Everest Base Camp Trek (via Jeep) - 15 Days
Trip Highlights
Overland jeep drive from Kathmandu to Salleri and Surke, a budget-friendly alternative to flights.
Trek from Surke to Lukla, crossing forests, bridges, and Sherpa villages.
Explore Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital of the Khumbu.
Visit Tengboche Monastery with Everest and Ama Dablam as a backdrop.
Acclimatize with side hikes in Namche and Dingboche for safe altitude adjustment.
Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) alongside the Khumbu Glacier.
Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the best Everest views.
Experience Sherpa culture and Himalayan hospitality in traditional tea houses.
Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks in the world. Standing at the base of the highest mountain on Earth is not only about reaching a destination but also about the landscapes, culture, and experiences.
This itinerary follows the same classic Everest trail, but begins with an overland journey instead of a flight. Rather than flying directly to Lukla, the trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, followed by a jeep ride to Surke. From Surke, you join the main Everest route and continue on foot toward Lukla. This approach allows a gentler start to the trek and significantly reduces overall trip costs.
Once on the Everest trail, the experience is the same as the standard flight based route. You walk through Sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and reach Namche Bazaar, the cultural center of the Khumbu. The trail continues past Tengboche Monastery and through Dingboche and Lobuche, with planned acclimatization days to keep the pace safe and comfortable.
The route leads you alongside the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. Standing here, surrounded by ice and towering peaks, is a powerful moment that every trekker remembers. An early morning hike to Kala Patthar the following day offers wide views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam in the first light of the day.
The return journey follows the same scenic trail back through Pheriche, Namche, and Lukla, before retracing the jeep route through Surke and Salleri to Kathmandu. Throughout the trek, you stay in simple tea houses, meet local people, and experience daily life in the Khumbu region.
For trekkers who want the full Everest Base Camp experience without the high cost of flights, this jeep based itinerary offers the same destination, the same trail, and the same memories, with a more budget friendly approach and a steady, well paced journey.
Itinerary
One day before the trek begins, we will hold a short group briefing in Kathmandu. The meeting will take place at our fixed meeting point, Hotel Kailash Kutee. If you want an easier start to your journey, you may choose to stay at this hotel so that everything is in one place. Otherwise, you are free to stay in your own hostel or guesthouse and simply come to the meeting point at the scheduled time.
During the briefing, your guide will explain the trekking route, daily plan, weather expectations, altitude safety, and general guidelines for the journey. This is also a good time to meet your group members and clear up any questions. Your guide will check your trekking gear and help you make any last-minute adjustments if needed.
After the meeting, you are free to explore Thamel, buy snacks for the trail, or rest early before the journey begins.
Note: Please bring a passport sized photo, a readable copy of your travel insurance, and your original passport to the meeting. These documents are required for trekking permits and essential paperwork. You will also settle the remaining balance and sign the trip agreement and non liability form.
You will start your journey in a shared jeep. The jeep will first drive towards Dhulikhel and follow the Banepa-Sindhuli highway. From there, the road continues towards Salleri.
The total distance from Kathmandu to Salleri is about 275 km. Depending on the traffic and road conditions, it usually takes 9–10 hours to reach. The road is mostly blacktopped and well-maintained, though some sections are winding and bumpy as it gets closer to the hills.
On the way, you will stop for lunch at a roadside tea house. By late afternoon or evening, you will arrive at Salleri, the headquarters of Solukhumbu district. Here, you will check into a local lodge, have dinner, and rest for the night.
After breakfast in Salleri, you will continue your journey in a shared jeep toward Surke. The road becomes narrower and more rugged as you enter deeper into the hills of Solukhumbu. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, passing forests, small settlements, and terraced landscapes along the way.
Surke lies just below Lukla. From here, your trekking adventure begins. After a short break, you will start walking uphill through pine forests, farmland, and small Sherpa villages. The climb is gradual, and you will see locals carrying goods and going about their daily routines.
After about 3 hours of trekking, you will reach Lukla (2,840 m), the gateway to Everest. Lukla is a lively town with shops, bakeries, and tea houses. You will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night before beginning the main trail toward Everest Base Camp the next morning.
After breakfast in Lukla, you will begin your first official day on the Everest Base Camp trail. The path starts by passing through the village and then gently descends toward the Dudh Koshi River. The walk is peaceful and follows a well-marked trail used daily by trekkers and locals.
You will pass through small Sherpa villages such as Chheplung and Ghat, where you can see prayer wheels, mani stones, and fluttering prayer flags. The trail stays mostly downhill or flat, making it a good warm-up day.
After about 3 to 4 hours of easy walking, you will reach Phakding (2,610 m), a quiet riverside village. You will check into your lodge, relax, and enjoy a warm dinner. Rest well, as tomorrow’s walk to Namche is longer and more challenging.
After breakfast in Phakding, you will begin your trek toward Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and passes through small Sherpa villages such as Tok Tok and Benkar. On clear days, you will get your first views of the beautiful peak Thamserku rising above the valley.
After about 2 hours of walking, you will reach Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Your guide will handle the permit check while you take a short rest. From here, the trail continues to Jorsalle, where you will stop for lunch before starting the long climb up to Namche.
After lunch, the trail follows the river and then climbs steadily through pine forests. You will cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the region. Once you cross the bridge, the final climb to Namche begins. This section is steep, so you will walk slowly and steadily.
After about 6 to 7 hours of total trekking, you will reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the main trading town of the Khumbu region. Namche is lively with tea houses, shops, bakeries, and cafes. You will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.
Tomorrow is an important acclimatization day.
Today is an acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. After breakfast, you will take a short hike to a higher viewpoint and return to Namche for the night.
A popular excursion is the walk to the Everest View Hotel, which takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip. From here, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku on clear days. You will also pass by the Syangboche airstrip on the way.
If you want to explore more, you can continue toward Khumjung village, a traditional Sherpa community with its own monastery and school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. The walk is gentle and peaceful.
After returning to Namche, the afternoon is free to rest. You can visit a bakery, explore the market, or relax at your lodge. Staying hydrated and moving slowly helps with acclimatization.
Dinner and overnight stay will be in Namche Bazaar.
After breakfast in Namche, you will begin your trek toward Tengboche. The trail starts with a pleasant walk along the hillside, offering wide views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This first section of the day is gentle and enjoyable.
After about 2 hours of walking, the trail descends toward the Dudh Koshi River. You will cross a suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga, where you will stop for lunch. The area is quiet and surrounded by pine and rhododendron forests.
After lunch, you will begin the steady climb to Tengboche. This uphill section takes about 2 to 3 hours. As you reach the top, you will see the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region. The setting is stunning, with Ama Dablam rising behind the monastery.
You can visit the monastery in the late afternoon if time allows. Afterward, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.
After breakfast in Tengboche, you will begin your trek toward Dingboche. The trail first descends through rhododendron and birch forests until you reach the Imja Khola River. After crossing the river on a suspension bridge, the trail gradually climbs up to Pangboche, a traditional Sherpa village.
You can stop here for tea and enjoy clear views of Ama Dablam. From Pangboche, the landscape becomes more open. You will walk through wide valleys and yak pastures with beautiful views of Island Peak and the Imja Valley.
You will stop for lunch at a tea house along the route before continuing the final stretch. The trail then climbs gently for about 2 hours until you reach Dingboche (4,410 m). Dingboche sits in a sunny, wide valley surrounded by high peaks and stone-walled fields.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your lodge in Dingboche.
Today is your second acclimatization day, giving your body time to adjust before moving higher. After breakfast, you will take a short hike to a viewpoint above Dingboche.
The most common acclimatization walk is the hike toward Nagarjun Hill, which takes about 3 to 4 hours round trip. The trail is steep in some places, but the views from the top are worth it. From this viewpoint, you can see Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and the wide Imja Valley.
After returning to Dingboche, the afternoon is free to rest. Dingboche is sunny and open, making it a comfortable place to relax, explore the village, or simply enjoy the views. Staying hydrated and moving slowly is important on acclimatization days.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your lodge in Dingboche.
After breakfast in Dingboche, you will begin your trek toward Lobuche. The trail starts with a gentle climb along the side of the valley. As you walk, you will see beautiful views of Taboche, Cholatse, and the surrounding snowy peaks.
After about 2 hours of gradual walking, you will reach Thukla (4,620 m), where you will stop for lunch. The next section is the steepest part of the day.
After lunch, you will climb up to the Thukla Pass, an area filled with memorials dedicated to climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest. The place is quiet and peaceful, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Once you reach the top of the pass, the trail becomes easier. You will continue walking along the side of the Khumbu Glacier, following a rocky path that leads to Lobuche (4,910 m). This section takes about 2 more hours.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your lodge in Lobuche.
After an early breakfast in Lobuche, you will begin your trek toward Gorakshep. The trail follows the side of the Khumbu Glacier and passes through rocky terrain. Because of the higher altitude, you will walk slowly and steadily. This section takes about 3 hours.
Once you reach Gorakshep (5,140 m), you will stop for lunch and take a short break before heading to Everest Base Camp. After lunch, you will continue along glacial paths with small ups and downs. The walk takes about 2 to 3 hours, and the surrounding scenery becomes more dramatic as you get closer.
Reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is a special moment. You will see the Khumbu Icefall, large ice formations, and during climbing season, the colorful tents of expedition teams. You will have time to take photos and enjoy the achievement of reaching one of the most famous locations in the world.
After spending time at base camp, you will walk back to Gorakshep, which takes about 2 hours. By late afternoon, you will be back at your lodge, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.
Today begins early with a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar, one of the best viewpoints for Mount Everest. You will leave your lodge before sunrise and climb steadily for about 2 hours. The altitude makes the walk slow, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
From the summit, you will see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam glowing under the morning light. Many trekkers say this moment is the highlight of the entire trek. After taking photos and enjoying the view, you will return to Gorakshep (5,140 m) for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will begin your descent toward Pheriche. You will retrace the trail through Lobuche and Thukla. As you lose altitude, the walking becomes more comfortable and the air feels thicker again. The total walking time today is about 6 to 7 hours.
You will arrive in Pheriche (4,240 m) by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a lodge in Pheriche.
After breakfast in Pheriche, you will begin your descent toward Namche Bazaar. The trail retraces the familiar route through Pangboche and Tengboche, offering a mix of downhill and gradual sections. You will stop for lunch along the way before continuing the final stretch.
As you move lower, the air becomes warmer and the walking feels easier. The last part of the trail gently leads you back into the lively town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) after about 6 to 7 hours of total walking.
Once you arrive, you can enjoy a warm meal, relax at your lodge, or take a short walk around the town. Dinner and overnight stay will be in Namche Bazaar.
After breakfast in Namche, you will begin your final full day of trekking. The trail starts with a long downhill section toward the Dudh Koshi River and then continues through Jorsalle, Monjo, and Phakding. You will stop for lunch at one of the tea houses along the route.
The final climb back to Lukla (2,840 m) is steady but familiar. After about 6 to 7 hours of walking, you will arrive in Lukla by late afternoon. This is where you will spend your last night in the mountains.
Many trekkers celebrate with their guide and porters here, sharing stories from the journey. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a lodge in Lukla.
After breakfast in Lukla, you will begin your descent toward Surke. The trail first leads downhill through small villages and forested sections, following a familiar route from earlier in the trek. The walk to Surke takes about 2 to 3 hours, and you will take a short break there before starting the drive.
From Surke, you will board a shared local jeep for the journey back to Salleri (2,360 m). The drive takes around 4 to 5 hours, following narrow mountain roads and passing through rural settlements. You will stop for tea or refreshments along the way.
Once you arrive in Salleri, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.
After breakfast in Salleri, you will begin the long drive back to Kathmandu. You will travel in a shared local jeep along the same scenic mountain roads you took earlier. The journey takes about 9 to 10 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.
Along the way, you will pass through hills, rivers, terraced farmland, and small towns, giving you one last look at rural life in Nepal. You will stop for lunch and short breaks at local tea houses during the drive.
Once you reach Kathmandu, your trek officially comes to an end. You are free to head to your hotel or continue your travel plans. If you need any help or recommendations, our team will be available to assist you.
Map
Packing List
Upper Body
- Warm jacket (down or thick fleece)
- Light jacket or rain jacket (windproof and waterproof)
- Trekking shirts (2 to 3, quick dry)
- Thermal top (for higher altitude)
- Warm hat or beanie
- Sun hat or cap
- Gloves (1 light pair, 1 warm pair)
Lower Body
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Thermal pants or leggings
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking boots
- Trekking socks
- Sandals or flip flops
Undergarments
- Quick dry underwear
- Sports bras (women)
First Aid and Medications
- Bandage
- Electrolyte packets
- Your personal medicines (bring extra)
- Altitude sickness medicine (if prescribed)
Other Essentials
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
We will carry the medicines and first-aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring additional items based on your personal preferences and the specific conditions of the trip.
Inclusions
What's Included In This Trip?
Sagarmatha National Park Permit & Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit.
A licensed and insured local trekking guide to lead the trek and provide local insights.
14 Nights of teahouse or mountain lodge accommodation during the trek.
Shared Local Jeep (Ktm - Salleri - Surke)
Shared Local Jeep (Surke - Salleri - Ktm)
Your guide is trained to coordinate support in case of illness, altitude issues, or unexpected circumstances.
We ensure that your guide is fully covered with travel and evacuation insurance in case of any emergency.
Route planning, daily coordination, and on-trail assistance so you can focus on the trekking experience.
Permits
Experienced Guide
Accommodation on the Trail
Transportation
Emergency Support
Travel & Evacuation Insurance for Guide
Trek Coordination and Support
What's Excluded In This Trip?
Meals and drinks are not part of the base package
You may either add a meal plan in advance or pay directly at teahouses during the trek
Porter service is not included in the base package.
You can add a porter during booking if you prefer support with your backpack.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is mandatory and must be arranged by you.
Personal expenses such as hot showers, charging, WiFi, and snacks are not included.
Flights to/from Nepal and visa fees are not part of the package.
Tipping is part of the trekking culture in the mountains and is appreciated by guides and porters as recognition of their work.
Meals During the Trek (Optional Add-on)
Porter Services (Optional Add-on)
Travel Insurance for You
Personal Expenses
International Travel
Tips for Staff
Fixed Departures
FAQs
General Trek Information
The trek is moderate to challenging, similar to the flight route. The main challenge comes from altitude and multi-day walking, not technical terrain.
Yes, beginners can do this trek with good fitness and proper preparation.
The jeep route offers a more gradual start, which some trekkers find easier for acclimatization.
The jeep-based itinerary usually takes 14 to 16 days, depending on the route. Daily walking is typically 4 to 7 hours.
The jeep route avoids flights to Lukla and starts with an overland journey.
It is more budget-friendly, avoids flight delays, and offers a slower transition into the trekking region, but requires extra days.
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome and will join a fixed departure group with guide support throughout.
Permits & Trekking Requirements
The trek requires a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit.
Yes. All required permits are included in the Nepwise price and arranged in advance.
Yes. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is mandatory.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation is in local tea houses along the route. Rooms are simple, usually shared, with basic facilities.
Nepwise arranges accommodation in advance to ensure availability and smooth daily logistics.
Meals are not included in the base package. You can either add a meal plan in advance or choose and pay directly at teahouse during the trek.
In addition to the base package, you should budget for meals and personal expenses.
On average, this is around USD $35–$50 per day, depending on your choices and comfort level.
Guides, Porters & Group Details
Yes. Every trek includes a licensed, experienced local guide.
Each fixed departure group has a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 trekkers.
Porters are not included in the base package. If you’d like help carrying your backpack, you can add a porter during booking.
For longer and more demanding treks like Everest Base Camp, using a porter is highly recommended for comfort and ease.
Yes. You can request a private trek, different dates, or a customized itinerary by contacting us directly or using our trek planner.
We regularly arrange private and custom trips alongside fixed departure groups.
What You Pay & What to Budget
The base price covers your essential trekking logistics, including a licensed guide, permits, transportation, and all accommodation during the trek.
Meals, personal expenses (such as hot showers, charging, and WiFi), porter services, and tips are not included. These can be added or managed on the trail.
No. All expected costs are explained clearly before booking.
The jeep route avoids domestic flights, which significantly reduces cost.
The trade-off is more travel time, not a reduced trekking experience.
Health, Safety & Altitude
Yes. Altitude can affect some trekkers. The jeep route allows a slower and more gradual approach, which helps reduce risk.
Yes. This is a well-established trekking route with guide support and regular villages along the way.
Yes. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is required.
Experience & Local Culture
In addition to the classic Everest trail, the jeep route offers rural villages, less-traveled paths, and a deeper transition into the Khumbu region.
Tipping is a common practice in the mountains and a meaningful way to appreciate the work of guides and porters.
If you’re happy with the service, it is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude.
If you need to cancel your trip, our refund policy follows a simple step-by-step process. Make sure to check the terms before finalizing your plans.Learn more
