to the place again for overnight. Early morning climb to Kalapathar. Trekking to Kalapathar is three hours normal walking. It can get one of the hard time in entire trekking. Best sunrise view and probably one of the best Himalayan views in the world. The closer views of Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Changtse, Amadablam, Makalu, Pumori, and some of the Tibetan mountains can be seen from here. Most of the trekkers who are in Everest Base Camp Trekking can’t skip to get experience of climbing Kalapathar.

    The way back trekking route is via Lobuche, Pheriche, Tengboche, Namche, Phaking, Lukla and to fly back Kathmandu. Trekkers also will get an opportunity to return back Lukla by helicopter flight from Gorakhshep near EBC instead of trekking the same way back. It saves 3 day trekking days. Nepal Highland treks can customize your itinerary as per your wish. Everest Base Camp Trekking from Phaplu can be with any group size. Even single pax can run any date. The best season for EBC trekking is from March month till May and another season is from month of September till December. Route to Phaplu is mountain rough road and raining season might disturb blocking with landslide.

    Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trekking need professional trekking guide. A professional trekking guide not only lead your trek, also provide you information about local peoples, local cultures and talk about lots of experience of Mountain and arrange accommodation, foods for you. Trekking in the high Himalayan region, a guide is your life saver. It is also strongly recommended to get porter to carry your big bag. If you are two trekkers get one porter for entire trip in enough. Porter can carry total 20 kilograms. Nepal Highland treks make your Everest base Camp trekking one of the memorial in your lifetime. 

    Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trekking Itinerary
    • Day 01:Arrive at Kathmandu (Tribhuban International Airport) and transfer to the Hotel. Preparation of trekking and overnight
    • Day 02:Drive Kathmandu to Phaplu (266 km - 8 Hours) Overnight at local lodge
    • Day 03:First day of trekking starts. Trekking to Nunthala (6/7 Hours – 1,823m) overnight at local guest house
    • Day 04:Trek to Paiya/ Paya (8 Hours – 2,730m) overnight at local guest house
    • Day 05:Trek to Phakding (5/6 Hours – 2652m) overnight at local guest house
    • Day 06:Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) 6/7 Hours. Overnight at tea house
    • Day 07:Acclimatization and rest at Namche. Hike to Everest view hotel (3,880m) and back to Namche for overnight
    • Day 08:Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) 5/6 hours. Overnight at tea house
    • Day 09:Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) 5/6 hours. Overnight at tea house
    • Day 10:Acclimatization in Dingboche. Hiking around and overnight
    • Day 11:Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) 4/5 hours. Overnight at tea house
    • Day 12:Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360) and back to Gorakhshep (5,180m) for overnight. 7/8 hours
    • Day 13:Climb Kalapathar at early in the morning (5,545m) and trek down to Pheriche (4210m) 7 hours. Overnight at tea house
    • Day 14:Trek to Namche (3410m) 6/7 hours. Overnight at tea house
    • Day 15:Trek Namche to Lukla (2860m) 6/7 Hours. Overnight at tea house
    • Day 16:Fly back to Kathmandu. Trekking ends
    • Day 17:Departure from Nepal
    • Day 01:Arrive at Kathmandu (Tribhuban International Airport) and transfer to the Hotel. Preparation of trekking and overnight

      Representative from Nepal highland Treks greet you in international airport. Your hotel for the airport is about 7 kilometers takes 20 minutes driving. Check in the room and rest. Stay in briefing with Nepal highland treks team including your guide. Final preparation of the trip, check your trekking equipment with the help of your guide. Entire trekking equipment are available to buy in Kathmandu in case of any trekking equipment need to buy here.

    • Day 02:Drive Kathmandu to Phaplu (266 km - 8 Hours) Overnight at local lodge

      Start driving to Phaplu after your breakfast in Hotel. Drive through scenic road starts from Dhulikhel, Khurkot Ghurmi, and various settlement of different cast group of Nepal. Driving road is with beautiful Pine, Rhododendron forest, magnificent George, mountain ranges and Rivers. Salleri is headquarter of Solukhumbu district where you will get quite nice comfortable accommodation.

    • Day 03:First day of trekking starts. Trekking to Nunthala (6/7 Hours – 1,823m) overnight at local guest house

      Trekking route goes ups and down walking through Sherpa villages with Tibetan style of settlement and their culture. Enjoyable trekking path is awesome view of Numbur Himal accompanied by local scenario. Every villages have locally made old monastery represent Tibetan Buddhism to practice their religion. Reaching to Nunthala is nice and a large village. Nice place of mixed settlement of Sherpa, Rai, Magar, Tamang of Hindu and Buddhist. Village is more interesting with lots shops, tea houses, local lodges and stores.

    • Day 04:Trek to Paiya/ Paya (8 Hours – 2,730m) overnight at local guest house

      Quite long day but easy walk through community of Sherpa, Magars and other mix-up. The view of Lukla village and Nunthala valley surprise us. Descent and accent through alpine forest, and cross the Dudhkoshi River. Steep hill climb to reach top ridge of Buspa Danda offering super views of mountains and landscape. Middle of forest Paiya village is nice stop to overnight.

    • Day 05:Trek to Phakding (5/6 Hours – 2652m) overnight at local guest house

      Our trek meet today the regular trekking trail starting from Lukla after flying from Kathmandu. Easy trekking trail goes till Surke. Gradually ups trail to Chaurikharka, Chhepung, Nurning and to Phakding. The impressive view of Kusum Kangaru, Buddhist village with mani walls makes trail impressive. Phakding have various lodges for trekkers where you will find nice suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River

    • Day 06:Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) 6/7 Hours. Overnight at tea house

      After your breakfast start trekking to Namche Bazar (Biggest town in Everest region). We pass big suspension bring at the beginning. Than our trail become slightly up hills. Route is passing through alpine forest along with Dudhkoshi River. We also pass Benkar village, Monjo village and jorsalle on the way. After having our lunch, we start tough up hills walking and reach Namche.

    • Day 07:Acclimatization and rest at Namche. Hike to Everest view hotel (3,880m) and back to Namche for overnight

      It is acclimatization day and we take hiking tour around. Hike to Everest view hotel and Khumjung village. Visit local monasteries and Hillary school. It is pleasant day to have your lunch at Khumjung village with front view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Amadablam and others. Come back to Namche. Walking around in Namche get more refresh

    • Day 08:Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) 5/6 hours. Overnight at tea house

      We trek an easy way with front view of panoramic mountain up to Phunki Thanga, small River side village. From here, trekking route start to be up hills. It contains some of the major ascend toward Tengboche. Tengboche is famous with Tengboche monastery and it is one of the largest monastery in Everest region. Monastery open from 3 pm and it is good visit at their evening chanting by lamas

    • Day 09:Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) 5/6 hours. Overnight at tea house

      Trekking through Rhododendron forest reach at Deboche village. After Diboche valley reach at Pangboche village which is having biggest settlement of Sherpa peoples. We still have good view of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Amadablam. Trekking trail than follow through upper Pangboche for exploring an oldest pangboche monastery. After walking some minor ascends, we can see picturesque village of Dingboche with beautiful potato fields.

    • Day 10:Acclimatization in Dingboche. Hiking around and overnight

      It is good to have acclimatized here before you reach at Everest Base Camp. Instead of staying inactively, we make hiking around the valley. We climb up behind the valley. It is good view of some 8000 miter Himalayas and several other climbing peaks. Instead of hiking long, we back to lodge and take rest for tomorrow’s ascent.

    • Day 11:Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) 4/5 hours. Overnight at tea house

      It is short hiking at high altitude. We start after your breakfast in Dingboche. After walking around three hours in wide valley we reach at Duglha. You’re walking than reach some tough ascending. You may feel hard to breathe as it is thinner air in high altitude. You will reach Lobuche. Lobushe is small settlement with fewer tea houses only. You have to be prepared with chilly night.

    • Day 12:Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360) and back to Gorakhshep (5,180m) for overnight. 7/8 hours

      Day of reaching at base camp of highest peak of the earth, you are at the day of reaching your dream. It is better to start trekking as earlier as possible after your breakfast. The trekking trail to Everest Base Camp is not hard but it is continuously ascending and descending at glacier rocky trail. Everest base Camp is extremely beautiful. Panaromic Mountains including Everest is surroundings. We will come up to near from Khumbu Glacier and see icefall from slopes of Mount Everest. We than come back to Gorakhshep for our overnight

    • Day 13:Climb Kalapathar at early in the morning (5,545m) and trek down to Pheriche (4210m) 7 hours. Overnight at tea house

      We prepare with our small bag with hot drinking water and some nuts. It is about one and half hours climbing. When we start, it is dark and chilly. Get sunrise view and panoramic mountain views which is probably the best view ever in this trekking. We come down to Gorakhshep and have breakfast. Hike back to Pheriche for overnight

    • Day 14:Trek to Namche (3410m) 6/7 hours. Overnight at tea house

      All the way down hill from Pheriche to Phunki Thanga. We can choose either Tengboche or Phunki thanga for our lunch. Small ascend involve after phunki Thanga to the top. Again an hour downhill reach Namche. You can feel more relax at Namche having nice walking soundings. Namche is having some of the goods cafes, shops and restaurants

    • Day 15:Trek Namche to Lukla (2860m) 6/7 Hours. Overnight at tea house

      Today is quite long walking down and flat land. It is same way back as we crossed Jorsalle, Manjo, Benkar, Phakding and other small villages on the way. From Jorsalle we cross area of Everest National park. Enjoy your walking with several suspension bring over Dhudhkoshi river

    • Day 16:Fly back to Kathmandu. Trekking ends

      Fly early in the morning from Lukla to Kathmandu. You can view Scenic Mountain and green hills from tiny flight. Drive from Kathmandu domestic airport

    • Day 17:Departure from Nepal

      You also have option to get one more rest day in Kathmandu. As per the itinerary, today is the departure day. Nepal highland treks provide you transportation drop to International airport. It is important to reach there 3 hours before your flight time.  

    Cost Details
    Includes
    • Airport picks up and drops arrangement
    • 2 nights ccommodation in 3* category hotel Kathmandu on twin sharing with breakfast  
    • Everest Trekking permit and TIMS card (Local tax) 
    • Private jeep from Kathmandu to Phaplu
    • Flight back ticket from Lukla to Kathmandu  
    • Accommodation in tea house on twin sharing during trekking (Room with attached bathrooms are provided in Llukla, Namche and in Phakding)  
    • Three times foods during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) including tea and coffee  
    • An English speaking trekking guide and supporter (2 peoples = 1 supporter) with their foods, accommodation, insurance, equipment
    • Emergency rescue management, First Aid kit
    • Duffel bag to put your stuffs and handover it to Porter
    • Warm down sleeping bag in returnable base if you need 
    • One evening dinner at authentic Nepali cultural restaurant
    • Management of emergency evacuation in case of need 
    • Government taxes and official service charge 
    Excludes
    • Lunch and dinner while at Kathmandu
    • Bar bills, soft drinks/ bottled drinks including drinking water
    • Hot shower, battery charges, cummunication cost and internet at local tea houses
    • Personal equipment, personal insurance, medical expenses, cost of emergency rescue in case of need
    • Nepal entry visa (USD 50 per person for one month) you can get on arrival visa.
    • International air fair
    • More than 3 cups of hot drinks per day
    • Accommodation upgrading more than 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and Deluxe tea houses on the way at available places. More than 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and Super deluxe tea houses on the way in trek can be upgrade as per your interest  
    • Extra activities mentioned than in our itinerary and cost including
    • Tipping to staffs 
    Useful Information

    You can also trek Phaplu to Everest base camp by taking Kathmandu Phaplu flight and back to Kathmadnu from Phaplu by flight again. Phaplu flight is not dangerous and scary flight like Lukla. Here is the suggested itinerary  

    DAY 01:ARRIVE AT KATHMANDU (TRIBHUBAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL. PREPARATION OF TREKKING AND OVERNIGHT
    DAY 02:FLY TO PHAPLU (20 munutes) AND TREKKING STARTS. TREKKING TO NUNTHALA (6/7 HOURS – 1,823M) OVERNIGHT AT LOCAL GUEST HOUSE
    DAY 03:TREK TO PAIYA/ PAYA (8 HOURS – 2,730M) OVERNIGHT AT LOCAL GUEST HOUSE
    DAY 04:TREK TO PHAKDING (5/6 HOURS – 2652M) OVERNIGHT AT LOCAL GUEST HOUSE
    DAY 05:TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAR (3,440M) 6/7 HOURS. OVERNIGHT AT TEA HOUSE
    DAY 06:ACCLIMATIZATION AND REST AT NAMCHE. HIKE TO EVEREST VIEW HOTEL (3,880M) AND BACK TO NAMCHE FOR OVERNIGHT
    DAY 07:TREK TO TENGBOCHE (3,860M) 5/6 HOURS. OVERNIGHT AT TEA HOUSE
    DAY 08:TREK TO DINGBOCHE (4,410M) 5/6 HOURS. OVERNIGHT AT TEA HOUSE
    DAY 09:ACCLIMATIZATION IN DINGBOCHE. HIKING AROUND AND OVERNIGHT
    DAY 10:TREK TO LOBUCHE (4,910M) 4/5 HOURS. OVERNIGHT AT TEA HOUSE
    DAY 11:TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (5,360) AND BACK TO GORAKHSHEP (5,180M) FOR OVERNIGHT. 7/8 HOURS
    DAY 12:CLIMB KALAPATHAR AT EARLY IN THE MORNING (5,545M) AND TREK DOWN TO PHERICHE (4210M) 7 HOURS. OVERNIGHT AT TEA HOUSE
    DAY 13:TREK TO NAMCHE (3410M) 6/7 HOURS. OVERNIGHT AT TEA HOUSE
    DAY 14:TREK TO SURKE
    DAY 15:TREK TO NUNTHALA
    DAY 16:TREK TO PHAPLU
    DAY 17:FLY BACK PHAPLU TO KATHMANDU
    DAY 18:DEPARTURE

    Trip cost is based on 2/3 pax group : - If this trek is with single pax, trip cost USD 1,725 and if group size is more than 3 pax, cost reduce accordingly. You will also have option to join this trek as small group in our available date. In the case of single pax, we can try our best to make other join in your date. In single pax trek, we provide you only one staff a guide com porter.   

    Booking procedure and payment
    To book this trip, we need your passport copy by email and trip confirmation amount of USD 150 per person. You can pay us trip confirmation amount by bank transfer, by online credit card system. Rest of the payment can made after your arrival in Kathmandu. Paying by credit card, bank transfer or cash.  

    Cancellation policy
    Free cancellation if you cancel your trip 2 month before your trip starts. USD 150 per person is the cancellation charge if you cancel your trip after 2 month time. You have option to transfer your advance amount for next trip or replace it for another friend.

    Packing List for Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek 
    Round cap to protect from sun during sunny day
    Warm head cover cap
    Muff to cover mouth from heavy wind and cold
    2 pairs warm inner thermal and trouser
    1 pair warm outer trouser
    1 pair wind proof warm outer trouser
    One pair light and warm jacket or sweeter
    One pair down jacket
    One pair wind proof jacket
    2 pairs light shocks
    2 pair warm shocks
    1 pair light shoe or sandal
    1 pair warm water proof trekking shoes
    2 pairs light trouser or half paint for walking during day and hot temperature
    3 to 4 pairs of light t-shirt
    Warm glove
    Rain coat (cover body and backpack)
    20 litter polar bag for trekking, carrying yourself (Trekking bag pack)
    Duffel bag, (Nepal Highland Treks provide you in Kathmandu) for porter 
    Down Sleeping bag with its Inner (You can take from Nepal Highland Treks in returnable) 

    Other accessories
    Head lamp with enough battery
    Camera and its battery
    Battery charger
    Trekking sticks 
    Phone and charger
    lip care
    Sun cream
    Toilet papers
    Hand wash lotion
    Thoth brush add paste
    Washing shop and bath shampoo
    Quick dry towel
    Note: You can buy above mentioned trekking equipment in Kathmandu Nepal also.

    Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trekking FAQs

    • Since you are starting your trek from button of Everest region, this trekking itinerary provides you good acclimatization and fitness. This trek also includes proper acclimatization days in Namche and Dingboche to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. It's essential to stay hydrated, walk at a gradual pace, and listen to your guide's advice to minimize the chances of altitude-related issues.

    • Phaplu is an alternative starting point that allows you to avoid the Lukla flight, which some find challenging. Phaplu also offers a less crowded and more scenic trekking route through the lower Khumbu region, providing a unique experience.

    • Accommodation is in local tea houses with comfortable twin-sharing rooms that are tourist-standard and clean. You'll have access to hygienic meals provided by local restaurants along the route. Few places of this region only provides non attached rooms. Accommodation upgrading is possible after Phakding which is regular trekking route after flying Lukla.

    • It's recommended to hire a porter, especially if you're carrying a large bag. A porter can carry up to 20 kilograms of your belongings, making the trek more comfortable for you. This is also the much helpful to success your trip.

    • Climbing Kalapathar offers a breathtaking sunrise view and stunning Himalayan panoramas. You'll see close-up views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Changtse, Amadablam, Makalu, Pumori, and other peaks, making it a memorable experience for trekkers. It is to hike 480 meters altitude from Gorakhshep to Kalapathar during abut 3 hours hiking. It is starting very early in the morning to catch sunrise view from the top.

    • Yes, Nepal Highland Treks can customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. You can also join a small group trek on available dates. Even if you're a solo traveler, efforts will be made to accommodate your trekking plans and preferences. Customization options include adjusting the number of acclimatization days, extending or shortening the trip, or selecting different accommodation levels. This flexibility allows you to tailor the trek to your needs and interests.

    Similar Trips
    You may also like