Everest Base Camp Trek by Road - 17 days

Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep

The ideal seasons to visit EBC are Spring and Autumn, and the reasons are simple: the temperatures are mild, blending perfectly with climatic conditions, avoiding the high humidity and precipitation to walk along the trail. The route becomes safe to navigate and filled with thriving forests adorned with wildflowers against the crystal-clear skies, offering the best unhindered views of mountains and landscapes during these two seasons.

Meanwhile, as we are doing this trek via Jeep from Phaplu to Salleri, avoiding the flight, this trek can be undertaken throughout the year, which means it becomes an all-year-round trek if you opt for it by jeep. The reason is quite simple: during the off-seasons (monsoon and summer), the flight to Lukla gets delayed or is often diverted to Manthali airport, and that too gets delayed by 3-4 days due to the heavy rainfall and unclear weather.

Hence, we do not have to think much about the cancellation of flights, as we'll drive to Salleri directly by jeep, allowing everyone to complete the trek to EBC without being postponed and ensuring a scheduled departure within your timeframe.

Spring Season (March - May)

Spring stands out as one of the ideal seasons to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by road; the surroundings are insanely beautiful along the highway. While we drive through, we get to catch the spectacular vista of terraced fields, with the green crops fully grown and the clear sky without any fogginess. The best part is that this span of the year falls right after the end of winter, offering a cool temperature to drive through in a 4WD jeep. Not only that, due to less chance of rainfall, the road becomes clear without any problem of floods, landslides, avalanches, or slippery sections, offering a safety net as well.

After we reach the Everest region, the forested trails before Gorak Shep or Kalapatthar are covered with red and pink rhododendrons, and the landscapes become stunning to look over due to the clear weather. After we cross over the forest sections, the mountains show their unhindered views, and that almost feels like we are just 1 inch closer to them. Clear weather, green surroundings, idyllic temperature ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius- that's what makes the journey a top-notch time to start the voyage.

Autumn Season (Mid September - November)

Autumn tends to be another of the best seasons, as it falls right after the monsoon, offering almost zero chance of rain and snowfall, making the route safe to drive and navigate at the same time. As it is also a harvesting season, we get to catch the insights of harvesting the fresh farms of locals along the way. The sky becomes clear without gloominess, showcasing the unobstructed views of snowcapped peaks, just like the spring of the year.

Another reason to undertake this trip at this timeframe is that the main festival of Dashain and Tihar falls in mid-October, rewarding hikers with cultural immersion, which becomes an even more meaningful expedition than any other season. If you are someone who loves to explore the rich cultures of the remote areas of the Solu and Khumbu region, then this season fits perfectly for you.

Monsoon (June to August)

No, monsoon road access to EBC from Salleri is generally not reliable due to the heavy precipitation; the road trail faces several challenges, such as landslides and road blockage, that entails on delaying the journey for 1-2 days. Apart from that, the main highway - BP Highway, experiences rain-induced disruptions, with mudslides and small rock fallouts, especially at night time, increasing the overall risk; however, it still depends on the weather conditions. Thus, before you start the road trip, ensure you track the weather forecast and make the plans accordingly.

On the other hand, while at the trailhead (trekking route), the route to Namche Bazaar mostly covers forest navigation, with slippery mudslides, leeches, and constant rainfall, with zero views, and the terrain becomes more challenging, twice as strenuous as it is demanding prior preparations and experiences. Only guided groups with some experience and high-altitude knowledge, with comprehensive planning and full gear, are recommended for this trip during the monsoon.

Winter Season (December, January and February)

The winter season, even though it isn't considered one of the ideal seasons, is still possible, as the road navigation (Kathmandu - Salleri - Thamdanda) can be easily followed to reach the starting point, Paiya Thamdanda. Beyond road heads, through Phakding or Namche Bazaar above 3000 meters, the temperature gets a massive drop to -15 to -25 degrees Celsius, which could lead to frostbite and altitude sickness if you are a beginner or do not carry the gear accordingly. The high snowfall makes the walking path slippery and icy, which makes the ascent harder, so having some kind of prior trekking experience and winter specific gears such as crampons, insulated clothing, and boots is a must when it comes to undertaking the journey.

Everest Base Camp Trek by Road Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp by Road Trek falls under a moderately difficult trek in Nepal. Even though the starting point of the walking trail is the Solu district, from where the walking trail begins through the forested trails and villages for an extra 2-3 days, it is quite easy to navigate and only takes 4-6 hours of hiking while covering the lower route.

However, the challenging section begins soon after we touch the regular route from Phakding, i.e, the Khumbu region, from where the steep, narrow, and frequently ascending trail starts. While we make our way through Namche, Tengboche, and Lobuche, the route becomes straight, sheer uphill hiking of 5-7 hours per day with a minimum 10 km distance.

The most difficult section is advancing upward to the Kalapatthar (5545 meters), as passing by glaciers, the rugged and rocky ridge section becomes strenuous to traverse. Meanwhile, the overall trip is not a challenging voyage that only pro trekkers can undertake. If you have some basic knowledge of what the actual treks seem like in the Himalayas or have a basic level of physical fitness with a proper mindset, then you are good to go.

Other than that, the route is well facilitated, and the trails are well maintained, with tea houses offering a variety of amenities and meals, so you do not have to compromise basic needs. That simply means that no matter whether you are a beginner or fall under any age category, this trip can surely be completed without any hassle, but of course! With proper preparation beforehand. 

Altitude Sickness

The Everest Base Camp Trek by jeep starts at around 1,360 meters in Kathmandu and gradually ascends to 5,545 meters at Kala Patthar. Because the route is designed with a steady rise in elevation, the risk of serious altitude sickness is lower compared to a direct flight to Lukla.

This itinerary includes a slow and well-planned ascent, usually increasing by 500–600 meters per day, which gives your body time to adjust naturally. In addition, acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche further reduce the chances of severe AMS.

Mild symptoms such as headache, nausea, loss of appetite, or difficulty sleeping can still happen at high altitude, so it is important to inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell. By following the correct pace, staying hydrated, and allowing proper acclimatization, this trek becomes much safer and more comfortable.

• Make sure to drink at least 3 litres of water each day to hydrate the body, avoid mouth dryness, and also control breathing while ascending without any chest pain that frequently happens when we walk straight for 4-5 hours.
• Monitor your oxygen level with the oximeter (given by us) to track your well-being. If it goes below the normal range, then inform the guide immediately and take 1 more day to ascend to higher altitudes.
• If you aren't allergic to ginger items, then please do not miss out on bringing dry ginger, which helps in warming up the body. If you cannot find one, then you can substitute it with Sherpa stews, Thukpa, or Tibetan tea.
• If you are a beginner and quite afraid of AMS, then bring "Diamox," which prevents the risk of mountain sickness, but make sure to consult with the doctor beforehand.
• Lastly, make a fixed, balanced diet food chart list of what you shall have and avoid; for example, if you are allergic to some foods, then inform the guide beforehand so the meals can be prepared accordingly.

Accommodations during the Everest Base Camp Trek Drive by Jeep

• Kathmandu (Upon your Arrival): After you arrive here in Nepal, you'll be transferred directly to the 3-star hotel that is well equipped and facilitated, consisting of every basic and luxury item that a 3-star categorised hotel provides. A single bedroom will be provided if you are a solo traveller with a BB service (Buffet Breakfast). Let us know what kind of rooms you are opting for, and we will manage them accordingly.
• Tea house: Whereas during the Everest Base Camp route, you'll be settled in tea houses run by the locals themselves, as it is the only option along the trekking route. The rooms are basic yet comfortable and hygienic. Twin bedrooms and double bedrooms are available throughout the Everest region. If you are alone or prefer to stay alone, then we can surely arrange it without a doubt, as comfort always comes first, no matter what. En route, the rooms consist of cosy pillows, blankets, and mattresses, with an attached washroom (private toilets) at the lower trails. However, moving to the upper trails after crossing Tengboche, the facilities are quite limited; for instance, only squat-like washrooms are available. Other than that, basic amenities like hot showers, laundry, hot drinking water, and charging facilities are available, but you must pay $2-$5 for extra services at the tea houses. 

Note: Make sure that you bring sleeping bags (will be provided by us), as at higher altitudes, the blankets might not be enough to warm up the body and sleep well. Besides, do not forget to bring your own hand towels, soaps, shampoos, toilet paper, related to hygienic by your own!

Foods

Our package covers all your standard meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the trip, with a variety of options available. As the Khumbu region tends to be one of the most visited trails in the world, the food options are surely not compromised and cater to everyone's taste and preference. The meals consist of various options on the menu; you just have to choose from the menu and order it, and it will be prepared accordingly by the locals.

Breakfast: At Namche Bazaar, we can get diverse bakery items such as croissants, cheesecake, muffins, chocolates, Americano, and cappuccino at the cute cafes that you'll be truly amazed. Meanwhile, at other sections of the Everest Base Camp Trail for breakfast, there are a wide range of options such as toasted bread, oats, porridge,  mashed potatoes, coffee, hot chocolates, muselis, granola, breads served with jam, peanut butter and butter, pan cakes to the asian and local options such as Chapatti (roti), curry, milk tea, black tea, hot lemon water, paratha, tibetan bread served with pickle and beans and many others.

Lunch and Dinner: From western cuisines like spaghetti, pizza, dumplings, pasta, burgers, fried rice, noodles, ramen, hash browns, sandwiches, to asian, local meals such as mushroom soup, tomato soup, French fries, Sherpa stews, Thukpa, Thenduk (Sherpa dishes), garlic soups, the ultimate "Dal Bhat", etc. the list goes by long way.

From veg to non-veg, from international to local cuisines, this trek provides all the food options with whole nutrition throughout the trek, energising your body and making your odyssey an amazing trip with a happy tummy.

Note: Even though this region serves varied options, if possible, try to avoid red meats at the upper sections after crossing 4000 meters; that can sometimes lead to constipation. Try to make sure that you inform the tea house if you are allergic to some foods beforehand and also avoid the over consumption of dairy products, high caffeine, and cold drinks along the trail.

Transportation Options for the Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep

To reach the trek starting point in Salleri or Tham Danda, the main transport options are private jeep and shared jeep. Public buses and regular cars are generally not suitable for this long and rough mountain drive, so a jeep is the most practical choice.

A shared jeep is a more budget-friendly option, especially for solo trekkers, but it can feel crowded and less comfortable during the 8 to 9-hour journey. A private jeep, on the other hand, offers more comfort, flexibility, and convenience, allowing you to stop for meals, rest, or short breaks along the way.

For groups of four or more, a private jeep is often the better value because the cost can be shared. Our Everest Base Camp Trek by Road package includes private jeep transportation, but we can also arrange a shared jeep option if you prefer to reduce the cost.

Permits 

To do the Everest Treks, two permits are required; without obtaining these, the trip is impossible. Firstly, you need a Sagarmatha National Park Permit to enter the restricted area, and another one is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Nonetheless, after your booking is done, we at Destination Himalaya arrange all the required permits for the trip, covering all your permit fees as well.

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs: NRS 3000 (USD 28) per person
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs: NRS 2000 (USD 17) per person

Essential Travel Tips

• Money Exchange: Throughout the Everest region, the only ATM facility that is available along the trail is at Namche, so make sure to do your money exchange in Kathmandu in NRS (Nepali Rupees). Dollars work perfectly fine if you do not have domestic currency. Try to carry cash if possible, as credit facilities are almost nonexistent en route.
• Wi Fi: Every tea house offers Wi Fi for communication, with an extra charge of $2-$3, as the electricity is run by solar panels. While walking along the trail, there is limited lodging, so buy an NTC SIM Card while you are in Kathmandu. It costs only NRS 50, and for a data package, it costs around NRS 150/-, which works for a 1-week 4G service.
• Electric sockets: Make sure to carry power banks if possible (2), as in the upper sections, there is less possibility of rooms with electric sockets attached. Even though it is available at the dining area, it might be a complete hassle just to recharge the gadgets while waiting in the queue.
• Personal Expenses: Even though our Everest Base Camp Trek by road covers all the necessities and requirements for the trip. You might require some cash for extra services like laundry, hot shower, bottled water, buying souvenirs, wifi, etc., so estimate the spending accordingly.
• Tipping Culture: Remember that your guides and porters make the trip a completely hassle-free journey, so showing gratitude is highly appreciated. Tipping them for their work is highly appreciated and a proper way to contribute something to them and their family. 
• Eco Practices: We are quite familiar with how the EBC route is highly populated by mass pollution from garbage, improper waste disposal, and the throwing of plastic bottles. We highly recommend that you carry a paper trash bag to dispose of the waste and a bottle of water. Even though it sounds too basic and like a small initiative. These can be a big step to save Mother Nature.
• Packing Recommendations: There is nothing to go overboard while doing your packing; just carry useful essential clothing items like dry-fit t-shirts, sleeping bags (if required), down jackets, crampons (if it is winter), dry-fit pants, sunscreens, sticks, and other basic items of clothing. To fit in your gadgets and immediate things like medicines, carry a waist bag along with you, even if you hire a porter

Booking Procedure

If you are already late to book this trek in advance, then no worries! We offer a last-minute booking for the Everest Base Camp Trek by road package. YES! Even though it would be chaos to manage everything quickly, we'll manage your trip 100% successfully with no doubt. 

However, for last-minute bookings, we require full payment to buy permits and arrange logistics such as food, accommodations, transportation, and all the requirements of the trek. There's nothing to worry about whether this trek can be possible or not; it surely can be done without any fuss! As we are opting for the Salleri road trek, we do not have to panic about delays and cancellations. 

For more queries, email us at [email protected] or just WhatsApp, call, Viber, or IMO us at +977 9851016814 anytime.