Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Trip Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

The Everest Base Camp trek passes through the land of the Sherpas to the foot of the world’s highest mountain. Multiple 8,000-meter peaks are just in front of you to proof best trek.

Everest trek beings with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airstrip, perched at a lofty 2,800 meters (9,200 feet). Altitude is an important consideration on the Everest Base Camp trek and nearby Namche Bazar (3,440 m; 11,286 ft), the Sherpa village and gateway to the Everest region, is often used as an early layover for rest and acclimatization.

From Namche the trek heads upward through beautiful Sherpa villages along the Dudh Kosi River. On the approach to Everest Base Camp is the final settlement of Gorak Shep; there are no teahouses at Everest Base Camp so trekkers can either day hike from Gorak Shep or bring camping gear. Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m; 18,192 ft) offers a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse that bests the views from base camp itself.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is without doubt one of the most famous in the world.

Highlights

  • Views of Mount Everest
  • Year round extensive flora and fauna
  • Unique hill culture to explore
  • Monastery in Tengboche
  • Numerous trekking peaks to climb
  • Connecting treks to remote areas
  • Visit to the Hilary school in Khumjung
  • Life time helicopter flying experience from world's highest place

Trip Map

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Map

Short itinerary

DAY 01: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3- 4 hours trek.

DAY 02: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft): 5 - 6 hrs

DAY 03: Namche Bazaar: Rest day for Acclimatization.

DAY 04: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5 - 6 hrs

DAY 05: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft):5 - 6 hrs

DAY 06: Dingboche - Duglha (4,600 m/15,090 ft): 3 - 4 hrs

DAY 07: Duglha - Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 2 - 4 hrs

DAY 08: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) - Gorak Shep: 8 - 9 hrs

DAY 09: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft)- pick up by Helicopter then fly to Lukla after fueling fly to Kathmandu

 

Detail Itinerary

Detailed itinerary

DAY 01: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3- 4 hours trek.
In the morning, we will transfer to the domestic airport in Kathmandu for an early morning flight to Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach at Lukla. Upon arrival at Lukla, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla to Phakding. Over night at Phakding.

DAY 02: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft): 5 - 6 hrs
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar. Over night at Namche Bazar..

DAY 03: Namche Bazaar: Rest day for Acclimatization.
If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Health experts recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day's hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a baker.

DAY 04: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5 - 6 hrs
After breakfat, we set out towards Tengboche, enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows more or less smooth trail with few ups and downs. The track follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses. After having a lunch at Phunki Thenga, we slightly tougher climb through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Nuptse, and Mt Everest, and it has the biggest Buddhist Monastery of the Khumbu region. We pay our visit to the monastery the same day at around 3 pm to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. Overnight stay at a lodge at Tengboche.

DAY 05: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft):5 - 6 hrs
On the way to Pangboche village, we pass through several Chortens and Mani walls. The place where we stop for lunch not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam. In the afternoon, we walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.

DAY 06: Dingboche - Duglha (4,600 m/15,090 ft): 3 - 4 hrs
After breakfast climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. As we move on, the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view. As the trail descends and curves, Mt. Pumori disappears from view and we come across a roaring stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Duglha. We can see the tip of Mt Nuptse from here as well as Mt Cholatse, Mt Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks. Overnight at Duglha.

DAY 07: Duglha - Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 2 - 4 hrs
Beyond Duglha, we climb up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the top of the ridge, we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (a Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier, we find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Overnight at Lobuche.

DAY 08: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) - Gorak Shep: 8 - 9 hrs
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the side of Khumbu Glacier. Ahead on the trail we see peak of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. Climbing steeply up to the top through the Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mt. Everest. Then, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the Gorak Shep Lake Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here.

DAY 09: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft)- pick up by Helicopter then fly to Lukla after fueling fly to Kathmandu.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes:

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • Kathmandu to Lukla flight ticket.
  • Pick up from Kalapathar by Helicopter then fly back to Kathmandu
  • 3 meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including the coffee and tea.
  • Accommodation in tea houses as per itinerary during the trek.
  • Government licensed guide and necessary porters during the trek.
  • Proper Insurance of all staff including porters.
  • Government / Local taxes, Tourist service charge, guide / porter insurance and salary, general equipment, national park and conservation area fees.

Cost Exclude:

  • International airfares
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Trekking equipment
  • Major meals, lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
  • Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
  • Tips & Gratuities

Date & Price

Date and price

Useful Info

Useful Info

Price from US$2900 per perosn
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Trip Facts

  • Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Best season: February, March, April, May, October, November
  • Per day walking: 6 hours in average
  • Type of trek: Hotel and Lodge
  • General Duration: 9 days
  • Maximum Altitude: 5160m

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