Everest Base Camp and Fly back By Helicopter -12 Days

Trip Code

NOA-63478

Starts At

Kathmandu, Nepal

Ends At

Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Grades

Strenuous

Maximum Altitude

5,545m/18,193ft

Country

Nepal

Activities

Trekking

Duration

12 days

Trip Highlights

  • World’s highest airport in Syangboche
  • Culture and lifestyles of the local Sherpa people
  • The exquisiteness of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848m)
  • View of other peaks such as Mt. Lhotse(8,516m), Cho Oyu(8,201m), and Mt.Makalu (8,463m)
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, high suspension bridges
  • The wide range of Flora and Fauna
  • Ancient monastery in Tengboche
  • Wildlife like musk deer, colorful pheasants, snow leopard, and Himalayan Thar
  • Highest glacier on Earth- Khumbu Glacier (4900 m)
  • Amazing panoramic view from Kala Patthar (5,555m)
  • Experience the perfect combination of trekking and a luxurious Helicopter ride.
     

Trip Description

The Everest Base Camp Trek is legendary around the world as it offers a world-class trekking trail, heading straight up to the mother of the earth - Everest, the world's highest mountain at 8,850 m. The scenery on this trek is extremely rewarding and despite it being one of the toughest and most challenging trekking destinations, this is often a one-in-a-lifetime-experience that you’ll definitely remember for the rest of your life. 

Your journey to Everest Base Camp starts on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla where you’ll land at Tenzing-Hillary airport. There are not any roads between the 2 towns and therefore the only way in is by plane. You will be enjoying some amazing views of the Himalayas if you get a window seat. The flight takes about half-hour then you’ll be landing within the mountain top village. The entire place is buzzing excitedly as trekkers and guides are busy preparing for the trek. As you prepare to ascent towards Everest Base Camp, you’ll bid goodbye to civilization.

The air at the upper elevations is cool and crisp, lush green forests stretch as far as the eye can see. You’re off on a journey to at least one of the foremost challenging destinations within the world. The gorgeous and serene mountain villages, the friendly people, and the breathtaking view of the mountain make this trip a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You’ll have a guide with you each step of the way as you follow the pathways and trails to Everest Base Camp. Bring your camera and plenty of films because you’ll want to record this trip for all of your family and friends. There's much to ascertain along the way like jagged cliffs, sparkling clear pools of water, and a bridge.

You’ll be making your stops at Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep on the way to Everest Base Camp. You’ll spend the night in a number of these villages and experience the hospitality of the people of Nepal. It's a 2-day trek to Namche Bazaar, which is the trading hub of the mountain. People come to the villages to shop for and trade their goods. The Sherpa way of life is a tradition that has survived for numerous years. The villages are remote and remain as they have been since the initial phase of the time.

The Khumbu glacier is one of the major highlights of the trek. If you’ve never experienced the lives of Sherpas and their culture, this is the opportunity to view them closely. The sweetness of the environment, the peaceful feeling of being in nature far away from chaos and distractions will acquaint you with a mesmerizing way of living. Each of the villages you’ll be visiting has its own culture and belief system. Tibetan Buddhism started here and you can experience it everywhere you look. You’ll see beautiful icons of the Buddhist faith and life within the Himalayas. As a part of the trek, you’ll also get an opportunity to go to a couple of monasteries and gompas in Nepal just like the historic Tengboche Monastery. Each stop along the route is an experience in culture and hospitality. The trek to Everest Base Camp is an adventure that you simply must experience for yourself.

Outlined Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu

Your journey begins with your arrival in the bustling capital city of Nepal,
Kathmandu. A representative from our team will arrive for your pickup at TIA
and will assist you together with your luggage and transportation to your hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, so you'll check your hotel and luxuriate in the afternoon and evening at your leisure. You may simply want to rest after your long flight, but the lively tourist markets and restaurants of the Thamel are an enticing draw for many visitors.
 

  • Accommodation

    4 Star Hotel

  • Max Altitude

    1,350m/4,429ft

Day 2 : Guided Kathmandu City Tour and Trek Preparation

Before heading to the Himalayas you must be familiar with quite a few things. Guidance and research for the trek are mandatory for everyone. You will be dealing with a strange experience but finally, with some groundwork, you can deal with it. You should be cautious with your bag pack. Carrying needless equipment will make your journey difficult. We will grasp up on some final shopping if there is free time. You will get the opportunity to explore Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunath Stupa. They have been scheduled in the UNESCO world heritage sites. These sites display the full range of historic and artistic achievements. Kathmandu Valley is world-famous for such beauty. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

  • Accommodation

    4 Star Hotel

  • Max Altitude

    1,350m/4,429ft

Day 3 : Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding

We will wake up around 5 to 6 am in the morning. Then, our group will be driving for about 30 minutes before the time. The true beginning of your Everest Base Camp Trek will begin on the third day of your trip when you’ll board a scenic flight to Lukla after your early morning breakfast. This brief flight offers you stunning panoramas of the Himalayan range, supplying you with a tantalizing taste of the mountains. From Lukla, you’ll be starting your hike in the direction of Phakding. The small, bucolic settlement of Phakding is situated on the banks of the Dudh Koshi, a high-altitude river that runs all the way from Everest and is named for its milky, opaque water. You’ll enjoy comfortable overnight accommodation at one of Phakding’s guesthouses. You may also take a shared helicopter flight to Lukla. It will cost an extra US$ 350-500 per person. 
 

  • Walking Hours

    3-4 hrs

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    2,800m/9,187ft

Day 4 : Phakding to Namche Bazar

Leaving Phakding behind, today you’ll trek north on a path leading to Monjo.
This village is the gateway to Sagarmatha National park, a formally protected area that takes its name from Mt. Everest (called Sagarmatha in Nepali). The park is home to a wide variety of Himalayan flora and fauna, and you're bound to enjoy trekking through sweetly scented evergreen forests consisting of blue pine, deodar, and rhododendron. After crossing a final suspension bridge at the junction of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers, you’ll hike uphill for about two hours before reaching what’s known as the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region: Namche Bazar. Overnight in Namche Bazar
 

  • Walking Hours

    5-6 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    3,438m/11,280ft

Day 5 : Namche Bazar: Acclimatization Day

This day is booked for acclimatization. As you ascend to higher altitudes, it’s
important to let your body adapt to the smaller amount of obtainable oxygen in
the atmosphere. Fortunately, there’s a lot to see and do in the colorful commercial hub of Namche Bazaar. From where you’ll get to enjoy your first unobstructed view of Everest itself. Many neighboring peaks including Thamserku, Kongde RI, and the distinctive summit of Ama Dabla are also visible from town. You can get to learn Sherpa traditions by paying a visit to the Sherpa Culture Museum. Then you’ll take a short hike to the Syangboche Airport just above the town. From here, you can capture stunning photographs of Namche Bazaar—not to mention the wall of Himalayan peaks surrounding the town. Finally, make sure to visit the Hotel Everest View which is regarded as the highest hotel in the world and offers great views of its namesake mountain from each window. Overnight in Namche Bazar.

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    3,438m/11,280ft

Day 6 : Namche Bazar to Tengboche

Today’s hike begins by leaving behind Namche Bazaar. Your path winds uphill through fragrant rhododendron woodlands and passes alongside quiet Himalayan villages. Many trekkers regard this route because of the most scenic section of the entire Everest Base Camp Trek. You’re really in the mountains now: Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse are just a few of the stunning peaks that tower over the trail. Your destination for today lies where the two rivers converge at the spiritual center of the Khumbu: Tengboche. This village is best known as the location of the important Tengboche Monastery. This is the largest gompa you’ll visit during your trek, and it’s a sublime sight to behold: flanked by pines and azaleas that are set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, it’s hard to imagine a more striking setting. Overnight in Tengboche.
 

  • Walking Hours

    5-6 hours

  • Meals

    Nepali Cuisine

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    3,870m/12,697ft

Day 7 : Tengboche to Dingboche

After having a tasty breakfast in Tengboche, you’ll begin your morning hike by descending through forest-clad hillsides towards the tiny hamlet of Deboche. You’ll cross a couple of suspension bridges over the Imja Khola before approaching the subsequent notable settlement on today’s route: Pangboche. This is a good place to rest and luxuriate in a snack while taking in the tremendous views of Ama Dablam. When you decide to continue, you’ll start climbing along a trail lined with prayer flags and bordered by mani walls. Mani walls are comprised of many stone tablets, each of which is inscribed with a Buddhist mantra, and should always be passed on the left. Continuing past the village of Orsho, you’ll finally reach the tiny Sherpa village called Dingboche, recognized as the “summer valley” of the region. Dingboche experiences summer rains from the monsoon, contributing to its farming livelihood. Check-in at an internet cafeĢ or enjoy a bite to eat from one among the local bakeries before delivering to your tea house/lodge. Overnight in Dingboche.

  • Walking Hours

    5-6 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    4,360m/14,305ft

Day 8 : Dingboche: Acclimatization Day

Now that you’ve reached altitudes greater than 4,000 meters, you’ll need more time to adjust to the rarified air. Today is therefore reserved for acclimatization but that doesn’t mean you've got to take a seat still. Just south of Dingboche, you may go for a steep hike to the highest of Nagarjun Hill, from which you'll obtain gobsmacking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Lobuche, and Taboche. Trekking to this rewarding vantage point offers you a stunning panoramic view of the entire Imja Khola valley. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, return to Dingboche to explore its many guesthouses, restaurants, bakeries, and shops. Dingboche is additionally noted for hosting one of the world’s highest billiards parlors. For our money, there’s nothing more relaxing than kicking back with a mug of butter tea while enjoying the solitary splendor of Imja Tse, the 6,189-meter mountain better referred to as Island Peak, which rises above the town. Overnight in Dingboche. 

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    Dingboche

Day 9 : Dingboche to Lobuche

After leaving Dingboche behind, today’s hike will take you through windswept pastures and past the lonely huts of yak herders. As you trek towards the small settlement of Lobuche, you’ll notice changes within the local terrain. The woodlands have now thinned out, replaced with scattered shrubs and rocky, snow-dusted grasslands. Your route will give you an amazing check out of the familiar peaks of Lhotse and Ama Dablam now, however, there are even more mountains to be identified from here. Ask your guide to show you Lingtren, Pumori, and Khumbutse. Lobuche is your last stop for the day. Lobuche consists almost entirely of a tea house/lodge, so it’s the perfect spot to spend the night. Make sure to get plenty of rest to prepare yourself for the next day’s hike to Everest Base Camp in the morning. 

  • Walking Hours

    5-6 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Max Altitude

    4,940m/16,208ft

Day 10 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp visit

The day you’ve been expecting for so long has finally arrived. After numerous kilometers of trekking, you’ll finally get to see Everest Base Camp with your own eyes. From Lobuche, you’ll strike out on a trail resulting in Gorak Shep which is a sparsely populated little village where trekkers’ lodges and guesthouses are located on the edge of a frozen lakebed. Gorak Shep was once the site of the original Everest Base Camp, and it’s your last stop before pressing on to the bottom camp’s current location. Take a flash to enjoy the semi-tame birdlife here, including snowcocks and choughs, before resuming your hike. Leaving back Gorakshep, you’ll begin your trekking alongside the Khumbu glacier moraine and its associated Khumbu Icefall, which is regarded as one of the hazardous parts of the climb for those attempting to summit Everest. Now you’ve finally reached the best part of the day of your arrival at Everest Base Camp. Spend some time enjoying the incredible atmosphere then, You’ll return to Gorak Shep to spend the night in your tea house/lodge, basking in the exhilaration of having achieved the ultimate trekker’s dream.
 

  • Walking Hours

    6-7hrs

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Max Altitude

    5,364m/17,599ft

Day 11 : Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, back to Gorak Shep, fly to Kathmandu by Helicopter

You will have an early morning departure amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Moreover, there's always the potential for cold winds here. Familiar peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower are seen to the east whilst Everest begins to reveal itself. Upon reaching Kalapatthar, you will get to ascertain 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. Take some time to click pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, then you’ll return back to Kathmandu by helicopter.  The hustle and bustle of Kathmandu may come as something of a surprise after the solitude of the mountains. You’ll be transported to your hotel to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Feel free to relax or explore the local markets and eateries. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars in Thamel where you can enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel to spend the night. 
Breakfast is included. 
 

  • Walking Hours

    4-5 hrs

  • Meals

    Breakfast

  • Max Altitude

    5,545m/18,193ft

Day 12 : Final departure

The last morning on your trip to Nepal where you’ll be enjoying a pleasant breakfast while reflecting on all of the memories you’ve collected on the Everest Base Camp Trek over the past two weeks. Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. We hope you’ll return to Nepal in the near future to see everything else that it has to offer! 
Today’s breakfast is included.
 

Cost Includes

  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle.
  • Twin-sharing/Triple accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu on a breakfast basis (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
  • Full-day guided sightseeing in Kathmandu on day 02 with a Tour Guide of the touring sites
  • Tea House/Lodge accommodation during the trek in the Everest region
  • Three meals daily during the trekking days
  • Licensed and experienced English-speaking guide
  • Sagarmatha/Everest National Park Permit and Khumbu Tourism Fee
  • Porters service during the trek for carrying the luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients, per customer 10 KG maximum)
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
  • Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla (A private or shared helicopter is available between Kathmandu and Lukla for an extra cost)
  • Walking The Himalaya duffel, Minor Medical Kitbag, Trekking map, T-shirt
  • Farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
  • All administrative expenses and government taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 Days Visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa, and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
  • International airfare and airport departure tax
  • Travel insurance along with high-altitude (5500m) emergency evacuation coverage 
  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • Any sort of beverages including bottles and boiled water
  • Tips to trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected; it is recommended to spend 10% of your trip price for tipping)
  • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
  • Any expenses other than the Price Include section

 

Costs & Dates

Extra Information

1. Best Time To Travel
Spring from March to May and autumn from mid-September to November are considered to be the best seasons to trek. The weather is dry and clear during these times making it ideal for trekking and enjoying majestic views of mountains. The days are mild while the nights are chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons and the trails get crowded and busy.
You can also go for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds when you can even enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses which remain mostly empty during these times. But you should be aware of some discomforts (rain, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times.

2. Entry Permits & Requirements

To get the permits, you will need to provide the listed documents and information:

  • Copy of your passport
  • 2 Passport-sized photos
  • Dates when your trek starts and ends
  • Itinerary/route
  • Entry and exit points
  • Emergency Contact Information (local and home country’s)
  • Travel Insurance Details

3.  Altitude Sickness
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness may begin once you reach 1500-2000 meters and upwards. If you gain a sudden height rapidly without letting your body adapt to the thin oxygen at higher altitudes, you are most likely to suffer from Altitude Sickness. But if you plan for acclimatization days to your itinerary, you are good to go. 
Acclimatization days are included in your trip to avoid Altitude Sickness. The sickness is common at high altitudes. Please remember that altitude sickness is a topic to be taken very seriously. Here are a few extra prevention tips: 

  • Avoid climbing rapidly, give your body some time to adjust to the environment 
  • Drink more water, not less than 5 liters per day 
  • Eat more, eat often, and eat healthier 
  • Listen to your body, do not ignore symptoms 
  • Do not skip acclimatization days 
  • Be prepared in case of an emergency 

4. Safety and security 
You can have Travel Insurance while trekking which is the safest measure. However, there are some measures following which you can implement to ensure safety: 

  • Secure your belongings 
  • Do not flash cash or jewelry 
  • Have an emergency plan 
  • Do not trek alone 
  • Only choose authorized trekking agencies 

5. Trekking essentials 
People, often you don’t need a lot of complicated gear and equipment.  Here’s a basic checklist of the most essential items that you should not forget to take. 

  • A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
  • Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
  • Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
  • T-shirts or shirts
  • Down jacket
  • Wind/ waterproof light jacket
  • Fleece jumper or jacket
  • Inner Thermal (top and trouser)
  • Socks and inner wears
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
  • Inner and outer gloves
  • Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
  • Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
  • Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
  • Water bottle and water purification tablets

6. Walking hours
On average, walking hours per day is 5-6 hours below 3,000m. For altitudes higher than 3,000m, the average walking time is 3-5 hours per day. The walking hours may vary according to conditions but do not exceeds 6 hours mark per day. 

7. Hiring a Guide
Do good research before hiring a guide. However, if you plan your trip via a travel agency, an experienced guide will be provided for a group of 1-5. A group consisting of 6-12 individuals will be provided with 2 professional guides. Moreover, the package might also include a porter for every 2 individuals. 

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

EBC Trek and fly back by Helicopter is best done in pre-monsoon season i.e. from March to May and post-monsoon season i.e. from late September to December. It is also possible to do this trek in February and early September but the trek is best preferred during the above-mentioned months.  

EBC trek and fly back by helicopter, as the name suggests, is a wonderful trek up to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain where trekkers got to walk one way up. After reaching the base camp, hikers don’t need to walk backtrack rather will fly back on an exciting helicopter ride, either to Lukla or Kathmandu, supporting their demands. Normally EBC trek is a moderate or challenging trek that does not require any technical expertise in mountaineering. It is basically a long hike up to an altitude of 5,364m (17,599ft.) and it seems difficult only because you need to walk for 7 to 9 days all the way up to the base camp on varied terrains. 

Your personal budget will totally depend on your spending habits and things that are included in your trip. If accommodation is included, but meals are not, it is suggested to bring around 30 USD per day per person for meals. Having a hot shower or charging your device sometimes might cost you extra. You might also like to but some crafts/souvenirs along the trekking route for which you have to bring extra cash.  

To do the Everest Base Camp Trek, you need a legitimate passport, a tourist Visa, two passport-size photographs for trekking permits, and travel insurance which is very essential. 

You can find various ways to access the web. If you have purchased a SIM card, you will be able to use data to access the internet. However, the network connection for both communication and internet access might not be consistently good. As you progress higher, the connection may get weak. You will be able to get Wi-Fi service from the tea houses, but please expect to be charged for this.

And last but not the least, you can also purchase an Everest Link Card which is very popular in the Everest region for its fast and reliable internet service. You can even purchase these cards in Kathmandu along with Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo Valley. 
 

12 Days from US $3500

US $ 3,350

Save $150 Per Pax
  • Best Price Guaranteed
  • Hassle Free Booking
  • No Booking or Credit Card Fees
  • Highly Experienced Teams
  • Your Happiness Guaranteed

Want to customize your own trip ?