Phaplu Everest Base Camp 18 Days Trek

Phaplu Everest Base Camp 18 Days Trek is yet another Cordial exclusive by road trip that begins from Kathmandu. Moreover, this classic trail begins with a long scenic drive from the capital and heads towards Phaplu via Jiri and Salleri. However, the route is now considered to be an alternative trail to the iconic Everest Base Camp in the Khumbu region of Nepal. And for those unaware, this is the same trail that was followed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to summit the Mt. Everest for the first time ever on May 29, 1953.

Altitude and Difficulty:

The trek involves significant altitude gain, with the highest point being Everest Base Camp itself at around 5364 meters (17598 feet). The trail can be challenging at times due to steep ascents and descents, as well as the potential for rapidly changing weather conditions. Moreover, before embarking on any trek in Nepal, including the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek, it’s essential to be well-prepared, physically fit, and knowledgeable about the challenges of high-altitude trekking.

Overview of the trip:

The trek actually begins from Phaplu, a small town in the Solukhumbu region. It is accessible via a long drive by road or a short 30 minute flight (optional) from Kathmandu. The trail then eventually joins the main Everest Base Camp trekking route in Phakding via Kharikhola and Paiya. Additionally, this trek offers a unique experience and allows trekkers to explore the less crowded and more remote areas of the Everest region before reaching the base camp. Besides, this trip is also suitable for those travelers seeking a budget trek to the Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the journey takes the visitors through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, charming villages, terraced fields, and high-altitude alpine terrain. The travelers will also be enjoying the breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam among others during their trip.

Along the way, the visitors will be passing through several Sherpa villages, where one can experience the local culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the Sherpa people. The travelers might also visit monasteries, interact with locals, and gain insights into their way of life. Compared to the main Lukla to Everest Base Camp route, the Phaplu route tends to be less crowded. This can offer a more tranquil and authentic trekking experience, allowing you to connect more intimately with the surroundings.

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is the main trading center and gateway of the Khumbu region. Moreover, it is most popular among trekkers for altitude acclimatization. The town has a number of lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors as well as a number of internet cafés. Additionally, there are German bakeries, little cafes and many restaurants in the town as well. Moreover, there is also an Irish pub, said to be the highest and most remote Irish pub in the world.

Tengboche Monastery

The Tengboche Monastery highlights the next remarkable landmark of your journey. Nonetheless, it is the oldest and biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. Furthermore, there is a belief that the mountaineers and trekkers pray for a successful trip here before proceeding towards their final destination.

Gorakshep

Gorakshep is a small settlement that sits on the edge of a frozen lakebed covered with sand in Nepal with the same name. It is found at an elevation of 5,164 meters (16,942 ft) elevation, near Mount Everest. Also, in recent times, more modern amenities have become available in the region, such as high-speed internet access.

Everest Base Camp

The base camps are rudimentary campsites at the base of Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. Supplies are shipped to the Base Camp by porters, and with the help of animals, usually yaks. Not only do climbers rest at base camp for acclimatization, but also it reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Kala Patthar

A notable landmark, Kala Patthar (5,644.5 m / 18,519 ft) is located on the south ridge of Pumori above Gorakshep. Kala Patthar is very popular with trekkers as it provides the most accessible closeup view of Everest.

The return journey

Finally, the memorable trip ends with a trek back to Lukla. The route mostly follows the same trails that were followed before with a minor deviation from Phakding to Lukla. After arriving in Lukla, the trekkers bid a final farewell to their supportive staff while enjoying the evening dinner. The journey then proceeds towards Kathmandu the next morning boarding a 30 minute flight. Even though it ends, the Everest trek is bound to imprint a memory that lasts a lifetime of every visitor.

Note: The package also takes you to explore the historical civilization of Kathmandu Valley. Here you will be visiting many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square that house living goddess Kumari.

Phaplu-Everest Trek Map

Phaplu-Everest Base Camp Trek

Additional Information on Phaplu-Everest Trek:

Booking Your Phaplu-EBC Trek:

We are offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Everest region for 2024 and 2025. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1455 per person upfront. If you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We accept USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking Your International Flight:

For your 18 Days Phaplu EBC Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 18. However, the Lukla flights can be canceled due to adverse weather, so having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Packing for the Phaplu EBC Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Phaplu EBC Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival Information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us. Our airport representatives will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation for extra nights and add-on tours as well for additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup.

Return Flight from Lukla:

During the peak season, typically from mid-March to mid-May in spring and late September to late November in autumn, flights to and from Lukla operate from Ramechhap airport. At other times of the year, they depart from Kathmandu. We will however arrange the approximately 4-hour drive from Ramechhap Airport to Kathmandu at no additional cost. Optionally you may as well book a direct helicopter flight from Lukla Airport to Kathmandu with additional costs (USD 400).

Trek Starting and Ending Days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 4 to Day 16. You’ll drive to Phaplu on Day 3 to commence the trek on Day 4 and return back to Lukla on Day 16. On Day 17, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu and be transferred to your hotel. Expect to spend 14 nights and 14 days completing the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp with overnight stays in villages like Nunthala, Bupsa, Paiya, Phakding, Namche, Deboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Pheriche and Lukla. Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a 3 Star Category Hotel with twin / double sharing beds.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are teahouses. Although basic, these Everest tea-houses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food during the trip:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style except on the day you depart early morning for a drive to Phaplu, when you’ll receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.

Baggage and Weight Limit:

On your flight to Kathmandu from Lukla, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 5/4 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Drinking Water on the Trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to the Everest region, not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for Extras and Tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 200 to 300 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 150-200 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Phaplu-Everest Base Camp Trek:

1. Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) via Phaplu
2. A thrilling return flight back to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) from Lukla Airport
3. Trek inside Sagarmatha National Park
4. Explore Namche Bazar
5. Experience Sherpa culture and traditions
6. Chance to unravel the mysteries of abominable Yeti