Everest Mani Rimdu Festival

• Kathmandu Airport to Mulkot (Taj Riverside Resort & Adventure): Overnight 

  Distance & Time: Mulkot is about 90-95 km east of Kathmandu. Driving time is approximately 3-3.5 hours by car. A direct pickup from the airport will be convenient.
• Taj Riverside Resort & Adventure: This resort is located on the BP Highway (Banepa-Bardibas Road) in Mulkot, Sindhuli. It seems to be a popular stopover with good reviews for its facilities and location by the river. It offers amenities like a swimming pool, laundry, and Wi-Fi, and recreational activities like rafting.

• Mulkot to Surkhekhola (Day 2):

  • Duration: "7-8 hours by Jeep" is a significant drive, indicating a remote and potentially challenging road. This part of the journey will likely be on unpaved or rough roads.

  • Surkhekhola: This is a less common starting point for the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek compared to Lukla. It's often used for treks that start lower down and avoid the Lukla flight.

• Surkhekhola to Phakding Village (Next day):

  • Trekking from Surkhekhola: This is the beginning of your trek. From Surkhekhola, you'll join the classic EBC trail.

  • Surkhekhola to Phakding: Based on common itineraries that start from Salleri or Phaplu (which are in the same general area as Surkhekhola, further south than Lukla), the trek to Phakding from these lower regions can take a full day or more. Some itineraries indicate a drive to Surkhe and then a trek to Phakding, which can be 6-7 hours of walking. It's important to confirm the exact starting point at Surkhekhola and the expected trekking time to Phakding to ensure it's a realistic "next day" plan, especially if it involves a long and strenuous trek.

• Everest Trek (15-16 Days):

  • This is a standard duration for the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, allowing for proper acclimatization. A typical EBC trek involves reaching Phakding, then Namche Bazaar, and gradually ascending to higher altitudes with rest days for acclimatization.

• Return via Surkhekhola to Kathmandu if weather is bad:

  • Flexibility: This is a crucial "Plan B." If Lukla flights are grounded due to bad weather (a common occurrence, especially during peak season or monsoon shoulder seasons), having a vehicle waiting in Surkhekhola provides an alternative exit route.

  • Transportation from Surkhekhola to Kathmandu: While there isn't much direct information on transportation from Surkhekhola to Kathmandu, general transportation from the lower Solukhumbu region (like Salleri) involves jeeps or local buses. The drive back to Kathmandu would likely be long (potentially 10-12+ hours from Surkhekhola, possibly involving transfers) and on varying road conditions. It's not as quick or comfortable as a flight from Lukla.

Pros of this Option:

• Avoids Lukla Flight Stress: The Lukla flight is notorious for delays and cancellations due to weather. This option bypasses that uncertainty for the start of your trek.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Start: Beginning your journey from Mulkot and Surkhekhola offers a more unique and perhaps culturally immersive experience, allowing you to see more of rural Nepal before reaching the main trekking hub.

• Contingency Plan: The ability to trek back to Surkhekhola and drive to Kathmandu if Lukla flights are grounded provides a vital safety net for your return journey.

Cons and Considerations:

• Long and Potentially Uncomfortable Drives: The drives on Day 1 and especially Day 2 (Mulkot to Surkhekhola) will be long, potentially bumpy, and tiring, especially in a jeep on remote roads.

• Less Common Starting Point: Finding reliable information and potentially local guides/porters who are familiar with starting from Surkhekhola might require more specific planning with your trekking agency.

• Initial Trekking Days: The initial days of trekking from Surkhekhola to Phakding and then onwards will involve gaining elevation, and it might be physically demanding after the long drives. Ensure your itinerary allows for adequate acclimatization.

• Return Journey Time: If you have to trek back to Surkhekhola and drive, factor in at least 2 full days for travel back to Kathmandu. This will add time and cost to your overall trip.

• Weather Season: While September/October is generally considered peak trekking season with good weather, rainfall can still occur, especially in early September. The lower regions might experience more rain than higher up. Having waterproof gear is essential.

Recommendations:

1. Confirm Exact Locations: Clarify the exact drop-off point at Surkhekhola and the specific starting point of your trek to Phakding with your trekking agency. Understand the daily trekking hours for this initial section.

2. Jeep Comfort: Inquire about the type of jeep being used for the long drives. A comfortable, sturdy vehicle is crucial.

3. Porter/Guide Arrangements: Ensure your trekking agency has a clear plan for porters and guides meeting you in Surkhekhola and accompanying you for the entire trek.

4. Acclimatization: Double-check that the 15-16 day itinerary allows for sufficient acclimatization days, especially given the potentially rapid ascent in the initial trekking days. Standard EBC itineraries usually have acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche/Pheriche.

5. Emergency Procedures: Discuss emergency evacuation plans and communication methods with your trekking agency, especially since you'll be in more remote areas initially.

6. Packing: Given the varied terrain and potential for different weather, pack layers and ensure you have good waterproof gear for both trekking and the jeep journeys.

This option offers an adventurous and practical alternative to the traditional Lukla flight. Just be prepared for the extended travel time by road and ensure all logistical details are clearly confirmed with your tour operator.