Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will greet you with a warm welcome and assist with your hotel transfer. Once checked in, you can relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub. In the evening, you’ll attend a welcome dinner and a short briefing about the trek ahead.
After an early breakfast, we head to the domestic airport for a thrilling 30-minute flight to Lukla. The flight offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. On arrival at Lukla, we meet our trekking crew and begin our trek along the Dudh Koshi River valley. The path descends gently through pine and rhododendron forests, passing small Sherpa villages until we reach Phakding. This short trek helps in acclimatization while offering glimpses of Himalayan village life.
Today’s trek takes us across suspension bridges and through scenic forests as we gradually ascend alongside the river. We enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and continue our hike, where the trail becomes steeper as we approach Namche Bazaar. This bustling Sherpa town, often referred to as the gateway to Everest, is nestled in a natural amphitheater with panoramic views of Kongde Ri and Thamserku. The climb is demanding but rewarding.
Acclimatization is crucial at this altitude. We spend the day exploring Namche and its surroundings. Optional hikes include a visit to the Everest View Hotel for a spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also explore the Sherpa Museum or stroll through the local market. This rest day helps your body adjust to the thinning air and prepares you for higher elevations.
Today’s trail takes us through lush forests and across the Imja River. We pass several small settlements like Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages, and get closer views of Mt. Ama Dablam. As we gain altitude, the vegetation thins, and the landscape opens into alpine terrain. Dingboche, a high-altitude farming village, offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and other towering peaks.
To help with acclimatization, we hike up to Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung Valley for impressive views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the surrounding glaciers. This additional elevation gain helps your body adapt while allowing time to rest and enjoy the high alpine environment. In the afternoon, you can relax or explore the village and interact with locals.
Leaving Dingboche, the trail gradually ascends through alpine meadows and along glacial moraines. We pass the memorial area at Thukla, dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives on Everest, a sobering but powerful site. From here, the trail steepens until we reach Lobuche, a small settlement surrounded by towering peaks and glacial landscapes. The air is thinner here, and the adventure becomes even more intense.
This is a landmark day. After a short, rugged trek to Gorak Shep, we take a brief rest before heading to Everest Base Camp. The journey across the Khumbu Glacier is challenging yet exhilarating. Upon arrival at Base Camp, you’ll stand at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain—an unforgettable achievement. After taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
We rise early to ascend Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek, to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Everest and the surrounding peaks. The views from the summit are among the best in the Himalayas. After descending to Gorak Shep, we board a chartered helicopter for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The aerial perspective of the Khumbu Valley and Himalayan giants is a spectacular finale to your trek. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Your Everest Base Camp adventure with Summit Nepal Adventure concludes with unforgettable memories of the majestic Himalayas, warm Sherpa hospitality, and a life-changing journey. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in Nepal!
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek with Helicopter Return is a unique blend of adventure and luxury offered by Summit Nepal Adventure. It follows the traditional trekking route through iconic Sherpa villages and Himalayan landscapes, all the way to Everest Base Camp. What sets it apart is the helicopter return from Kala Patthar on Day 10, offering trekkers a dramatic aerial view of Everest and the surrounding peaks as they return swiftly to Kathmandu. This avoids the repeated descent on foot and shortens the overall journey while maintaining the full trekking experience to Base Camp.
This trek is considered moderately challenging. While prior high-altitude trekking experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. The route includes gradual ascents with built-in acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar (Day 4) and Dingboche (Day 7), allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and ideally train beforehand with cardiovascular and strength exercises. Summit Nepal Adventure provides expert guidance, porters, and a knowledgeable trekking guide to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
Summit Nepal Adventure arranges comfortable teahouse lodging throughout the trekking route. These local lodges offer clean rooms, basic bedding, and hearty meals. While amenities are simpler at higher altitudes, we prioritize clean, safe, and hospitable establishments. In Kathmandu (Day 1 and Day 10), you’ll stay in a well-rated hotel with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable start and end to your journey.
Yes, altitude sickness is a valid concern on the Everest Base Camp route, especially above 3,000 meters. Our itinerary is designed with two crucial acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to minimize risk. Guides from Summit Nepal Adventure are trained to recognize symptoms early and take appropriate action, whether it’s rest, medication, or descent. Staying hydrated, ascending gradually, and avoiding alcohol are key preventative measures we encourage.
The helicopter flight from Kala Patthar to Kathmandu is the highlight of this trek. After summiting Kala Patthar early in the morning for breathtaking sunrise views of Everest (Day 10), a chartered helicopter picks you up and offers a once-in-a-lifetime panoramic flight over glaciers, mountains, and valleys. This scenic return eliminates the need for a multi-day descent and provides incredible aerial perspectives of the Himalayas that you wouldn’t see from the ground.
The best times for this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, stable weather, and excellent mountain visibility—ideal for both trekking and the helicopter flight. While winter and monsoon treks are possible, they come with additional challenges like snow or heavy rain, which can affect trail conditions and flight schedules.
The package includes airport transfers, hotel accommodations in Kathmandu, domestic flights (Kathmandu to Lukla), all necessary permits, professional trekking guides and porters, meals during the trek, teahouse accommodations, and the helicopter flight from Kala Patthar to Kathmandu. We also handle all logistics, including first aid and emergency support, ensuring a smooth and secure experience from start to finish.
Safety is our top priority. All our guides are trained in first aid, altitude sickness management, and emergency evacuation procedures. The helicopters used are operated by experienced pilots familiar with the Himalayan terrain and high-altitude flying. In case of medical emergencies, immediate evacuation options are available. Summit Nepal Adventure also encourages all trekkers to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
Absolutely. Summit Nepal Adventure offers flexible trekking packages and can tailor the itinerary based on your schedule, interests, or physical condition. Whether you'd like extra rest days, cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, or side treks (like to Gokyo Lakes), we can design a customized plan for you. Post-trek relaxation or adventure activities can also be added upon request.
Essential gear includes quality trekking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a down jacket, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp, personal toiletries, a water purification system, and a daypack. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a detailed packing list upon booking and also offers rental services for items like sleeping bags and down jackets in Kathmandu.
