Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is an unforgettable experience, with the majestic Himalayas in the backdrop. Once you arrive at the airport a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.  The rest of the day is at your leisure until the evening. Later in the evening, there will be a briefing followed by dinner, along with a cultural performance, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu

Today, we will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. At Kathmandu Durbar Square, we will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments. Following that, we will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Here, we will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries. Afterward, we will proceed to the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. The evening is free for you to shop for any last supplies or gear needed for your upcoming trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular, and the landing is an exciting experience. One end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. The flight is typically on a small Dornier or Twin Otter aircraft, with a duration of around 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival in Lukla (2800m), you will meet your Sherpa guides and porters before commencing the trek towards Phakding. Your permits will be entered and checked at the park entrance. Begin the trek by descending gradually for about 2 hours to Thado Koshi, then gradually ascend, crossing several suspension bridges, passing through villages, and finally arriving at Phakding (2610m). Overnight in Phakding.

Follow the Dudh Koshi River, passing through Sherpa settlements like Bengkar and Chumao, before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Cross a long Hillary Hanging Bridge, and as you continue the steep climb uphill, reach a resting point called Chautara, where you can catch a first glimpse of Everest through the trees. Continue the ascent, and eventually, you’ll arrive at the bustling Namche Bazaar (3440m). This serves as the heart of the Sherpa community, providing lodges, cafes, and shops selling souvenirs and trekking gear. If you’ve forgotten anything, you can find it here. Spend the remainder of the day in Namche Bazaar acclimatizing to the altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is our acclimatization day, and you will embark on a short hike to Syangboche Hotel Everest View, situated at 3880m, which takes about 1-2hrs. This location is renowned as one of the best vantage points, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks. After relishing the panoramic scenery, a brief descent on the other side leads us to the large village of Khumjung, home to Hillary’s School. Following the visit, we commence the descent back to Namche, where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

After a short climb out of Namche Bazaar, you’ll arrive at Kyangjungma, a spot with tea shops, where the trail from Khumjung also merges. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trek. Continue by passing through the small settlement of Sanasa, from where the trail descends to the river at Phunkithanga (3300m). From here, the trail ascends steeply through pine and rhododendron forests, following the side of a hill to reach the saddle on which the Tengboche Monastery sits at 3870m. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking through the rhododendron trees, showcasing the Himalayan giants such as Kwangde, Tawachee, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, and Thamserku. Visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest one in the Khumbu region. Overnight in Tengboche.

Descend through a forest of rhododendrons, birches, and conifers to reach Deboche (3820m), a village with a few lodges and a nunnery. Cross a beautiful hanging bridge and ascend to Pangboche village (3980m). There is an option to visit Pangboche Monastery, situated higher up than the village. After passing Pangboche, the trail ascends above the tree line, entering alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wildflowers. Encounter several yak herders’ camps and, after crossing a river and ascending a small ridge, arrive at Dingboche (4410m), a large village offering outstanding mountain views. Dingboche is also the only place in the region where barley is grown, and you will see old houses scattered around. You will arrive early, so you have plenty of time to wander around. Overnight in Dingboche.

At this stage of the trip, a second acclimatization day is essential due to the significant altitude gain. Hike to Nangkartshang hill, standing at nearly 5,100m, where you’ll have panoramic views of peaks such as Taboche, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. From this vantage point, enjoy vistas looking down onto the Imja and Pheriche Valleys. Afterward, return to Dingboche and spend the night there.
Overnight in Dingboche.

Leaving Dingboche, the path gently ascends through the highlands, characterized by sparse alpine shrubs. Cross a gushing stream, and after a brief climb, reach Thugla (4600m), the designated lunch stop for the day. From Thugla, the ascent becomes steeper, passing by stone memorials adorned with colorful prayer flags, constructed in memory of departed souls of climbers. Continuing onward, after a short while, arrive at the small settlement of Lobuche (4950m). The village offers massive mountain vistas of Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori. In the evening, take a stroll along the side hills to aid in acclimatization. Overnight in Lobuche.

Today is one of the most anticipated days of the trek as we make our way to Everest Base Camp. The higher elevation makes today’s trek quite challenging. The first part of the journey involves a flat walk, and soon the trail weaves over rocky highland terrains and glaciers until we reach Gorakshep (5,164m). Gorakshep is a small and the last permanent settlement with trekking lodges, clinging to the edge of the Khumbu Icefall. Take a short break or have lunch, and then continue further afield alongside the Khumbu glacier moraine for another hour and a half to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Congratulations on reaching the base camp! Take pictures and soak in the surrounding views of peaks, the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefalls, and the colorful expedition tents in contrast to the surroundings and retrace back to Gorakshep for overnight. Overnight in Gorakshep.

Rise early for a short yet challenging hike to Kala Patthar (5,540m/18,176ft), ascending approximately 400m in an hour over a distance of mere 1.5 KM. (Note that recent measurements put Kala Patthar over 5600m.) After departing Gorakshep, the trail ascends sharply. After about a 100m climb, you’ll be treated to views of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse. Continuing the climb, a grand panorama of the Khumbu glacier and Nuptse massif unfolds. The final ascent to the rocky viewpoint of Kala Patthar places you in the midst of an unbelievable Himalayan panorama, featuring peaks, icefalls, and glaciers (weather permitting).

Descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast. And after breakfast, you will board on a helicopter and fly back to Kathmandu with everlasting memories. Overnight in Kathmandu.

We have set aside this day as a free day, which you can spend as you please. You might wish to go souvenir shopping for your loved ones or, if you prefer, you can request a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley to witness its unique culture and history. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.