10-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Marvel Treks will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu by private vehicle. Later in the day, you will be invited to our office for a pre-trek briefing, where you will receive detailed information about the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, meet your guide, and make final preparations.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Thamel
Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Early in the morning, enjoy a scenic flight to Lukla, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, you will meet your trekking crew and begin your trek. The trail descends gently through Sherpa villages and follows the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. This short and easy walk allows your body to gradually adjust to the altitude.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Namaste Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7.8 km
Day 3: Trek from Phakding (2,610m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
The trail passes through beautiful Sherpa villages such as Bengkar, Monjo, and Jorsale. After entering Sagarmatha National Park and crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge, the trail climbs steeply to Namche Bazaar. Along the way, enjoy your first clear views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Hotel Camp De Base or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10.4 km
Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. You may explore Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery, or hike to the Everest View Hotel for spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks. This day is crucial for adapting to the higher altitude.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Hotel Camp De Base or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Tengboche (3,810m)
The trail descends to Phunki Tenga before climbing through rhododendron forests to Tengboche. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region, set against a stunning backdrop of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Hotel Trekkers Inn or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9.3 km
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche (3,810m) to Dingboche (4,410m)
Descending through forests to Deboche, the trail follows the Imja Khola to Pangboche, offering incredible views of Ama Dablam. As you continue toward Dingboche, the landscape becomes more alpine and arid. Dingboche is a picturesque high-altitude village surrounded by stone-walled fields.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Mountain Heritage or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410m)
A second acclimatization day helps your body adapt to the increasing altitude. Optional hikes include Chhukung Ri or Nagarjun Hill, both offering spectacular views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other peaks. You may also explore Dingboche village and rest for the upcoming higher sections of the trek.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Mountain Heritage or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,910m)
The trail ascends gradually to Dughla and then steeply to the memorial site at Chukpi Lhara, dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. From here, enjoy magnificent views of the Khumbu Glacier, Pumori, Lingtren, and the surrounding peaks before reaching Lobuche.
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7.6 km
Day 9: Trek from Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorakshep (5,140m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Following the Khumbu Glacier, you trek to Gorakshep and then continue to Everest Base Camp. Standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain beneath the Khumbu Icefall is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. After enjoying the views and taking photos, return to Gorakshep for the night.
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 9.9 km
Day 10: Trek to Kala Patthar (5,555m) and Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Early in the morning, climb Kala Patthar for unforgettable sunrise views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants. After descending to Gorakshep, board a scenic helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying spectacular aerial views of glaciers, valleys, and peaks. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival, marking the end of your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner