Experience the classic Everest trail up to Base Camp and Kala Patthar—with a helicopter return to Kathmandu to spare your legs.
This nine-day adventure combines the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp with a dramatic helicopter return to Kathmandu, giving you the full Khumbu experience without the long descent. You’ll still hike through rhododendron forests, cross suspension bridges above the Dudh Koshi River, and immerse yourself in Sherpa culture—then cap it all off with a scenic flight over Everest’s south face.
You’ll begin with a dawn flight to Lukla (2,860 m / 9,383 ft), then trek steadily through Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) and Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft). Two acclimatization days ease the high-altitude gains, preparing you for the emotional arrival at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft). An optional climb to Kala Patthar (5,554 m / 18,208 ft) delivers a sunrise panorama that rivals any postcard.
On summit morning, you’ll watch Everest bathed in alpenglow before boarding a helicopter at Gorak Shep or Kala Patthar. As rotors lift you above the Khumbu Glacier, you’ll trace every jagged ridge and icy crevasse on a breathtaking aerial route back to Kathmandu.
Throughout the trek, Sherpa guides manage permits, safety protocols, and porter support so you can focus on the journey. Family-run teahouses offer warm dal bhat, cozy bunks, and the shared camaraderie that turns each night in the mountains into an unforgettable chapter of your Everest story.
