• Duration:20 Nights 21 Days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 5545m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking

Starting at a lower elevation, the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking allows for gradual acclimatization. It is also the best way to observe the distinct differences in vegetation, scenery and culture related to the elevation. This adventure promises stunning views of Everest, 8848m, Amadablam, 6812m, Lhotse, 8516m, Thamserku, 6506m, Makalu, 8463m, Cho Oyo, 8152m, and others .Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking is the ultimate trek for the mountain loving soul.

Trekking Everest Base Camp via Phaplu is an exciting variation of the Classic Everest Base Camp Trekking. This option is good for those who want to avoid all altitude related risks, but prefer something shorter than the 24-day Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek starts with a short flight to Phaplu, 2600m, into the quiet ‘Solu’ part of the Solu-khumbu Region where fewer tourist venture. Another big plus point is that Phaplu can also be reached by road if the weather causes flight delays.

The Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek starts on gentle slopes through a lush fertile valley up to Junbesi, a Sherpa village. Although it is common to see Hindu temples in most low-land areas of Nepal, in the Solu region there is a noticeably stronger Buddhist influence. Just beyond Junbesi, on a hill, is the famous Thupten Chholing Monastery. There are over 400 monks and nuns residing there as well as a Lama who is a high level re-incarnate of Buddha.

From Junbesi, we climb to the Taksindu La pass before descending through terraced hillsides and small villages, down to the raging Dudh Koshi River. From the river, the trail gently ascends to Khari Khola, 2050m. On a hill above Khari Khola there is a Buddhist Monastery from where we get an excellent view of Numbu, 6960m, Gyangchung Kang, 7922m, Cho-oyu and Thamserku. At Chhiplung, 2700m, we join the main trail which links Lukla and Namche. From this point onward, the trail is quite broad and busy. Namche Bazaar, 3440m, is a bustling Sherpa town with almost every modern convenience you can think of. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains while one side opens to the Bhote Koshi valley.

From Namche, we follow the Classic Everest Base Camp trail through lovely fir and rhododendron forests and grazing pastures. Colorful prayer flags, chortens and mani stones line the trails to ancient Buddhist monasteries. The friendly Sherpa people of the remote villages of the Solukhumbu region will give you a warm welcome into their stone houses and you will get an insight into authentic Tibetan-Buddhist culture.

When we reach the Tengboche Monastery, 3870m, there is an excellent view of Mt. Everest. Looking at its enormity we will understand why expeditions would seek the blessing of the gods before they attempt the summit.

It is beautiful to see the patchwork fields at Dingboche, 4400m; stone walls encircle the fields to protect the precious barley, buckwheat and potato crops from cold winds and grazing animals. Rocky moraine marks the approach to Gorakshep, 5180m and Everest Base Camp, 5486m. At Everest Base Camp, as we stand on the Khumbu Glacier and look up with awe at the snow capped giants (Mt. Everest is not visible from here), we will celebrate our achievement and also feel a deepened respect for the climbers on summit expeditions, for whom the real challenge has just begun. After gazing at the immensity of the Khumbu glacier, with its ice fall, glacial ponds and icebergs we return to Gorakshep and climb to Kala Patthar, 5545m, for the ultimate close-up view of Mount Everest.

The Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking usually returns via Namche to Lukla for a flight back to Kathmandu. It would also be possible to return via Phaplu or Jiri to travel by road to Kathmandu.

Ready to challenge yourself with an interesting climb of a 6000m peak? We organize exciting adventure climbs of Island Peak 6189m and Lobuche East Peak 6119m as an add on climb to any of the Everest region treks. We recommend our guests to do the Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp Trek or Khumbu Three High Passes Trek before attempting for either Island Peak or Lobuche East Peak.

Highlights of Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking

  • starting lower than Lukla gives better acclimatization
  • includes parts of the Khumbu that are less commercial
  • more natural and cultural diversity than Classic EBC Trek
  • phaplu can be reached by road in case of flight delays
  • trek to thefoothills of world's highest mountain is definitely a lifetime experience

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We head to the domestic airport for our early morning flight to Phaplu. From the twin otter plane,we will enjoy some amazing views of several of the world’s highest mountains including Cho Oyu, 8153m, Lhotse, 8516m, Gauri Shankar, 7145m, Menlungtse, 7181m, and Mount Everest.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we head to this beautiful Junbesi village through the lower khumbu region. Junbesi is a big village and a beautiful spot to stay overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

In the morning, we will hike to Thupten Chhulen Monastery, one of the most sacred monsateries in this region. After having a good time up there, we'll trek back to Junbesi to stay overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Trek to Taksindu La 6-7 hrs 2,800 m/9,184 ft

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we'll descend down all the way to Nunthala village and stop for a quick tea break. From there, we'll gain some altitude and reach Juving, just after crossing the bridge. We'll have our lunch there and continue towards Kharikhola.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

We'll walk through the forest of oak after leaving this village.  After a gradual ascent for 3 hours apporx. and reach Thamdada. We'll have our lunch here and walk for another one hour, we'll reach Paiyan. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The trails in these parts reflect the large roll Tibetan Buddhism plays in the lives of the Sherpa people. There are many mani stones, which are large stones withTibetan prayers chiseled into them, all along the trails. You will soon become familiar with the customary way of passing chortens, mani stones, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. We reach Phakdingma a small village beside the Dudh Kosi River. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today will be one of the hardest days of the trek. So, we take it slowly, giving our bodies a chance to acclimatize and our senses a chance to take in the sights and smells on this trail into the heart of the Khumbu. From Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Kosi valley north for 2-3 hours to Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There is a good view of Thamserku, 6608m. We follow the river to the Hilary Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge that spans the deep chasm over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi. From here, it is a tough climb to Namche. The trail continues to climb through forests of pine. About half way up there, is a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

If we are acclimatizing well, we will want to walk up a hill for spectacular viewpoint where we can see all the way up the Imja Khola Valley to where the glacial moraine begins below the towering Mt Everest, 8848m. Other spectacular peaks. We can see Taweche, 6542m, Thamserku, 6808m, Kantega, 6685 m, Ama Dablam, 6856m, Nuptse, 7896m and Lhotse, 8511m. Besides, the great bazaar with a wonderful variety of shops to visit, today gives us a chance to visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre which has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. There is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital. We can see the “scalp of a yeti” at the Khumjung monastery. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we follow the Classic Everest Base Camp trail and enjoy one of the most scenic days of the trek. We start with a short, steep climb out of Namche up to a ridge which meanders above the Imja Khola. As we hike along, we get spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and also the beautiful Ama Dablam. We descend through rhododendron forest to Phunki Tenga near the Dudh Kosi where we will have our lunch. A suspension bridge takes us across the river and we start an ascent of about 1 hr through pine and rhododendron forest. We will likely spot some wildlife such as Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer and pheasants while passing through the forests. The trail becomes less steep after leaving the forest. We climb for another 1.5 hours through grassy meadow to reach the Tengbuchhe monastery on the crest of a long ridge which stretches to the summit of Kantega. Sir Edmund Hillary helped to re-build this famous monastery after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. From Tengbuche, the views of the Everest massif as well as all the other major peaks of the area will be totally astounding.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The trail descends through a beautiful forest then crosses the Imja Khola (river) and passes through the village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures where the yak graze, to Dingboche.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

We continue our trek through the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier to Dugla. The trail goes through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb, there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt. Everest. We continue to climb to Lobuche, 4910 m from where you will see the awesome Mt. Pumori Peak, 7220m, very well.

NOTE: Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness rest and plenty of water is necessary. You will crave some Chocolates or Snickers at this point. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we trek on past Gorak Shep 5130m, to reach Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return to Gorak Shep. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar, following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the sunrise and enjoy superb views of the surrounding mountains. We descend for lunch at Lobuche and continue down to Dingbuche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Gradually, we trek down to Pheruche and again pass through the Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengbuche. After taking a good break there, we'll walk continuously to Namche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla footpath leads us back to the first villages we visited two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. In Lukla, this last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters and a good chance to sample some chhyang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

You will take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight.

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 16 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
  • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
  • Trip airfare between Kathmandu to Phaplu and Lukla to Kathmandu (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Useful Info

Best Seasons for Phapulu Everest Base Camp Trekking:

The best seasons for the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek are from September to November and from March to May. These months are known for sunny and warm weather and outstanding views. The summer months from June to August are also beautiful, but the trek can be affected by the monsoon rains.

Phaplu Everest Base Camp is a Tea Houses/Lodge Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!

Meals on the Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking:

Three meals a day are included during your Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek. The menu will be fairly simple, but freshly cooked and hygienic. You can enjoy typical Nepali, Tibetan and Sherpa food, as well as all types of international cuisine. Dinners and breakfasts will be provided in the teahouse/lodge where you spend the night. Lunches will be eaten in a teashop on the way to the destination of the day.

Drinking Water on Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking:

We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Local Customs You Should Know About of Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking:

Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.

Travel Insurance for Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Safety for Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trekking:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

Flight Delay/Cancellation:

Domestic flights to mountain regions can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. Be aware that you may have long waits in the airports. From our side, if a flight is cancelled we make sure you get on the next possible flight.

If flight cancellations at the start of your trek delay your trek to the point of disturbing your onward travel schedule, you will be free to choose an alternative trip; there are many excellent options in the Annapurna, Langtang and other regions. If you do not wish to take an alternative trek, and wait in Kathmandu for the flight to Lukla, your original trek may be shortened due to the days lost in waiting. In such case, the client will be responsible to bear all additional expenses including food and accommodation.

If the client wishes to make an alternative arrangement such as a helicopter flight, Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions will assist in making the booking, but will not cover the cost of the alternative arrangement. The refunded money of the unused flight ticket would be credited to the concerned client, however.

There will be no refund for the days of the trek that are missed. You will not be entitled to any refund for services in the package (ie hotel, transport, flight) that you did not use due to the cancellation.

It is advisable to allow one or two extra days at the end of your trip to allow for flight delay/cancellation.

In an emergency, or upon request by our clients, a heli-rescue can be organized. The helicopter costs around USD 3500, and can lift 4-5 persons per flight.

If flight cancellations at the end of your trek delay your return to Kathmandu, you will be responsible for all your expenses during the wait in Lukla.