Bucket-List 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Ride
Experience the exhilaration of trekking to the famous Everest Base Camp and flying over its impressive landscape on a helicopter on this unforgettable 12-day trek. Encounter Nepal’s legendary natural beauty, with towering mountains, lush green valleys, picturesque farmlands, hilly trails and forests full of rare and exotic wildlife. Enjoy guided tours and get an insight into the Nepali life, together with a thrilling helicopter ride taking you from Pheriche to Lukla – allowing you to skip three days of trekking! Includes one night at the five-star Gokarna Forest Resort, stays in Nepalese lodges, internal flights and helicopter transfer, daily breakfast and more.
Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring scenery as you trek to Everest Base Camp through the heart of Sherpa country together with your knowledgeable guides, admiring panoramic views from as high as 5,545 meters. Stay in Nepalese lodges along the way before winding down in five-star style with a night at Gokarna Forest Resort, complete with a relaxing massage – the perfect way to chill out after your exhilarating trek.
This exciting adventure usually takes up to 16 days, with the last three days involving a trek back to Lukla, through the same trail of the ascent. With this exclusive 12-day tour, you will skip the trek back and take a seat in a helicopter from Gorekshep instead.
What You’ll Love…
The Trek – Admire spectacular snow-capped peaks and peaceful monasteries amid the Sherpa kingdom
Prepare for a sight you will never forget as you witness the snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and more soaring into the clouds.
Your adventure starts in Nepal’s colorful capital city, Kathmandu, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner in true Nepalese style and discover more of the cultural heritage of this enchanting city.
Discover the market town of Namche Bazaar, the most beautiful of the Everest region, dramatically positioned on a hillside beneath the peak of Kongde Ri. Shops and restaurants are plentiful in this bustling area, where you can pick up Tibetan artefacts.
Get an insight into alpine flora and fauna at Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, located at the highest elevation in the world. Admire the beauty of musk deer, Derow, Ghoral and Himalayan Thar.
Admire the striking landscape of glaciers, pine forests and snow-covered peaks, as you reach the highest point of your trek at an altitude of over 5,500 meters: the world-famous Kala Pathar, offering the most outstanding views over Mt Everest.
After conquering the peak of Kala Pathar, you will head back to Pheriche, where you will board a helicopter taking you to Lukla. Take in unparalleled views over Mt Everest and beyond from a very privileged point of view, as you skip the trek and take a seat in a helicopter - for what will be one of the most unforgettable ride of your life.
The Accommodation – Authentic Nepalese lodges plus an indulgent stay at the five-star Gokarna Forest Resort
Wind down after your trek with a relaxing stay at the five-star Gokarna Forest Resort, complete with a rejuvenating massage. This premium resort voted one of the Top 10 Hotels in Nepal in the TripAdvisor 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards, is nestled in 470 scenic acres of ancient Gokarna Forest – once the private royal hunting ground for the kings of Nepal.
Your Package Includes:
- Nightly accommodation in Nepalese lodges and hotels
- One night, luxury stay at the five-star Gokarna Forest Resort
- Internal flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
- A helicopter transfer from Pheriche to Lukla, allowing you to skip the trek back and soak up splendid views
- Daily breakfast and select additional meals, including a welcome dinner with a Nepalese cultural show
- A relaxing 30-minute massage at Gokarna Forest Resort
- Return airport transfers from Kathmandu Airport
- A city tour of Kathmandu with an English-speaking guide
- Sagarmatha National Park permit & trekking entry fees
- Lukla entry and trekking fees
- Entrance fees for monuments in Kathmandu
- Yoga classes in Gokarna Forest Resort with an expert Yoga Teacher
- The services of highly-experienced, licensed, English-speaking guides and porters
- Equipment such as first aid kit, sleeping bags, duffle bags as needed
- Government taxes and costs for trekking crew
Getting to Kathmandu is easy. Regular flights are available with airlines such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, departing most Australian capital cities with one or more stopovers and an approximate flight time of 16 hours.
Flights depart regularly from major gateways including Singapore (approx flight time of seven hours with one stopover), Hong Kong (approx flight time of five hours), Dubai (approx flight time of four hours) and Bangkok (approx flight time three and a half hours).
Airport pickup from Kathmandu Airport is included in your package.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
DAY 1 – Arrival and welcome dinner
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Orientation will take place in the evening at around 5 PM. After your orientation meeting, enjoy a welcome Nepalese dinner with an accompanying cultural program (dancing and singing from different ethnic groups and Nepalese community) at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 – Kathmandu to Lukla by flight and trek to Pakhding (2600m)
Take an early morning flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region, to start the trek. The trek commences uphill to Phakding for three - four hours. We will stop at Phakding for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Sherpa Shangrila Resort
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 – Trek to Namche Bazaar (3535m)
Early morning after breakfast, we start our journey through a pine forest and walk alongside the Dudh Koshi river. We ascend a steep trail and reach Namche Bazaar (five - six hours) which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region.
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpaland
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 – Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
To avoid altitude sickness, we need to acclimatize in Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the most beautiful and primary town of the Everest region, occupied by a colorful market with ATMs, a government office, shops and restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpaland
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 – Trek to Tengboche (3850m)
From here we ascend towards Tengboche village, which houses the very famous Tengboche Monastery, the biggest monastery of the Everest region (five - six hours).
Accommodation: Rivendell Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6 – Trek to Dingboche (4350m)
Our trail descends and passes through lush forests of birch, confer and rhododendron trees. While trekking, we can admire views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We continue our walk to the Imja Valley and Lobuche River before ascending to Dingboche (five - six hours).
Accommodation: Good Luck Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 – Acclimatization in Dingboche
Spending a day in Dingboche will help us to acclimate to the high altitude. We can also admire the picturesque Imja Khola Valley and the beautiful Dingboche village.
Accommodation: Good Luck Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 – Trek to Lobuche (4940m)
We ascend to the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves facing several great peaks including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal (five - six hours).
Accommodation: Sherpa Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 – Trek to Gorakshep (5160m) and hike about two – three hours to Everest Base Camp
The trek to Everest Base Camp is not very difficult. However, we ascend and descend mostly on a glacier path. The Everest Base Camp is stunningly beautiful. We can enjoy amazing views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori mountains from the base camp. After soaking in the beauty, we walk back towards Gorak Shep where we spend the night (six - seven hours).
Accommodation: Himalayan Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 – Hike to Kalapathar (5545m) and fly to Lukla by helicopter
The day’s first light will illuminate your spectacular view of Nuptse Cholatse and Lhotse. This may be, of the whole journey, your most opportune moment to snap amazing pictures of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Afterwards, treck back to Pheriche for breakfast and then embark on the most exciting helicopter ride to Lukla, avoiding the trek back and soaking up majestic views.
Accommodation: Mera Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 – Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla and Kathmandu sightseeing tour
After trekking for nine days you will catch the early morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. After reaching Kathmandu, the airport representative escorts you to the hotel where you can enjoy a special 30-minute body massage. Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley in various sites which have been listed in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO (Pashupatinath Temple or Kapan Monastery, Boudhanath, Swaymbhu and Patan Durbar square).
Accommodation: Gokarna Forest Resort
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 12 – Departure
You will have your breakfast in the morning and the airport representative will drop you to the airport for your international flight.
Meals: Breakfast
The ‘7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies. Himalayan Social Journey’s cancellation and change of date policy applies. Any changes to confirmed bookings are at the discretion of the tour group and charges may apply.
Valid for the following tour departure dates:
5, 19 and 26 of every month from 5 June 2019 to 26 December 2020
8, 22, 26 October 2019 and October 2020
8, 19, 26 November 2019 and November 2020
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Kathmandu on your chosen tour start date.
Instant Booking: To secure your dates at purchase, click ‘Instant Booking’ and select your preferred package. Once your preferred package is selected you’ll click through to ‘Choose Your Dates of Travel’ and will be able to enter in your preferred tour commencement date.
Twin-Share Package: The package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional single traveller surcharge will apply. Single travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Single Traveller Surcharge: If travelling alone, a US$300 single traveller surcharge will apply, payable directly to the tour operator.
Difficulty Rating: Trek is suitable for people aged between 12 and 70. Please note that a good standard of fitness is required to complete the trek. If you have any health issues, please consult your doctor before purchasing. This is a Grade Three rated trek – hard treks are only for real adventurers. Expect to trek about five -seven hours daily or about 8 - 12 kilometres per day. It is recommended that you prepare for the trek by suitable training such as climbing hills or stairs, jogging, and spending some time in the gym to improve your stamina for a few months prior to the trek. If you are quite fit and do sufficient training prior to arriving in Nepal the trek will be a more enjoyable experience.
Maximum Tour Capacity: The minimum trek capacity is two people and the maximum capacity is 12 people per trek.
Potential Delays: It is recommended that you allow two to three days at the end of your trip to fly internationally, as flights can sometimes be delayed or cancelled from Lukla Airport due to sudden weather transitions or unforeseen circumstances. If flights are cancelled or delayed for a few days, a helicopter charter flight (approx. US$300 to US$400) may be required, so please ensure your travel insurance covers this instance. Suggested activities for extra days could be Chitwan National Park, white water rafting, going on a Pokhara valley tour, yoga and massages (not included). If your flight is cancelled or delayed for longer than two days, you may be transferred to the Annapurna Base Camp with a complimentary Everest scenic flight.
Not Included in Your Package: International flights, travel insurance, personal equipment and clothing, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and on trekking days, city sightseeing entry fees and tipping for the guide, porter and driver.
Important: Please bring two passport size photos, a copy of your passport and travel insurance at the Orientation Meeting.
Please Note: Domestic flight will be operated by Tara Airlines. Your ticket includes a 15kg checked-in baggage plus a carry on.
Booking confirmation must be presented at check-in.
All surcharges are payable directly to the tour operator.
Please note, tipping is not included and is at your own discretion.
Travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated) and menu options are subject to change.
Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas.
A visa may be required to the countries you are visiting and transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you are holding a current visa.
Please note this tour is not operated by Luxury Escapes. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.