Everest region · Moderate
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Walk up, fly out. The full approach without the long descent back to Lukla. Small groups, government-licensed guides, and porters paid and insured to IPPG standards.
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. Travellers must carry insurance covering their route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Duration
9 Days
Max altitude
5,545 m
Grade
Moderate
Best season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group size
2–10 travellers
Accommodation
Teahouse
Day by day
Day 01
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, walk to Phakding
A 35-minute mountain flight, then three easy hours along the Dudh Koshi.
2,610 m
Day 02
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
The long climb past Monjo into the national park.
3,440 m
Day 03
Acclimatisation day in Namche
Hike to the Everest View Hotel and back down to sleep.
3,440 m
Day 04
Namche to Tengboche
Forest trail to the monastery, above the treeline by dusk.
3,860 m
Day 05
Tengboche to Dingboche
Into the Imja valley.
4,410 m
Day 06
Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Climb Nangkartshang, sleep low.
4,410 m
Day 07
Dingboche to Lobuche
Past the Thukla Pass memorials.
4,940 m
Day 08
Base Camp, sleep Gorak Shep
Six hours on moraine to the icefall.
5,364 m
Day 09
Kala Patthar sunrise, helicopter to Kathmandu
Fly out the same morning instead of walking four days back to Lukla.
1,400 m
What is included
Included
- Airport transfers and two nights in Kathmandu
- All permits, TIMS card and national park fees
- Licensed English-speaking guide and one porter per two trekkers
- Teahouse accommodation on trek, twin share
- Three meals a day while trekking
- Guide and porter insurance, wages and equipment
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Personal travel and evacuation insurance
- Hot showers, wifi and charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
Why trek this with us
Two full acclimatisation days
Built into the schedule, not sold as an extra. It is the single biggest factor in reaching the top.
Guides from the region
Your guide grew up in the valley you are walking through and holds a government licence.
One porter per two trekkers
Insured, weight-limited to 25 kg and equipped by us for altitude.
No hidden costs
Permits, park fees, domestic flights and all meals on trek are in the price you see.
Reviews from this trek
★★★★★
The pacing was the thing. Two acclimatisation days felt slow at the time and meant nobody in our group turned back.
★★★★★
Our guide rerouted a day around a landslide before we even knew about it. Quoted price never moved.
★★★★★
Everything on the included list was genuinely included. No permit surprises at the trailhead.
Frequently asked
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on consecutive days, carrying only a daypack. No technical skill is needed on this route. Most trekkers train by hill walking for two to three months beforehand.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. You must carry travel insurance covering trekking to your route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. It must cover trekking to the maximum altitude of your route and include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. We ask for the policy number before departure.
Can I do this trip privately or on my own dates?
Every itinerary can run as a private departure on the dates you choose, usually at a small premium for solo travellers and no premium from two people upwards.
What is the payment schedule?
A 20% deposit confirms your place. The balance is due 30 days before departure, payable by card, bank transfer or in cash in Kathmandu.
