• Duration 19 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous

    The strenuous grade is both moderate and difficult. Even in this grade, treks reach around 5000-5500 meters. You walk generally 6-7 hours every day. Strenuous treks require good physical condition and acclimatization.

  • Maximum Altitude 5644 m
  • Group Size 2-20
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Teahouse trekking
  • Best Time Spring(March to May) and autumn(September to November)

Highlights

  • Visit various historical places in the Capital city, such as Boudhanath, Soyambhunath, and Durbar Squares before exploring the Everest region.
  • Go along with a road trip to Kharikhola, which is picturesque and leads you through terraces, rivers, and the mountain villages of the Himalayas.
  • The trek will take you through the authentic Sherpa settlements of Paiyun, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, where everything will be done normally, and you will also see mani walls and monasteries.
  • The Everest View Point (3,833 m) will be one of the first places you will visit for a good view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.
  • Discover monasteries, which has history of centuries while heading to Dingboche via Tengboche. As the settlement is set among pine trees and will provide you with both spiritual and cultural experiences.
  • You will have high-altitude trekking and acclimatization days in Dingboche and Chhukung Valley, with optional side hikes over 4,000 m.
  • You will pass by Lobuche and Gorakshep on your way, with a few more steps of giant moraine trails surrounded by mountain views leading to the last settlements before Everest Base Camp.
  • You have now arrived at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) where you will see Khumbu Icefall, the prayer flags, and the excitement of being at the world's highest point.
  • Take the first ascent to Kala Patthar (5644m) for the sunrise viewpoint with the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and glaciers, then go down to Shomare.
  • The trek back to Lukla and the drive back to Kathmandu through beautiful forests, rivers, and villages will wrap up the expedition and you will go home with the unforgettable memory of the Everest region.

The Everest Base Camp Trek Without Lukla Flight is a rewarding journey in the Everest region, where the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Sagarmatha National Park, and Mt. Everest, the highest mountain on our planet, enhance the charm of its trekking areas and trails. Most adventurers in the universe choose to fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest trekking route, landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport. 

However, some select an exhilarating road ride alongside traditional villages, dense jungles, hills, and rivers before venturing into the exploration of  Khumbu’s wilderness. Avoiding the possibility of flight cancellation due to rapidly changing weather, taking the route via Kharikhola and Paiyun may ensure that the package is activated on the exact departure date, depending on the Everest Base Camp Trek Without Flight Itinerary. 

Because of such benefits and broader areas to discover in the territory, most trekkers prefer this itinerary. Accordingly, this 19-day package offers to reach the foothills of Everest at an elevation of 5364 m, following the footprints of legendary mountaineers such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa without flights but walking on paths alongside the classic trail to EBC. 

Why does the Everest Base Camp Trek Without Lukla Flight stand out? 

The Everest Base Camp Trek Without Lukla flight takes you through trails adorned with rhododendron forests, centuries-old monasteries, and villages of Shepas, where several mountain climbers spent the period during the training to reach the summit of Mt. Everest (8848 m). Breathtaking scenery and serene environs of both lower and higher elevations encourage you to capture their beauty in your camera roll, making you forget all efforts for covering the daily hiking distance.

 While the flight to Lukla takes you directly to an elevation of 2800 m, the itinerary for 2026 without an airplane allows you to acclimatize naturally with gradual ascents. Unique Himalayan cultures of Everest captivate you when you see numerous historical gompas, chortens, and mani walls. Observing the activities of monks and nuns, you might get an opportunity to take part in morning prayers and other religious rituals, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. 

Namche Bazaar, often known as a Sherpa town, is a busy settlement where you can not only buy missing essentials but also have deep insight into the locals’ cultures and know about the bravery of Sherpas as they guide mountaineers to climb Everest. The major highlight, along with spending a worthwhile period at EBC, is also the breathtaking sunrise view over towering, snow-clad mountains such as Mt. Everest, Lobuche, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and others from the Kalapatthar (5644), the highest vantage point of the Everest Base Camp Trek Without Lukla Flight 2026.

Can you spot rare animals during the Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla flight? 

Yes, there is a chance of witnessing rare animals while traversing through the sections of Sagarmatha National Park, depending on the Everest Base Camp Trek without flight. Wildlife and vegetation especially flourish in the pleasant weather of Spring and autumn, offering you their captivating activities in their own habitat. During walks between Phakding and Namche Bazaar, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, red pandas, and langur monkeys are commonly visible, of which you can take beautiful pictures. Meanwhile, spot the Himalayan Pika, snow leopard, yak, Himalayan marmot, and blue sheep in higher mountainous landscapes.

Those who have an interest in birding might get a golden opportunity to capture pictures of the Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, snow pigeon, blood pheasant, Himalayan chough, and Himalayan Bulbul. However, starting the journey early morning, along with binoculars, is an ideal idea to enjoy watching them. Show your responsibility on the trek by not harming any wild animals and keeping distances, as well as not destroying vegetation like rhododendrons, birches, oaks, and other alpine plants, and considering your safety and sustainability.

Does Skipping the Lukla Flight Affect the Experience on the EBC route?

No, the experience in the Everest region, bypassing the Lukla flight, remains the same, as the route takes you through the same villages, such as Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. No key highlights of the Everest Base Camp route are missed while choosing the itinerary of 2026/2027. Even though you miss aerial views from an airplane, rewards before joining the main trail will stir your feelings. 

Once you reach Everest Base Camp at 5364 m and  Kalapathhar at 5644 m, 360-degree panoramic vistas of mountain giants give you equal fulfillment. Before the busier trails of the trek, you will get a chance to immerse yourself in a more peaceful environment.

Is the 19 days Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla flight for beginners?

Yes, the trekking to Everest Base Camp is also appropriate for novice trekkers with a sound body and a positive mindset. Although the trek does not include technical ascents and descents, we suggest getting involved in exercises one or two months before beginning walks in Everest’s terrain, including rugged landmarks, glacial moraines, and some risk zones, such as landslide-prone areas.

When an experienced Nepal trekking guide accompanies you throughout the journey, helping you navigate difficult sections, either seasoned or beginner hikers can complete a dream trek. However, symptoms of high acute sickness occur after 2500 m above sea level because of lower oxygen levels. Therefore, precaution together with gradual climbing to higher elevations is essential.

What is the total Cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla flight? 

Generally, the cost of any trek, including this 19-day Everest trek without the Lukla flight, depends on several factors, such as the travel company you choose (international, national, or local), the selected season to trek, the level of services (accommodation, meals, internet), the support staff (guide or porter), the group size, the itinerary, the duration, and the total trekking distance. Sometimes, unexpected expenses also occur during the trek for must-do things. 

However, you can get an approximate idea of the Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla Flight cost by referring to the included and excluded expenses listed in the Cost Details section. While selecting international agencies might be pricier, local companies also provide wonderful services at affordable prices without compromising the hiking experience. Trekking to Everest Base Camp in the off-season (monsoon and winter) is more expensive than in peak seasons due to higher demands for meals and food and trekking permits. 

Additionally, hiring a guide and porter as a group can lower the overall cost, as the expense is shared among all members. Compared to the Everest packages by airplane, this journey’s cost is cost-effective, as the cost for a 4WD is much lower than the airfare. Choose a similar itinerary without the Lukla flight, the classic route, or the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek—24 days, if you have more days for your vacation. However, the cost may be higher due to the extended duration.

Is the 19 days Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla flight itinerary the best? 

When the package gets activated as you land in Kathmandu, our responsibility is to satisfy your desires and follow the Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla flight itinerary for a smooth journey. Within almost 3 weeks, you have enough time to enjoy your vacation: 3 days in the Kathmandu valley with the rest of the time (before and after the trek), 2 days of travel by bus, and trekking of 13 days with our team. After preparing yourself fully while in Kathmandu for a day with the help of your guide and the company’s members, head to Kharikhola, the initial point of the trek. 

Before reaching Namche Bazar, traverse through quaint villages such as Phakding and Paiyun with glimpses of locals’ activities and beautiful scenes. At Namche Bazar, you will meet climbers and trekkers, as it is a main hub before climbing up hills with little plants and more rugged lands. As for the Mount Everest View Hotel, the best spot for the Everest view is just 3 to 4 kilometers from Namche Bazar. From here, you will see close vistas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and other ranges. 

Therefore, you will hike up to an elevation of 3833 m and return to the teahouse for lunch and then make your way towards Kyangjuma, located to the northeast of Namche Bazaar, taking 2 to 3 hours to reach. The next morning, proceed up to Devoche via Tengboche, observing a large monastery, yaks, and mind-blowing scenes. Waking up with the sunrise, get ready to push yourself up towards Dingboche, a settlement with fewer plants, Himalayan scenery, rocky terrain, and views of rivers, following the base of the village. 

Since the trails are more challenging ahead, you will rest a day in Dingboche (4350 m) and go on a Side hike to Chhukung Valley. With more steep ascents, enjoying awe-inspiring views, reach Lobuche (4930 m), the last settlement before the base camp, where you will see simple houses made of stones and 

Why Adventure Treks Nepal for the Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla flight? 

Among several trekking companies in Nepal, Adventure Treks Nepal has also become reliable based on adventurers’ reviews.  Our team is available 24 hours for your service, making it easier for you to plan for trips in various countries such as Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Since we secure your safety throughout the journey, you can book the Everest Base Camp Trek
Without Lukla Flight19 Days, making it a smoother and worry-free trip than ever before. Our experienced guide and a porter enhance your trekking, managing all trekking logistics. Hence, choose us for a unique experience in two different worlds of Nepal with perfect guidance and arrangement. 

Itinerary

 

Trip Plan
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Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our official from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting to give you a warm welcome with a “Mala” or bookie. Afterward, you will be transferred to the hotel in Thamel, a vibrant bazaar in the capital city. In the evening, you can stretch your legs around the streets of vibrant markets and also buy essentials for the trip.

  • Max Altitude: 1338 m
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 30-40 minutes

On this day, you can either take a rest or refresh by exploring the Kathmandu Valley before venturing into the Everest region as per your preferences. Since the Valley is rich in cultures and nature, showcasing the charm of natural grandeur and centuries-old heritages, you will know the history of old Nepal. Museums, late kings’ palaces, gompas, temples, hills, zoos, and gardens show that Kathmandu is not only a busy settlement with modern technology but also a tapestry of lively cultural heritage and serene natural ornaments.

Durbar Squares (Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur), Soyambhunath(Monkey temple), Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath are major places to discover historical things, which are UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The next day, as you walk towards the trekking areas, you will meet your trekking guide and fellow that will accompany you throughout the journey. Before sleeping, check once again all the equipment that should be in your packing list. 

  • Max Altitude: 1338 m
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel

 

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the capital city, head to Kharikhola with a scenic drive alongside traditional settlements and high hills. The journey of a long distance will be worthwhile while staying at the teahouse of the day's destination, Kharikhola, as it always serves as a perfect pausing spot along the classic trekking route to Everest Base Camp through Jiri or Salleri. 

  • Max Altitude: 2,257m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 12 to 14 hours

After a hearty breakfast, make your way towards Paiyun, traversing villages such as Bupsa and Kharte. Despite some challenges due to steep ascents and descents, enjoy walks via rhododendron forests with breathtaking views of mountains and panoramic scenery of the lower Himalayan slopes of Khumbu. 

At Paiyun, a serene spot before entering a more crowded section of Everest, enjoy the excellent hospitality of ethnic groups like the Sherpa and Rai, who are running simple lodges and teahouses to serve trekkers. Here, you can see traditional stone houses, various animals, and terraced fields of crops. 

  • Max Altitude: 2760 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

Begin your trek with a descent through verdant forests, passing through charming local villages. Cross several suspension bridges and follow the Dudh Koshi River, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Sherpa people. Arrive in Phakding, where you will spend the night in a comfortable lodge.

On the Everest Base Camp trek without the Lukla flight, the descending trail, adorned with rhododendron forests, will pass through quaint settlements. After crossing several suspension bridges, reach Phakding by following the Dudhkoshi river route. 

  • Max Altitude: 2640 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

After a hearty breakfast, start to cover today’s hiking distance, and cross two suspension bridges at different places before starting to walk via Sagarmatha National Park, a hamlet with several rare flora and fauna. Until Namche Bazar, you might spot wildlife while walking on a route adorned with rhododendrons and other plants.

 Meanwhile, the glimpses of yaks grazing at pasturelands or transporting goods to higher lands will show you how people of isolated, mountainous landmarks struggle to make a living. On the way, the scenes of Nupla, Thamserku, Nupla, and Kongde Ri make this hike worthwhile. After reaching Namche Bazar, check into the teahouse for an overnight stay.  

  • Max Altitude: 3440 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

Before the Everest Base Camp, experience beautiful moments at Hotel Everest View, built in 1971,  with the most wonderful views of Mt. Everest (8848 m). Enjoy various fresh Nepalese foods with hot drinks while savoring the beauty of the surroundings. The next destination is Kyanjuma (3550 m

  • Max Altitude: 3550 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 3-4 hours

 

After a hearty breakfast, with some ascents and descents, reach the beautiful village of Debuche, an alternative to Tengboche for pausing, as it is more peaceful due to fewer crowds. While covering approximately 6-7 km, you will traverse settlements like Phunki Tenga and Tengboche. In the first phase, the trail is more descending, and then it is steeper uphill before the downhill to Debuche.

Here, you can visit Ani Gompa or Deboche Nunnery, established in 1927 A.D., which is popular as one of the nunneries in the home of Mt. Everest. Trekkers explore this to have spiritual satisfaction, observing daily activities (morning chanting and other activities).

Enjoy nice teahouses that provide cozy rooms, and also savor the beauty of the surroundings. There are also large accommodations, such as Rivendell lodge, which provides more advanced facilities together with authentic dishes in a traditional way compared to others.

 
  • Max Altitude: 3820 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

 

Enjoying the vistas of different mountains’ views, reach the village of Dingboche, covering a distance of 8-10 kilometers, starting through descending trails adorned with rhododendrons and birches. Afterward, the uphill paths take you to Pangboche, and you enjoy the vistas of Ama Dablam, Imja Tse (Island Peak), and Lhotse from very close. Cross Shomare with steady ascents, then continue walking on flat surfaces alongside the edge of the valley before Orsho.

The trail process starts with ascending towards the Imja Valley and crossing a small suspension bridge before smooth uphill walks to Dinboche, a wide village of beautiful houses. As it is a famous place for acclimatization on the route to Everest Base Camp, you will see more crowds of trekkers there.

  • Max Altitude: 4350 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

On this day, you either rest at Dinboche, staying at the teahouse, or go on a side hike to Chhukung Valley, a beautiful terrain encompassed by towering, snow-clad peaks and crystal-clear glaciers to the east of Dingboche. As it is located in the upper Imja Valley alongside the path to Island Peak Base Camp and Chhukung Ri, you can see several climbers and trekkers on those trails while visiting the valley.

After covering almost 5 km, reach there at a flat and wide terrain that offers panoramic vistas of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Island Peak, and glaciers. As it is a key stop for those proceeding to Chhukung Ri, Imja Tse (Island Peak), or Kongma La Pass, not only do Everest Base Camp trekkers explore this valley, but they also acclimatize their bodies to the high-altitude landmarks.

  • Max Altitude: 4350 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

Depending on the itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek Without the Lukla flight, begin the day's journey, following the path that takes you to Thukla. You will spend little time there, observing around the Memorial Park, dedicated to legendary mountaineers. When the second phase begins, you will find that the trekking trails to Lobuche become rockier and steeper, leading you up towards the moraine wall of the Khumbu glacier. 

After continuous walking, reach Lobuche, a wonderful settlement full of teahouses made of stones that provide simpler facilities compared to lower elevations. As this spot lies at 4930 m, ascend slowly with gentle walks and drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness.

  • Max Altitude: 4930 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

Leaving Lobuche behind, proceed up to Gorakshep, following the glacial trail. As it is the last settlement with teahouses, you will leave your heavy backpacks here and head to Everest Base Camp after a short break and lunch. Continuing on the path alongside the Khumbu glacier, finally reach the Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 5364 m. 

The fluttering prayer flags and cool environment with breathtaking vistas of Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountains will welcome you. After spending a while, descend to Gorakshep with the feeling of a great achievement. On this day, all of you celebrate at the teahouse, sharing each other’s experiences. 

  • Max Altitude: 5170 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 8-9 hours

Beginning the journey early in the morning, head up to Kalapathhar at 5644 m for a sunrise view over the Himalayas and panoramas of snow-covered mountain ranges. As it is also the most anticipated day, trekkers spend it here, savoring the charm of the surroundings for a while before making their way towards Shomare. After crossing settlements such as Lobuche, Thukla, and Pangboche with mostly descents, within 4-5 hours, you will reach Shomare. 

 

  • Max Altitude: 4040 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-9 hours

Follow the trail downhill through Pangboche and Deboche before a short ascent to Tengboche. After visiting the monastery or taking a break, descend steeply to Phunki Tenga, then continue with a steady uphill climb and a scenic traverse toward Namche Bazaar. Expect 6–7 hours of walking, with beautiful views of Ama Dablam, forests, and Sherpa villages along the way.

  • Max Altitude: 3440 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

Descend the long, rocky trail back through Jorsalle and Monjo, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. The path continues through Phakding and local villages before a final gradual climb to reach Lukla. It’s a rewarding last trekking day, taking 6–7 hours, where you can celebrate the completion of the journey.

  • Max Altitude: 2810 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours

Start from Lukla (2,810 m) and follow the trail along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through forests, small villages, and suspension bridges. The route is mostly gradual downhill with a few uphill sections, taking around 5–6 hours depending on pace. Kharikhola is a quiet village with basic teahouses, often used as an overnight stop before continuing toward Namche Bazaar.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

From Kharikhola (2,257 m), you travel by road through the lower Solu-Khumbu region, passing villages, terraced fields, and scenic river valleys. The journey gradually descends toward Salleri or other road hubs, then continues on main highways to Kathmandu. The total drive usually takes 10–12 hours, depending on road conditions, with opportunities to enjoy rural landscapes and mountain views along the way.

 

  • Max Altitude: 1338 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Duration: 12-14 hours

Before heading to your homeland, you can visit the remaining places in Kathmandu Valley to refresh yourself after trekking for long days in the Himalayas. In the evening, do not forget to explore bustling markets like Thamel, Boudha, Asan, and the Patan Durbar Square area to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. 

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  • Max Altitude: 1338 m
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Fly back home from Kathmandu, carrying with you unforgettable memories of the Everest region, majestic mountains, Sherpa culture, and the adventure of a lifetime. Our representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will leave you at the Tribhuvan International Airport 2 or 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

  • Max Altitude: 1338 m
  • Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Trekking Duffle Bag.
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in a teahouse (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Kathmandu - Kharikhola - Kathmandu transport by Jeep.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We provide 1 Porter for 1 trekker.)
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking Guide and Porters' food and accommodation, wages, etc.
  • Everest Base Camp Trekking Region map.
  • Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park permit fee.
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS).
  • All Government taxes.
  • Office services charge.
  • Water purification tablets.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$50 for 30 days; you should get a visa upon your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower, Wi-Fi, etc., during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver.
  • Sleeping Bags (-20 °C) and Down Jackets.
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Essential Information

When is the best time to trek to the Everest Base Camp without a Lukla flight? 

Nepal has many trekking areas that are doable year-round due to easier access and the facilities provided along the route. However, the most optimal periods of the year to do the Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla flight 19 days, are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October). During these pleasant times, trekkers love walking on dry trails with more comfort, as the chance of rain and snowfall is minimal. In spring, blooming flowers and a more vibrant environment keep trekkers motivated to proceed ahead. Meanwhile, mountain lovers can enjoy awe-inspiring vistas of mountain ranges without obstructions, as views are not poor like in the monsoon and winter because winds sweep clouds away. 

However, strategic preparation is required in any season, as the mountain climate is unpredictable and sudden changes in weather might sometimes lead to the circumstance of returning to the capital city or choosing a quite strenuous alternative way. The cost for packages gets lower during the off-season. Nevertheless, we do not recommend this trip in the months of June-August and November-January to avoid harsh experiences. Several local and national festivals also occur in the months of peak seasons, offering better cultural immersion with the occasions’ activities. 

What permits do you need for the 19 days Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla Flight? 

Without permits, trekking in Nepal is impossible according to the rules and regulations of travel and tourism. Various travel companies, certified through TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) and NTB (Nepal Tourism Board), will process trekking Permits on your behalf, and you will obtain them before the journey starts. Must-have paper documents are a TIMs (Trekkers Information Management System) Card, a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit, and a Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park entry permit to reach the Everest Base Camp. Do not take it as only a legal process, as it is also for monitoring overtourism and improving the economic condition of locals. 

The collected funds will be useful to maintain trekking trails and protect the environment, such as collecting garbage and helping with preservation efforts, for many years, considering sustainable tourism.  At different checkpoints, such as Monjo/Jarsale and Tengboche/Dingboche/Lobuche/Gorakshep, you will have to verify your permits. These are not only for rules but also to track trekkers throughout the journey and ensure safety, as every individual’s information, along with the detailed itinerary, will be collected at the concerned administrative office. 

Why should you obtain Travel Insurance for the Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla Flight?

We suggest obtaining reliable travel insurance for the Everest trekking, as different kinds of unexpected circumstances, such as health issues, injuries, emergency evacuation, or trip cancellations, might occur. In high altitude, there are few hospitals with limited services, requiring prevention strategies as well as the right insurance that covers all the expenses for treatment and rescue above 4000/5000 m. 

When you have all the documents for such actions for the Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lukla flight, you can enjoy the trip without stress. When your trekking gear or other personal belongings get lost or damaged, the insurance will help cover the loss and minimize extra expenses.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight? 

You must have stability to reach the hill slopes of Mt. Everest, as it is quite challenging compared to the Annapurna Base Camp trek, although both reward you with similar scenes. Rugged terrains with steep ascents and descents make this 19-day trip offer you a perfect time to test your physical endurance. Beginning the trek without Lukla means increasing the total hiking distance of the EBC trip, making the trek quite longer and more demanding compared to starting the trek from Lukla. 

The covered distances, starting from Kharikhola, are approximately 125 to 140 kilometers. Meanwhile, the total length of trekking from Lukla is 65 km to 70 km. Both beginners and seasoned trekkers might have symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness, body swelling, sleeping difficulty, chest tightness, etc. Although the chance of the worst condition is rare while trekking with an expert, you should be very careful while ascending to the higher lands. 

This 19-day trip in 2026-2027 is moderate to strenuous, which is doable with the strategic preparation and right packing lists for the Everest region trekking. Other factors of its difficulty level are steep, rocky topographies, some landslide-prone areas, and unpredictable Himalayan weather. On such trails, walking for long periods can be exhausting and sometimes lead to discouragement. 

Where to stay for safety on the Everest Base Camp Trek without flight? 

Trekkers’ safety is always the priority while walking through trekking areas in Nepal. Accordingly, choosing secure and comfortable teahouses on the Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla is crucial to protect yourself from harsh, cold, and chilly winds. In lower-altitude landmarks, you will find more facilitated guesthouses or hotels compared to high-elevation villages like Dingboche and Lobuche. Do not expect modern infrastructures, such as Wi-Fi, internet, hot showers, and Western-style attached bathrooms in higher, isolated terrains. For your information, common teahouses with simple amenities like small rooms with twin beds, some furniture, shared bathrooms, and a common but warm dining hall are available in most places due to the difficulty of accessing transportation.

Even though the cost for lodges is quite expensive in mountainous landmarks, you will find the happiest version of yourself because of the family-friendly environment and scenic surroundings. Locals try to impress you with their wonderful hospitality and prepare delicious local cuisines for you. People in their local attire inspire you to capture their innocent faces, showcasing their loyalty to preserve centuries-old traditions in the 21st century. 

What food options are available on the Everest Base Camp Trek without flight? 

Food on Treks is not only to make your stomach full but also to fuel your body for prolonged walking, providing sufficient calories. Generally, every teahouse on the trails serves fresh and healthy meals with better hospitality. The most preferred meal as lunch and dinner is “Dal and Bhat,” which consists of steamed rice, green and seasonal vegetables, pickle, salad, and lentil soup (dal), as it is a perfect combination of carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, and minerals needed to have enough strength to navigate steep terrain and danger zones. 

During stays at the capital city, you will have more varieties of foods—national and international. Similarly, in some high-altitude, large settlements or in lower elevations, you will get Western and Tibetan meals such as Pizza, sandwiches, burgers, omelets,  Tibetan bread, thukpa, and dumplings (mo: mo). Hot drinks, such as black tea, green tea, ginger lemon honey tea, milk tea, coffee, hot lemon, garlic soup, and other flavored or herbal teas. 

 Since shops are not available anywhere on the way, carry some energy-providing snacks like dry fruits, nuts, beaten rice, energy bars, instant noodles, etc. Instantly, sometimes, you might lose your energy and be unable to proceed to the day’s destination. In such moments, you can boost your energy by eating the nutritious snacks you brought.

Is a guide Mandatory for the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight in 2026? 

Yes, hiring a licensed guide through registered, reputable trekking companies is compulsory to enter trekking areas in Nepal. An experienced guide will play a vital role in obtaining trekking permits and travel insurance, and providing information on the needed documents. Their role is also to coordinate with the rescue team in case of some accidents, along with communicating and reporting to the administration. Since the guide ensures your safety and comfort all the time, your progress goes smoothly, as the guide manages all the logistics on the way. 

Even if a seasoned trekker could do the Everest Base Camp solo trek, it could be more strenuous without the assistance of a guide. In unfamiliar territory, trekkers have problems with locations, languages, trail conditions, and weather according to elevation, leading to taking wrong turns on trails. An expert guide can lead nicely without letting you turn in the wrong direction due to deep knowledge of places, which is impossible for outsiders, despite the use of a trekking route map and a compass.

What are the preparation tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight in 2026?

Strategic planning is always a key to a successful journey, as it includes every aspect, such as physical fitness, mental preparation, trekking gear, clothing, accommodation, and tactics for proper acclimatization. We have provided below some preparation tips to make the Everest Base Camp Trek without a flight as follows: 

  • Do some cardiovascular training such as walking, swimming, dancing, jogging, cycling, stair climbing, and hiking nearby hills up to 2000 m to 3000 m to strengthen the muscles of your legs for climbing slopes with a load. 
  • Do not forget to pack a sleeping bag (rated for -15°C to -20°C), layered clothing (base, mid, and outer), personal things, and other protective things such as sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid kit, etc. 
  • Carry a headlight with extra batteries, which is essential while starting the journey early in the morning and if it gets night at the time of walking. 
  • Allow the guide’s instruction not to get injured as you proceed uphill; the subtropical plain terrain transforms into rocky, steep mountainous terrain.
  • The day before travelling to the Everest region, check all the documents and their validity, together with the way of saving them during the trip. 
  • Climb to higher landmarks gradually and provide your body a sufficient acclimatization period before heading to the hills, especially at Namche Bazaar or Dingboche. 
  • Eat fresh, nutritious, and energy-providing food to keep yourself energized, as well as drink plenty of water. However, avoid alcohol and smoking, which increase the risk of acute high sickness.  
  • Walk through diverse terrain, being more cautious, and enjoy nature with the cultural immersion and the breathtaking environment that surrounds you, rather than stressing about difficult sections and the moments apart from your loved ones. 

 

FAQs

With a travel duration from Kathmandu, the Everest Base Camp trek without the Lukla flight is possible within 16 to 18 days. However, you can also add or minimize days as per your preferences or the needs of the acclimatization days. 

 

Yes, it is possible to reach the Everest Base Camp, starting from another initial point, Jiri. If you want to experience the trek from there, we suggest choosing the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking. 

 

No, you can not drink water directly from various sources such as rivers, streams, waterfalls, ponds, and taps, which may cause health issues. In an urgent case, drink such water by using a water purification tablet. However, refilling a water bottle from time to time and using only boiled water at teahouses is safe.  

Yes, porters are essential to make your journey more enjoyable, as they carry up to about 15 kg of load even on steep trails. Accordingly, you must have a porter to focus on trekking and enjoy the surreal beauty of nature without mental strain. 

 

The chance of trip cancellation due to bad weather is very low while travelling by four-wheel vehicles. However, choose the peak seasons like spring and monsoon to avoid slippery paths during monsoon and winter due to rain and ice on trails. 

 

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