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The Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep: Kathmandu to Surke Route offers an alternative to the traditional Lukla flight, providing trekkers with a scenic and reliable overland journey. Starting with a jeep drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, followed by another drive from Salleri to Surke, this route bypasses the often delayed Lukla flights. The journey offers stunning views of Nepal’s rural landscapes, traditional Sherpa villages, and the opportunity for gradual altitude acclimatization. After reaching Surke, trekkers continue the trek to Everest Base Camp via the classic trail. This jeep route is an affordable, flexible, and adventurous way to begin the iconic Everest Base Camp trek.
The Everest Base Camp Trek by jeep is a great option for trekkers who want to avoid the Lukla flight. This route starts with a long but beautiful jeep drive from Kathmandu to Surke, passing through the town of Salleri. Surke is just below Lukla and connects to the main trekking route to Everest Base Camp. This overland route is becoming more popular among those who want to save money or avoid flight cancellations at Lukla.
The journey begins with a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Salleri. Salleri is the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. It is about 270 kilometers away from Kathmandu. The drive takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions. The road goes through hills, rivers, and local villages. It is a bumpy but scenic ride. Many trekkers stay one night in Salleri to rest and enjoy the quiet mountain town.
From Salleri, the next part of the journey is another jeep ride to Surke. This section is about 60 kilometers and takes around 5 hours. The road is rough and passes through villages like Ringmo and Kharikhola. Along the way, you can see terraced fields, traditional Sherpa homes, and local people going about their daily lives. Once you reach Surke, the trekking part begins. Surke is about 2,300 meters and is just one hour below Lukla Airport on foot.
After a short rest in Surke, the trek continues with a two-hour uphill walk to Chheplung. This is where you join the classic Everest Base Camp trail. From here, the path is well-marked and full of trekkers who started from Lukla. You will then walk through the Dudh Koshi valley and pass beautiful villages like Phakding, Monjo, and Jorsalle. Soon you reach Namche Bazaar, the famous Sherpa town, where you spend a rest day to acclimatize.
The trek from Namche continues higher through Tengboche and Dingboche. You will enjoy stunning mountain views, including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. The trail then leads to Lobuche and Gorakshep, and finally to Everest Base Camp(EBC) at 5,364 meters. From here, many trekkers also hike up to Kala Patthar for a sunrise view of Everest.
For those short on time, it is possible to drive directly from Kathmandu to Surke in one long day, which takes about 14 to 15 hours. This option skips the overnight stop in Salleri but can be tiring. After reaching Surke, you can rest and trek the next day.
Choosing the jeep route to Everest Base Camp gives you a safer and more flexible journey. It avoids flight delays and offers a gradual rise in altitude. It is also more affordable and lets you see more of Nepal’s countryside. This route is a perfect choice for those looking for a unique and rewarding way to reach Everest.
The journey from Kathmandu to Surke for the Everest Base Camp trek is a unique adventure, offering a mix of paved and rugged roads, along with varying levels of comfort in the transportation.
For this trip, you’ll be traveling in a Tata Sumo 7-seater, which is a reliable vehicle suited for Nepal’s challenging road conditions. While it is not a luxury vehicle, the Tata Sumo provides reasonable comfort for the long journey. It offers enough space for a small group, though it can be bumpy at times due to the rough terrain, particularly as the journey progresses. However, the vehicle is sturdy and designed to handle the twists and turns of mountain roads.
The road from Kathmandu to Salleri and Phaplu is paved, making the initial part of the journey relatively smooth and comfortable. This section offers an easy drive with fewer obstacles, allowing you to relax and enjoy the changing landscapes. However, after Phaplu, the road becomes more rugged and unpaved, with steep inclines and narrow pathways, especially as you approach Surke. This part of the road is carved along cliffs, offering dramatic views of the river below and the surrounding mountains. The journey through alpine forests adds an element of serenity, but it also means the ride can be more uncomfortable due to the rough terrain.
The unpaved section of the road is where the real adventure begins. Traveling along the cliffs offers breathtaking views of the river valleys and mountain peaks, and the lush alpine forests add to the beauty of the journey. The road can be challenging, with narrow stretches and some hairpin bends, which adds to the thrill. However, the stunning landscapes more than make up for any discomfort, providing a scenic preview of the beauty you will encounter during your trek.
Cost Savings: Skip the expensive Lukla flight and save money for other parts of the trip.
Adventure-Filled Journey: Enjoy a thrilling 15-hour jeep ride through Nepal’s rugged landscapes and picturesque villages.
No Flight Delays: Avoid the uncertainty of weather-related flight cancellations, ensuring a more reliable schedule.
Better Acclimatization: The gradual ascent by jeep allows for a smoother acclimatization process before reaching higher altitudes.
Closer Cultural Connection: Experience the local culture by passing through remote villages and interacting with locals along the way.
Less Crowded: The jeep ride offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to the popular Lukla flight route.
Physical Warm-Up: The bumpy ride can serve as a good physical warm-up for the trek ahead.
Distance: 270 km | Drive Time: 9-10 hours
Overnight: Salleri
Description: Your journey starts with a 9-10 hour jeep drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. The drive offers beautiful views of terraced fields, villages, and rivers as you ascend towards the foothills of the Himalayas. After reaching Salleri, at 2,400 meters, you will rest overnight and prepare for the next day’s drive.
Distance: 60 km | Drive Time: 5 hours
Overnight: Surke
Description: On Day 2, continue your jeep journey from Salleri to Surke (about 5 hours). The road is rugged, passing through Sherpa villages like Kharikhola and Jubing. The drive offers stunning views of the hills and rivers. Surke, located at 2,300 meters, is a short distance from Lukla Airport and will be your overnight stop, allowing time for rest before the trek begins.
Trek Time: 2 hours | Distance: 5 km
Overnight: Phakding
Description: On Day 3, begin your trek with a 2-hour walk to Phakding, located at 2,610 meters. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through small forests and villages. The trek is relatively easy, making it an ideal start to the EBC trek. Phakding offers a peaceful atmosphere and several guesthouses for an overnight stay.
Trek Time: 6 hours | Distance: 10 km
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Description: On Day 4, begin your trek towards Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. The journey takes around 6 hours and includes ascents and descents through beautiful rhododendron forests. You’ll pass through the village of Monjo, where the Sagarmatha National Park entrance is located. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar (at 3,440 meters), enjoy views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This is a good spot for acclimatization.
Activity: Rest day
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Description: Day 5 is a rest day in Namche Bazaar to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. You can take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, which offers stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about the region’s history. This rest day is crucial for proper acclimatization before moving higher.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 10 km
Overnight: Tengboche
Description: On Day 6, trek for around 5-6 hours from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, a beautiful monastery village at 3,860 meters. The trail passes through forests and offers stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Once in Tengboche, visit the Tengboche Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in the region. You’ll spend the night in Tengboche.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 11 km
Overnight: Dingboche
Description: On Day 7, continue the trek to Dingboche at 4,410 meters. The trek takes about 5-6 hours through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, offering views of peaks like Pumori and Lhotse. Dingboche is a good spot for acclimatization, and you will find guesthouses to rest for the night.
Activity: Rest day
Overnight: Dingboche
Description: Take a second acclimatization day in Dingboche to allow your body to adjust. A short hike to Nangkartshang Peak (around 2-3 hours) offers excellent views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other surrounding peaks. This rest day will help prepare you for the higher altitudes ahead.
Trek Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 7 km
Overnight: Lobuche
Description: On Day 9, trek from Dingboche to Lobuche, located at 4,940 meters. The route takes around 4-5 hours through rugged terrain with amazing views of Pumori and Nuptse. Upon arrival in Lobuche, you’ll have the night to rest and prepare for the trek to Gorakshep the following day.
Trek Time: 7-8 hours | Distance: 15 km
Overnight: Gorakshep
Description: On Day 10, begin with a 7-8 hour trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, then continue to Everest Base Camp. The route is challenging but rewards you with spectacular views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. After reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), spend some time at this iconic location before returning to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 12 km
Overnight: Pheriche/Pangboche
Description: On Day 11, start early and hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) for the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Nuptse. After spending some time taking in the views, descend back to Gorakshep and continue your trek to Pheriche or Pangboche for an overnight stay. The trek takes about 6-7 hours.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 12 km
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Description: On Day 12, trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar in around 5-6 hours. The descent through forests and villages offers fantastic views of the mountains as you make your way back towards Namche. After reaching Namche Bazaar, you’ll stay overnight and enjoy the last views of the Everest range before heading back.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 15 km
Overnight: Surke
Description: On Day 13, trek from Namche Bazaar to Surke in about 6-7 hours. This descent takes you back through Tengboche and Phakding, passing through beautiful rhododendron forests. Upon reaching Surke, you will rest for the night before the final drive back to Kathmandu.
Drive Time: 15 hours (Option to stop at Salleri)
Overnight: Kathmandu
Description: On Day 14, begin the long drive back to Kathmandu. The drive from Surke to Kathmandu is about 15 hours. If you prefer, you can break the journey at Salleri and take a jeep back to Kathmandu the following day. The return journey offers a chance to relax and reflect on the incredible trek you’ve just completed.
| Start Date | End Date | Price In US Dollar($) | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
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The EBC trek by road usually takes around 12 to 16 days. This includes jeep travel to the starting point, trekking, and returning by jeep.
You’ll be traveling by private jeep for long distances, starting from Kathmandu to the trek’s starting point (like Salleri, Phaplu, or Jiri). The journey will be scenic but can be long and bumpy, depending on road conditions.
The trek itself is moderate in difficulty. While there are some steep sections, most of the trek is gradual. Make sure you’re physically prepared for walking for several hours each day.
The best time for the EBC trek is October-November or March-April, as the weather is clear, and temperatures are comfortable for trekking.
During the trek, you’ll stay in teahouses or lodges. They offer basic rooms with shared bathrooms. Expect simple amenities with hot meals served.
The trek takes you to high altitudes (up to 5,364 meters/17,598 feet at EBC). To avoid altitude sickness, it’s important to take rest days for acclimatization.
Expect local food like dal bhat (lentil soup), rice, noodles, and some western-style dishes. Meals are generally included in the trekking packages.
While no extreme physical fitness is required, it’s good to be moderately fit. Practice hiking or walking with a daypack before the trek to build stamina.
Pack light, with essential items such as a sleeping bag, trekking poles, warm clothes, and water bottles. You’ll be provided with a down jacket and sleeping bag by most agencies.
You will need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and an Everest National Park Permit. These are usually arranged by the trekking agency.
1. What is the EBC trek by road?
The EBC trek by road is a combination of jeep travel and trekking. You drive from Kathmandu to a starting point, such as Salleri, and then trek to Everest Base Camp, returning by jeep.
2. How long does the trek take?
The trek usually takes between 12 and 16 days, depending on the route and pace of the trek.
3. What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?
The best times are October-November and March-April when the weather is clear and temperatures are moderate for trekking.
4. Is it safe to travel to EBC by jeep?
Yes, it is generally safe, though the roads can be rough and bumpy. You’ll be traveling with an experienced driver, and the trek itself is well-established.
5. What should I pack for the trek?
You should pack light, comfortable trekking clothes, a sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, and personal hygiene items. You can also rent or buy trekking gear in Kathmandu.
6. How difficult is the trek?
The EBC trek is of moderate difficulty, with some steep sections, but most of the trekking is gradual. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
7. Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?
Yes, altitude sickness can occur, especially above 3,000 meters. Make sure to take acclimatization days and drink plenty of water to prevent it.
8. Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, most trekking packages include meals during the trek. These are typically served in teahouses or lodges along the trail.
9. Will I be guided during the trek?
Yes, you will be provided with a professional guide to lead you through the trek and a porter to carry your luggage.
10. Do I need travel insurance for the trek?
Yes, it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes, including emergency evacuation.
Safe Holiday Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
P.O.Box: 20065
Tarkeshwor-6,,Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977 9849116284
Email: info@safeholidayadventure.com,
safeholidayadventure@gmail.com
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