Everest Heli Trek 12 Days

Walk up to Everest Base Camp and fly back down. This 12-day Everest Base Camp helicopter trek from Kathmandu covers the full classic route on foot, then replaces the long descent with a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla. You save about two days compared with our 14-day trek, without skipping any of the highlights.

You fly to Lukla and climb through Sherpa villages, pine forests and high suspension bridges to Namche Bazaar. Rest days at Namche and Dingboche let your body adjust before you reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) beside the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall. Before dawn the next day you climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise over Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse, then board the helicopter for a quick flight back to Lukla. Along the way you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, four of the world?s ten tallest peaks. Experienced guides and porters are with you throughout, and you stay in traditional teahouses on the trail.

Helicopter and Lukla flights depend on the weather, so we recommend adding at least one spare day in Kathmandu at the end. Choose your dates and book your spot for a shorter route to Base Camp, with the full trek on foot going up.

What's Included?

• 12 day adventure, 9 of which include 3 meals a day
• 2 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu, breakfast included
• One way helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla
• Flights between Kathmandu or Ramechhap and Lukla *
• Teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Everest region trekking permit and TIMS card
• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Porter service
• All local and government taxes
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
• Trek completion certificate

* Lukla flights can be delayed: read how we handle delays
* Travel insurance is required on every trek: see what cover you need
* No Extra Fees for Solo Travelers see the solo traveler details
* Off Season Supplement Applies from Nov 15th to March 1st and between May 15th and Sept 15th.
During the off season shared helicopter availability is uncertain and we may need to charter a private helicopter for guests. In this case a supplement of $1300 will be charged to solo travelers and $300 per/person for groups less than 3 people. If a shared helicopter is available this fee will be waived.

Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We'll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.

Day 2 - Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Phakding

Altitude: 2,800m/9184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding)
Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours)
Flight time: 15 min from Ramecchap
Drive time: 4 hours & 30mins (Kathmandu to Ramecchap)

After a short morning flight to Lukla, you'll be introduced to your guide and porter. Kick off your trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descent towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we will be staying for the night to acclimatize. Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a popular stopping point.

Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 hour drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu so we will get started for the airport around 2 am. The return drive at the end of the trek is between 4 and 6 hours depending on traffic.

Day 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
Walking Distance: 10-12km (5-6 hours)

We'll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it's uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It's a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you'll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.

Day 4 - Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft

At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There's an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals' marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.

Day 5 - Namche Bazaar to Debouche/Melingo

Altitude: 3,700m/12,139ft
Walking Distance: 10km (6 hours)

Breakfast in Namche Bazaar fuels us for another day of trekking towards Everest Base Camp today! Breathtaking views of the Himalayas - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde - are some of the highlights not to be missed. Our destination, Phortse, is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. Its views, which include Ama Dablam, are legendary.

Day 6 - Debouche/Melingo to Dingboche

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft
Walking Distance: 11km (6 hours)

The trail today parallels the canyon of the raging Imja Khol River with its glacial blue waters. It's a gradual climb up to the village of Pangboche, the biggest settlement of Sherpas in the region. Enjoy a great opportunity to observe a typical Sherpa village and have lunch with the locals! The intrepid can brave a brief hike to the Pangboche monastery, one of the oldest in the area. Our afternoon trek will be a difficult one, as the landscape gives way to dry, deserted mountains and we hike towards Dingboche.

Note: Depending on trail conditions and tea house availability we may take the route on the other side of the river through Phortse. This trail diverges after Namche on Day 5 and basically parallels the trail to Debouche but on the opposite side of the river. The two trails merge back together in Pangboche.

Day 7 - Dingboche: Rest and Acclimatization Day

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft

This is your chance to rest up before the last leg of our adventure! Savor a full day of exploring Dingboche and the surrounding valleys of Chhukung and Imja, the latter of which links with Island Peak, the high passes of Amphu Laptsa, and Makalu Barun National Park. Taking an optional trek to the valleys will pay off in rewarding views, but taking it easy is the most important thing today. You'll need your rest for the penultimate day of ascent tomorrow.

Day 8 - Dingboche to Lobuche

Altitude: 4,900m/16,076ft
Walking Distance: 11-12 km (6-7 hours)

From here on forth, the trek will move more gradually be more challenging, due to the higher altitude. We'll pass Dungla, but not before a tough, steep walk to the top of a high hill. Here are the memorial stupas dedicated to the climbers and trekkers who lost their lives to Everest over the years. The next part of our adventure brings over craggy mountain terrain to Lobuche, a small settlement with amazing views of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumari and the Nuptse. Prepare to snuggle up for a cold night, as we are now almost three miles above sea level and the evenings can be downright chilly!

Day 9 - Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, EBC to Gorekshep

Altitude: 5180m/16,994ft (Gorekshep) & 5364m/17598 (EBC)
Walking Distance: 15km (6-8 hours)

This is it! Our big day kicks off with an initial, relatively easy trek from Lobuche to Gorekshep. The subsequent, straight trail to Everest Base Camp is harder, involving rocky dunes and moraine, formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris. On the way to our destination, we'll approach the famed Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Everest. At the Base Camp, our goal, you'll have the chance (during the spring climbing season) to meet climbers attempting to scale the mountain's summit. Break out your cameras for unbelievable views of breathtaking beauty. As the afternoon sun starts to wane, we'll head back to Gorekshep for some much-needed rest and relaxation after a grueling and busy day.

Day 10 - Gorekshep to Kalapathar to Lukla

Altitude: 5,545m/18,192ft (Kalapathar)
Walking Distance: 5km (2-3 hours)

We'll wake before dawn today to trek towards Kalapathar (which means "black rock") for a fiery, glorious sunrise over Mt. Everest. The day's first light will illuminate your spectacular view of Nuptse Nup, Changtse and Lhotse.This may be, of the whole journey, your most opportune moment to snap amazing pictures of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Afterwards, it's back to Gorekshep for breakfast and a quick helicopter ride back to Lukla. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in our last Tea House and, traditionally, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you?ve accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet.

Day 11 - Lukla to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Flight Time: 35 min

In the morning, you'll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (See Note), where your journey both began and ends. You'll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We'll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we'll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.

Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 to 6 hour drive from Ramechhap back to Kathmandu depending on traffic.

Day 12 - Kathmandu: Departure Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

It's your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We'll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we'll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
END OF OUR SERVICES

* All distances and time estimates are approximate.

Off Season Supplement: Applies from Nov 15th to March 1st and between May 15th and Sept 15th.

During the off season shared helicopter availability is uncertain and we may need to charter a private helicopter for guests. In this case a supplement of $1300 will be charged to solo travelers and $300 per/person for groups less than 3 people. If a shared helicopter is available this fee will be waived.

Before you pay a deposit for your Nepal trek, read our booking terms and conditions. They explain what your trek price covers, which costs are extra, and what happens if flights are delayed or your plans change.

These are the sections trekkers check most often:

• Travel insurance: cover is mandatory, including trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation.
• Extra costs: meals, visa, gear rental, tips and a suggested spending budget.
• Lukla flight delays: how rebooking works, helicopter options and how many spare days to plan.
• Deposit, rescheduling and cancellation: the refund window and how to change your dates.

Not sure about something? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 932 595 1234, or send us a message. We will explain any term before you book.

Our full Everest Base Camp packing checklist covers every item with practical advice. You can also download the packing list as a PDF to print or keep on your phone.

If something is missing when you reach Kathmandu, you can buy or rent almost any trekking gear there at reasonable prices. Buy your hiking boots before you travel, though, and break them in, because a good fit matters more than anything else you carry.

A few practical points before you pack:

• We give you a duffel bag in Nepal to repack your gear into. Your porter carries it for you.
• Bring a small day pack for what you need during the walk: water, camera, sunscreen and extra layers.
• You can leave any extra luggage at your Kathmandu hotel while you trek.
• The Lukla flight allows 10 kg (22 lbs) of checked luggage plus 5 kg (11 lbs) of carry-on.
• We offer rental sleeping bags and down jackets at about INR 100 per item per day.
• Keep your passport, medication and other valuables in your carry-on for the Lukla flight.