The Everest Hillary Caravan Trek is a 14-day moderate camping trek through the Solu region of Nepal [27.6500° N, 86.7300° E], following the same porter caravan route used during the historic 1953 Everest expedition. Starting from Garjyang, the trail climbs through forest, pilgrimage lakes, and alpine meadows to Dudh Kunda Lake at 4,600 m beneath the Numbur range. Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal manages all camping logistics, permits, meals, and team support throughout. This is one of Nepal's quietest and most historically rich trekking routes.
Grade: PD (Peu Difficile / Moderately Difficult)
Trip Overview
Duration14 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Moderate treks are typically from 3,000 meters to 5,000 meters on varied terrain with longer durations - suitable for seasoned hikers, and beginners with a reasonable level of fitness.
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude4,600 m
Group SizeMinimum 4
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking, Cultural Exploration, Pilgrimage Lake Visits
Best TimeMarch to May, September to November
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
Follow the historic Everest expedition porter route through the Solu region.
Reach Dudh Kunda Lake (4,600 m) below the Numbur range.
Visit the sacred lakes of Panch Pokhari and Jataa Pokhari.
Trek through forest, alpine meadows, bamboo sections, and summer yak pasture land.
Experience remote camping in quieter trekking areas with very little tourist traffic.
Visit Ringmo, a Sherpa settlement known for monasteries, yak cheese, and apple orchards.
Pass the Numbur Cheese Factory region near Ringmo.
Full camping support with a kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, solar lighting, and generator backup.
14-Day Everest Hillary Caravan Trek
Before the first successful Everest summit in 1953, the Everest Hillary Caravan route through the Solu region was used to move expedition supplies toward Everest. Around 60 to 70 porters carried loads through forests, pastureland, and remote hill trails while supporting the historic Everest expedition.
That history is one of the main reasons this route carries the Everest Hillary Caravan name today. Even now, much of the region still feels preserved, quiet, and far removed from Nepal's busier trekking areas.
This 14-day camping trek starts from Garjyang and gradually climbs through forest, shed settlements, alpine meadows, and summer pasture land before reaching the sacred Dudh Kunda Lake at approximately 4,600 m below the Numbur range.
Along the way, the trail passes pilgrimage lakes, yak grazing areas, remote camps, and traditional Sherpa settlements with very little permanent infrastructure in the higher sections.
Compared to the main Everest Base Camp trail, this route remains far quieter and less commercialized. The gradual altitude gain also helps make the trek manageable for trekkers with good general fitness and basic hiking experience.
Here is HEN's complete package featuring what you need to know about trekking the historic Everest Hillary Caravan route through the Solu region!
Main Attractions of the Everest Hillary Caravan Trek
The Everest Hillary Caravan Trek combines sacred pilgrimage lakes, traditional Sherpa settlements, old Everest expedition history, and long stretches of untouched alpine landscape. From culturally important villages like Ringmo to historic caravan routes once used by early Everest expeditions, every section of the trek offers something completely different from the standard Everest trekking trails.
Let's look into the main attractions below:
Dudh Kunda Lake (4,600 m): Dudh Kunda is a sacred glacial lake located below the Numbur and Karyalung Himal region. Both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the lake during Janai Purnima each year. The lake forms from glacier water flowing down from the surrounding peaks, giving the water its milky appearance. On clear mornings, distant Everest and Lhotse views can sometimes be seen from the higher slopes near the lake.
Panch Pokhari and Jataa Pokhari: These pilgrimage lakes at high altitude are sacred places for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. Annual fairs and religious gatherings are held around the lakes during Janai Purnima. This is also where the trail enters the alpine zone, with forests gradually giving way to open mountain country.
Ringmo Village: Ringmo is a traditional Sherpa settlement with monasteries, chortens, apple orchards, and yak cheese production. Compared to the higher camps, Ringmo has better lodge facilities and a more developed local settlement atmosphere. The Numbur Cheese Factory area also lies around this region, making it culturally important within Solu.
Alpine Meadows: From Tare Kharka to Tsoringbu, the trail crosses wide grazing areas used seasonally for yak, sheep, cattle, and chauri herding. Along different sections of the route, you pass bamboo patches, rhododendron forest, sunpati shrubs, alpine meadows, and large open chaur landscape with almost no permanent settlement nearby.
Historic Everest Expedition Route: One of the most unique parts of this trek is the history itself. Before modern Lukla flights and commercial trekking routes existed, expedition supplies for the Everest region moved through these Solu hills using porter caravans. Around 60 to 70 porters used this same route while supporting the early Everest expeditions, which is why the trail still carries historical significance today!
Why Trek With Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal?
Our team has trekking and expedition experience since 1997.
The company was built by experienced mountain professionals from the beginning.
We know how to handle clients safely and comfortably in remote areas.
Our guides understand different fitness levels and physical conditions.
We have successfully guided many trekkers and climbers over the years.
Communication is simple and clear with us, even if English is not perfect. Our guides use strong body language and practical communication on the trail.
We work with different international trekking and travel companies.
Our team is well trained in first aid and emergency response.
Our guides know how to use technical first aid and safety equipment.
Everest Hillary Caravan Trek Itinerary
Kathmandu to KathmanduExpand all
Our team picks you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, we sit together for a short trek briefing covering the route, camping setup, gear check, and final preparation before the journey begins!
Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: DinnerAccommodation: 3-Star HotelTransportation: Private vehicle
Today stays free while our team handles the permit process in the background. You can visit places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square, and use the afternoon for last-minute shopping in Thamel before the road journey starts tomorrow!
Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: 3-Star Hotel
The drive to Garjyang takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions and group size. Smaller groups usually travel by jeep or Scorpio, while larger groups travel by minibus.
Public vehicle options are also available! The road gradually leaves the busy highway behind and climbs into the quieter Solu hills.
Max Altitude: 1,917 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Local LodgeTransportation: On a private basis
The trek begins with a steady uphill climb through farmland, forest, and scattered settlements. Walking takes around 5 to 6 hours, with lunch taken halfway along the trail.
As the forest thickens and the air cools, the feeling of entering remote hill country becomes more noticeable by the time you reach Panipakha.
Max Altitude: 3,105 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Local Lodge
Today involves around 5 hours of moderate uphill walking through dense forest and hillside trails. Along the way, views around the Cherdung hillside begin opening up, while seasonal goth settlements slowly start appearing near the higher pasture areas.
Max Altitude: 3,940 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp
The trail climbs steadily for around 5 to 6 hours as you fully enter the alpine zone. Jataa Pokhari appears along the route before reaching Panch Pokhari, a sacred pilgrimage area visited by both Hindu and Buddhist communities during Janai Purnima.
Above the forest line, the landscape opens into wide alpine terrain with clear mountain surroundings!
Max Altitude: 4,515 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp
Today is kept flexible for rest, acclimatization, and short exploration walks around the lake area before continuing deeper into the alpine section of the trek.
The peaceful surroundings and open mountain landscape make this one of the quieter days of the journey!
Max Altitude: 4,515 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp
Walking takes around 6 to 7 hours on mixed ascent and descent terrain through wide alpine meadows and grazing areas. The region is used seasonally for yak and cattle herding, and milk from these upper pasture areas is collected by DDC during the summer months.
Bamboo bushes appear repeatedly along the route before reaching the open chaur at Tare Kharka, where you'll spend the night.
Max Altitude: 4,140 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp
Today involves around 6 to 7 hours of mixed terrain with one small pass along the route.
Bamboo bushes continue through several sections of the trail, while oak and alpine vegetation become more noticeable near Ngeju Kharka. This area is also used seasonally for cattle and cowshed settlements during warmer months.
Max Altitude: 4,325 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp
The trail continues through alpine terrain for around 6 hours with gradual ups and downs throughout the day.
Rhododendron and sunpati shrubs line sections of the route, and seasonal herding camps appear again near the higher grazing land. Tsoringbu itself sits beside a small lake and offers one of the most scenic camp settings of the trek!
Max Altitude: 4,450 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp
Today's walk passes through open pasture land used for sheep, yak, and chauri grazing. The terrain remains mixed throughout the day.
By the time you reach Saharsbeni, there may be an option to stay in a simple local lodge depending on availability, although camp is normally prepared for the group.
Max Altitude: 3,835 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp / Basic Lodge
Before breakfast, the group heads early toward Dudh Kunda Lake, the sacred glacial lake formed below the Numbur and Karyalung Himal region.
After returning to Saharsbeni for breakfast, the trail descends through forest toward Ringmo over a longer 7 to 8-hour trekking day. Mountain views continue opening during the descent, including distant Everest and Lhotse on clear days.
Near Ringmo, the region is also known for yak cheese production and the Numbur Cheese Factory area.
Ringmo itself is a Sherpa Buddhist settlement with monasteries, chortens, apple orchards, better lodge facilities, and a more developed local atmosphere compared to the higher camps. The final evening celebration with the trekking staff also takes place here!
Max Altitude: 2,720 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: Camp / Local Lodge
After breakfast, the return drive begins via Salleri, Patale, Ghurmi, Dhulikhel, and Banepa before reaching Kathmandu. The long road journey gradually brings you back from the quiet Solu hills into the busy capital once again.
Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: B, L, DAccommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. Your Everest Hillary Caravan journey ends here, but we hope that you'll give us another chance!
Meals: Breakfast
Trip Cost Details
Includes
Airport transfers on arrival and departure by private vehicle
3 hotel nights in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel
All camp accommodation during trekking days
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
Licensed English-speaking guide with salary and insurance
Experienced camp cook with full kitchen equipment
All meals on trekking days: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Tea and coffee at breakfast and dinner
Sleeping bags provided by HEN
All camping equipment: sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, solar lighting, generator backup
Porter support: 1 porter per 2 trekkers, carries up to 22 kg
Private vehicle transport: Kathmandu to Garjyang and Ringmo to Kathmandu
All logistical arrangements
Excludes
Personal expenses
International flights
Nepal tourist visa fee
Personal travel and health insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation
Meals outside the itinerary
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging
Laundry
Personal gear and clothing
Costs from natural disasters, weather, or anything outside our control
Early departure costs, non-refundable
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Any service not listed above
Optional Extra Services
Additional porter: USD 280 per porter for two trekkers, carries 20 to 22 kg
Private jeep upgrade: USD 380 extra
Single tent supplement: available on request
Essential Information
Best Time to Do the Everest Hillary Caravan Trek
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for this trek. March, April, May, September, October, and November offer the best overall weather and trail conditions.
Spring brings greener pastureland, blooming rhododendron forest, and clearer mornings around Dudh Kunda. And autumn usually brings stable weather, dry trails, sharp mountain visibility, and colder nights at higher camps.
Janai Purnima in August attracts large pilgrimage groups to Panch Pokhari and Dudh Kunda. However, monsoon conditions also make the lower trail sections muddyand slippery during this period.
Winter, from December to February, brings snow to the upper camps and makes the trek significantly harder because of colder temperatures and more difficult trail conditions.
Permits Required for This Trek
This trek requires the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit. Our team arranges it before the trek begins, so you don't have to stress about it.
Note that you don't require the Sagarmatha National Park permit as this trek won't touch the route of the upper Khumbu region at all. And while TIMS was required in the past, these days, it's not a compulsion, but in case the government changes the regulations, we will surely include them in this package for you!
Difficulty Level of Everest Hillary Caravan Trek
The Everest Hillary Caravan Trek is a moderate camping trek with daily walking usually ranging between 5 and 7 hours. The trail climbs gradually from temperate lower hills into alpine terrain, which helps reduce rapid altitude gain.
The highest point is Dudh Kunda Lake at approximately 4,600 m. No technical climbing skills are required, but trekkers should feel comfortable walking for multiple days on mixed uphill and downhill terrain while staying in remote camping conditions.
This trek is best suited for trekkers with good stamina, basic hiking experience, and readiness for simple mountain conditions.
Accommodation and Food on the Trail
This is a full camping trek with team-supported camps throughout the route. We carry sleeping tents, kitchen tents, dining tents with tables and chairs, toilet tents, solar lighting, and generator backup.
Saharsbeni may sometimes offer simple indoor accommodation depending on availability, but most nights are fully camp-based.
Our cook prepares all meals during the trek using carried ingredients and kitchen equipment. Expect simple hot meals, tea, coffee, soup, and boiled drinking water throughout the trek. Our team can also bake cakes during special occasions like birthdays or celebration nights at camp.
Ringmo has better lodge facilities compared to the higher camp sections.
How to Prepare for Your Everest Hillary Caravan Trek?
Physical Preparation: Train with uphill walking, stair climbing, and long walking days before the trek. Daily stamina matters more than speed on this route.
Mental Preparedness: This is a remote camping trek with simple facilities. Prepare for cold mornings, long walking days, and limited comfort at higher camps.
Altitude Sickness and Preventive Measures: The route gains altitude gradually from a temperate lower region, which helps reduce serious altitude risk compared to faster-climbing routes. Still, trekkers should walk steadily, stay hydrated, and consult a doctor before the trek if necessary.
Hydration and Nutrition: Drink water regularly throughout the trek and carry personal snacks or energy bars between camps.
Travel Insurance: Your insurance must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation in Nepal.
Everest Hillary Caravan Trek Suggested Video
Equipment Lists
For this 14-day Everest Hillary Caravan Trek, you will be camping throughout at altitudes up to 4,600 m on remote trails with no permanent facilities above Siti village. Every trekker must carry the right clothing and gear to stay safe and comfortable throughout. Here is what the HEN team recommends.
Head
Warm beanie or fleece hat for cold mornings and high-altitude camp nights.
Sun hat or cap for protection during lower-elevation walking days.
Buff or neck gaiter for wind and dust on exposed upper trail sections.
Headlamp with spare batteries for early morning departures and use inside the tent at night.
Upper Body
Moisture-wicking base layer tops (2 to 3) for temperature regulation throughout the trek.
Fleece mid-layer jacket for warmth during rest stops and evenings at camp.
Down jacket for cold nights at the higher camps and early morning Dudh Kunda approach.
Waterproof and windproof outer jacket for rain and wind protection across all elevations.
Lightweight trekking shirts (2 to 3) for walking days in the lower and mid-hill sections.
Hands
Lightweight liner gloves for moderate cold during lower sections.
Warm fleece or insulated gloves for the upper alpine camps above 4,000 m.
Lower Body
Thermal base layer pants for warmth at the upper alpine camps.
Trekking trousers (2 pairs) in quick-dry material for all active walking days.
Waterproof rain pants for wet weather sections in the lower forest zone.
Comfortable shorts for warmer lower-elevation days (optional).
Foot Wear
Waterproof trekking boots with strong ankle support for the full route including loose terrain sections.
Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for rest time inside camp.
Trekking socks (4 to 5 pairs) in wool or synthetic material to prevent blisters across multiple days.
Liner socks for extra blister prevention on longer days (optional).
Gaiters for muddy lower sections during shoulder season (optional).
Travel Documents
Passport and Nepal tourist visa required for entry and permit processing.
Travel and health insurance documents covering emergency helicopter evacuation.
Airline tickets or e-tickets in printed or downloaded form.
Passport-sized photos (minimum 4 extra) for permits and any unforeseen requirements.
Cash in Nepalese rupees as there are no ATMs or banking facilities along the route.
Copies of all important documents stored separately from originals.
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (minimum 1 litre) for carrying water between camps.
Water purification tablets or a personal filter as a backup to team-boiled water.
Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate for snacking between meals on the trail.
Electrolyte tablets or powder for hydration support at higher altitude sections.
Sun Stuffs
Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher for strong UV exposure at higher altitudes.
Lip balm with SPF to prevent chapping during cold and sunny high-altitude days.
Sunglasses with UV protection for snow glare and open alpine terrain.
Toiletries
Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothbrush for use along the route.
Hand sanitiser for hygiene at camp where water access is limited.
Quick-dry personal towel for use throughout the trek.
Toilet paper and wet wipes for remote sections above Siti village.
Moisturiser for skin protection against cold and dry alpine air.
Eating & Drinking
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (minimum 1 litre) for carrying water between camps.
Water purification tablets or a personal filter as a backup to team-boiled water.
Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate for snacking between meals on the trail.
Electrolyte tablets or powder for hydration support at higher altitude sections.
Sleeping Bags
HEN provides sleeping bags for this trek, so personal sleeping bags are not required.
A sleeping bag liner is recommended for added warmth and personal hygiene at shared tent camps.
Bag Packs
Main trekking backpack (50 to 60 L) for carrying personal gear allocated to your porter load.
Daypack (20 to 25 L) for carrying daily essentials including water, snacks, camera, and layers on the trail.
Rain cover for both bags to protect gear during wet weather sections.
Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks for electronics and documents.
Medical & First Aid
Diamox (Acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention: consult a doctor before your trek.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, fever, or headache management on the trail.
Anti-diarrhoea medication such as Loperamide for stomach issues in remote sections.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for rehydration after illness or heavy exertion.
Antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor before departure.
Anti-nausea medication for altitude or motion sickness during the long drive days.
Blister treatment pads such as Compeed for multi-day foot care.
Antiseptic cream and adhesive bandages for minor cuts and grazes on the trail.
Elastic bandage for minor sprains on uneven terrain sections.
Personal prescription medications with a copy of the prescription.
Knee support sleeves or braces if you have existing knee concerns
Miscellaneous
Trekking poles (pair) strongly recommended for the steep descents and mixed terrain throughout the route.
Power bank (high capacity) for charging devices on the trail as solar charging at upper camps can be limited.
Camera and spare memory cards for the pilgrimage lakes, alpine meadows, and mountain views.
Small padlock for securing your bag at camp and during vehicle transfers.
Ziplock bags for protecting documents and electronics from rain and moisture.
Lightweight camp towel and personal soap for bucket bath stops from Siti upward.
Everest Hillary Caravan Trek FAQs
You don't necessarily need a guide for this trek by law, but since the route is remote and emergency support is far away, hiring one is always recommended.
The minimum group size is 4. Groups are typically confirmed 8 to 9 months in advance because of the camping logistics involved, so contact us early to secure your dates!
The route gains altitude gradually, which lowers the risk. If symptoms appear, we stop, rest, and descend if needed. Emergency evacuation on this route is by helicopter only, which is why travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is essential.
Yes, you can request us for possible customizations for this 14-day itinearary. Extra rest days, different starting dates, and group-specific adjustments are all possible. Contact our team and we will plan accordingly!
No, you do not need to carry or arrange any camping equipment yourself! We have included good-quality sleeping bags and also our team shall set up all tents at every camp throughout the trek.