The Everest Base Camp Short Trek with Helicopter Return offers a thrilling expedition into the heart of the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalayas. This trek caters to those seeking a taste of the Everest region’s magic while adhering to time constraints.
Reaching the Base of the World:
Your journey begins at Everest Base Camp (EBC), nestled amidst the colossal peaks of the Khumbu region. Standing at the foot of Mount Everest, the Earth’s highest point, ignites a sense of awe and wonder. This legendary location serves as the playground for mountaineers, and you’ll be surrounded by the awe-inspiring Khumbu Glacier, a massive river of ice snaking through the heart of the Himalayas.
A Journey Through Sherpa Culture:
The trek isn’t merely about reaching the base camp; it’s an immersive experience into the unique culture of the region. As you ascend, you’ll traverse quaint Sherpa villages. These traditional settlements, adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, offer a glimpse into the lives of the Sherpa people, renowned for their mountaineering skills and resilience.
Historical and Natural Wonders:
The trail winds its way through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area encompasses breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and holds immense historical and cultural significance.
Phakding: A Welcoming Gateway:
One of the charming villages you’ll encounter is Phakding. Stone-paved paths lined with traditional houses adorned with vibrant prayer flags create a picturesque scene. Mani walls, intricately carved stones inscribed with Buddhist mantras, add a spiritual touch to the surroundings.
Sherpa Hospitality:
The Sherpa people warmly welcome trekkers, offering a chance to experience their unique way of life. Sharing a cup of traditional butter tea in the evenings provides a delightful opportunity to connect with the locals and learn about their rich cultural heritage.
Helicopter Ascent: A Grand Finale:
While the trek offers an enriching experience on the ground, the highlight for many is the return journey. A scenic helicopter flight whisks you away from Base Camp, soaring above the majestic landscape. This thrilling ride grants you a breathtaking aerial perspective of the entire Everest region. Witness the Himalayas unfold beneath you, with deep valleys, cascading glaciers, and the iconic peaks that have captured the imagination for centuries.
The Everest Base Camp Short Trek with Helicopter Return condenses the essence of the Everest region into a shorter yet impactful adventure. It’s a perfect blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking scenery, and a touch of exhilarating adventure, leaving behind an unforgettable memory.
Itinerary
A member of our agencies will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel, once you arrive at the hotel check-in and rest. Later in the day, your guide will give you a travel orientation and assist you with all of the requirements for the trek.
Duration: 35 minutes flight, 3-4 hours (8 km) trek Take a morning flight to Lukla, the Everest gateway, you'll meet the rest of the team once you get in Lukla, sort your belongings before beginning your short hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Head down to Phakding after passing Lukla Bazar, It's a short trek that takes around 3 to 4 hours to get to Phakding, cross Dudh Koshi River to get to the lovely settlement of Phakding.
Walking Distance: 6-7 hours (10.5 km) trek The trail passes through pine and rhododendron woodlands. As you climb higher, you'll come across a series of suspension bridges, the highest of which is the Hillary Bridge across the Imja Khola (river), catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, and other 7,000 and 8,000 meter giants just before arriving at Namche. Stop by a teahouse for a break.
Walking Distance: 4-5 hours (6 km) trek Take a day off and unwind in Namche, the Sherpa heartland. The village is carved into a mountaintop with views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam, which are all covered with snow, a short hike to Hotel Everest View and Khumjung Village for acclimatization is recommended. Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku can all be seen from Hotel Everest View, which is situated above Namche. Khumjung Village is an ancient Sherpa hamlet with a monastery (which includes a Yeti's scalp) and Sir Edmund Hillary's first school in the Khumbu Region.
Walking Distance: 5-6 hours (10 km) trek Depart Namche in the direction towards Tengboche a tiny settlement with only a few residences. Tengboche Gompa, the oldest and most prestigious Buddhist monastery in the Everest region, is named after the settlement, with your guide, you may visit the monastery and see a Buddhist prayer rituals.
Walking Distance: 5-6 hours (11 km) trek Early in the morning, catch the sunrise above Ama Dablam, a summit overlooking Tengboche. Ama Dablam is often regarded as one of the world's most beautiful mountains, continue hiking to Dingboche after breakfast, you may feel the effects of high altitude as you move past the 4,000 meter mark. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water take frequent stops making photography your excuse.
Walking Distance: 4-5 hours (4.5 km) trek Nagarjun Hill is a short hike from the village, the vegetation thins out as the tree line disappears and the scenery becomes barren and bleak. It's a steep ascent but the slope may be climbed without any technical climbing from the top you can witness 360-degree panorama of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Makalu, Lhotse, and other peaks.
Walking Distance: 6-7 hours (8 km) trek Take the Lobuche trail and pass via Thukla and Thukla Pass on your way, stone monuments honor climbers who died while attempting to summit Mount Everest near Thukla Pass. Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, whose tragic Mount Everest trek is the subject of Jon Krakauer's popular book "Into Thin Air" and the film "Everest," are among the memorials. There is also a memorial dedicated to Late Babu Chiri Sherpa, one of Nepal's best mountaineer who set a new world record for climbing Everest without supplemental oxygen, remaining at the peak for 21 hours and 56 minutes, and reaching the summit in 16 hours and 56 minutes. There are a few teahouses in Lobuche that provide minimal services.
Walking Distance: 7-8 hours (12 km) trek You're Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar Short Trek's has arrived, your goal to reach Everest Base Camp on foot will be completed today but remember to keep your pace slow and steady because you'll be walking over 5,000 meters. Go to a teahouse once you've arrived at Gorak Shep. After meal, take a break and climb to Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Glacier runs paralleled along the trail and is jagged rocks and gravel which might be difficult to walk on, so take extra caution. Capture images and enjoy the stunning view once you arrive at EBC. Though the peak of Mount Everest is not visible from EBC, the Ice Fall, Nuptse, and Lhotse can be seen.
Duration: 45 minutes flight, 2-3 hours (3 km) trek Start your Kala Patthar climb early in the morning, the most popular overlook in the Everest region is Kala Patthar, at 5,550 meters the highest point on your trek and brings you directly above Gorak Shep. Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other world-famous peaks can all be seen from here Kala Patthar. Later, return to your teahouse and bid your goodbyes to the trekking group (porters and assistant guides) and board a helicopter which gets you to Lukla, flying close to the mountains for a bird's eye perspective of some of the world's highest peaks. Once you arrive at Lukla after a brief break you'll board a flight back to Kathmandu and will be transported to your accommodation once you arrived at Kathmandu. Take it easy and relax.
The valley of Kathmandu has much to offer, you may either join a guided city tour or go exploring on your own in Kathmandu. Later in the evening celebrate the completion of your Everest Base Camp short walk with a farewell dinner and cultural programmers.
Today you'll bid your farewell to Nepal and the friends you made along the journey. Our staff will drop you off at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
