Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

1. Kathmandu
   Pass by
   One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 to 4 hours

1. Phakding
   20h
   An early morning start takes us to Tribhuwan Domestic Airport in Kathmandu for the 35 minutes scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport at Lukla situated at 2804 meters. On arrival at the airport, our guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek up to Phakding (2,635m). It takes approximately 3 hours to reach Phakding by walk from Lukla.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) – 6 to 7 hours

1. Namche Bazaar
   1 day
   From Phakding to Namche is a 6 hours hike in total so we continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Koshi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries. Namche is the biggest Sherpa settlement along the Everest trail.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day

1. Everest View Point
   24m
   We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air pressure. In a short trek in and around Namche Bazar, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m) – 5 to 6 hours

1. Tengboche
   16h
   The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We’ll have trekked to an altitude of 3,860 m upon reaching Tengboche. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony either in the evening or in the morning depending on how the trekking goes this day.

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,350 m) – 5 to 6 hours

1. Dingboche
   16h
   From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. We take our time, so we avoid getting affected by the altitude.

Day 7: Acclimatization Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) – 4 to 5 hours

1. 1 day
   This day is planned as acclimatization day. We don’t make progress towards Everest Base Camp. Instead we will hike to Nangkartshang Peak just above Dingboche. The peak is an excellent view point especially of the gorgeous Ama Dablam. If weather is clear, we will get to see Ama Dablam from its summit to its feet. You can spend the afternoon strolling around the village or resting.

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m) – 5 to 6 hours

1. 16h
   Today, the trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. We continue to climb as we are heading to the village of Lobuche which is located at the foot of giant Lobuche peak. Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude.

Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) & walk to Gorak Shep (5,180 m) – 7 to 8 hours

1. 1 day
   This is a big and difficult day walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5,365 m, the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. During spring, there will likely be expedition teams about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 10: Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) & trek to Gorakshep (5,180 m) – 4 hours. Fly to Lukla on Helicopter– 20 mins

1. Kala Pattar
   30m
   This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of the morning is spent climbing Kala Patthar, a small peak at 5,555 m. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama – Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8,848 m, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the giants such as Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorak Shep and have hot breakfast, and then fly down to Lukla on a helicopter. After 20 minutes ride, we reach Lukla for the night.

Day 11: Flight Back to Kathmandu or Manthali from Lukla and farewell dinner

1. Lukla
   2h
   Enjoying the last glimpse of the mountains we have recently visited, the 35 minutes scenic flight takes us back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, we are met and transferred back to our hotel.
   
   If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.
   
   In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural dance performances.

Day 12: Transfer to the International Airport for final departure.

1. 2h
   The only international airport in Nepal

Pickup details

We will pick you up from the airport even if you arrive earlier.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• A minimum two people booking is required.