Everest Base Camp Wellness Trek & Helicopter Flight Out

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will greet you and accompany you to your hotel. After settling in, you will receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming trek. This briefing will cover the itinerary, safety guidelines, and necessary equipment and allow you to ask questions. It will also provide insights into the cultural and historical significance of the region. Our goal is to ensure that you are well-prepared and clearly understand the trek ahead, allowing you to embark on your adventure with confidence.

Your day will begin with a morning walking tour of Ason, an old Kathmandu spice market. This vibrant market offers a fascinating glimpse into the local culture and an opportunity to witness the hustle and bustle of daily life in the city.

Following the Ason market visit, you will explore the ancient Durbar Square, once a palace complex. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance that dates back several centuries. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich history and marvel at the splendid craftsmanship of the past.

After the morning tour, you will enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a 4-5 hour scenic drive to Manthali. This picturesque drive will take you through the beautiful landscapes of Nepal, allowing you to soak in the countryside’s natural beauty.

Upon reaching Manthali, you will check in to your accommodation and spend the night preparing for an early morning flight the next day. This flight will take you to Lukla, situated at an elevation of 2,840m. Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region and marks the beginning of your trek towards Everest Base Camp.
This carefully planned itinerary allows you to explore Kathmandu’s cultural gems while also ensuring a timely and comfortable transfer to Lukla, setting the stage for an unforgettable trekking experience in the Everest region.

Note: You can pre-book a seat on a direct helicopter flight at an additional $500 per person to avoid the 4-5 hours of drive to Manthali.

After an early morning flight from Manthali to Lukla, you will begin your trekking adventure in the Everest region. The flight time may vary due to weather conditions and possible delays. Once you reach Lukla, the timing of your arrival will determine the trekking distance for the day.

If you arrive in Lukla in the morning, you will set out on a longer hike lasting approximately 5 hours to the village of Monjo. This scenic trek will take you through picturesque landscapes, charming Sherpa villages, and breathtaking mountain views.

Alternatively, if your flight to Lukla is delayed and you arrive in the afternoon, there will be a shorter trek of approximately 3 hours to reach the village of Phakding. This trek will still offer you stunning views and a chance to experience the region’s beauty.

Whether you hike to Monjo or Phakding, you will spend the night in a lodge at an elevation of 2,650m. These village accommodations provide a comfortable and cosy atmosphere, allowing you to rest and rejuvenate for the next day’s trek.

It is important to note that weather conditions in the Everest region, particularly in Lukla, can be unpredictable. Flight delays and changes are expected due to safety concerns. Our team will closely monitor the weather conditions and make necessary adjustments to ensure you have the smoothest and safest experience.
Flexibility is vital, and our experienced guides will ensure that the trek itinerary is adjusted accordingly to accommodate any potential flight delays, ensuring you have the best trekking experience in the Everest region.

On this day, you will continue your trek from Monjo or Phakding to reach Namche Bazaar, which is located at an altitude of 3,441m. The duration of the hike will depend on the starting point, taking approximately 3.5 hours from Monjo or 6 hours from Phakding.

As you begin your trek in the morning, you will enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to diverse flora, fauna, and breathtaking landscapes. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the region.

The morning hike to Namche Bazaar involves around 90 minutes of undulating terrain, with beautiful views and a unique Himalayan backdrop. It offers a gradual ascent, allowing you to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Afterwards, you will encounter a 2-hour steep climb to Namche Bazaar, a challenging but rewarding section of the trek. The magnificent views along the way make the effort worthwhile.

Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you will stay in a lodge owned by L.S. Sherpa, a conservationist and photographer. This lodge is strategically located above the bustling Bazaar, providing breathtaking views and ensuring a peaceful environment for “Social Distancing” during your stay. L.S. Sherpa actively promotes environmental conservation and preserving the Sherpa culture. He also operates the Sherpa Cultural Museum and the Everest Documentation Centre, offering valuable insights into the local heritage and history.

Namche Bazaar is a vibrant and lively town known as the gateway to the Everest region. It is a trading hub and a central point for trekkers and mountaineers. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the local markets, interact with the Sherpa people, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this mountain town.

Overall, this leg of the trek offers stunning natural beauty and a challenging climb and provides an opportunity to learn about and support the local conservation and cultural initiatives spearheaded by L.S. Sherpa.

After breakfast at the lodge in Namche Bazaar, you will embark on a memorable day of exploration in the Everest region. Your first stop will be the National Park Headquarters, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest and other majestic mountains. This vantage point offers a breathtaking perspective of the highest peak in the world, allowing you to appreciate its grandeur fully.

Following the National Park Headquarters visit, you will begin a steep uphill hike to the village of Khunde. This village holds significant historical importance as it is where Sir Edmund Hillary, the renowned mountaineer, built the first hospital in the region. This act of philanthropy has had a lasting impact on the local community.

Continuing from Khunde, you will make your way to Khumjung village, situated in a broad valley below Mount Khumbila, which holds spiritual significance as the protector deity of the Sherpas. In Khumjung, you will have the opportunity to visit the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary. This educational institution has played a vital role in providing access to education for the local children.

Additionally, you will have the chance to explore the Khumjung Monastery, which houses a fascinating relic—the reputed Yeti scalp. This ancient and revered monastery provides a glimpse into the Sherpa community’s deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and traditions.

Khumjung village offers a serene atmosphere, away from the bustling trekking trails. It is less frequented by trekkers, providing a unique opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the authentic Sherpa way of life.

At 3,790 meters, spending the night in Khumjung village allows for further acclimatization and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.

Overall, this day’s itinerary not only offers incredible views of the Everest region’s mountains but also presents an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable contributions of Sir Edmund Hillary and understand the Sherpa community’s rich cultural heritage in the peaceful settings of Khunde and Khumjung villages.

Upon leaving Khumjung village, you will continue your trek towards the lesser-explored village of Phortse. This part of the journey will take you off the beaten path, providing a unique, less crowded experience. You will steadily ascend until you reach a small pass called Mong-La, where you will find a cluster of quaint tea houses. From here, you will descend around 350 meters to Phortse Tenga before ascending approximately 200 meters to reach Phortse village.

As you make your way along the trail, keep an eye out for the Danfe Munals, also known as Impeyan Pheasants, Nepal’s national bird. Observing these beautiful birds in their natural habitat adds to the allure of the trek.
Phortse Village offers a different vista of the surrounding peaks, allowing you to appreciate the stunning mountain scenery from a new perspective. Notably, this village is home to the Khumbu Climbing Center, which has played a crucial role in providing Sherpas and other indigenous Nepalese with essential climbing skills since 2014. The climbing centre’s indoor building was inaugurated on June 13th, 2019.

Leaving Phortse, you will hike towards Pangboche, following a trail that involves a series of ups and downs. Although the trail is exposed, it is wide and well-maintained, providing a comfortable path for trekking. This leg of the trek is around two and a half hours, depending on the time taken for photo stops and personal pace. Pangboche is your destination for the day, where you will stay at a lodge owned by a long-time friend.

This lodge holds a unique charm, as its dining room resembles a mini mountaineering museum. You will find artefacts such as oxygen bottles, goggles, and wooden boxes from the 1953 Everest Expedition led by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, along with other memorabilia from subsequent expeditions.
After spending the night in Pangboche, you will continue your trek towards Thyangboche Monastery. Descending to the confluence of the Imja Khola and Dudh Koshi Rivers, you will then face a steep two-hour climb to reach Thyaboche Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in the Khumbu region.
At Thyangboche, you will aim to take a long morning walk and stop for lunch while enjoying the scenic surroundings. The monastery holds great spiritual and cultural significance. It has been visited by numerous mountaineering expeditions, with many seeking blessings from the Reincarnate Lama Ngawang Tenzing Jangpo (who passed away on October 9th, 2020) on their way to the base camp.

Continuing your trek, you will pass through the Deboche Nunnery and bypass the bustling Thyangboche area, staying in a lodge owned by your old friends. This decision supports the local economy in less-visited areas, providing a unique and authentic experience for trekkers. The lodge’s dining room showcases the history of ancient climbing pioneers, preserving the legacy of climbers like A.T. Sherpa.

Thus, this part of the trek encompasses scenic beauty and cultural immersion, allowing you to explore lesser-known areas and contribute to local communities.

After enjoying breakfast, you will embark on a hike towards the less-frequented base camp of one of the most beautiful mountains in the region, Amadablam. This trek will take approximately three hours, gradually ascending as you reach Amadablam Base Camp (ADBC). As you climb higher, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, which will help alleviate any fatigue from the ascent.

During the autumn climbing season, there is a chance that you may catch sight of the mountaineers’ campsite at the base camp. Witnessing the preparations and activities of these climbers adds an extra dimension to your trekking experience. At the Amadablam Base Camp, your team will serve a packed lunch from the lodge, allowing you to refuel amidst the stunning mountain scenery.

After lunch, you will begin your descent back to the village. It’s worth noting that the region can experience windy conditions in the afternoons. Therefore, your trek leader will remind you to pack layers of clothing, including a windproof jacket, to ensure comfort.

Upon returning to the village, your team will prepare a hearty and nutritious meal using superfoods as ingredients. This meal will aid your recovery from the excursion and provide essential nourishment as you prepare to tackle higher altitudes in the days ahead. The subsequent leg of the trek will involve approximately five hours of walking, gradually guiding you to even more remarkable destinations.

After breakfast, you will embark on a short trek to Dingboche. This leg of the journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours of walking. Upon reaching Dingboche, your trek leader will guide you towards Nakardzong Ridge for an essential acclimatisation hike.

Acclimatisation is a crucial process in high-altitude trekking, allowing your body to adapt gradually to the decreased oxygen levels. The previous day’s hike up to ADBC and above 4500 meters in the afternoon, combined with the specially prepared meal containing superfoods, will have significantly facilitated your acclimatisation and boosted your energy levels.

During the acclimatisation hike along Nakardzong Ridge, you can explore the stunning surroundings while giving your body more time to adjust to the higher altitude. This hike is essential for minimising the risk of altitude-related illnesses and ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.

Following the acclimatisation hike, you will spend the night at a lodge in Dingboche. This will provide you with a comfortable resting place to rejuvenate and prepare for the upcoming days of your trek.

After breakfast, you will begin your day with a 20-minute uphill walk to a Stupa, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the grandeur of Mount Makalu (8481 meters), Lhotse (8501 meters), and several smaller yet awe-inspiring peaks adorn the Himalayan landscape. This panoramic vista is a magnificent backdrop for capturing the region’s essence.

Following your scenic stop at the Stupa, you will embark on an undulating hike lasting approximately two to a half hours. As you make your way, you will have the majestic Mount Taboche (6542 meters) and Cholatse (6440 meters) on your left, captivating you with their sheer beauty. This portion of the trek offers a mesmerizing display of nature’s wonders.

Continuing onwards, you will cross the Khumbu River and reach Thuglha (4620 meters), where you will pause for a well-deserved lunch break. Thuglha provides a picturesque location to rest and refuel, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan landscape.

After lunch, a steep climb of approximately 45 minutes awaits you as you ascend to the top of Thuglha. Here, you will find numerous memorials known as “Chortens,” paying tribute to those who lost their lives on Mount Everest. It’s a poignant reminder of this formidable mountain’s challenges to climbers.

The final stretch of your day’s trek involves a gentle uphill hike, lasting around 90 minutes, leading you to Lobuche (4900 meters). This charming village, nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan terrain, will serve as your overnight stop. The lodge accommodations in Lobuche will provide a comfortable and welcoming resting place for the night. Today’s trek will take approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking, filled with remarkable views and unforgettable experiences.

Today marks an exciting day as you embark on the journey to fulfil a bucket list wish of reaching Everest Base Camp. Your trek will commence with approximately 45 minutes of hiking on undulating terrain before ascending to the Gorakshep-La pass. From there, you will spend two and a half hours walking alongside a lateral moraine, navigating ups and downs. Throughout this stretch, pause, sip water, and appreciate the awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayan Peaks surrounding you. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining your energy levels at high altitudes.

After about three and a half hours of trekking, you will reach Gorakshep (5180 meters), where you can have a fast and early lunch before continuing your journey towards Everest Base Camp. Our staff will provide packed lunches that you can enjoy at EBC or whenever you feel hungry. It’s essential to be attentive during this leg of the trek, as the trail can be narrow and slippery in certain sections. When encountering other trekkers, remember to stand on the “safer” side of the path to allow them to pass.

The trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp typically takes about two hours. Upon arrival, take some time to soak in the surroundings, absorb the atmosphere, and reflect on the significance of this momentous achievement. Capture the memories with plenty of photos to cherish. Overnight accommodation will be provided at a lodge in Gorakshep (5120m).

On returning to Gorakshep, you can expect to spend approximately 90 minutes. Given the long day of hiking and the adrenaline-filled nature of the experience, most trekkers will be understandably tired. It is recommended to have an early dinner and retire to bed soon after, allowing your body to rest and recover.
Today’s adventure is a testament to your determination and passion for the Himalayas. Cherish the memories and savour the accomplishment of reaching Everest Base Camp.

After breakfast, you will begin a 30-minute hike towards Kalapathar, a prominent viewpoint in the Everest region. This short hike will lead you to a spot where a helicopter can conveniently land to pick you up. Kalapathar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Mount Everest.

From Kalapathar, you will board the helicopter for a scenic flight down to Lukla. This thrilling helicopter journey will give you a unique perspective of the magnificent Himalayan landscape as you descend towards Lukla.
Upon reaching Lukla, the helicopter will make a brief stop to refuel. This allows you to stretch your legs and absorb the atmosphere of this bustling mountain town.

After refuelling, the helicopter will take off again, flying you back to Kathmandu. During this return flight, you can relish the aerial views of the mesmerizing Himalayan peaks and rugged landscapes, gradually transitioning from the mountainous terrain to the bustling cityscape of Kathmandu.

This helicopter expedition offers a convenient and expedited way to conclude your trek, providing a memorable and exhilarating experience as you bid farewell to the Everest region and return to Kathmandu.

You will be brought to the airport 3 hours before your international flight departure.

A Responsible promise

Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.

To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.

Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee

For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Complete flexibility on your booking

Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Trek FAQ

Am I too young or old?

Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.

Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?

We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.

Do I need a Visa?

A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.

A visa can also be obtained outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

For more information, visit the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

What should I bring on a Trek?

Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.

Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.

Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travellers?
You are safe if you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much of a problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).

Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a tour?
What is a typical day on a walk like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of Using Trekking Poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.