How to Reach Everest Base Camp

Arrival at Everest Base Camp is no easy feat but a challenge that calls out to adventure seekers everywhere. It is the greatest feeling of pride at being at the foot of Mount Everest that it has to offer. There are different ways to reach the Mount Everest Base Camp and each of them has its own challenge and reward. You can get to this iconic area either by trekking through the rugged Khumbu terrains or by directly flying in a helicopter.

For the traditional route followers, the Everest Base Camp Trek starts with an airplane flight to Lukla, a small hill town where the trek commences. Alternatively, you can also take an overland drive to certain points and then trek on to Lukla. The route to the base camp is typically tough, lasting 12 to 14 days including the days for rest and acclimatization.

Trekkers walk through forests, villages and valleys, gradually climbing up in elevation while at the same time getting to be part of Sherpa culture. While the hike is full of obstacles, it is most rewarding from stunning scenery to the satisfaction of arriving at one of the world’s most iconic destinations through perseverance and determination.

For those who want to skip trekking, a helicopter flight provides a faster alternative to get to Everest Base Camp. Within a few hours adventurers can fly through the air taking in the Himalayan vistas from above and land at Kala Patthar or even the base camp. The helicopter option is perfect for time strapped travelers or for someone who wishes for a more luxurious and action packed experience at a single time. This exciting helicopter ride offers spectacular vistas and a unique perspective of witnessing Everest and the adjacent peaks.

No matter how you reach the Everest Base Camp it is an exhilarating and fantastic experience. The choice to travel from the ground or view from an aerial perspective is what you can tailor to your interests and requirements. Both experiences offer spectacular views and the excitement of being at the world’s highest point up close.

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Everest Base Camp

Flying to Lukla and trekking to Everest Base Camp is one of the traditional and most popular means of reaching the epic destination. This journey offers a true Himalayan experience, beginning with a short (around 45 minutes), thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which is typically graded as one of the most exciting and dramatic flights in the world.

Lukla Airport (Tenzing Hillary Airport) has a short runway and sits on the side of a mountain. It is an unforgettable experience to catch the rush of adrenaline from taking off and landing from such a breathtaking spot. Once you reach the gateway to the Everest area (Lukla), the trek begins.

Over the course of the following two weeks, you will hike through the stunning Khumbu region passing dense rainforests, traditional Sherpa villages and ancient Buddhist heritage before reaching the foot of mighty Everest. You will then trek back to Lukla on the same route. Though the journey is physically demanding, with every step you take you move closer to the lofty peaks which give you an unforgettable sense of accomplishment.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek With Lukla Flight  

• Begin and end your journey with an exciting flight between Lukla and Kathmandu, featuring a sensational runway and breathtaking mountain vistas.
• Trek the scenic Khumbu area with incredible vistas of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Kongde Ri, Kangtega, Kusum Kanguru and other Himalayan giants along the way.
• Relish friendly hospitality, rich culture, traditions, customs and heritage of local Sherpas.
• Walk through dense forests, streams, waterfalls, fields of rocks and alpine meadows with spectacular views of mountains around each corner.
• Arriving at the base of gigantic Mt. Everest and be dazzled by the breathtaking view of glaciers, icefalls and grand Himalayan ranges.

Everest Base Camp by Helicopter 

The other alternative for reaching Everest Base Camp is through a helicopter tour. Unlike the traditional trek to Everest Base Camp, a helicopter tour allows you to experience all the greatest aspects of the region in a matter of a few hours.

It is perfect for those with little time or mobility issues who want to enjoy the wonder of Everest without having to go through the long, tiring trek. The journey is more special to celebrate with your loved ones due to the private environment with only a handful of passengers in a helicopter.

The tour offers panoramic bird’s eye views of the world’s highest mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and other giants up close along with green valleys, glaciers and vast gorges.

The helicopter makes it stop at a famous Kala Patthar viewpoint near Everest Base Camp. From the vantage point, you will enjoy sweeping views of the towering Himalayas and glacier valleys. You can have your photos taken and enjoy the jaw dropping vistas during this brief stop (around 15 minutes). Kala Patthar is commonly known as the best spot to enjoy a clear and unobstructed view of Everest and being able to enjoy this without the hassle of trekking is a highlight for most.

Likewise, the flight stops for around half an hour at the famous Hotel Everest View where you will have breakfast amidst stunning views of the mountains. Afterward the helicopter flies on coming back towards Lukla passing over the spectacular landscapes of the Khumbu Valley. The helicopter makes its final return flight to Kathmandu offering one last opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary scenery.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 

• A unique style of visiting one of the globe’s most sought after mountaineering destinations.
• Skipping the crowds that are normally found on trekking trails.
• Relish the thrill of flying above some of the most dramatic and pristine landscapes on the planet, all while enjoying a smooth ride aboard a luxurious helicopter.
• Soaring over diverse terrain from lush subtropical rainforest to vast glaciers and grasslands on high altitudes.
• Breathtaking aerial perspectives of the Himalayas. Be awed by the stunning 360 degree views of the towering Himalayas like Everest, Thamserku, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and numerous other giant peaks.
• Observe the eagle’s eye vision of Sagarmatha National Park with its abundant biodiversity.
• Stop at Kala Patthar for scenic views of dramatic Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier and sky penetrating Himalayas.
• Landing at the Hotel Everest View to enjoy a dreamy breakfast while being encircled by the grandeur of the Himalayas.
• The short halts at Kala Patthar, Hotel Everest View and Lukla allow you to take some stunning pictures, admire the surreal atmosphere and see the everyday lifestyle of the Sherpa residents.

Drive From Kathmandu to Surke and Trek to Everest Base Camp

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is typically weather dependent and dangerous as well. Driving to Surke is an adventurous alternative to the standard Lukla flight. The journey begins with a scenic overland drive from Kathmandu to Surke, a small village located near Lukla. Around 17 to 18 hours of drive gives an opportunity to appreciate the Nepalese countryside.

From Surke, Lukla is only about an hour’s walk. Starting the Everest Base Camp Trek from this picturesque hamlet, you will pass through several other Khumbu villages such as Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche etc. The stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and other giant Himalayan peaks keep looming in the background. You will also get a glimpse of Sherpa culture and hospitality on the way.

Reaching Everest Base Camp provides an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. It also offers a view unlike any other with everything from the striking peaks and glaciers to the vast, open areas that surround Everest.

There are two alternatives for your way back. You can simply retrace your footsteps on the same path back to Lukla and catch a flight to Kathmandu. Or, you can trek down to Surke and drive the same road to Kathmandu, giving a longer overland journey back.

Everest Base Camp via Surke drive is a less common adventure than flying into Lukla. The overland trek to Surke can be a long, grueling trip before the actual trek, adding a twist of adventure to it. Once you begin the trek, the trail is similar to the Lukla trail. Flying to Lukla is a quicker, more straightforward way of beginning the trek with a thrilling flight over the mountains and then trekking up to EBC.

On the other hand, the helicopter tour to EBC lets you enjoy breathtaking bird’s eye views of the Himalayas and land at Kala Patthar viewpoint without the physical stress of trekking.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek Skipping Lukla Flight

• Set out on the journey by undertaking a picturesque and exciting overland drive to Surke instead of taking a flight to Lukla.
• Deep dive into the beauty of the landscape as you trek via picturesque valleys and charming villages.
• Exploring less visited hamlets along the way where you will be more likely to interact in a meaningful way with the local communities.
• Get a closer look at the shifting solitary landscape of the area while driving or walking around continuously.
• Relish the scenery of a panorama view of Everest and other nearby peaks and diverse natural landscapes of the Khumbu region.

Comparing the Different Ways to Reach Everest Base Camp

Each of the ways to reach the Everest Base Camp offers distinct experiences suited to different preferences and objectives. For the majority of travelers, a popular option is yet traditional trekking from Lukla. It is the immersive on foot exploration of the Khumbu region while enjoying cultural exposure and stunning natural scenery en route.

Conversely, the overland drive to Surke is a recently opening off-the-beaten-path option that is attractive to travelers who do not wish to experience the thrilling flight to Lukla. The overland drive adds a day or two to the itinerary and offers the chance to view the unspoiled beauty of Nepal’s countryside prior to beginning the trek. This is a more progressive approach to the region through less touristy areas. Although the trekking part of the journey is the same as the Lukla route, not having to take the flight saves time in the beginning.

Lastly, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is entirely different, serving as a relatively quick and lavish way of getting to Everest Base Camp. The flight allows you to skip the long trek with only a fraction of the time needed to get to the foot of Everest with unparalleled bird’s eye views of the region. For people short on time or those who dislike trekking, this is your best bet. But the helicopter tour lacks the physical achievement, cross-cultural experience and prolonged time on the trail that so many backpackers are hungry for.

In a nutshell, the Everest Base Camp Trek option by flying to Lukla is more accessible than driving to Surke which is a long overland journey. But it is not ideal for those who do not prefer to fly the thrilling way up to Lukla. And, meanwhile, the helicopter flight to EBC is the most expensive and shortest option where you get to bypass the physical trekking altogether. Although it offers great aerial views of the Himalayas on the way to landing close to EBC, it does not offer the in-depth trekking experience and opportunity to be near the local people.