The standard EBC trek can get a little crowded, especially during the peak travel season. This Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri is a great alternative route, offering a great and unique experience in comparison to starting the trek from…
Overview
The standard EBC trek can get a little crowded, especially during the peak travel season. This Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri is a great alternative route, offering a great and unique experience in comparison to starting the trek from…
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Drive to Salleri
The first day of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri has us drive from the capital city of Kathmandu to the headquarters of the Solukhumbu region, Salleri. The total distance between the two cities is about 265 km, which can be covered in approximately 9 hours. This seems like a lot of time, but you have to factor in the winding roads and below-average road conditions. Following the BP Koirala Highway, we will make it out of Kathmandu Valley, transferring to the Khurkot Ghurmi Highway. Although the road conditions are not great, it is somewhat better than last year. We will make a stop at Pattale Village, reaching 2840 meters. This village offers a great view of Gaurishankar, Makalau, Everest, and a couple of other peaks. Leaving this village leads to Phalphu, the last town before we reach Salleri (2390 m). Activity: Drive Max. Altitude: 2,390m/7,841ft. Salleri Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Lodge
Day 2 :
Trek from Salleri to Nunthala
Day 2 of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri is our first trekking day. This is going to be a long one, as we have to cover about 20 km of distance, which requires 6 to 7 hours of trekking. The trekking trail is full of ups and downs, but at the end of the day, we will lose about 200 meters of elevation, reaching 2200 meters above sea level. Leaving Sallari, the route takes us through dense woodlands and terrace farmlands, with occasional views of the distant summits and nearby hills. Crossing a couple of glacial rivers over swaying suspension bridges, you will feel a sense of adrenaline. You will also get to witness the daily lives of the locals as they go about their daily chores, farming, harvesting, looking after their cattle, transporting goods on the back of mules and horses, and so on. Soon enough, we will reach the village of Nunthala, our destination of the day. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 2,200m/7,218ft. Nunthala Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Lodge
Day 3 :
Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa
Today’s estimated trek duration is 6 to 7 hours with a total trek distance of 14 km. The elevation gain of the day is just 100 meters. Leaving Nunthala, we will start the trek with a sharp descent, passing by farmlands and a lush forest. After about an hour and a half, we will arrive at the banks of Dudh Koshi River and cross it over a hanging bridge. This part of the trek offers a great view of the surrounding nature and the valley. After that, the trail ascends gently, leading us to the Rai village of Jubing. This uphill climb features subtropical vegetation with occasional scenes of the northern Himalayas. From Jubing, we will keep on climbing uphill to reach the settlement of Kharikhola. This ascent features switchbacks and stone stairs. From the Magar-dominated village of Kharikhola, we will get on a sharp ascent to reach our destination of the day. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 1m/3ft. Bupsa Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Lodge
Day 4 :
Trek from Bupsa to Chaurikharka
Day 4 of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri spans over 11.5 km with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. At the end of the day, we will be standing at 2700 meters above sea level, which is a gain of 400 meters. Starting the trek, we will ascend sharply through a forest of oak and rhododendron. This segment is a bit narrower in comparison to previous routes and also a bit slippery. First, we will reach Kharta village, followed by a tiring climb over the Khari La Pass, reaching 3145 meters above sea level. Descending from the pass, it is a sharp drop to Puiyan village. Passing by alpine meadows, we will reach Puiyan in about an hour and rest there before hitting the final part of the day. Our lunch will be served there, followed by an hour of trekking through Sherpa villages and farms. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 2,700m/8,858ft. Chaurikharka Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 5 :
Trek from Chaurikharka to Monjo
Today’s net elevation gain is slightly over a hundred meters, which is not a significant change. This trek stretches about 10 km with an estimated trek duration of 4 to 5 hours. Departing from Chaurikharka, we will first trek a gradual ascent all the way to Lukla. This will take us about 1,5 hours to complete. After a short rest there, we will resume the trek, passing by bustling markets, to get out of Lukla. Shortly after, we will pass forested areas, following the Dudh Koshi River upstream. We will cross the river multiple times over many suspension bridges to get to Monjo. After about 3 to 4 more hours of trekking, we will reach Monjo, sitting at 2835 meters above sea level. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 2,835m/9,301ft. Monjo Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 6 :
Trek from Monjo to Namche Bazaar
Starting the day at Monjo, today’s Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri requires covering 8 km of distance with an elevation gain of 605 meters. This trek can be done within 4 to 5 hours, taking us to 3440 meters above sea level. Starting off, we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park after having our permits checked. Following the Dudh Koshi River upstream, we will cross it over a hanging bridge to get to Jorsale village. This will be our last stop before we reach Namche Bazaar. The final part of today’s trek is an exhaustingly long climb with a series of switchbacks. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. Namche Bazaar Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 7 :
Explore Namche Bazaar
Day 7 of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri is an acclimatization day, which takes us all the way up to Everest View Hotel, reaching 3880 meters. This hike can be done within 4 to 5 hours round-trip. Featuring an elevation gain of 440 meters, the total trek distance is about 12.4 km round trip. We’ll start the hike with an ascent over a well-marked route. After about 2 hours, we will reach the hotel, where a wide panoramic view of the entire Everest range awaits us. After enjoying a hot tea with one of the greatest Himalayan views, we will start retracing our steps to get back to Namche Bazaar. On the way back, we can even extend the hike, reach Khumjung village, and visit the Khumjung monastery. Or you can just get down to Namche and explore the vibrant town to your heart’s content. Activity: Rest Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. Namche Bazaar Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 8 :
Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Today’s trek features 9.3 km of trek distance, 420 meters of net elevation gain, and an estimated trek duration of 5 to 6 hours. Leaving Namche, the trail is a gentle ascent offering views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. After about 2 hours of trekking, we will get to a descent that takes us to the Dudh Koshi River. This 300-meter drop takes us to Phuki Tenga village, our lunch stop of the day. After lunch, we will cross the river and start the final climb of the day, a 600-meter ascent to Tengboche. This section will definitely tire you out, but it is very doable with many breaks in between. After about 2 to 3 hours of climbing, we will arrive at our destination of the day. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 3,820m/12,533ft. Tengboche Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 9 :
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
From Tengboche, we will have to cover almost 11 km to get to Dingboche. Today’s Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri features an elevation gain of 550 meters, taking us to 4410 meters above sea level, and an estimated trek duration of 5 to 6 hours. The trek starts with a gentle descent crossing the Imja River, accompanied by a view of the Ama Dablam peak. We will first reach Pangboche, visit the monastery in the village, and resume the trek, heading towards Shomare village. Our lunch will be served there, and we will get on the final part of today’s trek following the meal. Ascending gently, we will pass the Imja River and Lobuche River to reach Dingboche. Activity: Trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 10 :
Explore Dingboche
Day 10 is your 2nd acclimatization day of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri. Today’s acclimatization hike includes 4 km of trekking distance, 673 meters of elevation gain, and 5 to 6 hours of estimated hike duration. The highest point of the day will be at the summit of Nankartshang Peak, reaching 5083 meters. The hike starts with a sharp ascent, a challenging climb since we are at considerable elevation. As we keep moving up the hill, we will notice the thinning of vegetation, and after about 3 hours of climbing, we will reach the summit. A stunning view of the entire Imja Valley with peaks including Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and more can be seen from this viewpoint. Activity: Rest Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 11 :
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Today’s trek to Lobuche features 5 to 6 hours of estimated trek duration, about 12 km of distance, and a net elevation gain of 530 meters. The final standing elevation will be 4940 meters above sea level. We will start the day with a gentle ascent, leaving Dingboche. First, we will reach the village of Thukla, also known as Dughla, our first resting point. Following a short break, the trail now gets steeper as we have to make it past the Thukla Pass. This pass reaches 4830 meters high and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks. Descending from the pass, we will go over a steep drop, leading us to Lobuche. Activity: Trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 12 :
Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, return to Gorakshep
Day 12 is the climax of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri. Today, we will reach the Everest Base Camp, trekking over 15 km, gaining over 400 meters of elevation, which takes about 7 to 8 hours of trekking. Leaving Lobuche, we will ascend a trail following the Khumbu Glacier. After trekking uphill for about 3 hours, we will get to Gorak Shep, the midpoint of today’s trek. We will leave our heavy luggage at Gorak Shep and continue the trek to the Everest Base Camp. From there, the trail features a rocky terrain with glacial debris. After about 2 to 3 more hours of trekking, we will finally reach the EBC. We will spend some time there, exploring the site, snapping photos, and enjoying our achievement. Our night will be spent at Gorak Shep. Activity: Trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 13 :
Hike to Kala Patthar and trek down to Pheriche
Today is yet another climactic day of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri, as we will reach the viewpoint of Kala Patthar. Starting the day at around 3 AM, our aim is to reach the viewpoint and experience a majestic sunrise view. This climb can be challenging as we are very high in the Himalayas, the oxygen content is 66% of sea level, and the morning temperature will be harshly cold. After descending back to Gorak Shep, we will have our breakfast and be on the way to Pheriche. This part of the trek passes by Lobuche and Thukla village, following the Khumbu Glacier for the most part. Passing by the Everest Memorial at Thukla Pass, the trail turns into a steep descent as we make our way to Pheriche. Activity: Hike Max. Altitude: 5,644m/18,517ft. Kala Patthar Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 14 :
Trek from Pheriche to Namche
Day 14 of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri takes us all the way down to Namche Bazaar. This trek features 14 km of distance, 800 meters of net elevation loss, and an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. Leaving Pheriche, the trail follows the valley floor, descending towards Pangboche. We will cross a couple of suspension bridges and pass by alpine meadows to reach Pangboche. After a short rest, we will get on the trail to Tengboche. This section features a slight ascent through a rhododendron forest. From Tengboche, we will descend to Phunki Tenga village, followed by an ascent to Kyangjuma village. This will be the last stop of the day. From Kyangjuma, we will reach Namche Bazaar in about 2 hours. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. Namche Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Lodge
Day 15 :
Trek from Namche to Lukla
Today is one of the longest trekking days of the entire Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri. The total trek distance is 19 km with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. This descent features a net elevation loss of 580 meters. Shortly after we leave Namche, we will get to a sharp descent over the Namche Hill. This part of the trek is taxing on your knees, so use trekking poles when possible. After getting down the Namche Hill, we will cross many suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, and reach Jorsale village. After a quick rest there, we will move towards Monjo village, which is the point of exiting the Sagarmatha National Park. From there, we will first get to Phakding village, followed by a trek to Lukla. Activity: Trek Max. Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft. Lukla Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Lodge
Day 16 :
Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap or Kathmandu
Today’s the last day of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri. Our day starts at Lukla, where our breakfast will be served. After our morning meal, we will head towards the Tenzing Hillary Airport to catch our flight back to Kathmandu. We might have to land at Ramechhap airport if the Kathmandu airport seems to be packed. Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. Kathmandu Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Hotel
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost) Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Everest Region Meals & Drinking Water All your standard meals during the trek 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) in a guest houses A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal Purified drinking water during the trek using Water Filter or water purification tablets. Transportation All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle Trip airfare between Lukla and Kathmandu/Manthali Kathmandu – Salleri transportation as per itineraryby local bus or jeep Guide and Staff Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Nomad Adventure’s trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people) Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients) Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance and medications for all staff Medical Assistance Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance) Medical kits, including an oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels in high altitudes Permits Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Permit Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card Benefits and Takeaways Sleeping bags and down jackets, duffle bag (one for every two trekkers) if you do not have your own company’s T-shirt & Cap Trip completion certificate Administrative & Taxes All administrative expenses and government taxes
The Cost Excludes
- Price Excludes Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu International flight fare and airport departure tax Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa) Guided tour in Kathmandu (Private car + tour Guide), Monument entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek or other itinerary changes Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage Medical check-ups, vaccinations, or medications required for the trek are not included. Any beverages including bottled and boiled water Tips to trekking staff and driver Personal trekking gear and equipment Any expenses other than the Price Include section Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled bottle water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc Personal clothing and gear
FAQs
What is the main difference between the standard route and this one?
Our Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri starts with a drive, instead of a flight, and the initial trekking days of this itinerary offer more time for you to experience the remote village and local culture. Basically, you will trek more, which in turn makes you experience the community and the local village more.
Can this itinerary be done in reverse?
Yes, we can also start the trek from Lukla and end in Salleri. If you have any modification requests related to the itinerary, please let us know during the booking phase.
Is this trek more physically demanding than the standard EBC trek?
Yes, our Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri includes more trekking days, which is definitely more demanding than the standard route. However, it also means that you will get to experience more of the Solukhumbu villages, which is a great trade-off.
Is this Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri better for acclimatization?
Yes, this alternative itinerary is better for acclimatization since we will be starting the trek from a lower altitude in comparison to the standard itinerary, which helps to acclimate well.
Do I need a local guide, or can I do it solo?
Legally, you are required to have a licensed guide with you while visiting any protected or conservation area within Nepal. If you try to do it solo, without being accompanied by a guide, you will be caught at some point and escorted to the nearest city. You will also be charged a certain amount of fee, higher than the permit fees.
