EBC Trek with Helicopter Return: 10 Days

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1,400 m), followed by a pre-trek briefing covering permits, packing, and the trek's acclimatisation schedule. A licensed guide reviews the day-by-day route and checks personal gear against the recommended packing list. Overnight in Kathmandu.

The flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla (2,860 m), a 527 m sloped runway with a one-directional approach, takes roughly 25-30 minutes when operating from Kathmandu, or around 20 minutes plus a 4-5 hour pre-dawn drive when operating from Manthali/Ramechhap in peak season. From Lukla, the trail descends gently through Chaurikharka and along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding (2,610 m), passing prayer wheels and the trek's first mani walls.

From Phakding (2,610 m) the trail follows the Dudh Koshi river, across several suspension bridges to the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint at Monjo, then on past Jorsale to the high Hillary Suspension Bridge. A steep switchback climb through pine forest gains 830 m to reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the Khumbu's main trading hub and the first mandatory two-night acclimatisation stop.

Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) following the golden "climb high, sleep low" rule. The morning hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) at Syangboche, offering the first distant view of Everest's summit pyramid alongside Ama Dablam and Thamserku, before descending through Khumjung village, home to the Khumjung monastery. Return to Namche for the second acclimatisation night.

A long combined day linking two normally separate stages: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) to Dingboche (4,410 m) via Tengboche (3,860 m). The trail climbs to Kyangjuma and Tengboche's monastery, descends through Deboche, then climbs past Pangboche into the drier high-altitude landscape around Dingboche. At 20 km with roughly 970 m of net gain, this is one of the longest days on the itinerary and suits fit trekkers only. The 970 m gain in sleeping altitude is nearly double the 500 m per night advised above 3,000 m, so tell your guide at the first sign of headache or nausea.

Second mandatory acclimatisation day, this time at Dingboche (4,410 m). The recommended hike climbs Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) above the village for panoramic views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and the Dingboche valley, then returns to sleep at 4,410 m: the climb-high, sleep-low pattern, which prepares the body for the 530 m gain in sleeping altitude to Lobuche.

From Dingboche (4,410 m) the trail climbs past Dughla (4,620 m) and the Chupki Lhara memorial site, stone cairns honouring climbers who died on Everest, before a steady climb along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche (4,940 m), the last village before the final push to Base Camp.

The 4.3 km walk from Lobuche (4,940 m) to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) takes 2-4 hours along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, gaining roughly 220 m net. After dropping bags at the lodge, the trail crosses 3.5 km of rocky glacial moraine with the Khumbu Glacier on the right and the icefall rising directly above. At Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Nuptse's west ridge blocks the sightline to Everest's summit; that view belongs to Kala Patthar, 280 m higher. Return to Gorak Shep for the night.

★ Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

Sunrise climb to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) for the definitive view of Everest's summit pyramid, then return to Gorak Shep for a helicopter departure at approximately 09:00-10:00 AM, weather permitting. A shared seat costs approximately USD 600-800 per person, with a private charter available at higher, negotiated cost. The flight routes via a Lukla refuelling stop, landing in Kathmandu roughly 65-90 minutes after departure.

★ Kala Patthar (5,644 m)

Drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for your international flight, or onward travel in Nepal. This schedule has no spare day after the helicopter flight, so add the recommended Kathmandu buffer day before flying home.