12 days tour

Everest Base Camp Trek – Helicopter Return – 12 Days

$ 2,690 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,690.00

Everest Base Camp Trek – Helicopter Return – 12 Days

This tour includes:

Guide

1 well experienced English speaking licensed guide 1 Engish speaking assistance guide (if group size excceds 5+ persons)

Accommodation

2 night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast Twin sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek

Meals

Breakfast at Kathmandu Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in trek

Transport

All airport transporation by private vehicle

Others

All permits: Sagaramtha (Everest) National Park fee, Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee First aid medical kit, oxymeter to check pulse and heart rate at higher altitude Unique Adventure sleeping bag, down jacket and duffel bag

Flights

Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu flight inclusive with all airport taxes

Not included:

Insurance

Reccommend best travel insurance companies upon request

Others

Nepal visa (can obtain at the airport or immigration counters at the borders: USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days and two passport size photographs is required) Your international flight to and from Nepal Porter for carrying luggage (you can add on when booking if required) Travel insurance (for helicopter evacuation if needed whilst trekking) Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet/e-mail, etc Bar and beverage bills Tips for guide, porter, driver.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Everest Base Camp Trek – Helicopter Return – 12 Days

  • Day 1 Day 1: Your Arrival In Kathmandu At (1,350M/4,428Ft) – Overnight Hotel
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Your Arrival In Kathmandu At (1,350M/4,428Ft) – Overnight Hotel

      We hope it’s a fine day when you are flying into Kathmandu, if it is; your tour begins right from the clouds itself. The sights from the windows of your jet shows us shimmering snow-capped mountain peaks spread out below us, giving us the first thrills of a vacation just begun, sparking off a whole reaction of unforgettable experiences that hang on to us for a long while. As soon as our plane hits the tarmac of Tribhuwan International Airport, a Unique Adventures office representative and driver will be on standby to meet and greet us at the airport and escort us to our hotel. The rep will help us check into our designated hotel while we enjoy our welcome drinks, and then we go to our rooms and refresh ourselves. The rest of our time is free to stroll down the neighborhood and get familiar with our surroundings. At eventide, we will meet our senior trek guide who will brief the group about details related to our trip. This is our first overnight in the ancient city of temples, probably the most in the world. 


  • Day 2 Day 2: Fly To Lukla, Trek To Phakding (2,651M/8,700Ft): 40 Minutes Flight; 8Km, 3 - 4 Hours Trek
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Fly To Lukla, Trek To Phakding (2,651M/8,700Ft): 40 Minutes Flight; 8Km, 3 - 4 Hours Trek

      After breakfast; we take an early morning regular flight to Lukla by a Twin Otter plane. It is here, what we’d like to call ‘Hillary’s airport’ from where all Everest treks and expeditions begin. At the STOL airport, we meet the rest of our team in Lukla and start trekking from hereabouts. We hike on a trail that gradually descends to Chheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbi-La, a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From here, we gradually descend until Phakding. We do an overnight in Phakding. 

  • Day 3 Day 3: Phakding To Namche Bazaar (3,438M/11,280 Ft): 11Km, 5 - 6 Hours
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Phakding To Namche Bazaar (3,438M/11,280 Ft): 11Km, 5 - 6 Hours

      After a good breakfast at Phakding, we cross the green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. We cross and re-cross the river on high airy   suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Namche is a gateway to the Khumbu. This prosperous town has restaurants, shops, banks, a currency exchange kiosk, ATMs and bakeries churning out fresh hot bakes every half hour. Despite the harsh geographical location, Namche also has on offer cyber cafes and pool halls to refreshen you mentally from grueling hikes on the trail. Some trekkers even compare Namche to Las Vegas’ sin city of the Khumbu! But most tend to disagree with this heady opinion.  After lunch you will have enough time to stroll around the Tibetan trader’s stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a deal. This is where we crash out for the night with all meals included. 

  • Day 4 Day 4: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization

      Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatising to the new altitude and the thin oxygen in the air before we head off for a stroll towards Syangboche. To acclimatize, we also have options to visit Khunde Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for some stunning sunset views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We then go to Khumjung where we visit a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary. We begin our hike after enjoying lunch; by passing the route of Khimde. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. After going through our acclimatization drills, we head down to our lodge for some beers and a well earned sleep.  

  • Day 5 Day 5: Namche Bazaar To Tengboche (3,870M/12,694Ft): 10Km, 5 - 6 Hours
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Namche Bazaar To Tengboche (3,870M/12,694Ft): 10Km, 5 - 6 Hours

      After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up views of Thamserku, too. Our trek follows on a gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent views of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kyangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through pine forests and after we cross the airy prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Kosi River, we reach Phunki Tenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Tenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest. This is the biggest Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu region. We can enter and strike up a chat with the monks as we listen to their mantras. This is a tranquil area to spend the night. 

  • Day 6 Day 6: Tengboche To Dingboche (4,360 M/14,300 Ft): 9Km, 5 - 6 Hours
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Tengboche To Dingboche (4,360 M/14,300 Ft): 9Km, 5 - 6 Hours

      After a hot breakfast this morning, we hit the trail with a steady ascent. The dramatic views of Everest, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Nuptse give us gripping displays throughout our hike today. We head down to cross the Imja Khola before an easy climb along a spacious, open trail to the small village of Pangboche (4000m). We will do a slight detour to visit the Pangboche Gompa - the oldest monastery (around 300 years old) which is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu Region. We cross the river again and then gradually trek up to Dingboche, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam. This is where we haul up for the night.

  • Day 7 Day 7: A Day To Acclimatize And Rest At Dingboche
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: A Day To Acclimatize And Rest At Dingboche

      Today you can go slow and easy with your morning, at your pace. Dingboche has always been an ideal stopover for trekkers and climbers heading up to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. It’s good to haul up for some rest to get used to the thinning air. But rest means we ought not to sleep out the day. We need to move around a bit. The village is lovely with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We have options to take day hikes to either Nangkartshang Peak or Chukkhung Valley for some great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Cholatse, Tawache, Ama Dablam and Island peak. Towards twilight we can return to our lodges for some rest and perhaps catch up on some reading or do some washing. We bunk out hereabouts for the night. 

  • Day 8 Day 8: Dingboche To Lobuche (4940 M/16,207 Ft): 7Km, 5-6 Hours
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Dingboche To Lobuche (4940 M/16,207 Ft): 7Km, 5-6 Hours

      After breakfast, we begin our day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here on we begin to gain altitude and it is important that we move at a slow, steady pace. We soon begin to notice the slopes are pretty barren now with no vegetation as we move above the timberline. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before us in this distinct and magnificent landscape. 


  • Day 9 Day 9: Lobuche To Gorak Shep (5,170 M/16,961Ft), Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 M/17,594 Ft): 13Km, 7-8 Hours
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Lobuche To Gorak Shep (5,170 M/16,961Ft), Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 M/17,594 Ft): 13Km, 7-8 Hours

      Today, after a good steamy breakfast, we trek flanking the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. Hereabouts, we are high up, virtually; among the glaciers of the planet’s highest peaks. We take the path to Everest Base Camp through Gorak Shep which was once a big Lake. As we plod straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The route from here can be tricky and messy; so, it is significant that we follow our lead Sherpa carefully. The hike can be arduous due to thin air as we go to higher elevations. We pass through wobbly dunes, a moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. As we reach Everest Base Camp, we see a whole lot of colourful tents of mountaineers that look unique in bright colors against the dullness of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). From this camp we get superb views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and the Pumori peaks. After soaking in the base camp, we get back to Gorak Shep for a well earned and much needed night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Gorak Shep To Kala Pathar, (5,545M/18,192Ft) Back To Gorak Shep - Fly To Lukla By Helicopter: 3 Km, 3-4 Hours Trek 

    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Gorak Shep To Kala Pathar, (5,545M/18,192Ft) Back To Gorak Shep - Fly To Lukla By Helicopter: 3 Km, 3-4 Hours Trek 


      We wake at the break of dawn today with some piping hot coffee. It must be an early morning departure amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there’s a likely chance for biting chilly winds which are pretty common hereabouts.  ‘Kala Pathar’ is actually a Hindi name and translates to "black rock". It’s from these black rocks atop the mountain where the views leave your senses stunned to the core with the magnificent beauty that surrounds you. Nature is alive and talking to us hereabouts. This is not a metaphor. Most eyes are hypnotised on the mass of Everest and its rocky ramparts upfront before us. Many of the famed ascent routes are pretty clear. Below us the Khumbu Glacier meanders towards the icefall and Western Cwm. We get bird’s eye views of the area where expeditions set up their base camps but the actual site was at Lake Camp, now we know it as Gorak Shep. Take in the sights as far as your eyes can go and soak it in. for many this is a ‘once in a lifetime journey’. The view south and our route out, is particularly striking. We take as many pictures as we can. After spending some prime time here, we make the return trek to Gorek Shep for a hot breakfast. After breakfast, we will be airlifted on a scenic sky tour to Lukla for a restful overnight. 

  • Day 11 Day 11: We Fly To Kathmandu – Overnight Hotel
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: We Fly To Kathmandu – Overnight Hotel

      Most flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are scheduled early morning to avoid the strong winds. It’s a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for about thirty five minutes. We touch down at Kathmandu and a Unique Adventure vehicle will be on standby to escort you to your hotel. But please note, sometimes the flight can be delayed or cancelled in the mountain regions of this type due to inclement weather and other unpredictable reasons beyond our control. Our guests are expected to be patient and understanding in such situations. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our high flying journey. 

  • Day 12 Day 12: Departure For That Place We Love Calling ‘Home Sweet Home’.
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Departure For That Place We Love Calling ‘Home Sweet Home’.

      After breakfast, our rep and office vehicle will be on standby at your hotel to transfer you to the airport for your connecting flight home. Serving you was an honour and pleasure. We at Unique Adventure International will treasure the bonds of our friendship created over the time you spent with us and we thank you for choosing us as your travel operator and visiting our incredible country Nepal. We know that trekking in this striking region of the Khumbu [Everest region] will give you lifetime memories of a vacation well enjoyed. Adieu friends! Till we meet again. 

  • Day 13 Please Note:
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Please Note:

      We would like you to know that although we try to follow the program given above, at times local trails or weather conditions may compel us to make slight changes if necessary. The trekking itinerary may also vary slightly subject to our trekkers’ acclimatization rates. This odyssey goes into untamed territory above the timberline, so we seek to request maximum flexibility if and when required for the safety of your trip and your life. Thank you so much for your understanding. We value your precious life.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. You’ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 80

Minors from 15 to 17 years must be accompanied by an adult.

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