Adventure Friendship
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Scenic flight to Lukla (or seasonal drive to Manthali) and thrilling airstrip landing
- Trek through iconic Sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche, and Pangboche
- Enter Sagarmatha National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Acclimatization hikes to Hotel Everest View & Nangkartsang Peak for stunning vistas
- Visit Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region
- Epic mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Makalu & more
- Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) — the foot of the world’s tallest peak
- Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,555m) — the best close-up view of Mt. Everest
- Scenic helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla
- Return helicopter to Kathmandu with time to relax or explore
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you with a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
Later in the day, attend a pre-trek briefing where you’ll meet your guide and receive final instructions about your adventure. Enjoy your first evening in Kathmandu soaking in the charm of this historic city.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not included - Day 2 : Fly to Lukla - Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft) – 3 to 4 hours
Depending on the season, your Lukla flight may depart from either Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap).
- Peak Season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov): Early morning drive (5–6 hrs) to Manthali, followed by a 20-minute flight to Lukla.
- Off-season: 35-minute direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
After landing at Lukla (2,840m), your trekking journey begins. Descend along the Dudh Koshi River, passing mani walls, chortens, and traditional Sherpa villages before reaching Phakding.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 3 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) – 5 to 6 hours
Today’s route takes you across multiple suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, through pine forests and charming villages like Monjo and Jorsalle.
Enter Sagarmatha National Park and ascend to Namche Bazaar—the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. En route, catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest from Top Danda.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Namche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 4 : Acclimatization Day in Namche - Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880m/12,730ft)
Today is a vital rest day for altitude adaptation. Hike to Hotel Everest View for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and more.
Return to Namche for a relaxed afternoon exploring local markets, museums, bakeries, and coffee shops.Overnight: Guesthouse in Namche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 5 : Trek to Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft) – 5 to 6 hours
The trail contours above the Dudh Koshi River, offering glorious views. Pass through lush forests and villages like Sanasa and Phunki Tenga before a steep ascent to Tengboche.
Visit Tengboche Monastery, the most revered spiritual site in the region, with its serene setting and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Tengboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 6 : Trek to Dingboche (4,410m/14,469ft) – 6 to 7 hours
Descend through rhododendron forests to Debuche, cross the Imja Khola, and climb to Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu.
Enjoy lunch in Somare before trekking through arid landscapes to Dingboche, surrounded by peaks like Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Lhotse.Overnight: Guesthouse in Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 7 : Acclimatization Day – Hike to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083m/16,676ft)
A second acclimatization day. Hike to Nangkartsang Peak for 360° views of Makalu, Everest, Ama Dablam, and more.
Return to Dingboche and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing in cozy tea houses or browsing local shops.Overnight: Guesthouse in Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 8 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910m/16,109ft) – 5 to 6 hours
Walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier, with views of Cholatse and Taboche. Stop at Thukla for lunch, then ascend to the emotional memorials of fallen climbers at Thukla Pass.
The final stretch to Lobuche reveals snow-draped giants like Pumori and Nuptse.Overnight: Guesthouse in Lobuche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 9 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & Return to Gorakshep – 8 to 9 hours
A milestone day! Trek past glaciers and ice fields to reach Everest Base Camp, standing beneath the shadow of the world’s tallest mountain. Celebrate your achievement before heading back to Gorak Shep.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Gorak Shep
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 10 : Sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,555m) - Helicopter to Lukla & Fly to Kathmandu
Start early to ascend Kala Patthar for the best sunrise view over Mount Everest. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast.
Then board a shared helicopter ride back to Lukla (15–20 minutes) and continue by air to Kathmandu (approx. 45 minutes).
Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening with your trekking team.🚁 Note: Helicopters above 4,500m can only carry 3 passengers at a time. In such cases, a shuttle system (via Pheriche) is used.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 11 : Final Departure from Kathmandu
Your unforgettable Himalayan adventure concludes. Our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
If you’d like to extend your trip with a jungle safari in Chitwan, spiritual exploration in Lumbini, or a cultural tour of Bhutan or Tibet, let us know!Meals: Breakfast
Trip Cost Inclusion
- International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off in Nepal
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) plan – twin-sharing basis
- Accommodation in local teahouses during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
- Local Government Entry Permit (Trek Card)
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Everest Permit)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Daily breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) – vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available from the teahouse menu
- 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a cultural dance show, hosted by the Adventure Friendship Team
- First-aid kit carried by Adventure Friendship team
- 1 duffel bag provided by Adventure Friendship to carry your trekking luggage
- Experienced, English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Insurance for guide and porter, including emergency evacuation and medical expenses
- All meals for guide and porter during the trek
- Guide and porter salary as per industry standards, recommended by tourism associations
- Porter service for luggage carrying (1 porter per 2 guests, max 20 kg per porter)
Trip Cost Exclusion
- International flight tickets
- Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla)
- Helicopter cost from Gorakshep or Lobuche to Kathmandu (Group sharing basis)
- Nepal visa fees (payable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, drivers, and staff
- Expenses incurred due to extra days beyond the scheduled itinerary (due to weather, flight delays, etc.)
- Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry, souvenirs, gear rental, hot showers, WiFi, and electronic charging
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section
- Travel insurance (must cover both medical and emergency evacuation, with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000)
- Extra transfer costs for transportation between Kathmandu and Ramechhap (in case of Lukla flight via Ramechhap)
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