13 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration13 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return stands out because it offers the full classic EBC trekking experience up to Base Camp and Kala Patthar, followed by a scenic helicopter flight back from the high Himalayas, saving time and reducing return fatigue.

Unlike standard treks, it combines proper acclimatization, expert guidance, and cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu with a well-planned route through iconic villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche inside Sagarmatha National Park.

In short, it’s the perfect mix of adventure, safety, and comfort, ending your Everest journey with a breathtaking aerial view of the mountains instead of a long return trek.

What's included

  • All government taxes and service charges
  • Kathmandu sightseeing tour with private vehicle and professional guide
  • Required number of porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter ratio standard)
  • Lunch
  • Helicopter flight from high altitude (typically Gorakshep/Lobuche area) to Lukla
  • Dinner
  • Domestic flights: Kathmandu ↔ Lukla (round trip as per itinerary)
  • Airport pick-up and drop service in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Breakfast
  • First aid medical kit carried by guide
  • Duffel bag for trekking use (if provided by operator)
  • Guide and porter meals, accommodation, and salary
  • Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
  • All required permits, Sagarmatha National Park entry & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
  • Three meals per day during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (3-star standard hotel)
  • All teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except breakfast included in hotel plan)
  • Personal travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m and emergency evacuation)
  • Personal expenses such as, Drinks (tea, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol), Snacks and extra meals
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging fees in mountain lodges (if applicable)
  • Tips for guide and porter (expected but not mandatory)
  • Extra accommodation in Kathmandu due to early return or flight delays
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation (if required for medical reasons)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment (boots, jackets, sleeping bag, etc.)
  • Any costs arising from flight delays/cancellations due to weather conditions at Lukla

What to expect

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
  1. 30m · Admission ticket not included
    Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
  2. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
    5h · Admission ticket not included
    After check-in, you can relax or explore the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, attend a detailed trek briefing covering route, safety, and gear preparation. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation
  1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural and spiritual highlights of the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, begin your guided tour of the city’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites.

    You will first visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient royal palace complex known for its intricate Newari architecture, historic courtyards, and traditional temples that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kathmandu.
  2. 1h · Admission ticket not included
    Next, continue to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, located along the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple complex offers deep spiritual insight into Hindu rituals and traditions.
  3. Boudhanath Stupa
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Afterwards, visit the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. The massive mandala structure, prayer wheels, and surrounding monasteries create a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
  4. 1h
    Finally, head to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. It offers panoramic views of the city along with a blend of Buddhist and Hindu symbolism.

    After completing the sightseeing tour, return to your hotel. The rest of the day is reserved for trek preparation, gear checks, and final arrangements. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
  1. Flights to Lukla
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Early morning, you take a scenic mountain flight to Lukla, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas.
  2. Phakding
    4h
    After landing at one of the world’s most thrilling airports, you begin your trek along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail passes through small Sherpa settlements, mani walls, prayer wheels, and suspension bridges before reaching Phakding. This is an easy introductory trekking day to help your body adjust to the mountain environment.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
  1. 7h
    Today, you enter Sagarmatha National Park, a region rich in biodiversity and Himalayan beauty. The trail includes multiple suspension bridge crossings, including the famous Hillary Bridge, followed by a steep uphill climb through pine forests. As you gain altitude, you may catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest before reaching Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa trading hub of the Khumbu region.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
  1. Namche Bazaar
    6h
    This important acclimatization day helps your body adjust to high altitude. You take a short hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You may also explore the Sherpa Museum, local bakeries, and markets in Namche. The rest of the day is for rest and preparation for higher altitude trekking.
Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
  1. Tengboche
    6h
    The trail offers one of the most scenic sections of the entire trek, with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam. You descend to the river and then ascend through rhododendron forests before reaching Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. If time permits, you can attend an evening prayer ceremony with monks, creating a deeply spiritual Himalayan experience.
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
  1. Dingboche
    6h
    Today’s trek begins with a descent through forests before gradually entering a dry, alpine landscape. You cross rivers and pass traditional Sherpa villages before reaching Dingboche, a beautiful settlement surrounded by stone-walled fields designed to protect crops from harsh winds. The air becomes thinner as you ascend higher into the Himalayas.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
  1. 5h
    A second acclimatization day is essential for safety. You hike to Nangkartshang Peak, which offers panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This challenging but rewarding hike helps your body adapt to extreme altitude before continuing toward Everest Base Camp. The rest of the day is spent resting.
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)
  1. Lobuche
    6h
    The trail becomes more rugged and dramatic as you move closer to the glacier zone. You pass the Thukla Pass memorial area dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest expeditions. The landscape becomes barren and icy as you reach Lobuche, located near the Khumbu Glacier.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & Return to Gorakshep (5,164m)
  1. Everest Base Camp
    4h · Admission ticket not included
    Today is the highlight of your entire journey. You trek through rocky moraine trails and glacial terrain to reach Everest Base Camp, standing at the base of the world’s highest peak.
  2. Gorakshep
    4h · Admission ticket not included
    After celebrating this achievement and taking photos, you return to Gorakshep for overnight stay. The sense of accomplishment and altitude atmosphere makes this a truly unforgettable day.
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) & Helicopter Return to Lukla
  1. Helicopter Landing At Kalapathar
    5h · Admission ticket not included
    Early morning, you hike to Kala Patthar for the best panoramic sunrise view of Mount Everest. After descending, you board a scenic helicopter flight from the high Himalayas back to Lukla, flying over glaciers, valleys, and towering peaks. This luxury return saves days of trekking and offers unmatched aerial views of the Everest region.
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu
  1. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
    6h · Admission ticket not included
    You take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, souvenir shopping, or optional spa and massage after the demanding trek. You may also explore nearby cultural areas or enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 13: Departure
  1. Pass by
    Transfer to airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Everest adventure.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will pick you up at the airport arrival hall. Our driver will be waiting for you wearing a Guru Travels T-shirt and holding a placard displaying the lead traveler’s name for easy identification.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$4,789.00 per group
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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