NepalUpdated Jan 3, 2025
Everest Base Camp Cost Guide
Everest Base Camp costs change with group size, guide and porter support, lodge standard, meals, flights, private transport, and helicopter services.
Everest Base Camp Deluxe Trek With Helicopter Ride
Elevated Everest Experience with Direct Flight, Deluxe Lodge Stays and Spectacular Helicopter Exit
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Everest Base Camp Deluxe Trek With Helicopter Ride
Trip overview
The essentials, in one place
Journey overview
A quick read on the route, the comfort level, the pricing rhythm, and the details most travelers want before they get in touch.
01Service levelAmigo Signature02Comfort profileHigh-Altitude Trek
03Accommodation standardHotel & Lodge
In short
12-day Everest Base Camp Deluxe Trek with Helicopter Ride back is a short, guided and fully inclusive Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal that covers everything from your arrival in Kathmandu to your departure. The trek starts with a direct flight or a shared helicopter ride to Lukla, follows classic route to the base camp, including all mandatory acclimatization days and ends with a scenic helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu. The package includes stays in a 4 star hotel in Kathmandu before and after the trek and handpicked deluxe lodges (lodges that offer higher-standard accommodation options than standard ones, but are still simpler than the luxury lodges available in the region) during the trek. Hence, the package is designed for time-bound trekkers seeking a premium EBC adventure with better accommodations and a helicopter return.
Quick route highlights
The four details travelers usually care about first.
Short, practical, and easy to scan before you dive into the longer trip description.
Highlight
Direct Kathmandu-Lukla Flights - Save time and start you Everest adventure with convenient direct flights/shared helicopter from Kathmandu.
4-Star Kathmandu Hotel- Relax and enjoy the comfort and luxury of 4-star hotel before and after the trek.
Deluxe Trek Accommodations- Enjoy superior comfort in a handpicked deluxe lodges during the trek.
Helicopter return Experience- Fly back by helicopter, enjoying spectacular Himalayan views and avoiding the return trek.
Everest Base Camp is a magnificent hiking paradise in Nepal. Including the views of the 4 out of 10 highest mountains in the world (Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu), the Everest Base Camp trek presents hikers with sophisticated views of other equally prepossessing and supreme peak and the glimmering landscape that make the best reward, after the tiring exploration. The highest you will go to, on this trek, is Kala Patthar (5,545meters), which is considered the best viewpoint in the entire Everest region, to view Mt. Everest. This 64-kilometer walk, from Lukla to Mt. Everest Base Camp will take you through some hardcore sections, including the trek along the highest glacier in the world, the Khumbu Glacier, that need arduous effort to hike. However, the effort will pay off once you spot the phenomenal Everest. Additionally, the natural beauty of the region is very well backed by the culture, tradition, lifestyle, religious beliefs and the sincere hospitality of the amiable Sherpas inhabiting the quaint small villages, protecting the region and facilitating the trekkers.
Access to this gem would be best through hiking or helicopter ride; therefore, we have designed this short Everest Base Camp trek itinerary including both. From Lukla you will hike all the way to the Everest Base Camp and return to Kathmandu in a helicopter. The total hiking duration to the Everest Base Camp from Lukla is 8 days, including two acclimatization days in Namche and in Dingboche. Moreover, this is an arrival to departure package; therefore, you accommodation, breakfast and airport transfers in Kathmandu, before and after the trek, is also included in the package.
So, how is this 12 days Everest Base Camp Deluxe Trek with Helicopter Ride package different from 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return package?
Both the packages look similar, but there are two major differentiators. Choosing this package ensures your stay in 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu and upgraded lodges with more room amenities in the Everest region and to start the trek you will directly fly to Lukla from Kathmandu, unlike other packages that make you drive to Ramechhap, before flying to Lukla.
Planning this trip around the right time of the year (15th March to 20th May and 1st October to 20th December) allows you to enjoy this package at the most competitive price. This Everest Base Camp tour package is perfect for groups with children and elderly people as well as for time bound luxury travelers.
Moreover, if you are looking to complete the trip in the shortest possible time, our 9 days Everest Base Camp Trek is the perfect package for you.
If you are a luxury traveler and want to enjoy a complete luxury package (5 star accommodation in Kathmandu, 24x7 private transportation service, private helicopter ride, and the maximum possible luxury accommodation with best available room amenities in the Everest region) our 13 days Ultimate Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek package best suits your requirements.
Nevertheless, if you are neither interested in adding a helicopter ride, nor any luxuries to the trip, our Standard 15 days Everest Base Camp Trek is definitely the package you are looking for.
Useful details at a glance
- How many days do you need?
- 12 Days
- Where does this trip operate?
- Nepal
- What type of trip is it?
- Everest Region Trek
- How are departures handled?
- Scheduled departures
- What accommodation is used?
- Hotel & Lodge
- How is transport handled?
- Private car/jeep/minivan and helicopter
Why travelers plan with Amigo
Everest Base Camp is a magnificent hiking paradise in Nepal.
Day-by-day route outline
Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.
Day 1
Arrival day in Kathmandu
Location: KathmanduAltitude: 1,300 M / 4,265.09 ftOvernight: 4 Star HotelMeal plan: NoneDay details
Welcome to Nepal for Everest Base Camp Deluxe Lodge Trek with Helicopter Return.
Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and after immigration formalities and luggage collection, a representative from Amigo Treks and Expedition will meet and greet you at the hall, just outside the elevator. This representative will then help you transfer to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. This transfer from airport to the hotel will be in a private vehicle (car/jeep/minivan- depending on group size).
Upon reaching the hotel this representative will also assist you with hotel check-in formalities. Unwind, freshen up and rest for some time. About 1-2 hour after checking into your hotel, a short meeting will be conducted at the hotel lobby, in which a trek representative will brief you regarding the trek, introduce you to your trekking guide and check your equipment. The final payment for the trek will also be collected in this meeting.
After the meeting, you can spend the remaining time at leisure- exploring the Thamel, buying last-minute gears and supplies or simply resting at the hotel.
Overnight in a hotel in Thamel.
Room Type: Standard/Deluxe twin/double-room with twin/queen-sized beds.
Day 2
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Location: PhakdingAltitude: 2,610 M / 8,562.99 ftDuration: 4 hDistance: 8 KM / 4.97 mileOvernight: Deluxe LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Although, the flights to and from Lukla during the peak season (March, April, May, October and November) operate from the Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, there are 1 or 2 flights scheduled to fly from Kathmandu. If possible, we will get you on one of these flights. If not, you will fly to Lukla in a helicopter on sharing basis.
If you get to fly on a regular plane, the flight time is 30-35 minutes and you will get to experience the aircraft landing on one of the most dangerous airports in the world, the Tenzing Hillary Airport – named after the first successful Everest summiteers. If you fly in a helicopter, the flight time will be around 40-50 minutes.
Carrying packed breakfast you will fly to Lukla. In Lukla, you will first meet your porters and transfer the luggage that you want them to carry for you.
Once the porters are ready, the ultimate hike toward the Everest Base Camp begins with Phakding being your first layover. Phakding is located roughly 8 kilometer north of Lukla, but at a lower elevation than Lukla. For an average hiker, it takes around 4 hours to reach Phakding. Except for occasional uphill climb, most section of the trail is either flat or easy downhill. The local people have decorated most part of the trail with Mani stones/walls, prayer flags, prayer wheels and small stupas. There are a few small settlements built along the way that give you insights on the lifestyle, culture, religion and housing style of the region’s natives.
You will reach Phakding around lunch time, check into the lodge, have lunch and rest for some time, before going on day’s acclimatization hike to the nearby monastery. In the afternoon, you will visit the monastery and spend some time there. You will then get back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Room type: Comfortable deluxe twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 3
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Location: NamcheAltitude: 3,440 M / 11,286.09 ftDuration: 7-8 hDistance: 10 KM / 6.21 mileOvernight: Deluxe LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Phakding to Namche is around 10-kilometer journey and an average hiker will take about 7-8 hour to complete this journey. Namche is a very important town in the entire Khumbu region. The presence of number of lodges and stores catering to the needs of the visitors as well as the locals, internet cafes, bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and pubs makes Namche a major trading center and hub for the Khumbu region.
You will start this journey after breakfast in Phakding. As you leave Phakding for Namche, you with experience the thrilling walk across the first of the many suspension bridges, built to connect the trails in the Everest region. The hike further, past Zam Fute, Toktok, Bengkar and Chhamua, all the way up to the third suspension bridge is on a comparatively easy trail that mostly runs along the Dudh Koshi River. Cross the third suspension bridge to experience a steeper hike to Monjo- the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
At the check post in Monjo, your guide will fulfill all the national park formalities, before hiking further north. From Monjo, you will hike to Jorsalle for lunch and resume the hike. The undulating trail till Larja Dobhan is easy. Walk past the Larja Dobhan and soon the longest, highest and the busiest Hillary Bridge comes into view. A gentle upward hike will bring you to the bridge. You will cross the bridge and hike to the viewpoint that presents the first view of Mt. Everest on clear days. Enjoy the view and continue up on a steeply ascending trail to Namche.
In Namche, you will check into the lodge, and you can choose to spend remaining time, before dinner, exploring the town or relaxing at one of the cafes or simply resting at the lodge. Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Namche.
Room type: Comfortable deluxe twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 4
Acclimation day in Namche
Location: NamcheAltitude: 3,440 M / 11,286.09 ftOvernight: Deluxe LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
On this trek, first altitude-acclimatization is mandatory, once you are over the elevation of 3000 meters. Thus, instead of hiking to another higher destination, this day will be utilized to help your body adapt to the thinning oxygen level in the air. For this you will go on a short hike, gradually exposing your body to the air, a few hundred meter above your sleeping spot and get back to the sleeping spot.
You will start this day after breakfast in Namche. Your guide will first guide you to the statue of the legendary Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The surrounding mountain views are spectacular. However, for a much better view, you will further hike to Hotel Everest View. From here, you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Tabuche Peak Nuptse, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Khangkaru, Peak 38, Kangtega, Lho Kongde as well as the Sundar Peak. Spend some time relishing the views as well as capturing them in your device (phone or camera, GoPro etc). From here, you will hike to explore the cultural aspect of the Everest region, by hiking down to Khumjung – the largest village in the Everest region and the adjacent Khunde village. The major attractions of these villages are the Hillary School in Khumjung and the museum that exhibits the purported Yeti scalp in Khunde. You will visit these two sites and explore the settlements to get insight on the lifestyle, culture, tradition as well as the religious beliefs of the people living in the Everest region. After exploring these villages, you will hike down to your accommodation in Namche for dinner and overnight stay.
Room type: Comfortable deluxe twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 5
Trek to Deboche
Location: DebocheAltitude: 3,820 M / 12,532.81 ftDuration: 7-8 hDistance: 12 KM / 7.46 mileOvernight: Deluxe LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Today your destination is Deboche, located roughly 12 kilometers north-east of Namche. An average hiker takes about 7-8 hours to complete this journey. The journey begins after breakfast in Namche.
The first part of the trail, that is, from Namche to Sanasa is mostly flat and easy to tread. About 4 kilometers from Namche lies the settlement of Khyangjuma, past the memorial stupa of Tenzing Norgay, that offers the majestic view of Ama Dablam to the trekkers. About a kilometer walk from Khyangjuma lies Sanasa, where the trail to Gokyo branches off from Everest Base Camp trail.
Following the Everest Base Camp trail, you will continue further down to Phunki Tenga on a smoothly descending trail that goes through the cool forest of fir and pine. Crossing the suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga, you will then get ready for the hardest climb of the day- the climb to Tengboche. It’s about 2.5 to 3-hour steep uphill climb, through the forest of fir and pine. You will know the climb is over once you reach the largest and the most important monastery, the Tengboche Monastery, surrounded by the panoramic views of peaks including Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. In Tengboche, you will visit the monastery, participate in the daily prayer with the monks and then hike down to Deboche, located roughly half-an-hour downhill from Tengboche. It’s a very easy hike on a gradually descending trail that goes through the pleasant forest of pine, fir and birch.
In Deboche, you will check into the lodge and take a rest before dinner. Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Deboche.
Room type: Comfortable deluxe twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Location: DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 M / 14,468.50 ftDuration: 5-6 hDistance: 11 KM / 6.84 mileOvernight: Deluxe LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Dingboche is the destination of the day. Located approximately 11 kilometers north-east of Deboche, it’s roughly 5–6-hour journey.
Leaving Deboche, the hike continues down to the suspension bridge over the Imja River, past Milingo. The trail gradually ascends towards the treeline, and this will be your first day hike above the treeline. You can see the vegetation changing from sub-alpine trees to patches of stunted trees and then to shrub-like trees, grasses and forbs. Crossing the bridge at Milingo, you will continue further on a gradually ascending trail to Pangboche, located roughly 4 kilometers and about 3.5-hour walk from Deboche. Pangboche is the last year-round and the oldest settlement in the region. Above Pangboche, the trees completely disappear, but the view of Ama Dablam grows more beautiful. Leaving Pangboche, you will continue further on a gradually ascending trail that runs along the Imja River to Somare. From Somare, the hike is above the treeline, where the surrounding gets much cooler and windier. You will continue further on a flat trail to the bridge that comes after the Pheriche, Namche and Dingboche trail junction. The trail grows a little challenging after crossing the bridge as you will have to continue further on a heterogenous undulating trail.
Once in Dingboche, you will check into the lodge and after a short rest set out to explore the settlement of Dingboche, which is most lodges. Dingboche is the last village on the way to the Everest Base Camp. After exploring the village, you can spend the remaining time at leisure. Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Dingboche.
Room type: Comfortable deluxe twin-room with private attached bathroom
Day 7
Acclimation Day in Dingboche
Location: DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 M / 14,468.50 ftOvernight: Deluxe LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Located over 4000 meters, Dingboche makes one of the best places to spend one more day for acclimatization, before gaining more elevation.
Today you will go for acclimatization hike. If you are looking for a short, half-day hike, your guide will take you to the stupa and Nagarjuna Hill located right above the village of Dingboche. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy the very stunning panorama of Taboche, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, Lobuche, Island Peak, Makalu, Baruntse and Peak 38. You will reach the altitude of roughly 4900 meters on this hike and return to Dingboche around lunch time.
However, if you are looking for a full day acclimatization hike, your guide will take you to Chhukhung. This hike presents you the excellent views of Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Lhotse, Island Peak, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kongde, Kangtega as well as Peak 38. You will reach the elevation of 4,730 meters and will get back to Dingboche in the evening. You will hike carrying packaged lunch.
Overnight in a lodge in Dingboche.
Room type: Comfortable deluxe twin-room with private attached bathroom
Day 8
Trek to Lobuche
Location: LobucheAltitude: 4,910 M / 16,108.92 ftDuration: 5 hDistance: 8.5 KM / 5.28 mileOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Located roughly 8.5 kilometers north-west of Dingboche, the journey from Dingboche to Lobuche takes around 5 hours.
The hike begins after breakfast in Dingboche. The first part of the trail runs along the valley wall and is fairly flat and makes you gain only slight elevation. The views of Taboche and Cholatse are striking as you gradually ascend toward Thukla, past Dusa and Parlung Kharka. Before climbing toward Thukla, a tricky descent will first take you to the glacial stream that originates from the Khumbu Glacier. You will cross the stream and make your way through the boulders of rock to Thukla. From Thukla, you will hike further to cross the Thukla Pass (4,800m), on steps and boulders. The hike to the pass is about 200 meters steep climb and is the most difficult section of today’s trail. Apart from being a pass, the place is also a memorial viewpoint, where you can see several stone and cement structures, built as a memorial to the climbers, who lost their lives to summit Mt. Everest. After crossing the pass, the hike further is easy as the trail runs flat heading north to meet and follow the Khumbu Glacier. Soon, a grand view of Pumori greets your arrival. About 30-minutes additional walk will take you to Lobuche.
In Lobuche, you will check into the lodge and spend some time resting and, in the afternoon, go for a short acclimatization walk to the nearby area. You will then hike back to the lodge in Lobuche for dinner and overnight stay.
Room type: Best available twin-room (attached toilet/bathroom and hot shower not available at this location).
Day 9
Trek to Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)-Gorakshep
Location: GorakshepAltitude: 5,164 M / 16,942.26 ftDuration: 7-8 hDistance: 10 KM / 6.21 mileOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Today, finally you will reach the destination of this trip- the Everest Base Camp. It’s a long walk all the way from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep and back to Gorakshep. You will cover the distance of approximately 10 kilometers in about 7-8 hours.
You will start the day with breakfast in Lobuche. Leaving Lobuche, you will hike toward Gorakshep roughly 4 kilometers from Lobuche. Most part of the trail is rocky and challenging and runs parallel to the Khumbu Glacier. The trail gets harder on crossing the Lobuche pass as you will have to climb a series of vertical climbs on big rocky boulders as well as loose rocks. Then walking through the terminal moraine of the Changri Shar Glacier, you will finally reach Gorakshep. About 3-hour walk will take you to Gorakshep, where you will check into the lodge, leave your luggage have lunch and continue toward the base camp.
Base Camp is located roughly 3 kilometers north from Gorakshep. From Gorakshep, you will first head to the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier and continue north on a trail that runs parallel to the glacier. It’s a challenging hike, mostly on loose rocks and big boulders. After about 2-hour hike, you will reach the iconic rock that marks the arrival of the base camp. Spend some time enjoying the panorama of Nuptse, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Everest, Tibet Mountain as well as Lho La. Get a closer look of the Khumbu Ice Fall and mouth of the Khumbu Glacier that lies beyond the base camp. From the base camp, you will now return to Gorakshep retracing the path used earlier.
Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Gorakshep.
Room type: Best available twin-room (attached toilet/bathroom and hot shower not available at this location).
Day 10
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m/18,208ft) and fly to Kathmandu in a helicopter
Location: KathmanduAltitude: 1,300 M / 4,265.09 ftOvernight: 4 Star HotelMeal plan: Breakfast and DinnerDay details
Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) is the best point to view the best view of Mt. Everest in the entire Everest region. You will hike to Kala Patthar starting 2 hours before sunrise to enjoy the sunrise view.
You will start this day before sunrise. The steepness of the trail makes the hike more challenging. However, as you reach the top, you will be greeted with a picturesque view of the panorama of Pumori and Lobuche West to Nuptse and Lhotse including Mt. Everest. Enjoy the distant view of the Khumbu glacier and the Khumbu Ice Fall as well as the base camp. Although difficult, the hike is worth your time and effort. Spend some time taking in the views, capturing them on your device and you will retrace your steps to Gorakshep.
In Gorakshep, you will have your breakfast and get ready to fly to Kathmandu. Depending on the weather, and the availability of the helicopter, we will transfer you from Gorakshep to Kathmandu with a short stopover in Lukla (for the fuel). From the airport in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. You can spend the remaining day at your leisure before a company representative meets you for farewell dinner in the evening. After the dinner you will be dropped back to your hotel for overnight stay.
If you are tired, we can also schedule the dinner the following day.
Room Type: Standard/Deluxe twin/double-room with twin/queen-sized beds.
Day 11
Free Day
Location: KathmanduAltitude: 1,300 M / 4,265.09 ftOvernight: 4 Star HotelMeal plan: BreakfastDay details
This day is a free day in Kathmandu. If you were unable to return to Kathmandu the previous day due to weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, this day will be used to transfer you from Gorakshep to Kathmandu. If the trip goes as per the plan, you can spend this day either resting, shopping or taking a tour of the city and even visiting the attractions in Kathmandu (can be arranged at extra cost). Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.
Room Type: Standard/Deluxe twin/double-room with twin/queen-sized beds.
Day 12
Departure day
Meal plan: BreakfastDay details
Breakfast at the hotel and as per your airport reporting time, a private vehicle will be arranged to transfer you from your hotel to the airport to help you catch your onward flight.
Group pricing tiers
Group rates by party size
Per-person rates adjust automatically with your party size. Member discounts apply where available.
2+ travelers
US$ 2,950
per personTraveler suitability
Is this guided trek right for you?
This guided trek in Nepal is planned across 12 Days around route flow, support logistics, traveler comfort, and realistic operating conditions. The pace protects acclimatization, daily effort, and weather flexibility.
Best for
- Travelers comparing a guided trek in Nepal with local planning support.
- Guests with roughly 12 Days available who want route, permit, transport, and guide coordination handled together.
- Travelers comfortable with a high-altitude trek travel profile.
Not ideal for
- Travelers only looking for the cheapest possible package.
- Guests who need every day to feel low-altitude, low-effort, or fully predictable.
- Travelers who cannot allow flexibility for weather, roads, flights, permits, or border processes.
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Destination
- Nepal
- Trip style
- Everest Region Trek
- Difficulty profile
- High-Altitude Trek
- Service level
- Amigo Signature
- Accommodation
- Hotel & Lodge
Why this itinerary is designed this way
We review Nepal routes around altitude or road rhythm, daily effort, guide support, permit timing, accommodation flow, and traveler comfort before confirming the final version.