Daily Bus and Jeep Service from Kathmandu to Lukla: Private and Shared Options Available
Daily Bus and Jeep Service from Kathmandu to Lukla: Private and Shared Options Available
May 31, 2023
Karna Rana
Kathmandu to Lukla Bus services is one of the easy accesses to get to Everest and the people of Khumbu to run their daily activities and trekkers who would like to wander in the Himalayan. This Road is the link between Kathmandu and the top of the world Mt. Everest is the backbone of tourism. Lukla is considered a getaway from Everest Base Camp Trek, during the peak season more than four hundred trekkers pass through the Luka to Everest Trek in a single day. The bus from Kathmandu to Lukla will break through the dependency of the Lukla flight, which was compiling to stock at Lukla for days due to weather obstacles.
Table of Contents
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 districts headquarter 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 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 Lukla is called Khumbu, it is home to Mt. Everest, some other famous peaks, and pannier legendary mountaineer Sherpa’s.
If you are searching, How to Get to Lukla without Flying, Kathmandu to Lukla by Road is the best option to get to Everest Base Camp in the shortest time road and for less amount money. Before Kathmandu to Luka Road, the trekkers were dependent on the Lukla flight. Lukla Airport was established in 1964, initiation by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norge Sherpa, 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 way.
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 would like to visit Mt Everest. Kathmandu to Lukla flight is conditional due to the weather circumstance; now trekkers 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 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 Kilometers BP Highway. And it is possible to drive further to Andheri, Kaharikhola, and Bupsa on the same day too. But the road condition from Andheri to Kharikhola/Bupsa is depended on that day's weather. As this is a rough road sometimes, the rain might be because of the obstacle of driving, so you need to well prepare while driving this road. Recently, there is not any direct bus available to Lukla but the government has been working rapidly to complete the road within two years. After completing Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Road, the trekker's well gate batter option for the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek is either to fly to Lukla or drive. In the future soon there will be direct bus services available from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Q. How to 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. Where 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, and Thamdanda then trek to Lukla for a day hike. The trek's Name is Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek.
Route 3:
Drive all the way to Dharan and Tumlingtar then walk to Lukla through the Salpa Pass named Aruna Valley Trek, Bung taking 6 to 7 days with real Nepalese rural area.
Q. Kathmandu to Lukla (Kaharikhola and Bupsa/Thamdanda) road distance:
The total distance from Kathmandu to Lukla/Khaorikharka Road is 366.9 Kilometers. First drive through the BP Highway (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Bhakundebesi, Mangaltar, Nepalthok, Dumja, Khurkot, Gyaaltar name as 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 Kilometer
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 Kilometer). 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 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 many hours does it take Kathmandu to Lukla (Kharikhola/Bupsa/Thamdanda) to drive?
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 12 to 14 Hours from Kathmandu to Lukla (Thamdanda), the jeep leaves at 4:30 to 5:00 am and gets to Thamdanda in the evening from 7 to 8 PM. However, it depends on traffic Jam 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 Thamdanda takes 6 to 7 hours by four wheelers Jeep. If drive time takes longer than you expected due to various causes, there is nothing rather than 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 blacktopped road. Recently the motorable bridge over the Dudhkoshi River was completed as a road to the link between Solu and Khumbu in Everest Region, which was inaugurated on Saturday 21st- November 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. From where you can get to Lukla by a 4 to 5 hours walk. The next 37 Km part of Bupsa/Thamdanda to Lukla is under Contraction, 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.
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 hours drive to Salleri. The cost of Kathmandu to Phaplu/Salleri Jeep is 35 USD to 55 USD per person***. Today (28 April 2022), we bought Kathmandu to Salleri Tickets 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 private travel 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 35 to 55 USD per person. However, during the festive season (Dashain, Tihar, etc,) the cost will be USD 55 to 65 dueto No passengers back from Salleri.
Q. Can you drive to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?
Are you wondering if to drive all the way to Mt. Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu too? Repeat the question, can you drive to Everest Base Camp? The road from Salleri to Lukla the name of 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 the drive to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu, it won’t be possible because the road does not extend beyond Lukla. But you can do Everest Base Camp Trek by Road as an unforgettable experience. Recently you could drive Kathmandu to Kharikhola and Bupsa via the Salleri headquarters of Solukhumbu.
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 as the 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 Itinerary 14 Days by Jeep Drive
Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Lukla/Thamdanda (2,326m) 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 hours
Day 02: Drive Salleri to Thamdanda -5 to 6 hours [Salleri to Andheri -3 hrs, Andheri to Thamdanda- 2 1/2 to 3 hrs]- trek to Piya - 40 minutes to 1 hour
Day 03: Trek Paiya to Phakding -7 to 8 hours]
Day 02: Trek Thamdanda to Phakding (2,640m) -7 to 8 hours – via Chaurikharka nearby Lukla -22 KM Day 03: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,430m) -5 to 6 hours -12 KM Day 04: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and visit Khumjung Village (3,790m), Everest View Hotel (3,880m) Day 05: Trek Namche Bazaar to Tangboche (3,867m) -5 to 6 hours -12 KM Day 06: Trek Tyangboche to Dingboche (4,410m) -5 to 6 hours -12.5 KM Day 07: Acclimatization day at Dingboche visit Nangkartshang Peak (5,616m)/ Chhukung/ Amadablam Base Camp Day 08: Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930m) -5 to 6 hours -8.5 KM Day 09: Trek Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140m) - 3 hours – 4.8 KM & Everest Base Camp (5,364m) -2 to 3 hours Day 10: Trek Gorakshep to Kalapathar (5,643m) -2 hours & Stroll back to Pheriche (4,240m) -5 to 6 hours -13.5 KM Day 11: Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,430m) -5 to 6 hours -25 KM Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Chaurikharka (2,694m) - 6 to 7 hours -18KM Day 13: Trek Chaurikharka to Thamdanda (2,326) – 4 to 5 hours -12KM
*Note: The sharing Jeep from Thamdanda to Kathmandu depends on passenger availability. Sometimes, not available direct to Kathmandu. You need to drive to Salleri ( morning 8 to 10 AM) and stay overnight at Salleri then drives back to Kathmandu the next morning. Day 14: Drive Thamdanda to Kathmandu by Jeep 366.9 Kilometer -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:
Q. What is the Jeep cost from Kathmandu to Lukla/Thamdanda?
There are regular Jeep services available from Kathmandu to Thamdanda. It gets to Thamdanda after 14 to 15 hours of scenic drive from Kathmandu, the jeep departure early in the morning every day. The Jeep fare from Kathmandu to Thamdanda is USD 45 USD to 65 USD per person**. Today on 28th April 2022, we bought Kathmandu to Thamdanda Jeep NPR. 4,500 per passenger. If you are already a group of 5 to 7 People, then best to make it private. The Private Jeep Charge to Thamdanda will be approximately USD 650 to 750. As there is no direct Jeep from Kathmandu to Thamdanda, you need to change jeeps from Solu to Salleri, by the same company. So, you don’t need to search for another Jeep by yourself. The Sumo Jeep leaves early in the morning around 4:30 to 5 O’clock from Kathmandu at Chabahil Chowk and gets to Thamdanda around 8 to 9 PM.
**Note: The Jeep cost is changeable depending on the cost of fuel and festivals. Normally the cost is 45 to 65 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 driver.
*Note: We are not taking any service charge, 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 buy them yourself at the Counter or buy with us compare.
Q. How can we help you with Kathmandu to Lukla Jeep Transport?
If you are looking to trek in the base camp of Mt. Everest "Mountain nowhere in the world", but very hard to get Lukla plane tickets at your desired time. Kathmandu to Lukla Drive would be the best option for you except for a few extra days needed. If you have additional days, then you may drive to Lukla (at Thamdanda: from where it takes a 4 to 5 hours walk to get to Lukla), this will help to acclimatize your body before getting to the destination, which will support make your trip successful. We at Nepal Mother House are more than happy to assist you to organize a Jeep/Bus to Lukla free of cost. 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.
Q. How often does Jeep leave for the Salleri/Thamdanda/Lukla every Day?
Well, normally there are 5 to 6 Tata Sumo Jeeps depart to the Lukla/ Salleri every day. All jeeps are leaves 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 passenger. 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 passengers follow and requirements. In a jeep, 8 to 9 people can accommodate.
Q. Is There is Direct Jeep Available From Kathmandu to Lukla?
First, you need to be clear, the jeep does not drive all the way to Lukla. The last driving point is called Thamdanda, from where you need to walk 4 to 5 hours to get to Lukla. For the familiar place, we are saying here Lukla instead of Thamdanda. Until now there is 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 need change to another Jeep to Thamdanda (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 Thamdanda 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 Thamdanda. At what time, does the Jeep leaves in the morning, and from where it goes?
Q. What is the current situation (Aug-2022) of Lukla Road? Can we drive all the way to Thamdanda Now?
Well, as this is the monsoon time in Nepal, mostly it is raining and moisture, sometimes it is a sunny day, but after evening it is raining too. So, the jeep drives through the blacktopped road to the Salleri/Phaplu and goes further to the Kharikhola through rough roads even during the rainy season. After the Kharokhola is not driveable due to muddy roads in new construction. It is a 2 to 3 hours walking distance from Kharikhola to Thamdanda. In the latest update today [24-Augest-2022], we have organized 2 passengers from Austria to the Kharikhola, who is heading to Everest Three Passes Trek. The cost of Jeep tickets is the same 45 USD to 65 USD per person due to the fuel price.
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 to develop 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 live hood of at Solukhumbu people. The road from Kathmandu to Lukla links the lower part of Sholukhumbu Solu and the Upper part of Khumbu. People of Sholu 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, do not need to pray for good weather whereas sometimes flying to Lukla stocked a few days to more than one week.
Less cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek; before need to pay about USD 400 per head for Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu airfare but after completing the road you can get to Lukla 45 to 65 USD by road. The goods and commodities can supply by road, as a result, all things will be affordable to locals after road connectivity.
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 due to unfavorable weather.
The road will empower the local people, easy access to local commodities in the market, and generate local income.
Easy way to earn foreign currency through Tourism activities, selling products,s, and 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 sector.
The trekkers do not need to divert to other destinations by weather concerns. You can drive to Lukla by Jeep.
Everest Base Camp Trek Video:
Q. Why? Not to expand the road across Lukla!
The road is the backbone of 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 to empower the local people by providing access to every sector. To build a road further to the 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 to National Park for the commercial, propose. 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 have to witness trekking trail after road constriction at the most Popular Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail at Manang and Jomsom Muktinath Trail at Mustang a bitter experience. The road not only vanishes trekking trails but also badly impacts the ecosystem and pure culture. So, the road expands up to Luka is too finished the trekking trail. The tourism entrepreneurs and Nepal Trekking Agent Association of Nepal (TAAN) have drawn attention to the local government, not extending the road further than Lukla as 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 more chance of suffering from altitude sickness. Our body needs more time to acclimatize to such high elevations, so trekking is only the best way to explore Everest Base Camp.
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 attain the neighboring districts. Previously, due to awful weather pressure travelers remain stocked at Lukla Airport for days to many days. The road to Lukla is the best way for all solutions. The extension of the road network right up to the foothills of Everest is predictable to reduce the price of meals and various daily essentials.
Q. Is Kathmandu to Thamdanda Jeep Drive Comfortable?
Kathmandu to Lukla (Thamdanda) off-road drive is itself your lifetime experience, as part of the journey. The journey itself adventure with many ups and down, which create challenges, obstacles, and perhaps even risks, but also the potential for learning, growth, and discovery. The drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda 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. Sometimes, if there is a big size passenger, he/she occupied more space. So, sometimes would be no space like a comfortable Car/Bus drive, you need to be ready to drive in squeezed conditions for your adventure trip on the top of the world.
If you are looking for luxury/comfortable travel, then this trip to the Himalayan is not for you, this won't meet your goal. Currently, you have the only option to either a long drive to Lukla (Thamdanda) or take a regular flight to Lukla. Kindly, calculate your time schedule and evaluation money and make a decision 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- 200 per person) or Sharing Helicopter 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/Kharikhola/Bupsa/Lukla from Kathmandu
As this is a long journey in the mountain, it is advised to take motion/car sick medicine and a medical mask. Take with you some snacks and a bottle of water if in case stocked in a traffic Jam or road blocked. Wear comfortable clothes, do not wear tight clothes. Make sure that have Nepali currency, if not exchanged in Nepali currency at Kathmandu. You can exchange in the mountains also, however, the rate will be very low in the mountain.
Q. Can I Buy Sharing Jeep Ticket to Thamdanda (Lukla) with yOu?
First, we are not an authorized agency to sell Jeep tickets. So, we are not selling Jeep tickets to the Thamdanda, however, we can help you with your request to book Kathmandu to Thaldanda (Lukla) tickets corporate with Jeep person. For this, please feel free to contact us anytime at Nepal Mother House at this Number +977-9841367853 –Karna Rana by Viber/ WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Massager, 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/ Passport copy, Lukla driving date, Number of passengers, and online advance payments by Card for Jeep requiring Seat. However, there is a regular Jeep service every day. You could buy it after arrival also 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 Thamdanda Jeep Ticket for the Next Morning? Can I pay in cash the Next Morning Direct 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 4% chargewill be added on top of the ticket cost. Please make confirmation pay requiring amount for tickets as soon as possible before 5 to 6 PMto secure the jeep seat for the next morning. Otherwise, we are not able to make reservations for the seat after. If you have any issues not able to buy tickets then feel free to contact me on mobile, I am here ready to assist you with other possibilities.
Q. Is it correct that I can buy a jeep ticket (around USD 60) which will take me from Kathmandu to Salleri and then switch to another jeep to drive on to Thamdanda?
Yes, you are right, the cost of the jeep is 45 to 65 USD per person for a single way, but the cost will change a bit less or more according to Global/and national fuel prices and special events and festivals also. Regarding the switch to another Jeep to drive Thamdanda; you already paid for the Thamdanda. So, the driver and conductor will arrange another jeep for you after getting to Phaplu.
Q. Is there Tea Houses/Hotels available at Thamdanda?
Well, this is the most important question every traveler is looking for accommodation for overnight staying after a long-long adventure Jeep ride. Currently, Thamdanda is the last station for the Jeep on the way to the Lukla, it is 45 minute to 1-hour walking distance above the Bupsa Danda. It means the road has crossed the Bupsa Danda and below the Puiyan (2,730m)/Chheubas. From the Thamdanda you need to walk for one and a half hours to two hours for the Puiyan. So, there is not any tea house or hotels available exact location of Thamdanda, you either need to stay at Bupsa Danda before getting to Thamdanda or need to walk to Puiyan.
Q. What time will I expect to reach Thamdanda if I leave from Kathmandu in the earliest possible jeep (say 4:30 am)?
Normally, it takes 15 to 16 Hours from Kathmandu to Lukla (Thamdanda), the jeep leaves at 4:30 to 5:00 am and gets to Thamdanda in the evening from 7 to 8 PM.
Q. Will you Come to Pick us up at Thamel Marg?
Yes! The jeep comes to your hotel to pick up you. You need to send us your hotel location in Google Maps, your Room number, contact number, and your personal contact number (Nepali Mobile number/WhatsApp/Viber/Imo any of them), where we can contact you if needed.
Q. What are the Costs for one Ticket?
If you are looking for sharing a jeep with the Thamdanda then, normally the cost is 45 to 65 USD per person. However, during the festival time and national special movement (Dashain, Tihar, Election, etc,) the cost will be USD 90 to 100due to No passengers back from Thamdanda. There will be 8 to 10 setters in a Jeep.
Q. When will the Jeep Leave KTM Every Day?
All the Jeeps leave in the morning from 4:30 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 come to your hotel. If the Jeep does not arrive in time then you can call my Mobile Number (+977-9841368753 -Karna: WhatsApp/Viber/Imo/Massamger) or provide the contact number of the Jeep driver or Jeep person along with the Jeep Tickets.
Q. Is Kathmandu to Lukla Drive Guaranteed?
As our profession, we are always concerned about your ultimate satisfaction, which you are going to exchange trip with your valuable money and precious time. It is guaranteed the Jeep drive to Lukla (at Thamdanda) from Kathmandu every day. In case, if suddenly any obstacles (such; as a political crisis, natural calamities such as landslides, floods, health concerns, etc. beyond our control) occur during this day. In this case, your trip might be rescheduled for the next day or the same day and sometimes it might take two days to get to Thamdanda. We believe you will understand this phenomenon if in case happened.
Q. Around which time the jeep probably would arrive at Kari La/Tham Danda/Bupsa?
Normally, it takes 12 to 14 Hours from Kathmandu to Lukla (Thamdanda), the jeep leaves at 4:30 to 5:30 am and gets to Thamdanda in the evening from 7 to 8 PM.
However, it depends on traffic Jam 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 Thamdanda takes 6 to 7 hours by four wheelers Jeep. If drive time takes longer than you expected due to various causes, there is nothing rather than great patented sitting in the jeep enjoying nature and landscape scenery. Just wait until the last driving point.
If you need any further information regarding the Kathmandu to Lukla Bus services or if you are looking forhiring Guides and porters from Lukla to save flight costs of them, we are here to assist you anytime. Please feel free to Contact Us anytime. Here; we are more than happy to assist you.
I hearty welcome to Nepal, known as the Kingdom of Himalayans and the roof of the World “Mt. Everest.” Nepal has been named a Heaven on Earth and is a wonder in the Himalayan. It is the Shangri-La, a cultural Museum, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, and the country of the living Goddess “Kumari.”
I am Karna Rana Trekking Tour Operator and Mountain Guide, specializing in Trekking, Tour, Travel in Nepal, Hiking in the Himalayan and other Outdoor Activities, Peak Climbing, Expedition, Adventure Trekking, Rafting, etc. applying my field expiring in 2000. Meanwhile, I have completed my Master’s degree in Rural Development (2016) from Tribhuvan University of Kathmandu, Nepal’s leading educational institution. I have been applying my field experience in tourism, especially in remote areas of the country, for sustainable eco-tourism for local empowerment. I enjoyed writing my blog own word sharing my travel experience in the Himalayan, aiming to provide the right information and help to the Nepal Traveler.
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