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Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek

18 Days

Trip Highlights

  • Phaplu, Nunthala, Bupsa Jorasalle, Namche bazar villages Explore
  • Like your chance to see than 8 thousand meters of mountain; Everest (8848m), Makalu (8467m), Lhotse (8535m) and Choyo (8185m).
  • View of Mount Everest from Everest View Hotel and Kalapathar.
  • Tenzing Hillary Airport Lukla-Kathmandu flight

Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek is an alternative route to reach Everest Base Camp. This trekking route is different from the traditional routes to Everest Base Camp, which fly from Lukla or run from Jiri.

Phaplu is a hill town located in the north-east of Nepal. It is about 90 km east of Kathmandu. Phaplu is connected to Kathmandu by road. So, if the flight is cancelled, there is an option to take a jeep to Phaplu. The Everest base camp trek via Phaplu is a few days long. However, this route is excellent in terms of green scenery of valleys, rivers and terraced land. Trekkers who want to start their trek from less tourist trails in the Everest region; Phaplu Everest Base Camp trekking route can be perfect for him. Another attraction of this route is to see the local Sherpa lifestyle. During the trek, you will pass through several Sherpa villages. That’s why some people call this trail Sherpa Heritage Trail. Similarly, Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek offers beautiful mountain views of Mt Everest 8848m, Lhotse 8516m, Makalu 8463m, Mt Cho Oyu 8201m and 18 other snow capped mountains in Everest region.

Everest base camp trek from Phaplu, from Kathmandu to Phaplu it takes 8-9 hours Drive. After arriving at Phaplu, you start trekking with the ascent to Taksindu La (3870 meters), at Taksindu, you reach the old cheese factory. And you will takes descend to reach Nunthala. After Nunthala, Dudh Koshi river through terraced hills and beautiful small villages. Finally, after Paiya Join the main trail of Mt. you will continue trekking passing the places of Namche Bazar Tengboche Feruche, Lobuche, Gorkshep and finally reach your final destination ‘Everest Base Camp’. After the climb to Kalapathar, the best view of Everest, and you return to Lukla.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,350m) and transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Drive to Phaplu (2470m), from Kathmandu 7-8 hours
Day 3: Trek to Nunthala (2220m) from Phaplu 6-7 hours
Day 4: Trek to Bupsa (2350m), from Nunthala 5-6 hours
Day 5: Trek to Surke (2,290m) from Bupsa 6-7 hours
Day 6: Trek to Phakding (2,600m), from Surke 4-5 hours
Day 7: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), from Phakding 5-6 hours
Day 8: Acclimatization day hike up to Everest view hotel
Day 9: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) from Namche Bazaar 5-6 hours
Day 10: Trek to Dingboche (4,412m) from Tengboche 5-6 hours
Day 11: Rest Day, hike up to Nagaratsang peak (5,083m)
Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) from Dingboche 5-6 hours
Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and return to Gorkshep for night
Day 14: Hike up to Kalapathar (5,545m) and trek to Pheriche
Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) from Pheriche 6-7 hours
Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2,800m), from Namche Bazaar 6-7 hours
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m) from Lukla and transfer to Hotel
Day 18: Drop at the airport for the final departure

All Inclusive cost
Join our trek Contact us to set up an itinerary as per your preference.

Group Size  Price per person
 Min 2 – Max 12  US$ 1695

Customization Option

If this itinerary does not suit your need or you want to customize it, tell us about your travel needs, there is no fixed departure date, itinerary. Being a local trekking agency in Nepal we can arrange your trip according to any date and time, please Send Us A Message and we will customize it according to your itinerary.

Essential Information
Difficulty

Our Phaplu to Everest Base Camp 18 days trek is considered challenging in terms of grade due to high altitudes and longer duration hikes. The trail is relatively easier following good paths and mules or yak trails but due to the increasing altitude, it’s graded challenging. Please be prepared to walk for 6-7 hrs every day on average carrying your backpack. Longer treks reaching up to an elevation of 5500m where some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps are located and you need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m for 1 night at Gorekshep.

Previous Experience

No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not mandatory to participate in this trip. All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip prior to your trip by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking.

Best Season

The best seasons to trek to the Everest region are Autumn (latter half of September till December) and Spring (latter half of March until mid-May).

Autumn: Slightly colder than Spring but presents clear views of the mountains. The mornings are clear providing best mountain views, days are warmer and night time will get cold and frosty. The temperature during Autumn varies from lowest -10 degrees Celsius at Gorekshep to warmest 25 degrees Celsius at Phakding or Phaplu.
Spring: Another weather window for trekking in Nepal comes during the month of the latter March to May. The temperature will be relatively warmer during this period of time but still, nights will be cold and frosty at a higher elevation. Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day.

Accommodation
Hotel: 2 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 15 Nights

On Kathmandu:
In Kathmandu, you will stay at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu. Situated at the foot, of the Great Swayambhunath Stupa. The most peaceful Vajra Hotel in the Kathmandu valley, the hotel also boasts of close Swayambhunath beautiful jungle where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
Teahouse/Lodge:
Trekking in the Everest region does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are now clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we would request you to bring a sleeping bag to everyone. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

All Meals On Trek

All meals are included during the trek. We will provide three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

Typical Day On Trek:

Daily wake up calls will be from 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. Wake up time and breakfast time will be arranged the night before the briefing time. The schedule for each day will depend entirely on your walking duration for that particular day. Tea will be served as a wake-up call to your bed. After breakfast we went on a day hike. Before breakfast, you need to pack your duffel bag because the porter will load it while you are having breakfast. After the walk, we stop for a mid-day lunch. Afternoon walks are usually short and we usually arrive at our destination for afternoon tea.

Daypack For The Trek

You will only carry your day pack with the essentials you will need during the walk (water, camera, extra fleece, rain jacket, sunscreen, snacks, valuables etc.). The porter will carry the rest of your gear. We give you 1 porter for every 2 participants. Also, during the trek, we will also provide 1 support guide for every 6 trekkers, who will assist you during the trek.

Group Size:

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 2 and the maximum is 12 people.

Safety On The Trek

Safety is always a priority when traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. Our trek itineraries are designed with every aspect in mind, allowing proper adaptability, rest days and walking hours. On all our high altitude treks, we send a comprehensive medical kit. Furthermore, we also have a high staff to customer ratio on all our treks. Read more, Safety & Security

Our Approach to Treks

Our route to trek follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route, and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With of experience in trekking in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.

Travel Insurance

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. More information: Travel Insurance

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date. Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.

Airport Pickup & Drop:

We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly.

Detail Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Please look out for a placard of your name at the exit of arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip.

After the breakfast, we will drive through scenic road starts from Dhulikhel, Khurkot, Ghurmi and diverse settlement of different cast system of Nepal. We will passes the beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, Magnificent mountains ranges and Rivers side and reach to Salleri, Phaplu, then we will stay overnight at Lodge.

Today will be more interesting, the trekking route goes uphill and downhill walking through Local Sherpa Village with Tibetan style of settlement and their culture. We will enjoy the trekking trail is splendid view of Numbur Himal come with by local state. Every village has locally made ancient Buddhist monastery signify Tibetan Buddhism to practice their religion. After we passing the Taksindu La pass then, we trek descending to Nunthala Village is beautiful and large village. While we reach to there, we can explore the typical Village, there has mixed settlement of Sherpa, Rai, Magr, Tamang. Most of this area they are Buddhism religion peoples.

Today we will walk along the Dudh Koshi River, and as we approach the Khari Khola, we can enjoy the magnificent fields of barley, wheat, and maize. We then descend down to the suspension bridge at 1,930m before doing a steep climb to Bupsa. Bupsa is blessed with cascading wheat and maize terraces below a dense oak forest.

Today will bit hard day, first part we will have to climb uphill and walk on the dense forest, we can have see the Musk deer, Snow-leopards, jackal, white and brown monkey. We trek continue to passing the delightful village of Paiya, then after we trek continue to Surke village is below the Lukla Airport, we will stay overnight at Lodge.

After the delicious breakfast, we will trek from Surke to Phakding village, we will passing the beautiful village of Chauri Kharka, Thado koshi and reach to Phakding Village, where we can explore the beautiful Buddhist monastery and Typical Village.

Today we will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park planned to look after and preserve the fragile mountain environment. Lowering down from the park, crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain. If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains.

We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. After breakfast, we hike to Everest view hotel and continue to Khumjung for the lunch. After the lunch, we will back to Namche bazar.

We will walk today along the Dudh Koshi River. The route offers views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and, Thamserku and Ama Dablam Mountains. Our journey continues through the colorful forest of blooming rhododendron to Sanasa. The region is rich in wildlife including musk deer and colorful pheasants. In Sanasa lies the junction point. One of the path leads us to the Gokyo valley while the other branches off to Everest Base Camp. We will take sharp climb to Tengboche monastery which is the largest Gompa in the Khumbu region. The journey rewards us with close-up views of many surrounding mountains.

Today we hike through a few Chortens, mani walls and some small villages after which, we haul up for some grub and while enjoying our meals we savor some upfront views of Amadablam towering just above us; We trek via Pangboche, the highest of the true lasting settlements in the valley and reach the regular settlement, the final steepest climb of the day on our way to Dingboche. Agriculture is the chief occupation of locals in Dingboche. We can see fields enclosed by stonewall in Dingboche. Like; Buckwheat, potatoes and barley are the major crops.

This is a day to haul up and rest without being idle. Our acclimatizing gets a further boost with our hike to Nagartsang Peak (5,083m) and as we top it with gasping breath we soon realize the gritty climb was worth the go. Doing this acclimatization helps in adapting with the high altitude, afterwards retrace back to Dingboche for a free afternoon to rest.

We start trek to Lobuche, after crossing by some of the teahouses of Duglha, we plod higher onto the pretty risky moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a chain of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From hereabouts, the trail lowers and goes by the west side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse from this point is an amazing sight to behold.

A real early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the risky route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a grand view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorakshep for a restful overnight at lodge.

Today is the most important part of our trip. We start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kalapatthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-5 to -15 C) departure beforehand. Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to expose itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kalapatthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to click pictures. After several hours of ascent, we reach Kalapatthar. From here, we scuttle to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kalapatthar rocks and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan views, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we possibly can with our camera so they can last a lifetime. After this we make our way back to Pheriche with a slow descent;.

Today we will descend down, we revert on our previous route to Pangboche and Tengboche. Similarly, we will take gentle descend to Phortse Tenga which is a teahouse settlement. We will lower down from hill through the forest of pine and rhododendron. We will cross the suspension bridge over Dudhkoshi River and head towards Sanasa village. From here the trail contours high above the valley and its then a gradual walk to Namche Bazaar.

Today our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains.

We wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and get ready for the arrival of our plane for our flight back to Kathmandu. On our touchdown at Kathmandu airport, we will be met by our office representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own things.

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. You will be assisted in your last-minute preparation. Our staff representative will help you pack your luggage, drop you off at the international airport. And we wish you a safe flight. Likewise we hope to see you soon again!

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at Hotel Vajra for 2 nights in Kathmandu
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included during the trek with tea & coffee
  • Internal flight (Lukla-Kathmandu with airport taxes)
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at teahouses/lodge on the trek
  • All required permits for the trek (TIMS card & National park fee
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • All transportation by private vehicle
  • Staff equipment, insurance and allowances
  • Comprehensive first aid kit with high-altitude medicines
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses
  • Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
  • Group welcome or farewell dinner at Kathmandu

Cost Exclusion

  • International Airfare and Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason).
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks and hot drinking water or mineral bottled water, cold drinks, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery re-charge charges, extra porters, etc.
  • Personal clothing and trekking gear.
  • Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation along with medical coverage.
  • Tips, gifts, souvenirs for involved trekking staff.
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
  • All the costs and expenses, which are not listed in "What is included" above will be counted as excludes.

Equipment checklist for the trek

The gears listed below is recommended for the trek. We encourage you to get all the equipment listed below for the trip and please make sure you check out and try each equipment. You can also buy or rent in Kathmandu as there are many trekking shops that have gear ranging from branded to local.

Clothing and footwear:
— Long-sleeved shirts
— Trekking Shirts
— Trekking Trousers
— Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
— Waterproof jackets and trousers
— Thermal
— Inner wears
— Undergarments
— Warm socks
— Cap/Hat to protect from the sun during the trek
— Woollen Hat, Warm gloves, Balaclava sand Bandana/Scarf
— Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
— Trekking shoes (Preferably Goretex and full to support your ankle)
— Slippers/Flip flops to wear at camp
— Daypack 30-35 litres (To carry your sunblock, water, camera, waterproof jacket and others that you may require while trekking)

Documents:
— Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
— 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and Visa
— Travel Insurance covering medication evacuation
— Flight tickets
— Credit cards for emergencies
— Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.
(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)

Others:
— Headlamps with extra batteries
— Sunglasses with UV protection
— Camera with charger or spare batteries
— A pair of trekking poles
— Water bottles (1) litre
— Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
— Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
— Padlock
— Binoculars
— Reading materials, notebooks and pens

Toiletries and hygiene:
— Quick-drying towel
— Small face towel
— Toothbrush &Toothpaste
— Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
— Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
— Hand sanitizer/Antiseptic wipes
— Hygiene products
— Basic first aid kit

Accessories:
— Down Jacket
— Sleeping bag with liner
— Duffel/Kit Bag

Trip Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek
From $1,695.00
/ per person

Trip Facts

  • 17 nights, 18 days
  • Challenging
  • 5,545m/18,193ft.
  • Spring & Autumn
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Private Vehicle & Flight
  • Teahouse/Lodges
  • Min 2 - Max 12

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