EBC Trek with Helicopter Return – 12 Days

Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a 5 to 6 hours drive away from Kathmandu. On this day we wake up at 1:30 to 2:30 am and take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day we wake up at 5 to 6 am. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu and board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.

Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before the flight. You will be arriving at the Tenzing Hillary Airport early in the morning. Breakfast in Lukla. Porters will meet group in Lukla and are assigned to carry luggage. For every two clients, one porter is assigned.

Today we trek to Phakding. The trail is straightforward. We head out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail, just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m). Continuing, we come across the small village of Ghat. After a brisk hike, we arrive at Phakding.

After breakfast, we follow the trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River while crossing suspension bridges along the way. After hiking for a while, we come upon Sagarmatha National Park and go through entry permit verification in the Everest region.

As the trek advances, we ascend a steep climb with astonishing perspectives of majestic Himalayas, splashing glacial rivers, multi-colored prayer flags, and sacred mani stones. We arrive in the charming Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar in the early evening.

Trekking at higher elevations can lead to altitude sickness and other severe illnesses. That is why it is a must to acclimate to the increasing elevation. The initial acclimatization day on the Everest Base Camp Trek is scheduled in Namche Bazaar.

It is the main trading center in the Everest Region run by the Sherpa people. Here you can purchase various things such as trekking equipment, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.

On this day, we acclimate at Namche Bazaar by hiking nearby destinations. We make our way to Sherpa Cultural Museum and discover the history and culture of the Sherpa community.

Afterward, we hike up to Syanboche Airport (the highest airport in Nepal) and Hotel Everest View (the highest hotel on the planet). Gorgeous vistas of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks can be seen from here.

The trail to Tengboche is rocky. The route descends early in the day and then climbs up to Tengboche.

Begin the trek advancing along the Dudh Koshi River. Witness the enchanting sight of the mountains along the way. Advance to Phungi Thenga, passing through lovely rhododendron forest.

On moving further, you arrive at Tengboche with an astonishing view of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse. The stunning views of lush rhododendron forest, glacier, rivers, and monasteries along the trek is rewarding.

After arriving in Tengboche, we visit the Tengboche monastery and observe Lamas performing a prayer ceremony either in the morning or evening.

After spending a night in Tengboche, we head for Dingboche in the morning. The trek moves on to Deboche through the alpine forest, and we cross Imja Khola via a suspension bridge.

On the way, we come across a wall inscribed with stones. Later in the day, you will be rewarded with a captivating view of Ama Dablam. After we ascend to the village of Pangboche and follow the trail leading to Imja Valley.

At long last, we reach Dingboche village after making an ascent.

After acclimating for the first time at Namche, we will have a rest day today. Adapting to the increasing altitude and changing environment is essential for the human body to prevent altitude sickness.

Today we acclimate by making a hike to Nangkartsang peak. The view of Ama Dablam from the peak is awe-inspiring. After the acclimatization hike, you can explore the village or relax in the teahouse.

On this day, we leave for Lobuche by hiking a gentle climb to Thukla. From this point, you’ll be stunned by the splendid sight of Taboche and Cholatse. Continuing, we pass through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and stone memorials.

These stone memorials are constructed in the memory of the departed souls of climbers, adorned by colorful prayer flags. After a brisk hike, we arrive in Lobuche village. The massive mountain vistas of Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori can be seen from the village.

Today there are two sections of the trek. First, the trail follows the route to Gorak Shep and then to Everest Base Camp.

After having breakfast, we leave Lobuche hiking along the Khumbu glacier while enjoying the magnificent view of Mt. Nuptse. Soon we reach the village of Gorak Shep.

From this point, we continue our trek all the way to Everest Base Camp. The trail ahead is challenging as it is rugged terrain. The captivating view of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall is visible along the way.

Once we reach base camp, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and surrounding peaks.

It’s a great feeling to be present at the base of the world’s highest mountain. In addition, we may encounter expedition teams and climbers during peak seasons.  We then retrace the path back to Gorak Shep.

Today we hike to the highest point of the Everest Base Camp Trek, Kala Patthar. The hike begins very early in the morning with a breathtaking sunrise view over the giant mountains. Kala Patthar is an excellent vantage point for the incredible view of Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Mount Everest.

We descend to Gorak Shep to have breakfast, and then fly down to Lukla on a helicopter.

The helicopter flight is on a sharing basis. It’s not a private charter flight. If you want a private ride, please contact us for the price. Please note that in altitudes above 4,500 meters, the helicopters can land but can’t take off with more than 3 passengers.

So, if there are more than 3 people, the helicopter will take 3 people in the first shuttle and drop them off at a designated point below 4,500 meters. The point is usually the village of Pheriche.

Then, in the second shuttle, the helicopter will transfer the remaining passengers from Gorakshep; it will stop at the designated point to pick up the first three passengers and take all of them to Lukla. The helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the weather and the number of passengers.

Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle.

Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
The flight from Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle.  Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month.

If you would like to spend more time in Nepal, we offer trips to popular destinations in Nepal. Pokhara tour, Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tours, etc., are some of our popular Nepal trips. In addition, we also provide outbound tours to Tibet, India, and Bhutan.

You will be served a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant.

Our thrilling EBC trek with helicopter return has come to an end. You will be escorted to the international airport by one of our airport representatives in preparation for your return trip.

We wish you luck in your future travels and hope to see you again in Nepal soon.