Daily Bus and Jeep Service from Kathmandu to Lukla -Paiya: Private and Shared Options Available

The Local Government of Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality has declared a 100-kilometer tourism road network from Salleri to the doorstep of Everest at Lukla, Chaurikharka, within this fiscal year. The road district headquarters of Solukhumbu Salleri to Andheri (30 km) was already built, and a further 40 km road track from Andheri to Kharikhola and Bupsa at Madhyadudhkoshi Rural Municipality has been completed.

Local governments Madhyadudhkoshi Rural Municipality and Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality of Sholukhumbu have signed up to open the remaining 30 kilometers of road up to Lukla and Chaurikharka by this year to link to the Solu and Khumbu. Solukhumbu district is divided into two parts: Solu and Khumbu. The lower region below the Lukla is called Solu, and above the Lukla is called Khumbu. It is home to Mt. Everest, some other famous peaks, and Pannier's legendary mountaineer Sherpa.

If you are searching for how to get to Lukla without flying, Kathmandu by road is the best option to get to Everest Base Camp in the shortest time and for less money. Before Kathmandu to Luka Road, the trekkers were dependent on the Lukla flight for the Everest trip. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norge Sherpa were responsible for establishing Lukla Airport in 1964. It is one of the most famous airports in the world due to its runway structure with an 11.7% gradient and 527 m (1,729 ft) × 30 m (98 ft) and surrounded geographical structure. Sometimes the trekkers are not ready for the dear adventurous flight to Lukla, and they have the option to either change their trekking destination or walk from Jiri or Salleri, taking more additional days. But now the road access to the Bupsa and Kharikhola makes easy travel for trekkers who wish to avoid the Lukla flight and like to trek Everest on a budget.

Q. How to Reach Lukla from Kathmandu by Road?

Can you drive to Everest Base Camp? This is the most repeated question of trekkers who are going to visit Mt. Everest. Kathmandu to Lukla flight is conditional due to the weather circumstances; trekkers who are looking for the alternative shortest route to get to the heart of Mt. Everest. So, the road from Kathmandu to Lukla has been constructed gradually to connect urban areas and get away to the top of the world. Lately, there are regular buses/Jeep services available from the capital city of Kathmandu to Salleri, the district's headquarters of Solukhumbu, taking about 9 to 10 hours to drive on the 266.9-kilometer BP Highway.

And it is possible to drive further to Andheri, Kaharikhola, Bupsa, Thamdandaon, and Paiya on the same day too. But the road condition from Andheri to Kharikhola, Thamdanda, and Paiya depends on that day's weather. As this is a rough road sometimes, the rain and snowfall might be because of the obstacle of driving, so you need to be well prepared while driving this road. Recently, there have not been any direct bus and Jeep services available to Lukla, but the government has been working rapidly to complete Chhaurikharka. After completing Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Road, the trekker's well-gated option for the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek is either to take a short flight to Lukla or a whole-day drive from Kathmandu to Lukla. In the future, there will be direct bus and Jeep Transport services available from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Q. How do you get to Lukla without flying?

There are several trekking routes for the getaway of Mt. Everest at Lukla.

Route 1:

Drive Kathmandu to Jiri/Bhandara and trek to Everest Base Camp as a classical trekking route. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa had set their epic journey to the top of the world by this trail.

Route 2:

Drive Kathmandu to Salleri by BP Highway for about 9 to 10 hours on the blacktopped road and drive Kathmandu to Lukla Road through Andheri, Kharikhola, Bupsa, Hamdanda, and Paiya, then trek to Lukla for a day hike. The trek's name is Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek.

Route 3:

Drive to Dharan and Tumlingtar, then walk to Lukla through the Salpa Pass named Aruna Valley Trek, Bung, taking 6 to 7 days in a real Nepalese rural area.

Q. Kathmandu to Lukla (Kaharikhola and Bupsa, Thamdanda, Paiya) road Distance:

The total distance from Kathmandu to Lukla Road is 366.9 Kilometers. First drive through the BP Highway (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Bhakundebesi, Mangaltar, Nepalthok, Dumja, Khurkot, Gyaaltar, named Madhya Pahadi Lok Marga) and get in Ghurmi Bazaar, from where the road divides for Sagarmatha (Everest) and Halesi Dham (Martika).

• Kathmandu to Salleri road distance = 266.9 kilometers
• Salleri to Lukla road distance = 100 Kilometer (Salleri to Andheri road Distance = 40 Kilometer, Andheri to Kharikola/Bupsa = 30 Kilometer, Bupsa to Lukla/Chaurikharka = 30 kilometers). Khurkot to Salleri Road is known as Everest Express Road due to the amazing view of Mt. Everest, Thamserku, Amadablam, Makalu, Number, Kryanglung, Gaurishankar, etc.
• Salleri-Selgudi-Kharikhola to Thamdanda road distance = 63 Km (which is going to be blacktop)

Note:Salleri to Dudhkoshi River Motorable Bridge = 38 km, Dudhkoshi Bridge to Thamdanda = 25 km road completed, and Thamdanda to Lukla/Chaurikharka = 37 km road on planning on the construction.

Q. How long does it take to drive from Kathmandu to Lukla (Paiya)?

Kathmandu to Salleri Jeep Drive is one of the reliable transports to Everest Base Camp Trek while looking for an alternative to the Lukla flight. Normally, it takes 13 to 15 hours from Kathmandu to Lukla (Paiya). The jeep leaves at 4:30 to 5:00 am and gets to Paiya in the evening from 8 to 9 PM.  However, it depends on traffic jams and road conditions too. According to our client's feedback and our own experience, sometimes it takes 9 to 10 hours’ drive to the Phaplu/Salleri only by Tata Sumo Jeep first part and the second part Salleri to Paiya takes 6 to 7 hours by four-wheeler Jeep (during the rainy season and now good road). If drive time takes longer than you expected due to various causes, there is nothing but great patented sitting in the Jeep enjoying natural beauties and landscape scenery. Just wait until the last driving point. 

Kathmandu to Salleri distance is 266.9 km with the black-topped road. Recently, the motorable bridge over the Dudhkoshi River was completed as a road to the link between Solu and Khumbu in the Everest Region, which was inaugurated on Saturday, 21st-, 2020. It takes a 5-hour off-road drive for 38 kilometers of the new opening track from the district headquarters Sallari to Dudhkoshi Bridge and another 25-kilometer drive from the bridge you will get in Thamdanda. Now, the Jeep can drive 10 km further to the Thamdanda at Paiya (2,730 m). From there, you can get to Lukla by a 2 to 3-hour walk. The road has rapid construction from Paiya and Surke villages too. According to the local government of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality on July 28, 2024, 7:39 AM, only 600 meters of road track from Paiya to Surke need to open to access the Surke.

By this year, it seems to be driven to Lukla and Chaurikharka on the same day as the Kathmandu drive. The next 37 km part of Bupsa/Thamdanda to Lukla is under construction, but now the 10-kilometerroad to the Paiya has been completed and remains to touch in Lukla 27 km road. The local government has planned to complete this part of the road within 2 years. After fully completing the Kathmandu to Lukla Road, it would take 15 to 16 hours to drive.

Most popular trek in the Everest Region:

1. Everest Base Camp Trek: -12 Days
2. Everest Base Camp Trek and Fly Back Helicopter: -9 Days
3. Everest 3 Passes Trek -21 Days
4. Everest Base Camp Trek -8 Days
5. Gokyo Chola Pass Trek (19 Days)

Q. Cost of the Jeep from Kathmandu to Phaplu/Salleri:

There is jeep transportation available from Kathmandu to Salleri every day. The jeep left at 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM from Chabahil Chok Bus Station, which takes an eight- to nine-hour drive to Salleri. The cost of Kathmandu to Phaplu/Salleri Jeep is 25 USD to 35 USD per person. Today (13 Sept 2023), we bought Kathmandu to Salleri tickets for NPR 3,700 per person. The Jeep cost will be changed according to fuel price. The Jeep can accommodate eight people. If you are a group of 5 to 6 people or would like to travel privately, then it would be best to reserve the Jeep to make your own with the cost of 350 USD to 450 USD. 

***Note: The Jeep cost is changeable depending on the fuel cost and festivals. Normally the cost is 25 to 35 USD per person. However, during the festive season (Dashain, Tihar, etc.), the cost will be USD 35 to 50 dueto no passengers back from Salleri.

Q. Is There a Direct Jeep Available From Kathmandu To Lukla (Paiya)?

Regarding the direct Jeep drive from Kathmandu to PaiyaChaurikharka, normally direct Jeep is available, but sometimes Jeep might take a longer time to get to the last destination (Paiya) due to traffic and road conditions, so they may stop either in Salleri or Kharikhola for overnight staying. They will drive to the Paiya the next morning.; you will get in Paiya around 10 AM to Pannier's noon, and then you can walk to the Lukla/Chaurikharka for 2 to 3 hours. You won’t overlap on your schedule. Driving off-road at midnight won’t be fun and cause safety concerns on the mountain off-road. The drive won't waste your day of trekking.

Q. Can you drive to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?

Are you wondering if you could drive to Mt. Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu too? Repeat the question, Can I drive to Everest Base Camp? The road from Salleri to ItLukla, the name of Salleri, the Tourism Highway/Everest Express Highway, has been constricting smoothly. According to local people's demand and tourism entrepreneur recommendations, the road won’t be extant further the Lukla and Chaurikhara. So, if you are thinking of driving to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu, it won’t be possible because the road does not extend beyond Lukla. But you can do urban areas of the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road as an unforgettable experience. Recently, you could drive from Kathmandu to Kharikhola, Bupsa, Thamdanda, and Paiya via the Salleri headquarters of Solukhumbu.

Go through the Guest Review in Trip AdviserKathmandu to Lukla Jeep/Bus Services.

Q. How Many Days Does it Take to Get to Everest Base Camp from Lukla?

Distantly, Lukla to Mt. Everest Base Camp is not that far but due to the high altitude difference, you need to well acclimatize before getting to Everest Base Camp. It takes 9 days to reach Everest Base Camp from Lukla/Chaurikharka, including two acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Here is a day-by-day itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road.

Here is a Map of the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road

Everest Base Camp Trek Suggested snowfallItinerary: 14 Days by Jeep Drive

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Lukla-gated/Thamdanda (2,326 m)/Paiya Transport (2,730 m) by Jeep 300 Kilometer -15 to 16 Hours 

*Note: As this is a very long journey, you may split it into 2 days and continue the itinerary at Phakding.[Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Salleri -9 to 10 Paiya hours]
Day 02: Drive Salleri to Paiya Tumlingtar (2,730 m) -5 to 6 hours [Salleri to Bung, Andheri: -3 hours; Andheri to Marga, Thamdanda: 2 1/2 to 3 kilometers]
Day 03: Trek Paiya to kilometersPhakding [-7 to 8 hours]

Day 02: Trek Paiya to Phakding = (2,640 m) -5 to 6 hours, which is via Chaurikharka nearby Lukla  -22 KM
Day 03: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,430 m) -5 to 6 hours -12 KM
Day 04: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and visit Khumjung Village (3,790 m), Everest View Hotel (3,880 m)
Day 05: Trek Namche Bazaar to Tangboche (3,867 m) -5 to 6 hours -12 KM
Day 06: Trek Tyangboche to Dingboche (4,410 m) -5 to 6 hours -12.5 KM
Day 07: Acclimatization day at Dingboche visit Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m)/Chhukung/Amadablam Base Camp
Day 08: Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 m) -5 to 6 hours -8.5 KM
Day 09: Trek Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140 m) (3 hours, 4.8 KM) & Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) -2 to 3 hours
Day 10: Trek Gorakshep to Kalapathar (5,643 m) in 2 hours and stroll back to Pheriche (4,240 m) -5 to 6 hours -13.5 KM
Day 11: Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,430 m) -5 to 6 hours -25 KM
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Chaurikharka (2,694 m): 6 to 7 hours -18 m
Day 13: Trek Chaurikharka to Paiya (2,730 m)  – 2 to 3 hours -12 -12KM 

*Note: The sharing Jeep from Paiya to Kathmandu depends on passenger availability. Sometimes, not available directly to Kathmandu. You need to drive to Salleri (from 8 to 10 AM) and stay overnight at Salleri, then drive back to Kathmandu the next morning.
Day 14: Drive Paiya to Kathmandu by Jeep 366.9 kilometers, -12 to 14 Hours, -300 km, then your Destination

If you need any further information regarding the Everest Base Camp Trek by Drive, we at Nepal Mother House are here to assist you anytime. 

Here is a Chart of the altitude during the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road:

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK BY ROAD (WITHOUT FLIGHT) VIDEO

Q. What is the Jeep cost from Kathmandu to Lukla/Paiya?

There are regular Jeep services available from Kathmandu to Paiya. It gets to Paiya after 15 to 16 hours of scenic drive from Kathmandu; the jeep departs early in the morning every day. The Jeep fare from Kathmandu to Paiya is 50 USD to 70 USD per person** if you need to pick up service from Thamel. 

Today, on 28th April 2023, we bought a Kathmandu to Thamdanda Jeep for NPR. 5,500 per passenger. If you are already a group of 5 to 7 people, then it is best to make it private. The private Jeep charge to Paiya will be approximately USD 650 to 750. As there is no direct Jeep from Kathmandu to Paiya, you need to change jeeps from Solu at Salleri by the same company, Bolero Jeep (6 seaters = 1+2+2). So, you don’t need to search for another Jeep by yourself. The Tata Sumo Jeep(9 seaters=1+4+4) leaves early in the morning around 4:30 to 5 o'clock from Kathmandu and gets to Paiya around 8 to 9 PM.

**Note: The Jeep cost is changeable depending on the cost of fuel and festivals. Normally the cost is 50 to 70 USD per person. However, during the festive season (Dashain, Tihar, etc.), the cost will be USD 90 to 100 dueto no passengers back from Thamdanda. There will be 8 to 10 setters in a Jeep, including the driver.

*Note: We are not taking any service charge if you visit our office and would like to visit the Jeep counter; we believe in the "Law of Attraction.".  For this, we will guide you to the Jeep counter together. The cost of the Jeep tickets is the same whether you buy them yourself at the counter or buy them with us.

Q. Why is the Cost of Jeep to Lukla/Paiya Different from the Jeep's Counter in Kathmandu?

Thank you very much for your most important questions. You are right! It is true!! The Jeep cost to Lukla/Paiya is different than the Jeep counter. You can go to the Jeep counter and buy the ticket by yourself also; the costs will be about Rs. 4500 to 5000 per person. But most of the Jeeps do not provide the pickup service from Thamel in the next morning drive to Lukla/Paiya. Likewise, to buy Jeep tickets, you need to go to the Jeep counter by taxi (cost Rs. 500 to 1000) and again need to go back to your hotel at Thamel by next taxi (cost Rs. 500 to 1000), plus you need to catch the Jeep next early morning at 3:00 am by taxi (Rs. 1000 to 1500 night charge). So, you can calculate the cost and how Jeep's price is different than the counter.

It is your choice where you would like to buy Kathmandu to Lukla/Paiya Jeep tickets, either by yourself or through the agency. If you buy tickets with the agent, then you will save time; during that time you may visit some of the most popular World Heritage sites in Kathmandu or chill out in the tourist hub Thamel with friends or loved ones. The agency will provide you with Jeep tickets and arrange the pickup service from Thamel in the morning. You don't need to look for a taxi to drive at the Jeep counter. We at Nepal Mother House Treks also provide the Jeep tickets from Kathmandu to Salleri and Salleri to Lukla/Paiya at your request. 

Q. How Can We Help You With Kathmandu to Lukla Jeep Transport? 

If you have been planning the trek in the base camp of Mt. Everest "Mountain nowhere in the world", it is very hard to get Lukla flight tickets at your desired time. Kathmandu to Lukla Drive would be the best option for you except for a few extra days' trip extension. If you have additional days, then you may drive to Lukla (at Paiya: from where it takes a 2 to 3 hours walk to get to Lukla), This will help to acclimatize your body before getting to the destination, which will help you to make trip successful. We at Nepal Mother House are more than happy to assist you in organizing a Jeep/Bus to Lukla free of charge. We are not expecting any charge from you. We will guide you to the place where the ticket counter is and you can buy it yourself. We believe in the universal truth of the "Law of Attraction", If we are expecting support from you, then we need to help you first, so we begin from ourselves. We at Nepal Mother House Treks want to be like a mirror to expose the face. 

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek: Essential Tips and Information

Here is a list of some tips that help to make your trip successful on the Base of the Top of the World “Mt. Everest 8,848.86m”. Kindly go through it.

1. Experience the Ultimate Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:A Comprehensive Guide
2. 7 Money-Saving Tips to EnhanceYour Everest Base Camp Trek Experience
3. Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime: The Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023-2024
4. 14-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Memorable Journey
5. Unlocking the Secrets of Everest Base Camp Trek: Top 7 Insider Tips You Need to Know
6. 30 Mind-Blowing Facts About Mount Everest: Discovering the World's Tallest Mountain
7. 15 Essential Tipsfor a Safe and Enjoyable Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp
8. Lukla Airport: Your Gateway to the Top of the World Adventure
9. Where is Mount Everest Located? Exploring the Geographic Wonder of the World
10. The Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Season
11. Everest Base Camp Elevation: What You Need to Know Before You Go
12. How Much Does an Everest Base Camp Trek Cost? A Breakdown of Expenses and Savings Tips
13. Getting to Everest Base Camp: A Comprehensive Guide to Transportation and Routes
14. Your Ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List: Essentials and Recommendations
15. Kalapatthar: Experience the Best Views of Mount Everest on Your Trek
16. Understanding Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla: Why Departure from Ramechhap is Recommended

Q. How Often Does Jeep Leave for the Salleri/Paiya/Lukla Every Day?

Well, normally 10 Tata Sumo Jeeps depart to the Lukla/Sarairi every day. All jeeps leave early in the morning from 4:30 to 6 AM, due to the long drive. The Jeep will come to Thamel (at your hotel) to collect the passengers. If you are looking to drive late morning or afternoon, the local (sharing Jeep) is not available; however, if you reserve the Jeep, then it leaves anytime according to your requirements. It depends on according to the passenger's follow and requirements. In a jeep, 8 to 9 people can accommodate. 

Q. Is There a Direct Jeep Available From Kathmandu to Lukla? 

First, you need to be clear: the jeep does not drive to Lukla. The last driving point is called Paiya ( 10km further from Thamdanda), from where you need to walk 2 to 3 hours to get to Lukla. For the well-recognized, people are saying Lukla instead of Paiya. Until now, there has been no direct jeep from Kathmandu to Lukla. First, you need to drive to the district's headquarters of Solukhumbu at Salleri/Phaplu (9 to 10 Hours) and change to another Jeep to TPaiya (6 to 7 Hours). As you already paid the jeep fare to Lukla, you do not need to look for another jeep at Salleri and add more money. The Jeep staff will transfer to another Jeep at the same cost. Just talk with the jeep staff/driver about which jeep you are going in. If, in case you are not able to drive to Paiya for a single day and stay overnight at Phaplu, then you are advised to talk with the driver from Kathmandu for the next jeep to drive to Paiya.  And make sure at what time the Jeep leaves the next morning and from where it goes. 

Q. Is Driving Kathmandu to Paiya/Salleri Safe?  Have any of Your Clients Been Involved with any Experience?

Well! Kathmandu to Paiya drive is safe; if we look at the last few years of drive experience, it is safe to drive to Phaplu/Sallei and Thamdanda/Paiya, although most of the road after Salleri is on rough terrain in the mountains. The driver is well-experienced on the entire road and often services the jeep. And check Jeep condition every departure. Let’s think about good only, and then everything comes perfectly. Believe in “The Law of Attraction”. Don’t think and talk further any negative words; the universal wave lessening to us. Think good will become GOOD. 

Q. Importance of Road Connectivity to Lukla for Trekkers and Local people

As trekkers are seeking an alternative short trekking route in Everest Base Camp, driving to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu is one of the best options. The road has a vital role in developing the national economy; the road is known as the backbone of the economy. People have a chance to get a good education, better health services, and easy transportation by accessing the road. The road connectivity to Lukla is the best way to improve the livelihood of the local people of Solukhumbu. The road from Kathmandu to Lukla links the lower part of Sholukhumbu Solu and the Upper part of Khumbu. People of Solu can sell their agricultural products in Khumbu rather than rusting the lack of markets. And people of Khumbu can buy all the goods at a reasonable cost; hence, they rely on air transport to deliver all goods, commodities, or porters before.

Here is some topic on the importance of road connectivity to Lukla

• You can get any time at Lukla and do not need to pray for good weather, whereas sometimes flying to Lukla takes a few days to more than one week.
• Less cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek; before, you needed to pay about USD 400 per head for Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu airfare, but after completing the road, you can get to Lukla for 50 to 70 USD by road. After the construction of roads, locals will be able to purchase all goods and commodities at reasonable prices.
• The number of domestic and international tourists will increase after road connectivity due to the cheaper cost of transportation and no obstacle of weather to begin the trek and get back from the trek according to your plan. They can visit Everest Base Camp at certain time frames.
• You are not forced to stock at Lukla for a few days to a week or more than this, due to road connectivity from Kathmandu in one day.
• Relief from the dependency on Lukla's flight; sometimes Lukla's flight is delayed one day to multi-days, weeks, and weeks due to unfavorable weather.
• The road will empower the local people, provide easy access to local commodities in the market, and generate local income.
• Easy way to earn foreign currency through tourism activities, selling products, and a chance to more job opportunities.
• Create more employment in the agriculture sector and expand the industries.
• Help poverty alleviation Improve the local life; health, education, communication, and income sectors.
• The trekkers do not need to divert to other destinations because of weather concerns. You can drive to Lukla by Jeep.

Enjoy Everest Base Camp Trek Video

Q. Why? Not to Expand the Road Across Lukla!

The road is the backbone of the country's development. It helps to improve human basic needs such as health, education, food nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and shelter. The road has a crucial role in empowering the local people by providing access to every sector. To build a road further to  Lukla and Chaurikharka is not a disagreement but the Sagarmatha National Park begins at Manjo. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. To conserve the World Heritage Site, the road cannot be expanded inside the National Park for commercial purposes. Likewise, the people of Khumbu are dependent on tourism hospitality, especially in the trekking, road, and trekking trail; at the same point, it cannot exist. We had to witness trekking trails after road congestion at the most popular Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail at Manang and Jomsom Muktinath Trail at Mustang. It was a bitter experience. The road not only vanishes trekking trails but also badly impacts the ecosystem and pure culture. So, as the road expands up to Luka, it destroys the trekking trail. The tourism entrepreneurs and Nepal Trekking Agent Association of Nepal (TAAN) have drawn attention to the local government for not extending the road further than Lukla in the name of attracting tourists to the Khumbu Region.

Similarly, driving from low elevation to high elevation in the shortest time is not suitable for our health due to the higher chance of suffering from altitude sickness. Our body needs more time to acclimatize to such high elevations, so the Everest Region trek would be best to start from Lukla.

The road connection is predicted to improve the flow of domestic and global tourists in the Everest Region, which will be a great effort for Nepal’s economy. Likewise, the road will also make it less difficult for the people who fly to Lukla in case of flight obstacles. Locals will no longer be obliged to take the flight to reach the neighboring districts. Previously, due to awful weather pressure, travelers remained stocked at Lukla Airport for days to many days. The road to Lukla is the best way for all solutions to ride out from such a weather-concern situation. The extension of the road network right up to the foothills of Everest at Lukla and Chaurikharka is predicted to reduce the price of meals and various daily essentials As a result, budget trekkers also have to afford to visit EBC trek.

Q. Is Kathmandu to Paiya/Lukla Jeep Drive Comfortable? 

The Kathmandu to Lukla (Paiya) off-road drive is itself your lifetime experience as part of the Journey. The journey itself is an adventure with many ups and downs, which create challenges, obstacles, and perhaps even risks, but also the potential for learning, growth, and discovery. The drive from Kathmandu to Paiya is very long by TATA Sumo with 8/9 passengers and a driver seat. 4 passengers are back, 4 are in the middle, and 1 is next to the driver, totaling 9 passengers plus the driver. Sometimes, if there is a large passenger, he/she occupies more space. So, sometimes there is no space like a comfortable car or bus drive; you need to be ready to drive in squeezed conditions or buy double seats for your adventure trip on top of the world.

 If you are looking for luxury/comfortable travel, then this journey to the Himalayas is not for you; it won't meet your goal. You may take a flight to Lukla by plane or fly by shared helicopter. Currently, you have the only option to either take a long drive to Lukla (Paiya) or take a regular flight to Lukla. Kindly calculate your schedule and evaluation money and decide for your best satisfaction. 

Likewise, if you are looking for an EBC trek in the shortest time or a comfortable journey to Lukla, then you are advised to take a regular flight to Lukla (USD 180–217 per person) or a shared flight (USD 500–800). As this is the Journey to the Roof of the World, don't expect a comfortable drive like your hometown, and try to enjoy every movement that you have.

Q. Preparation for the Jeep/Bus to Salleri/Phaplu/Paiya/Lukla from Kathmandu.

As this is a long journey in the mountains, it is advised to take motion/car sickness medicine and a medical mask. Take with you some snacks and a bottle of water if you are stocked in a traffic Jam or roadblock. Wear comfortable clothes; do not wear tight clothes. Make sure that have Nepali currency; if not, exchange it for Nepali currency at Kathmandu. You can exchange in the mountains as well; however, the rate will be very low in the mountains.

Q. Can I Buy a Shared Jeep Ticket to Paiya (Lukla) with you?

First, we are a trekking tour agency in Nepal. So, we are not selling Jeep tickets to Lukla; however, we can help you with your request to book Kathmandu to Paiya (Lukla) tickets corporately with a Jeep person. For this, please feel free to contact us anytime at Nepal Mother House at this number: +977-9841367853—Karna Rana by WhatsApp,  Facebook Messenger, etc.

Q. How Do I Buy Jeep Tickets in Advance When I Reach Nepal? I'll be staying a couple of nights in Thamel.

You could buy Jeep tickets before getting to Nepal in advance, sending your name details accordingly (passport or passport copy), Lukla driving date, number of passengers, and online advance payments by Card for Jeep requiring Seats. However, there is a regular Jeep service every day. You advised us to buy tickets after we arrived at our office. Just contact us one day before your departure date, and we will provide the Jeep ticket. We at Nepal Mother House are glad to organize according to your requirements. 

Q. What is the deadline for Paiya (Lukla) Jeep Ticket for the Next Morning? Can I pay in cash the next morning directly to the driver?

Well, if, in case, you are not able to visit our office (Nepal Mother House Treks) to purchase Jeep tickets, then, as I mentioned above, you could book Jeep tickets online using your cards and send a passport copy of yours by email or WhatsApp. While paying by card, a 4% charge will be added on top of the ticket cost. Please make a confirmation to pay the required amount for tickets as soon as possible before 5 to 6 PM to secure the Jeep seat for the next morning. Otherwise, we are not able to make reservations for the seat afterward. If you have any issues and are not able to buy tickets, then feel free to contact me on mobile. I am here to assist you with other possibilities. 

Q. Is it correct that I can buy a Jeep ticket (around USD 70), which will take me from Kathmandu to Salleri, and then switch to another Jeep to drive on to Paiya (Lukla)?

Yes, you are right. The cost of the Jeep is 50 to 70 USD per person for a single way, but the cost will change a bit less or more according to global and national fuel prices, special events and festivals, and any other obstacle such as clamies. Regarding the switch to another Jeep to drive Paiya Village, you already paid for the Paiya. So, the driver and conductor will arrange another Jeep for you after getting to Phaplu/Salleri. 

Q. Are there tea houses or hotels available at Paiya (the Jeep's last stop)?

Well, this is the most important question every traveler is looking for when looking for accommodation overnight after a long adventure Jeep ride. Currently, Paiya Village is the last station for the Jeep on the way to Lukla. Before, the Jeep drove only to the Thamdanda, which is 45 minutes to 1 hour of walking distance above the Bupsa Danda. The road crossed the Bupsa Danda and below the Puiyan (2,730 m)/Chheubas. In the past, you needed to walk for one and a half hours to two hours for the Puiyan/Paiya.

But nowadays, there is a tea house and hotel available at thelast jeep station at Paiya for overnight stays and food. 

Q. What Time Will I Expect to Reach Paiya if I Leave from Kathmandu in the Earliest Possible Jeep (say, 4:30 a.m.)?

Normally, it takes 15 to 16 hours from Kathmandu to Lukla (Paiya). The Jeep leaves at 4:30 to 6:00 a.m. and gets to Paiya in the evening from 7 to 8 p.m. 

Q. Will you come to pick us up at Thamel Marg? 

Mostly, the Jeep comes to your hotel (located only at Thamel) in the morning at the given time. Sometimes the Jeep may not arrive at your location in an inaccurate time due to picking up some other passenger also from different locations. Wating 15 minutes to 30 minutes is common. but longer than this, you need to call the Jeep contact person per as given or to us.

Sometime, the Jeep picked you up from a certain location in Thamel due to traffic rules. They will pick up from the Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh Building at Tridevi (Three Devi/Deities Temple), Sadak, Thamel, Kathmandu (Himalayan Bank, at Kaemp 8848, Nepali Worldwide Branded Trekking Gear Shop), and the gate of the Metropolitan Police Circle, Paknajol Marg, Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Sometime! The jeep comes to your hotel to pick you up at your hotel location. You need to send us your hotel location in Google Maps, your room number, contact number, and your contact number (Nepali mobile number, WhatsApp, Viber, or IMO, if any of them), where we can contact you if needed. 

Q. What is the Cost of One Thamdanda Jeep Ticket?

If you are looking to share a Jeep with the Paiya, then normally the cost is 50 to 70 USD per person. However, during the festival time and national special movements (Dashain, Tihar, Election, etc.), the cost will be USD 90 to 100 due to no passengers returning from Paiya. There will be 8 to 10 setters in a Jeep.

Q. What time does the Jeep leave KTM every day?

All the Jeeps leave in the morning from 4:00 to 6:00 AM every day due to long journeys. However, we will inform you last evening of your departure and what time the Jeep will leave Thamel. Due to traffic rules, the public jeep is not allowed to be picked up from the hotel, so there are some specific places from which one can pick up passengers to Lukla. Like the Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh Building at Tridevi (3 Devi/deities: Shree Kamrup Kamakhya Mata, Shrre Jyala Mat21sta & Shree Dakshinkali Mata Temple), Sadak, Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 (Himalayan Bank, at Kaemp 8848, Nepali Worldwide Branded Trekking Gears Shop), and the gate of the Metropolitan Police Circle, Paknajol Marg, Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu are the main pick places for the Jeeps. 

If you make the reservation for a Jeep as private, then they will come to pick you up at your hotel as well. For this, you need to share your hotel location on Google Maps with us, and then the jeep will come to your hotel to pick you up on time.

Q. What time does the Jeep depart from Paiya on its way back to Kathmandu, and when is it expected to arrive in Kathmandu?

It takes two days to drive back to Kathmandu from Paiya. On the first day, you will drive from Paiya to Salleri, then the next morning drive to Kathmandu. Before you get to Paiya, you need to inform us at what time you will get there. You will get back to Kathmandu in the evening. It takes 9 to 10 hours to drive in normal conditions.

Q. What is the road situation (August 4, 2024) of Lukla Road? Can we drive to Paiya this time?

Well, as this is the time of the middle of the monsoon season in Nepal, mostly it is cloudy weather, rainy and sunny days, but after evening it will mostly rain too. The recent road condition to Lukla is not bad; the Jeep has access to the Thamdanda only. For this, you need to change the Jeeps at Salleri and Andheri. The first Jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri leaves at 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM, which is about 9 to 10 hours drive. The second Jeep from Salleri to Andheri takes 4 to 5 hours. The place named Andheri is a small town with basic facilities of accommodation and food at a tea house. Then, you need to walk 15 to 25 minutes to cross the blocked road by Monsson. From there, you take a third Jeep drive to Thamdanda and drive for two hours. The road from Thamdanda to further is not drivable due to rain. 

The Jeep drives through the blacktopped road to the Salleri/Phaplu smoothly and goes further to the Thamdanda via Kharikhola and Andheri through rough roads. After the Thamdanda, sometimes it won't be driveable due to muddy roads in new construction if heavy rain or snow falls. It is a 4-5-hour walking distance from Thamdanda to Lukla or Chaurikharka. However, in the latest update today [4-Augest-2024], we have organized Jeep Tickets for 2 passengers from Poland to Paiya, who are heading to Everest Three Passes Trek. The cost of Jeep tickets is the same 50 USD to 70 USD per person due to the fuel price and can drive to the Paiya (about 10 km from Thamdanda). So, currently, the Jeep drives to Thamdanda, changing at two places, and gets to Lukla/Chaurikharka about a 4 to 5-hour walk. But you are advised to put in some extra days to get to the destination and back to Kathmandu if in case the weather is not good and beyond our control. 

Q. Is the Thame Flood Affecting the Road from Salleri to Lukla?

Yes, it was unexpected—a flood on 16th August 2024, at 1:30 PM from Glacier Lake, burst out at the lake at Thame village in Khumbu. The Thame flood damaged the concrete motorable bridge downstream of the river basin of the Dudh Koshi River, which is the road lifeline of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Everest Trekking routes. So, now (29 August 2024), the road from Salleri to Paiya (Lukla) via Andheri Road is not drivable.

Q. How is the road condition from Kathmandu to Sallei and Thamdanda after the devastating rainfall on 27th September 2024?

Massive floods and landslides caused by the heavy rainfall on September 25th to 28th, 2024, have had significant effects on the road conditions from Kathmandu to Salleri. Floods and landslides have disrupted several highways across the country, especially in hilly areas and river basins. The obstruction of all checkpoints into the Kathmandu Valley has resulted in a shutdown of over 60 locations on 23 the primary roadways. Some bridges, especially suspension bridges, are at risk of elevated water levels in rivers such as the Roshi, Sunkishi, Dudhkoshi, Gandaki, Narayani, and others. The road is affected at Prithvi Highway, Tribhuvan Highway, Tribhuvan Highway, and other major routes. 

The ongoing power and internet interruptions in the region have made it challenging to acquire accurate data, despite knowing that government authorities are actively attempting to remove debris and restore traffic. The recent (2nd-October-2024) natural disaster has killed 228 people, left 25 missing and 58 injured whole in the county. Rain has hampered an 1100 MW hydropower project. Rishiram Tiwari, spokesperson for the Home Ministry, stated that 13,071 persons have been evacuated from flood-affected areas, and search, rescue, and assistance efforts have been begun. Those impacted have been given relief materials, such as food, and the injured are obtaining free medical care. Travelers ought to prepare for ongoing delays and possible challenges throughout their journey. 

From today (October 16, 2024), the main highways are opening for night shift and day both. Now, the roads have access to the capital city, Kathmandu. You can drive to Pokhara, Biratnagar, Jhapa, Surkhet, Biratnagar, Bhairawa, Salleri, Thamdanda, Bhairawa, Dhangadhi,Thamdanda, Besishahar, Jomsom, Manang, Gorkha, Mustang, Nepalganj, etc. As this is almost Dashain festival time, many people are driving back to home for huage celebration, so there is more traffic on the drive.  Please plan your schedule according to your further match for your journey.

Q. Is the road Kathmandu to Salleri and Lukla at Thamdanda re-opened (date on October 16, 2024) after a flood hazard occurs? 

Good News! It is glad to inform you that the road to Thamdanda near Lukla is reopening today (16th-October 2024). The usual road to access Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu via Salleri is in good condition after fixing the B.P. Highway road, Khurkot at Sindhuli, where the road was severely affected after record-breaking' rainfall on 27th-September.

Currently, the cost for sharing a Jeep is about USD 50 to 70 per person, all the way to Paiya (8 to 9 hours to Salleri and 6 to 7 hours to Paiya).

As a result, there are three different jeeps that can split the Kathmandu to Lukla drive into three parts.

1. Drive Kathmandu to Salleri for 8 to 9 hours Or Kathmandu to Jubing: -11 to 12 hours
2. Salleri to Jubing: -4 to 4 ½ hours 
3. Jubing to Paiya: -2 to 2 ½ hours 

*Note: Some Jeeps drive directly from Kathmandu to Jubing and change next Jeeps to Thamdanda from there. And some make three parts: Kathmadnu to Salleri, one Jeep, then Salleri to Jubing, the second Jeep, and the third Jeep; Jubing to Thamdanda depend on the number of passengers and time.

The road from Thamdanda to above Luka is under construction and becomes muddy at raining time. The Jeep goes only to the Thamdanda. From there, it takes 4 to 5 hours to walk to the Lukla. 

So, as road conditions to Salleri, I would like to suggest you start Everest Base Camp Trek from Jiri or drive further to Bhandara, Kinja, Junbesi, via Lamjura La Pass (3,530 m) and then Thamdanda for the drive option. This drive will also take about two days to get to Thamdanda and Lukla. 

If you need any further information regarding the Kathmandu to Lukla/Paiya bus or jeep services or back to Kathmandu, feel free to contact us anytime. We do our best for you by doing what we can do from our side. 

Likewise, if you are looking to hire a guide (USD 25 per day) and a porter (USD 23 each day) from Lukla to save on the flight and driving costs of a guide and porter, we are here to assist you anytime. Similarly, to buy Lukla flight tickets and to organize trekking permits for the Everest Base camp trek, especially in restricted areas, we at Nepal Mother House are more than happy to assist you. Please feel free to message us on WhatsApp or drop an email. Here we are more than happy to assist you.