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Everest Base Camp Hiking Trek with Helicopter Transfer from Gorakshep to Lukla
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Everest Base Camp Hiking Trek with Helicopter Transfer from Gorakshep to Lukla

by Ace the Himalaya

12 days
Kathmandu
$2,700$3,000 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
$2,700$3,000 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Overview

This Everest Base Camp hiking trip lasts about 12 days and includes a helicopter flight from Gorakshep back to Lukla. The trek follows winding trails through green forests, crosses suspension bridges, and passes glacial lakes while approaching the Himalayan mountains. Along the way, trekkers stay in twin-sharing guesthouses with attached toilets at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche. All meals during the trek - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - are provided, including a farewell dinner on the final night. The trip begins with airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla and concludes with a shared 20-minute helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla. Accommodation in Kathmandu includes two nights in a three-star hotel with breakfast. A local English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid leads the group. Porters carry luggage, with one porter assigned for every two guests. The package includes all government permits for Everest National Park and TIMS, filtered water on the trails, all staff salaries and insurance, and airport transfers by private vehicle. Trekkers also receive a duffel bag, trekking map, and sun hat to keep. A comprehensive first-aid kit with an oxymeter is available throughout the trek. Meals in Kathmandu are not included, nor are international flights, visas, travel insurance for rescue, personal trekking gear, alcoholic and other drinks, or tips for staff. The tour requires at least two people to book.

Highlights

About 12-day Everest Base Camp hiking trek
Helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla
Twin-sharing guesthouse stays with attached toilets
All meals during trek including farewell dinner
Local first-aid trained English-speaking guide
Porters carry luggage with one porter per two guests

What's included

First-aid trained, local Ace the Himalaya licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Seasonal fruits throughout the trek
All administrative expenses and government taxes
Filtered water on trails using Katadyn Pocket Water Filter
Lunch during the trek
Dinner during the trek
Breakfast during the trek
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff
Airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla and return
Comprehensive first-aid kit with oxymeter for oxygen saturation monitoring
Airport and hotel pickup and drop-off by private tourist vehicle
Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation with attached toilets in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche
Twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast (2 nights)
All standard meals during trek including farewell dinner
Everest National Park and TIMS trekking permits
Free Ace the Himalaya duffel bag, trekking map, and sun hat
Porters to carry luggage, one porter for every two guests
Shared helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla

What's not included

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Travel insurance covering emergency rescue and evacuation
International flights and airport departure taxes
Nepal entry visa
Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping expected)
Any other expenses not listed in the price includes section

Itinerary

1

Kathmandu-Airport Arrival

An official will meet the traveler at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon arrival. They will be transported to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle. A pre-trip meeting will take place where the traveler will meet the trip guide and can confirm any trekking-related questions.

2

Kathmandu-Lukla Flight and Trek

An early start leads to Tribhuwan Domestic Airport in Kathmandu for a 35-minute flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport at Lukla, located at 2804 meters. Upon arrival, the guide will provide a briefing and introduce the porters before beginning the trek to Phakding at 2,635 meters. The walk from Lukla to Phakding takes about 3 hours.

1200 min

3

Phakding to Namche Trek

The hike from Phakding to Namche takes approximately 6 hours. The route follows the Dudh Koshi river, crossing it multiple times via suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail ascends steeply. Namche Bazaar offers restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafes, and bakeries, and is the largest Sherpa settlement on the Everest trail.

1440 min

4

Namche Bazaar Acclimatization

A day is spent here to acclimatize and adjust to lower air pressure. Short treks around Namche Bazaar provide views of the Himalayas, including sunrise and sunset panoramas over the Khumbu peaks.

24 min

5

Tengboche Monastery Visit

The trek continues along the Dudh Kosi glacial waters to Tengboche at 3,860 meters. The monastery contains detailed wall hangings, a 20-foot Buddha sculpture, and Lamas’ musical instruments and robes. The group will attend a prayer ceremony either in the evening or morning, depending on the day's trekking progress.

960 min

6

Tengboche to Dingboche Trek

From Tengboche, the trail descends to Debuche, crosses a suspension bridge over the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among many mani stones. The uphill trek proceeds to Dingboche, a traditional Sherpa village with views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. The pace is slow to prevent altitude sickness.

960 min

7

Dingboche Acclimatization Day

This day is reserved for acclimatization without progressing toward Everest Base Camp. The group hikes to Nangkartshang Peak above Dingboche, which offers excellent views of Ama Dablam. If weather permits, the entire mountain can be seen from summit to base. The afternoon can be spent resting or walking around the village.

1440 min

8

Lobuche Trek

The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing stone memorials for climbers who died on nearby peaks. The ascent continues to Lobuche village, located at the base of the large Lobuche peak. Some may experience breathing difficulties due to altitude.

960 min

9

Everest Base Camp Visit

This challenging day involves walking along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp at 5,365 meters, the closest point accessible without mountaineering gear. During spring, expedition teams preparing for summit attempts may be present. The Khumbu Icefall is visible from Base Camp. The group returns to Gorak Shep for the night.

1440 min

10

Kala Patthar Climb and Helicopter Return

This difficult day is mostly spent climbing Kala Patthar, a 5,555-meter peak. The ascent offers extensive mountain views including Everest at 8,848 meters and surrounding giants like Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, and Lhotse. After a quick descent to Gorak Shep and a hot breakfast, the group takes a helicopter flight to Lukla, arriving after about 20 minutes for an overnight stay.

30 min

11

Lukla to Kathmandu Flight and Farewell

A 35-minute scenic flight returns the group to Kathmandu, where they are met and transferred to their hotel. Options to extend the trip include activities such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting, shopping tours, and mountain biking. The evening features a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural dance performances.

120 min

12

Tribhuvan International Airport

The only international airport in Nepal.

120 min

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Additional info

Up to 14 travelers
Mobile ticket
Not advised for anyone with back or spinal problems
Not advised during pregnancy
Not advised for anyone with a heart condition
A moderate level of fitness is needed
Booking requires a minimum of two people.
Total
$5,400Save 10% vs Viator