Phaplu to Everest Base Camp leads to Mount Everest, known worldwide as the highest peak and referred to as Sagarmatha (“higher than the sky” in Nepali). In this trek, you experience an epic walk to and within the Himalayas. Hiking from Phaplu to Everest passes by surprising mountain scenery with chances to experience the culture and hospitality of the Sherpas.
Highlights of the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek:
How to get from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp:
The trek kicks off with an interesting drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu and then down to Dudh Koshi River and up to Sherpa villages and over Khari La Pass (2,880 m), and then to Sherpa villages of Surke before Lukla and onward to Phakding, Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), and Tengboche Monastery at Tengboche (3,867 m) for acclimatization with spectacular Himalayan scenery and then onward to Pheriche (4,371 m), Lobuche (4,930 m), and then to Gorakshep (5,164 m) for trekker hikes to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,644 m) for spectacular views of Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and other peers before returning to Lukla by descending for a return flight to Kathmandu.
Best Time to Trek from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp
The best time to trek the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp route is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is clear, temperatures are pleasant, and the trails come alive with blooming rhododendron forests and lush green valleys. These seasons offer the most stable conditions and the best mountain views. Trekking is also possible in December and January, but the colder temperatures and occasional snowfall can make the journey more challenging, so proper preparation and warm gear are essential.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Start your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and climbing into your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on countless temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa located atop a hill that contains both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, and provides fabulous views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is built on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you will get a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
The last stop of the day is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your hotel to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Our jeep will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel and drive you via the Northwest to Phaplu. It takes about 8 to 9 hours of driving from Kathmandu with the beautiful view of scenery. This is going to be a long drive, so sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes as it takes you to the starting point of the trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private Transport, English-speaking trekking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Phaplu.
Today, we begin our journey to Nunthala with a gradual climb towards Takshindo Gompa. At Takshindo, you can visit the gompa and check out the old cheese factory. After that, you’ll have a continuous descent back down to the village of Nunthala, marking the end of your journey for the day.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Nunthala.
Continuing on your trek with a slight descent, you move towards the Dudh Koshi River, passing through farmland as well as small villages of the Sherpa and Rai tribes. The trail climbs slowly towards Kharikhola (2,050m), taking you through a small, quaint village called Juving (1,680m). After Kharikhola, a short, pleasant walk of about 45 minutes will take you further up towards Bupsa. There, a very old Buddhist monastery, now in a state of beautiful, ruined destruction, will be waiting for you.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Bupsa.
Our day starts with a challenging trek to Khari La Pass (2,880m), taking us through dense rhododendron and oak forests and then passing through a Sherpa village. From there, one is treated to spectacular views of Numbu, Cho-Oyu, Gyangchung Kang, and finally, Thamserku. We then make our way through the descent to Chaubar village and then proceed to Puiyan. By day’s end, we find ourselves at Surke, a beautiful Sherpa village situated at the feet of Lukla, providing a calm welcome to the end of the day’s trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Surke.
The initial part of the trek involves a gradual climb to Chipling, which serves as a point where the trails to Jiri and Lukla meet. From here, the track widens, becoming busier too. The route continues in this way, being relatively plain with a few points of gentle descent before climbing to the eventual destination, which is the village of Phakding.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Phakding.
Today, you will trek to Namche Bazaar, renowned as the Sherpa Capital. From the village of Phakding, you will hike for a span of three hours to reach the village of Monjo, traversing a series of suspension bridges and treating your sight to the mesmerizing view of the Mt. Thamserku. After a short while, you will finally come across the Sagarmatha National Park, where you need to register at the check post. After that, you will cross a high suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and then hike to Namche Bazaar in a span of two and a half hours.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar, or as many people like to call it, the Sherpa Capital, is the perfect place to acclimatize and rest while exploring around. Many trekkers get up early in the morning before sunrise to catch the breathtaking view of Everest, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and other majestic peaks. If it is a clear morning, one can also see the mountains casting their shadow on clouds, which makes for an unforgettable sight. While in Namche, have traditional Sherpa energy food such as salt-butter tea and Champa, a barley-based staple enjoyed by the locals.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namche Bazaar.
As you climb upwards on the forest trail, the majestic peaks of the Himalayas spread before you. The trail leads you towards the mountains and eventually reaches Tengboche. You are welcomed by the stone gate erected here by the lamas.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tengboche.
From Tengboche, the trek continues into the higher altitudes, exceeding 4,000 meters. The path now descends gradually to Dingboche by crossing the Imja River. You then climb up past the intricately carved Mani Stones to reach Pangboche at 3,860 meters, where you can see the gompa. The journey proceeds further to Pheriche, which is filled with the Pheriche Hospital run by the Himalayan Rescue Association, which provides medical treatment to trekkers if needed.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Pheriche.
Today is an acclimatization day. Due to the increase in altitude, we need to rest before proceeding further. You can also roam the area.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Pheriche.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains like Tawache and Ama Dablam, whereas in front of you will be the sight of Pokalde, Kongma Tse, and Nuptse Wall. This trail leads again to Lobuche. It takes almost two hours of trekking, after which you will reach a common trail at Dugla at an altitude of 4,595 meters. It has a small wooden bridge crossingthe Khumbu Glacier River. Finally, you will reach Lobuche.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lobuche.
From Lobuche, you will be continuing your journey to Gorakshep, which is also an important junction for both the classic Everest Base Camp Trek and for climbing Kala Patthar. Gorakshep affords magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan range. Later this afternoon, ascend Kala Patthar for a spectacular sunset view. The vantage point is spectacular because it supplies a far-reaching panoramic view of Mount Everest and Lhotse, together with other peaks such as Khumbutse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Lobuche Peak.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Gorakshep.
In the early morning, you will go to Everest Base Camp by trekking, which will take about two hours on foot from Gorakshep. Since you will be close to the highest peak in the world, you will be able to enjoy your stay amidst the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other surrounding hills. After spending time at the base camp, you will return to Gorakshep, and then your journey will begin towards Lobuche.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lobuche.
Trekking down through the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, you will get to Pheriche village, from where you can take in spectacular views of Cholatse through the valley. From here, you again climb to get to Dingboche.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dingboche.
After this, your journey continues through rhododendron and juniper forests. After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, follow the trail of the Dudh Koshi Gorge. Then, descend quickly through pine forests to reach Sansa. Along the way, do not miss to spot wildlife like mountain goats, snow leopards, and pheasants. After crossing a chorten, you reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namche Bazaar.
After Namche Bazaar, it takes a few hours of trekking to reach Lukla. In Lukla, you can unwind and absorb the local culture and life there. Upon arrival, take time to reflect on the experiences you have had and the milestones you have reached on your journey.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lukla.
Enjoy your last look at the mountains you have been exploring. The plane for your trip to Kathmandu will depart before 10:00 am, although this may vary according to the weather conditions. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel.
Includes: Airfare, Private Transport, Breakfast, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today’s journey takes you just outside Kathmandu to explore two of the valley’s most historic and culturally vibrant cities: Patan and Bhaktapur. The overall historical and cultural history of this valley includes many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As you begin your visit to Patan, you will have the opportunity to see several of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, especially the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square, which feature beautiful examples of Newari craftsmanship. After visiting the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square, you will visit the Patan Museum for an in-depth look at the art, culture and royal history of the Malla dynasty, as well as see the Golden Temple, a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists and the Banglamukhi Temple, which is a well-known site for pilgrims.
Your next stop will be Bhaktapur, a living museum where you can see beautifully preserved architecture and experience the traditional way of life. Additionally, the intricate wood carvings add to the rich cultural experience of Bhaktapur. Stroll through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see ancient palaces, stone temples and artisan workshops on the cobblestone streets of this historic centre. Be sure to visit the Nyatapola Temple, which is one of the highest and most magnificent pagoda-style temples in Nepal, towering over Taumadhi Square.
After a day filled with cultural discovery, you will return to Kathmandu, check into your hotel and relax for another enjoyable evening.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
