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 Trek with Helicopter Return
Everest Base Camp Trek with Airport Transfers, Kathmandu Hotel, Standard Trek services and Helicopter Return
Duration
12 Days
From group price
US$ 2,550
PDFYour trip planning kit
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Trip overview
The essentials, in one place
Journey overview
Everest Base Camp Trek
01Service levelAmigo Bespoke02Comfort profileHigh-Altitude Trek
03Accommodation standardHotel in Kathmandu and Lodge in the Everest Region
In short
12-day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a short and guided Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It's a fully inclusive trek, covering everything from your arrival in Kathmandu to your departure. The trek starts following a breathtaking and thrilling mountain flight to Lukla, follows classic route to the base camp including all essential acclimatization days and ends with a scenic helicopter exit from Gorakshep to Kathmandu. This package is designed for time-constrained trekkers seeking standard services for a cost-effective journey, combined with a helicopter exit to save valuable time.
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
Achieve World-famous Destination- Witnessing stunning Himalayan Panorama every day, reach the base of Mt. Everest, world’s highest peak.
Short, Not Fast-Paced - Neither key highlights (Himalayan landscape, Sherpa Villages, monasteries) missed nor acclimatization stops skipped.
Exotic Land & Air Experience- Scenic mountain flight, thrilling landing experience, classic trail & breathtaking helicopter exit
All Inclusive - Seamless airport transfers, accommodation & breakfast in Kathmandu & standard trek services in Khumbu region.
Famously known as the most stunning high-altitude trek in the world, the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal boasts 128-kilometers (Lukla-Everest Base Camp-Lukla) walking trail, set with exclusive access to the views of 4 out of 10 highest peaks (Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu) in the world with many other striking sister peaks, the astonishing elevation of 5,545 meters (Kala Patthar), the highest glacier in the world (the Khumbu Glacier), centuries old monasteries protecting ancient scripture, relics and painting and the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Sagarmatha National Park). Multiday hikers will also get ample opportunity to explore the beauty of rejuvenating subalpine and alpine villages, inhabited by the legendary Sherpas, who are the followers of Buddhism and also the ultimate guardian of the Himalayas.
Completing the entire trail (Lukla-EBC-Lukla) on foot usually takes up to 11 days; however, our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return itinerary is designed to help you complete the entire Everest Base Camp trip -arrival to departure – no longer ago than 12 days.
Is this even possible? Absolutely!
This package divides this trail into 7 sections and adds two acclimatization days – one each, in Namche and Dingboche (total 9 days). The first six sections; Lukla to Phakding, Phakding to Namche, Namche to Deboche, Deboche to Dingboche, Dingboche to Lobuche, and Lobuche to Mount Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, are entirely on foot. However, the 7th and the last section, Gorakshep to Kathmandu, is on a helicopter. The ride back on a helicopter makes the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek a little expensive, is a one-time experience and is worth every penny. The three additional days will be your arrival day, drive to and overnight in Ramechhap, and departure day. Amigo Treks and Expedition will make the arrangement of all required transportation as well as accommodation with breakfast for these three days.
Although, this Everest Base Camp trek package is crafted to complete the entire trip in a total of 12 days; mountain weather is very unpredictable and flights to and from Lukla entirely depend on the weather conditions. Therefore, adding at least one extra day (if possible) to the trip is very much recommended. Moreover, planning the Everest Base Camp hike at the right time of the year (March-May and October-Early-December) increases the success rate significantly. This Everest Base Camp tour package is a perfect choice for time-bound travelers.
Moreover, if you are looking for a trip shorter than this, we offer our 9-day Shortest Everest Base Camp Trek package . This pack starts with your drive to Ramechhap and ends with a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. No overnight in Ramechhap and you get full freedom to book your accommodation and meals, before and after the trek, in Kathmandu following your specific requirements and budget.
Additionally, if your requirement is to complete the entire Everest Base Camp climb on foot and book your accommodation, meals, and airport transfers, before and after the trek, in Kathmandu on your own, our 12 days Short Everest Base Camp trek will be the perfect choice for you.
Nonetheless, the Everest trek is a tough trek, and adding a bit of luxury (private transportation, 4-star accommodation, and upgraded accommodation options with better room amenities in the mountain) doesn’t hurt. If you agree, this package Everest base camp deluxe trek with helicopter might be what you are searching 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 in Kathmandu and Lodge in the Everest Region
- How is transport handled?
- Private car/jeep/minivan and helicopter
Why travelers plan with Amigo
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 in Kathmandu
Location: KathmanduAltitude: 1,300 M / 4,265.09 ftOvernight: 3 Star HotelMeal plan: NoneDay details
Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of the company representatives will meet you at hall right outside the elevator. Please look for the person carrying A4 sized paper with your and company’s name printed on it. This person will greet you and transfer you to the 3 Star Standard hotel booked for you in Thamel, Kathmandu, in a private vehicle. The same person will help you with the hotel check in formalities.
Thamel is a major tourist hub in Kathmandu; therefore, offers an array of restaurants that serve both, typical Nepali and Western food options. Thus, you can either choose to spend the day resting at the hotel or exploring these restaurant options to buy your next meal.
If your flight is scheduled to arrive before noon, we will conduct a short meeting, either at our office or your hotel, to formally introduce you to your trekking guide, check your equipment, brief you regarding the trek and collect the final payment. If your flight is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon, late in the evening, or even at night, the meeting will be held the next day, before driving to Ramechhap.
Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Room Type: Standard/Deluxe twin/double-room with queen-sized beds.
Day 2
Trek preparation and drive to Ramechhap
Location: RamechhapAltitude: 474 M / 1,555.12 ftDuration: 5 hDistance: 130 KM / 80.78 mileOvernight: ResortMeal plan: Breakfast and DinnerDay details
As per the decision made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CIAA), to reduce air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport, all flights to and from Lukla will operate from the Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, during high season (March, April, May, October, November and early December). In case the decision is changed, and flights start operating directly from Kathmandu airport, a full-day Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour will be organized to utilize this day. You will visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swyambhunath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
You will start your day with breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu. You will be given some time to pack your luggage and last-minute shopping, after which, you will start your journey to Ramechhap in a private car/jeep/minivan (depending on the group size). Following the B.P highway, you will continue towards Ramechhap via Bhaktapur (ancient town in the Kathmandu Valley) and Dhulikhel. The meandering drive along the Sun Koshi River to Khurkot, located at the confluence of the Sun Koshi and Tama Koshi river, is very scenic and interesting. From Khurkot, you will continue further on the road that runs along the Tama Koshi River to Ramechhap. For lunch, you will stop at one of the highway restaurants. In Ramechhap, you will check into the resort and can spend the remaining day at your leisure.
Overnight in a resort in Ramechhap.
Room Type: Standard twin-room with attached bathroom and hot shower.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla (12-15min) and trek to Phakding
Location: PhakdingAltitude: 2,610 M / 8,562.99 ftDuration: 4 hDistance: 8 KM / 4.97 mileOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Flights to Lukla are scheduled starting 6 in the morning to avoid unpropitious weather condition that usually starts around noon time. Passenger reporting time at the Manthali Airport is one hour before the flight departure time. Therefore, your guide will transfer you to the airport in Ramechhap accordingly.
Soon you will fly to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, which is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The flight time is 12-15 minutes from Ramechhap Airport (30-35 minutes from Kathmandu Airport). Enjoy the very scenic flight with thrilling landing experience.
Once in Lukla, you will meet your porters and transfer the luggage that you want them to carry for you. While they prepare the luggage, enjoy your first breakfast in the Everest region. Today, you will only hike to Phakding located approximately 8 kilometers north of Lukla. Apart from occasional uphill climb, most part of trail is easy, mostly downhill and can be completed in about 4 hours. Most section of this day’s trail is very ornate with Mani walls, prayer flags and small stupas. You will walk past few small settlements of Sherpa people that give idea regarding their lifestyle and housing style. You will reach Phakding around lunch time. You will check into the lodge, have your lunch, take a short rest and in the afternoon go for a guided acclimatization hike to one of the nearby monasteries. After visiting the monastery and spending some time there, you will get back to the lodge in Phakding for dinner and overnight stay.
Room Type: Standard twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Location: NamcheAltitude: 3,440 M / 11,286.09 ftDuration: 7-8 hDistance: 10 KM / 6.21 mileOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Your trek to Namche begins after breakfast in Phakding. Located roughly 10 kilometer north of Phakding, Namche is one of the most important towns in the Everest region and provides a good array of lodges, cafes, restaurants and various shops for trekkers to spend quality time.
7-8 hour is the estimated time taken for an average hiker to get to Namche from Phakding. Therefore, you will start shortly after breakfast. Leaving Phakding, you will get on the first of the many suspension bridges, built to link the Everest Base Camp trail. The hike onward is on an easy undulating trail that runs along the Dudh Koshi River. This easy trail continues up till the third suspension bridge, past Zam Fute, Toktok, Bengkar and Chhamua. After the bridge, the trail grows a bit steeper to Monjo - the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park.
At Monjo, your guide will take care of the national park formalities, before continuing further north. From Monjo, you will hike to Jorsalle for lunch. After lunch, recommencing the hike you will head toward Larja Dobhan on an easy up and down trail. Walk past the Larja Dobhan to soon see the longest and the highest suspension bridge in the Everest region- the Hillary Bridge. You will hike a bit more distance to cross this bridge, hike to the viewpoint to enjoy the first view of Mt. Everest and then continue further north on a steeply ascending trail to Namche. In Namche, you will check into the lodge and after a short rest, in the evening, go for a guided short walk to explore the town of Namche. You can also spend some time in the café enjoying some freshly brewed coffee or even visiting the stores to collect some last-minute items required for the trek. You will then return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Room Type: Standard twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 5
Acclimatization day in Namche
Location: NamcheAltitude: 3,440 M / 11,286.09 ftOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Allowing your body to adapt to the thinning oxygen level in the air is a must, once you are above 3000 meters. Therefore, instead of gaining more altitude, you will only go for a short hike and return to Namche for overnight stay. The purpose of this hike is to gradually expose your body to the high-altitude air, allowing it to slowly get accustomed to the change in the oxygen level in the air. The hike boosts the process of acclimatization.
The hike starts after breakfast in Namche. Your guide will first guide you to the statue of the legendary Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. You will spend some time here enjoying the surrounding views. From here you will hike to the Hotel Everest View that offers breathtaking views of peaks including 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 taking in the views and then you will hike down to explore Khumjung, the largest settlement in the Everest region. In Khumjung, you will especially visit the Hillary School, built by Sir Edmund Hillary. Next you will visit the adjacent village, Khunde, which is famous for museum that exhibits the purported Yeti Scalp. You will explore the village, visit the museum and hike back to Namche.
Apart from acclimatization, the hike to Khumjung and Khunde also allows you to delve into the lifestyle and culture of the Sherpa people living in the Khumbu region.
When you are back to Namche, you can choose to spend the time, before dinner, relaxing at one of the cafes, bakeries or restaurants or simply exploring the town of Namche.
Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Namche.
Room Type: Standard twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 6
Trek to Deboche
Location: DebocheAltitude: 3,820 M / 12,532.81 ftDuration: 7-8 hDistance: 12 KM / 7.46 mileOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Your trek to Deboche starts after breakfast in Namche. Located just about 12 kilometers north-east of Namche, this journey is approximately of 7-8 hour. The trail up till Sanasa is comparative flat and easy. You will walk past the memorial stupa of Tenzing Norgay and the village of Khyangjuma that lies approximately 4 kilometers from Namche and presents one of the best views of the majestic Ama Dablam.
From Sanasa, the trail gradually drops down to the bridge across the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. The hardest climb of the day begins after crossing the bridge, from Phunki Tenga to Tengboche. It’s a steep climb for about 2.5 to 3 hours. However, like people say, the best view comes after the hardest climb, once you reach Tengboche, you will reach the largest monastery in the entire Everest region, the Tengboche Monastery, draped with a panoramic view of peaks including Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. You will visit the monastery, observe daily afternoon prayers and hike downhill for about half-an-hour, through the forest of birch, pine and fir to finally reach Deboche.
Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Deboche.
Room Type: Standard twin-room with private attached bathroom and hot shower facility.
Day 7
Trek to Dingboche
Location: DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 M / 14,468.50 ftDuration: 5-6 hDistance: 11 KM / 6.84 mileOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Trek to Dingboche begins after breakfast in Deboche. Located roughly 11 kilometers north-east of Deboche, the journey takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Starting Deboche, you will continue down, through the beautiful forest of pine to cross the last suspension bridge (built over the Imja River) on the Everest Base Camp Trail, past Milingo. On the hike further, you are slowly approaching the treeline; therefore, you can now see the vegetation changing from close canopy forest to patches of stunted trees and finally to shrub-like trees, grasses and forbs. The trail from the bridge gradually ascends to Pangboche, which is located 4 kilometers and 3.5 hour walk from Deboche. Above Pangboche, the trees start to disappear, as the altitude above 4000 meters is not suitable for trees to grow. However, the gloriously shaped Ama Dablam grows amazing. Leaving Pangboche, you will continue further on a gradually ascending trail that runs along the Imja River to Somare. From Somare, you will hike above the treeline. The surrounding gets cooler and windier. Keep on hiking on a flat trail to the bridge that comes after crossing the trail junction that separates Dingboche and Pheriche trail. After crossing the bridge, the trail grows a little harder as you will have to continue to Dingboche on heterogenous undulating trail.
In Dingboche, you will check into the lodge and after short rest you can set out to explore Dingboche, the last village on the way to the Everest Base Camp or simply spend rest of the time relaxing in the famous café in Dingboche.
Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Dingboche.
Room Type: Standard twin-room with private attached toilet.
Day 8
Acclimatization day in Dingboche
Location: DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 M / 14,468.50 ftOvernight: Normal Standard LodgeMeal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDay details
Once you are over 4000 meters, one acclimatization day before gaining more altitude is highly recommended. Therefore, instead of hiking further, you will go for acclimatization hike, either to the stupa and the viewpoint above it or to Chhukhung.
If you are looking for a half-day hike that offers a staggering view of peaks like Taboche, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, Lobuche, Island Peak, Makalu, Baruntse and Peak 38, you will choose the first option and climb to Nagarjuna Hill above Dingboche. If you do the full hike, that is, hike beyond the stupa, you can hike up till 4900 meters and enjoy the panorama of the peaks.
However, if you are looking for a full day hike, your guide will take you to Chhukhung, that presents the breathtaking 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.
Both hikes start after breakfast in Dingboche. If you choose the hike to Nagarjuna Hill, you will get back to Dingboche by lunch time. However, if you choose to hike to Chhukhung, it’s a full day hike, where you will have to carry packed lunch as you will only return around the evening time. Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Dingboche.
Room Type: Standard twin-room with private attached toilet.
Day 9
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
The trek to Lobuche begins shortly after breakfast in Lobuche. It’s about 5-hour journey and you will cover the distance of about 8.5 kilometers. From Dingboche, you will head north-west to go to Lobuche.
Initially it’s an easy trek, as a comparatively flat trail running along the valley wall will only make you gain slight elevation. Enjoying the majestic views of Taboche and Cholatse, you will gradually ascend toward Thukla, past Dusa and Parlung Kharka. A tricky descent will bring you to the glacial stream that originates from the Khumbu Glacier. You will cross the stream and then hike to Thukla village, making your way through the big boulders of rock. From Thukla village, you will now hike up to cross the Thukla pass (4,800m) on steps and boulders, which is about 200-meter steep uphill climb and is considered the most difficult section of this trail. The place is also a memorial viewpoint that has several beautiful stone and cement structures built as a memorial to the climbers who lost their lives to summit Mt. Everest. After crossing the pass, you will continue further on a flat and easy trail that heads northward to meet and follow the Khumbu Glacier. As you head toward Lobuche, you can enjoy a grand view of Mt. Pumori. About 30-minute additional walk will finally take you to Lobuche.
Once in Lobuche, you will check into the lodge, rest for some time and around late afternoon, go for and acclimatization hike in the surrounding area.
You will get back to the lodge in Lobuche for dinner and overnight stay.
Room Type: Standard twin-room. Common Toilet/bathroom.
Day 10
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
This day will finally take you to the base camp of Mt. Everest. It’s going to be a long day, as from Lobuche, you will first head to Gorakshep, the last night stop before Everest Base Camp, leave your luggage and hike to the base camp and get back to Gorakshep for overnight stay. The total distance you will cover today will be around 10 kilometers and the time taken will be 7-8 hours.
Like any other day, you will start your trek after breakfast in Lobuche. The total distance from Lobuche to Gorakshep is about 4 kilometers, which will take roughly 3 hours to reach. The trail is rocky, difficult and runs parallel to the Khumbu Glacier, but the panoramic views of the peak keep you motivated. The trail gets more difficult after crossing the Lobuche pass as you will have to climb a series of vertical climbs on big boulders as well as loose rocks. Continuing further, you will soon climb the terminal moraine of the Changri Shar Glacier, before reaching Gorakshep.
At Gorakshep, you will check into the lodge, leave your luggage and get ready to head toward the base camp, located roughly 3 kilometers north of Goraksehp. Leaving Gorakshep, you will first head toward the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and then continue north on a trail that runs parallel to the glacier. The hike mostly is either on loose rocks or big boulders and is challenging. Soon you will reach the iconic rock that marks the arrival of the base camp. You will spend some time enjoying the striking views of Nuptse, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Everest, Tibet Mountain as well as Lho La. The views of Khumbu Icefall and the Khumbu Glacier also look staggering. Celebrating the success of your trek you will return to Gorakshep for dinner and overnight stay.
Room Type: Standard twin-room. Common Toilet.
Day 11
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m/18,208ft) and fly to Kathmandu in a helicopter.
Location: KathmanduAltitude: 1,300 M / 4,265.09 ftOvernight: 3 Star HotelMeal plan: Breakfast and DinnerDay details
To enjoy the best view of the Mt. Everest, there is no other places in the Khumbu region than Kala Patthar and the view during sunrise is just spectacular. Therefore, today you will climb Kala Patthar, starting the day 2 hours before sunrise.
When hiking here, be sure you’re ready to experience the steepness. You will climb Kala Patthar and 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. You can also see a distant view of Khumbu glacier; Khumbu Ice Fall as well as the base camp you visited a day before. This hike is difficult, but the views are worth the effort. You will spend some time taking in the views and retrace your steps to Gorakshep.
In Gorakshep, you will have your breakfast and get ready to be transported to Kathmandu. Depending on the weather, a helicopter will transfer you from Gorakshep to Kathmandu with a short stopover at Lukla for fuel. From the airport you will be transferred to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. Spend the remaining time until evening at your leisure.
In the evening, one of the company representatives will meet you for farewell dinner and feedback.
Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Room Type: Standard/Deluxe twin/double-room with queen-sized beds.
Day 12
Departure day
Day 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$ 2,550
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 Bespoke
- Accommodation
- Hotel in Kathmandu and Lodge in the Everest Region
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.
