HomeAsiaSouth AsiaNepalEverest Flight to Lukla & Trek to Namche – EBC Trek Part 1 By Marcos Detourista on September 15, 2020. IN PHOTOS: Flying to one of the World’s most dangerous airport, Lukla Airport. The trek to Everest Base Camp starts with a scenic hike to Namche Bazaar. It’s the start of my 19-day circuit trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Gokyo Lake, in the Himalayas of Nepal. I took a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where the trail to Everest Base Camp begins. From Lukla (2,860 meters above sea level), it’s a challenging yet scenic 2-day hike to Namche Bazaar (3,880 m), where I spent my first “rest” day to acclimatize to the high elevation. The trail offers refreshing views of the alpine forest landscape and a glimpse of the life of Sherpa communities. Highlights Dudh Koshi River & alpine forest view near Benkar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, Nepal Waterfall & alpine forest view near Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, Nepal Waterfall & alpine forest view near Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, Nepal Hillary Bridge on the trail from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, Nepal Hillary Bridge on the trail from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, Nepal Monjo, a scenic village found on the way between Lukla and Namche Bazaar Inside Sita Air flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Flight, in Nepal Scroll down to see photos from my trip, a trail map, itinerary & more travel tips. See also: Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. View prices online: Everest trek packages, Where to stay in Kathmandu Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Boarding Sita Air flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, at Kathmandu Airport, Nepal The 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the starting point of the hike to Everest Base Camp. The 14-seater plane was the smallest I had even traveled on. You can really feel all the bumps, turns, and turbulence. Kathmandu Airport, Kathmandu, NepalKathmandu Airport, Nepal Kathmandu Airport, Kathmandu, NepalKathmandu Airport, Nepal Kathmandu Airport, Kathmandu, NepalKathmandu Airport, Nepal Kathmandu Airport, Kathmandu, NepalKathmandu Airport, Nepal View inside my Sita Air flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Look at that legroom! City view from Kathmandu to Lukla Flight on Sita Air, in NepalKathmandu to Lukla Flight Mountain view from Kathmandu to Lukla Flight on Sita Air, in NepalKathmandu to Lukla Flight Sita Air flight arrival, Lukla Airport – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla Airport, EBC Trek Lukla Airport Lukla Airport and its 527-meter sloped runway. Got a free shot of adrenaline during landing and take-off at Lukla Airport, infamously known as one of the World’s most dangerous airports. Built at 2,845 meters (9,300 ft) above sea level, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is one of the highest in the world, flanked at all sides by the high mountains of the Himalayas. The extremely short 527-meter runway is built at a 12 percent slope/gradient. During take-off, the sloped runway aid planes gain speed as they accelerate down the mountainside. Pilots have one chance to get the take-off right, else risk steering the plane down the steep valley at the end of the runway. Incidentally, the runway incline also help planes slow down during landing. Lukla Airport – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla Airport, EBC Trek Lukla Airport – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla Airport, EBC Trek Lukla Airport – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla Airport, EBC Trek Lukla Airport – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla Airport, EBC Trek Lukla Airport – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla Airport, EBC Trek Lukla Airport – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla Airport, EBC Trek Lukla to Phakding Trek path: Lukla (2,860 meters) > Chheplung (2,690 meters) > Nachipang (2,690 meters) > Koshigaun (2,550meters) > Ghat (2,586 meters) > Phakding (2,610 meters). Tea House dining/common social area in Lukla. Aside from tea/coffee and full meals. Teahouses also offer private rooms, dorm beds, and even hot showers (at an extra cost). No need for bringing tents, camping, and cooking your food. Lukla to Chheplung – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalLukla to Chheplung, EBC Trek Chheplung village – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalChheplung, EBC Trek Chheplung village – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalChheplung, EBC Trek Buddhist mantras (prayers) carved on prayer wheels and mani stones, beside a teahouse in Chheplung village. Teahouse villages can be found almost the whole way to Everest Base Camp. There are multiple teahouses at the Sherpa village along the trail. At lower elevations, you can find villages within a few kilometers from each other. If you are trekking independently, you can easily decide where you can stop for the night. Mudslide Bridge in Koshigaun village. The first of many hanging/swing bridges on the way to EBC. Koshigaun – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalKoshigaun, EBC Trek Ghat – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalGhat, EBC Trek Local carrying a boatload of beer – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalGhat, EBC Trek Phakding Dal bhat (Chicken), Phakding – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, Nepal Try the local Nepali rice dish called “Dal Bhat.” There is a saying, ‘Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour’. It’ll keep you energized during a full day trekking. I spent my first night in Phakding. I was going for Monjo but wasn’t able to make it because of my late flight arrival in Kathmandu. My flight got delayed by a couple of hours due to unfavorable weather. Hanging bridge over the Dudh Koshi River near Phakding. Scenic trail to Monjo Trek path: Phakding (2,610m) > Thulo Gumela (2,700m) > Toktok (2,711m) > Alpine Forest view (2,778m) > Benkar (2,725m) > Monjo (2,824m). Waterfall along the trail from Toktok to Benkar. Benkar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalBenkar, EBC Trek, Nepal Thulo Gumela – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalThulo Gumela, EBC Trek Yak transporting good between the villages – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalToktok to Benkar, EBC Trek Dudh Kosi River view Found a stunning photo spot before reaching the village of Monjo. Here, you’ll see a nice view of the highest river in the World, the Dudh Kosi River, surrounded by alpine forests & waterfalls. The Dudh Kosi River is fed by the snow and glacier melt from the high-altitude areas of Mt Everest. It’s known as the “Milk River” because of it’s gleaming white water. Dudh Koshi River & alpine forest view near Benkar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalToktok to Benkar, EBC Trek Dudh Koshi River & alpine forest view near Benkar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalToktok to Benkar, EBC Trek Hanging bridge on the trail from Benkar to Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalBenkar to Monjo Hanging bridge on the trail from Benkar to Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalBenkar to Monjo Benkar to Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalBenkar to Monjo Monjo Village Monjo, a scenic village found on the way between Lukla and Namche Bazaar Monjo was one of the more scenic villages along the trail. Spend your night in Monjo if you can make it there during your first-day trekking. There’s a park checkpoint here, so have your permits ready. Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Sagarmatha National Park Gate, Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Mani stones & alpine forest view Buddhist Mantras carved on a massive cliff wall with a tall waterfall and refreshing alpine forest view, in Monjo. Just after the national park checkpoint, you’ll see this amazing view of huge Mani stones amidst a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and a massive waterfall. As a form of prayer, these stones are carved with the mantra “Om mani pad me hum.” In Buddhism, these six syllables embody the essence of all Dharma (moral law & order of the Universe). Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Buddhist Mantra painted on Mani Stones, Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Buddhist Mantra painted on Mani Stones, Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Locals crossing the scenic trail between Monjo and Jorsalle. Waterfall & alpine forest view near Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Waterfall & alpine forest view near Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Waterfall & alpine forest view near Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Waterfall & alpine forest view near Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalMonjo, EBC Trek Monjo to Namche Trail path: Monjo (2,824m) > Jorsalle (2,810m) > Hillary Bridge (2,883m) > Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Hanging bridge on the trail from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalJorsalle to Namche Bazaar, EBC Trek Hikers crossing a hanging bridge, Namche to Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalNamche to Monjo, Everest region, Nepal Mule train, Namche to Monjo – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalNamche to Monjo, Everest region, Nepal Hillary Bridge & Trek to Namche The Hillary Bridge one of the most scenic hanging bridges along the whole trek. Take lots of pictures! After crossing the Hillary Bridge, you’ll be on the final, steep, thigh-burning stretch to Namche Bazaar. Hillary Bridge on the trail from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalJorsalle to Namche Bazaar, EBC Trek Hillary Bridge on the trail from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalJorsalle to Namche Bazaar, EBC Trek Hillary Bridge on the trail from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalJorsalle to Namche Bazaar, EBC Trek Kshum Khangru Peak View Point, Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar – EBC Trek, in Sagarmatha Everest region, NepalKshum Khangru Peak View Point, EBC Trek Night view of Namche Bazaar, filled with souvenir stalls and trekking shops. EBC Trek Map Array EBC Trek Itinerary See full itinerary & highlights: EBC-Gokyo Circuit Trek (19 days) Day 1 – Lukla to Phakding Distance hiked: 8 km Starting elevation: 2,860 meters Ending elevation: 2,610 meters Elevation change: 250 meters (258 meters up, 478 meters down) Hike duration: 4 hour and 3 minutes (incl. lunch/rest breaks) Suggested duration: 2 to 3 hours Time 0820 Kathmandu to Lukla Flight 1130 Lukla (2,860 meters) 1410 Chheplung (2,690 meters) Nachipang (2,690 meters) 1500 Koshigaun (2,550meters) 1545 Ghat (2,586 meters) 1645 Phakding (2,610 meters) Sleep: Snowland Hotel & Restaurant Day 2 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar Distance hiked: 10.5 km Starting elevation: 2,610 meters Ending elevation: 3,440 meters Elevation change: 830m (1,130 meters up, 365 meters down) Hike duration: 9 hours and 30 minutes (incl. lunch/rest breaks) Suggested duration: 5 to 6 hours. Time 0930 Phakding (2,610m) 1020 Thulo Gumela (2,700m) 1048 Toktok (2,711m) 1220 Alpine Forest view (2,778m) 1320 Benkar (2,725m) 1415 Monjo (2,824m) 1532 Jorsalle (2,810m) 1620 Hillary Bridge (2,883m). Hard uphill climb after the Hillary Bridge. This is the last stretch before reaching Namche Bazaar. 1900 Namche Bazaar (3,440m) Travel tips Remember to confirm the schedule of your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla ahead. Get the very first flight of the day. Early mornings are usually the most favorable time to fly. Flights later have a high chance of being delayed or canceled. Scenic Monjo looks like a better place to spend your first night, compared to Phakding, where you’ll find most of the big tour groups. You’ll enjoy the trek more if you prepare for the hike physically. If you check the timings of how I did the trek, you’ll notice how slow my pace was compared to the recommended/typical pace of most trekkers. To be honest, I did not make a serious effort to train before flying to Nepal. Yes, I made it to Everest Base Camp but I also skipped some side treks (that I regret now) because I was too exhausted. Start your trek early morning, around 7 to 8 am. Most days, I woke up late and started trekking around 10 am. This was a problem because, sometimes, it’s already getting dark when I arrive at my destination. Also, you run the risk of fully-booked teahouses because everyone has already arrived way ahead of you. EBC-Gokyo trek series Itinerary & Highlights: EBC-Gokyo Circuit Trek (19 days) Day 1 to 2: Lukla Airport to Namche Bazaar Day 3: Namche Bazaar & Mt Everest View Day 4 to 6: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche & Dingboche Day 7 to 9: Dingboche to Everest Base Camp via Lobuche & Gorak Shep Day 10 to 12: Chola Pass & Gokyo Day 13 to 19: Gokyo Lakes & the circuit trail back to Lukla Before you go See also: Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. View prices online: Everest trek packages, Where to stay in Kathmandu Don’t leave yet. There’s more! Namche Bazaar Everest View - EBC Trek Part 2Ama Dablam view, Dingboche & Tengboche - EBC Trek Part 3Everest Base Camp Travel Goals Achieved - EBC Trek Part 4Cho La Pass Glacier Crossing - EBC Trek Part 5 Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Everest South AsiaNepalAsia See all places Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.