The trek from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek is an amazing off-the-beaten trekking experience in the Everest region. Trekkers walk along the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay as this route was originally taken for the first Mt. Everest expedition.
We pass along the traditional Sherpa settlements, ancient monasteries while observing the incredible natural beauty of the region. We take a scenic overland jeep drive to Phaplu from Kathmandu to begin our trek through the quieter trail. The flight to Lukla is unpredictable and gets delayed or cancelled frequently based on the weather conditions.
Thus, a scenic drive passing through the zig-zag hilly roads and overlooking the fantastic landscapes is our best option. We walk through the Sagarmatha National Park, listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The trail also passes through alpine forests, lush valleys, and green hills covered in rhododendron, blue pine and fir.
The breathtaking view of sunrise from Kala Patthar overlooking the snow-capped mountains is a once in a lifetime experience. We can observe the snow capped mountains, including Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyu (8152m), Thamserku (6506m), and Ama Dablam (6456m), and others.
Are you ready for an adventure in the lap of the Himalayas? You can experience the brilliant landscapes, sherpa settlements, Buddhist monasteries, and others all within a span of two weeks. We are offering this fantastic alternative trek from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp at a reasonable cost. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip now!
Related Trips:
Highlights of The Trek
- Spectacular view of the mountain vista including Mt. Everest, Thamserku. Cho Oyu. Lhotse, Nuptse, among others
- An awe-inspiring view of the sunrise from Kala Patthar
- Spotting wildlife of the region including a snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, and others
- Walking through the UNESCO listed World Heritage site of Sagarmatha National Park
- Exploring the culture and heritage of the ethnic Sherpa community
- Experiencing the Incredible hospitality of the Nepalese people
When to Go for Phaplu to EBC Trek?
The best time to trek from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp is the Autumn (September- November) and Spring (March- May) season.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is the peak season for trekking the Everest region in Nepal. The weather is soothing, and the temperatures are moderate during the day time, which is ideal for trekking. The monsoon clouds will be long gone by this time, and the clear blue skies welcome you all along the trail.
Spring (March-May)
The spring season is another favourable season with perfect trekking conditions. The wildflowers bloom in abundance, especially the rhododendron painting the hills red. The clear and unobstructed views of the snow-capped mountains is an incredible highlight of the trek in the spring season.
There are other off-season treks available as well, but trekking during the off-season comes with its own set of challenges. The wet monsoon season brings the risks of avalanches and landslides in the Everest region.
The slippery trail gets covered by leeches and other insects. The summer season also brings rain in the region. The frigid conditions of the winter season pose a threat for even the most avid trekkers. Thus, it is better to avoid trekking in these seasons for safety reasons.
How Difficult is the Phaplu to EBC Trek?
The Everest region is one of the highest trekking regions in the world. The high altitudes make the oxygen levels and air pressure to dip to a bare minimum. There is always a risk of altitude sickness. Besides, that you will have to walk for 5-6 hours on a rugged trail that moves up and down a lot.
Some sections of the trail demand steep climbs, and that may challenge you physically and mentally. The icy and dry conditions of the Khumbu region and there is a risk of trekkers getting the “Khumbu cough” because of the chilly conditions and the dry dust. Trekking with a backpack puts extra weight on your legs.
There are no technical climbing required during the trial. Having said that, the trekkers must be in the proper physical condition and start training at least two weeks before the trek. Overall, the trek from Phaplu to Everest base camp trek is strenuous or challenging.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Phaplu (2364m) from Kathmandu
Day 02: Trek to Nunthala (2200m) from Phaplu
Day 03: Trek to Khari Khola (20550m) from Nunthala
Day 03: Trek to Khari Khola (20550m) from Nunthala
Day 04: Trek to Paiya (2770m) from Khari Khola
Day 05: Trek to Namche (3440m) from Paiya
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3860m) from Namche Bazaar
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4260m) from Tengboche
Day 08: Trek to Lobuche (4930m) from Dingboche
Day 09: Acclimatize in Dingboche, and visit Chhukung Village
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5486m) and Return to Gorak Shep (5180m)
Day 11: Trek to Kala Patthar (5545m) view Point and return to Pheriche.
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) from Pheriche
Day 13: Trek to Lukla from Namche Bazaar
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Phaplu (2364m) from Kathmandu
You will take a local jeep from Kathmandu to Phaplu. The drive moves along the Khurkot Ghurmi Madhya Pahadi highway overlooking the scenic mountain vistas and passing by hilly winding roads. Phaplu is a small town high up in the Himalayas with an airstrip. We stay overnight at a lodge in Phaplu.
Drive duration: 09- 10 hours
Day 02: Trek to Nunthala (2200m) from Phaplu
After an early breakfast, we start our day with a trek from Phaplu to Nunthala (2200m) which takes approximately seven hours. The trail inclines towards Takshindo Gompa.
A short descent will lead you to Manidingma (Nunthala). There is an old cheese factory at Takshindo where you can try out varieties of delicious yak cheese. We will stay overnight at a local lodge in Nunthala.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Day 03: Trek to Khari Khola (20550m) from Nunthala
After breakfast, we will start our trek with a gentle descent towards the Dudh Koshi River for two hours passing small Sherpa settlements and green pastures.
After crossing the river through a suspension bridge, you will ascend towards Kharikhola (2050m) passing along the farmlands and dense Rai settlements of Juving (1680m). After Khari Khola, we will stay overnight at a local lodge.
Trek duration: 6 hours
Day 04: Trek to Paiya (2770m) from Khari Khola
The trail starts with a steep ascend towards Khari La Pass (2880m) for nearly two hours. We pass through rhododendron and oak forest with some tea shops and scattered Sherpa settlement along the way.
The Khari Khola pass has the most breathtaking views of the Himalayan panoramic vista with the views of Cho-Oyu (8201m), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Numbu (6960m), and Thamserku (6629m) mountains.
After rejoicing in the beautiful views and taking pictures, we gently descent towards Chaubar (2730m), passing through a Bamboo forest. After some trekking ahead, we arrive at the small settlement of Paiya (2770m). We will stay overnight at a lodge in Puiyan (2770m).
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m) from Paiya
We start our trek with a gentle ascent to Chipling (2700m) for 2 hours, which is a junction road to Jiri and Lukla. We then pass through Mushe (2650m) from where the road gets broad and busy.
The trail remains flat with a gentle descent and ascent to Phakding. Phakding is a busy settlement with many lodges and teahouses. From phakding, we descend towards the famous town of Namche Bazaar (3440m).
Namche Bazaar (3440m) located at the bank of pristine Bhote Koshi River is the commercial hub of the Khumbu region. The views of the snow-capped mountains like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Tawoche, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Kwangde from Namche is breathtaking. We stay overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3860m) from Namche Bazaar
We leave Namche and climb a ridge top and level mountain path that provides an awe-inspiring view of Thamserku, Kusum Kangrib, and Kantega. We climb around a branch ridge, and after a gentle descent, the mountain path ends.
We descend passing through the village of Trashinga. The climb to Tengboche is steep and challenging. We pass through rhododendron and oak forests as the incline eases. After covering some distance, we can see the stone gate built by lamas which is the main entry point of Tengboche (3860m).
There is a vast plateau ahead of the monastery, which is an ideal site for camping. There are some lodges and tea houses run by the National Park Service. The sunset from Tengboche overlooking the Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam is beautiful. We stay overnight at a local guest house in Tengboche (3860m).
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4260m) from Tengboche
We start our trek from Tengboche and descend a rhododendron forest to arrive at flat land. There is a Mani stone wall in the entrance of Deboche. We leave the mountain path crossing over a suspension bridge and arrive at the banks of the Imja Khola.
We then ascend the chorten-lined route and arrive at a fork and take the lower path to Pangboche Oli which has a stone wall enclosed potato field. The trail then leads to a stream and skirts along rocky area along the riverbank. We then climb the trail above the Imjatse River to arrive at a big Mani Stupa.
The walk is gentle, and you can observe the Island Peak or Imja Tse (6189m). After some distance, we arrive at Dingboche where we can watch the fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the crops like potatoes, barley, and buckwheat from harsh winds and animals.
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Day 08: Trek to Lobuche (4930m) from Dingboche
We trek early for about 50-minutes to arrive at a mani-prayer Stupa. The gentle trail moves along overlooking the Pheriche village below. The views of the Mt.Tawache, Pokalde (5741m), Ama Dablam, Kongma-Tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse is spectacular from the trail.
The trail arrives at Dugla (4595m) after nearly two hours of walking, and we cross a bridge over the Khumbu glacier river. After having lunch at Dugla, we continue our ascent for an hour towards a steep hill to the top.
We get the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains west of mount Everest from the hilltop. After trekking for some hours, we arrive at the Lobuche where we stay overnight.
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Day 09: Acclimatize in Dingboche, and visit Chhukung Village
We will spend the acclimatizing at Dingboche. Acclimatization is an extremely important step that every trekker must undertake to minimize the effect of altitude sickness. We can observe the splendid views of the North face of Ama Dablam, and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak.
You can also take a short stroll around the Chhukung village and have lunch. You will then hike up to Chhukung from where we can observe the magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Island peak, Tawoche, Makalu, and other snow-capped mountains. We will spend the night at a lodge in Dingboche.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5486m) and Return to Gorak Shep (5180m)
The trail moves along the rocky moraine path with a spectacular view of the icy glacial pond and the Khumbu glacier. A short downhill trek leads us to Gorak Shep, which is the flat field below Kala Patthar (5545m). Gorak Shep is also the original Everest base camp.
We pass through the rocky path and Khumbu glacier. The view of the Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbutse is spectacular. You can see avalanches along the way. We pass through the Khumbu glacier again observing the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, including Mt. Pumori, Lobuche, Cholatse, and Tabuche. We return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Day 11: Trek to Kala Patthar (5545m) view Point and return to Pheriche.
We start our trek early to climb up to the Kala Patthar (5545m) viewpoint and enjoy the spectacular sunrise. The beautiful sunrise in the backdrop of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Thamserku, and others is a once in a lifetime experience.
After this experience, we return on the trail to Pheriche. There are many yaks which carry our luggage in this area. Pheriche is a windy town from where we can view the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache.
There is also a trekker’s aid post run by Himalayan Rescue Association where volunteer doctors provide information and consultation to trekkers trekking in the region. We stay overnight at a lodge in Pheriche.
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) from Pheriche
We start our trek from Pheriche to Namche for the day. First, we trek to Tengboche, which is relatively easy passing through rhododendron forest. Tengboche is famous for its Tengboche Monastery offering the spectacular view of the Ama Dablam and green hills.
The trail from Tengboche is mostly downhill with a few steep climbs after crossing a bridge at Phungitenga, near Shanasha. We also pass through the scenic villages of Khumjung and Khunde. You can also pay a visit to the ancient monastery that has a Yeti Scalp.
We will arrive at khunde after a walk of 30 minutes, where we can find the Khunde Hospital established by Sir Edmund Hillary. The short and scenic walk leads us to Namche where we stay overnight.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Day 13: Trek to Lukla from Namche Bazaar
The trail steeply descends for a couple of hours. The path then has ups and downs through Phakding from Monjo. We then move along the banks of Dudh Koshi river towards Lukla.
We bid our goodbyes to our sherpa guides and porters, and we celebrate the successful trip by feasting on local cuisine and Chhyang (Local Alcohol). We stay overnight at a lodge in Lukla.
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
After a wonderful two weeks at the mountains, we fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla on an adventurous flight which takes about 30 minutes.
Flight duration: 30 minutes
Trip Cost US$ 1425 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private vehicle.
- 4x4 Jeep drive to Phaplu.
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Your entire stander Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek, A Cup of Tea/ Coffe During the Breakfast.
- Seasonal Fruits.
- Tea House hotel accommodation during the trek. Attached bathroom Namche and Lukla.
- A highly experienced, helpful and friendly government license holder Guide, his food, accommodations, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine.
- A Strong Porter among the two trekkers (one porter sharing among two member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
- Lukla-Kathmandu for member and Guide.
- Kathmandu & domestic airport taxes in Kathmandu and Lukla airport for Group and crews.
- Medical supplies, first aid kit box, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
- An arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance company). If in case.
- Sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be returned after trip completed).
- Sagarmatha National Park permits.
- Trekking route map.
- TIMS (Trekkers’ information management System.)
- All ground transportation.
- All our government taxes.
- Official expanse.
Cost Excludes:
- Your travel insurance. (Compulsory)
- International air fare.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
- Personal trekking Equipments.
- Extra hotel night in Kathmandu.
- Activities in Kathmandu.
