Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek With Helicopter Return - 10 Days

On the first day of the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek With Helicopter Return – 10 Days, you will arrive at Kathmandu. You will be pleasantly greeted upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by a representative who will assist you to a luxurious hotel. Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal, is a city that is defined by its rich culture and history.

Time can be spent after checking in and relaxing to get used to the atmosphere of the city. Welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, enjoying delicious local food while briefing the trek.

The adventure kicks off with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to this mountain town called Lukla, situated at 2840 meters above sea level. This 30-minute flight ends with breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range and an introduction to the adventure to come. On landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport with its fabulous runway, you will meet your trekking crew and begin your trek after all the paperwork is done. The trail descends gently downhill towards Phakding, passing through some lovely Sherpa villages and lush rhododendron forests and then crosses several suspension bridges strung with prayer flags across the mighty Dudh Koshi River. After about 3 or 4 hours of walking, you will reach Phakding (2,652 meters) to spend the night in a luxury lodge so as to enjoy a restful night under the gentle mountain atmosphere.

Today, after a hot breakfast in Phakding, you start the trek to Namche Bazaar, the bustling center of the Khumbu region. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing numerous suspension bridges, including the Hillary Bridge. The trail climbs, twisting through pine forest interrupted by small villages that offer tantalizing views of the massive Himalayan peaks. Once at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park situated at Monjo, your permits will be checked before making the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. The efforts on this hard section will be rewarded by your first view of Everest and its neighboring peaks. After about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you’ll be at Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) with a stay in a luxury lodge with modern amenities.

Acclimatization leads to a successful trek, and here it comes in the form of Namche Bazaar. This very day, you hike a very short uphill trail to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880 meters, which has views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other majestic peaks. This is good for acclimatization and is very beautiful. After the hike, you can spend the rest of the afternoon at Namche Bazaar, venturing into the Sherpa Culture Museum, or even tasting local fare at the bakeries. Well, the rich market is just a living encyclopedia on Sherpa culture and lifestyle.

On the fifth day of the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek With Helicopter Return – 10 Days, the trail from Namche Bazaar contours along the hill and showcases panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Leaving by the Dudh Koshi River, the trail runs along rhododendron trees and small settlements like Phunki Tenga. After a suspension bridge, a continuous climb leads to the trendy Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. The serene environment allows for contemplation with giant mountains in view. After an approximately 5 to 6-hour trek, you will reach Tengboche, at 3,870 meters, where you will be provided accommodation in a cozy lodge.

The trail continues down through the magnificently forested place, cascades to Deboche, and crosses the Imja Khola River, before ascending again to Pangboche, the uppermost permanent settlement of the area. Closer and very personal views of Ama Dablam will fast be yours. Along the way, the scene changes to alpine meadows and yak pasture, indicating the increase in altitude. About 5 to 6 hours after having trekked, you will probably find yourself in Dingboche (4,410 meters). You can explore a cute little village surrounded by stone walls that protect the crops from the harsh, cold winds and grazing animals. Here, you will stay in a lodge where comfort combines with traditional Sherpa hospitality.

You’ll have an extra day spent in Dingboche to help in acclimatization. A suggested activity is walking to Chhukung, a tiny collection of houses at 4,730 meters. The trail takes you alongside magnificent views of Lhotse and Makalu, and the steep walls of Ama Dablam. Not only does this walk allow for spectacular views, but it also acclimatizes your body to increased elevation. This excursion will return you to Dingboche where once again you can recuperate to prepare for more challenges.

Today, the trail gradually climbs to Dughla, passing through a broad valley floor and yak herders’ shelters after leaving Dingboche. From here, a steep ascent leads to the Thukla Pass, where memorials stand in honor of climbers who lost their lives in the Himalayas. The path then follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche. The rugged terrain becomes surrounded by towering peaks, and under the right weather conditions, these peaks will appear gloriously lit. After about 5 to 6 hours of walking, one will reach Lobuche (4,940 meters), where one will be in a comfortable lodge, resting against the starkness of the high Himalayas and recharging for the next day’s endeavors.

The ninth day of the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return starts with the trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep over rocky moraines and glacier trails. The trail is quite tough due to the increasing altitude and uncertainty in terms of terrain. Upon arrival in Gorak Shep (5,170 meters), some time needs to be given to rest before heading further to Everest Base Camp. The path to the base camp runs over the Khumbu Glacier, which allows views of icefalls and high peaks. Feeling the eternal presence at Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) is an achievement in itself, with the majestic views of the highest mountains on earth all around. After spending some hours at the base camp, you will promptly make your way back to Gorak Shep for the night, pondering on the accomplishments of the day.

Today, you will step off in a morning trek to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters), which provides the most direct close-up view of Everest. The ascent is challenging, but one cannot understate the value of the expansive sunrise over Everest and the adjoining peaks. After enjoying the view and taking photographs, you will return to Gorak Shep for breakfast. After breakfast, a helicopter will return you to Kathmandu, giving an aerial view of the country you have just trekked across. It provides a quick return and, at the same time, a stunning view of the Himalayas. After reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your luxurious hotel to rest and celebrate your successful expedition.