Everest Base Camp Trekvia Ramechhap is a distinct yet reliable and unique route to reach the gateway to the Everest region, Lukla. The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport, from which the flight to Lukla is shorter and more convenient. This small change in the itinerary makes a big difference, taking you through the hills, rivers, and small rural settlements offering an authentic taste of rural Nepal before the mountain adventure begins.
Once you land in Lukla, the trekking route to Everest Base Camp is the same through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and the ultimate destination. The highlight of the trek includes awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m). Along with Mt.Everest, the trek offers a view of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Pumori, and Cho Oyu. And, Kalapatthar is the ideal vantage point for the views.
The trek to Everest Base Camp via Ramechhap combines natural beauty, adventure, and Sherpa culture, making an unforgettable adventure in Nepal’s Himalayas. Additionally, the package is also known as an alternative flight access point to EBC, which helps reduce flight delays and cancellations due to unforeseen situations.
About Ramechhap/ Manthali Airport
The Ramechhap Airport, also known as Manthali Airport, is an alternative airstrip for reaching Lukla, a gateway to the Khumbu region. It is the domestic airport serving the municipality of Manthali in the Tamakoshi River valley of Nepal. It was opened in October 1979, closed for 13 months for renovation in 2015, and reopened in August 2016. The Ramechhap airport is situated at an elevation of 474 meters and features one runway measuring 530 meters (1,739 feet) in length. Additionally, since 2019, and more consistently from 2022 onward, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has directed that flights to Lukla operate from Manthali Airport during peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn) to reduce air traffic at Kathmandu Airport.
You’ll get a quieter and less crowded experience at Ramechhap Manthali Airport.
Drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, passing through terraced farmlands and experiencing the morning mist over the mid-hills.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit the administrative hub of Manthali town, situated on the riverbank, offering an authentic taste of life in central-eastern Nepal.
You’ll catch beautiful sunrise views over misty river valleys along the drive to Ramechhap.
You’ll see the drastic change from the countryside of Ramechhap to the glacier-carved terrain of the Everest region.
The route immerses you in Sherpa Culture with visits to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche monastery, and other Sherpa villages.
Witness the beauty of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks, including Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.
January
-15°C to 18°C
February
-15°C to -5°C
March
-10°C to 0°C
April
-5°C to 5°C
May
0°C to 10°C
June
5°C to 15°C
July
7°C to 18°C
August
7°C to 18°C
September
5°C to 14°C
October
-5°C to 5°C
November
-10°C to 0°C
December
-15°C to -5°C
Everest Base Camp Trek Via Ramechhap Itinerary
Day 1
Drive to Ramechhap - Fly to Lukla - Trek to Phakding
Day 1 Facts
Trekking Time Average
15 minutes Flight
8 km Uphill hike
(Avg. 4 hours hike + 4 hours drive to Ramechhap)
Accommodation
Hotel Sherpa / Sherpa Guide Lodge
Altitude
2640 m./8745 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The journey to the EBC trek begins with a morning ride from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. As you must catch your plane early in the morning, your drive to Ramechhap begins at 2:00 a.m. As you get to Manthali airport in Ramechhap, you’ll board the flight to Lukla. It takes only 15 minutes to get to Lukla from Manthali, offering an aerial view of the traditional villages from Ramecchap to the Everest region.
After landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport of Lukla, you’ll meet our crew members and start your Everest trek with a hike to Phakding. The route passes through the Sherpa villages of Chheplung and Ghat and involves crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Pine forest, Mani walls, and a view of distant mountains will accompany you throughout your journey. About 3-4 hours of trek from Lukla, you’ll get to your day’s destination, Phakding. Your day’s overnight and dinner are at Phakding.
Day 2
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 2 Facts
Trekking Time Average
14 km Uphill hike
(Avg. 5 hours)
Accommodation
Khumbu Lodge or Similar category
Altitude
3440 m./11352 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: The route from Phakding to Everest Base Camp and return is the same as the classical route to Everest Base Camp. Thus, you can look for the 12-day Everest Base Camp trek for a detailed itinerary.
Day 3
Acclimatization
Day 3 Facts
Trekking Time Average
Depends
Accommodation
Khumbu Lodge or Similar category
Altitude
3440 m./11352 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Trek to Tyangboche
Day 4 Facts
Trekking Time Average
10 km Uphill trek (Avg. 6 hours)
Accommodation
Hotel Tashidelek / Hotel Himalaya
Altitude
3867 m./12687 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Trek to Dingboche
Day 5 Facts
Trekking Time Average
14 km Uphill hike
(Avg. 5 hours)
Accommodation
Hotel Good Luck/ Dingboche Resort
Altitude
4350 m./14355 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Acclimatization
Day 6 Facts
Trekking Time Average
Depends
Accommodation
Hotel Good Luck/ Dingboche Resort
Altitude
4350 m./14355 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Trek to Lobuche
Day 7 Facts
Trekking Time Average
6 km Uphill hike
(Avg. 4 hours)
Accommodation
New EBC Lodge/ National Park Hotel
Altitude
4900 m./16170 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Trek to Gorakshep – EBC excursion – Gorakshep overnight
Day 8 Facts
Trekking Time Average
3-4 km trek (Avg. 5 hours round trip)
Accommodation
Hotel Buddha/Himalayan Inn
Altitude
5100 m./16830 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Sunrise Hike to Kallapathar – Retrace to Pheriche
Day 9 Facts
Trekking Time Average
12 km Downhill hike (Avg. 4 hours)
Accommodation
Everest Trekker’s Kitchen
Altitude
4250 m./14025 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Trek to Namche
Day 10 Facts
Trekking Time Average
15 km Downhill hike (Avg. 6 hours)
Accommodation
Khumbu Lodge or Similar category
Altitude
3440 m./11352 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Trek to Lukla
Day 11 Facts
Trekking Time Average
20 km Downhill hike (Avg. 8 hours)
Accommodation
Hotel Ganesh Himal or North Face Resort
Altitude
2800 m./9240 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Fly to Ramechhap – Drive to Kathmandu
Day 12 Facts
Trekking Time Average
15 minutes Flight
8 km Uphill hike
(Avg. 4 hours trek + 4 hours drive to Ramechhap)
Accommodation
Hotel in Kathmandu
Altitude
1400 m./4593 ft.
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a pleasant and never-to-be-forgotten experience in the Everest Base Camp Trek, it’s time to return. You’ll catch an early morning flight to Ramechhap from Lukla Airport. You’ll say goodbye to the Khumbu region and board the Ramechhap flight. While flying back, your journey memories will hit you and make you quite emotional. You’ll witness the last thrilling aerial view of the Himalayas and get to Ramechhap within 15 minutes.
Once you get to Ramechhap, our representative will pick you up and drive you back to Kathmandu in a private vehicle. The view and road are the same, but your feelings are vastly different en route. You’ll have lunch on the way. A 4-5 hour drive takes you to Kathmandu, where you’ll stay overnight.
What do you get in the Trip?
What’s Included
Tribhuwan International Airport ( Airport -Hotel -Airport ) transfer in Kathmandu.
Lodge (Twin share base ) accommodation during the trek.
All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ) during the trek.
One experienced, well-trained, fluent English-speaking, friendly, specialized in the Everest region, and government-authorized trekking guide and required porters (One porter for two persons).
Guide and porter’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and transportation, etc.
Ramechhap/ Lukla/Ramechhap round trip by flight.
Sagarmatha National Park fee and Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry fee.
Overland transportation as per the itinerary.
A trekking map, duffel bag, first aid kit box, Oxygen saturation check up every day, water purification, a company T-shirt, and a trekking completion certificate.
Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation.
All kinds of service charges and government taxes.
Public Liability Insurance.
What’s Not included
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
Hard and soft drinks, such as tea/coffee, Coke, Fanta, mineral water, beer, hot shower, hot water, laundry, and phone bill, etc.
Personal Travel Insurance.
International Flight Tickets.
Nepal Tourist Visa Fee (https://www.immigration.gov.np/en/post/visa-fee-and-documents-1)
Tips for guides and porters.
Trip route map
Trail
Return Trail
Join our group departures
We do not have any scheduled group trips, but you are welcome to pick a date that suits you best.
Book a private trip on your own date.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla is seasonal, typically occurring during the peak seasons, such as spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The reason for diverting the flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap is due to the air traffic congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport. Thus, the government and airlines decided to move Lukla flights to avoid delays and congestion since 2019, and continue during peak trekking months.
However, during the off-season, such as summer and winter, flights to Lukla are operated from Kathmandu. Still, for those preferring to travel from Ramechhap, it is also an option. Yet, the Ramechhap flight season for EBC is a smart way Nepal handles high tourist traffic. It may feel inconvenient and time-consuming at first, but it helps to ensure the flight to Lukla is smooth and on time.
Why Ramechhap to Lukla?
The primary reason for the Lukla flight from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu is that Tribhuvan International Airport is the busiest international airport in Nepal. The airport also handles most of the domestic flights. During the peak season, thousands of tourists visit Nepal, and the airport becomes overcrowded, resulting in delays and long wait times. Thus, to manage the flight time of Lukla and reduce the pressure on Kathmandu Airport, travelers must fly to Lukla from Ramechhap in peak season.
Another reason why Ramechhap to Lukla is due to Lukla’s flight time being sensitive. Lukla lies at a high altitude with unpredictable weather and strong winds. At Lukla Airport, planes can only land or take off when the weather is clear. If flights from Kathmandu are delayed, it is unsafe to fly later in the day. In this situation, Ramechhap is closer to Lukla, which saves time and reduces the likelihood of weather-related cancellations.
Additionally, if the Lukla flights were operated from Kathmandu, the air traffic would cause many delays and cancellations. With the Ramechhap flight, planes take off on time, and fewer flights are canceled, which means travelers have a better chance of reaching Lukla as planned without any delays.
Ramechhap vs. Kathmandu: Which is Better for Flying to Lukla?
Heading to Lukla for an adventure to Everest, we need either a flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. But which one is better? Here is the comparison table that informs you about both:
Feature
Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport
Kathmandu (Domestic) Airport
Flight Reliability
More reliable and fewer delays.
Frequent delays and cancellations during peak times.
Distance to Lukla
Closer with just a 15-20 minute flight.
Quiter farther, taking 30-35 minutes of flight.
Airport Traffic
Less crowded and more Lukla-focused.
Very busy with both domestic and international flights.
Travel Time to Airport
4-5 hours by road from Kathmandu.
Easily accessible and lies within Kathmandu city.
Weather Impact
Departure occurs early in the morning, when the weather is best and the chance of cancellation is lower.
Flights often get delayed due to Kathmandu’s weather and traffic.
Best For
Spring and Autumn (peak season)
Winter and Summer (Off-season)
Overall
If you are traveling to the Everest region during the peak season, Ramechhap is a better option for reliable and timely flights to Lukla. Similarly, it’s also a part of the system designed to manage air traffic efficiency. However, if you are traveling in the off-season, flying to Kathmandu is more convenient and comfortable.
FAQs for Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap
What if the road to Ramechhap is blocked or delayed? Will I miss my flight?
If the road to Ramechhap is blocked or delayed, there’s an alternative route to reach Ramechhap, which is slightly longer, but it’s stable. Still, if you are delayed for the flight, you can wait until the next day to fly to Lukla. Alternatively, if you are on a tight budget, you can opt for a helicopter flight, but that costs extra.
Is the Ramechhap airport safe for flying to Lukla?
Yes, the Ramechhap Airport is generally safe for flying to Lukla. The highly trained pilot and flight operations in good weather make it one of the safest airports. Additionally, your safety is our top priority, and flights will be canceled if conditions are unsafe and the weather is unclear.
Can I stay overnight in Ramechhap instead of driving early morning from Kathmandu?
Yes, you can stay overnight in Ramechhap instead of driving early in the morning from Kathmandu. In fact, it’s a good idea for a more relaxed and less stressful travel experience. However, the accommodation in Ramechhap is basic, and you will need to pay for it.
Do I need to arrange my own transport to Ramechhap, or is it included in the trek package?
No, you don’t need to arrange your own transport to Ramechhap from Kathmandu, as it is included in the trek package. However, if you choose a transportation option not included in the package, you will need to pay an additional fee. Otherwise, your package covers comfortable overland transportation for your comfort.
Are permits for EBC via Ramechhap the same, or do I need extra?
Yes, the permits for the EBC via the Ramechhap route are the same as those for the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, and no additional permits are required. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit are two permits needed for the trek.
We value
Service Excellence
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
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