02: Kathmandu to Ramechhap - Where the Mountains Get Bigger and the Air Gets Thinner

Day 2 (28/Mar/2026): Kathmandu to Ramechhap 

Memories from our trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC)

After a huge spread of breakfast buffet at the hotel, all of us gathered in the terrace. After overnight rains, views from the hotel terrace were even more beautiful.  

@ La Mustang Hotel Terrace

 

Entire group assembled in the terrace for trek briefing and introductions. Here we got to meet the other group members - Shweta, Shyam, Rishi and Gavish, who had traveled from Hyderabad. We also met Chirring (co-trek lead), who would be joining us on this trek. In the round of introductions, we got to know that this would be the first high altitude trek for a few of us. Sam briefed us about the trek, what to expect and tips on how to manage it. He also mentioned there was a possibility of encountering snow on the trails at higher altitude and its better if we carry crampons/spikes. Since snow was unusual during the month of April, none of us were carrying crampons. Ghanshyam told us he would arrange them before we leave to Ramechhap. 

Rendezvous

We were told the shorter route to Ramechhap was closed and we would be taking the longer route which would take about 8-9 hours of travel by road. Due to this, the plan now was to start from Kathmandu by noon with packed lunch so that we reach Ramechhap by 8-9PM. After the briefing we had a couple of hours to finish packing and any last minute shopping before we started for Ramechhap. We used this time to pack all trek items in the duffle bag (rented from AP). Apart from all the items we had brought from B’lore, we now had a few additional items - down jacket, wind cheater, gloves, buff, sleeping bag and crampons. Packing and ensuring the weight didn't exceed 12 kgs. was a task in itself. Pheew 😅

Checkin and daypack bags were packed, weighed and we were all set to start on the road trip to Ramechhap. All the extra luggage was left back at the hotel storage. We collected our packed lunch box (sandwiches, juice, apple, cutlet) and started on the drive. Gladly the van was air-conditioned and with good leg room. All the 12 members along with Chirring and Ashish (AP coordinator who was with us until we flew from Ramechaap) boarded the van. We bid goodbye to Sam and Ghanshyam (Sam would be joining us directly at Lukla the next day). 

All set for the Journey

 

Kathmandu being a congested city, it took us a while to get out of Kathmandu and onto highway. All along, there was a lot of road work inprogress - it was a long and bumpy ride. Chatting, laughing, short naps, snacking (some amazing munchies from the Hyderabad gang), stories from Ashish about his marathon journey and DJ Chirring kept us entertained throughout the journey. After a few hours of journey, our first break was at a small hotel/tea shop. This hotel had a small open seating which overlooked beautiful hills. Sanjeev spotted a few birds here (can’t recall the bird’s name though). A short break along with chowmein and tea was much appreciated.

Parts of the drive to Ramechhap were scenic and beautiful. However, due to the recent rains, roads were in bad condition. Learnt a new word today from Ashish - ‘Nepali Flat’ - basically constant ups and downs. We were tired of sitting in the van on the never-ending bumpy roads. We watched the sun set over the hills and pretty soon it was pitch dark. With no villages/towns around, the roads were deserted and dark.  Around 7-7:30PM, we stopped for another tea break at a village. There were a couple of shops selling some snacks and tea. While the tea was being prepared, Shobita and I walked around. It would be another couple of hours of drive before we reached Ramechhap.

Ramechhap is a small town with a tiny airport primarily for flights to Lukla. Since there are very few direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, most trekkers to EBC will go via Ramechhap. I guess the town has evolved because of the growing trekker population and the airport connectivity. By the time we reached Ramechhap it was pretty late. We were hungry and tired of the long journey. Our stay here was at Manthali Park Inn - a beautiful place by the banks of Tama Koshi River. Didn't expect such a fancy resort in a small town as Ramechhap. It had big lawns, swimming pool, bar and outdoor seating.  Dinner was already kept ready for us, so we first had dinner before heading to our rooms. Due to shortage of availability of one room in Manthali Park Inn, Shobita and Gowthami were given a room in a lodge opposite to the Inn.  Rooms at the Manthali Park Inn were decent with twin beds and attached bath with hot water. It was already very late and we had to be up and ready by 6am next day for our flight to Lukla. So quickly kept all the things ready for next day and called it a day.