Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

• Trek to the base of the greatest mountain on the planet, Everest
• Take one of the world's most spectacular helicopter flights
• Visit Sherpa villages
• Climb Kala Pattha (5643m) and see the Khumbu Ice Fall
• Visit Everest Base Camp (5364m)

There is no compromise on safety in this expedition as we have crafted the ascent so that you will acclimatise as best you can. This is a spectacular trek for those that have limited time to reach the base of the world's highest peak, Everest!

Squeezed between the Asian and Indian tectonic plates, rise the mightiest mountain range on the planet, the Himalaya. This enormous network of summits and valleys is the back drop of our adventure to the base camp of the highest summit of them all, Mt Everest. This is a place where legends are made, explorers such as Norgay and Hillary, stand atop of the pantheon of great adventurers. The Everest Base Camp trek deserves the hype it has garnered over the years, trails meander up lush valleys until we hit the higher altitudes, where shrubs give way to snow and glaciers.  We will be trekking through small trading villages and past ancient monasteries as we journey towards the Khumbu Glacier. When we reach Everest Base Camp we will also include a trek to Kala Pattha (5643m) with its legendary views of Everest itself.

Afterwards we will board our helicopter and head down the Khumbu on what is surely one of the most scenic helicopter rides on the planet. If you are short on time but still need the adventure of reaching Everest Base Camp, then our Heli Trek is perfect for you.

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Free time in Kathmandu to sightsee and purchase last minute things.
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla. Trek to Phakding.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar. 
Day 05: Acclimatization day. Optional hikes around Namche. 
Day 06: Trek to Thyangboche
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche village. 
Day 08: Acclimatization day with optional hike to Chukung. 
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche. 
Day 10: Trek up the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp. Overnight at Gorakshep. 
Day 11: Morning trek to Kala Patthar Everest View Point. Afternoon trek to Pheriche. Helicopter back to Kathmandu.
Day 12: Transfer to your next destination.

Dates Don't Suit?
No problem. We can run on any date that suits you. Minimum for Private Expeditions is 2 people, so just bring a friend.

Single Supplement : If you would like to have your own room in Kathmandu we can organise this. The Single Supplement for all Everest Trips is $300 per person. Single rooms are not available outside of Kathmandu.

Day 1  Arrive in Kathmandu  (1330m): 
You will be welcomed at the airport and transfered to your hotel in Kathmandu where a pre-trek arrival briefing and other information will be given. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, down jacket, sleeping bag etc. Remainder of the afternoon is free. Your group leader will be happy to assist you in any way he can and will meet you every day while you are in Kathmandu to help you with any queries. 

Day 2  Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu:

Today you have time to explore the Kathmandu-valley, which has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. This capital city has an amazing range of traditional and fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. In our morning exploration of the cultural sights and sounds in Kathmandu, we will visit the Bhaudanath stupa, the biggest Buddhist shrine in Nepal and Pashupatinath, an important Hindu temple, where you may have a chance to witness a public cremation. After the guided tour afternoon is free to pack, purchase last minutes items for your trek or simply relax. (B)

Day 3  Mountain Flight to Lukla (2600) Trek to Phakding (2650) Walk approx 3 hrs :  

Early in the morning, we take a 45 minute mountain flight to Lukla, which is the Everest trek starting point. From Lukla, we trek downhill towards the Dudh Koshi (milky river), a raging river that flows from the highest mountains. The trail is fairly easy and well-marked, meandering around fields of potatoes and wheat. We will pass through many traditional villages to reach the vicinity of Phakding for our first night stay at a local Teahouse.

Today, we will see "Mani Walls" which are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with Buddhist chanting inscriptions, "Om Mani Padme Hum" which means, "Hail to the jewel on the lotus". Please respect local traditions by walking to the left of these Mani Walls.  We will also see groups of yaks and dzypkyos carrying trek-gear and trading goods along the trail. Spectacular mountain peaks like Nupla (5885m) Kongde Ri (6093 m), Thamserku (6808m) rises majestically above us. (B,L,D)

Day  4  Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) walks approx 5 hrs.

Today, we enter Sagarmatha National Park, another World Heritage site. We walk along the river to the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Everest. As we ascend passing through pine forests of rhododendron and magnolia, we will sight our first view of the majestic Mt. Everest from a vantage point. (B,L,D)

Day 5  Rest Day in Namche Bazaar

This rest day is very important to acclimatize. Though it is a rest day, you have lots of options. You may walk to the hill above the village to the National Park Headquarters to see stunning view of huge mountains including Mt. Everest. The Sherpa cultural center in the National Park headquarters, has an interesting collection of Sherpa mountaineering items and photographs. You may go on an excursion to Thame village or those who are fit and acclimatizing well may wish to take an optional morning walk to the Everest View Hotel from where the view of the Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen or just simply relax and watch the Sherpa culture around. (B,L,D)

Day  6  Namche to Thyangboche (3800m) 6 hrs.

Thyangboche is home to the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu. This monastery was recently re-built after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. We will have spectacular views of the Everest massif and the stunning Ama Dablam. As this area is a devout Buddhist region, the wild life is unharmed so there is a possibility that we may see some wild animals such as musk deer, mountain goat and pheasants etc. We will have a chance to look around and understand the importance of Buddhism in this part of Nepal.(B,L,D)

Day 7 Thyangboche to Dingboche (4360m) walk approx 6 hrs.

This is considered one of the most beautiful sections of the entire trail. We will head to Dingboche, which is at the foot of Ama Dablam, one of the region's iconic peaks. After lunch at Somare village we continue up the valley, reaching our lodge at around 4pm. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Rest day in Dingboche

This is a very important acclimatisation day, getting us ready for the higher days ahead. We will walk to an amazing 360 degree viewing point of Island Peak and Makalu, the world's 5th highest peak. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Trek to Lobuche (4930m) walk approx 4-5 hrs.

As we are gaining altitude, it is important to walk slowly and steady. Walking on barren slopes above the tree line we will see different peaks such as Cholatse, Lobuche and Pumari unfold in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. Rock Cairns can be seen dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains at Dugla Ridge. Walking up onto the Khumbu Glacier (the longest glacier in Nepal) to Lobuche for the overnight camp, one can feel the temperature drop as we are more exposed with our camp situated along this glacier. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Gorak Shep (5288m) walk approx 3-4 hrs / trek to Everest Base Camp (5360m) 5 hrs

Today, we are high among the glaciers of the world's highest peaks as we trek towards Gorak Shep. After lunch we head for Everest Base Camp. The trail sometimes can be difficult to follow so do keep an eye on your Sherpa guides and walk carefully. On the way we might encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to the Expedition group in March and April. We could not see Everest from base camp but we can see the most difficult and dangerous section of any Everest expedition, the Khumbu Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm.  After Everest Base Camp we head back to Gorak Shep. Note: The trek to Everest base camp is optional so if you are feeling tired you can rest at Gorak Shep instead. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Climb Kalapathar (5546m) approx walk 4 hrs and trek back to Pheriche (4240m) walk approx 4 hrs.

After the rest, we ascend the slopes of Kalapathar, a small, rocky peak on the south west ridge of Pumori. A slow and steady pace once again takes us to a vantage point to savour the sensational Himalayan vistas all around. The climb is not easy but the view from the top surpasses your wildest imagination. We will hear huge glaciers creaking as they move under pressure and be awe-struck at the sheer size and majesty of the surrounding peaks including Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Kantega and Everest - the highest mountain in the world. About 3 kilometers to the east and some 200 meter below, the famed Everest base camp is seen in a bowl at the bottom of the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall.  For many trekkers, reaching Kala Pathar is a very emotional experience and we have allowed plenty of time on Kala Pathar to enjoy the experience. We return to Gorak Shep and then onto Periche where our helicopter will pick us up for our flight back to Kathmandu (approx 2 hours) (B,L)

Day 12  Departure/Trip Concludes:

It is time to fly home. Those people traveling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport. (B)

Note: The above route and walking hours must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, trail conditions or other reason.

• 3 nights at Harati Manor Hotel - Kathmandu
• All accommodation in well appointed eco-friendly lodges. 
• Equipment including sleeping bag, Duvet /Down/ Gore-Tex Jacket and Duffel Bag
• All park and track fees
• Porterage and Guide
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 9 Dinners)
• Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
• Conservation Fees

• International Airfares
• Travel Insurance

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