Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Today, our adventure begins at Kathmandu Domestic Airport, where we will take an early morning 45-minute flight to Lukla. The flight offers stunning views of the fertile middle hills, scattered villages, terraced fields, and the majestic high Himalayas in the background. Upon arrival in Lukla, we meet the rest of our trekking team, take a break for tea or coffee, and commence our trek to Phakding. The trail initially descends gradually to Cheplung village, providing us with a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain that remains unclimbed.

After breakfast from Phakding the trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley, staying 100m above the river on its west bank. The trail leads us to Jorsale (2810m) where we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, and submit our trekking permits for checking. From here we continue on an ever-steepening trail to Namche Bazaar (3440m), known simply as Namche. En route we cross the spectacular suspension bridge high above the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and the Dudh Kosi, and shortly after glimpse our first view of Everest, way off to the north-east. The trail to Namche is steep and long, but eventually we reach the remarkable Sherpa capital perched high on the hillside and dominated to the east by the immense bulk of Kwangde

Since we are fast gaining altitude, this is the first of the two scheduled “acclimatization” days. Health experts always recommend to stay active and moving during the rest days instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we climb a few hundred feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region.

Tengboche (or Thyangboche) is a village in Khumjung. The trek to PhunkiThanga is an easy walk. From there, we ascend to Tengboche village, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Everest region. It sits within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3:00 pm, so arriving by then allows us to witness a Buddhist religious ceremony.

From Phorse Village we trek down the narrow trail through a monastery. We continue our trek through lush alpine forests until we reach large village of Upper Pangboche, where we will get astonished by the dramatic views. We then continue through the villages of Shomare, Orsho, and Tsuro Wog. The trek goes further up through the Khumbu Khola Valley to the ridge top from where we witness spectacular views of the soaring mountains of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lotse, Cholatse, etc. We even can observe the beautiful Imja Khola valley to the east. Thereafter, we see sprawling fields and the settlement of Dingboche overlooked with Chortens and prayer flags as we gently ascend down to the Dingboche village.

Spending a day in Dingboche to acclimate to the high altitude is on today's schedule, helping us adjust to the thinning air and reduced pressure. Though not mandatory, a recommended acclimatization strategy includes a side trip to Chhukung at 4730m. This involves a short hike eastward up the Imja Khola valley, offering stunning views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. Alternatively, we can climb the ridge above Dingboche as another option.  

After breakfast and beyond Duglha we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We find our way through the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountains views. At the top of the ridge we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves right “in front of” several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we trek along a murmuring stream we don`t see the Khumbu glacier because of its lateral moraine wall and we now begin to feel a little out of breath due to high altitude.

Today’s adventurous trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass though the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse. A small ascent will take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mount Everest.After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. As we reach Everest Base Camp we cannot stop ourselves from appreciating the Everest climbers those take the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer’s tents stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from base camp.

Rise and shine early for a morning trek to Kalapatthar, one of Nepal's Everest region's most famous viewpoints. It's a spot celebrated for magical sunrises and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, with the majestic Everest stealing the show. As you watch the first light of day paint the mountains in hues of gold, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama.

After soaking in the views, we'll make our way down to Gorakshep, where a helicopter will whisk you away on an exhilarating flight back to Kathmandu. Imagine soaring above the iconic Himalayas, glimpsing the shimmering Gokyo Lakes, the grandeur of Khumbu Glaciers, and the vastness of Sagarmatha National Park.

Once we touch down in Kathmandu, you'll be comfortably shuttled back to your hotel, with memories of the morning's adventure fresh in your mind.