Kathmandu to Mount Everest Transportation: Get from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp (EBC)

Mount Everest, reaching to 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level, is the world’s highest peak situated in the Himalaya Ranges. The summit is shared by the border area between Tibet of China and Nepal. And there are different Everest Base Camp (EBC) located in the northern (Tibet side) and southern (Nepal side) col. Visiting the tallest mountain and uncovering its mysterious veil to appreciate the magnificent landscape en route has long been regard as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Only a few authorized professional mountaineers make the climbing up to the top, while in Nepal, most tourists can make a challenge journey to Mount Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu.

Kathmandu to Mount Everest Distance

How far is the Mount Everest from Kathmandu?

Mount Everest is called Sagarmatha in Nepalese and Chomolangma in Tibetan.

If you travel from Kathmandu to the South Face of Mount Everest, the estimated distance is about 150 miles.

It takes much longer to the North Face in Tibet, because first you need to take over half day driving (about 160 km/100 miles) to Gyirong Port, then cross the border port, drive more than 420 km/260 miles to Mount Everest Base Camp in Shigatse, Tibet, China.

How to Get from Kathmandu to North Mount Everest and Base Camp (in Tibet)

Option 1: Overland Driving from Kathmandu to Mount Everest

Travel Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong Port - Mount Everest (Shigatse)

Overland driving from Kathmandu to Mount Everest through the Gyirong Port not only presents tourists serene border scenery, but also is the fastest way than other transportation. Starting from Kathmandu, you can get to Everest in Shigatse, Tibet side within 2 days, at a leisurely pace. Two segments will be involved.

1.Kathmandu - Gyirong Town (about 160km, at least 6~7 hours’ driving)

Currently, the Gyirong Port (or called Rasuwa Port in Nepal) is the only opened border port for foreigner tourists traveling overland between Nepal and Tibet. The driving distance is not long, but road condition is not so good. Our driver will drive carefully and slowly for your safety. Usually, this part takes more than half a day. It could be longer when being stuck in traffic jam in summer peak season.

After arrival at Gyirong Port, you need to check through border customs with the Immigration officials. Your Tibetan tour guide and driver will pick you up there and take you to Gyirong Town for a rest first. The small border town is merely about 25 km from Gyirong Port.

Note: For non-Chinese passport holders, independent travel Tibet in not allowed unless you book a tour package covering transportation, accommodation and planed itinerary with e travel agency.

2.Gyirong Town - Mount Everest (about 400km, 9 hours’ driving)

Next, you will drive to northward from Gyirong Town, and then turn to east, keep driving to Tingri County to get to Mount Everest. The whole journey lasts about 9 hours, but the long journey will gradually take you passing vast, open landscape with majestic peaks vaulting skyward. The plateau areas are dotted with castellated Tibetan residences, colorful prayer-flags, and an infinite number of contentedly munching yaks and goats. If the weather permits, the clear face of Shishapangma Peak (elevation: 8,027m, world's 14th highest mountain) and Pektso Lake (Padkhud Tso) will be revealed from afar.

You will get to Rongbuk Monastery by a road journey, which is the highest temple in the world and an ideal viewing deck of Mount Everest. Rest yourself and stay overnight at Rongbuk Monastery.

Tips:1.) Road condition is much better in Tibet, most are asphalt road. You may drive up and down along the winding road with many mountain slopes. 2.) Altitude will rise to about 5,000 meters since the second day. You should pay attention to that, and tell tour guide if you have any discomfort of high altitude sickness. Also, Everest tour is not suitable for those who never go to plateau before. 3.) Please understand that for eco-friendly protection and limited condition, the accommodation in the high-elevated temple is simple and basic.

Top Recommended Kathmandu Everest Tours via Gyirong Port:

√ 7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Mount Everest

√ 9 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Everest & Tsetang

√ 14 Days Tibet Mount Everest Tour with Kailash from Kathmandu

Kathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampSino-Nepal Friendship HighwayKathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampGyirong TownKathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampShishapangma Scenic AreaKathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampAwesome Everest Viewed from Rongbuk Monastery

Option 2: Take a Flight from Kathmandu to Mount Everest

At present, there is no direct flight can take you to visit Mount Everest in Tibet, since there is no airport in or near the mountain. Some tourists prefer to fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu first, for a better altitude adaption, then drive from Lhasa to Mount Everest and visit Gyantse and Shigatse on the way.

Travel Route: Kathmandu - Lhasa - Mount Everest

Step 1: Take a Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight

Sichuan Airlines operates weekly non-stop flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. It takes about 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, Air China has connecting flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu daily, with a long stopover in Chengdu. The connecting flight costs nearly 20 hours.

If you travel with friends up to 5 members, it's very easy to apply for a Group Visa (a special single-entry Chinese Visa) to get to Tibet from Nepal, both by flight and by road. If you travel alone or less than 5 applicants, we suggest you get a regular Chinese Visa to fly to Chengdu first, and then travel from Chengdu to Lhasa.

Kathmandu Lhasa Flight Map Kathmandu Lhasa Flight Map

Check the detailed Kathmandu-Lhasa Flight information below:

Flight No. Departure -- Arrival Duration Frequency Plane
11:30
Tribhuvan Airport


15:05
Gonggar Airport
 1h 20m SM - W - F - Airbus A319

Step 2: Drive from Lhasa to Mount Everest

Before heading to Mount Everest, you can spend 3 days visiting landmarks in Lhasa, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, etc. At the same time, you can learn to acclimatize high altitude in Lhasa properly.

1) Lhasa to Shigatse: Mount Everest in located in Shigatse Prefecture, southwest of Tibet. Specifically, Shigatse City lies about 250km southwest of Lhasa. There are two ways of transportation between Lhasa and Shigatse. Most tourists more like the driving route via Gyantse, because the ride will go on well-paved Airport Express and G318 National Highway, wide and straight, road is in good condition, and scenery along the way is stunning, including the sapphire-like Yamdrok Lake and spectacular Karoala Glacier, majestically standing peaks, etc. (It is also top recommended by Tibet Discovery.) With short midway stops, you will get to Shigatse after about 8 hours. Accommodate in Shigatse where has starred hotels to choose from.

Another way to go is taking a Lhasa Shigatse train for about 3 hours. You will save time but miss beautiful scenery on road. Therefore, very few tourists choose the train.

2) Shigatse to Rongbuk Monastery: Be prepare for another long driving journey of 7 ~ 9 hours. Road is quite good, but it may wind up and down on the mountain repeatedly. No special attractions along the road, but the distant hills are enough to wake you up. It’s a good idea to record the sight with your camera and bring some snacks to kill your time.

Most popular Kathmandu Lhasa Everest Tours:

√ 8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa with Mount Everest Adventure by Flight

√ 8 Days Lhasa to Mount Everest Private Tour

√ 14 Days Tibet Mount Everest Tour with Kailash from Kathmandu

Kathmandu to Mount Everest and Base Camp Lhasa-Shigatse Driving through Yamdrok Lake Kathmandu to Mount Everest and Base Camp Incredible View of Himalayan Range in Tibet

How to Get from Kathmandu to South Mount Everest and Base Camp (in Nepal)

The Mount Everest South Base Camp (EBC) is located inside the Sagarmatha National Park, Solo-Khumbu District, eastern Nepal. World known as a “Trekking Paradise”, Nepal has lots of classic and famous trekking routes of the Himalayas. The EBC Trekking is the top of the Best 10 Hiking Rails in the world. If you’re hikers with good physical condition, don’t miss this exciting adventure full of breathtaking natural scenery. You’re suggested to do a lot of homework about the route, for it takes nearly 2 weeks to finish a standard EBC trekking tour from Kathmandu.

Trek from Kathmandu to Mount Everest Base Camp

Best Season: March ~ May, October ~ November

Nepal EBC Trekking Route (for reference):

Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Thyangboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Gorak Shep (Everest Base Camp) → Pheriche → Thyangboche → Monjo → Lukala → Kathmandu

① Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla:

Before starting a real hiking, usually, trekkers firstly take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to get to Lukla, a small town which is wildly used as an important base and gateway to Mount Everest in Nepal. There are more than 20 daily flights offered by different airline companies, most are flying in the morning. The short-distance flight takes just about 25 minutes. (Better choose a reliable and experienced airline!) You will be shocked when you see Kathmandu turn to be a green city from sky.

If you get more time, it’s also doable to take a bus or drive to Jiri and then spend 2~3 days in trekking from Jiri to Lukla. It is not a hot route, but the landscape is pleasant and very attractive. As you reach Lukla, get ready for the following trekking.

② Hike from Lukla to Everest Base Camp:

Your EBC trekking tour officially begins at Lukla. You can hire local porter to carry your baggage. Then it’s time to take your hiking equipment and greet with friends may meet. Ample Depots, guesthouses can be found at main rest areas, so you can get basic accommodation and food supply. You move on as the elevation rises, and the far you hike, you more beautiful landscape you will discover. The trekking leads you not only savor into the beauty of Mount Everest and its neighbors, Nuptse, Lothse, Makalu Choyu etc., in Sagarmatha National Park, but also opens a window for your to know the Sherpas culture and life. Enduring hardship and helping people realize their Everest dream tour has long inherited as their tradition and mission. Most Sherpas speak basic English, and some can speak fluently. They will be amicable and glad to help you if need them.

Make A Nepal Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Recommended Time: 1 day (several hours’ flight)

Flight Route: Kathmandu - Lukla - EBC or Kalapatthar

If you lack time or physical fitness to trek to Mount Everest but want to view the majesty of Mount Everest in Nepal side, you can book a special helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp at a very high cost.

Some airlines in Nepal provide you such great opportunity to enjoy panorama aerial view of Mount Everest and the Himalayan Mountains around, beautiful villages and town at a comfort helicopter.

The helicopter often takes off in the early morning from Kathmandu. Flight time from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 1 hour. Then take the second air travel from Lukla to the EBC., After flying through Dingboche, Gorashep and glacier, the helicopter may land at Kalapatthar, (5,550 meters), where you can witness Mount Everest and others peaks at closer proximity, or the Everest Base Camp. It takes totally about half an hour to view the snow-capped Everest region. Returning trip to Kathmandu by the helicopter costs another two hours. The helicopter takes you into a camera range of high peaks and cruising closely to the awe-inspiring rocks and ices. Like the unique angle to view Everest? You can contact and book with a local airline in Nepal.

Kathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampLukla Airport Kathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampGuesthouse on Nepal EBC Trekking Kathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampMount Everest in Nepal Side Kathmandu to Mount Everest and Base CampNepal Mount Everest Helicopter Tour

Travel with TibetDiscovery

Tibet Discovery is a local based travel agency in Lhasa provides superior tour to every tourist. Traveling with us, you are assured to use our high-quality travel services, including vehicles, professional tour guide and experienced driver, well-organized itinerary, assistance of visa and permits application and other travel related services.

Traveling with us, your tour become worry free when we settle all details in advance. You can get to destination as swiftly and smoothly as possible. Our local guide and driver can accompany you to airport or Gyirong Port. Transfer service from Gyirong Port to Kathmandu can be provided if you need. Moreover, you will enjoy the freedom and flexibility to stop on the way for sightseeing or photograph. All cars are equipped with skilled and reliable drivers who have many years of driving experience in Tibet. There is also an Oxygen Box prepared for tourists.

Besides, our travel consultants will customize a tour, apply all needed permits and book the flight/train for you. During journey, your local professional travel guide will be at your side and help you enjoy a wonderful journey. Contact us to start your Tibet and Nepal discovery now!

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3 Important Tips for Traveling from Kathmandu to Mount Everest

● High Altitude Sickness Tips: The altitude of two base camps is over 5,000 meters, and it is important to prevent High Altitude Sickness, symptoms include headache, difficult breathing, vomiting, restlessness, loss of appetite... You’d better take a full medical examination of your heath and take serious about your doctor’s advices. During your tour to Mount Everest, remember to drink enough water, keep warm, and avoid getting cold. It will also be helpful to bring oxygen box, but do not use it immediately if you feel slightly uncomfortable or you might be dependent on it.

● Food & Accommodation: There are food supplied in the small restaurants, but you are advised to pack your own in case. On your road to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, there aren’t any big hotels, but accommodation is rather basic. Arriving in Mount Everest, you can accommodate in Rongbuk Guesthouse or the Tent Guesthouses. In Nepal, the road to Everest is also equipped with guesthouses. You can choose to pitch your own tents.

● Necessary Permits: Traveling to Mount Everest in Tibet side from Kathmandu, you have to prepare three documents. Tibet Group Visa from Nepal is a must document for anyone who enters Tibet from Nepal. It is issued by Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Tibet Travel Permit is also necessary to enter Tibet, without it you can’t apply the Group Visa or board the flight or train to Tibet. Another important document is Tibet Border Pass which is needed when you cross the border to Tibet or visit any border areas. All the permits can only be applied by the authorized travel agencies on behalf of travelers.

Recommended Nepal Tibet Tour Packages

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