Trekking

EBC Trek Including Helicopter Flight

image

This trek combines the best of the Everest Base Camp Trek, such as spending time at Namche Bazaar and climbing up Kalapatthar, with a helicopter ride which enables you to reduce walking time about around 18 hours and shorten your trip by 2 days.  Perfect for those who have less time or who want to experience the best of the EBC trek without backtracking. 

The highest point is what is known as the viewpoint of Everest - Kalapatthar – at 5,545m.  Here you will experience a really close view of Everest and surrounding mountains.  On the way trek through alpine forests, witness Sherpa people in their daily lives, and visit Tengboche Monastery, the highest in the Region. This trek takes you all the way over glacial debris to view fabled names such as the Khumbu Glacier and Mount Everest itself. As this is a demanding trek, ensure you make physical preparations before arriving in Nepal.

Note: This trip can be somewhat shortened if necessary. Please contact us if you only have time for a shorter version.  What follows is the standard itinerary for the EBC Trek including Helicopter Flight.

DURATION 14 Days
difficulty Demanding
destination Everest Base Camp
max altitude 5,545 m / 18,192 ft m
accomodation Lodges
group size Any number
trip starts Lukla
trip ends Lukla
best season
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
Want To Know More?

If you would like to know more about this trip, or any other trip in Nepal, please do not hesitate to contact Sherpa and Swiss Adventures. Basically, the itineraries on our websites are for the most popular destinations. You can contact us and let us know your requirements: your intended length of stay, your hotels of preference, your choice of route for a trek, the places you would like to visit, or any kind of customization. We would love to hear your unique choices and travel ideas; based on which we can curate a blend of our ideas and come up with the most suitable trip itinerary for you as an individual or a group.

tour map and itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

Our airport representative will be there to meet you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will recognise her/him from the Sherpa and Swiss Adventures signboard they will be holding. You will then be transferred to your hotel by our private tourist vehicle.

 

Later that day there will be a pre-trip meeting in our office. If your flight arrives after 4pm you will be briefed when you reach your hotel. Please ensure to ask any questions you may still have about the trip regardless as to when or where your briefing meeting takes place. 

 

Please bring to the meeting: your original passport, three passport-sized photos and your travel insurance policy (hard copy please). During the meeting we request you to clear any outstanding payment and sign the legally binding trip form and a non-liability disclaimer.  Thank you for your cooperation.

1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Hotel
Dinner

Day 2 : Today there are two options, as below.

Option 1:

Morning Sightseeing to Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.  Then Drive to Ramechhap: 4 hours drive at 2.00 AM in the morning of Day 3.

 

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 9.30am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover two of them:

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

 

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Note: The rest of this afternoon is at your leisure.  We will leave from Kathmandu at 2am in the morning to reach Ramechhap for the flight to Lukla for the following reason:

 

The Government of Nepal has announced that until further notice most flights to and from Lukla will be from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport).  This will avoid heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport.  The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).  As Ramechhap is a very small town and off the usual tourist route, accommodation facilities are basic and limited.  It is likely that given this new situation, accommodation will be hard to find.  Thus driving direct from Kathmandu to Ramechhap in the early morning is the only realistic option.

 

Overnight (until 2am) at a hotel. Included meals: breakfast.

 

Option 2:

Entire day sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu and fly next day from Kathmandu directly to Lukla via helicopter.

 

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 10.00 am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover three of them:

 

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (or Monkey Temple as its often know) has great importance to the Valley’s indigenous Newar population whose religion is a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism.  We reach the top by a long staircase from the east. In addition to devotees, visitors can see many monkeys on the climb up to the stupa (please do not feed or pet them), and have a wonderful view over Kathmandu.

 

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

 

There will be time for exploring the tourist hub of Thamel and doing last minute shopping for essential trekking snacks etc before dinner. 

 

Note: With this option you will avoid the middle of the night drive to Ramecchap and will fly directly by helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla on the morning of Day 03.

Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 : Drive to Ramechhap and Fly from Ramechhap to Lukla via fixed wing flight OR Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m/ 9,184ft) via helicopter. Trek to Phakding. 20 minutes flight OR 45 minutes helicopter ride, 3-4 hours trek

Depending on your choice, today we fly from Ramechhap or from Kathmandu to Lukla. Estimated arrival time in Lukla is the same for either option. After your arrival in Lukla, your guide and porters will meet you and from here we trek to Phakding. The trail starts by descending to Cheplung village.  You may be able to catch sight of Mt Khumbila from here.  This is a sacred mountain which, as such, has never been climbed.  From here the trail descends till Phakding where you overnight.  This is where your climbing adventure really begins!

2,800 m / 9,184 ft
Lodge
3-4 Hours
Breakfast

Day 4 : Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Today the trail takes you upwards over steep inclines and across high suspension bridges. You pass through rhododendron forests which in the spring time will be filled with red and pink flowers. Now you are in Sagarmatha National Park.  Compared to other national park in Nepal, due to its geographical location, this park has less wildlife. Although home to the majestic Snow Leopard and Himalayan black bear, it is unlikely you will see one. But you never know. There is, however, plenty of bird life – so keep your eyes open. Tonight sleep in the famous Namche Bazaar.

3,438 m / 11,279 ft
Lodge
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar

Today’s acclimatization day is designed to allow your body to get used to the altitude.  You can take the opportunity to explore the town or hike to Khumjung Village to visit the school and hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary.  If you do go to Khumjung, do remember to visit the Khumjung Monastery where you can ask the heavens for a safe journey.  You can even see a Yeti scalp - if you can believe it!  Back at Namche you can buy any snacks that you might have forgotten to bring from Kathmandu. In the past this was the last stop for mountaineers to stock up on goods before setting off to scale Everest.  It still offers a wide range of goodies not found in other villages in the region. 

3,438 m / 11,279 ft
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 : Trek Namche Bazaar to Debuche vie Tengboche

On our way from Namche to Debuche, we visit Tengboche monastery - the largest monastery in the region.  It is also perhaps the monastery with the best views of the surrounding mountains!  We explore this monastery for a while and then head towards Debuche which is 30 minutes walk from Tengboche. The entire trail switches back and forth, along rushing rivers and through lush woods. Then almost abruptly the vegetation gets less and the scenery becomes rockier. Overnight in Debuche.

3,700 m / 12,139 ft
Lodge
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 : Trek Debuche to Dingboche

Today follow the switchback trails along rushing rivers and through lush woods before the landscape becomes more barren and rocky.  The picturesque trail from Debuche, crosses the Imja River and takes us to Pangboche. On the Pangboche trail we gain pristine views of the Himalayas and of Pangboche Monastery. Trekking towards the Imja Valley and Lobuche River we begin climbing up to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.

4,360 m / 14,300 ft
Lodge
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 : Dingboche: Acclimatization

In order to acclimatize to the increasing altitude, an acclimatization day is taken at Dingboche.  If you are feeling fit and energetic you can hike up Nangkartshang Hill.  This hill is a bit of a challenge as it is a rocky outcrop. But it is also good preparation for what is to come. Overnight in Dingboche.

Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 : Trek Dingboche to Lobuche

By now we feel the rugged mountains and landscape are towering over us!  The land is dry and there is little vegetation.  You might want to visit Memorial Hill, where there are flags and mani stones in memory of those who have lost their lives in the mountains. Or simply push on to the overnight stop at the small village of Lobuche.

4,940 m / 16,207 ft
Lodge
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 : Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep,visit Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep

Gorak Shep is the name of a small, seasonal settlement which is the best place to set off for the ascent of Kalapatthar, also known as the ‘Everest view point’. Gorak Shep was base camp for the 1952 Swiss expedition to Everest.  Although unsuccessful, on that climb was Tenzing Norgay Sherpa who the following year made the first summit of Everest with Edmund Hilary.  Its takes approximately two hours to reach Everest Base Camp from Gorak Shep. From this vast open vista you will be able to see mountaineers setting up camp in the distance (it is not possible for trekkers to enter the exact same EBC area) and take in the magnificent and treacherous beauty of the Khumbu Icefall. Overnight at Gorak Shep in preparation for a dawn ascent of Kalapatthar.

5,364 m / 17,594 ft
Lodge
6-7 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 : Trek Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar (5,545m/ 18,192ft) and back to Gorak Shep, Gorak Shep to Lukla by helicopter: 4 hours trek, 15 minutes helicopter ride.

Many people come to the Everest Region after hearing about Everest Base Camp. But somewhere along with way they realize that actually the best views of Everest are not to be found at its base. The really spectacular views of Mount Everest are from the top of Kalapatthar at 5,545m. Meaning black rock, Kalapatthar is not so much a mountain but a ridge. Outstanding views can be seen and photographed from here! Everest, Changtse and Nuptse mountains are so close you feel you can just reach out and touch them.  Unless you are planning to try to summit Everest at some future point in time, this is as close are you will get. And for non-mountaineers, the challenge is almost Everest like!  Setting off before dawn, you can witness sunrise over Everest – a mystical sight. After spending some time basking in Nature’s glories, descend Kalapatthar and return to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Here the next part of your adventure is waiting for you. While others are facing a two day trek back to Lukla you will board our helicopter for a short 15 minute flight to Lukla. And what a trip!  You will have the chance to see Everest and the other mountains from a totally different vantage point!  After this exciting ride you can celebrate in Lukla while you wait for your fixed-wing flight. 

5,545 m / 18,192 ft
Lodge
4 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12 : Fly to Kathmandu, free day or sightseeing to Cultural sites (optional)

After breakfast fly out of Lukla. Take in your final views of the mountains from your plane window.  You can either fly to Ramechhap and drive (3-4 hours) to Kathmandu or take a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu.  Please ask us about the helicopter option.

Hotel
Breakfast

Day 13 : Free day in Kathmandu or sightseeing to cultural heritage sites (optional)

To be prudent, we keep one extra day at the end of the trek just in case there is a flight cancellation out of Lukla (due to bad weather).  You can use this day to explore on your own or ask us about arranging sightseeing to other cultural heritage sites. Please let us know and we can arrange this for you. Tonight a farewell dinner will give you the chance to relive your adventure! But first, perhaps you want to do a little souvenir shopping?

Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 : Final Departure

Depending on your flight time, you  will be transferred to the airport there hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

 Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!

Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED
  • All ground transfers according to the itinerary which includes: airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicle (if you have sightseeing in the itinerary).
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • Welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance to introduce you to the Nepali culture.
  • Farewell dinner in a continental restaurant. (To satisfy your cravings after eating all that Nepali food. But Nepali food is also available if you would like more!)
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu).
  • Helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla.
  • English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide, assistant guide (if needed) and climbing guide.
  • Porter service (one porter for two trekkers).
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation.
  • Complimentary Sherpa and Swiss Adventures trekking bag/duffel bag, cap and a surprise souvenir from us!
  • Complimentary Sherpa and Swiss Adventures trekking bag/duffel bag, cap and a surprise souvenir from us!
  • Medical kit (carried by your guide).
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Nepalese entry visa fee (for your convenience please bring exact USD cash and two passport photographs).
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu and airport departure tax.
  • Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or earlier return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of earlier return from the trek than the scheduled itinerary).
  • Travel insurance which must cover emergency rescue and evacuation.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, alcoholic drinks).
  • Personal porters.
  • Personal porters.
  • Tips for trekking guides, porters and drivers (tipping is expected).
  • Services not mentioned in the ‘Included in the Cost’ section.
Accommodation

You will be staying in your choice of hotel in Kathmandu. All accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Single supplement charge will be added for single rooms and will cost an additional USD 400 or more (depending on your hotel selection in Kathmandu). Also, please be clear that you will be trekking in remote village areas; services in the teahouses will be basic. We will try our best to arrange rooms with attached bathrooms; however, teahouses in some places do not have attached bathrooms. Paying single room supplement will get you a single room in Kathmandu but it might not be feasible on the trekking route. 

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from the lodge where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the trail, on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking period (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There are many restaurant options in Kathmandu that you can explore on your own. There will be a welcome and a farewell dinner for our guests.

MEET OUR EXPERT

Chimi Sherpa info@sherpa-adventure.com

Our travel experts are on hand to help !

No matter what the inquiry, our commitment to exceptional service ensures that a helpful and knowledgeable staff member is always on hand to assist you whenever the need arises Phone: +977 9813175762, Whatsapp: +977 9801050015