



by Ace the Himalaya
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tribhuvan International Airport
The only international airport in Nepal.
120 min