Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

• Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal

  Kathmandu (1,300m /4,265 ft)

  See for yourself if all that you have read and watched on the internet, about the tranquil beauty of Nepal and warm hospitality of Nepalese. After flying through the beautiful view of this trekkers’ paradise, you will meet our company representative at the airport. You must have an impatient heart for a breathtaking adventure. Get ready to experience Nepal up close and personal. But first, we will transfer you to your hotel.

  If you have an early arrival, you may stroll around the hippest and happening area in Thamel, where you can find restaurants with varieties of cuisine to dine.

  This first night in the country, you will be staying in Kathmandu.

  

  

  

• Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu, and Preparation Day

  Kathmandu (1,300m /4,265 ft)

  On your second day, you can go sightseeing to some of the famous religious and historical sites of Kathmandu. (Follow the link for more information on sightseeing-sites-in-Kathmandu). After exploring this city of temples, you will meet your trekking guide at the hotel. You will be briefed in detail about the trekking adventure. The guide will also assist you with any last minute shopping that you require for the trek.

  Have a well-rested night at Kathmandu before heading off to the mountains.
  (You can dump the stuff you do not want during the trek at the hotel or our office store.)

  

  

  

  

  

• Day 03: Fly to Lukla, and trek to Phakding

  Lukla: (2,850m/9,350 ft) Phakding: (2,650 m/ 8,562 ft)

  An early morning breathtaking Himalayan flight to Lukla. After the flight of about 40 minutes, we will spend about an hour in Lukla and feel the drastic change in the weather from Kathmandu to there. This will help us to cope with the weather there and be ready for the real adventure.

  Then, our porters will carry our belongings and we will start our trekking to Phakding for 3 to 4 hours. We can see many mountain ranges on our way including Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain that has never been climbed. After reaching Phakding, we can already find our luggage there.

  

  

  

• Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

  Phakding: (2,650 m/ 8,562 ft) Monjo: (2,835m/9,301 ft) Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,285 ft)

  Today we will trek for about 6 to 7 hours to Namche Bazaar, a place which is also known as the gateway to Everest. We will walk along the bank of Dudh Koshi River and reach Bengkar in around an hour. We can see the first view of Mt. Thamserku (6,623m), another local divinity. From Bengkar, the walk continues through a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Koshi River.

  We reach Jorsale(2,740 m.), a small village that lies on the west side of the Dudh Koshi river, just north of Monjo and south of Namche Bazaar. Jorsale is also the last settlement before Namche, so after this village, there is a continuous tough walk of around 2 hours before we finally reach Namche.

  

  

  

• Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

  Namche (3,440m/11,285 ft) Everest View Hotel: (3,962m/12,998 ft)

  To adjust to high altitude and to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness in the further trial, acclimatization is required. After trekking for two days, we will take a rest at Namche for a day. We will acclimatize ourselves in this largest Sherpa village of Nepal. First, we will visit Sagarmatha National Park and if the weather is clear we can see the first glimpse of Everest.

  We will hike for two hours to Everest View Point and Khumjung Valley and also visit Sherpa Museum and explore Sherpa culture and the history of mountaineering. Have lunch in Khumjung Valley. Furthermore, we will also visit Syangboche Airport, which is the highest airport in Nepal. Rest of the day we can visit the town and go to cafes, shops, and restaurants.

  

  

• Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Deboche

  Namche (3,440m/11,285 ft) Phunki Tenga: 3,312m/10,866 ft) Debuche: (3,740m/12,270 ft)

  After breakfast, we will resume our trek towards Deboche Village. Deboche is a monastic settlement established by Lama Gulu for the benefits of a nun. Doboche and Tengboche, 3867m, are the alternatives to each other for today’s destination. But we prefer Deboche as it is located at less altitude and the forest here is much denser.

  While walking for about 2 hours before we reach Kyangjuma, the gentle flat path is built by Pasang Sherpa, also known as Lama Seru. Lama Seru has been actively constructing trails beyond Namche leading up to the foothill of Everest. We will see many different mountains like Thamseku, Amadablam, Lhotse, and Everest and cross beautiful stupas and manes. Walking downhill towards Dudhkoshi River, we reach Phunki Tenga (3,312m) and Juniper forest. This is the place for us for refreshment and having lunch. After spending some time here, you will start walking again.

  We will resume our trek, crossing the suspension bridge with the view of Imja River which is separating from Dudhkoshi River. We will walk continuously for 2 hours uphill to reach Tengboche. As the altitude increases, we have to drink water every hour. Tengboche is one of the most beautiful villages in the Everest region which contains Tengboche Monastery established by Lama Gulu with strong links to its mother monastery known as the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet.

  Tengboche village may be overcrowded during the peak season of trekking; hence we head towards Deboche just 15 minutes smooth downhill. During the period of today’s trek we must drink enough water and continue moving slowly, the trail gives us a magnificent view of towering big mountains just in front of our eyes.

  

  

  

• Day 07: Trek from Deboche to Dingboche

  Debuche: (3,740m/12,270 ft) Somare: (4,060m/13,320 ft) Dingboche: (4,360m/14,290ft)

  Today’s journey continues with a trek through the Rhododendron forest and several villages across the path. We will walk for 45 minutes inside Juniper forest to reach Imja River. Continuing our walk leads us to Pangboche village (3,950m). We can visit Pangboche School built by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. Continuing our walk for one and half hrs, we will reach Somare (4,060m). This is the place where the tree line finishes. We will stop by here for lunch.

  After spending a few times there, continue to walk to reach Orsho, a place where Everest disappears and is covered by the Lhotse-Nuptse wall. We continued our trek to the Imja Valley and Lobuche River before ascending to Dingboche for about an hour trek. We must drink enough water and continue moving slowly, the trail gives us a magnificent view of towering big mountains just in front of our eyes.

  

  

  

• Day 08: Acclimatization day in Dingboche

  Nangkartshang: (5,085m/16,683 ft)

  Another rest/acclimatization day at Dingboche is very important as it will help everyone to cope with its high altitude and cold environment. During this time we can explore Dingboche and the surrounding valleys of Chhukung and Imja. We can also do a day hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5085m) from where we can see Mt. Makalu (8,485m), the 5th highest mountain in the world along with different faces Amadablam, Kangtega (6,685m), and Cholatse (6,440m).

  With the exploration of amazing views and scenic beauty, we will again explore Dingboche village in the evening time and rest there overnight.

  

  

  

• Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

  Dingboche: (4,360m/14,290ft) Dhugla: (4,620m/15,157 ft) Lobuche: (4,930m/16,175 ft)

  Due to the higher altitude, this trek will be more difficult in comparison to previous days. We will walk in the alpine region where there are no forests and just above Periche village to reach Thukla (also known as Dukhla) 4,615m. Finally, we reach Thukla after crossing Khumbu Glacier and walking for around 3 hours. Short break here and feel your energy and again continue to walk and climb Thukla pass for 1an hour. This is the place where memorial stupas are built dedicated to the climbers and trekkers who failed to return from Everest over the years.

  We reach Lobuche in an hour and a half. This trail of a total of 6 to 7 hours is slightly difficult as well, but the breathtaking view of the mountains will keep us motivated and it will feel like we reached Lobuche in no time. We feel completely different as we are staying nearly 5,000m above sea level. We must drink water again and again to help ourselves. From Lobuche, we can see mountains like Lobuche Peak (6,119m), Pumori (7,138m), Nuptse (7,661m), and many others small mountains. But from the place where there are most of the lodges, we cannot see any of those.

  

  

  

• Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep

  Gorakshep: (5,185m/ 17,010 ft) Everest Base Camp: (5,364m/17,598ft)

  The biggest day of our trek will lead us towards Everest Base Camp. Comparatively easier at the beginning, the trek will be harder after we reach Gorak Shep. Here we have to ascend and descend mostly on glacier paths and hard rocks. After 1 and half hours, we will see the first view of Kalapatthar (black rock mountain) along with other mountains such as Pumori (7,138m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lingtren (6,749m). We will reach Gorak Shep in about 3 hours of walk. Short break at Gorak shep and we will feel the energy, keep your backpack there, and head towards EBC.

  Drink enough water while walking. On our way, we will approach Khumbu Glacier, the highest glacier in the world and the largest of Nepal. After nearly 3 hours of hiking on a straight trail, yet dangerous, we will finally reach the basecamp.

  When we reach the base camp all the exhaustion of a week trek will be lost as its beauty will make you feel like in heaven. We can enjoy amazing views of Nuptse (7,861m), Khumbuste (6,665m), and Pumori (7,136m) mountains from the base camp. After spending some time there we will head back to Gorak shep where we will spend the night.

  

  

  

  

• Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar, Helicopter ride to Lukla, regular flight to Kathmandu

  Kala Patthar: (5,555m/18,208ft) Lukla (2,840m/15,846ft) Kathmandu: (1,300m /4,265 ft)

  Kalapathar is the highest point of altitude that we will trek. As Mt. Everest cannot be seen from basecamp, Kalapathar is the best viewpoint where we can see Everest just in front of our eyes. We will head towards there before dawn, the weather will be freezing and we have to wear warm clothes along with a light attached to our head. After 2 hours of trek in the dark, we will finally reach Kalapathar. From the best viewpoint of our trek, we can see 360 degrees of mountains like Khumbutse (6,665m) Pomori (7,136m), Lingtren (6,749m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Amadablam (6814m) and highest of them all Everest (8,848.86). After spending a few minutes there, we will head back towards Gorak Shep for breakfast.

  After breakfast, we will be doing another highlight of our tour which is to return back to Lukla by helicopter. We will be picked up by helicopter and will return to Lukla. On our way we can see all the treks and walks that we did from the bird’s eye view, we can enjoy the view of all the mountains and ranges yet again and see many Sherpa villages from our flight. After reaching Lukla, we will rest there for some time and will return back to Kathmandu with a flight from there.

  This flight sometimes may not be constant because of the difficult weather situations. So we have to wait for the perfect moment. But we will always search for different alternatives to make our guests comfortable. We can yet again enjoy the view of beautiful mountain ranges and peaks from the flight. If we reach Kathmandu early we will have plenty of time to rest for the whole day. Even if we reach late, there is nothing to worry about as we will have another day in Kathmandu for the whole day to rest.

  

  

  

  

• Day 12: Rest day at Kathmandu

  Kathmandu (1,300m /4,265 ft)

  The flight from Lukla is canceled due to poor weather add an extra day as a buffer after the EBC trek.

  Looking at your schedule you can plan your free day in Kathmandu. You can spend a productive day by engaging in outdoor activities like cycling, wall climbing, day tour, or short hiking (Outdoor-activities-in-Kathmandu).

  Later in the evening the all of us associated with this amazing trip will gather for a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

  (If you don’t have time you can departure same day)

• Day 13: Final Departure

  Kathmandu (1,300m /4,265 ft)

  We will drop you at the airport according to your flight schedule.

  Trekkers Paradise hopes to take you on another exciting trek soon !!

• Will someone come after my arrival to pick me up at the airport?

  Yes, Trekkers Paradise representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall. He will be displaying Trekkers Paradise name card with your name on it. You will be moved to the pre-select Hotel after that.

• Do I need a visa to travel to Nepal?

  All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal.

• What is the cost of the visa application process and Visa? Should we apply for a visa from our home country or will we get it at Nepalese Airport? Which documents are important that I should bring with me?

  After landing, you can obtain a visa at Tribhuwan International Airport, furthermore, it will be easier if you are fill-up the visa form online (http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) before taking the flight to Nepal. Entry Visa fees- at present are $ 30 for 15 days, $ 50 for 30 days, and $ 125 for a three-month visa on entry to Nepal.

  You should bring the following essential documents on the trip:

  • Valid Passport: must be valid for up to 6 months.
  • Travel insurance: you need to provide a copy of the insurance paper to Trekkers Paradise before you start the trek.
  • Flight Tickets.
  • Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s bank, insurance, family contacts.

• When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

  The weather is probably the best guide for deciding when to plan your trip to Nepal. The best time to visit Nepal is between September to November and March to May.

• Do I need permits?

  Yes, all foreign citizens require two permits for this trek. You require Sagarmatha National permit and a Local Government fee

• How is the Higher Himalayan toilet facilities like?

  There are generally common toilet facilities in teahouses and lodges, which are typically clean and well maintained. A limited number of tea houses and lodges now sell attached toilets. We will provide you with the best choice in this regard, as far as possible.

• How are the shower facilities on the trek?

  Normally there are hot water shower services in various teahouses and lodges. In the absence of such a facility, the teahouse/lodges will provide you hot water bucket. The payment for the shower has to be made by yourself and the cost varies with the places.

• Will we have Wi-Fi?

  Wi-Fi and network might not be always available. However, few hotels provide Wi-Fi free or with a certain charge.

• Are there porters or yaks carrying the luggage or are we supposed to be carrying it alone?

  Our porters, who are honest and experienced, will look after your luggage while on the trek. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like a camera, water bottle, sun cream, money, etc. Normally, we assign one porter to carry the luggage of two trekkers.

• May I charge my camera and mobile batteries on my Trip?

  These facilities will be available in most of the places in your Hotel reception by paying some service charges. Don’t forget to bring your adapters!!

• Will my Cell phone (mobile phone) work in Nepal?

  Please, Contact your service provider and check if Nepal country is included in their `Global roaming’ package. Please note, not all parts of Nepal are covered by the GSM Network in Nepal.

• How long does it take to trek Everest Base Camp?

  The trek can be completed within 10 to 10 days however the length of the trek depends on the weather, the trekker’s ability to walk, how long they take to acclimatize, whether they want to take side trips to famous places nearby like Gokyo Lake or Annapurna Heli tour.

• Is Everest Base Camp safe to trek?

  The only potential hazard during the trek is the possibility of altitude sickness to reduce the chances of it we suggest a single day for acclimatization. You will also be guided by an experienced trekking guide and assisted by local porters, who are there to take care of you during your trek.

• How long does it take to reach Gorekshep from Lukla by Helicopter?

  It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Gorekshep from Lukla. While return with the Mount Everest view sightseeing.

• What are the facilities available in case of emergencies during the trek?

  In case you suffer from altitude sickness or any other problems, we will offer you the doctor’s prescribed medicines according to the type of problem facing you. We will descend you and incise of extreme cases, you will get rescued by the helicopter.

• What are some basic Nepali customs that I should know about?

  • Take off your shoes before entering a temple or one’s home
  • Ask for permission before entering a Hindu temple
  • Taking photographs inside most temples are considered illegal
  • Ask for permission before taking photographs of objects, and including Nepali people.
  • Nepali people are friendly by nature. Have a genuine interest in them. Talk to them. Be friendly as you travel

• Can I add extra days to my Trekking Trip?

  Yes, it is absolutely possible to add some more days to the trip. Along your trek, we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation, and food.

• Are Trekkers Paradise’s staff insured?

  Yes, all the staff of Trekkers Paradise including guides and porters are insured to recover any kinds of casualties.

We organized Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) airport pick up and drop service. Upon your arrival, you are welcomed and greeted at your arrival gate (Holding your name on the company pamphlet- Trekkers Paradise) by our representative member from a company, then transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. For departure transfer, we will come to pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and take you to the airport for your international flight.

Aside from geographical protection, Trekkers Paradise has taken safety in following things to make travel as safe as possible making the most out of it without any worry!

• Our guides have received extensive wilderness first-aid training.
• Trek leaders and guides have years of trekking experience who can help you if there is any kind of uneasiness and assure happiness & satisfaction are guaranteed.
• We’ll have High-quality masks & Gloves with sanitizers for everyday use throughout the journey for the Trekkers Paradise team assisting you.
• Encouragement and inspiration can be a regular occurrence.
• Food and accommodation in the mountains would be rechecked for additional hygiene.

Our trek takes us to high altitudes near the world’s highest point, which means your body will need enough starch, protein, and nutrition, as food is the body’s fuel for hiking on such massive Himalayan trails. The food on this trek is very convenient, but not as convenient as it is in cities.

There will be Breakfasts, Lunch, Dinners, Tea & coffee will be provided in the trek. The popular menu items are:-

Breakfasts – (Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, and Honey Tibetan bread or Chapati Local tsampa porridge, Hashed brown eggs, Varieties of eggs (Omelets) Pancakes Muesli Breads Fruits and Vegetables Hot drinks like varieties of teas and coffees Hot chocolates, etc)

Lunch – (Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari (Dal Bhat power 24 hours) Tibetan Bread Various Soups items Sherpa Stew Steaks Sandwiches Momo (dumplings) Macaroni dishes Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles Thukpa Pasta Vegetable curry Potatoes items Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed) Snakes (Papad, Prawn) Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc)

Dinners – ( Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari Tibetan Bread Various Soups items Sherpa Stew Steaks Sandwiches Momo (dumplings) Macaroni dishes Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles Thukpa Pasta Vegetable curry Potatoes items Vegetable and salad Pizza (, Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed) Snacks (Papad, Prawn) Pokada, finger chips, etc.

Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc.) Are available on the menu during the trek.

The best items from the lodge’s menu are fresh, hygienic, delicious, and nutritious. Almost everywhere on the menu, there is a mix of typical local, Asian, and western cuisine, but as we get closer, the menu list will be shortened. We highly recommend liquids green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup, etc. at high altitude and also the fresh vegetable items for health benefit.

13 days Everest base camp with helicopter trek includes Nine night’s lodge to lodge stay at a mountain and four nights in Kathmandu hotel, where we use the best available lodge and select the best accommodation in the Everest region. We provide three nights room with attached bathroom at Phakding, and Namche, six nights standard room at Debuche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep (Generally twin Sharing room)

Four nights of Hotels in Kathmandu before and after the trek is required which is included in the package.

All foreigners except Indian nationals must have a valid visa to enter Nepal. Visa is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport upon entry in Kathmandu, Nepal, and at Nepal borders of India and Tibet. Visa can be easily extended to the central immigration office. www.immigration.gov.np Visa application requires a passport with at least 6 months until expiration and one passport size photo.

The current cost of a visa for 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD, and 90 Days – 125 (to be paid in cash) Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. Other nationalities should check entry requirements. Visitors are requested to specify return flight tickets, time intended to stay in Nepal.

Visa Extension Fee: Tourist visa extension is done for a minimum of 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days. In the case of a delay of less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as of late fine.

Tipping is not included in the salaries of your guides, porters, or crew, but it is greatly appreciated. In Nepalese culture, tips are the accepted and a lovely way of saying thank you (“Dhanyabada”) for good service. Normally the tips are offered at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the trips the last day of the trek.

Trekkers Paradise is a government authorized, registered, licensed, and bonded trekking and touring operator in Nepal. The company registered number is 221608/076/077. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Therefore, the book the Trekkers Paradise trip with confidence as we are reliable.10 percent of payment in advance and other necessary documentations like passport copy, passport size photos, travel insurance policy, arrival, and departure flight details can be made later but must not exceed within two weeks’ period from the booking date. Payment is to be made by bank transfer, western union. The remaining trip cost can be paid whether in cash or by bank transfer when you arrive in Nepal. Furthermore, we put forward the necessary modes of payment details as per your convenience by mail.

During the Everest base camp trek, you will be accompanied by our local best trained and well-experienced guides/Sherpa’s to make your journey even more comfortable and memorable. All guides are well trained licensed with prior experience they have spent years trekking / climbing a peak all over the world. Porters will also be assigned to carry your luggage. Two members will be assigned one porter, combined luggage should not exceed more than 20 kgs. We provide basic accommodation for our guides and porters or tents with sleeping gear and we also provided them food and warm drinks.

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid
• Authorized certificate of Trekking Guide Training
• Fluency speaking English and other major Languages
• Rock climbing
• Conservation and biodiversity

• The trekking trail to the Everest Base Camp gets filthy during Monsoon.
• Cancellations of flight following bad weather and heavy snowfall
• Altitude sickness like nausea, breathing difficulties, and headache becomes common
• High-tech facilities like Wi-fi and ATM gets exorbitant at high lands like Namche Bazar
• Peak season gives rise to insufficiency of guest house and lodge in Everest
• Accommodations are of economic with no luxurious items and extra facilities

• A unique Mountain Flight to Mt. Everest
• White water rafting on Nepal’s famous rivers
• A romantic overnight stay in a mountain resort
• A cultural show, with dinner
• A traditional Nepali Luxury Dinner
• The most spectacular Bungee Jump on the Planet