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Call or WhatsApp:+977-9813599455The road journey from Kathmandu to Salleri offers breathtaking glimpses of the rolling hills and dense forests and glimpses of the Himalayas at the backdrop.
During the exciting drive from Kathmandu to Lukla (Surkhe) by Jeep you can immerse into local traditions as the trip passes through picturesque villages and towns offering you the sights of the daily life patterns of the locals.
At many stop points during the road journey, you can have authentic Nepali cuisine.
You will drive through a series of paths as well as enjoy an exhilarating off-road Adventure. Certain sections of the road especially as you progress towards Salleri and Surkhe are bumpy drives which will be a thrilling experience for you.
Explore beautiful Salleri which nestled deep in rolling hills and enjoy mesmerizing views of Himalayan peaks.
The Kathmandu to Surkhe (Lukla) Jeep service offers a convenient alternative to regular flights to reach the pristine Lukla, the most popular trailhead of the Khumbu Region. Several trekking destinations in the Everest Region including the most popular Everest Base Camp, Everest Panoramas, Gokyo Lakes, etc begin from Lukla.
The regular flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are fully booked during the peak seasons. Likewise, the flights are highly dependent upon the weather and can be delayed or canceled which can be time-consuming and leave trekkers stranded on the airport. By choosing to travel by road, you can avoid flight uncertainty because of weather-related obstacles. It is also a reliable option, especially during peak seasons when securing flight tickets is relatively challenging because of the huge number of trekkers.
Traveling by road on a Jeep from Kathmandu to Surkhe, the nearest place to Lukla is the best option for those looking for a way to reach Everest Base Camp without taking regular flights. You can reach Salleri in 8 to 10 hours, stay overnight to rest, and enjoy an adventurous ride of 6 to 7 hours to Surkhe.
This scenic route offers enchanting views of diverse landscapes and different towns and remote villages of Nepal. For travelers who wish to explore this Himalayan Region while enjoying the adventurous road journey opting for this Jeep ride can be an excellent choice.
Is reaching Lukla through the road possible? This is the most frequently asked question from trekkers planning their trek to Everest Base Camp. Lukla is the trailhead of Everest Base Camp. Generally, most trekkers opt for flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. However, the Everest Region is busy during high trekking seasons and flights are usually filled. In addition, the flights also face cancellation in service due to weather conditions in the Himalayas. Thus, many trekkers visitors also find other ways to reach this main part of the Everest region.
Currently, there is no direct bus or jeep service from Kathmandu to Lukla. However, jeep services are available from Kathmandu to Salleri, which is the district headquarters of Solukhumbu. The drive takes about 8 to 10 hours. Generally, trekkers take two days to reach Lukla from Kathmandu on Jeep. They drive to Salleri stay overnight, and then take another drive to Surkhe on another day.
The paths are offroad and bumpy and driving can be difficult when there are heavy rainfalls. So, you should be adequately prepared and consider having one extra day in your schedule. Furthermore, the drivers are well experienced in navigating such terrains and you will enjoy this adventurous journey.
Both Shared and Private Jeep Hire are available for Kathmandu to Surkhe (Lukla) having their perk. You can choose the one that best fits your preference, budget and schedule.
The most budget-friendly way to start your trek is by traveling in a shared jeep from Kathmandu to Surkhe, the closest road-accessible point to Lukla. A shared jeep generally accommodates 7 to 8 passengers. In a shared Jeep, you can share the cost with other trekkers, which is the economic approach to traveling.
The main advantages of a shared jeep are that it is very affordable and you will have an interactive journey as you will get a chance to meet other travelors too. The departure times are fixed in this shared jeep and you have to be prepared according to the scheduled time. If you’re considering taking the shared Jeep option, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Hiring a Private Jeep is highly recommended for travelors who are seeking comfort, privacy, and flexibility. In this option you can reserve the vehicle for you or your group. You can select the departure time, plan stops as needed for meals or refreshments. One of the major advantages of hiring a private vehicle is you can travel at your own pace and customize the journey to suit your needs. If you are planning visit to Everest Region with family or friends you can choose this option.
A private jeep ensures a more personalized experience. While cost can be higher than a shared one it can be an excellent choice for those who prefer more private space and convenient travel.
The total distance from Kathmandu to Surkhe (Lukla) is approximately 331 km. In general, you need to schedule two days to make it to Lukla from Kathmandu on Jeep. The long drives on the road reward you with breathtaking views of lush valleys, terraced fields and glimpses of towering peaks. The road trip to Lukla can be a good choice for those seeking to experience an adventurous journey in Nepal and with the natural beauty of diverse landscapes.
Total Distance Covered During Kathmandu to Lukla by Jeep
Kathmandu to Salleri (about 8-10 hours, 267 km)
Salleri to Surkhe (6-8 hours, 64 km )
The amazing road journey to Lukla begins from Kathmandu along the BP Highway. The drive is thrilling with winding roads and views of the rivers. The views of hills, rivers, forests and terraced fields will keep you immersed throughout the journey.
The exciting stopover points provide scenic views and provide you the opportunity to rejuvenate. You can enjoy coffee and delicious local meals while immersing in the beautiful views of the surroundings. It takes around 8 to 10 hours to reach Salleri on Jeep. After arriving at Salleri, you can stay in one of the guesthouses and take needed rest after a long road journey.
On Day 2, you will enjoy another scenic ride to Surkhe. Leaving Salleri, the Jeep ride takes you through rugged and unpaved mountain paths. The roads are bumpy but the surrounding views are exceptional. The Jeep ride can take around 6 to 8 hours. After arriving at Surkhe, many trekkers begin their journey on foot heading towards the beautiful Lukla which takes about an hour or more. Many trekkers are ahead to the trails leading directly to Phakding and visit Lukla during the return journey.
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Transportation from Kathmandu to Surke via Salleri
Hotel pick-up from your location
Meals and drinks not included
Accommodation not included
Personal expenses not included
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Prices are per person on a twin-share basis. Departures are limited, especially during peak season.
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You will have a scenic and adventurous road journey to Surkhe from Kathmandu. The journey passes through BP highway providing you the glimpses of scenic. Some renowned places you will drive through include Bhaktapur, Bhakundebesi, Khurkot, and Ghurmi. The roads are mostly paved and are in good condition with only some sections unpaved and bumpy until Salleri Bazaar.
However, from onwards Salleri and further to Surkhe the roads are unpitched and mostly graveled paths with a series of bumpy sections. The conditions are mostly stable and manageable during dry months (Autumn and Spring).
However, in the monsoon season, the roads can be slippery because of mudslides. Likewise, winter at higher paths (Salleri and other upper areas) can be foggy, snowy, and icy making navigation challenging and even blocking the way. Thus, road conditions must be properly assessed before taking up the journey.
The journey’s safety also highly depends on the season. You can have a smooth journey when roads are dry and road conditions are stable. In addition, navigation is also more suitable when weather conditions are favorable.
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are considered the best times for traveling as these seasons are rewarded with clear skies and stable weather conditions. These seasons are also considered best for trekking and are the top choice of travelors to undertake the trek.
Lukla is a scenic destination and presents the most alluring views of the Himalayan vistas. Most of the time the major objective of the travelors in the Khumbu Region is to witness the exceptional mountain panoramas more closely. Thus, autumn and spring offer exceptional scenery of Himalayan landscapes. In addition, the optimal climatic conditions during these seasons make road journeys easier.
The road condition especially from Salleri to Surkhe is bumpy and rugged. Thus, the conditions can get more challenging in Monsoon/ Summer (June to August) because of the rainfall which can make paths slippery or landslides. Likewise, in the winter season (December to February), navigating can be difficult especially when there is heavy snowfall on higher paths beyond Salleri. Thus, proper inquiry about the road and weather conditions must be done before embarking on the journey.
Thus, weather factors should must be considered when choosing the right time for the road journey to Lukla. For, high safety and comfort it is highly recommended to opt for a journey during the dry seasons of autumn and spring.
The drive begins from Kathmandu Valley and takes you to the BP highway. The sceneries of the varied landscapes of Nepal are the major highlights. The Jeeps make a stop at various stop-over points for refreshments and lunch breaks. You may also ask to make stops when necessary during the journey. It takes almost 8 to 10 hours to reach Salleri from Kathmandu.
You will stay at a tea house or lodge in Salleri. The accommodation facilities in this picturesque town are good and you will have a comfortable stay. You will have a cozy room featuring comfortable beds. In addition, to the quality lodging facilities the teahouse also offers warm and delicious meals which is essential after a long day drive. Resting overnight at one of the best teahouses/ lodges at Salleri will help you recharge and be ready for the adventure the next day.
On the other day, you will head on another adventurous Jeep ride to Surkhe. The path is mostly off-road with several bumpy sections. The Jeep ride from Salleri to Surkhe can take around 6 to 8 hours. Generally, after arriving in Surkhe trekkers either trek to Lukla which takes about an hour or more depending upon the walking pace of the individual. Many trekkers also trek directly to Phakding which takes around 4 to 5 hours.
As The Khumbu Region is one of the most visited Himalayan destinations it is highly recommended to secure your accommodations in advance by making confirmations about the availability. The teahouses especially at the popular stops like Lukla or Phakding get quickly filled during peak trekking seasons. Making prior reservations helps you ensure the best accommodations and have a comfortable stay.
Booking with Nepal Recreation is simple and quick. You can review our terms and conditions, and then confirm your booking by making a 25% deposit at least two months in advance, and for the remaining amount you can pay before beginning the tour.
We have a minimum booking policy of two weeks. Payments can be made through bank transfer, Western Union, using credit cards or debit cards.
For online bookings, use the “Check Availability” feature to select your preferred dates to book the Jeep services. You may also fill out the contact form on your official website and we will answer your all queries. You can reach out through Viber (+977-9851136074) WhatsApp (+977-9813599455) or Email or Call for more information and proceed with online booking only after confirming.
