Can we do the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road?

The Everest Base Camp Trek by Road is a unique trekking option that allows you to reach the Everest Base Camp without taking a flight to Lukla. We will start the private tourist vehicle drive to Khari-Khola early in the morning. It will take us 12 to 14 hours depending on the traffic and the road condition. The road until Salleri is paved in concrete. This section of the drive lasts for about 8 to 9 hours. From Salleri to Khari-Khola, the private tourist vehicle goes through a dirt road. The ride is bumpy and It lasts for about 3 to 4 hours.

Why choose the Everest Base Camp Trek via Road?

Our 17-day journey does not require taking a flight to Lukla. Hence, trekkers won't have to worry about the bad weather and making changes in their plans. Moreover, walking on this path lets trekkers interact more with the locals in the lower villages in the Solukhumbu district. Trekkers who prefer economical EBC Trek or who have a flying phobia (acrophobia) can travel by bus/jeep to Khari Khola and then trek to Lukla.

When is the best time to undertake this classic trek?

The best seasons to trek Everest base camp by road are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to early).These months offer better road conditions and pleasant trekking weather.

What is the duration of this trek?

The trek usually spans about 17 days, including both the road journey and trekking portion. This duration may vary depending on the itinerary chosen.

What is the road condition look like?

The road until Salleri is paved in concrete. This section of the drive lasts for about 8 to 9 hours. From Salleri to Khari khola, the private tourist vehicle goes through a dirt road. The ride is bumpy. It lasts for about 3 to 4 hours. This particular section from Salleri to Jubing gets affected by the monsoon, so vehicles can use this part only in dry seasons.

What is the trekking route after reaching Khari khola?

By crossing Khari-Khola we climb a steep hill for a few hours to arrive at a top ridge at Bupsa Danda, from where we get an exceptional view of the mountains and the surrounding landscapes. The air gets colder as we walk along the higher Khumbu areas passing through the enchanting woodland to reach Paiyun village. The Paiyun village lies in the middle of the forest. We walk along a gentle path downhill to Surkhe village with a view of Lukla on the north. From Surkhe, we will take a winding trail and arrive at Choplung. This is a point where the path from Lukla meets the main Everest Base Camp Trail.

What permits are required for this trek?

A new permit system has been implemented in Everest Region. You will no longer require a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: This new permit was imposed on the 1st of October 2018, replacing an existing TIMS Card. The local government of Khumbu directly collects NPR 2000 Per Person from each foreigner. Please note that these permits cannot be obtained in Kathmandu. First, if you are flying through Lukla, you can obtain it from Lukla. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: This is an existing permit system for entering the National Park. You can obtain it either in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board Office or in Monjo at the Park Entrance Gate. This will cost NPR 3000 Per Person. The most convenient way is to obtain this at Monjo. There is an office at Monjo, where they also showcase different information about the Khumbu Region. Additional Permit for Everest Base Camp Trek by Road: If you are following the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, you will need to obtain an additional permit for Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This permit has to be obtained at Kathmandu in Nepal Tourism Board. This will cost NPR 3000 Per Person.

Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri | Overland Route via Salleri

The journey to Everest Base Camp without flying begins with an exciting two-day overland adventure from Kathmandu (14,00 m) to Surke (2,290 m), the last road-accessible point before entering the higher Khumbu region. The first day covers a long yet scenic drive of about 264 km from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2468m). This route winds through lush hills, terraced farmlands, charming rural villages, and riverside valleys, offering a beautiful glimpse into Nepal’s mid-hill culture. After resting overnight in Phaplu, the road continues the next day toward Surke, a journey that may seem short in distance but takes time due to the off-road, rugged Himalayan terrain. This section of the drive passes through remote settlements, dense forests, and traditional Sherpa communities, providing travellers with a deeper cultural and natural immersion before the trek even begins. Surke (2290 m) marks the final destination accessible by jeep; from here, the trekking route officially starts. The next day, trekkers hike towards Phakding, where they join the original Everest Base Camp trail, continuing onward through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and all the classic highlights of the Khumbu region. This overland approach is the ideal option for trekkers who prefer not to fly to Lukla and wish to explore more of Nepal’s diverse Himalayan terrain while enjoying a smoother acclimatisation and a richer cultural experience along the way.

Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri Facts

Beginning/Ending Point: Kathmandu
Trek Start Point: Surke | 2290 m
Trek Ending Point: Surke
Duration of the Trek: 17 days
Total Trek Distance: 193 km (120 miles)
Highest Point: 5550 meters at Kala Patthar
Best Season: Spring (march to May) and Autumn (October to November)
Transportation: Private Jeep
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit

Best Season

Everest Base Camp via Salleri trek falls under the strenuous category as the trekkers will be climbing above the altitude of 5,555 m Kala Patthar. If you’re physically fit, you’re good to go. Otherwise, the trek may be a little difficult for you. The unpredictable climate changes also make this trek challenging. However, the trek starts from a lower elevation than Lukla, so you have get enough days to acclimatize. We suggest doing regular exercise before you decide to come on this trek. The ideal times to trek the EBC by road are in March to May and October to November. The road from Salleri to surke would not be good enough during the Monsoon season. It's important to avoid planning this trek during this season because the roads are not fully paved. Consequently, heavy monsoon rainfall is highly likely to degrade road conditions and create challenges during the journey. Among the three seasons, spring and autumn are recommended as the best times for the Everest Base Camp Drive-In and Drive-Out trek.

Accommodation and Meals

The accommodations are accessible on a shared basis. Higher-altitude lodging will typically have fewer amenities. Some locations in the Everest region will have hot showers accessible. You may need to pay extra for hot water, and the availability of hot water can vary from place to place. Teahouses are the most common and popular form of accommodation in the Everest region. These are small guesthouses or lodges that offer basic rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms. The quality and comfort of teahouses can vary widely, from very basic to more comfortable ones with attached bathrooms in lower-altitude areas. In higher-altitude locations, teahouses are typically more basic. Everest region, you will share a dinner table in a room with individuals from many cultures who gather there to converse, laugh, and exchange experiences. You will be served with the friendly hospitality of the Sherpa people as well as dishes like dal-bhat (rice, pickles, lentils, and veggies), noodles, potatoes, and soup, among other things.

Internet and ATMs

There are various options for the internet in the Everest Region: the dedicated ISP for the Everest Region, Everest Link, as well as the mobile network provider NCell and NTC. If you need to get connected to your family, friends, or employers throughout the trek, Everest Link Wi-Fi cards are the best options. It is a single internet option that works in all the villages, including Gorakshep, Gokyo, and most sections of the Three Pass Trek. If you only want to check your emails and don’t bother using the internet at higher altitudes, you can go for either NCell or NTC options. In the lower sections of the trail like Lukla, Phakding, Monjo and Namche Bazaar, some hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but most charge you some fee. However, Restaurants in Lukla and Namche Bazaar do offer free wifi to attract customers. But we cannot guarantee the speed of the internet in the hotels because of the number of users. After Namche Bazaar, you don’t have the luxury of free wifi. There are a few booths of ATMs at Namche Bazaar and Lukla, so it's essential to be prepared for the possibility that they may not always be functioning due to various factors, including power outages or maintenance. Therefore, having a contingency plan with enough cash on hand is crucial to ensure a smooth trekking experience in the Everest region.

Gears and Equipments

Trekking in the Everest region requires careful planning and appropriate gear to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Here's a list of essential gear and equipment for a trek in the Everest region: Prior to your trek, research the specific route and weather conditions for your chosen trekking season, as gear requirements can vary.

Waterproof and Windproof outer layer, Trekking pants and shorts, Long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, Underwear and socks (moisture-wicking), Warm hat and sun hat, Gloves or mittens, Buff or neck gaiter, Comfortable trekking boots with ankle support, Gaiters (to keep snow and debris out of your boots), Moisture-wicking socks (wool or synthetic), Extra sock liners, Trekking backpack with adjustable straps and a rain cover, Daypack (for carrying essentials during daily hikes), Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, Adjustable trekking poles for stability and support on uneven terrain, Headlamp or Flashlight, Water purification tablets or a water filter (as tap water may not be safe to drink), First aid kits Including medications for altitude sickness, pain relief, and common ailment, Toilet paper and a small trowel (for when squat toilets are the only option), Hand sanitizer, Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries, Quick-dry towel, Wet wipes,Sunscreen (high SPF),Lip balm with sunblock,Sunglasses with UV protection,Detailed trekking map

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended forEverest Base Camp trek. While it's not a legal requirement, having travel insurance can provide essential coverage and peace of mind for various potential risks and emergencies that may arise during your trek. It's crucial to choose a reputable travel insurance provider and carefully review the policy options to select one that meets your specific needs for the Everest Base Camp trek. Travel insurance is an essential investment to safeguard your health and finances in case of unforeseen circumstances while trekking in a remote and challenging environment. The insurance must cover all costs associated with medical and emergency evacuation, as well as helicopter rescue operations up to a height of 6000 meters.