Everest Base Camp Pop-Up Trek

Curated by Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Max. Altitude
Max. Altitude5364 meters
Duration
Duration11 Nights / 12 Days
Season
SeasonMarch - May, October - November
Difficulty
DifficultyChallenging
Location
LocationEverest Region, Nepal
Activity
ActivityTrekking

Overview

The Everest Base Camp Pop-Up Trek spans 12 days in the Everest region, combining traditional trekking with helicopter transfers for a unique experience. The adventure starts with a scenic flight to Lukla at 2,840 meters, followed by trekking through Sherpa villages, dense forests, and across high suspension bridges. Key highlights include Namche Bazaar, the lively market hub, and breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. After acclimatization days in Namche and Deboche, you will enjoy helicopter rides to Kongde and Everest Base Camp, where you will camp for two nights. This trek allows you to experience the Khumbu Icefall and Pumori Base Camp while enjoying the comforts of Mountain Lodges of Nepal. With a blend of physical challenge and stunning landscapes, this trip offers a well-paced exploration of one of the most revered trekking routes in the world.

Highlights

  • Scenic flight into Lukla at around 2,860m to start the trekrn
  • Classic Everest Base Camp journey, a true once-in-a-lifetime routern
  • Trails through Sherpa villages, fir and rhododendron forestsrn
  • High suspension bridges with dramatic river-valley viewsrn
  • Namche Bazaar, the region’s lively market hub with traders from Tibetrn
  • Mountain panoramas featuring Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablamrn
  • Kala Patthar viewpoint for one of the best Everest viewsrn
  • MLN Lodges and 2 nights at tent at Everest Base Camprn
  • Visit Khumjung village and the school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary

Your Guide for the Trip

The Everest Base Camp Pop-Up Trek is led by experienced guides from Mountain Lodges of Nepal, known for their expertise in the Everest region. This 12-day trek combines traditional hiking with occasional helicopter transfers for added comfort. Our licensed guides ensure safety and provide valuable insights into the local culture and environment as you trek through this iconic landscape. Expect a supportive team that includes porters to assist with your gear, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead. With a strong emphasis on acclimatization, your trekking experience is designed to promote well-being while you explore the majestic surroundings.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) | Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Lukla - Phakding

AccommodationMLN Phakding
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Land in Lukla and meet our representative, then head to our lodge for breakfast and a quick intro with your trekking crew. Once you are geared up, we walk through the village and officially begin the Khumbu journey.

The trail descends on stone paths past rhododendron forests, small farms, and quiet hamlets, all the way toward the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you will spot snowy peaks in the distance and enjoy a few simple rest stops for tea, coffee, or a cold drink.

After passing the impressive mani stone at Thado Koshi, we reach our Phakding lodge for a late lunch. Later, relax by the riverside or take an optional short walk to a higher village and a tiny gompa on the valley side. In the evening, we gather by the fire for drinks, then enjoy a hearty meal at our new restaurant overlooking the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 2: Trek Phakding (2,610m) to Monjo (2,835m)

Phakding - Monjo

AccommodationMLN Monjo
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, we follow the left bank of the Dudh Koshi with Thamserku standing tall in the background. We cross a stream and climb through blue pine and silver fir forest, reaching Sano Gumela (2,734m) for wide mountain views.

From here, we leave the busy classic Everest Trail and head toward Thulo Gumela, gaining altitude gently through thick pine forests. The route is full of beautiful details like waterfalls, daily village life, long mani walls, and the iconic symbol of Lu.

A final climb takes us to Rimishung Monastery, also known as Pema Choling Gumba, built 550 years ago by Lama Khenpo Dorji. After visiting, we follow a smaller right-side trail, descend back through Gumela village, and continue to Zam Fute, passing many walls with ancient stone-carved paintings. We rejoin the classic Everest trail and continue to Monjo, stopping for lunch at Benkar with views of Mt. Thamserku and the Dudh Koshi River, plus fresh Himalayan coffee. A stone-paved walkway through the garden leads into your warm and welcoming lodge.

Day 3: Trek Monjo (2,835m) to Namche (3,440m)

Monjo - Namche

AccommodationMLN Namche
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

We start with a soothing walk down stone steps, cross a suspension bridge, and reach Jorshale, the entry point where your guide handles the National Park fees.

The trail is a lovely mix of forest paths and climbs out of a narrow gorge. After passing the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we cross the river on a suspension bridge and continue through the wooded valley. At the river confluence, you will see one river coming from Thame and another from Khumbu.

We cross a spectacular high suspension bridge, then climb gradually up to Namche Bazaar, where you get your first Everest view. Before checking in at MLN Namche, we stop for lunch at a local eatery. Once you arrive at the lodge overlooking the vibrant bazaar, you can rest or explore the Sherpa capital’s lively, international feel. If you like, wander Namche’s streets, visit the 80-year-old monastery with Thanka paintings, and enjoy an easy evening around town with bakeries, coffee spots, and pubs.

Day 4: Namche Excursion Day

Namche

AccommodationMLN Namche
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After an early breakfast, enjoy a gentle 2.5-hour hike to Khumjung village, home to the Sir Edmund Hillary School (3,750m) built in 1961. You can step inside through the modest doorway made by Sir Edmund himself and see old artifacts, photos, and films that tell the story of how this school changed Solukhumbu. Lunch is at a local lodge.

Later, take a 1.5-hour hike to Sagarmatha Next in Syangboche near Namche. This place shows how mountain waste is transformed into art and design products, supporting local stakeholders with creative, sustainable solutions. Afterward, return to our lodge with panoramic views along the way.

Day 5: Trek Namche (3,440m) to Deboche (3,820m)

Namche - Deboche

AccommodationMLN Deboche
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Today feels like the real road to Everest. The trail is lined with chortens, prayer walls, and painted rock faces, and you may even spot small herds of tahr along the way.

We follow the path around the ridge, descend into the valley, then climb again through rhododendron forest toward Deboche. Deboche is slightly warmer and less windy than Tengboche, making it a great place to settle for acclimatization. Expect a slower pace today due to the height gain, and just enjoy the views. We stop for a late lunch at a local lodge in Phungi Thanga before arriving at our newly built Deboche lodge for a two-night stay.

Day 6: Acclimatization in Deboche (3,820m)

Deboche

AccommodationMLN Deboche
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Today is your acclimatization day with a meaningful hike. We begin with a 1.5-hour walk to Pangboche Gumba, known for its story of an alleged yeti scalp and hand, though the hand was stolen. Enjoy a calm tea or coffee break here.

Then we continue on an uphill trek toward Pangboche Hill (4,600m). The reward is huge: incredible views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Island Peak. Pangboche is also known as a base camp area for Ama Dablam climbs and treks. Once up there, enjoy a light picnic surrounded by wide Himalayan scenery.

Day 7: Helicopter Deboche (3,820m) to Kongde (4,250m)

Deboche - Kongde

AccommodationMLN Kongde
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast in Deboche, we switch gears with a thrilling helicopter flight. The destination is the Kongde Lodge, a rare Himalayan experience that feels almost unreal when you land.

It is short, exciting, and beautifully scenic, and it puts you in a completely different viewpoint of the Himalayas.

Heli: 10 mins

Day 8: Kongde (4,250m) | Hike to Kongde Lake (4,600m) or Farak Ri (4,600m)

Kongde : via Kongde Lake or Farak Ri

AccommodationMLN Kongde
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Wake up to face-to-face views of some of the world’s highest peaks, then enjoy a full-service champagne breakfast at one of the highest lodges on earth, surrounded by panoramic mountain scenery.

After breakfast, weather permitting, you can hike toward Kongde Lake, a crystal-clear lake reached after nearly two hours of ascent. Seeing the reflections up there feels like a true mountain reward. Alternatively, choose the Farak Ri option for a high-altitude trail with distant views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.

Day 9: Helicopter to Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

Kongde - Everest Base Camp

AccommodationEBC of Thamserku Expedition
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

A short helicopter ride takes you from Kongde to Everest Base Camp. Even though it is brief, the views along the way are incredible, with the Khumbu landscape unfolding beneath you.

At EBC, you can visit the SPCC and HRA offices to understand their role in environmental protection and mountaineering safety. You also get the chance to meet climbers and learn about their everyday life, struggles, and achievements, and you will witness the Khumbu Icefall, the dramatic and essential section of the Everest ascent route.

Day 10: Hike to Pumori Base Camp (5,300m)

Everest Base Camp - Pumori Base Camp

AccommodationEBC of Thamserku Expedition
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Today is an exciting hike from Everest Base Camp to Pumori Base Camp, right in the heart of the Khumbu. You start from EBC with steady steps, keeping acclimatization in mind.

At Pumori Base Camp, you are rewarded with powerful views of Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori. It is a great place to explore, take in the raw Himalayan environment, and observe any active expeditions around the area.

Day 11: Helicopter EBC (5,364m) to Lukla (2,840m)

EBC - Lukla

AccommodationMLN Lukla
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, we take a helicopter flight with a bird’s-eye view of glaciers, lakes, and the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. You will also see the Khumbu valley from above, plus monasteries, stone hamlets, and lush gorges.

We land back in Lukla for a celebratory evening, a perfect way to close the trek after such a rare Everest Base Camp experience.

Heli: 20 mins

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Lukla - Kathmandu

Say goodbye to the Himalayas with a short but scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On clear days, the views from the plane can be one of the final highlights of the whole trip.

Trip Map

Includes

  • Domestic flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu, including airport taxes.
  • 9 nights in Everest Region lodges with full board.
  • Lodges offer attached bathroom, hot shower, and unlimited boiled water.
  • 2 nights camping at Everest Base Camp.
  • An English-speaking guide throughout the trek.
  • Porter support for 15 kg luggage per person.
  • Trek staff insurance and daily wages are covered.
  • National Park and Pasang Lhamu permits included.
  • MLN-branded duffel bag provided for the trek.
  • Helicopter flight from Thame to Kongde on Day 07.
  • Helicopter flight from Kongde to Everest Base Camp on Day 10.
  • Helicopter flight from Everest Base Camp to Lukla on Day 11.

Excludes

  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
  • Personal trekking or climbing gear.
  • Mandatory travel and medical insurance.
  • Any personal expenses incurred.
  • Nepal visa fee ($50 for 30 days).
  • Costs for emergency rescue or evacuation.
  • Tips for local staff.
  • Charges for telephone, laundry, and alcoholic drinks.

Important Information

Cancellation Policy

In case of flight cancellation due to weather, dates can be postponed based on availability.

Equipment Checklist

  • Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
  • Layered clothing system
  • Daypack (20–30L) for daily hikes
  • Trekking poles
  • Sun protection (SPF 50+, sunglasses, hat)
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration system
  • Lightweight down jacket for high passes
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Personal first-aid and blister kit

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a 12-day trek that combines classic hiking with helicopter transfers and includes two nights camping at Everest Base Camp.
The trek's highest point is 5,644 meters. You'll visit Everest Base Camp at 5,364m and hike to Pumori Base Camp at 5,300m.
Yes, the itinerary includes two nights of tent accommodation at Everest Base Camp for a unique experience.
It's a combination of both. Helicopter flights are scheduled on Day 7, Day 10, and Day 11.
You'll stay 9 nights in MLN lodges with full board, featuring attached bathrooms, hot showers, and other comforts.
Expect views of iconic peaks like Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, along with an impressive view of Everest from Kala Patthar.
Yes, the itinerary includes acclimatization days with excursions in Namche Bazaar, Deboche, and Kongde.
A full support team will accompany you, including an English-speaking guide and porters for a 15 kg luggage allowance.
The trek package includes the National Park permit and the Pasang Lhamu permit.
The best time for this trek is from mid-April to the third week of May, coinciding with the Everest expedition season.
$ 9,800 per person