Everest Base Camp Horse Riding Trek
- 12 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We combine classic Khumbu trekking with mountain horseback riding and a helicopter return from Gorak Shep.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our twelve-day itinerary combines traditional mountain trekking through the Khumbu region with horseback riding for the higher elevations, followed by a helicopter return from Gorak Shep. Designed for travelers who want to stand at the base of the world's highest peak without sustaining extended physical stress on the descent, this route follows the Dudh Koshi river valley upward through pine forests and Sherpa settlements.
We begin our journey with the flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, then trek gradually through Phakding and Namche Bazaar. After proper acclimatisation stops in Namche and Dingboche, our local horse handlers introduce us to indigenous mountain horses for the higher altitude riding sections toward Lobuche and Everest Base Camp. We maintain a steady, measured pace to allow for natural physiological adaptation to the thinning air.
This route is suited for participants who maintain a solid level of general cardiovascular fitness but require assistance with lower limb strain or extended walking distances at high altitude. Throughout the trip, our lead guides and local horsemen manage the logistics, safety protocols, and daily trail navigation, allowing us to focus entirely on the surrounding peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Lukla Mountain Flight
We fly into Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the most famous short-takeoff airstrips in the Himalaya.
Sherpa Culture in Namche
We explore the capital of the Khumbu region, visiting local bakeries, markets, and cultural museums.
Everest View Panorama
We hike to Hotel Everest View for early morning perspectives of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
High Altitude Horse Riding
We ride hardy indigenous mountain horses across glacial moraines from Dingboche to Everest Base Camp.
Kala Patthar Sunrise
We climb to Kala Patthar before dawn for a 360-degree view of the surrounding Himalayan giants.
Helicopter Return Flight
We board a helicopter at Gorak Shep for an aerial descent back to Lukela, bypassing the long walk down.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. We use this afternoon to review your gear and brief you on the upcoming trek.
Day 2
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
After an early flight toward the mountains, we land at Lukla at 2,840 m and begin our descent alongside the Dudh Koshi River. The trail crosses several suspension bridges before we reach Phakding at 2,610 m.
Day 3
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
The path enters Sagarmatha National Park, crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge before a sustained uphill climb. We reach Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m, our main trading hub in the Khumbu region.
Day 4
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We spend today supporting our red blood cell production by hiking up to Hotel Everest View at 3,880 m. The afternoon is free for exploring the Sherpa Museum and local alleyways.
Day 5
Trek to Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek to Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
We traverse pine and rhododendron forests high above the Dudh Koshi, then descend to Phunki Tenga before climbing steadily to Tengboche at 3,860 m. We visit the largest Buddhist monastery in the region here.
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Our route leads past Pangboche village and ancient mani stones as timberlines recede into alpine scrub. We arrive in Dingboche at 4,410 m by early afternoon.
Day 7
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
We undertake a morning acclimatisation hike up Nangkartshang Hill to 5,083 m, offering clear views of Makalu and Cho Oyu before descending back to Dingboche for rest.
Day 8
Ride to Lobuche via Thukla Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Ride to Lobuche via Thukla Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Today we mount our indigenous mountain horses for the ascent past the memorial cairns at Thukla Pass. We continue riding over the lateral moraine to reach Lobuche at 4,910 m.
Day 9
Ride to Everest Base Camp and Return to Gorak Shep
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Ride to Everest Base Camp and Return to Gorak Shep
Meals: B / L / D
We ride alongside the Khumbu Glacier across rocky, uneven terrain until we reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. After taking in the views of the icefall, we retrace our route to sleep in Gorak Shep at 5,164 m.
Day 10
Kala Patthar Hike and Helicopter Return to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Kala Patthar Hike and Helicopter Return to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn ascent of Kala Patthar for sunrise views over Pumori and Everest. Returning to Gorak Shep, we board our helicopter for a direct flight back to Lukla.
Day 11
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We catch the morning flight out of Tenzing-Hillary Airport back to Kathmandu, where our transport awaits to take you to the hotel.
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- All ground transport in private vehicle including airport transfers
- Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Best available twin-share teahouse lodges on trek
- Experienced lead guide and porters with full insurance
- Round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla with taxes
- Personal mountain horses for the high altitude sections
- Helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla
- All required trekking permits and national park fees
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained upon arrival at airport
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Bottled drinks, hot showers on trail (except designated spots), and snacks
- Tips and gratuities for guide, porters, and horsemen
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Our itinerary includes dedicated rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to allow your body to adjust safely to the lower oxygen levels. We monitor your hydration and daily symptoms closely as we ascend above 3,000 m.
Horse Handling & Safety
The mountain horses used on this trek are sure-footed local breeds accustomed to rocky paths and moraines. Experienced local horsemen lead and manage the animals at all times while you ride.
Mountain Weather & Flights
Flights between Kathmandu or Ramechhap and Lukla depend entirely on clear visibility. We advise building extra days into your international travel schedule to account for potential weather delays.
Teahouse Accommodation
We accommodate you in twin-share teahouses along the trail, providing basic rooms with blankets. Dining rooms are heated with yak dung or wood stoves in the evenings.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in ankle-support boots with good tread.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero alpine temperatures.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Comfort rated to -15 °C for high-altitude teahouses.
Duffel bagEssential
Camping
Provided by us for porter transport.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for safe drinking water along the route.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency evacuation up to 6,000 m.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Clothing
High glacier rating required for snow glare.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the protected national park area.
Local Government Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Tax
PermitLocal levy supporting trail maintenance and regional development.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior horse-riding experience to join this trek?
No prior riding experience is required. The mountain horses are docile, sure-footed, and led step-by-step by professional local handlers.
How long do we ride each day on horseback?
You will ride for approximately 5 to 6 hours on the days traversing from Dingboche through Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and Gorak Shep.
What happens if weather cancels the helicopter return from Gorak Shep?
If cloud cover grounds the helicopter, our guides will walk you down the trail on foot or wait at Gorak Shep until conditions clear for safe flying.
Are private rooms available in the teahouses?
Teahouses offer twin-share rooms primarily. Single rooms can be requested at lower altitudes but may not be guaranteed above Namche Bazaar during peak seasons.
What permits are required for this trek?
We arrange your Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and local government coordination fees as part of our service package.
How heavy can my main duffel bag be for the porters?
We ask that you keep your main duffel bag around 10 kg to 12 kg so our porters can carry loads safely across the mountain passes.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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