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5,545m (18,193ft) at Kala Patthar
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1-30
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3* Accommodation in Kathmandu and Tea House/Basic Guest House
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Full Board during Trek and Breakfasts, Welcome or Farewell meals in Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp Trek & Heli Return is a 12-day adventure that combines stunning mountain panoramas, cultural immersion, and historical significance. This trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush valleys, glacial moraine, and high Himalayan terrains, offering breathtaking views of majestic peaks and pristine lakes.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore traditional Sherpa settlements, learn about their rich culture, and follow in the footsteps of legendary climbers. The trek is designed for those with no prior high-altitude experience, providing well-established trails and comfortable accommodations. It’s an unforgettable journey that captures the beauty of the Himalayas and the warmth of the Nepalese people.
Overview
The Everest Base Camp Leisurely & Heli Return Trek will be a memory that you will cherish for a lifetime, where there are stories at every turn, with some of the most beautiful locations on earth where destinations come to life. Like most places if you travel the back road, you’ll see something else. In this Everest Base Camp Leisurely Trek, you’ll see the side of the country that does what it does, and it is to capture your imagination not just the mountains but the people you meet.
Embark on The Everest Base Camp Leisurely & Heli Return Trek, and trace Nepal’s classic trekking routes that legendary climbers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa once journeyed during their conquest of Mount Everest. These historic paths, also frequented by traders and merchants, offer a journey rich in history and adventure. This trail takes you across remote alpine regions, mountain ranges, glacier moraine and folds, lakes, and raging rivers. Where you’ll be happy to travel, discover new things, and meet new people.
Important note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Itinerary
The flight into Nepal is breathtaking with views of endless rows of mountains and lush hills. Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and are done with your immigration formalities, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya who will drive you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast head on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu valley also known as, the “city of glory.” The valley has various attractions that you can choose from, visit Durbar Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and palaces having historical significance with glorious old architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar a home to the Living Goddess.
Afterwards head towards Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the monkey temple, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley, with panoramic view of the mountain ranges to the north. Next, proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later we visit Boudhanath, another Buddhist Stupa and one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Catch an early morning exciting flight from Kathmandu Airport to Lukla witnessing views of mountain giants. Lukla, a picturesque mountaintop Sherpa settlement is the starting point of your trek.
From Lukla head towards Phakding, descend towards the Dudh Koshi River passing through various settlements of Chheplung, Ghat, Sano, and Thulo Gumela and Chorten and monasteries of Drangdrak Gompa and Pema Choling Gompa with breathtaking views of sacred mountain peaks of Kumbila and sister summit Kusum Kanguru. No one is permitted to climb this sacred mountain, making it one of the few unclimbed summits in the Khumbu area.
Phakding is nestled at an elevation of 2,610 meters a small Sherpa settlement hidden in the heart of the Dudh Koshi Valley. Once you reach the settlement head towards your tea house and rest later explore the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today you’ll be heading to Namche Bazar known as the "Sherpa capital”. After breakfast head to the trail crossing through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok witnessing rays of morning sun dazzling Thamserku peak. The trail passes the Dudh Koshi, a milky glacial river up to Monjo crossing number of suspension bridges and the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge .
Arrange your permits for inspection before you approach the Sagarmatha National Park entrance a UNESCO world heritage site, after your permits are checked head down alongside the Dudh Koshi River to Jorsale. After a brief rest, head towards Namche Bazaar on an uphill trail on a steep path to an amazing high bridge over the Dudhkoshi River gorge, and just before this bridge, the Dudhkoshi is met by its tributary, the Bhote Koshi. As you gain altitude, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, from here Namche is a short hike away.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today is your acclimatization day at Namche Bazar, as you gain altitude your body must acclimate to the thinner air at greater elevations. The settlement has various vantage points for acclimatization hikes.
Head up to any vantage at dawn and dusk to witness the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The rays of the sun illuminate the snow-covered peaks of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and Lhotse, Later explore the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about Sherpa culture, traditions, and customs.
In the afternoon explore some of the finest bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and shops around Namche which you’ll not find in most of the trekking trails of the country.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today’s trail between Phortse and Pangboche is not the main trail, so the pathway is narrow and has sheer drops at various portions so take it slow and take caution. Pangboche is a major settlement inhabited all year round consisting of two villages upper and lower Pangboche.
Lodges are widely available in lower Pangboche and have various riverside stone-walled agricultural fields. The oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, the Riwa Gompa is located in upper Pangboche. Most trekkers pass through lower Pangboche on the way up and visit upper Pangboche while returning from Kala Patthar. Once you reach Pangboche head towards your tea house and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
After an early breakfast following the Imja Khola, the trail climbs towards the village of Shomare and crosses the tree line, from where the terrain changes into arid dry landscapes with patches of conifers, scrub, and isolated pastures lands.
From here cross the grazing lands and dotted stone huts passing the settlement of Orsho and Tsuro Wog, from here the trail descends to a point near the confluence of Imja Khola and Khumbu Khola. Finally climbing a low ridge you’ll reach the sprawling hamlet of Dingboche a cold and windy region with sub-zero night temperatures even in summer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today is your second day of acclimatization, the settlement has various vantage points ideal for acclimatization excursions. After breakfast hike to the Chukhung valley ascending up the Imja Khola valley to a land riven by glacial moraines amidst towering, formidable mountains from the head towards the vantage point of Chukhung Ri, a rocky hill behind the village, and witness views of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho You, Cholatse, Taboche, and Lobuche West, Lobuche East. Later on, explore the settlement.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
On today’s trail to Lobuche, you’ll find yourselves in the lap of the Himalayas with mountains on all sides capturing your imagination, you’ll pass through Dusa where you’ll see herdsmen’s uninhabited stone huts, from here head towards Dughla and then to Chupki Lhara where you’ll see large heaps of stones with prayer flags a memorial for the mountaineers who perished on a mission to climb Mt. Everest and other peaks around the region. After a brief ascends, you’ll get a view of Chola Lakes' pristine blue waters. From Chupki Lara, the trail descends to the Khumbu glacier moraine walk alongside the three great peaks-Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumori. A final stretch along a murmuring stream and you’ll reach the settlement of Lobuche.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today’s trek is long, and tuff so starts early, the first part of the trek takes you past high Himalayan pasture lands and grassy terrains with rocky and scattered boulders, all along you’ll witness views of snowy walls of lofty mountains ahead.
The 60 meters/200 feet ascent takes you to the top of the lateral moraine wall of the Changri glacier, to a leveled spot called Thangma Riju from where you’ll witness a spectacular 360-degree panorama view of the Himalayan giants of Taboche, Lobuche, Pumori, and the rest of Mahalangur Himal peaks, along with views up to Tibet and Nuptse on the eastern horizon.
The trail from here crosses the moraine of the Changri glacier and later joins the Khumbu glacier from the west, you’ll have to traverse on the steep stony slopes to reach Gorak Shep so take extra caution. As you reach Gorak Shep, you’ll catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar.
From Gorak Shep leave your heavy backpack and move towards Everest Base Camp walking alongside the banks of shallow blue waters of Gorak Shep lake, with views of the Changtse peak, and the Lho La peak in close proximity. Cross through glaciers, icefalls, frozen pools of meltwater, exposed icy walls, and large boulders towards the Everest Base Camp. After exploring the base camp descend back to Gorak Shep for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today you’ll be heading towards the famous vantage point of Kala Patthar, often flocked by trekkers passing this trail. Start early after a light breakfast passing through the wide sandy bed of a dried lake traversing through a steep zigzags trail and ascending up a steep trail to witness views of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse. As you climb higher, you’ll witness a grand view of the Khumbu glacier and Nuptse massif, a final stretch to the summit of Kala Patthar will provide you with views of endless rows of the high mountains including Mt. Everest. After spending a brief time at the summit retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep.
From Gorak board the helicopter and leave behind the rugged terrain of the Everest region. Along the flight witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas. Flying over snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and picturesque villages, soak in the grandeur of nature from a unique perspective. Upon arriving at Kathmandu proceed towards your accommodation. Later head out to explore the bustling streets of Thamel. In the evening join in for a farewell dinner program to mark the end of your successful adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you’ll be returning back to your country. The Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport three hours before your flight departs. If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drives at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India, or Bhutan tours, etc.
Meals: Breakfast
If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya.
NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.
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