Everest Base Camp Trek
Highlights
- Enjoy the captivating scenery of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam
- Walk past the beautiful Sherpa settlements and witness their lifestyle and hospitality. Explore the historical town of Namche Bazaar and visit the world’s highest luxury hotel, Everest View Hotel.
- Visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery and witness the spiritual side of the Khumbu region. Hike two Himlayan viewpoints — Kala Patthar and Nagerjun — and enjoy the mountain views from different perspectives.
- Begin your adventure with a spine-chilling flight to Lukla. Celebrate the triumph of standing at the base camp of Everest.
Overview
Everest Base camp Heli Trek is the shortest and luxurious trek to Everest base camp for those who don’t have plenty of time enough to do return trek back to Lukla. The biggest setback of classical Everest Base Camp is that you trek the same trail to Everest Base Camp and have to trek back the same trail unless you take a longer, challenging trail through Cho La pass and Gokyo Valley.
So, if you dream of doing the Everest Base Camp Trek in the shortest time possible, we recommend you to do Everest Heli trek in which you trek to fly to Lukla from Kathmandu, trek to Everest Base camp, and after exploring Everest base camp and Kalapatthar you fly back to Kathmandu directly from Kalapatthar or Everest base camp.
Everest Base Camp Short Trek yet rewarding hike to Everest’s lap. It is one of the most stunning trekking ventures on the planet, presenting the exceptional Himalayas, nature, and culture. Everest region fosters the mightiest incomparable Himalayas like Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m). Whereas, all the essence mixed up to make a perfect trip comes by the trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The journey takes you through rich nature, beautiful villages, grand Tengboche Monastery to incredible Base Camp and Kala Patthar. However, the EBC trek is on the top list among all adventurers as it is pretty much known to be the best hike. Some might consider it a challenging trek, but average fitness with a strong will is enough dedication to attain the unforgettable experience.
Hiking to the Everest Base Camp offers immense opportunities to learn about traveling perspectives in the highlands. This short trek is full of incredible experiences and majestic scenery worth every minute of your time. Above all, the trip features the most fantastic trekking spots in the country. Consequently, it has true Himalayan essence filled with excitement and thirst. A much further you will see on this Everest Base Camp journey are genuine gifts of nature.
Despite Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is designed to do in the shortest time possible, it does not affect the safety, acclimatization, exploration of natural and cultural aspects on the trek because while trekking to Everest Base Camp you take two acclimatization days to acclimatize well with altitude, you hike through Sherpa villages, enjoy the Himalayan vistas and savor every sort of things you need to experience on Everest Base Camp Trek. At last upon reaching Everest base camp trek and Kalapatthar, you take a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu enjoying the Himalayan views in about one hour’s comfortable chopper instead of the grueling trek back to Lukla.
Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is a moderately challenging trek that you can do all year round. However, there are two specific seasons — spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
The weather is warm and moderate for long-hour treks during these seasons. Likewise, the sky tends to remain relatively clear and bright. Thus, you’ll get to enjoy the marvelous view of the Himalayas and surrounding landscapes.
Additionally, while returning to Kathmandu via a helicopter ride, you’ll get to relish the aerial view of the mountains.
- Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1,338 m/4,390 ft)
Just landed. After completion of your custom and visa formalities at Kathmandu Airport (TIA), you will be met by our office representative who will transfer you to your respective pre-chosen hotel. He/she will also assist you in checking into hotel. Spend rest of the day on your own. You can also take time to check with the packing list once again and buy/hire any if something is missing. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
- Day 2 - Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft) Duration: 3 hours
From Kathmandu, we will fly to Lukla experiencing awesome flight. The landing field at Lukla is at high altitude and the difference between the two ends of the airstrip is approximately 60 meters only. From Lukla, we will trek to Phakding passing a fascinating, green setting along with the breathtaking sight of Kusum Kangraru. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included
- Day 3 - Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft)
It’s wise to begin the day early to take opportunity of perfect morning temperature, weather and views. Mt. Thamserku welcomes us from the northern side across the hill and also we get to enjoy awesome views of landscapes. We enter Sagarmatha National Park where our TIMS and trekking permits are checked and we get ahead encircling huge mani stone just next to gate. Its mostly downhill walk until we reach river ground level next to Dudh Koshi river. Then-after we hike grueling uphill, cross beautiful iconic Hillary suspension bridge and finally arrive at Namche Bazaar later on the day. We stay overnight at one of the quality lodges in Namche Bazaar.
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Local lodge
Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner included - Day 4 - Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day - Hike to Everest view hotel
Today is the first scheduled acclimatization day to the high altitude and we are supposed to stay active for better acclimatization. We spend the day enjoying small hikes in and around Namche Bazaar. We hike up to Everest View Hotel to enjoy adorable Himalayan vista. We can also visit Khumjung Monastery which houses Yeti Scalp and may also visit Hillary School. You can also visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life that the Everest region houses. If you think you would hike more there are plenty of beautiful villages like Thame, Khunde to walk around with outstanding views of snow capped Himalayas and cultural exposure.
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Local lodge
Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner included - Day 5 - Namche Bazzar - Tengboche (3860m/12660ft)
The trail contours around the valley side high above Dudhkoshi River. As we trek ahead we get amazingly beautiful views of great peaks of Everest region that are Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. We pass through several small villages and tea shops. Its mostly gradual and downhill through refreshing rhododendron forest until Phunki Thenka. We cross suspension bridge and have lunch at Phunki Thenka . After our break we will make the long climb on a dusty zig zag trail. The hike now to Tengboche is uphill through pine trees for about two hours. Tengbouche is home of an ancient monastery that is now rebuilt. The views from the monastery is awesome, we have plenty of time to have spiritual chat with the monks there and soak up in the view too.
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours.
Accommodation: Local lodge
Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner included - Day 6 - Tengboche - Dingboche (4410m/14464ft)
Before giving your baggage to porters and starting the trek, remember to pack your windproof jacket with you on your backpack today; you will definitely need it (even in warm season and if its colder like December-February; you will definitely need down jacket almost throughout the trek). First part of the walk today is a little descent through pine and Himalayan cherry trees. We cross wooden bridge over Imja River. After the crossing of the Imja River, its slight ascend to Pangboche village. We have our lunch at Somare Village enjoying the views. Take good inspection of Mt. Everest as we are not going to see it shortly after and for two more days until you reach Gorekshep. Now we notice that we have significantly gained the altitude. We notice the shady trees are now substituted by more of small shrubs. We see unpleasant rocky landscape as there are no noticeable plants to cover the landscape except grass in the meadows (post monsoon time). Now its time to take out your windproof jacket and probably head band to avoid strong blast of air. If exposed to chilly wind, you will be prone to the common sickness here—the Khumbu cough, so take precautionary methods.
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
Accommodation: Local lodge
Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner included - Day 7 - Dingboche -Acclimatization Day- Side trip to Nagerjun Hill (5100m/16728ft)
Dingboche is the perfect altitude to spend our second acclimatization day. We stay active throughout the day; thus hike to higher altitude to Nangkartshang Peak (5083 m/16676 ft ) that lies north of Dingboche. Or if you want to take a challenging longer day you might go to climb Chhukung Ri which offers up-close views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Awi peak and innumerable others. We also get glance of Pheriche valley from top. However the stone huts with snow capped Himalayas at backdrop would make anyone spellbound.
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours
Accommodation: Local lodge
Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner included - Day 8 - Dingboche - Lobuche (4910m/16105ft)
Lets start early. We have been gaining significant altitude, so its normal to gasp, feeling of having lack of energy, have headache, have loss of appetite, and feel nauseated sometimes. Don’t hesitate to share these experiences with your guide so that he will keep checking on you occasionally if you get other severe symptoms and how you are feeling every while and again. This is important. The awful feeling the altitude is giving you will be conquered by the outstanding vistas of Lobuche East (6,119m/ 20,075ft) ahead, and formidable north face of Tabuche to the left. After three hours we reach Dugla (4,620m/15,153ft). After lunch we continue the walk up the steep hill to the Sherpa memorials, there are outstanding views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse and Tabuche. From Dugla, the trail starts steeply up towards the glacier moraine, levels out and after a few hours the trail eventually leads to a small cluster of tea houses pleasantly situated at Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft). We feel excited that Everest base camp lies 1,000 ft above this point.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: Local lodge
Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner included - Day 9 - Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) and back to Gorekshep (5181m/16994ft)
Getting up early is recommended to start our long walking day even sooner in the morning. Our grueling hiking day begins with an ascend to Lobuche Pass. Slowly walking through very unstable rocky path, in about three hours we arrive at Gorakshep. We check in to our guest house, get our lunch done and start the hike to Everest Base Camp. The trail reaches the top of the ridge and follows the mountain’s spine due north towards the cul-de-sac at the end of the glacier. The elevation makes the hike exhausting but the views make it worth taking the tour ahead. From EBC, Khumbu glacier and views of Pumori, Nuptse, Khumbutse is seen. Views of Everest is however best seen from Kalapatthar tomorrow morning.
Walking time: 8 to 9 hours
Accommodation: Local lodge
Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner included - Day 10 - Hike To Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,188ft) - Gorakshep - Pheriche (4,210m/13,809ft) Duration: 7 Hours
We will walk from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar early in the morning to witness the magnificent sunrise view over Mt. Everest. Additionally, the spectacular views of Changtse, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the others will be utterly alluring. At Kala Patthar, you will spend some rewarding time that will remain in your memories forever. Then, we will walk down to Gorakshep, from where we will trek further to Pheriche Overnight at Guesthouse
- Day 11 - Pheriche To Namche (3,440m/11,283ft), Duration: 7 Hours
On this day, we will walk back to Namche Bazaar, which takes around 7 hours. We will pass several ups and downs of the terrain on the way and also pass by hillsides brimming with juniper and rhododendron trees. Traversing over Dudh Koshi River by a bridge, we will descend to an area where we may come across the chance to sight wildlife like pheasants, mountains, goats, and many others. The path finally reaches Sanasa, where incredible views of the Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Thamserku mountains will appear. Passing through rugged and twisty paths and wooded areas, we will reach Namche Bazaar Overnight at Guesthouse.
- Day 12 - Namche To Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft), Duration: 7 Hours
From Namche, we will walk downhill to travel along the Dudh Koshi River once again. Then, we will stroll to Monjo, where we need to accomplish the formalities at the check post of the Sagarmatha National Park. Subsequently, we will walk towards Phakding and continue walking to Lukla. You can relax and remember the fabulous memories of trekking. Overnight at Guesthouse.
- Day 13 - Flight From Lukla To Kathmandu
We will return from Lukla to Kathmandu on a short and scenic flight. You will transfer to the hotel upon landing at Tribhuwan International Airport. Overnight at the hotel.
- Day 14 - Farewell
One of the representatives from Accessible Adventure will transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport before the time of your scheduled flight. And, you will then depart, hopefully with lots of unforgettable memories of the experience and beautiful things to tell about it. Breakfast included.
- All ground transports in private vehicle including airport transfers
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Best available local lodge accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek; we provide rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers at Phakding and Namche
- Round trip flight Kathmandu – Lukla and Lukla – Kathmandu including departure taxes
- One professional, knowledgeable, and friendly English speaking trekking leader along with an assistant guide (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- T - shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate
- Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek if require
- Sagarmatha National Park Permits fee
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
- Government taxes and office service charge
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
- Cold drinks Inc. coke, water, Fanta etc.
- Added night/s accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, delayed departure, early return from mountain (due to any cause) than the programmed itinerary
Important Information
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderately challenging trek that you can do all year round. However, there are two specific seasons — spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
The weather is warm and moderate for long-hour treks during these seasons. Likewise, the sky tends to remain relatively clear and bright. Thus, you’ll get to enjoy the marvelous view of the Himalayas and surrounding landscapes.
Additionally, while returning to Kathmandu via a helicopter ride, you’ll get to relish the aerial view of the mountains.
Additional Trips
Apart from the Everest Base Camp Trek, we have elective bundles of treks in the Everest region. If you’ll looking to experience the true essence of trekking in the Everest region, you can go ahead with the standard 16-Day Everest Base Camp Trek.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a relatively short option but entirely on foot, we have Everest Panorama Trek. Although this short trek does not take you to the Everest Base Camp, it offers the perfect blend of culture and nature.
Similarly, if you want the ultimate Everest experience, you should check out the Everest High Passes Trek. It combines three of the world’s highest mountain passes with one of the world’s highest base camps.