The Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return to Lukla offers a blend of luxury and adventure, ideal for those with limited time. This unique journey allows you to trek to EBC and then swiftly return via helicopter, saving both time and energy. Along the way, you'll experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, as well as numerous other snow-capped peaks in the Everest region.
The trek itself follows some of the finest mountain trails on Earth, passing through monasteries, local villages, and picturesque Sherpa communities. Standing beneath the towering Mount Everest at base camp is a highlight of the trek. The helicopter journey back to Lukla provides a thrilling aerial perspective of Mount Everest, Sherpa settlements, and winding glacier rivers, enhancing the overall adventure and scenic experience.
Itinerary
Day-1 Arrival in Kathmandu
On your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative of Bold Himalayan will greet you and will drop you off at our hotel. Freshen up and take a rest and in the evening after the trek preparation, a welcome dinner will be hosted by Bold Himalaya. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day-2 Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to the domestic airport for a 35-minute flight to Lukla, enjoying stunning mountain views. Upon arrival, meet your crew and begin trekking towards Phakding. The trail winds through Sherpa villages like Chaurikharka and Chheplung, offering glimpses of traditional architecture and friendly locals. Crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, including the iconic Hillary Bridge, adds excitement. After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and trekking for 3-4 hours, reach peaceful Phakding by the Dudh Koshi River. Relax in comfortable teahouses, lulled by the river's soothing sounds, ready for the journey ahead.
Day-3 Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Leaving Phakding, follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. Pass through picturesque villages like Toktok and Benkar, surrounded by terraced fields and stone houses. Enjoy views of waterfalls, rhododendron forests, and distant peaks. After reaching Jorsalle for permit checks, continue to Monjo, a lively Sherpa town with lodges. The ascent to Namche Bazaar offers spectacular vistas of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. After hours of climbing, arrive at Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region.
Day-4 Namche Bazaar: acclimatization
To acclimatize to the altitude, we'll spend an extra day in Namche Bazaar and explore nearby Sherpa villages. You can hike from Namche to Khumjung village, where highlights include the Khumjung Hillary School and Khumjung Gompa. Another option is trekking to Hotel Everest View above Namche, offering breathtaking vistas of Tawache, Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Khumbu Himal, and more. Alternatively, visit the Syanboche airstrip, the world's highest airport at 3,780m/12,401ft, before returning to Namche Bazaar for the night.
Day-5 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
From Tengboche, the trail descends gently through rhododendron and conifer forests with stunning mountain views. You'll follow the tranquil Imja Khola River to Pangboche, a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses and monasteries. Continuing upward, you'll pass through Somare's terraced fields before reaching Dingboche, at 4,360 meters. This village offers charming lodges and serves as a vital acclimatization stop before continuing your trek.
Day-6 Tengboche to Dingboche
After breakfast head toward Dingboche. Today’s trek begins with a descent through a beautiful forest along with the Imja Khola valley. After Debuche, the trail becomes very pleasant. We cross the iron bridge on the right side and get a great view of Ama Dablam (6,814m). Then the trail gradually makes its way to Pangboche village.
From Pangboche, the trail continues the summer pastures on to Dingboche. Reaching Dingboche you find the tree line disappears and the landscapes turn barren and stony. Overnight stay at Dingboche.
Day-7 Dingboche: acclimatization
Another acclimatization day at Dingboche, as you are at an altitude of above 4000 meters. Today, to get your body into a comfortable zone with the thinner air we will take an acclimatization hike to the surrounding hills. This village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold wind. For acclimatization, you can either hike up to Chhukung or Nangkar Tshang Peak.
Hiking up to Chhukung (4,750m/15,583ft) is an easy day hike that offers magnificent views of Mt. Makalu (8,463m/27,765ft), Island Peak (6,160m/20,209ft), Peak 38 and several other Himalayan peaks.
Whereas, Nangkar Tshang Peak (5,083m/16,676ft) hiking offers magnificent views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Kangtega. Overnight stay at Dingboche.
Day-8 Dingboche to Lobuche
Leaving Dingboche, the trail ascends through increasingly rugged terrain with views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. Passing through Dusa and Dughla, where a memorial to Everest climbers stands, you'll trek to the Khumbu Glacier's moraine. Arriving in Lobuche at 4,940 meters, enjoy hospitality at local lodges and teahouses amidst breathtaking high-altitude scenery.
Day-9 Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
From Lobuche, the trail to Gorak Shep starts with a gentle ascent over the rocky Khumbu Glacier moraine, offering surreal glacial vistas. As you near Gorak Shep at 5,164 meters, teahouses provide a brief respite before the challenging trek to Everest Base Camp. Crossing the glacier involves navigating rocky paths and glacial streams marked by prayer flags and cairns. Finally, at 5,364 meters, you reach Everest Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks and vibrant mountaineering tents. After soaking in the achievement, return to Gorak Shep to savor the accomplishment and stunning landscapes.
Day-10 Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, back to Gorak Shep, fly to Lukla by Helicopter
Early morning, hike to Kalapatthar for stunning sunrise views of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks like Pumori, Nuptse, and Changtse. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Everest region. Afterward, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, then take a helicopter ride to Lukla, marveling at aerial views of the landscape. Overnight in Lukla, concluding the trek with a memorable flight experience.
Day-11 Fly to Kathmandu
From Lukla, we will catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after breakfast. We will take one last close look at the mountains. And finally another thrilling about 35 minutes’ flight we arrive in Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. You can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. You can also explore nearby areas of Kathmandu Valley. And there will be a cultural dinner program with the members of Bold Himalaya. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.
Day-12 Departure or Join Next Trip
Today is the departing day. A representative from Bold Himalayas will drop you at the airport 3 hours before your departing time. You can join us for another thrilling adventure or trip with Bold Himalaya. We can right away arrange your awesome trip.
Inclusion
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, and all ground transportation during the trip.
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu to Lukla and return.
- Shared helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla.
- Accommodation: 2 nights in Kathmandu (Hotel Thrive or Similar) on twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
- Accommodation during trekking in standard guesthouses or trekking lodges.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal fruits and dry nuts during trekking.
- Necessary trekking equipment: Sleeping bag, down jacket (return after trek), duffle bag, T-shirt, and trip certificate.
- Support staff: Guide, porters, including their food, accommodation, salary, and insurance.
- Fees included: Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, Pasang Lhamu Rular Municipality entrance fee, TIMS card.
Exclusions
- Additional meals during trekking and lunch/dinner in Kathmandu are not included.
- Expenses for desserts and beverages at bars are not covered.
- International air tickets and travel insurance are not provided.
- Tips for trekking crew members are not included and should be budgeted separately.
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Expedition Information
$2,185
Everest View Trek
Mountaineering,
Trekking
Fitness Level
3
Technical Level
2
Group Size
1-99
Ratio
1:5
Continent:
AsiaCountry:
NepalLocation:
Everest View TrekElevation:
3,440 m / 11,286 ftGPS:
27.8167 N°, 86.7167 E°