Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Everest Region

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Tour Code:

EBC-H1

Duration

11 Nights/ 12 Days

Country

Nepal

Activity Type

Trekking, Sightseeing & Heli-ride

Max. Altitude

5,555 m/18,225 ft

Best Season

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Accommodation

Tea House & Hotel

Moderate Difficulty

Difficulty

Moderate

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Start / End Point

Kathmandu

On this trip from Trek Me Nepal, you will embark on an extraordinary journey to the roof of the world reaching Everest Base Camp and returning to Kathmandu on a helicopter. This is a perfect combination of adventure, cultural experience, and views of breathtaking landscapes. In less than two weeks you will travel from the vibrant city of Kathmandu, reach the highest landscape in the world, and come back to this ancient city of temples.

 

Your journey begins with a thrilling flight to the dramatic airstrip in Lukla. As you feel the excitement build up, you will begin along gentle trails, winding up through beautiful villages and forests along the river. Each step is taking you into the heart of Sherpa country where centuries-old tradition awaits you in the world's tallest peaks. A place you can't miss is Namche Bazaar, the vibrant town in Khumbu region. Its busy markets and geographical location are truly marvellous, which also happens to be a place where you will spend a day acclimatising and hiking to Syangboche.

 

The trail continues through beautiful terrain crossing ancient monasteries and stone walls. You'll feel the spiritual aura mixed in solitude — intensified by the fluttering of prayer flags against snow-capped peaks. As you climb higher, the scenery grows more beautiful but be careful of the icy streams and the thin air. Adventure comes in troves as you encounter moraines, glacial lakes, and icy streams. And the culmination of it all — reaching Everest Base Camp itself — is a rewarding moment that you'll experience at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall amid snow-capped giants.

 

At 5,364 metres, Everest Base Camp is surrounded by towering peaks. As you stay by the side of the rock, you'll feel a deep and unique sense of accomplishment! You are, after all, at the laps of Mount Everest herself. It's a place where thousands of determined individuals arrive from all corners of the world to challenge themselves; and you are one of those strong-willed individuals who has just made history by reaching the famed Base Camp; but the adventure does not end there.

 

Further on, you'll ascend the vantage point of Kalapatthar well before dawn. You'll be ready with your camera as you witness the first rays of sun illuminate the mountain giants. It's an awe-inspiring memory of Khumbu that'll remain with you forever. After a photography frenzy, you turn your attention to the return journey. Gradually, you trek down to Gorakshop where instead of retracing your steps, you will be boarding a helicopter for an exciting ride back to Lukla. Flying over the very trails that you trekked a week ago, the aerial view lets you gain a fresh appreciation for the scale and beauty of Khumbu.

 

On your helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, you will reflect on the incredibly wonderful trip you did to Everest Base Camp. A mix of challenge and comfort, this experience you had of the raw beauty of the Himalayas will prove to be a life-changing experience; and will remain with you wherever you go.

  •   Combine trekking to Everest Base Camp with a thrilling helicopter flight back to Kathmandu for a scenic finale.
  •   Visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery and explore Namche Bazaar, the heart of the Khumbu region.
  •   Hike to Everest View Hotel for stunning mountain vistas, including Everest and Ama Dablam.
  •   Summit Kala Patthar for a breathtaking sunrise and 360-degree Himalayan panorama
  •   Cross suspension bridges over rivers and trek along waterfalls on the way to Everest Base Camp.
  •   Encounter diverse wildlife and flora in Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  •   Trek through Sherpa villages and lush rhododendron forests, experiencing Sherpa culture and hospitality. Enjoy a spiritual journey through sacred sites and cultural landmarks amidst the world's highest peaks.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of outdoor activities, exploration, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making the most of the time available for travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of EBC Trek.

Max. Altitude

Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Accommodation

Overnight in Kathmandu

Meals

Meals not included

Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, our staff will receive you and transport you to your hotel. After some rest and refreshments, we'll give you a brief introduction to your upcoming trek to the Everest Region. You will be shown the trekking permits and essential gear, if any, and at night, you will have a welcome dinner of Nepali cuisine before heading on your epic mountain adventure the following day.

You will begin after dawn to catch an early flight to Lukla. The flight is scenic and thrilling, as you traverse above towering peaks. After about 30 minutes, you will land at the narrow airstrip of the mountainous airport, renowned for its challenging descent. At Lukla you will first have breakfast in the presence of mighty mountains, and then begin the long-awaited trek! As you cross suspension bridges over gushing rivers below, the trail gets lined by lush and beautiful forests. You will walk for around four hours crossing suspension bridges and passing through Sherpa villages before stopping for the night in a lodge in Phakding. The beautiful trail and scenic mountains will contribute to your excitement on the first night as you prepare for the epic trek to the heart of Everest.

As you begin the trek from Phakding, you will be facing a long day of trek to Namche Bazaar, the destination for today. The actual trekking duration is about seven hours with ample amount of stopovers. The trail is scenic, and at this altitude you will even pass through lush rhododendron forests. The excitement will push you further today where you'll cross high-altitude suspension bridges over Dudhkoshi River, including the famous Hillary Bridge. After crossing Monjo, your trail enters Sagarmatha National Park with breathtaking views of valleys and mountains. After a quick permits-check, you will begin today's final stretch to Namche located at 3,440 metres. The climb is steep, but every inch of the ascent to Namche Bazaar is worth it. 

 

Upon reaching Namche, you will be filled with amazement to have reached this close to the gigantic mountains. You will immediately feel at home in this vibrant old town filled with markets, cafes, lodges, and shops bustling with tourists and locals alike. This is where you will rest for the day soaking in hot water and enjoy high-speed Internet connection. Nearby, you can explore monasteries and stupas if you feel energetic and not worn out by the day's trek. And if the day is clear, you may even catch your first glimpse of some iconic peaks of Everest region.

Sleeping this close to the mountains has its own benefits — like having a breakfast with sumptuous views of the giant peaks. As your excitement builds up for the day, you will realise that it's no more walking for the day. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the day in this mountain village with very short hikes for some acclimatisation. Today is also your chance to catch some breath and let your body adjust to the thinner air at this altitude. During the day you can hike up to Hotel Everest View, for jaw-dropping glimpses of Mt. Everest itself. And if time provides you can wander around the shops, check into a bakery or a cafe, and indulge in a treat. Just make sure you do not miss the golden sun setting against the peaks - bringing you a feeling of inspiration and awe! You will suddenly realise that you are in the heart of the Everest region - and your adventure is just getting started.

As you begin your ascent towards the famous Tengboche village, the anticipation keeps building further. While the air gets thinner and the winding trails might appear less inviting, you should keep your head up and look towards the sky to witness majestic towering peaks. You will see the beautiful Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamsherku, and other mountains — each one with a grandeur of its own.

 

Approaching closer to Tengboche, you will feel the air swirling with energy. And the views – your heart will be racing, eyes will be gazing, and the regal icy peaks will be looming right above you! This  once-in-a-lifetime moment will be more satisfying with views of pine and rhododendron forests gracefully stretching as far as the eyes can see! And at dusk when you step into Tengboche at 3,860 metres, you'll feel the ancient walls, witness monks wearing maroon robes, and feel their deep-echoing chants. Colourful prayer flags will appear fluttering in the breeze as night falls in this isolated village with mighty mountains in its backyard.

The trail to Dingboche is a mix of difficult trekking and breathtaking vistas. Although not overly strenuous, each step appears heavier as the thin air becomes thinner. Sheer willpower will keep your spirits soaring but stopovers will help you catch a breath before you move on. The trek to Dingboche reveals more than rocks and barren trails; it reveals your inner resilience. Respite comes in the views of rhododendron and nival forests, in the shadow of white mountains looming over with their icy crests. This could easily become the hardest walk of your life, or the best one.

 

Arriving at the tranquil Dingboche you will see that it is nestled at the vicinity of several Himalayan peaks - Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Thamsherku among others. The humbling majesty of these peaks cannot be felt immediately but only much later as the night grows darker and your muscles begin to gather rest. In the silence of the night you will understand the isolation of the Himalayas — and you will be left to wonder about the amazing people who call this region their home.

This is a day to capture the awe and wonder of the Himalayas from inside the heart of Khumbu region. As you begin the day in anticipation, it will be comforting to know that today is the day of acclimatisation with very short treks around but not a long trek ahead. You will acclimatise your body today to adapt to thinner air, preparing your body for the journey tomorrow.

 

You will begin with a light breakfast and mentally prepare for the push to Lobuche, your next stop en route to Everest Base Camp. Today you'll be traversing easy slopes lined with prayer flags and scattered houses. As you trudge along in the breeze, you will see the majestic peaks looking down to you from the heavens. Newer mountains will become visible today as you rest and rejuvenate — preparing for tomorrow with expectations of more beautiful sceneries and stepping one step closer to your destination of Everest Base Camp.

Venturing towards Everest Base Camp, with each step you will feel like you're getting closer to your destination. The rugged charm of Dingboche will be long gone once you arrive at Khumbu River Valley, and before mid-day, and you will find yourself trekking along Khumbu Glacier itself! Along the way you will have mesmerising panoramas of peaks like Ama Dablam and Pumori. And as you trek further with heavy steps along the barren rocky lands and icy glaciers, you will wonder why a trip to Base Camp has to be so trying. 

 

The breakfast of the morning would be a thing of the remote past, as you crave for more energy with every laboured breath. Too many stopovers will make you lag behind your group and too little will make you tired sooner. So, step by step you will have to trudge towards Lobuche. Some grand views of the eternal peaks will be there to solace you as you will hear helicopters flying over the landscape. Amid the tiredness and anticipation, you should pause to reflect on the determination of those who have ventured here before and conquered this land — for with each passing step you take, you will come closer to Lobuche with the promise of shelter and rest for the night.

Today is the day of a life-time experience as you reach Everest Base Camp. You begin immediately after breakfast, going through rugged and rocky trails. As you trek uphill along the Khumbu Glacier, you head towards Gorakshep, barely a hamlet near Everest Base Camp. Sometime late in the morning you will reach Gorakshep, and after a brief rest here, you will hike to Base Camp. This last leg is filled with excitement and too much anticipation because you will certainly be reaching the base of the planet's tallest peak. This is THE iconic peak not just geographically, but in every sense of the world.

 

At the Base Camp, take some photos and videos, and capture every scene until your cameras die or the batteries run dry. You have been soaked in the shadow of the world's tallest peak, and live the magical moment while you are here. Share the camp with hundreds of other nationalities who have come for the same dream — to make it to Everest!

 

And as you leave behind the overwhelming awe of the journey, you will forget the hardships of the way. You will be recharged for life. Gradually, you descend towards Gorakshep as the sun sets, taking in the breathtaking views of the surreal landscape — filled with wonder.

Kalapatthar is a vantage point with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. With this in mind trekkers begin before dawn to catch the first rays falling on the mountain peaks. As you gain altitude through this steep climb, you will have surreal views of landscapes nearby, especially the larger-than-life glaciers. After a challenging climb, you'll reach the top where you can have breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and beautiful skies. It's a magical and enriching scene in itself! Later as you descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, you'll feel your heart soaring with the beauty you witnessed. Views of great mountains still visible around you, you prepare for your helicopter ride ahead.

 

After a much-deserved breakfast in Gorakshep, you will take a shared helicopter flight back to Kathmandu. Note that due to altitude restrictions, flights above 4,500 metres may require two shuttles to Lukla. In such cases, you will disembark first at a lower altitude point (like Pheriche) before continuing to Lukla and on to Kathmandu. En route, you will see panoramic views of the Himalayas, the glaciers you trekked a week ago, and beautiful lush valleys.

A day sightseeing tour is a good thing to have, after returning from an arduous journey in the difficult terrain of the mountains. There are plenty of places to go in this capital city full of heritage. Although it does not seem like it at first, mainly due to the chaotic traffic and the hullabaloo, there are gems of places hidden inside the valley. Take a vehicle of your choice and stay in the comfort of air-conditioning while you visit places of luxury and pampering. You can go to a premium spa to relieve the muscles and relax, have the much-deserved lunch at a five-star hotel, or simply indulge in shopping. You can also customise a day-trip with us.

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.

Whats Included:

  •   All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle.
  •   Three nights in Kathmandu at a 3-star hotel in twin-sharing/double rooms with breakfast.
  •   Three-time meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including tea/coffee in the morning & seasonal fruits in the evening.
  •   Twin-sharing teahouse accommodation during the trek for 8 nights in the Everest Region with attached toilets in Lukla, Phakding & Namche
  •   Highly experienced guide and porter, including their wages, food, accommodation, equipment, and insurance (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).
  •   An assistant guide is provided for groups of 6 or more.
  •   Guided sightseeing around Kathmandu valley including vehicle, entrance fees.
  •   A TMN t-shirt, duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket are provided during the trek (if required).
  •   All necessary trekking permits for Sagarmatha National Park, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek Card, etc.
  •   Farewell dinner at a Nepalese restaurant.
  •   Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu to Lukla ).
  •   Helicopter from Gorakshep to Kathmandu (on a sharing basis)
  •   Emergency rescue operation assistance (covered by travel insurance).
  •   First aid medical kit, including an oximeter to check pulse rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
  •   Administrative expenses and government taxes.

Whats Excluded:

  •   Extra night accommodation and meals (Lunch & Dinner) in Kathmandu.
  •   Travel insurance.
  •   International flight tickets to and from Nepal.
  •   Personal expenses and medical kits.
  •   Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, and hot drinks during the trek.
  •   Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
  •   Hot showers, battery charging, and internet unless provided for free in mountain.
  •   Personal equipment and gear.

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Number of PAXPrice per PAX
1USD 1,550 per person
2 to 3USD 1,450 per person
4 to 7USD 1,420 per person
8 to 11USD 1,400 per person
11 to 14USD 1,370 per person
10-205000

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek

  • Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Everest base camp hike. Please take this as a starting point. You\u2019ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.

General

  • Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
  • Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover

Upper Body

  • Sun hat or cap (We'll provide you with a free Ace the Himalaya baseball cap.)
  • Knitted hat/Beanie
  • Scarf/Neck Gaiter/Buff (highly recommended)
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses

Torso

  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)

Lower Body

  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
  • Hiking Pnats (2)

Hands

  • Wool or technical fabric liner gloves

Feet

  • Wool or technical fabric warm socks
  • Liner socks (optional such as silk)

Undergarments

  • Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)

First Aid Kits and Medications

  • Sunscreen
  • Lipbalm

Other Essentials

  • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
  • Passport

Optional

  • Mobile Phone
  • Camera
  • Power Bank
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Pratima K

Pratima K

28 Oct 2024

tripadvisor Review

It was such a Great and stress free experience. I would Highly recommend Trek Me Nepal and definitely be booking in the future.

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Sarah Spiro

Sarah Spiro

20 Nov 2024

google Review

As a solo female traveler I highly recommend Trek me Nepal and Laxu. They gave me a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.

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