Driving from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2,413m) takes about 8/9 hours. The trek to Everest Base Camp follows the traditional route taken by the early Everest expeditions and still serves as the main artery to the roadless Sagarmatha (Everest) region. Known as the Solukhumbu it is the home of the Sherpas. This relatively tiny society of 8,000 people is the best-known and most admired of all Nepal's ethnic groups. According to their oral history, Sherpas migrated to high valleys south of Mt. Everest from eastern Tibet about 450 years ago, hence the name Shar-pa, "peoples of the east." Many families along this route have converted their homes into trekkers' lodges catering to foreign hikers.
Trekking through the Sherpa villages we share many of their hearths and enjoy their generous hospitality. Trekking in from Phaplu has the advantage of helping you to acclimatize en route. This trek is about 170km/100miles long and the total altitude gained on the innumerable uphill portions totals 8000m - fewer than Mt. Everest! The trekking trail consist of several ascends and descends on steep and rough trails. After Namche, we follow the main trail to the base camp with all its attractions. Legendary trekking to a legendary destination - Everest base camp in Nepal.
Day 01: Drive to Phaplu, (2413m)
Day 02: Trek from Phaplu to Nunthala, (2330m)
Day 03: Nunthala to Bupsa, (2070m)
Day 04: Bupsa to Cheplung, (2800m)
Day 05: Cheplung to Namche Bazaar, (3440m)
Day 06: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Day 07: Namche to Tengboche, (3867m)
Day 08: Tengboche to Dingboche, (4260m)
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche, (4930m)
Day 10: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, (5360m) and return to Gorakshep, (5170m)
Day 11: Hike to Kalapatthar (5,644 m) and back to Pheriche
Day 12: Pheriche to Namche bazaar
Day 13: Namche to Lukla
Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
All required land transportation as per required for trekking
Domestic flight Lukla-Ramechap or Kathmandu
Foods (B-L-D) and accommodation in trekking
Tea or coffee with breakfast
Well equipped English speaking guide, necessary porters
All allowances for guide and porters
high altitude insurance for guide and porters
Trekkers Information Management System TIMS (Trekking permit), National
Everest national Park Permit
Emergency evacuation service if in case needed
All Official taxes and service charge.
Your personal trekking gears and expenses|
All kind of drinks, hot shower, wifi, laundry, donation or entry tickets in trekking
Emergency rescue fee if in case
We commence the trek early in the morning from Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic ride on the BP Highway. Arrive at Phaplu for an overnight stay.
Note: A flight to Phaplu is also available. But, the flight schedules are irregular. Thus, inform us earlier so that we can arrange it for you.
We officially start the trek from Phaplu. Walk through the beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron. Continue further on a steep trail adoring the natural surroundings. Traverse a bridge over Khari Khola and reach Nunthala. Overnight in Nunthala.
We traverse a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river enjoying the beautiful scenery. Then, head north and continue trekking. Ascend on a steep trail and reach Bupsa. Overnight in Bupsa.
We begin our walk through the pine and oak trees forest. Enjoy the chirping sounds of birds and take a trail through Paiya village and arrive at Surke. From there, walk for 2 hours more to reach Cheplung. Overnight in Cheplung.
We enjoy walking on the flat trails passing through the pine forest. Pass through Monjo and show the Sagarmatha National Park Permit to enter Namche. Traverse a suspension bridge and ascend for a few hours to reach the vibrant Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche.
Namche is the first acclimatization place of our trekking. Namche bazaar is famous for many things. Most of the government offices lie in Namche. Furthermore, it is the doorway to the total Everest region. Namche bazaar is surrounded by snowy peaks and mountains, which can be seen from the various hotels stated in Namche. Tourist visitor centers, and long old monasteries, are the attraction of Namche. Email-internet, ATMs, glossary shops, bakeries, and restaurants, are easily available in Namche bazaar. We take a rest at Namche bazaar visiting the surrounding places. Namche is the Sherpa village where we can interact with them and get knowledge of their culture and lifestyle. On this day, we also visit another Sherpa village Khumjung near Namche. There we also visit the Buddhist monastery. Overnight in Namche.
After one day’s acclimatization in Namche, this day we continue our trek after breakfast. For some time, we walk on the plain path to Kenjoma through the forest enjoying the panoramic views of the mountains like Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Thamserku, and Lhotse. From Kenjoma, we trek down to the small settlement of Phortse Tenga where we take lunch. Then we climb to Tengboche, a Sherpa village with the world’s highest Tengboche monastery. There we visit the monastery and interact with the Buddhist monks and nuns. From there, we see the excellent panorama of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Thamserku. Overnight in Tengboche.
Today, we descend downhill to Douche with the scene of uncountable rhododendrons. We cross the suspension bridge that lies over the Imja Khola. We walk through the valley to Pangboche. On the way, we see Mani stone walls. We finally climb up to Dingboche where we stay overnight. Still, you can see the close-up view of Aba Dablam.
From Dingboche, we walk on a gradually ascending path with a view of Mt. Tawache, Nuptse, Ama Dablam as well as Pokalde. We can see Pheriche village from Dingboche. Then we climb down to Pheriche village and head to Dughla. We cross the bridge on the Khumbu glacier and then we continue walking up a steep hill and finally reach Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
This day we achieve our goal of putting our foot on the Everest base camp. From Lobuche, we walk up a rocky moraine path with a view of the Khumbu glacier. Then we descend to Gorakshep where we take lunch. Then we head to Everest base camp. At Everest base camp, we stay for some time and observe the view of the surrounding mountains including Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and others. Then, we return to Gorakshep where we stay overnight.
This day in the morning we hike to Kalapatthar to view the panorama of Mt. Everest. Kalapatthar is the perfect vantage point of the Everest region for Mountain View. From there, we observe the panoramic view of Mt. Everest and other mountains of the Everest region like Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Thamserku, etc. We return to Gorakshep and take lunch. Then, trek down to Pheriche for an overnight stay.
The trek becomes easier as the altitude declines. Walk down the steep trail which is rough too. We move towards the ending sections of the trekking along the increasingly less-strenuous trail. The cautious trail provides the trekkers with wildlife such as snow leopards, mountain goats, and colorful pheasants as well as the rich dense forest. The conjunction of the Imja River and Dudh Koshi River near Phortse Tenga, the oldest monastery of the region at the Pangboche, the famous Tengboche Monastery at Tengboche are the major highlight of the trekking trail to the unofficial capital of Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in Namche.
We descend the trail slowly and cautiously due to the steep path and the shaky leg owing to the long trekking we earlier had. The magic of nature unfolds through the colorful rhododendron and pine forests, plains, and the amazing view of the snow-capped mountains that seem to be overlooking the trekking route. Sherpa villages, Buddhist culture reflected through the prayer flags, prayer stones, and Gompas, and lush vegetation make the trekking an enriching one. We stretch ourselves in this Sherpa town and recall the experiences gained during the strenuous yet amazing trekking experience. Overnight stay in Lukla.
Our trekking comes to an end today. We fly back to Kathmandu and you are transferred to the hotel of your stay before you depart to your respective destinations. Spend the day taking a rest. Or do some shopping or explore the streets of Kathmandu. You may want to buy some souvenirs for your near and dear ones back in your native place. Overnight in a hotel.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the Himalayas is mostly teahouses or lodges operated by locals. They are comfortable and simple with basic facilities. Extra facilities like hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging of electronic devices, and laundries are available by paying additional charges. Room sharing is common during the peak seasons and at high altitudes. So, prepared for it. Washrooms are mostly outside the teahouse or lodge.
Meals
We provide only breakfast in Kathmandu and 3 meals (breakfast, lunch. dinner) a day are provided during the entire trek. Meals are provided from the teahouses or lodges which is simple but organic and healthy. Nepali Dal Bhat is a chief dish with fresh green vegetable curry. Besides, noodles, soup, bread, roti, Sherpa stew, and hot drinks are also available. You can try continental cuisine at Namche at your own expense.
Drinking Water
Drinking water in the Himalayas is pure and fresh. One can directly drink the natural freshwater stream from the Himalayas. Or fill up the boiled water in a water bottle in the teahouses paying an extra charge. Always carry water purifying solutions for proper water treatment and to be safe. Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
Internet connectivity & Mobile Network
Everest Link’s Wi-Fi card provides internet all over the Everest region. So, internet connectivity is easily available and stable in the lower regions. Mobile Network is also stable in the lower regions. You can also purchase a Sim and use mobile data from it. In higher altitudes, internet connectivity and mobile network are difficult to find.
Phaplu to EBC Trek Starting Point
Phaplu is the starting point of the trek. A drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu commences. The trek journey officially starts from Phaplu.
Phaplu-Nunthala-Bupsa-Cheplung-Namche-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-EBC-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Lukla
Required Permits
Permits are mandatory in the Himalayas of Nepal. Our required permits are Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Entrance Permit, and Sagarmatha National Park Permit (SNP).
Click here to learn more about Trekking Permits.
"DH Treks issues all the required permits for it's clients."
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is quintessential in the Himalayas. It must cover all emergency evacuation, medical extremities, luggage loss/theft, flight cancellations, altitude above 4000m, etc. Thus, arrange travel insurance from a reputed agency as it is compulsory.
Safety and our guides
We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled and acclimatization rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your services.
Best time for Phaplu to EBC Trek
The best time to trek is the peak season for safety and to enjoy the spectacular and clear views. Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time followed by the summer season. Winter season is risky and only a few adventurous dare to climb. We recommend you plan carefully if you want to trek during the off-season.
Phaplu to EBC Trek Difficulty
Phaplu to EBC Trek is moderately difficult due to the long trek route, high elevations, and several ascends and descends on steep and rough trails. With the proper assistance and guidance of experts, it is achievable. When it comes to Phaplu to EBC Trek, experience in trekking at high altitudes is a bonus. Besides this, trekkers must be in good health, and physically, & mentally fit as it is physically demanding. So, we recommend you participate in exercises, and physical training months before starting the trek. Also, take necessary health tests before trekking to high altitudes. You can completely trust our assistance and guidelines throughout the trekking journey.
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is common in mountains above the altitude of 3000m. The trek starts from Phaplu (2,413m) and the altitude rises to Kalapatthar (5,550m) during the trek. Namche is an acclimatization resting place to adjust to the altitude and prevent altitude sickness.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting
Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness
Preventive Guidelines
Shoes: Trekking shoes, base camp shoes, Rubber sandals
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Base Layers, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
Accessories: Sunglasses, Ski Goggles, Hats/Caps, Beanie, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Head Lamp, Pocket Knife, Personal Hygiene &Toiletries
Sleeping: Mattress, Warm Sleeping bags
Travel Bag: Duffel bag, a day pack, pack cover
Medicine Kit: Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Blister Repair Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness, Prescribed Medicines (Personal use)
Extras: Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Water filters, Insulated cup/flask, Map, Binoculars, Travel Documents, Sewing kit, Cash, Extra batteries, Power bank, Pen, Diary, Book, Reusable (spoon, cup, plate), Reusable bags, Large Waterproof Disposable Bags, Snacks (Choco-bars, Mints, Nuts, Granola Bars)
Note: Customize and rent the above list as a necessity.