While the main trekking route to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a must do for many as it follows the beauty of this place, there are equally beautiful, quieter, equally stunning routes for trekkers to explore for more immersive experience and should be added on any keen trekkers itinerary. These alternative routes offer trekkers to explore lesser- known areas of Everest Region providing additional adventure to for those seeking to extend their journey. Physical fitness and time are two requirements for you if you want to travel the less travelled road because Robert Frost once wrote,
“Two roads diverged in a wood and
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
How to Get to EBC?
Route 1:
Kathmandu- Ramechhap- Lukla
Taking the Kathmandu- Ramechhap (Manthali airport) - Lukla is a great alternative for trekkkers to avoid delayed flights and frequent flight congestion at Kathmandu’s airport. During peak seasons, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla have chances to delayed flights due to the air traffic while the flights from Ramechhap’s Manthali airport are more reliable scheduling. With appx 132km, the road journey from Kathmandu to Ramechhap’s Manthali via a jeep takes about 5 hours (depending on the road conditions and traffic) of scenic drive through traditional Nepali villages, the winding paths, beautiful hills and forests and settlements throughout the way. With shorter flight from Ramechhap to Lukla, your journey to EBC becomes smoother with the reduced risk of flight cancellations due to unpredictable weather in Lukla. This plan does not change your 12 days EBC trek itinerary.
Route 2:
Kathmandu- Jiri- Lukla
Ktm to Bhandar Distance: 212km/ 9hrs
Did you know that Jiri was the traditional starting trial to Everest region since 1985? This historic trail was a route followed by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in the 1953 expedition to make first climb to Mount Everest. This route is exceptional for those who want to follow the footsteps of legends along the way to EBC, get immersed in the local Brahmin, Chhetri culture, feel the scenic beauty of those regions, and walk in solitude avoiding the crowds.
The classic trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jiri to Bhandar and in 6 days the walking route passes to Kinja, Sete, Lamjura pass, Junbesi, Nunthala, Kharikhola and ultimately Phakding ( 6km ahead Lukla) providing plenty of opportunities to immerse in local Sherpa culture, explore ancient monasteries. The path involves ascents to ridges and descents to river beds. Yes, along the way, you get to cross beautiful high passes such as Lamjura la (3,530m) and Trakshindo La (3,071) and enjoy the stunning masjestic views of snowcapped peaks that support your body for acclimatization.
The key advantage of following this route provides gradual acclimatization and hence avoiding the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness. After reaching Namche, you follow the iconic route to Everest Base Camp Trek.
Route 3:
Kathmandu – Salleri/ Phaplu – Namche Bazar
Duration: 4 days
Appx. Distance: 270km/11hrs
Another available route is taking a bus or jeep to Salleri / Phaplu of Solukhumbu district which is the initial point of most direct trek to Lukla and Namche. After appx 11 hrs scenic drive, start your trek next day for the consequetive four days through Ringmu /Taksindu la, Surke, Manju and reach Namche Bazar from where the classic route to EBC merges.
This alternate route from Salleri/Phaplu is better choice for those who don’t want to experience challenging Lukla flight. With around 500m ascending each day, the route allows for a gradual acclimatization process adjusting your body on the inclining altitude. Also, trekking through this route provides a unique glimpse into the culture and landscapes of the Everest region, making it an unforgettable adventure for trekkers.
Route 4:
KTM-Thamdanda- Namche
Thamdada is just 4 hours local jeep drive from Salleri. The road to Salleri is pretty good but get ready for bumpy and exciting drive from there. After around 14-15 hrs drive, reach Thamdada. Congratulate each other for the safe drive and get ready for your next day adventure to Phakding where you meet the classical Everest Base Camp Trek route.
Starting your trek from Thamdada helps you avoid the busy Lukla flight and also avoids your worry of delayed flights for your EBC trek. On the other hand, you have an additional day to immerse yourself in nature and trek along watching the settlements and valleys.
Route 5:
Kathmandu- Lukla by air:
This is the fastest and most often chosen way to get Khumbu region. Covering the distance of 135km within 35-minute flight from Kathmandu, reach Lukla airport from where your long anticipated trek begins. Often called as the most exciting flight, flying to lukla gives you a trill to watch the ariel view of mountain vistas that you’ll forever stay in your heart.
Operation of the airport is always weather dependent. Landing at 2,845m above the sea level, you can get views of mountain vistas along the route. Things to be noted: no plane will leave Kathmandu to Lukla unless a positive weather is confirmed from Lukla. Usually the weather gets windy in the afternoon and clouds at noon, so flights are scheduled for the mornings.
Normal Everest Base Camp Trek Route (itinerary):
This is an outline and we can customize it as per the client's requirement.
Day 01: Kathmandu-Lukla by and Trek to Phakding 3 hrs/2620 m
Day 02: Lukla Trek to Namche Bazaar 5 hrs/ 3410 m
Day 03; Namche Bazar Acclimatize day
Day 04: Namche Trek to Tengboche 5 hrs/ 3680 m
Day 05: Tengboche Trek to Dingboche 6 hrs/ 4400 m (Planing a Kongma-la Pass 5535m stay at Chhukung)
Day 06: Dingboche Acclimatize Day
Day 07: Dingboche Trek to Lobuche 6 hrs./4900m
Day 08: Lobuche Trek to Gorak Shep-Explore Everest Base Camp 7hrs/ 5364m
Day 09: Morning hike to Kala Ptthar and back to Phiriche 4 hrs/4200 m
Day 10: Pheriche Trek to Namche Bazaar 7 hrs/3410 m
Day 11: Namche trek to Lukla 6 hrs./2620m
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu
Trek Accommodation:
Accommodation during the EBC trek is made on settlements to settlement basis. Simple guesthouses, lodges, and teahouses are normally found where you will spend your night indoors. Lodges are built of stones, wood, or plywood. Room size can only include two beds with rucksacks not providing much space to move freely as city hotels provide. One shall not expect heating and warming services in all places. There are blankets provided but it is better to carry a sleeping bag with you.
Electricity and Wi-Fi Facility
There is electricity in the places you stay. If the power is cut off, you will have light in the dining hall. You can charge your electronics after making an extra payment. Internet access like Wi-Fi and satellite internet at the EBC Trek route is available but is limited and expensive due to the remote location. You cannot expect the Wi-Fi to be of high speed in these regions. Mobile data packages are also available on your SIM card but you have to make sure of the network coverage at higher elevation.
Everest Trek Food
You will have dinner at the large dining hall which is usually warmer than the room. Dining halls are heated for an hour or two. All lodges serve food that is Nepali, Indian and continental but freshly prepared Nepali Dhal Bhat gives power 24hr!!! It is a must to have food at the same place where you stay for the night.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is vital while trekking in higher altitude. Bottled waters are available along the trek but it is highly discouraged due to the environmental problems and waste management issue in the ascending elevation. The plastic waste along with other wastage are burnt causing further environmental problems. Therefore, it is recommended to make minimum waste while trekking in these places. You can purify the water by either boiling, using portable UV sterilization devices or dissolving chemical solution based on chlorine in the water.
Toilet and bathroom facility:
Bathroom and toilet has to be shared in higher elevation. Hot shower is available with extra cost but it is recommended to escape shower to avoid cold.
Acclimatization Day at Different Altitudes:
Adequate acclimatization is essential for Trekking and hiking in high-altitude terrain. Altitude sickness is a major risk while trekking in the Himalayas but it can be prevented by adopting certain measures. Proper acclimatization, rests and gradual ascent above 3000m. Walk slowly with frequent rests, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol consumption can help you avoid the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Acclimatization is important while you try to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, HAPE and HACE.
Higher the elevation, lower the air pressure because of which there is oxygen scattered around making it a bit difficult for us to breathe. Our bodies can adjust to the altitude of 5000m but one needs to prepare for it. The process of adjusting our bodies to these condition is known as acclimatization. We can trick our bodies and adjust in the altitude. Don’t rush. Ascend slowly and allow your body to adjust in that altitude.
Only way to do this is hike high and sleep low. Trek to higher altitude during the day and descend to lower altitude for sleep. For this, the major work is to sleep at the same altitude for two days.
Rest Days: Rest days are vital for avoiding altitude sickness and adjusting your bodies to the higher altitude in Everest Base Camp (EBC). For EBC trek, we acclimatize at Namche Bazar and Dingboche which means that we stay the same place for two nights in order to adjust our body to the inclining altitude.
Namche Baazar: 2 nights
Namche Bazar is the gate way to Classical Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Pass Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek and many more. There are several trekking routes that begins from Namche Bazar. The Thame village is also famous for its Sherpa Culture and mountain climbers as well as ancient monastery.
Explore Namche Bazar
Sagarmatha National Park Visiter Center:
Located at an altitude of 3410m the Sagarmatha National visiter center is famous for the awareness and information provided about importance and preservation of the Everest ecosystem along with the culture of Sherpa people.
Khumjung Village
On this day, hike on a traditional Sherpa village called Khumjung. It is a gateway for trekkers on the way to Everest Base Camp. Why go there on the day hike while you acclimatize at Namche? It is for the breathtaking mountain views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse. We are sure you will forget youself while you witness the beauty by your own eyes.
Visit Sherpa Culture Museum, Sir Edmund Hillary School
You may also hike to see the statue of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and go uphill to Hotel Everest View.
Hotel Everest View
It is the highest located hotel in the world is located above Khumjung and it stunning Himalayan views, deep valley, and waterfalls. You may enjoy your time in the hotel looking at the peaceful scene of highest mountains and immerse yourself into the nature and be prepared for the next day.
Dingboche: 2 nights
Dingboche is a small settlement with a beautiful location sharing the views of mighty Lhotse, above it. For an extra day at Dingboche you can either choose to climb Nangkartshand Peak (5121 m) and make it back in 3 to 4 hours if you are completely okay because the ascent is steep. The best thing you can get a closure from is of Mt. Makalu (8485 m) which is the fifth highest peak in the world. Another option that you can reach out is that you can make a hike to Chukhung or return in 4 to 5 hour. If you are planing a three pass trek then stay a night in Chhukung. Visit Lhotse South Face Heroes Chorten and enjoy the mightly view of Mt. Lhotse even from here. Chukhung is not a village. It is a group of lodge. From here the path to Island Peak (takes additional 2 and half hour to reach there) arrives but this is not our destination so we return down to Dingboche. Follow the main trial to where you want to hike or you might just choose to take complete rest there at Dingboche so that you can prepare for the next day to Everest base Camp and Kalapatthar.
Gorak Shep to EBC Detour:
It is the initial base camp of Mt. Everest until 1950s. Till now there is no any lodge facility above Gorak Shep. Trekkers should make a day hike to accomplish Everest base camp expedition (5364 m) and meet the real climbers with cup of tea or coffee.
Kala Patthar Hike: (5645m)
For trekkers who are on their way to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar is the final acclimatization hike where you prepare your body for higher altitude. That’s not just it! It is indeed the best place to photograph the clear view of Everest because Everest doesn’t seem pretty clear even from the EBC due to other mountains. Moreover, Kala Patthar gives a massive view of Khumbu Glacier and Icefall. Look at the golden paint on the Everest during sunrise and sunset. It’s spectacular! But don’t forget that Kala Patthar is just 9.5 km away from the summit of Everest so it provides a close look and dramatic experience at the highest peak in the world. Kala Patthar is just two to three hour away from Gorakshep and back. The path is not that difficult eventhough it’s at higher altitude. After the accomplishment of Kala Patthar and EBC hike, You may continue for Chola Pass to Gokyo Valley Trek 
Finally, after having a lot of information about the alternative route to EBC adventure, it is necessary to understand that every adventure holds risks that are likely to be avoided. We Global Eco Trails can be your local partner for providing the private Jeep services, local Sharing Jeep and plane tickets and bus sercives throughout the destination. Every trekking trail to EBC has sub-trails which confuses the trekkers along the journey. Paths may get destroyed due to road construction and environmental hazards. Therefore, we at Global Eco Trails (GET) have experienced and friendly guides and porters to help you accomplish your journey of adventure safely and memorable. A registered local company and government-certified guide is always highly recommended to book your trip with by the Nepal Government. Ask our expertse to book a sharing vehicle, bus, Jeep tickers on time.
