Bhandar to Everest Base Camp Trek

Duration: 23 Days
Map Bhandar to Everest Base Camp Trek map     

About Bhandar to Everest Base Camp Trek

The Bhandar to Everest Base Camp Trek is a classic trekking route in the Everest region that combines both the lower and upper parts. Back in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa took the same route for the expedition to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. Before the establishment of Lukla airport in 1964, it was the route everybody used for the Everest Base Camp trek. Bhandar is 217km northeast of Kathmandu and it takes approximately 8-10 hours of the bus ride.

Even though the Everest Base Camp Trek that starts from Lukla is more popular these days, this particular classic trail rewards trekkers with a unique experience of the less explored lower Everest region. The trail begins from Bhandar and passes through the beautiful villages of different ethnic groups like Tamang, Jirel, Rai, Brahmin, Chhetri, and of course, the Sherpa. The gorgeous scenery of terraced farmlands, diverse culture, dense rhododendron, and pine forests, rivers, suspension bridges, and magnificent views of peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Numbur, Ama Dablam, Makalu, etc. is what makes this trek special than the usual Everest Base Camp Trek. Some of the major attractions on this trek are Namche Bazar (The gateway to Everest/Hub of the Everest), Tengboche, Khumjung Monastery, Kala Patthar, Everest Base Camp, etc. even though every place is special on its own.

Our 23-day Bhandar to Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is carefully planned by experts ensuring safety with the utmost level of experience. If you want to make it more challenging, we can add the Cho-La Pass to Gokyo Valley or 3 High Passes or we can make it easier as well. Our itineraries are flexible and can be customized according to your desire, physical fitness level, time frame, etc. Our trek ends at Lukla from where we will take a short thrilling flight back to Kathmandu.

Highlights

  • Stunning sceneries of Mt. Everest (8848 M), Lhotse(8516 M), Cho Oyu (8201 M), Mt.Makalu (8463 M), and other peaks below 8000
  • A trekking route that connects the less explored Lower Khumbu region with the more popular one, 'Everest Base Camp'
  • A classic route used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay Sherpa for their Everest Expedition in 1953
  • Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its rich wildlife and vegetation
  • Magnificent view of some of the highest mountains from Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp
  • Rich culture and tradition of the Sherpa people which is similar to the Tibetan people
  • Ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and beautiful Sherpa villages
  • Short scenic flight from Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla to Kathmandu

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Bhandar
  • 2190 M
  • 8-10 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Sete
  • 2520 M
  • 6-7 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Junbesi
  • 2700 M
  • 7 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Junbesi
  • 2700 M
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Nunthala
  • 2330 M
  • 6 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Bupsa
  • 2360 M
  • 5-6 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Surke
  • 2290 M
  • 5-6 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Phakding
  • 3792 M
  • 4-5 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Namche Bazar
  • 3440 M
  • 5 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Namche Bazar
  • 3440 M
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tengboche
  • 3860 M
  • 6 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Dingboche
  • 4410 M
  • 5 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lobuche
  • 4910 M
  • 5 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Gorak Shep
  • 5140 M
  • 7-8 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Pheriche
  • 4280 M
  • 8-9 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Phortse
  • 3810 M
  • 4-5 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Monjo
  • 2835 M
  • 7 hours
  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lukla
  • 2840 M
  • 5 hours


  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 35 minutes
  • B&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • B&B

What’s Included

  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and an assistant guide for a group size above 4 people.
  • 4-night shared accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a BB basis.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Government taxes, VAT, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek.
  • All Staff’s salary, insurance, and accommodation.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • All airport and hotel transfers. 
  • Flight Lukla-Kathmandu. 
  • Excess baggage charges during domestic flights (only 15kg altogether).
  • Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • International airfare.

Useful Information

Since 2019, all the flights to Lukla during high tourist seasons have been operating from Manthali airport instead of Kathmandu.