Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
A safer and more beautiful way to get from Kathmandu to Surke (near Lukla), the alternative way to Lukla for your Everest Base Camp Trek.
If you want to get to the famous Everest region without flying to Lukla, the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road is a great choice. Instead of flying, this itinerary takes you on an exciting trip overland from Kathmandu to Surke, a village just below Lukla, where you will join the classic Everest Base Camp trail.
This trek is perfect for travellers who want to change their plans, learn about different cultures, and have a more reliable schedule. It gives you the full Everest Base Camp experience with extra adventure and peace of mind.
Why should you choose the Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive?
- Don’t let your flight to Lukla be delayed or cancelled.
- Take a beautiful drive through the countryside of Nepal.
- Visit real villages in the Solu region.
- Better adaptation to higher altitudes over time
- Great for hikers who can change their plans.
- A different and less crowded way to get to Everest Base Camp
Drive from Kathmandu to Surke.
First drive from Kathmandu to Salleri/Phaplu.
The trip starts with a full day of driving from Kathmandu to Salleri or Phaplu, which is the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. The road goes through green hills, river valleys, terraced farms, and traditional villages, giving you a taste of life in the countryside of Nepal.
Time to drive: 8 to 10 hours
The road is mostly paved, but there are some rough spots.
Second drive from Salleri to Surke
The adventure goes on from Salleri to Surke along a rough mountain road. This off-road drive takes you through deep gorges, forest trails, and suspension bridges, making it a thrilling trip through the Himalayas.
Driving time: 6–8 hours
Vehicle: 4WD jeep required
Surke lies just below Lukla and serves as the trekking starting point.
The path to Everest Base Camp
The trek starts in Surke and follows the classic Everest trail. You can either walk up to Lukla or join the route to Phakding right away.
The Standard Trek Route:
Surke, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and back the same way to Lukla.
Overview of the Trek’s Length and Itinerary
The whole thing will take 14 to 16 days.
Days of driving: 1.5 to 2
Days of trekking: 12 to 14
Highest point: 5,545 m (Kala Patthar)
The longer approach gives your body time to adjust, which lowers the risk of altitude sickness.
Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive Highlights:
- A beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Solukhumbu
- Buddhist culture and traditional Sherpa villages
- Stop at Namche Bazaar to get used to the weather.
- A trip to the Tengboche Monastery
- You can see Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Thamserku from all sides.
- Take a walk next to the Khumbu Glacier
- Get to the base camp of Everest (5,364 m)
- Hike to Kala Patthar at sunrise, the best place to see Mount Everest
Best Time Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive
Spring (March to May): Clear skies and blooming rhododendrons
Fall (September to November): the weather is stable and the visibility is best.
Winter (December to February): The trails are cold but quiet and the weather is nice and view will perfect.
Monsoon (June to August): Lush landscapes; road conditions can change.
Food and Accommodation
Teahouse lodges that are comfortable along the way
Simple but comfortable lodges in Surke and the lower villages
Meals that are good for you, like dal bhat, soups, noodles, pasta, rice, and local foods
Necessary Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive
Permit to Enter Sagarmatha National Park (SNP Permits)
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (Himalaya Darshan Treks takes care of all the permits and paperwork for your trek.)
Who Would This Trek Be Good For?
- Trekkers who want to avoid Lukla flights
- Adventure seekers who enjoy road journeys
- Travellers with flexible time schedules
- Those looking for a more immersive Himalayan experience
Book Your Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive Today.
The Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive from Kathmandu to Surke is a rewarding journey that combines adventure, culture, and reliability. This trek is an unforgettable Himalayan experience with stunning views, real village life, and the ultimate destination at the base of Mount Everest. Come with us on an adventure to Everest Base Camp that is safe, well-planned, and unforgettable.
Questions that people frequently ask
- Is the Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive a good choice for people who have never trekked before?
Yes. The trek is hard on the body, but it’s fine for beginners who are in good shape. The drive-in method is safer for people who are going on their first trek if they get the right advice because it lets them get used to the higher altitude more slowly.
- How bad is the road between Kathmandu and Surke?
The drive is beautiful and fun. Most of the roads are paved until you get to Salleri. After that, there are rough parts that you need a 4WD jeep to get through. Our experienced drivers make sure that the whole trip is safe and pleasant.
- Is it still possible to hike through Lukla on this trip?
Yes. You can hike from Surke to Lukla in a few hours and join the classic Everest Base Camp trail, or you can go straight to Phakding without going through Lukla. The itinerary includes both options.
Are you ready to start your trip to Everest?
Avoid flight delays, take a beautiful road trip through the Himalayas, and feel safe at Everest Base Camp. Book your Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive today and let our experienced team take care of everything, from permits to lodging to local support, so you can focus on having the time of your life.