Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
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Trip Information
Trip Duration
17 Nights 18 Days
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Destination
Nepal
Maximum Height
5545 m
Guiding Method
Trekking
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Highlights
- The scenic road journey from Kathmandu to Tham Danda via Salleri offers an alternative to the Lukla flight.
- Trek through the less-explored lower Khumbu Valley, experiencing diverse communities (Rai, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Sherpa).
- Hike through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Experience prayer wheels, colorful flags, mani stones, and high-suspension bridges.
- Visit Namche Bazaar, the unofficial Sherpa capital.
- Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries in Tengboche, Pangboche, and Khumjung.
- Reaching Everest base camp, one of the world's most famous trekking destinations.
- Walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier, the world's highest Glacier.
- Enjoy the captivating mountain scenery of the world's largest peaks: Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m.
- Climb Kala Patthar for panoramic mountain vistas and stunning sunrise over Mt. Everest.
- Get an up-close view of the impressive Khumbu Ice Fall.
Are you tired of the uncertainty and risks of Lukla flights?
The Everest Base Camp Trek by road is an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid flying to Lukla. It offers a safer and more reliable way to begin the Everest adventure. The road journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC) provides unique benefits. It's more budget-friendly, as you'll skip the costly flights to Lukla and save money. Choosing the ground route eliminates risks associated with Lukla flights. Our package includes comfortable road transportation from Kathmandu to Salleri and back.
Starting the trek from Tham Danda offers a lower altitude, providing a more gradual acclimatization to the high-altitude environment. This reduces the risks of altitude sickness and ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience. This less-traveled path offers a fresh perspective on the Everest region. In addition, the Tham Danda to Everest base camp route provides a more unique and challenging trekking experience. Discover hidden gems, encounter fewer crowds, and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
As you trek through the Solu and Khumbu regions, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, Buddhist monasteries, and traditional Sherpa villages. Experience the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of the local people. Thus, this road journey to base camp allows you to experience more of Nepal's rural villages, allowing for deeper cultural immersion.
This 18-day EBC trek by road begins with a 7-8 hour jeep ride from Kathmandu to Salleri via the BP Highway. After an overnight stay in Salleri, you'll drive to Tham Danda, where the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp officially starts. From Tham Danda, you'll hike to Paiya and then to Phakding. Here, you'll join the regular 14-day Everest base camp trek route, meeting trekkers who flew to Lukla. The next day, you'll leave Phakding and follow the Dudh Koshi River towards Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest.
On the way, you'll need to get EBC trekking permits at Sagarmathna National Park. This national park is rich in vegetation like juniper, blue pines, bamboo, and rhododendrons. As you climb higher, the plant life changes to shrubs, lichens, and mosses. The trek to Namche includes crossing the famous Hillary suspension bridge, where you'll get the first sight of Mount Everest. After more hiking, you'll reach Namche, where you'll spend an extra day to acclimatize to the altitude.
After two nights in Namche, you'll head to Tengboche. Here, explore the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the region. Next, you'll ascend to Dingboche village for a second acclimatization day. During this rest day, hike to nearby viewpoints that offer magnificent views of surrounding mountains, valleys, and glaciers. From Dingboche, the trek continues towards Lobuche, crossing the challenging Thukla Pass. This pass is decorated with colored prayer flags and memorial stupas honoring mountaineers who lost their lives during Everest expeditions.
After Lobuche, you'll reach Gorak Shep and proceed to Everest Base Camp. Staggering views of numerous 8,000-meter peaks at the base camp will surround you. You'll also see the Khumbu Glacier, the world's highest Glacier, and the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. This vantage point offers an exceptional view of the Everest region's most iconic features.
Reaching Everest Base Camp is a remarkable achievement that requires intense physical and mental effort. You'll spend some unforgettable moments at EBC before descending to Gorak Shep. You'll have another chance to see the glorious Mt. Everest the following day. Waking up early in Gorak Shep, you'll hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint to witness the sunrise over Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
Kala Patthar, meaning "Black Rock" in Nepali, is easily recognizable by its dark black color contrasting with the snowy white Pumori behind it. While not particularly attractive itself, Kala Patthar is the best viewpoint for Mount Everest without doing any technical climbs. The scenery from Kala Patthar is surreal, transporting you to another world. After savoring the view, you'll descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then head to Namche Bazaar via Pheriche.
Further, you'll continue trekking towards Lukla through the Dudh Koshi Valley from Namche. As you walk, you'll notice how different the scenery looks from this new perspective. The landscapes and mountain vistas you enjoyed on the way up offer fresh beauty on your return journey. Keep your camera ready for these new angles of familiar sights.
Here, your EBC trek detours from the usual itinerary the following day. Instead of flying from Lukla, you'll continue your adventure on foot, heading towards Tham Danda via Paiya and Surke. This extension offers a unique experience compared to the typical 14-day EBC trek itinerary.
Tham Danda marks the end of the Everest base camp trek by road trails. You'll spend the last night in the trek region in Tham Danda. The next morning, you'll drive to Salleri. The drive starkly contrasts the high-altitude landscapes you've experienced in previous days. The following day, a bus ride from Salleri to Kathmandu will complete the entire EBC trek by road journey in Nepal.
The 18-day EBC trek by road trip is a safer alternative to Lukla flights, avoiding high-altitude flight risks. It's ideal for those preferring a relaxed pace or concerned about air travel. Starting from Tham Danda, this route adds just four days to the EBC hike while offering several benefits. Enjoy a more gradual climb, which helps your body adjust to the altitude more easily. It's also cheaper since you skip the costly Lukla flight.
As the walk goes through the lower Khumbu Valley, you'll experience diverse local cultures and landscapes often missed by those who fly in. While this path is a little longer and more challenging, it's more quiet and rewarding. Overall, this road journey is cost-effective, aids acclimatization, and allows deeper cultural immersion. It's perfect for those seeking a unique adventure or preferring land travel.
Altitude Graph
Itinerary
Your Everest base camp trek by road starts in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city. A Nepal Ascent Treks representative will meet you at the Kathmandu International Airport. Next, you'll drive to the hotel in a private vehicle.
After checking in and refreshing up, you'll have a short meeting with the tour guide. During this meeting, you'll discuss the detailed itinerary for the EBC trek by road and trip highlights. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Following the briefing, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the team. After dinner, return to the hotel to prepare your backpack for tomorrow's early morning road trip to Salleri.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meal
Dinner
Transportation
Private Car
Today, the Everest base camp trek by road officially begins with an exciting jeep ride from Kathmandu to Salleri. The drive takes you through the rural side of Nepal, where you get a unique view of Nepal's beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures. You'll pass through terraced rice paddies, lush forests, rushing rivers, and remote mountain villages. The Himalayas provide a dramatic backdrop in the distance.
The jeep ride is bumpy and rugged, with several narrow bridges and water crossings, making for an adventurous ride. After several hours on the road, you'll finally arrive in Salleri, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Known as the gateway to Mount Everest, it's a popular starting point for those trekking to Everest Base Camp without flying to Lukla.
Overnight stay in Salleri.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
4WD Jeep
Today, the day begins with continuing the road trip to Tham Danda, where the EBC trekking journey starts. Tham Danda is an emerging trailhead for the EBC trek by road, known for its waterfalls, rocky trails, lush green forests, and picturesque mountain vistas.
The trek route starting from Tham Danda offers a chance to explore both the Solu and Khumbu trekking regions. From here, the hiking is an uphill climb about a couple of hours to Paiya.
Overnight stay in Paiya.
Keynote: There is an option to drive directly from Kathmandu to Tham Danda in one day, but the 14-hour journey can be very tiring due to the rugged terrain. Splitting it into two days makes the trip easier and more comfortable.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Jeep & Walking
Today, you'll trek from Paiya to Phakding. The trail goes downhill through jungle areas to Surke, a small settlement below Lukla. From there, you'll head north to Chaurikharka, a large town known for its fertile lands that produce barley, wheat, and vegetables for the Khumbu region.
Afterward, you'll reach Chheplung, an intersection where you'll meet trekkers coming from or returning to Lukla. The trail becomes busier from here as it joins the main EBC trekking route. You'll climb towards Thado Koshigaon, walking through forests and passing Ghat and Nurning villages before arriving at Phakding. It is a typical first overnight stop for standard EBC treks starting from Lukla.
Overnight stay in Phakding.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
After an early breakfast, start your trek toward Namche Bazaar. Cross a river and follow a long suspension bridge toward Bengkar. Then, you'll cross the Dudh Koshi River to its east bank. After another bridge, you climb up to Chhamuwa. The trail winds through a lovely backdrop, where you'll see yaks and enjoy the scent of cherry blossoms and rhododendrons.
Next, the trail enters Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site at Monjo. After crossing the Hillary Bridge, you'll climb steeply to a viewpoint that offers the first glimpse of Mount Everest. After a short rest, continue walking until you arrive at Namche Bazaar. Your destination, Namche, is a well-known Sherpa town where trekkers usually spend two nights to acclimatize and explore.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Today is dedicated to exploring Namche Bazaar and helping your body adjust to the high altitude. The key to acclimatization is to "climb high, sleep low," so you'll take short hikes to higher elevations and return to Namche for the night.
One popular acclimatization hike leads to Hotel Everest View, the world's highest-placed hotel at 13,000ft. You can see stunning panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and other towering peaks from here. Another option is exploring the traditional Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde, known for historical sites like Khumjung Monastery, Hillary School, and Khunde Hospital.
If you prefer to stay in Namche, there's plenty to explore. Visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn about local wildlife and Everest climbing history. There's also an old monastery and the Sherpa Cultural Museum to explore. Namche's busy market is worth a visit, too, with ATMs, trekking gear shops, and souvenir stores. It's an excellent place to pick up anything you might need for the rest of your trek.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking & Rest
The day begins with a slight climb out of Namche, followed by a flat path to Khyanjuma. This section offers breathtaking views of Everest and surrounding peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega, with the Dudh Koshi River flowing far below.
From Khyanjuma, you'll enjoy a leisurely walk through rhododendron forests to Sansa. The trail then descends to Phungi Tenga, a crucial junction where you'll encounter two paths: the left leads to the famous Gokyo Valley, while the right continues directly to EBC.
Your journey follows the right path, beginning a steep ascent through rhododendrons and blue pine forests. After an hour of downhill walking and about two hours and 15 minutes of dodging uphill through pine forests, you'll reach Tengboche. This village is renowned for housing the largest and most significant Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu Valley, making it a culturally rich stop on the EBC hike.
Overnight stay in Tengboche.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Begin your day with an early morning visit to Tengboche Monastery for blessings from the monks. After breakfast, start your trek to Dingboche. After leaving Tengboche, the trail descends for half an hour through dense forests, flattens out but becomes rocky. After about an hour of downhill hiking, you'll reach the small settlement of Deboche.
Further, the path goes through the woods leading to Pangboche village, a beautiful settlement in Imja Khola valley. Mt. Ama Dablam is visible throughout this scenic trek. If time allows, explore Pangboche Monastery, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Next, descend to Imja Khola, cross a suspension bridge, and climb above the tree line near Somare. Here, the landscape changes dramatically to scrubland. Finally, you'll reach Dingboche, a small hamlet on the bank of the Imja Khola.
Overnight stay in Dingboche.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Before going to higher altitudes, your body needs time to adjust. That's why there's an acclimatization stop in Dingboche. Altitude sickness is standard on the EBC trek, especially between Lobuche and Gorak Shep. This acclimatization day helps you prepare for that.
Acclimatization means going higher during the day and returning to sleep at a lower altitude. Take a short hike above the town if you feel good. From there, you'll enjoy incredible views of three 8,000-meter peaks: Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. After taking in the scenery, head back down to Dingboche. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the tea house. This rest prepares you for the challenging days ahead.
Overnight stay in Dingboche.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking & Rest
Today, you leave Dingboche and head toward Lobuche, passing through the famous Thukla Pass, known as the Everest Memorial. The first part of the trek follows the upper trail to Thukla, with clear views of Lobuche East Peak and the north face of Tawache Peak to the left.
After about three hours, you reach Dugla and take a lunch break to rest and regain energy before starting a steep climb to Thukla Pass. Leaving Dugla, the challenging uphill hike begins until you reach the top of Thukla Pass. Breathing becomes more difficult at this altitude, but the terrain flattens over rocks and boulders. The scenery from here is truly spectacular.
Thukla Pass is also called Everest Memorial, with many memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest, including Scott Fisher, who died in the 1996 disaster. After visiting the memorials, the trail continues gradually, parallel to the famous Khumbu Glacier. After about an hour, you arrive at the small settlement of Lobuche.
Overnight stay in Lobuche.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Today is the BIG DAY– as you'll step at the base camp of Mount Everest. But first, you have a long trek ahead. From Lobuche, you ascend along the Khumbu Glacier. The trail is steep and rocky, so careful navigation is needed. Once you reach Gorak Shep, drop your heavy backpack and continue toward Everest Base Camp.
The trail from Gorak Shep to EBC is relatively easy, but walking on the glacier moraine with large rocks can be tricky. There are no steep climbs; the path is mostly flat, with a gradual incline in some parts. The altitude, low oxygen, cold temperatures, and rocky terrain add to the challenge. However, the scenery is picturesque, with towering snow-covered mountains all around. As you get close to EBC, the Khumbu Icefall comes into view on the right.
At Everest Base Camp, take time to explore and capture some photos. The base camp is marked by a pile of rocks with a large stone engraved with "Everest Base Camp". You'll see incredible peaks like Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam from here. If you're there in May, during the climbing season, the area becomes a small tent city; otherwise, it's usually quiet and empty.
Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Today, begin the exhilarating hike to Kala Patthar before dawn, followed by a trek to Pheriche. The trail starts near Gorak Shep, crossing a frozen lake bed before climbing two hills over rocky terrain.
This Kala Patthar hike is taxing due to the thin air above 5,500m, but the summit rewards with panoramic sights of the Everest range and surrounding Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, and Nuptse. The sunrise view from the summit is particularly spectacular. After celebrating this achievement, you'll return to Gorak Shep for breakfast.
The day continues with a trek towards Pheriche, retracing your steps through Lobuche and Dughla. From here, the path turns right towards Pheriche. Although challenging, this day offers some of the most astonishing views of the trek, marking the effort well worthwhile.
Overnight stay in Pheriche.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Today, you'll experience a range of breathtaking landscapes, from rocky high-altitude terrain to lush forests. The path is steep and challenging at times but well-marked and manageable. After breakfast, start your hike to Namche, heading south and following the river. The trek route comes across Somare and Pangboche villages, continuing to Deboche. Here, you'll see the oldest Buddhist convent in Nepal. Shortly after, you'll arrive at Tengboche.
Retrace your steps through Phunke Tenga and Khyangjuma, going to Namche Bazaar. After a couple more hours of walking, you'll reach Namche, a vibrant town in the hills known for its local guides and porters. Settle into the teahouse, and if you like, celebrate your EBC trek's accomplishment with a drink at one of the pubs or restaurants.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Today, you'll start early from Namche Bazaar, descending the famous Namche Hill. The day's journey is long with varied terrain, including up and downhill sections. On the way back to Lukla, you'll cross the Hillary Bridge, a famous landmark on the Everest trail. From there, the path follows the Dudh Koshi River. The trail goes through Monjo and to Phakding village, retracing your steps from the start of your journey.
From Phakding, continue to Lukla, enjoying the magnificent Himalayan vistas. When you reach Lukla, relax and reflect on the phenomenal EBC journey. Enjoy a good shower and a hearty meal. Visit the world-famous Tenzing Hillary airport if you have energy left.
Overnight stay in Lukla.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Today marks a departure from the standard Everest base camp trek package. Instead of flying back from Lukla, you'll take a unique extension, trekking to Paiya. This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers a glimpse into local life and a change of scenery from the high-altitude landscapes.
The day begins in Lukla, where you'll set out on a trail leading to the Surke. From here, keep walking, and you'll pass through the settlement of Paknepani. The next segment of the trek involves an ascent that lasts about an hour or more. This climb goes through a lush jungle, offering a different scenery from the alpine landscapes. The destination for the day is Paiya, where you'll arrive after the jungle ascent. This lesser-visited area provides a glimpse into local life away from the main trekking routes.
Overnight stay in Paiya.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Today is the last day on the hiking trail per your ebc trek by road itinerary. The day begins with an easy one to two-hour downhill hike from Paiya to Tham Danda, concluding the trekking portion of the EBC hiking journey.
From Tham Danda, you'll transition to a four to five-hour drive to Salleri, the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. The off-road journey, while bumpy and rough, offers spectacular panorama. You'll pass through lush green forests, alongside rivers and gorges, and past terraced fields, showcasing the diverse beauty of the lower Himalayan region.
Once you arrive in Salleri, explore the town and its surroundings. This is an excellent opportunity to immerse in local culture and traditions, offering a different perspective from the high-altitude villages you've visited. End your day with dinner at a local teahouse for one last time.
Overnight stay in Salleri.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking & 4WD Jeep
The final day of the Everest base camp trek by road begins early in Salleri. Quickly grab the breakfast and board a four-wheel-drive jeep for an exhilarating journey back to Kathmandu. This drive is an adventure in itself, offering a unique perspective on rural Nepal.
The road from Salleri to Kathmandu is winding and often dusty. Sometimes, it may feel daunting, especially along narrow roads and bridges. However, the dramatic scenery more than makes up for any momentary discomfort. You'll travel alongside beautiful rivers and picturesque landscapes, gaining insight into rural Nepalese life that only some tourists experience.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into the hotel to refresh after the long drive. Then, it's time to explore the vibrant capital city;
Wander through the lively streets of Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist hub.
Shop for souvenirs– Thamel offers a wide variety of shops selling local crafts, trekking gear, and souvenirs.
In the evening, join a farewell dinner hosted by the Nepal Ascent Treks team. This is a chance to celebrate your remarkable achievement of trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp by road.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
4WD Jeep
Today, you'll bid farewell and head to the Kathmandu International Airport. Leave for the airport at least three hours before your flight. If you're still eager to explore more of Nepal, Tibet, or Bhutan, feel free to contact us– we'd be happy to plan your next adventure together!
Meal
Breakfast
Transportation
Private Car
Are you dissatisfied with this itinerary?
You can customize your holiday. Let us help you tailor-make your precious Vacation.
What's Included
Meal
- Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
Accomodation
- Lodge expenses during the trek.
- Stay in the city at finest hotel (Can upgrade of the accommodations to luxury hotels / lodge is possible at extra cost).
Staffs & Crew
- A porter and his entire expenses.
- Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide.
Transportation
- Airport pickup and drop facility.
- Kathmandu-Salleri-Thamdanda-Salleri-Kathmandu travel in sharing 4WD Jeep.
Permits & Paperworks
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Other
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
- Nepal Ascent Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
- First aid medical kit
- 5 Hot showers (Attached bathroom) on a trek
Complimentary Extras
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
- Local sim card
- 1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
What's Not Included
- Nepal arrival visa.
- Cost for additional trips.
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
- Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
- Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
- Airfare for domestic and international flights.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
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Essential Info
Physical Fitness
Many people have questions as to what level of physical fitness is required for visiting Nepal, and that is extremely reliant on what activity the visitor is engaging in. With that said, for a standard trek of moderate grading (Everest Base Camp Trek is an example of moderate) the daily activity will be 7-8 hours, and elevation will generally not exceed 5,500 meters. The day’s trekking is sustained and will involve both long steep climbs, and descents with a variety of terrain underfoot from well-trodden paths, to rocks covered with ice or snow. A typical day would include a number of climbs or descents of 500 meters or more, starting after breakfast, resting at lunch, then continuous trekking until arriving at the teahouse.
In preparation for the trek, it is important to begin a training requirement at least 4 months before departing for Nepal. Three to four hours of aerobic exercise like running, walking, swimming, cycling & some gym work per week is the minimum and most will find it beneficial to add some basic strength training to their physical fitness routine. One of the best ways to prepare is to take practice hikes with a daypack roughly the same weight as what you will be taking on the trek. Do this only after a baseline of fitness has been reached. Moving fast is not the end goal, rather endurance is the focus, and will provide a more enjoyable and safe adventure.
Trekking Seasons in Nepal
There are two main seasons in which Nepal sees the most amount of visitors. Fall (September through November) being the most popular, and spring (March to May) coming in close behind. The summer months of June, July and August are the monsoon season and as such the trails are mostly washed out, and roads can sometimes be impassible due to landslide activates. Not to mention the view is non-existent. Still, there are a few places that lie in rain shadow areas and see significantly less rain if any at all, and summer can be a good time to visit these places.
Winter in Nepal is dry, with very cold nights where temperatures can drop to -20°C at the highest altitudes, but the days are pleasant and sunny. Additionally, the trails are much less crowded during this time of year. In Kathmandu, maximum daytime temperatures reach around 20°C.
Fall is the most popular because it’s after the monsoons, and the air is dry, the days are sunny, and everything is green in the lower valleys from the excessive rains. Spring is a popular choice because some rain returns, but the weather is generally warm and dry, and flowers are in bloom in the lower elevations.
Trekking Day
A typical trekking day begins with a cup of tea at around 6 in the morning. It is advised to pack your trekking gears in a duffle bag and essential supplies in your day pack in these early hours. After having breakfast, we begin the trek and head along the trail at around 8 am. The morning walk is designed to be longer as we begin with refreshed bodies and enthusiasm. Following a good morning’s walk, we make stop for lunch at around 11.30 am. The lunch involves group meals enjoying the vicinity around the stop. You can explore the surrounding or use the time according to your own consent. After resting for about an hour or two, we resume our trek to reach teahouse or camp by 3-4 pm. The afternoon walk is relatively shorter and can involve games and side trips as organized by the trekking guides. You also can enjoy breaks during the trek to relax, read or stroll around the area. You can converse with the local people and observe their lifestyle. Dinner is served around 7 in the evening to round off the day.
Meals and Accommodations
During the length of the trek, the accommodation style is commonly referred to as teahouse. These are family-run basic lodges that fill the role of the restaurant, meeting place, and boarding house for tourists. Electricity can be found in the rooms, which means one light bulb, and one or two outlets for charging electronics. The common areas are also lit by electricity. Teahouses may use solar, hydroelectric, or have electrical lines running into the village, so the commonality and availability of electricity may vary.
Most teahouses have private rooms, though if the trek is in a more remote or high altitude place dormitories are the norm. Each room has 1 or 2 single beds with basic bedding, and the bathroom is shared. Expect a mix of western and squat style toilets in the bathrooms.
Breakfast and dinner are taken at the teahouse and these lodges have large family style dining rooms centered on a stove to provide heat. The menu will have Nepali style western foods such as pasta, pizza, pancakes, burgers, and fries. Also on the menu is the traditional Dal Bhat meal. This is a lentil soup with rice and vegetable or meat curry. Most menus will also offer a smattering of local cuisine.
Travel Insurance
Many expeditions and tours require that travel insurance is purchased prior to arriving in Nepal, but other treks and tours may not. However, travel insurance is definitely an important consideration. There are a number of reasons to consider insurance. Firstly, it may be required, so check to see what is being asked for by the company. Second, Nepal is a landlocked country, and there are few direct flights. Travel in and out can encounter some disruptions and if purchasing insurance, make sure flight delays and cancellations are included. The next reason to choose insurance is that, though every safeguard is in place during your tour, there are always extenuating circumstances that may result in an accident. Read the fine print of insurance policies to ensure trekking or any other activity you are engaging in is covered, as some policies have stopped covering trekking in certain places. It is impossible to have a relaxing trip without the comfort of good insurance, so do the research and choose carefully.
Nepal Visa Entry Procedure
For entry into Nepal, there are visa requirements everyone (except Indian nationals) must complete before being allowed to pass through immigration. This is for air travel as well as overland transportation. Most visitors may obtain a visa to enter Nepal, however, there are exceptions. There are a number of entry points where you can obtain the visa upon arriving by land, but Tribhuvan International Airport is the only one for air transport.
Visa on Arrival Tourist Visa
Three options are available for entry
15-day single entry: US $30
30-day single entry: US $50
90-day multiple entries: US $125
Please have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, and have cash ready, preferably in US dollars, though there are other currencies Nepal Immigration accepts. If you are entering via overland, you must have US cash and 3 passport photos. For arrival by air, the kiosks at the airport take your picture for you.
For the most up to date list of exceptions for visa on arrival or to obtain the most current visa information, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Acute Mountain Sickness is usually seen in un-acclimatized people shortly after ascent to high altitudes. The condition occurs due to the thinning of air as the altitude increases. The condition, if not taken seriously and treated immediately, can be life-threatening and its symptoms can be seen generally above 3000 meters. Some of the symptoms of AMS are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, shortness of breath and cerebral pain. The treks are designed to properly acclimatize you to the change in high altitude climate and sufficient precautionary measures too are taken to take utmost caution. We also equip our staffs with cell phones and satellite phones in occurrence of any emergency cases. We are greatly driven to keep the safety and security of our clients as our foremost concern.
Drinking Water
Water is essential for life, and clean water is imperative while on holiday. When choosing to visit less developed countries it is a concern that all travelers should consider. A few options are available when trekking or traveling in Nepal that will mitigate any chances of drinking contaminated water which could cause disruption of an otherwise fun adventure. The first consideration to take into account is that tap water should not be ingested. That even means when brushing your teeth. Most will choose to buy bottled water and if doing so make sure the cap has not been opened previously. Plastic bottle refuse is a problem, and with that being said there are other options on the market to assist in making water drinkable. Your local outdoor store can help with choosing what option might be best to use in conjunction with a reusable bottle. Your guide can also steer you to water that has been filtered and purified so ask him or her what is available.
Arrival Instruction
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your name being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. The representatives are responsible to escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will see men offering you to carry luggage and take you to your destination as you exit the airport. We request you pay no attention to these people and follow the designated representatives and follow their instructions. You will also need to keep an eye on your luggage and belongings to avoid any complications.
Annapurna Trek was fantastic!
Alexis Carey
AULife time trip to Langtang with NAT
Ann Ross
USLifetime Experience with Nepal Ascent Treks
Katy Walsh
IETrekking campo base everest
Elisa Cecelia
BRAmazing trekking to Poon Hill
Eduardo Ruaro
BRPrice per person