Nepal · Trekking

12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal with Heli Return from Gorakshep

12 Days Strenuous pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • 02 Walk through Sagarmatha National Park's dense forests and iconic suspension bridges
  • 03 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar with views from Everest View Hotel
  • 04 Experience Sherpa culture, traditions, cuisine, and mountain lifestyle
  • 05 Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for breathtaking Himalayan panoramas
  • 06 Close-up views of Mount Everest (8,848 m) and surrounding 7,000-8,000 m peaks
  • 07 Stunning sunrise view from Kala Patthar over Everest and Khumbu Glacier
  • 08 Shared helicopter flight from Gorakshep back to Lukla with aerial mountain views

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return blends adventure, comfort, and time efficiency for trekkers who want to reach Everest Base Camp on foot and return by air. Following the classic trail through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and the pristine landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park, the journey offers close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and Pumori while immersing you in local culture and traditions. With acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, the trek builds safely toward Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, before a scenic helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla and a final return to Kathmandu.

An early morning hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest and the Khumbu Glacier.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Strenuous
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Sagarmatha National Park, Chukhung
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our Marvel Treks airport representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Later in the day, you may visit our office for a pre-trek briefing and detailed information about the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

After an early transfer to the domestic airport, enjoy a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla. Upon arrival at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, meet your trekking crew and begin your trek. The trail descends gently along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding, making this a perfect first acclimatization walk.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7.8 km

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

The trail follows pine forests, crosses suspension bridges, and enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. After crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, a steep climb leads to Namche Bazaar. On a clear day, you'll catch your first view of Mount Everest.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10.4 km

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Explore Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Museum and Tourist Visitor Center, and hike to nearby viewpoints such as Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Debuche (3,820 m) via Tengboche (3,860 m)

The trail offers stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. After descending to the Dudh Koshi River, climb through forests to Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region. Continue downhill to Debuche for the night.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9.3 km

Day 6: Trek from Debuche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Descend through rhododendron forests and cross the Imja Khola. Pass Pangboche village and gradually enter the alpine landscape of Dingboche, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10 km

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410 m)

A second acclimatization day to adapt to the higher altitude. Optional hikes to Chhukung or nearby ridges provide excellent views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak, and Makalu.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m)

Climb gradually to Thukla Pass, where memorials honor climbers lost on Everest. Continue along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7.9 km

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

Trek to Gorakshep and continue onward to Everest Base Camp, the ultimate highlight of the journey. Enjoy close-up views of icefalls, glaciers, and surrounding peaks before returning to Gorakshep.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 11 km

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) and Helicopter Flight to Lukla

An early morning hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. After returning to Gorakshep, board a scenic helicopter flight to Lukla, enjoying unforgettable aerial views of the Himalayas.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge (Attached Bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 2 hours
Distance: 1.2 km

Day 11: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Enjoy one final mountain flight back to Kathmandu. Free time in the afternoon for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation. Celebrate the successful completion of your trek in the evening.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Time: 30-40 minutes

Day 12: Final Departure

Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey or next adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
12 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport transfers in a private vehicle
  • 2 nights' accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights
  • Shared helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla
  • Experienced, licensed English-speaking guide
  • Trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS)
  • Staff insurance, salary, meals, and accommodation
  • First-aid medical kit
  • Duffel bag, trekking map, and all government taxes

What's Not Included

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Porter
  • Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot showers, drinks, charging, etc.)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers

What to bring

  • Trekking boots (well broken-in)
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Trekking pants and shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle / purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, permits, and some cash

Know before you go

  • Porter service is optional.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,980 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total