12 Days Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will warmly receive and extend a warm welcome to you. Once you are in our care, we will ensure that all your travel requirements are attended to. We will assist you in smoothly checking into your designated hotel. Since there are no planned activities for the day, you have the option to explore the nearby area on foot or simply relax in your own rooms.

Starting our day early in Kathmandu, we indulge in a satisfying breakfast before embarking on an extraordinary journey to the airport, followed by a thrilling flight to Lukla. The flight itself is an unforgettable adventure, thanks to the airport's remarkable altitude and unique geographical location. Upon arrival in Lukla, we are introduced to the porters who will accompany us and assist with our luggage throughout the trip.

From Lukla, our trek officially commences as we make our way toward Phakding, where we are treated to awe-inspiring views of Kusum Kangraru. Along the way, we pass through the National Luminary Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, where our presence on the trail is registered by the authorities. Crossing suspension bridges, trekking alongside the Dudh Koshi River, and taking short breaks for refreshments, we eventually reach Phakding. 

We kickstart our day in Phakding with an early wake-up call. After savoring a delicious breakfast, we dutifully hand over our luggage to our dedicated porters. Eagerly, we embark on the trail to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. Along the way, we will make a stop at Manju to obtain the necessary permit to enter the park. 

The initial leg of our journey consists mostly of a gentle downhill descent. The path leads us through a mesmerizing landscape adorned with blooming rhododendrons. After reaching Jorshalle, we pause for a well-deserved lunch before commencing our ascent through the lush woods of Himalayan pine and cedar.

An exciting moment awaits as we cross a prominent suspension bridge, where weather and clarity permitting, we may catch our first breathtaking glimpse of the majestic Mt. Everest. As we continue onward to Namche, we will encounter numerous suspension bridges, including the renowned Hillary Bridge, an impressive engineering marvel, and one of the highest and largest bridges in the entire Khumbu region. Our path follows the gentle flow of the Dudh Koshi river guiding us to the renowned settlement of Namche Bazaar.

During our two-day stay in Namche, we have the opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude, explore the bustling local markets, and bond with our fellow colleagues. As we venture out for short hikes, we are treated to tantalizing glimpses of Everest and other awe-inspiring peaks, a testament to the indescribable beauty of this region.

Throughout our stay at the guesthouse in Namche, we are provided with hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and nourishing suppers, ensuring that we have the sustenance we need to fuel our adventure and make the most of our time in this enchanting place.

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, we will prepare ourselves for the day's adventure. Our journey will be filled with delightful moments as we meander through the gentle slopes, relishing the breathtaking vistas of Ama Dablam and catching occasional glimpses of the majestic Everest. As we make our way forward, we will gradually descend traversing through picturesque rhododendron forests. Along the way, we will encounter a stunning suspension bridge, its graceful structure serving as a gateway to Phunki Thangka, where we will pause for a well-deserved lunch. During this part of our trek, we will also encounter remarkable stupas that hold great significance. The Tenzing Norgay Foundation has built a stupa, honoring the legendary Tenzing Norgay, while another stupa pays homage to Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Nepal's pioneering female climber. Continuing our journey, we will reach Kyangjuma, a pivotal point where the paths to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Ri diverge. We will follow a consistent and straightforward path that descends deeply into the Dudh Koshi Valley at Pungki Thanka. From there, we ascend the right slope of the Dudh Koshi Valley, gradually making our way towards Tengboche Monastery. As evening falls, the Tengboche Monastery opens its doors, inviting us to witness a captivating ritual. Afterwards, we will head towards our lodge for dinner and have a well-needed shut-eye.  

We have an early morning breakfast at Tengboche. We walk along challenging and uneven trail paths that lead us through a variety of landscapes. We traverse across steep, windy, and dusty terrain until we arrive at Lower Pangboche. After approximately an hour's walk from Lower Pangboche, we reach Samare, where we have our lunch for the day. Descending through beautiful forests, we cross the Imja Khola and enjoy breathtaking views of mountains like Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Lhotse, and others. At this point, the paths leading to Pheriche and Dingboche diverge. As we head towards the Dingboche route, the presence of large trees becomes less frequent in the surrounding area. Eventually, we enter regions where trees are scarce. As we climb to a viewpoint, we are greeted by the sight of the Taboche and Chola Che mountains. Today's trek is relatively more efficient, as we won't lose as much altitude compared to other days. The journey continues through meadows until we reach Dingboche, which is also known as the "summer valley." From Dingboche, we catch our first glimpse of the legendary Island Peak. We will have dinner and stay overnight in a teahouse at Dingboche.

As a part of the acclimatization day, you are able to hike to the top of the Nangkartshang peak, which has an elevation of 5,083 m. The walk to reach the top of Nangkartshang peak takes approximately 2-3 hrs, and from the top, you will be able to see the beautiful views of Mt. Tawache, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Everest, and Pumori. There is also the option of visiting Chhukung Ri (5546m) altitude which is a very popular trekking peak in the Khumbu Valley. After the short hike we will rest in our lodge or engage in various activities like playing cards and so on. 

Today's adventure begins with a direct ascent to Dingboche Hill as we explore the surroundings of the Phirinche Valley. Our trekking guide will then lead us for one to two hours along increasingly steep slopes until we reach Thukla Dhugla, where we will have our lunch. To get to Dughla, we'll trek through a wide valley floor, passing by the trekkers' aid station in Pheriche (4240 m). As we hike to the top of the hill visible from Dhugla, we feel a sense of awe and bliss because the majestic Himalayas surround us. Additionally, we encounter numerous memorials that pay tribute to climbers who tragically lost their lives on Mount Everest. Continuing our walk, we are treated to breathtaking views of the magnificent Lobuche peak. After a short while, we will arrive at a teahouse in Lobuche, where we will take a brief rest. Then, we embark on a short hike to a viewpoint that offers a panoramic vista of the Khumbu glacier and our next destination, Everest Base Camp. 

On the ninth day of our adventure, which holds great significance, we will finally reach the Everest Base Camp. We will wake up early and have breakfast before traversing rocky paths toward Gorakshep. Throughout the journey, we will be surrounded by mountains on both sides. As we traverse glacial routes and ridges, we will eventually arrive at Gorakshep, where we will have lunch and leave behind most of our belongings, carrying only a small bag.

Continuing towards the base camp, we will walk along ridges, occasionally witnessing avalanches in the nearby mountains. Although there won't be much elevation gain, the trek might be challenging due to the frequent ups and downs and the altitude. After approximately two hours of walking, we will reach the Everest Base Camp. This is the starting point for expeditions to Mount Everest. You will have ample opportunities to capture photographs, appreciate the breathtaking scenery, and enjoy your time at EBC. After spending an hour or two at the base camp, we will return to Gorakshep. If the weather permits, we may witness a stunning sunset near Everest from Gorakshep. After retracing our steps along the same path, we will have dinner and spend the night at a nearby lodge.

Today, our objective is to ascend to Kala Pattar (5545m), which provides the most remarkable vistas of Mount Everest and the breathtaking Himalayan range. We will wake up before sunrise to ensure we don't miss the awe-inspiring phenomenon from Kalapattar, where we will witness a truly stunning sunrise in the Himalayas. It is important to be cautious of altitude sickness due to the high elevation at Kala Pattar. The journey to Kala Pattar involves a demanding ascent, but the rewards are well worth it. From this vantage point, we can behold over 20 peaks, and the location offers a 360-degree view. Mount Everest appears very close, as if within our reach when we stretch our arms. Our helicopter will receive us in the afternoon. As we soar through the sky, the view of the Everest Region and its majestic peaks will leave you in awe. The sight is truly a feast for the eyes, etching itself into your memory forever. The mighty Everest, the highest peak in the world, stands proudly among its neighboring giants. Its distinctive triangular shape dominates the skyline, commanding reverence and admiration. Its summit seems to pierce the heavens as if reaching out to touch the infinite. As our helicopter maneuvers through the valleys and between the peaks, you'll witness the raw and untamed beauty of the region. The deep valleys are carved by powerful rivers and adorned with lush greenery, providing a striking contrast to the towering white giants above.

As we reluctantly depart from this mesmerizing panorama, the memories of the Everest Region will forever be imprinted in your mind. The helicopter will land at Lukla and we will head to our lodge for the last day of our trip.

As the morning sun rises, it brings about a sense of happiness and satisfaction within us. We gather our belongings and get ready to embark on our journey from Lukla to Kathmandu in the early hours. It is common for flights in Lukla to be delayed or even canceled due to the weather conditions. Additionally, flights tend to depart in the morning to avoid adverse weather in the afternoon. Once we arrive in Kathmandu and settle into our accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You can choose to indulge in some spa treatments, embark on a short day trip to explore the UNESCO historical sites, or simply unwind at the hotel. Take full advantage of your time in Nepal and make the most of your trip. Finally, spend the night at a hotel in Kathmandu. 

It's time to say farewell to Nepal after completing the  Everest Base Camp trek. You'll be driven to the international airport three hours before your planned international flight to your next location. We hope that we have provided you with unforgettable adventures in the Everest Himalaya. If you so wish you can extend your stay in Nepal as well to tour the numerous interesting locations that Nepal has to offer.  We hope you keep the time we spent together cherished in your memory and suggest us to your friends and family for their Nepal trekking vacation. This is not “Goodbye” but as we say in Nepali ‘Feri Bhetumla’ means “Till we meet again