Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek

19 Day(s)

Overview The Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek is an exhilarating and picturesque journey through the heart of the Himalayas, offering trekkers an unforgettable adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. This trekking route is also a less-crowded alternative to the classic Lukla to Everest Base Camp route, providing a more serene and authentic experience. Starting in Phaplu, a charming village with its airstrip in the Solukhumbu district, trekkers will be greeted by lush green landscapes, terraced farmlands, and traditional Sherpa villages. The trail then ascends through dense rhododendron and pine forests, granting trekkers glimpses of the majestic Himalayan peaks…

Overview

The Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek is an exhilarating and picturesque journey through the heart of the Himalayas, offering trekkers an unforgettable adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. This trekking route is also a less-crowded alternative to the classic Lukla to Everest Base Camp route, providing a more serene and authentic experience.

Starting in Phaplu, a charming village with its airstrip in the Solukhumbu district, trekkers will be greeted by lush green landscapes, terraced farmlands, and traditional Sherpa villages. The trail then ascends through dense rhododendron and pine forests, granting trekkers glimpses of the majestic Himalayan peaks in the distance.

As the journey progresses, trekkers will encounter quaint Sherpa settlements, where they can immerse themselves in the unique culture and warm hospitality of the local people. The Tengboche Monastery, a significant spiritual site also adorned with vibrant prayer flags, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other neighboring peaks.

Continuing onward, the trail meanders alongside the glacial Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges that add to the thrill of the trek. As the landscape transforms into rugged terrain, trekkers will also reach the renowned Everest Base Camp, where mountaineers prepare for their ascent to the world’s highest peak.

The sense of achievement upon reaching Everest Base Camp is unparalleled, with the iconic Khumbu Icefall and towering Himalayan giants as a backdrop. The view of Everest from this vantage point is also awe-inspiring and worth every step of the journey.

After savoring the incredible scenery and capturing lifelong memories, trekkers retrace their steps back to Phaplu. This trek also offers an opportunity to immerse in nature’s grandeur, witness the unique Sherpa culture, and challenge oneself amidst the rugged Himalayan landscape.

Conclusion and Summary

It’s essential to be physically prepared for the trek, as the altitude can be challenging, and the weather conditions can be unpredictable. However, with proper acclimatization, a sense of adventure, and a thirst for exploration, the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek promises an extraordinary and fulfilling experience that will remain etched in the heart forever.

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Trip Highlights

The Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek is an incredible journey with numerous highlights that make it a memorable and unique experience for trekkers. Some of the trip highlights include:

Scenic beauty: The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other towering peaks. The landscape varies from lush green valleys and dense forests to rugged terrains and glacial moraines.
Sherpa culture and villages: Trekking through traditional Sherpa villages allows trekkers to immerse themselves in the rich local culture. The friendly Sherpa people warmly welcome visitors and provide insights into their way of life, traditions, and beliefs.
Tengboche Monastery: Located at 3,867 meters, the Tengboche Monastery is one of the most significant spiritual landmarks in the Everest region. The serene and picturesque setting of the monastery against the backdrop of Everest and Ama Dablam is a sight to behold.
Everest Base Camp: The ultimate destination of the trek is the iconic Everest Base Camp. Standing at the base of the world’s highest peak is a moment of triumph and awe. Trekkers can witness mountaineers preparing for their ascent and soak in the extraordinary atmosphere of this renowned location.
Stunning landscapes and biodiversity: The route takes trekkers through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to diverse flora and fauna. The trail is adorned with colorful rhododendron forests, rare wildlife like the Himalayan Thar and the elusive snow leopard, and various bird species.
Cross-cultural exchanges: The trek attracts adventurers from all over the world, providing opportunities to meet fellow trekkers from different backgrounds and cultures. Sharing experiences and stories with like-minded individuals enriches the journey.
Local cuisine: Trekkers can savor traditional Nepali cuisine, including Dal Bhat (rice with lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and Sherpa stew, to refuel and enjoy the flavors of the region.
Challenging yet rewarding: The trek is physically demanding due to the altitude and varied terrain, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching Everest Base Camp is incomparable. The journey challenges trekkers to push their limits and embrace the spirit of adventure.
Picturesque villages and prayer flags: Throughout the trek, trekkers pass through charming Himalayan villages adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Warm hospitality: The local people, especially the Sherpas, are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Trekkers are warmly welcomed, and the interactions with the locals add a personal touch to the journey.

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuwan International Airport, we will receive you in a private vehicle to your hotel in Kathmandu. Everest Expeditions Nepal Guide will brief you about your package trip of a full-day drive from Kathmandu to Salleri Bazaar and to Tham Danda to Everest base camp route by road information.

Early in the morning at 5 am, drive from Kathmandu to Salleri by a local Jeep over the blacktopped road. It is a newly constructed road called Sindhuli Bardibas highway built by Japan’s Hamja Company had carried out the road construction.

Continue with the best panorama of Riverside, jungle, wonderful landscape, and scattered communities. We traverse the Sunkoshi River bridge and to Okhaldhunga Bazaar. Rumjatar and Okhaldungha are the top scenic places en route.

Incredible peaks such as Dudhkunda (Numbur Himal), Everest, and many other snowy peaks are seen from the highway road. Roughly about nine/ten hours road drive takes us to the Salleri Bazaar, district of Solu Khumbu.

Trekking route goes ups and down walking through Sherpa villages with Tibetan style of settlement and their culture. Enjoyable trekking path is awesome view of Numbur Himal accompanied by local scenario. Every villages have locally made old monastery represent Tibetan Buddhism to practice their religion. Reaching to Nunthala is nice and a large village. Nice place of mixed settlement of Sherpa, Rai, Magar, Tamang of Hindu and Buddhist. Village is more interesting with lots shops, tea houses, local lodges and stores.

Quite long day but easy walk through community of Sherpa, Magars and other mix-up. The view of Lukla village and Nunthala valley surprise us. Descent and accent through alpine forest, and cross the Dudhkoshi River. Steep hill climb to reach top ridge of Buspa Danda offering super views of mountains and landscape. Middle of forest Paiya village is nice stop to overnight.

Our trek meet today the regular trekking trail starting from Lukla after flying from Kathmandu. Easy trekking trail goes till Surke. Gradually ups trail to Chaurikharka, Chhepung, Nurning and to Phakding. The impressive view of Kusum Kangaru, Buddhist village with mani walls makes trail impressive. Phakding have various lodges for trekkers where you will find nice suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River

After your breakfast start trekking to Namche Bazar (Biggest town in Everest region). We pass big suspension bring at the beginning. Than our trail become slightly up hills. Route is passing through alpine forest along with Dudhkoshi River. We also pass Benkar village, Monjo village and jorsalle on the way. After having our lunch, we start tough up hills walking and reach Namche.

It is acclimatization day and we take hiking tour around. Hike to Everest view hotel and Khumjung village. Visit local monasteries and Hillary school. It is pleasant day to have your lunch at Khumjung village with front view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Amadablam and others. Come back to Namche. Walking around in Namche get more refresh

The trailhead to Tengboche Monastery leaves a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Kosi river. On the hikes, your will have a panoramic view of the Himalayas such as Ama Dablam (6,812m), Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7,855m), and Tawoche (6,501m). Tyangboche Danda offers a good view of sunrise and sunset at Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Leaving Tyangboche as the backdrop, we descend through a rhododendron forest and enter Deboche. Crossing a suspension bridge at Imja Khola, we head towards Minlinggo and inter Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse. We finally come to Dingboche.

Today, we acclimatize at Dingboche to be familiar with the local climate. Today, we hike to Nagarjuna hill to get better acclimatization. Hike to Chhukung Ridge is optional but it provides a majestic view of Island peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Tawoche peak, and many others. Or travelers can hang out in Dingboche village and its surroundings.

It is short hiking at high altitude. We start after your breakfast in Dingboche. After walking around three hours in wide valley we reach at Duglha. You’re walking than reach some tough ascending. You may feel hard to breathe as it is thinner air in high altitude. You will reach Lobuche. Lobushe is small settlement with fewer tea houses only. You have to be prepared with chilly night.

Our travel destination today is Gorakshep lodge at an elevation of 5,140m to eat and sleep but leaving our gears, we also walk to Everest base camp and return. It is the most rewarding section of the complete trekking route.

The base camp trail winds up through rocky paths and the Khumbu glacier. The view of Nuptse, Lho-La, and Khumbutse is at a close distance. The journey today to visit the Everest Base Camp and come return to Gorakshep is long and tiring.

We trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5,550m) as per your wish. If you are a photographer and want to capture Everest while rising the sun then better to go very early morning. Hike to the hill means the temperature is cold but you will enjoy the view of sunrise.

You can see the amazing views of the sun rising over Everest, Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku… etc. Other than photographers, can hike the Kala Patthar summit after the sun rises as you feel better and warm. Kala Patthar is the best and top viewpoint in Nepal to see the Everest Mountain range.

Return to the Gorakshep guest house, take the breakfast, collect your backpacking stuff, and make your descend trail to Pheriche. Pheriche is situated at an elevation of 4,240 meters on the foothills of Tabuche mountain. Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post is available at Pheriche health post where foreign volunteer doctors are providing medical treatment.

We prepare with our small bag with hot drinking water and some nuts. It is about one and half hours climbing. When we start, it is dark and chilly. Get sunrise view and panoramic mountain views which is probably the best view ever in this trekking. We come down to Gorakhshep and have breakfast. Hike back to Pheriche for overnight

All the way down hill from Pheriche to Phunki Thanga. We can choose either Tengboche or Phunki thanga for our lunch. Small ascend involve after phunki Thanga to the top. Again an hour downhill reach Namche. You can feel more relax at Namche having nice walking soundings. Namche is having some of the goods cafes, shops and restaurants

Today is quite long walking down and flat land. It is same way back as we crossed Jorsalle, Manjo, Benkar, Phakding and other small villages on the way. From Jorsalle we cross area of Everest National park. Enjoy your walking with several suspension bring over Dhudhkoshi river

We board our early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu domestic terminal. Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our representative will arrange a transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, go shopping or request us to discover Kathmandu as a guided trip at extra cost.

Otherwise, the final departure day is to drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your further destination flight and our trip ends. Wish you a wonderful journey.

You also have option to get one more rest day in Kathmandu. As per the itinerary, today is the departure day. Nepal highland treks provide you transportation drop to International airport. It is important to reach there 3 hours before your flight time.

What's Included

Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
Licensed and trained trekking guides,
potters for carrying goods and supplies,

Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
All accommodation during the trek on sharing Basis.
All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport from Kathmandu to Ramechap to Kathmandu to Ramechap)
All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
equipment for the staffs.

Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)

Trekking staffs wages etc.

Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.

Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.

Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag

All Government and local Taxes

International Flight ticket re-confirmation.

Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.

Domestic Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu

Domestic Flights for Trekking Guide.

Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.

What's Excluded

International Airfares,
Travel/Trekking Insurance,
Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
Visa fees.
Airport Departure Taxes.
Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
Tips for The staffs.
Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
Meals during stay in the Kathmandu

Extra Domestic Ticket of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.

Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Trip Information

Trekking Route and Duration: The trek usually starts in Phaplu, a village in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. Trekkers then follow a trail that passes through beautiful landscapes, traditional Sherpa villages, and dense forests. The route joins the classic Everest Base Camp trail at Namche Bazaar. The duration of the trek varies depending on the itinerary, but it typically takes around 12 to 16 days to complete the round trip from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp and back.

Best Time to Trek: The best time to undertake the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek is during the two main trekking seasons in Nepal: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and favorable temperatures for trekking. The views of the mountains are also at their best during these seasons. However, the trek can also be done in other months with appropriate preparation.

Altitude and Acclimatization: Trekking to Everest Base Camp involves gaining considerable altitude, and acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. The gradual ascent and scheduled rest days for acclimatization are essential components of the trek to ensure trekkers’ safety and well-being.

Accommodation and Facilities: Accommodation along the trekking route is provided in tea houses or lodges run by local Sherpa families. These teahouses offer basic but comfortable facilities such as beds with blankets, communal dining areas, and shared bathrooms. While the amenities may be more limited at higher altitudes, the teahouses generally offer sufficient comfort for trekkers.

Fitness and Experience: The Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek is considered moderately challenging. Trekkers should have a good level of physical fitness and stamina to tackle the uphill and downhill sections of the trail. Previous trekking experience is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial. It’s essential to prepare with cardiovascular exercises and hiking practice before the trek.

Permits: Trekkers need to obtain permits to enter the Everest region. The main permits required are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. These permits are usually organized by the trekking company or obtained at the respective checkpoints during the trek.

Guides and Porters: Hiring a licensed trekking guide is recommended, especially for those with limited trekking experience. Guides are familiar with the trail, local culture, and can assist with any issues that may arise during the trek. Porters can also be hired to carry a portion of the trekker’s load, making the journey more comfortable.

Environmental Considerations: Trekking in the Everest region comes with the responsibility to preserve its natural beauty and protect the environment. Trekkers are encouraged to follow responsible trekking practices, such as not littering, using reusable water bottles, and respecting local customs and traditions.

GO ON 19 DAYS TRIP FOR

USD 1800 ~~1900~~ /person