The Phaplu to Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is the ideal alternative for adventurers seeking to avoid the Lukla flight and experience the traditional approach to the Everest region. This scenic route offers a rich blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, guiding you through charming Sherpa villages and lush lower Himalayan landscapes before joining the classic EBC trail at Paiya.

Unlike the direct Lukla route, this trek begins with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu and leads through remote villages like Ringmu, Nunthala, Bupsa Danda, and Surke, offering a deeper insight into the rural life of the Solu-Khumbu region. Once on the mainstream EBC trail, the journey continues through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rare flora and fauna.

This 17-day adventure offers the opportunity to stand at the base of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), and witness unforgettable sunrise views from Kala Patthar, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Trip Highlights

Trek the traditional route to Everest Base Camp via Phaplu, bypassing Lukla flights
Explore remote, culturally rich villages of the lower Everest region
Visit historic monasteries in Tengboche and Pangboche
Witness stunning Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more
Discover the biodiversity of Sagarmatha National Park, home to species like the red panda, Himalayan tahr, and over 118 bird species
Enjoy warm hospitality from the local Sherpa community
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for one of the best panoramic mountain sunrise views
Observe the dramatic Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier

Overview of the 17-Day Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu, offering glimpses of terraced farmlands, rivers, hills, and remote Nepali villages. From Phaplu, the trek officially starts as you head towards Nunthala, and for several days you’ll explore the vibrant cultural landscape of villages such as Ringmu, Taksindu, Jubing, Kharikhola, and Bupsa Danda.

After reaching Paiya, the trail merges with the main EBC route, continuing through iconic Everest region stops including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. Along the way, you’ll traverse forests of fir, pine, rhododendron, and juniper, and ascend to landmarks like Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for stunning views of Everest and its surrounding giants.

The trek concludes with a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, offering a final aerial view of the Himalayas to end your unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary

Cost

Day 01 :

Arrive to Kathmandu

Day 02 :

Kathmandu Sightseeing and Preparation

Day 03 :

Fly from Kathmandu to Phaplu; trek to Chepka

Day 04 :

Trek from Chepka to Nunthala

Day 05 :

Trek from Nunthala to Lukla

Day 06 :

Trek from Lukla to Phakding

Day 07 :

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 08 :

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar; optional hike

Day 09 :

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche; visit Tengboche Monastery

Day 10 :

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Day 11 :

Trek from Dingboche to Gorak Shep; visit Everest Base Camp

Day 12 :

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar

Day 13 :

Return to Kathmandu

Day 14 :

Departure from Kathmandu

Cost Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off by private car.
2 nights’ standard 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (twin-sharing basis) — Nivas Boutique Home or similar (on arrival day and after the trek).
All necessary permits and documentation:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Transportation from Kathmandu to Phaplu by local sharing jeep.
Domestic flight: Lukla to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) and vice versa, including domestic airport taxes.
Accommodation in local lodges/tea housesduring the trek — twinduring the trek — twin-sharing rooms operated by Nepali families.
All meals during the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary.
Experienced, licensed English-speaking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers).
Salaries, food, accommodation, and insurance for the guide and porter.
All ground transportation as per itinerary.
Typical Nepali cultural dinner at the end of the trek.

Cost Excludes

Nepal entry visa fee ($30 USD per person — payable upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport). Requires 2 passport-sized photos.
Travel insurance (must include emergency evacuation and medical coverage).
Personal trekking gear: sleeping bag (-15°C), down jacket, trekking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, trekking poles, etc.
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Meals in Kathmandu (lunch and dinner not included).
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Fee — NPR 3,000 per person (payable in Lukla).
Lukla flight luggage allowance: only 12 kg included (extra baggage costs NPR 100 per kg).
Additional accommodation in case of early return from trek, rescue, or changes to schedule (beyond dates listed in itinerary).
Additional airport transfers in Lukla due to weather delays or repeated trips to/from the airport.
Personal expenses: toiletries, souvenirs, snacks, etc.
Beverages: tea, coffee, mineral water, hot water, soup, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Desserts and sweets: chocolates, baked goods, etc.
Hot showers and laundry services during the trek.
Wi-Fi, phone calls, battery charging, and internet usage in lodges.
Tips for guide and porter (customary and based on your satisfaction).
Porter service for solo trekkers (optional add-on: $300 USD if required).

Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek