Why Everest Base Camp via Phaplu trek?
Alternative trekking trail to Everest Base Camp and best option for people who want to spend more days on trekking.
No worries about flight cancellation
Explore unique flora and fauna inside Sagarmatha National Park
Day hike to Syangboche, Thame, Everest View Hotel, Nagarjuna Hill, and Kalapatthar on the acclimatization day
Explore the unique culture and traditions of the Sherpa people of Phaplu village
Spend more time at lower altitudes and have plenty of time to acclimatize your body
A wide variety of landscapes from the lush lowlands to the height of Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters
Low risk of high altitude sickness and opportunity to explore lowland of Khumbu region
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
For the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek, the Spring (March to May) and the autumn (September to November) are considered the two best seasons.
Autumn (September to November) is considered the peak season for trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The autumn season provides stable weather with clear views of magnificent mountains, a pleasant temperature, and an excellent atmosphere making it the perfect time to enjoy the journey with joy and beauty. It is a post-monsoon and pre-winter season so there is a very low chance of rainfall and snowfall. It is the most famous season to express the adventure of reaching high-altitude areas of Himalayan Nepal.
Spring (March to May) is considered the second-best season for trekking in Himalayan Nepal. The clear weather conditions, mild temperature, and good visibility create a great option for the high-altitude trek. Since spring is a flower-blooming season, trekkers are rewarded with beautiful flowers like Jasmine, pine, and rhododendrons with wild flora trekking in the spring season.
Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Difficulties
Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek is a different way to reach Everest Base Camp without taking a scenic flight to Lukla. Weather conditions, physical fitness, duration, altitude, and altitude sickness may be the difficulties trekkers experience during the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trek. The trek is a physically demanding high-altitude trek that reaches an elevation of 5,550 meters at Kala Patthar and trekkers have to trek for roughly 7 hours per day.
For Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trekking, trekkers are required to build physical and mental strength for at least 2 months before embarking on the trail. Trekkers are advised to do cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, cycling, and a day hike. Trekking with an experienced guide and proper acclimatization helps trekkers to climb successfully. The trekking trail is graded as moderate level difficulty which means experienced or nonexperienced trekkers with good physical and great preparation (proper acclimatization, training, trekking with an experienced guide, and packing extra gear for unpredictable weather) can complete the trek.
Altitude Changes
The Everest Base Camp trek offers a breathtaking journey through varying altitudes in the Himalayas. Starting from Phaplu at 2,413 meters, trekkers gradually ascend through the delightful villages such as Nunthala (1,988m), Buspa (2,350m), Surkhe (2,400m), Phakding (2,610m), and Namche Bazaar (3,440m), where trekkers take day acclimatization to adapt to the increasing altitude and the cultural tour around Namche Bazaar.
The trekking trail continues to higher elevations crossing Tengboche (3,860m) and Dingboche (4,410m), where trekkers take another acclimatization break and experience the raw beauty of the alpine landscapes. The trail then reaches Lobuche (4,940m) and Gorakshep (5,160m), the last village before Everest Base Camp. The final destination Everest Base Camp lies at an elevation of 5,364 meters, and a short hike to Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5,550 meters from where the trekkers experience panoramic views of Everest and neighboring mighty peaks. Proper acclimatization and gradual ascent ensure a safe and enjoyable trek in the Himalayas, creating unforgettable memories.
Travel Insurance
For safety measures, travel insurance is mandatory before joining the adventurous trekking trip in the Himalayas of Nepal. Make sure that your travel insurance covers all the activities in the Himalayas up to an elevation of 5,560 meters. Travel insurance must cover issues like illness, injury, accidents, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, and helicopter rescue facilities.
Acclimatization Day
Trekkers acclimatize to adjust to the low oxygen level to avoid the risk of altitude sickness. The acclimatization involves gradual ascent, rest days, proper hydration, and consumption of highly nutritious food to adapt to the environment of higher altitude. For the Everest Base Camp trek via Phaplu trek, an acclimatization break is taken at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m).
During the rest days at Namche Bazaar, trekkers visit neighboring Sherpa villages, Khumjung Hillary School, and Khumjung Gompa. A day hike to Everest View Hotel to have splendid views of Mt. Everest, Tawache Himal, Ama Dablam, Khumbu Himal, and many other peaks. While at Dingboche, trekkers hike up to Chhukung (4,750m) which offers astonishing views of Mt. Makalu, Island Peak, Tawache, and many other Himalayan peaks.
Other Facilities
Drinking Water
Drinking water is the most essential need while trekking on the higher altitudes. To stay hydrated and energetic, trekkers are required to drink around 3 to 4 liters of water. During the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trekking trail, drinking water is available at different sources like streams, water taps, or springs however it is recommended to use a water purifier before drinking. You can also purchase mineral water or boiled water from the teahouses or lodges.
Note: Trekkers are requested to carry 3 or 4 water bottles for refilling purposes.
Electricity
While at the lower altitude, there is good access to electricity but with gaining altitude the facility to electricity gets limited. At higher altitudes, teahouses and lodges offer the electrical facility but charging the electronic may require some additional costs.
Internet
Along the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trekking trail, there is good access to internet facilities. Normally, the internet services at the teahouses or lodges are provided through the means of Everest Link WiFi or cellular connectivity like NTC and NCELL.
Packing List
Clothing
Sunhat, scarf, and bandana
Sunscreen or sunglasses
Waterproof or snowproof gloves
Down Jackets
Sport or hiking t-shirts
Poncho and waterproof or windproof jackets
Trekking or hiking pants
Waterproof or snowproof boots
Trekking or hiking boots
Woolen or cotton socks
Gears and Accessories
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sleeping Bags
Trekking poles
Duffel Bag
A day backpack above 30 L
Water bottles
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorants
Toilet paper
Laundry soap and shampoo
Miscellaneous Items
Cellphones
Cameras
Money wallet with money
First aid kit