Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
- 12 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to December)
We traverse the Khumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp at 5545 m and return to Lukla by helicopter.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our 12-day expedition follows the legendary route up the Khumbu Valley to the foot of Mount Everest. We begin with the mountain flight into Lukla and trek along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through pine forests, suspension bridges, and traditional Sherpa settlements inside Sagarmatha National Park. Every stage of the route is designed to balance physical effort with proper altitude adaptation.
This itinerary suits experienced hikers with good cardiovascular fitness who are comfortable walking six to seven hours daily on rugged stone staircases and moraine trails. We incorporate crucial rest stops in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to let our bodies adapt to the thinning air before we push past 5000 m. The physical demands are real, but our pacing remains measured and deliberate.
Standing at Everest Base Camp and watching the sunrise from Kala Patthar at 5545 m rank among the definitive experiences in Himalayan mountaineering. Rather than retracing our footsteps down the valley, our itinerary concludes with a direct helicopter flight from Gorakshep back to Lukla, offering an aerial perspective of the Khumbu icefall and deep gorges before we connect onward to Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Everest Base Camp
We stand at the foot of Mount Everest at the edge of the Khumbu Glacier.
Kala Patthar Sunrise
We climb to 5545 m to watch the morning light hit Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
Helicopter Return
We board a helicopter at Gorakshep for a scenic flight over the Khumbu Valley back to Lukla.
Tengboche Monastery
We visit the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region beneath the pyramid of Ama Dablam.
Hotel Everest View
We hike to the world's highest hotel above Namche Bazaar for panoramic vistas.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets you upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You have the rest of the day to rest or check our gear preparations.
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
We take an early morning flight to Lukla, landing on the sloping mountain airstrip. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through green hillsides to reach Phakding at 2652 m.
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi and ascend through pine forests, entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. A sustained uphill climb brings us to the trading hub of Namche Bazaar at 3440 m.
Day 4
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We hike up toward Syangboche and the Everest View Hotel at 3870 m to help our bodies adjust to the elevation. We return to Namche Bazaar in the afternoon to visit the local Sherpa culture museum.
Day 5
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
The trail contours above the gorge before descending to Pungki Thanka. We climb through rhododendron forests to reach the monastery village of Tengboche at 3860 m.
Day 6
Tengboche to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Tengboche to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
We descend past birch and rhododendron woods to the Imja Khola, crossing a steel bridge before climbing past stone walls to reach Dingboche at 4410 m.
Day 7
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
We spend a second night in Dingboche for altitude adaptation. We take a day hike up the ridge toward Nangkartshang Peak to view Ama Dablam and Makalu before resting in the afternoon.
Day 8
Dingboche to Lobuche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Dingboche to Lobuche
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend past the memorial stones at Dughla and climb the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We reach the high settlement of Lobuche at 4930 m surrounded by frozen peaks.
Day 9
Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep
Meals: B / L / D
We follow the rocky lateral moraine to Gorakshep and continue along the Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest Base Camp. We return to Gorakshep at 5164 m for our night in the teahouse.
Day 10
Kala Patthar Sunrise and Helicopter Flight to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Kala Patthar Sunrise and Helicopter Flight to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn climb up Kala Patthar at 5545 m to watch the sunrise over the high Himalayas. We return to Gorakshep to board our helicopter for the flight back to Lukla.
Day 11
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We take the morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city.
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team transfers you to Tribhuwan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickups and drop-offs in Kathmandu
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on the trek
- Experienced Government-licensed lead guide and porters
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and local area fees
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla
- Helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained upon arrival
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency rescue up to 6000 m
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging at teahouses
- Tipping for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Our itinerary includes scheduled acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. We monitor all team members for signs of acute mountain sickness as we ascend past 3000 m.
Weather & Mountain Flights
Flights between Kathmandu or Ramechhap and Lukla are subject to weather conditions in the mountains. We maintain schedule flexibility and coordinate closely with airlines.
Teahouse Accommodation
We stay in local family-run lodges along the route. Rooms are basic with twin beds and shared facilities, while dining halls are heated by central yak-dung or wood stoves.
Physical Preparation
Trekkers should train with weighted daypacks and cardiovascular exercises several months prior to departure. Long daily descents and ascents require strong knee and leg conditioning.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Worn-in boots with ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at high camps.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -15 °C for cold teahouse nights.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable wind and rain protection.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Essential for saving knees on long descents.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for pre-dawn starts like the Kala Patthar hike.
Passport and insurance papersEssential
Documents
Keep physical copies and digital backups in your daypack.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering the protected area of Sagarmatha National Park.
Local Area Permit
PermitLocal rural municipality fee for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu region.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekker's Information Management System record.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed by weather?
Mountain weather can cause flight delays. We build contingency time into our schedules and work closely with our Kathmandu office to secure alternative departures as soon as visibility clears.
How heavy should my personal duffel bag be?
We assign one porter for every two trekkers, with a strict 10 kg weight limit per person for the porter duffel bag. You only need to carry a small daypack with your daily layers, water, and valuables.
Is drinking water safe along the trail?
We recommend using treated tap water or bottled mineral water. Our guides carry purifying tablets or drops, and boiled water can be purchased at every teahouse along the way.
Do I need travel insurance for this trek?
Yes. Your policy must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6000 m.
What is the sleeping arrangement in the teahouses?
Accommodation is in twin-share rooms with two single beds, foam mattresses, and pillows. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag rated to at least -15 °C.
Can I charge my electronic devices on the trek?
Most teahouses offer electricity in the dining hall to charge phones and cameras, though they generally charge a small hourly or per-device fee.
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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