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