The popularity of Everest Base Camp draws thousands of visitors to Nepal. Being one of the most popular treks in the world, ‘How to get to Everest Base Camp?’ is a question that ticks everyone’s mind.
And why not?
Before embarking on the journey, everyone should have proper information about the ways to get into this magnificent place.
The most popular way to get to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is via Lukla. It is the starting point of the classic EBC trek. Lukla is about 130 kilometers away from Kathmandu. From Lukla Airport, you start walking through different places towards the base camp.
But, you can extend your itinerary for a couple of days and hit the road. If you plan on starting the EBC trek via roadways, you can take a bus or hire a car. And, if you plan it, you don’t necessarily need to reach Lukla to begin the trek. You can trek a couple of days to reach the main route, and enter the journey from there.
Reaching the EBC Trail
Take a scenic flight to Lukla
You can reach Lukla via a flight from Kathmandu. A plane takes you to Tenzing–Hillary Airport located at Lukla. During this thrilling 35-minute flight, you get to see panoramic views of the Himalayas.
It is a shorter and scenic way to reach the starting point of the Everest Base Camp Trek. It costs around US$ 175 per flight.
Note:
If you plan on reaching Lukla via a plane, you should know that the weather affects the flights. So, we highly suggest you visit Nepal during Spring or Autumn. The weather stays mild and pleasant during these seasons.
The climatic conditions are unpredictable in the Himalayan region. Due to it, flight delays and cancellations are quite common. The possible few flights get booked very early. So, we highly suggest you make early bookings for timely flights.
Roadway Transportation
Unfortunately, there is no road leading to Lukla. Yet, if you are low on budget and cannot afford a flight, you can take a public bus to either Jiri or Phaplu.
You can also hire a vehicle towards these locations, and it is a bit easier compared to a public bus. From there, you have an alternative trek of around six days to reach the main trail joining at Lukla.
Another option is to take a jeep to Salleri. If you happen to choose this route, you don’t necessarily have to reach Lukla. From Salleri, you can reach Phakding, just one-day trek ahead of Lukla, by trekking for about four days, and switch your journey from there.
If you wish to reach Lukla from Salleri, you have to trek an additional for two days.
After Reaching Lukla
Your classic Everest Base Camp trek starts from Lukla and heads towards your final destination. From here, it takes 12-15 days to complete the EBC trek. If you wish to customize your itinerary and visit other places nearby, the duration of your trek will increase accordingly.
On the first day, you begin your trek from Lukla and continue towards Phakding village. It is a short trek of about 2-3 hours from Lukla. After a night stays in a beautiful teahouse at Phakding, you trek towards a significant highlight of this trek, Namche Bazaar. It is famous as the capital of the Khumbu region of Nepal and also the major acclimatization stop for trekkers and climbers.
Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp
Namche Bazaar is a beautiful Sherpa settlement on the lap of Everest. You reach this lively marketplace after 6-7 hours of trekking from Phakding. For the acclimatization purpose, you need to spend a couple of days at Namche. Exploring the vivid streets, you come close to the local Sherpa communities.
After the splendid days at Namche Bazaar, you head towards Tengboche. The place has the biggest monastery of the Khumbu region–Tengboche Monastery. You can observe the strange rituals at this place.
From there, walking on the classic EBC trail, you trek towards Dingboche. Here, you stay for two days and acclimate for the change in altitude. Then, you continue your journey towards a stunning vantage point of this trek- Gorakh Shep via Lobuche.
About Acclimatization
You need to take a rest and adapt to the sudden change in altitude during this trek. Acclimatization is necessary for preventing fatigue, tiredness or worse, Altitude Sickness.
You stay a night at Lobuche before reaching Gorakh Shep. You stop by for the scenic views of the Himalayas and snow-covered landscape. Then, after trekking 5-6 hours on a challenging trail, you make your dream destination–Everest Base Camp.
The feeling of reaching EBC is magical. You approach the magic spot where many famous trekkers and explorers started their Everest summit. The long yet beautiful trek feels worth it after you reach the base camp.
But wait, this is not the end. The trek is yet to complete.
The Final Stop- Kala Patthar
The Everest Base Camp trek is just not complete without reaching thrilling Kala Patthar. At an altitude of staggering 5,643 meters, you succeed the highest point of this trek.
You might think, ‘Why to reach Kala Patthar if I already visited the EBC?’
The answer is simple. Kala Patthar is one of the best vantage points in the Everest region to get the close-up view of Mt. Everest. You get the best panoramic views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains from this point. You encounter the incredible Mt. Everest along with other peaks like Nuptse and Changste. After this mesmerizing experience, you descend back to Lukla through Namche and complete your trek finally.
Short Chopper Flight to Everest Base Camp
If you are short on time, yet want to visit EBC, try the chopper flight to Everest Base Camp. It is one of the most beautiful and easy ways to reach the base camp. The scenic flight above the pristine Himalayan landscapes is the best view you’ll ever get.
About the Heli-Tour
Your tour to the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour begins from Tribhuvan International Airport. A vehicle takes you to the airport straight from your hotel. The tour starts early in the morning. Once you get on the ride, your next stop is Lukla.
After reaching Lukla, the helicopter refuels. Then, the scenic ride over the Everest region begins. You see amazing views of the landscapes underneath you. The snow-covered peaks look to stand closer like never before.
Finally, you reach either the Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar. Then, you spend a few hours observing the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. The Everest, along with other mountains like Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam, and many more come close to your eyes.
After some time, you’re taken to Lukla and then back to Kathmandu. The overall tour lasts for just a day while you will witness the fantastic Everest Base Camp.
Final Words
With all the information, your question ‘How to get to Everest Base Camp?” is adequately answered. Everest Base Camp is not only about the destination but also about the fantastic experience of your journey.
So, whether you take a flight or a bus, the Mt Everest welcomes everyone and fills your trek with adventure and beauty. Just enjoy along the way, make memories, and capture some beautiful pictures. Such a trek is worth enjoying every moment.
FAQs
1. Are there any alternative ways to reach Everest Base Camp?
There is no exact alternative trail to reach the Everest Base Camp. However, you can divert from the classic trail and visit other amazing places during the trek. Some alternatives exclude the flights to Lukla to explore other places before reaching the main trail. The most popular additions are,
- Everest Base Camp and 3 Passes
- Gokyo and EBC Trek
- EBC via lower Solukhumbu
- EBC via Jiri
2. Is Everest Base Camp easy to reach alone?
Trekking to EBC is not an easy task. The trail gets confusing due to various diversions and interceptions. So, we highly suggest you hire a guide or a porter to go along with you.
Also, guides and porters know alternative paths that may help you along the way. Do not forget, in any problematic situations, you can count on them.
