Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla Flight

The Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla Flight takes you along the classic trekking paths of the first climbers and trekkers. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the real beauty of the Everest region and also skip the flight to Lukla airport.

Our trip Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla flight begins in Kathmandu, travel by a jeep. It is a long but a beautiful drive that follows a paved road to Salleri, taking about 8 to 10 hours. After Salleri, we switch to a dirt road for the remaining 3 to 5 hours until we reach Kharikhola, the starting point of our trek to Everest base camp. We will start our trek from a lower altitude than Lukla, it is a longer trek and it provides several days to acclimatize before reaching Everest Base Camp makes this trek a great option for acclimatization.

Along the way, we will pass through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and finally reach at Everest Base Camp. This is the closest we can get to Mt. Everest without needing mountaineering gear. There’s also an optional hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek.

If you have time, we highly suggest you to think about this trip. The weather and the visibility at the Lukla area is very unpredictable but we don’t have to think about it as we travel by the road. We don’t have to worry about the unpredictable bad weather, no need to think about the often disrupts Lukla flights, delays and cancelation.

We suggest not to plan for the Everest Base Camp trek by road during the monsoon season. The road to the trekking starting point is not paved so planning this trek during the monsoon season is not the best idea. The period between mid October to December and from January to May are the best time for this adventure.

Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla Flight Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m) and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Travel by private tourist vehicle from Kathmandu to Kharikhola (2,257 m) – a journey of 12 to 14 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 03: Trek from Kharikhola to Paiyun (2,760 m) – approximately 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 04: Hike from Paiyun to Phakding (2,610 m) – around 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 05: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – about 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 06: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar. Take a hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) and return. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 07: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m) – roughly 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 08: Hike from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,910 m) – approximately 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 09: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche. Hike to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m) and back – about 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 10: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m) – around 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) from Lobuche, then return to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) – a total of 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 12: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), then descend to Pheriche (4,240 m) – about 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 13: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – approximately 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2,840 m) from Namche Bazaar – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 15: Trek to Kharikhola (2,257 m) from Lukla – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m) from Kharikhola by Private tourist vehicle – 12 to 14 hours. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 17: Transfer to the International Airport for your Final Departure.