Kathmandu to Lukla by Road – PAIYA DAILY BUS AND JEEP SERVICE

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If you are looking for how to reach Lukla without flying then Kathmandu to Lukla by Road is the best way to reach Everest Base Camp in minimum time by road with a low budget. Compared to the popular Lukla flight, this cost-effective option gives a sense of financial security. 

Lukla Airport was established in 1964 by Mr. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. With a 527 m (1,729 ft) × 30 m (98 ft) runway layout, it is one of the world’s most prestigious airports is surrounded by landscape architecture, and is known as the world’s plane the most dangerous position of the year.

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the easiest ways along with a flight from Ramechaap; A one-way flight usually takes about 30 minutes and 17 minutes respectively. The flight is relatively quick. Keep in mind that there may be weather delays on this route; Be sure to include extra dates in your itinerary just in case.

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Sometimes passengers are not ready for the big transport flight to Lukla. No worries! There are plenty of other options for changing their plan or simply traveling from Jiri or Salleri, with extra days. But now the roads to Bupsa and Kharikhola make it easier for trekkers who want to avoid flying to Lukla and not spend extra penny trekking Everest.

How can you reach Kathmandu to Lukla by Road?

Can you drive to Everest Base Camp? This is the question again posed by trekkers who will be visiting Mount Everest. Due to weather conditions, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are scheduled; Travelers are looking for the shortest alternative to the center of Mount Everest. Therefore, a road from Kathmandu to Lukla was gradually built to connect the city and provide easy access to the top of the world. Regular buses/jeeps are now used from the capital Kathmandu to reach Salleri, the provincial headquarters of Solukhumbu, and it takes about 9 to 10 hours to drive on the 266.9-km BP highway

While this road trip is long, it gives a sense of safety and security compared to flying based on weather. And then you can drive further to Andheri, Kaharikhola, Bupsa, Thamdandaon, and Paiya on the same day. However, road conditions from Andheri to Kharikhola, Thamdanda, and Paiya depend on the weather on that day. Remember to check the weather in the area before you go.

Since this is sometimes a steep road and rain and snow can hamper driving, you need to be well prepared while driving this road and there are no direct buses and jeeps to Lukla at the moment. However, the government is working fast to complete the Chhori Kharka road. After completing the Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp route, the best option for a traveler for the Mount Everest Base Camp trek is a short flight to Lukla or a full day drive from Kathmandu to Lukla In the future, they will go directly by bus, or jeep from Kathmandu to Lukla on the way.

How do you get to Lukla without a flight?

There are many trekking routes where you can escape Mount Everest by road by way of the road from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Route 1:

Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri(Bhandara), and take the usual trekking route to Everest Base Camp. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa had made a remarkable journey over this route to Everest.

Route 2:

For Kathmandu, take the blacktopped road to Salleri on BP Highway for about 9 to 10 hours, then drive to Kathmandu via Andheri, Kharikola, Bupsa, Hum Danda, and Paiya to Lukla Road and then, road to Lukla for day koro travel. The trek was named after the trek from Salleri to Everest Base Camp.

Route 3:

Drive to Dharan toTumlingtar, then trek to Salpa Pass, the Aruna Valley trek, and the Bung route to Lukla, which takes 6 to 7 days to Lukla. Although this route is not that popular some trekkers choose this route due to its remarkable adventure.

Kathmandu to Lukla (Kaharikhola and Bupsa, Thamdanda, Paiya) route distance:

The total distance between Kathmandu and Lukla is 366.9 km. First take the BP Highway (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Bhakundebesi, Nepalthok, Dumja, Khurkot, nicknamed Mid Hill Lok Road and reach Ghurmibazar, the exit point of Sagarmatha (Everest) and Halesi Dham ( Martika).

Kathmandu to Salleri distance = 266.9 km

Distance from Salleri to Lukla = 100 km (Distance from Salleri to Andheri = 40 km, Andheri to Kharikola/Bupsa = 30 km, Bupsa to Lukla/Chaurikharka = 30 km).

The road from Khurkot to Salleri is called the Everest Express Road because of its breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kranglung, Gaurishankar, Thamserku, Amadablam and Makalu.

Distance from Salleri-Selgudi-Kharikhola to Thamdanda =63 km.

How many hours does it take to drive from Kathmandu to Lukla by road (Paiya)?

Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Salleri is also one of the most reliable ways to the Everest base camp trek and you can turn down for Lukla flight. It usually takes 13 to 15 hours from Kathmandu to Lukla (Paiya); The jeep leaves between 4:30 and 5:00 am and reaches Paiya in the evening between 8 and 9 p.m.  However, depending on traffic congestion and also road conditions, as per our customer feedback and personal experience, sometimes the Tata Sumo jeep takes 1st phase and 2nd phase from Kathmandu to Salleri takes alone 9 hours up to 10 driving by four-wheel drive Jeep (in rainy season), and from Salleri / Phaplu to Paiya takes 6-7 hours.

Suppose your running time takes longer than expected for a variety of reasons. In that case, riding in a jeep while enjoying natural beauty and scenery is nothing but an expensive license. Just wait until the last drive. It is important to keep in mind that roads are still under construction. Direct bus and jeep services to Lukla are expected in the future. But you will find Private and Jeep Service to Lukla.

The distance between Kathmandu and Salleri is approximately 266.9 km by road. Recently, a bridge over the Dudhkoshi River has been made connecting the road between Solu and Khumbu in the Everest Region, which was inaugurated on 21st- November 2020. This will take 5 hours of off-road driving (38 km) from the regional headquarters to the new road opening from Salleri to Dudhkoshi Bridge They go to the city. The jeep is a 10 km drive to Thamdanda, the last stop at Paiya (2,730m).

From there, you can walk to Lukla for 2 to 3 hours. Roads have also been rapidly constructed from the villages of Paia and Surke. It appears to have been delivered to Lukla and Chauri Kharka on the same day as the Kathmandu drivers the following year. From Bupsa/Thamdanda to Lukla, the next 38 km. The 10 km stretch to Paiya has been completed and it is 27 km to connect Lukla. The local government plans to complete this portion of the road in 2 years. It would take 15 to 16 hours to complete the Lukla route by car from Kathmandu.

There is a daily jeep service from Kathmandu to Salleri. The jeep left between 4:30 am and 5:00 am from the Chabahil Chowk bus stand, which is an eight to nine-hour drive to Salleri.  From Kathmandu to Faplu/Salleri jeep is 25 USD to 35 USD per person***. On June 14 the cost was NPR.3,700 per person ticket from Kathmandu to Salleri. Jeep costs fluctuate based on current fuel prices. The Jeep can take in up to eight passengers. If you are a group of 5 to 6 people or want to travel privately, it will cost 350 USD to 450 USD to reserve a jeep to park on your own. 

***Note: Jeep prices are not fixed and may change depending on fuel costs and festivals. The cost is usually between 25 and 35 USD per person. However, during the festive period (Dashain, Tihar, etc.), the price will be around US$1. $35 to U.S. dollars. $90 because no passengers from Salleri.

Is there a Direct Jeep Available From Kathmandu To Lukla by road (Paiya)?

Lukla is usually reached directly from Kathmandu via the Paiya road. However, jeeps can sometimes take a long time to reach the final destination (paiya), due to traffic and road conditions. Then, they can stop at Salleri or Kharikhola for the night. Driving to Paiya the next day from 10 am to 12 pm, the jeep will reach Paiya and then go to Lukla(Chauri Kharka) which takes 2 – 3 hours. Driving off-road in the middle of the night would not be a good idea and would pose safety concerns on a mountainous road.  

Can we Drive to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu directly?

Yes, you can take the road from Kathmandu to Lukla to Mt Everest Base Camp. But you can’t drive directly to Everest Base Camp. you must trek for 9 days from Lukla to Everest Base camp. The Everest Express Highway from Salleri to Lukla is well-constructed although being a bit rocky and muddy.

As per the suggestions of locals and tourism officials, the road will not be extended beyond Lukla-Chaurikhara. So, imagine you are thinking of driving from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp. If that happens it is impossible, because the road is not wide enough for vehicles as there is only a trekking route starting from Lukla. But you can make Everest Base Camp Trek by Road an unforgettable experience. Just past Salleri headquarters in Solukhumbu, Kathmandu can be taken to Kharikhola, Bupsa, Thamdanda, and Paiya.

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

Lukla to Mt. Everest Base Camp is pretty close, but due to the high altitude difference, you need to settle well before getting there. It takes 9 days to reach Everest Base Camp(EBC) from Lukla (Chaurikharka). This includes two rest days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche respectively.

How much do Kathmandu to Lukla/Paiya Jeep Cost?

For your convenience, regular jeeps are available from Kathmandu to Paiya. These sightseeing vehicles leave every morning and take about 15 to 16 hours. Jeep fares from Kathmandu to Lula by road (paiya) range from USD 50 USD to 70 USD per person** if you need to hire service and Thamel a. 

If you are traveling in a group of 5 to 7 people, it is cost-effective to take a private jeep service. Private jeep price to Paiya would be around USD 650 to 750 as there is no direct jeep from Kathmandu to Paiya, so you have to change jeep from Solu in Salleri, a Bolero Jeep (6 seater=1+2+2); owned by the same company ). So, you don’t have to worry about finding a new Jeep yourself. Tata Sumo Jeep(9 seater=1+4+4) leaves between 4:30 am to 5 pm, from Kathmandu and reaches Paiya between 8 pm and 6 pm.

**Note: Jeep prices are subject to change based on fuel costs and festivals. Costs are usually in US dollars. USD 50 to USD 70 per person. However, during festive seasons (Dashain, Tihar, etc.), the rate can increase to USD 90- USD 100 because no passengers return from Thamdanda. The Jeep will have 8 to 10 setters including the driver.

*Note: We do not charge a service fee if you visit our office and want to go to the Jeep counter; We believe in the “Law of Attraction.”  Together we will direct you to the Jeep counter. Jeep tickets cost the same whether you buy them yourself over the counter or with us.

Why does the Jeep cost to Lukla/Paiya differ from the Jeep’s Counter in Kathmandu?

I’m glad you asked questions. You say it right! It’s true!! The price of a jeep to Lukla/Paiya is different from the price at the jeep counter. You can go to the Jeep counter and buy your ticket; It costs around Rs. 4,500 to 5,000 per person. However, most jeeps don’t offer to pick service in Thamel during the next morning journey from Kathmandu to Lukla to Paiya.

Similarly, to buy a jeep ticket, you have to take a taxi to the jeep counter (costs 500 to 1000) and then take the next taxi (costs 500 to 1000) to your hotel in Thamel, as your day next to take a taxi at 3:00 am the next morning You have to take a jeep (1000 to 1500 rupees per night fare). So, you can calculate the price and how the Jeep price differs from the Counter.

Where you want to buy tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla/Paiya Jeep, on your own, or through an agency is up to you. If you buy tickets with an agent, you’ll save quite a bit of time. During that time you can visit some of the famous world heritage sites in Kathmandu or relax with your friends or loved ones at the tourist center of Thamel The office will provide you with jeep tickets and arrangements to pick you up from Thamel morning. No need to worry about finding a taxi to the jeep counter. We at Flights to Lukla also offer jeep tickets from Kathmandu to Salleri from Salleri to Lukla/Paiya on request.

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

Planning a trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest? Getting Lukla flight tickets may be tough. Consider riding from Kathmandu to Lukla when you have greater days to spare. This will assist in acclimatizing your body and boom the probabilities of a a hit trip. Flights to Lukla offer loose assistance in organizing a Jeep/Bus to Lukla. We accept this as true within the Law of Attraction and aim to offer assistance before looking forward to any in return. Flights to Lukla’s intention is to be a mirror reflecting the facts.

How Often Does Jeep Leave for the Salleri/Paiya/Lukla from Kathmandu Every Day?

Rest assured, 8 to 10 Tata Sumo jeeps leave for Lukla/ Salleri daily, providing reliable service. These jeeps start their journey in the morning between 4:30 am and 6 am to accommodate longer trips. The jeep will also pick you up at your hotel in Thamel. If you want to drive later in the day, local (shared jeep) service may not be available. But if you rent a jeep, you can go whenever you need to. The number of Jeep passengers ranges from 8 to 9, providing a comfortable ride.

Is a Direct Jeep From Kathmandu to Lukla by road Available

The jeep does not go directly to Lukla but to Paia. It takes 2 – 3 hours trek to reach Lukla from Paiya. To get to Lukla, go to Salleri/Phaplu and then change to another jeep to Paiya. If you have already paid for the jeep hire to Lukla, the staff will arrange a transfer to another jeep free of charge. If you can’t make it to Paiya in one day, stay overnight in Phaplu and arrange with a jeep driver to take you back to Paiya the next day. Confirm with the driver when and where you will be. Remember to save the driver’s contact number, or you can simply contact us at 9803000422.

What is the Current Situation (June 24 -2024) of Kathmandu to Lukla by Road? Can we Drive to Paiya Now?

Currently, the weather in Nepal is dry and cloudy, with occasional rains in the evening. Jeeps can easily navigate the blacktop road to Salleri/Phaplu and the steep roads to Kharikola. However, beyond Kharokhola/Thamdanda, there may be challenges due to muddy roads from new construction during heavy rains or snowfall. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to walk from Kharikola to Paiya. Recently, we arranged jeep tickets for 5 passengers for the Everest Gokyo Lake trek from Germany to Paia.

The cost is between $50 and $70 per person because of fuel costs. Nowadays, Paiya, about 10 km from Thamadanda, can be reached comfortably by jeep. From there, it takes about 2 to 3 hours on foot to reach Lukla/Chaurikharka. Additional travel dates are advised in the event of inclement weather beyond our control.

Concern for Road Connectivity to Lukla for Trekkers and Local People

With trekkers looking for a shorter alternative to trekking at Everest Base Camp, driving from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp is one of the best options. Roads play an important role in the economic development of the country and are known as the backbone of the economy. People get better education, better health care, and road transport. The road to Lukla has become the best way to improve the lives of the Solukhumbu community.

It connects the lower Sholukhumbusolu with the upper Khumbu by the road from Kathmandu to Lukala. Solu people can easily sell their agricultural products. The people of Khumbu were able to buy all the goods at reasonable prices because previously they had to rely on air transportation to deliver all goods, materials, or carriers

Some reasons why the roads to Lukla are important

You can get there anytime, you don’t have to pray for good weather, while flights to Lukla sometimes take a few days and more than a week.

  • The Everest base camp trip is affordable; Before, you had to pay around $400 per head from Kathmandu to Lukala to Kathmandu. You can still reach Lukla for 50 to 70 USD after completing the route. Goods can be supplied by road, and consequently, everything becomes more affordable to locals once road connectivity is created.
  • The number of domestic and international tourists will increase after road connectivity due to affordable fares and the lack of barriers to starting the trip as per your schedule and coming back from the trip. Everest Base Camp can be visited at a certain time.
  • From Kathmandu on a day trip, you don’t need to pack up in Lukla for a few days, a week or so.
  • Lukla’s relief from flying. Flights to Lukla can be delayed from a day to several days, weeks, and weeks due to bad weather.
  • This approach will empower communities, facilitate access to local products in the market, and generate income for communities.
  • Foreign currency is easily earned through tourism activities, sales and numerous employment opportunities.
  • Create more jobs in agriculture and expand jobs.
  • Help reduce poverty and improve local social, health, education, communications, and economic services.
  • Pedestrians may avoid traveling elsewhere due to weather concerns. You can drive from Kathmandu to Lukla by road.

Why the Kathmandu to Lukla by Road Route Not Expanded Across Lukla?

Road ways are essential for the development of the country. It helps improve basic needs such as health, education, nutrition, water, sanitation, and shelter. This approach is necessary to empower communities by providing access to each level. The route to Lukla and Chaurikharka is not disagreeable, but Sagarmatha National Park starts from Manjo. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Since 1979. The road in the national park cannot be extended for proposed commerce to preserve the World Heritage Site and Khumbu depends on tourist hospitality, especially footpaths and trails so walking. At the same time, they are gone.

We had to realize that the most popular Annapurna Circuit trekking route in Manang and the Jomsom and Muktinath roads in Mustang disappeared after the construction of the roads, which was a bitter fact that the road obstructed footpaths, and greatly affected the ecology and sacred culture Thus, the extended road to Lukla would destroy the walkway. Tourism activist Nepal Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has pointed out the local government’s decision not to extend the trail further from Lukala to attract tourists to the Khumbu area.

It is important to note that driving low-rise for a short period can be harmful to our health and increase the risk of illness at high altitudes. Our bodies need time to adjust to such high altitudes so that it is best to start the Everest trek from Lukla.

The road connection is predicted to improve the flow of domestic and global tourists in the Everest Region, significantly benefiting Nepal’s economy. The road will make it easier for the people who fly to Lukla in case of flight obstacles. Locals no longer have to oblige to take the flight to attain the neighboring districts.

Previously, due to awful weather, travelers remained stacked at Lukla Airport for a few days to many days. The road to Lukla has become the best way for all solutions to ride out from such a weather-concern situation. The extension of the road connections right up to the foothills of Everest at Lukla and Chaurikharka is predicted to reduce the price of regular meals and various daily essentials. As a result, budget trekkers also can dream to afford to visit the EBC trek.

Is Kathmandu to Lukla(Paiya) Jeep Drive Comfortable? 

The Kathmandu to Lukla (Paiya) off-road drive will be your lifetime experience as part of this Journey. The journey has 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 quite comfortable in TATA Sumo with 8/9 passengers and a driver seat. 4 passengers are in the back, 4 are in the middle, and 1 is next to the driver, with 9 Passengers plus the driver.

So, sometimes there would be no space like a comfortable car/bus drive, so you need to be ready to drive in squeezed conditions or buy double seats for your adventure trip to Lukla.

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 share a helicopter. Currently, you have the only option to either take a long drive to Lukla (Paiya) or take a regular flight to Lukla. Kindly, do a proper calculation of the schedule and evaluation of money and decide according to your comfort zone. 

Likewise, suppose you are looking for an EBC trek in the shortest time or a comfortable journey to Lukla. In that case, you are advised to take a regular flight to Lukla (USD 180- 217 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 you have.

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

As this is a long journey in the mountains, taking motion/car sick medicine and a medical mask is advised. Take with you some snacks and a bottle of water if you are stuck in a traffic Jam or the road is blocked. Wear comfortable clothes; do not wear tight clothes. Make sure that you have Nepali currency. If you do not have Nepali currency in Kathmandu, you can exchange it in the mountains; however, the rate will be shallow in the hills.

Can I buy a shared Jeep ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla by Road (Paiya)?

We are also a trekking tour agency in Nepal. So, we do not sell Jeep tickets to Lukla directly. Be assured that we won’t charge you extra for our assistance. However, we can help you with your request to book Kathmandu to Lukla by road(Paiya )tickets corporate with a Jeep person. For this, please feel free to contact us anytime at Flights to Lukla at this Number: +977 9803000442Arjit Gautam by ViberWhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.

How Can I Buy Jeep Tickets in Advance Before Reaching Nepal? I’ll be staying for a couple of nights in Thamel.

You could buy Jeep tickets in advance before getting to Nepal, sending your name details, passport/ Passport copyLukla driving dateNumber of passengers, and online advance payments by Card for Jeep requiring Seat. However, there is a regular Jeep service regularly during trekking season. You can contact to buy tickets at our office after arrival. Contact us one day before your departure, and we will provide the Jeep ticket. We at Flights to Lukla are glad to organize according to your requirements. 

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

You don’t have to visit our office (Flights to Lukla) to purchase Jeep tickets. As I mentioned above, you can book Jeep tickets online using your cards and send a copy of your passport by email or WhatsApp. While paying by card, a 4% charge will be added to the ticket cost. Please confirm that you will pay the required amount for tickets before 5 to 6 PM as soon as possible to secure the jeep seat for the following day. Otherwise, we cannot make reservations for the Seat after the ward. If you cannot buy tickets, please get in touch with us on mobile. We are here, ready to help you with every other possibility. 

Can I buy a jeep ticket (around USD 70) that will take me from Kathmandu to Salleri and then switch to another jeep to drive to Paiya (Lukla)?

Yes, you are right. The cost of the jeep is 50 to 70 USD per person for one way, but the cost will change a bit less or more according to Global and national fuel prices and special festivals and events. Regarding that, you need to switch to another Jeep to drive Paiya Village, you already paid for the Paiya. So, the driver or conductor will guide you to the other jeep for you after you get to Phaplu/Salleri. 

Are tea houses/hotels available in Paiya (jeep’s last stop)?

Well, this is the most crucial question every traveler is looking for accommodation for overnight after a long adventure Jeep ride from Kathmandu to Lukla by road.  Paiya Village is the last  Jeep station on the way to Lukla. Before, the jeep cukd reach only to the Thamdanda, which is a 45-minute to 1 hour of hiking distance above the Bupsa Danda. The road crossed the Bupsa Danda and below the Paiyan (2,730m)/Chheubas. Previously, you had to spend one and a half hours to two hours for the Puiyan/Paiya.

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

What Time will I Expect to Reach Paiya if I Leave from Kathmandu in the Earliest Possible Jeep (say 3:30 a.m.)?

Usually, it takes 15 to 16 Hours from Kathmandu to Lukla (Paiya); the jeep leaves at 4:30 to 6:00 a.m. and will reach Paiya in the evening between 7 to 8 p.m

Is Driving Kathmandu to Paiya/Salleri Safe?  Have any of your clients been involved in any bad experiences?

Alright! Paiya Drive is very safe on the road from Kathmandu to Lukla; Given driving experience over the last few years, it is safe to drive up to Phaploo/Salleri and Thamdanda/Paia. But most of the road outside of Salleri is on rugged mountainous terrain. The drivers are very skilled all the way, and they service the Jeep frequently. And check out the Jeep every time you leave. Let’s just think positively, and then everything comes alright. Believe in the “adayi” Don’t think negatively and say too much; The cosmic waves subside for us. Think good will be GOOD. 

Will we be Picked up at Thamel Marg by the Jeep? 

Due to traffic rules, the jeep will pick you up from a specific location in Thamel. They will pick you up from the Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh Building at Tridevi (TriDevi/ deities Temple)Sadak, Thamel, Kathmandu (Himalayan Bank, at Kaemp 8848 –Nepali Worldwide Branded trekking gears 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 the hotel location in Google Maps, your Room number,  and your contact number (Nepali Mobile number/WhatsApp/Viber/IMO any of them) to us, where we can contact you if needed. 

What is the Cost of One Ticket?

If you are looking to share a jeep with Paiya, the cost is normally 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 because there will be no passengers back from Paiya. There will be 8 to 10 passengers including you in a Jeep.

What time does the Jeep Leave Kathmandu / Ktm Every Day?

All the Jeeps leave early in the morning from 4:00 to 6:00 AM every day due to long journeys. However, we will inform you the previous evening of your departure and inform you the time of jeep departure from Thamel. Due to traffic rules, the public jeep is not allowed to be picked up from the hotel, so there are some specific places to pick up passengers in Lukla.

Search for these landmarks on your map;  Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh Building at Tridevi  Sadak, Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, (Himalayan Bank, at Kaemp 8848 ) and the the Metropolitan Police Circle gate, Paknajol Marg, Sorhakhutte.  These are some e central pick places for the Kathmandu to Lukla Jeep before the departure. 

If you make the reservation for a Jeep as private, they will come to pick you up from your hotel. To facilitate this, you need to share your hotel location on Google Maps with us. Here’s how you can do it: [provide step-by-step instructions]. Once we have your location, the jeep will come to your hotel to pick you up. If the Jeep does not arrive in time, you can call my Mobile Number (+977-9803000442 WhatsApp/Viber/Imo/) or provide the contact number of the Jeep driver or Jeep person along with the Jeep Tickets. 

Is Kathmandu to Lukla Drive Guaranteed?

Your ultimate satisfaction is always our priority, as you are going to exchange the trip with your valuable time and budget. It is guaranteed that the Kathmandu to Lukla by road Jeep drive to Lukla (at Paiya)is available every morning. However, your trip might be rescheduled if any obstacles beyond our control occur during this day, such as a political crisis, natural calamities like landslides or floods, or health concerns. We believe you will understand this phenomenon if it happens, although we never expect it.

Can we suffer from Altitude Sickness on Jeep Drive to Paiya/Lukla? 

Drive Kathmandu to Paiya (2,730m) is becoming a popular alternative access to the Lukla and further to Everest Base Camp Trekking. During this journey, you will not be getting to high altitude. According to our client’s feedback, no one had suffered from altitude sickness while driving there till now. However, this is a very long drive in the mountains mostly off-road, so, you are suggested to take with you motion sick/Carsick medicine and a bottle of drinking water, and need to be patient. Here are some potential health concerns during the journey

Around Which Time the Jeep will Probably arrive at Lukla(Paiya)?

Usually, it takes 13 to 15 Hours from Kathmandu to Lukla by road (Paiya), The jeep leaves at 4:00 to 5:30 am and gets to Paiya in the evening from 8 to 9 PM.

However, it depends on the day traffic across the route and road conditions too. According to our client’s feedback and our own experience, on an unlucky day, 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 wheelers Jeep. If drive time takes longer than you expected due to numerous reasons, all you can do is sit in the jeep enjoying nature and landscape scenery. Just wait until the last driving point. Here are some potential delay causes.

Can we get a round-trip jeep ticket to guarantee passage back to Kathmandu from Paiya? And if not, how exactly can we return to Kathmandu? Can we reserve a Jeep ticket ahead of time

Yes, a drive from Kathmandu to Paiya and back to Kathmandu with sharing a Jeep is available. Here’s how you can get a round-trip jeep ticket. As we are a Government Registered Trekking Agency, we tell you what we can do. I mean it is sure, you can drive to the Paiya in good weather. But sometimes if it is raining or snow falls, the jeep won’t go all the way to Paiya due to the newly constructed road. 

Similarly, you can get Jeep tickets from Paiya/Lukla to Kathmandu. Be sure to buy Jeep tickets back to Kathmandu beforehand. Here’s how you can do it. Or you may ask the locals of Paiya on the spot also, they will show you the Jeep counter to buy tickets to drive back to Kathmandu. If you need any help, we at Flights to Lukla are glad to assist you. 

Regarding Jeep ticket reservations to Lukla/Paiya, we only make reservations a few days before your travel date. Here’s how you can make a reservation: We do our best to secure your reservation, but please note that availability is subject to change. 

Can Jeep Drivers Speak English? How can I communicate to get a next Jeep to Lukla/Paiya from Salleri? 

Yes! The driver can understand and speaks basic English, like where you are going, and What time. etc. There will be some other passengers too who are driving to Lukla with you, if you need help saying something, you can request other Nepali passengers too. When you get to Salleri, just follow the driver from Kathmandu, he will introduce you to another driver/Jeep person to Lukla/Paiya. I am sure, many of the passengers will understand English. Or you can call us at +977 9803000442 and I will talk to the driver about the recent condition and tell you the details. Likewise, you may download the Language Translate mobile Apps.

Here are some recommended apps: [list of apps]. If you want to learn basic Nepalese words and phrases, it will help you a lot to talk with locals along the trek. We at Flights to Lukla sort out Some Useful Tips for First-time trekkers in Nepal and mention Useful Nepali Words And Phrases to know basic and important things. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any additional information or assistance regarding the Kathmandu to Lukla/Paiya Bus/Jeep services or the return journey to KathmanduWe are here to support you and ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.