Everest (Khumbu) · Treks
12 days · Challenging · up to 5,545 m
Trek up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then fly back to Kathmandu by helicopter over the Khumbu glaciers instead of walking down.
Walk the classic route to Everest Base Camp at a safe acclimatisation pace, then swap the three-day descent for a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep, with views of Everest, Lhotse and the Khumbu Icefall from the air.
Ideal if you want the full trekking experience but are short on time, or simply want to finish with a flight you will never forget.
Challenging on the way up; the helicopter removes the long descent.
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening we brief you on the trek, check your gear and sort out any last purchases.
An early 35-minute mountain flight to Lukla's famous hillside airstrip, then a gentle walk down the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding.
Across suspension bridges, past the Sagarmatha National Park gate at Monjo, and up the long climb to Namche, the Sherpa capital. First glimpse of Everest on the way.
Hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) for a panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, then explore Namche's market and the Sherpa museum.
A balcony trail with Ama Dablam ahead, down to the river and up to Tengboche monastery, the largest in the Khumbu.
Through Pangboche and into the Imja valley to Dingboche, a village of stone-walled fields beneath Ama Dablam.
Climb Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) for views of Makalu, Lhotse and Island Peak, then rest.
Up to Thukla and past the climbers' memorials on the Thukla Pass to Lobuche, beside the Khumbu Glacier.
Along the moraine to Gorak Shep, then out to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Back to Gorak Shep for the night.
Sunrise on Kala Patthar, then a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep over the Khumbu glaciers back to Kathmandu.
A contingency day for flight delays. If unused, we take you on a guided tour of Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
Free time for souvenir shopping before we drop you at the airport three hours before your flight home.
Next departure Sat, 24 Oct 2026
From US$3,150 per person
11 dates through May 2027
Starts Sat, 24 Oct and ends Wed, 4 Nov 2026
12 days
5 seats left
Book by 17 Oct
US$3,150per person
Starts Sat, 7 Nov and ends Wed, 18 Nov 2026
12 days
5 seats left
Book by 31 Oct
US$3,150per person
Starts Sat, 21 Nov and ends Wed, 2 Dec 2026
12 days
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Book by 14 Nov
US$3,150per person
Starts Sat, 5 Dec and ends Wed, 16 Dec 2026
12 days
5 seats left
Book by 28 Nov
US$3,150per person
Starts Sat, 19 Dec and ends Wed, 30 Dec 2026
12 days
5 seats left
Book by 12 Dec
US$3,150per person
Starts Sat, 6 Mar and ends Wed, 17 Mar 2027
12 days
5 seats left
Book by 27 Feb
US$3,150per person
Starts Sat, 20 Mar and ends Wed, 31 Mar 2027
12 days
5 seats left
Book by 13 Mar
US$3,150per person
Starts Sat, 3 Apr and ends Wed, 14 Apr 2027
12 days
5 seats left
Book by 27 Mar
US$3,150per person
Prefer your own dates? Ask for a private trip.
Choose your own datePermits we arrange: Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu fee
You don't need technical skills, but you should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day with a light daypack. Regular hiking, running, cycling or stair-climbing for 6 to 8 weeks before the trip makes a big difference.
Autumn (late September to November) and spring (March to May) give the most stable weather and clear views. December and January are cold but quiet; the monsoon (June to August) brings cloud and flight delays to Lukla.
Our itineraries climb gradually and include acclimatisation days. Your guide checks your oxygen saturation each evening. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your guide about any headache, nausea or dizziness straight away.
Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest altitude of your trek is required. Please send us a copy before departure.
Carry Nepali rupees for the trail: ATMs are only in towns. Most teahouses sell Wi-Fi and charging; a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) works on much of the route.
Teahouses are simple, family-run lodges with twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Menus run from dal bhat to pasta and pancakes; dal bhat is the best value and comes with refills.
The price includes a seat on a shared helicopter. A private charter for your group is available on request.
Yes, everyone feels the altitude above 4,000 m. Our itinerary follows the 'climb high, sleep low' rule with two acclimatisation days, and guides check your oxygen saturation daily.
Yes. Every trip runs as a private trek on the dates you choose, as well as on our fixed group departures. Private trips cost the same per person for two or more travellers.
Our own government-licensed guides from the Annapurna and Everest regions. Most have more than ten years on the trails and speak good English.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and an oximeter and is trained to recognise altitude sickness. If you need to descend, we arrange it immediately, including a helicopter evacuation through your insurance if necessary.
Send an enquiry with your dates. We confirm availability, then take a 20% deposit to secure your place; the balance is paid on arrival in Nepal by card, bank transfer or cash.
Refunds are a share of the total trip price. Permit and flight costs already paid to third parties can't be refunded. You can transfer your booking to another date or person free of charge up to 30 days before departure.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
From US$3,150 per person