Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong
In Nepali: सल्लेरी, फाप्लु र चिवोङ
Solu is the lower, gentler half of Solukhumbu, where Sherpa villages mix with Rai and Chhetri settlements among pine forests and fields. Salleri is the district headquarters and Phaplu, a short walk away, has an airstrip and a hospital founded by the Hillary trust.
Chiwong Monastery, perched on a rock spur above Phaplu, hosts a Mani Rimdu festival in autumn and has fine views. The area is now reached by road from Kathmandu and makes a quieter alternative start for walks towards Everest.
What to see and do
Walk up to Chiwong Monastery (about an hour from Phaplu) for its courtyard, murals and views over the valley. Explore Salleri's market, the Solu river valley's apple orchards and cheese traditions, and visit Junbesi and its Thupten Chholing monastery a day's walk to the east. Phaplu's airstrip and Salleri's road link make the area a relaxed gateway to the Everest region without the Lukla flight.
Good to know
Hotels and lodges in Salleri and Phaplu are more comfortable than higher up. Jeeps continue from Salleri towards Kharikhola and Surke on rough roads, shortening the walk to Lukla. Chiwong's Mani Rimdu is held in autumn.
Quick answers
- Where is Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong?
- Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong is in Solukhumbu district, Koshi Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong?
- About 2,400 m (7,874 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong?
- For a 3-day trip from Janakpur, about NPR 6,000 (≈ US$44) per person on a budget, or NPR 19,500 (≈ US$145) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 6,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Janakpur and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong?
- October–May
- How do I get to Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong?
- About 10–12 hours by road from Kathmandu, or fly to Phaplu. It is about 109 km (straight line) from Janakpur.
- What is Salleri, Phaplu and Chiwong called in Nepali?
- सल्लेरी, फाप्लु र चिवोङ
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