- ✓ CAAN-licensed operators
- ✓ Weather buffer day
- ✓ Private charter available
- ✓ Fully insured flights
Trip overview
The journey
Walk the classic Khumbu trail to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then let a helicopter carry you back to Lukla — trading the descent for extra time at altitude and in Sherpa villages.
At a glance
Trip highlights
- Standing at Everest Base Camp beneath the Khumbu Icefall
- Sunrise over Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse from Kala Patthar
- Namche Bazaar and the Tengboche monastery
- Helicopter descent over the Khumbu glacier to Lukla
Day by day
Itinerary
Fly Kathmandu–Lukla, trek to Phakding
Short mountain flight into Lukla, then an easy first walk down the Dudh Koshi valley.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Climb through pine forest into the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu.
Acclimatisation day in Namche
Short hike to Everest View Hotel for first sight of the peak.
Trek to Tengboche
Cross the valley to the region's most important monastery.
Trek to Dingboche
Open valley walking with Ama Dablam close overhead.
Trek to Lobuche
Along the moraine of the Khumbu glacier, past the Everest memorials.
Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar, fly to Lukla
Reach base camp, then Kala Patthar at dawn for the classic Everest sunrise before a helicopter flight down to Lukla.
Helicopter to Kathmandu
Final scenic flight back over the foothills to Kathmandu.
The path aloft
Route at a glance
- 01Fly Kathmandu–Lukla, trek to Phakding
- 02Trek to Namche Bazaar
- 03Acclimatisation day in Namche
- 04Trek to Tengboche
- 05Trek to Dingboche
The fine print
Includes & excludes
What’s included
- Kathmandu–Lukla flight and Base Camp area–Lukla–Kathmandu helicopter
- Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu rural municipality permits
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation and full board on trek
- Government-licensed guide, porters and their insurance
What’s not included
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Travel and helicopter evacuation insurance
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery charging on trek
- Personal trekking gear and tips
Before you board
What to bring
- Passport and travel insurance details
- Layered clothing for cold mornings aloft
- Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Camera or phone with spare battery
- Light gloves and a warm hat
From guests on similar routes
What flyers say
“Smooth flying, clear briefings, and the buffer day meant weather never stressed us. Exactly how a Himalaya operator should run.”
“Private feel even in a small group. Pilot named every peak and the landing windows were handled professionally.”
Every itinerary includes a weather buffer day. If the route cannot fly within your window, we rebook, offer an alternate, or refund according to the terms on your confirmation. See our Booking Policy.
Questions, answered
FAQ
How fit do I need to be?+
How does the helicopter return work?+
What about altitude sickness?+
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