Everest Base Camp Trek and Heli back to Lukla

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, one of our representatives from Aarya Village Travel shall meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel. You will enjoy welcome drinks while you will be briefed about your Nepal Travel Itinerary. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Today we fly to Lukla early in the morning from Kathmandu Tribhuvan Domestic Airport. It is 45 minute flight. Lukla is located at the altitude of 2800m, so it will be colder than Kathmandu. After walking few minutes from Lukla airport, we stop at a restaurant for breakfast.
Books, internet facility and trekking gear are available in Lukla.
After breakfast the journey starts from Lukla. Lukla is where most Everest treks start from. Today we have to walk for 3- 4 hours to reach Phakding through Chaurikharka, Chiplong, Thadokovi and Ghat. We can see spectacular Himalayan views from Chiplong and Thadokovi. The religion of the people of this region is Buddhism. We can see many monasteries, Maane and script are written on the rock in Tibetan language. Today's journey is not difficult. Phakding (2652m) is at a lower altitude than Lukla, it is quite warmer here than in Lukla. Phakding is a commercial place so we can see many hotels and Bhattis (shops) over there.

Today the journey starts after breakfast. To get to Namche we have to hike through Tok-Tok, Mamju, Jorsalle. The portion from Phakding to Jorsalle is relaxed. At Manju the Everest National Park starts, therefore we have to check in here at the first check point. After an hours walk along the banks of Dudkoshi River we come to Jorsall. There aren't any shops available between Jorsalle to Namche. From Jorsalle we cross the Dudhkoshi River and bridge. After the bridge there is steep incline we follow. We can see Mount Everest from Thami danda on clear days. We can see many beautiful mountains, waterfalls, Mane on the way. Namche is situated at 3440m altitude and therefore cold out here. Namche is the biggest commercial area of Everest Region where we can find everything needed to Trekkers like internet facility, ATM. But sometimes due to technical reason ATM does not work. From every Friday to Saturday a special type of fair held here. Bakery cafe and Pub are also available in Namche. But the best thing about Namche are the spectacular Himalayan views.

Today is a day for acclimatization. We can take a short hike of 5-6 hours to walk up from Namche to Syangboche then to Everest View Hotel to Khumjung where lunch can be taken. At Khumjung we can also see Monastery and the school made by Sir Edmund Hilary. During this trekking we will get chance to see many beautiful mountains. You can also visit the Sherpa Museum at Namche. After a day hiking, return to Namche, have dinner and overnight stay.

Today the journey begins after breakfast as usual. We have to reach Tengboche from Namche through Sanasa, Phunki Tanga. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki Tanga as the train descends. You will have lunch at Punki Tanga. After Phunki Tanga, the trail is steep uphill till Tangboche. During the journey you can view beautiful mountains and see traces of Buddhist culture which the inhabitants of the villages practice. Tangboche is located at 3870m. It is a small place consisting of 5 hotels. Internet facility is available here. It is the best spot to view Ama Dab lam Mountain.

A sunrise with a mountain view is unlike any other. With the sun's rays hitting the mountains giving them a golden orange hue. Enjoy the sunrise view from Tangboche, famous for Sunrise views. Today our trek starts after breakfast. The trail consists of descents and later ascends which is done easily. We then head down from Tengboche to Dudhkoshi, by walking at the bank of the river you will reach at Dingboche. Dingboche is the highest altitude place of Nepal where plant vegetation and crops like potato are grown.

Today is also for the acclimatization. Acclimatization should be taken very seriously as high altitudes affect people differently. You can hike according to your choice. You can go to Chhukung Village. Chhukung is located at the height of 4700m. From here you can see the top of Mount Makalu, Imja glacier and lake, originating on the western face of Kali Himal, 7,057 metres (23,153 ft). In the evening return to Tangboche, Dinner overnight.

After breakfast, you can visit a Chorten at Dingboche then move on to Thukla where the route is uphill and can be done easily. We stop for lunch at Thukla. After lunch, higher up the route we view a statue commemorating those who had lost their lives during an Everest Expedition. Then after a while you will reach Lobuche at the height of 4900m. Today you can see Pumori Mountain and Khumbu Glacier for which you can go through to Khombala from Lobuche. At Lobuche the temperature is cold and there are only 5-6 hotels, lodges, and guest houses.

The trail to Gorak Shep goes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the "pyramid sign post". Ahead on the trail we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent will take us to Thangma Riju from where we view a 360 degree panorama of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the 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 find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world. The majestic and mighty Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Colourful tents stand out bright against the dullness of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have accomplished the ultimate objective of our trip.

Amid cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C), in the darkness we prepare for a pre-dawn departure. BE prepare for chilly winds which are quite common. To the east familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower are seen, even Everest begins to reveal itself.

Only when we reach Kalapatthar (5,545m/18,192ft) that we get to see 360 degree up-close and awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest. Take as many pictures as you like, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama before we return to Gorak Shep. Many of our clients have mentioned that this a life-changing experience, one that they will never forget

After Breakfast take an adventurous once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride to Lukla. We fly over the serene waters of the Gokyo Lake which holds deep cultural significance for the Nepalese peoples. After admiring the lake's tremendous beauty, finally we reach Lukla

Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. After 9 - 10 AM there will be no flights because of strong winds. Check into Hotel. Where you can rest and relax.

Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Aarya Village Travel will transfer you to the airport for departure to your onward journey.