14 days Everest base camp trek is the best-selling high-altitude trekking package in Nepal. But, do you know that a short 7-day Everest base camp trek is the best alternate pick to it? In this trek, first, you'll hike to Kala Patthar for six days, and on the 7th day, you'll fly back to Kathmandu by helicopter to end this trek.
Everest base camp trekking has been a favorite high-altitude hike among travelers forever. It has been the ultimate destination for trekkers across the world. Nepal, known for its highest peaks, is synonymous with Everest.
When you plan a tour to Nepal, without a doubt, the Everest Base Camp trek pops into your mind. You'll likely choose the classic 14 days of Everest trekking. But, if you can hike at a high altitude without acclimatizing, you better select a 7-day Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return from Kala Patthar.
We've planned and prepared a short Everest base camp trek for seven days with every high-altitude trekking nuance. We believe that our valued clients enjoy every detail this trek offers, with utmost safety. This trek would be challenging but also rewarding. A week-long steep ascent, decent, tireless sightseeing, countless mountains, and high-altitude passes make it one of a kind.
Travelers on the Everest trek admire the diverse alpine landscape of the Everest region. You'll experience the gradual change in alpine terrain from lush oak and pine forest in Lukla to the almost barren landscape above Tengboche. Serene hike along rhododendron bloomed forests to icy Khumbu glacier is the best of a 7-day Everest base camp trek.
Unlike one day Everest base camp helicopter tour, the 7 day Everest trekking package is a blend of hike and helicopter flight. People prefer Everest helicopter tours to sightsee Everest and other mountains from the sky. It is best when you don't have days to hike to the base camp.
But, trekking to Everest base camp for 7 days gives you the experience of high-altitude hiking. The sweat and sightseeing never end throughout. From Gorak Shep, you'll fly back in a helicopter to Lukla and Kathmandu. Every terrain you hiked to the base camp appears panoramic from a helicopter. It is the beauty of the 7 days Everest base camp trek.
Throughout this trek, giant mountains will be your companion. Pumori, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and many mountains surround you. 360-degree viewing of these massifs on a clear weather day is eternal bliss to eye and soul.
On top, the bird's eye view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Khumbu glacier, icefalls, and glacial lakes on helicopter return from Kala Patthar makes the 7 day Everest base camp trekking experience sublime.
7 Day Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Crossing several high-suspension bridges and hiking through the shore of the pristine Dudh Koshi River.
- Trekking to the crown jewel of Khumbu, Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Kala Patthar, and several other places.
- Hiking to Everest base camp through the icy sections of Khumbu icefall and Khumbu Glacier.
- Visit to the largest and centuries-old Tengboche Monasteries.
- Sightseeing of spectacular Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse from the Kala Patthar viewpoint.
- Helicopters return from Kala Patthar to Kathmandu on the 7th day with utter aerial sightseeing of the Everest region.
Itinerary Overview of Everest base camp Trek 7 Days
The 7-day Everest base camp trek starts with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. 35-minute utterly scenic Lukla flight takes you to the gateway to Everest, Lukla.
From Lukla, you'll hike to Monjo for 5 hours. Surrounded by beautiful places with natural springs and sublime peaks, it is the best place for overnight.
For the next day of the short Everest base camp trek and helicopter return, you'll hike to Namche Bazar, crossing several suspension bridges.
Trekkers usually acclimatize at Namche before heading to Everest base camp. But, you'll hike to Tengboche without acclimatizing. You'll trek to Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Kala Patthar.
After sightseeing from Kala Patthar on the seventh day of the Everest base camp trek for 7 days, the helicopter will pick you up from Kala Patthar to Lukla and finally to Kathmandu.
Accommodation in 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
Accommodation in Short 7 days Everest Base Camp trek is tea house (lodge) based. Locals-owned tea houses throughout the trek offer simple and hygienic overnight services.
Accommodation in Everest trekking seasons in Spring and May, you must adjust on a twin-sharing basis. But, you'll get a warm and decent bed, blanket, and comfortable mattress. You'll get attached bathrooms at some places but not everywhere.
Hot showers and solar power-supported Wi-Fi are available in most lodges during the 7 days Everest trek. But, these services will cost you extra bucks.
Throughout the short Everest base camp trek and helicopter return from Kala Patthar, we'll manage the accommodation for you in the best available lodges. On top, you'll get striking views of mountains from the lodge's windows.
In Kathmandu, you can stay at hotels of your preference. You can get Three Star grade hotels at affordable rates. They will serve you the best dishes and accommodation.
Meals in 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
There'll be no acclimatization in 7 days of Everest base camp trekking. Plus, hiking on the rugged Everest trail requires much energy. Thus, hygienic and energy-rich foods are what you need to eat.
In Kathmandu, demanding luxurious food won't be an issue. Likewise, food on Everest base camp trekking past Namche will be of varied choices. You may taste the foods differently, but they supplement carbohydrates and protein, which are a must for trekking.
Breakfast food items on the Everest base camp trek comprise Tibetan bread, Chapati with Cheese, Toast, Oatmeal, Hashed Brown, fried eggs, porridge, pancakes, etc. The lodges offer these food items with utmost hygiene.
You can eat Nepali Dal Bhat, Steaks, Spaghetti, Thukpa, Noodles, Yak meat, and other protein-rich dishes for lunch.
Mo: Mo, Noodles, Dal Bhat, Yak Steak, Sherpa Stew, and Chapati are on the dinner menu. You can have Pizza and sandwiches at Lukla, Namche, and other places, but not at every stop.
Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek 7 Days
March, April, and May are the best time for 7 days of Everest base camp trekking. The hiking trail from Lukla to Namche Bazar is ornate with blooming rhododendrons. Also, the lush alpine landscape seems spectacular.
The winter snow deposit makes the surrounding mountains alluring. Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku, and other peaks scintillate on crispy clear Spring days.
Post-monsoon months like September, October, and November are the perfect time for 7-day Everest trekking. The rain-free days and crystal clear weather in Autumn days is best for this trekking.
Weather and Temperature at Everest Base Camp Trek 7 Days
Weather and temperature on Everest trekking play a significant role in how well the trek becomes. On top, 7 days of Everest base camp trekking and helicopter return from Kala Patthar have no acclimatization day. Thus, it has to be on a fine day.
In Spring, the daytime temperature of 15-20°C makes the day Everest trek easier. Also, the nighttime temperature of -10°C is bearable. Curling inside warm sleeping bags next to mountains is a thrilling experience in 7-day Everest base camp trekking.
During Autumn, hiking along the shore of Dudh Koshi and through the lush alpine forest is calm. Wind Speed of 5 mph and temperature of 14-20°C in the daytime makes the hike less sweaty. Further, nighttime temperatures around -5°C won't be much issue to curl in warm beds in lodges at Gorak Shep and other lodges en route.
The harsh cold in winter and frequent rain in summer make the short Everest base camp arduous. EBC trekking in these months won't be easy but doable.
In winter, the temperature around the Everest base camp falls to -17 °C at nighttime. Also, daytime temperatures average 4°C, almost freezing.
In summer, rain becomes an issue for the 7-day Everest base camp trek. The temperature of 16°C in the daytime won't be an issue for a hike. But, the wind speed of 10 mph and frequent rain hinder the hiking pace. On top, the overcast obstructs Everest viewing.
Trekking Gears for Everest Base Camp Trek 7 Days
Proper trekking gear on the 7-day Everest base camp trekking and helicopter return is crucial. Without the proper gear, you can’t hike for multiple days on the rough terrain of Everest. Thus, trekking to Everest terrain requires special trekking boots. Decent down jackets and thermal wear are a must against cold nights.
Also, cameras and binoculars are best for sightseeing on short Everest treks. While flying by helicopter from Kala Patthar, you'll get a chance to witness Everest and other mountains from the sky. With binoculars and a camera, the viewing would be awe-inspiring.
Thus, proper trekking gears to Everest base camp are crucial for an easy hike and self-protection against sunburn and injuries.
You can backpack the following essential gear for this trek.
Wearables
- Pair of thermal inner wears
- Windproof jacket or pullover
- A pair of trekking pants
- Trekking boots and flip flops
- Face scarf
- Trekking poles
Skin protection and health safety
- Sunglass
- Moisturiser and sunblock creams
- Body towels, Water bottles, and purifying tablets
- Wet wipes, tissue paper, toilet papers
- Toothbrush and paste, Deodorant
- First aid kit- personal
Gadgets
- Solar powered headlamps
- Binocular and camera
- Zip lockers
Safety in 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
Sublime Trails cares about your safety throughout the Everest base camp trek for seven days. For us, your safety is the primary concern.
We use certified and experienced guides for seven days of Everest base camp trekking. Also, our Everest tour guides are fully insured. They speak fluent English. Also, they know first aid treatment and high altitude sickness cures.
Our licensed guide can treat your minor health issues. For unforeseeable conditions, we'll arrange an emergency helicopter evacuation. If you do your travel insurance before heading for this trip, it will be easy to claim the helicopter cost later.
Travel Insurance For 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
With complete backing from travel insurance, you can complete the Everest trek with peace of mind.
Travel insurance for the Everest trek is mandatory. We only insure our trekking guides. You need to have your travel insurance for a 7-day Everest base camp trek.
Being insured while trekking to the Himalayas is best. It is a security for your health that lets you enjoy the trip without concern. Get compelling travel insurance that comprises helicopter evacuation, emergency rescue, and illness treatments.
