Getting to/from the Trailhead:
Jiri: If beginning your EBC trek at the traditional starting point of Jiri (170 km from Kathmandu) you will most likely arrive by bus or by private vehicle (car/van). Buses to Jiri depart from the Old Bus Station in Kathmandu a 20 minute walk south of Thamel off Durbar Marg & Adwait Marg. The old bus station is chaotic and it can be difficult to find the stand that sells bus tickets to Jiri. The outside station has several stands in an upside down U shape selling bus tickets to various locations in Nepal. We bought bus tickets to Jiri from a stall in the back/middle part of the station. However if confused, go to a stall and ask a local to point you in the correct direction. In October, 2013 bus tickets from Kathmandu-Jiri cost 1000 Rs per person. Purchase bus tickets at least 1-2 days ahead of your scheduled departure (more for popular routes to Annapurna region) and try to leave as early as you can in the morning. The 170 km bus trip can take 8-10 hours and will be packed with locals sitting in the aisle and on top of the bus. If concerned about motion sickness they hand out plastic bags in case you get sick. The bus makes a lunch and snack stop however be ready to sit for several hours on a cramped bus. Starting your trek in Jiri is worth the price to get there. Although you can take a bus as far as Shivalaya the road from Jiri-Shivalaya is in really bad shape and full of giant pot holes. So unless you enjoy a bone rattling extra 2 hour bus ride it's best to walk as you will be rewarded with green hills of Cardamon & banana's. Phaplu: Although infrequently used, some people fly from Kathmandu-Phaplu which allows you to skip the first 3 days of the classic EBC route and join the trail in Junbesi or Ringmo. However flights are infrequent & you will miss out on the previous sections which include highlights such as steep green terraced fields and lush forests. Lukla: Please ensure you have your return flight booked (hopefully in the early morning) before departing for your trek as, especially in the busy season you may be stuck in Lukla for days without a return flight. A majority of trekkers chose to fly into Lukla to begin their EBC adventure. Various airlines (Tara Air, Buddha Air, Nepali Airlines, Sita Air) fly in/out of Lukla. It is difficult to book tickets online outside of Nepal so it's best to know your dates of departure and book through a reputable travel/trekking agency in Nepal before you arrive. Advice: Book the earliest morning departure as clouds and weather tend to roll in around 12:00-13:00 effectively shutting down air travel. Reconfirm your flight from Lukla onwards the day before your departure & to be safe do so leaving from Kathmandu. You can reconfirm at airline offices or by visiting the Lukla airport or call the airline but this may not be very dependable. If departing from Lukla-Kathmandu arrive at the airport at least 1 1/2 hours early so they do not give your seat away. If you desire to change your date/time of departure from Lukla bring your guide or hotel owner/staff from your Lukla hotel to help you negotiate with the airline at the Lukla airport. Just make sure to tip the guide or hotel staff helping you out. Although flying into Lukla cuts off 7-10 days and is "convenient" you are missing local culture, authentic food, and incredible low alpine scenery and rural Nepali life. |