Luxury Everest Heli Trek - 4 Days

Highlights

• Visit Everest Base Camp in a short amount of time 
• Get a taste for trekking in the Everest Region of Nepal
• Stay in luxury lodges along the Everest Trail
• Experience amazing views of the world's highest mountains from a helicoper

Brief Itinerary

Detailed overview

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!

It's a beautiful flight into the Kathmandu Valley with views of the Himalaya and terraced valley floor. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our representatives will greet you and transport you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you'll have time to explore the city. Some popular sights include Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and its narrow alleyways teeming with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants. There's also Swayambhunath temple, where you can watch the sunset over the valley and the Himalaya to your north.

The tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes. Then, if it's not too late, head to the busiest bazaar in the city, Asan Tole, which offers an authentic display of spice, fish, and vegetable stands that make for great photo ops. Practice some basic Nepali phrases and chat with friendly locals!

Recommended accommodation: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 2: Helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (8,563 feet / 2,610 m) (YMH)

After breakfast, you'll take a helicopter flight to Lukla, which brings you to the start of your trek. The flight takes you between mountains and through valleys, with great views of the Himalaya on clear days.

You'll then trek a short distance today through local villages where you'll likely encounter fellow trekkers, locals, and yaks with their tinkling bells. (Having an easy first day is intentional, allowing you time to get used to the higher elevation.)

Continue through the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and stay overnight in Phakding. 

Flying time: 45 minutes
Trekking time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 4.7 miles (7.5 km) 

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet / 3,440 m)

After breakfast in Phakding, you'll start a steady and steep incline towards Namche. This is a challenging day as you'll start to feel the altitude. The route also consists of a number of high suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River that you need to cross.  

Just beyond the village of Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment (your guide will cover your permit fees here). The trail gets steeper along the way, and if the weather is clear, you will get the first glimpses of Mount Everest.

When you arrive at Namche, settle into your accommodations and explore the town. Namche is a great place to stock up on supplies as there are numerous small shops selling snacks and trekking gear, as well as restaurants and bars. If here on a weekend, check out the Saturday market—a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. 

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Trekking distance: 4.6 miles (7.4 km)
Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home

Day 4: Helicopter Tour from Namche to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp, depart Kathmandu

After an early breakfast, instead of trekking back the way you came, you'll be picked up in Namche Bazaar for a private helicopter tour in the Himalaya. You'll get aerial views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, Lhotse, Nuptse, and stop at Everest Base Camp before flying all the way back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own, seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.

In the evening, catch your international flight back home. Till the next time!