Everest Base Camp Trek Helicopter Return to Kathmandu - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Outside Tribhuvan International Airport, an airport agent will be waiting for you with a sign. A private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel. You may also visit the office for a pre-trip briefing about the Helicopter Return Everest Base Camp Trek.

3-star hotel in Thamel

Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu (1400m) to Lukla (2840m) then Trek to Phakding (2610m)

Board a 45-minute scenic flight to Lukla in the morning. Upon arrival, your professional Sherpa crew will start the trek to Phakding, descending to the Kusum River and following the Dudh Koshi on its east bank. Move gently to adjust to the thin air. Overnight at a local Sherpa-run teahouse.

Namaste Lodge or Similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3–4 hours | 7.8 km

Day 3: Trek from Phakding (2610m) to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Pass through Sherpa settlements like Bengkar, Monjo, and Jorsale. Enjoy views of snow-capped peaks including Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku. Permits will be checked at Sagarmatha National Park entry. Cross suspension bridges and ascend to Namche Bazaar with stunning mountain vistas.

Hotel Camp De Base or Similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6–7 hours | 10.4 km

Day 4: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Rest and acclimatize. Explore local viewpoints such as Thamo or Khunde, visit the Tourist Visitor Center, and trek to Everest View Hotel. Views include Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and more.

Hotel Camp De Base or Similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3440m) to Tengboche (3810m)

Ascend moderately to Tengboche, passing the Dudh Koshi valley at Pungi Thanka. Visit Tengboche Monastery and enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Lobuche.

Hotel Trekkers Inn or Similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5–6 hours | 9.3 km

Day 6: Trek from Tengboche (3810m) to Dingboche (4410m)

Pass through birch, juniper, fir, and rhododendron forests, visit a Buddhist nunnery, and follow Imja Khola. Cross meadows, yak herder settlements, and arrive at Dingboche, a chilly alpine village.

Mountain Heritage or Similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4–5 hours | 10 km

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4410m)

Second acclimatization day. Take short hikes to nearby villages or peaks like Chhukung Ri (5,546m) or Nagarjun Hill for panoramic views of Makalu, Lobuche, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam.

Mountain Heritage or Similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4–5 hours

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche (4410m) to Lobuche (4910m)

Ascend steep paths via Dughla and Chupki Lhara, passing memorials to mountaineers. Continue past the Khumbu Glacier moraine with views of Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal.

Basic Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4–5 hours | 7.6 km

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche (4910m) to Gorakshep (5140m) then Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back

Start early, walking alongside Khumbu Glacier. Ascend to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, then return to Gorakshep for overnight stay.

Basic Tea House

Breakfast

7–8 hours | 9.9 km

Day 10: Trek from Gorakshep (5140m) to Kalapatthar (5555m) then Fly Back to Kathmandu (1400m) by Helicopter

Early morning trek to Kalapatthar for sunrise views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Descend to Gorakshep and board a helicopter back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.

3-star hotel in Thamel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

2–3 hours | 1.2 km

Cost Includes

Pickup from Kathmandu International Airport by private vehicle

3-star accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 nights with breakfast (Day 1 & Day 10)

8 nights of upgraded accommodation during the trek

All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek

Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor tablets)

Ground transportation on private vehicle as per itinerary

Regular flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap

Experienced, English-speaking, licensed trek guide

Helicopter from Gorakshep to Kathmandu (sharing flight)

Duffel bag, trekking map, and trekking T-shirt

All trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)

Medical kit carried by the trek guide

Government and local taxes

Airport transfer for departure

Cost Excludes

Nepalese visa fee, international flight ticket, travel insurance

Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early/late arrival or early return from trek

Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)

Porter services (optional)

Personal expenses (phone, internet, laundry, bar bills, etc.)

Tips for guides, porters, and drivers