As you arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will receive you and take you to your hotel. Once you rest and freshen up, we will brief you about the trek you will start the next day. 

We will give you a rundown of essential documents and all gears you will need throughout. You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city or relaxing at your hotel. We end the day with a hearty dinner of Nepali cuisine.

Your trip begins early next morning with a 45-minute flight to Lukla. On flight you will get your first breathtaking views of the Himalayas from above. You get to Lukla's small mountain airstrip soon.

After some tea and snacks, during which you can take a closer look at the tower peaks surrounding you, we begin our four-hour (approx.) trek down to Phakding. 

This first walk will help you adjust to trekking in the mountains. You'll pass through small settlements and enjoy the fresh mountain air as we make our way to the charming village by the river.

Here, you'll settle into the comfortable Yeti Mountain Home, where you can relax and prepare for the days ahead.

Highlights of Phakding:

• Peaceful Phakding Monastery where visitors can observe Buddhist rituals
• Iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge decorated with colorful prayer flags
• Scenic Dudh Koshi River with its striking turquoise waters
• Vibrant rhododendron forests that bloom beautifully in spring
• Charming Sherpa tea houses offering warm hospitality
• Starting point for treks to Namche Bazaar and Everest region

Highlights of Lukla:

• Explore the small Lukla market for last-minute trekking gear, prayer flags, and local crafts.
• Visit the serene Lukla Monastery for quiet reflection and views over the town.
• Enjoy traditional Sherpa meals like momos, thukpa, and dal bhat in cozy teahouses.
• Watch aircraft take off and land in close quarters, which can be an exciting spectacle for early risers.
• Admire colorful rhododendrons in spring and crisp mountain skies in autumn.
• Rest comfortably in teahouses offering hot showers, Wi-Fi, and scenic mountain views.

Today’s trek takes you to Namche Bazaar, the lively heart of the Everest region. The trail follows the Dudh Kosi River, with more suspension bridges and beautiful forested paths.

You’ll pass through small villages, getting your first glimpses of local Sherpa life before reaching Namche, where you’ll spend the night.

Today is an important day to adjust to the altitude while exploring Namche Bazaar. You can wander through the lively local market, visit the Sherpa Museum to learn about the region’s culture, and take a short hike up to the Everest View Hotel.

From here, you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, a perfect way to soak in the Himalayan beauty.

Things to do at Namche Bazaar:

• Visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn about the region’s wildlife, geology, and cultural heritage.
• Explore the Sherpa Culture Museum to discover local traditions, mountaineering history, and traditional artifacts.
• Stroll through the lively Saturday market to buy yak cheese, fresh produce, trekking gear, and handicrafts.
• Hike up to the Everest View Hotel area for stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
• Visit the Namche Monastery and nearby gompas to experience Tibetan Buddhist spirituality and prayer rituals.
• Relax in cafés, German bakeries, and the world’s highest Irish pub for cozy downtime and good snacks.
• Acclimatize with easy walks up and down surrounding trails to aid adjustment to altitude.
• Take side trips to nearby villages like Khumjung, Thame, or Tengboche to visit additional monasteries and local life.

After breakfast, you’ll board a shared helicopter for an unforgettable flight toward Everest Base Camp, landing at Kala Patthar (the highest viewpoint of the trek).

Here, you’ll have time to take photos and admire the incredible mountain panorama, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori. Later, you’ll return by helicopter to Lukla for the night.

Highlights of Kala Patthar:

• Enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Changtse.
• Get here before dawn to witness a spectacular sunrise casting golden light on Everest.
• Opt for a sunset hike to avoid crowds and capture dramatic silhouette photos.
• Take in views of the Hillary Step, South Col, and Khumbu Icefall on the way up.
• Visit during spring or autumn for the clearest skies and safest trekking conditions.
  

Note: The helicopter ride is shared (not private). If no other travelers join, the cost of a private charter will apply.

In the morning, you’ll catch a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap, depending on flight schedules). Once back in Kathmandu, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

Things to do in Kathmandu, we cover some of these the next day:

• Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), where you can climb the steps to enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu and observe the playful monkeys that live around the ancient stupa.
• Explore Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal's most sacred Hindu sites, where you can witness traditional rituals along the banks of the Bagmati River.
• Walk around Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, where locals and monks circle the dome with prayer wheels and chant mantras.
• Wander through Kathmandu Durbar Square to admire the historic palaces, temples, and intricate woodcarvings that showcase Newari architecture.
• Stroll through Thamel, Kathmandu's vibrant tourist hub, filled with shops selling trekking gear, handicrafts, and souvenirs, along with cozy cafes and restaurants.
• Discover Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO site known for its beautiful courtyards, golden temples, and skilled metalworkers crafting traditional statues.
• Explore the local markets like Asan Bazaar, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and shop for spices, textiles, and everyday Nepali goods.
• Stop by the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal palace, to learn about Nepal's monarchy and see historical artifacts.
• Take a short trip to Bhaktapur, a well-preserved medieval city with stunning temples, pottery squares, and famous yogurt ‘Ju Ju Dhau.’

Today we'll show you the capital of Nepal with visits to Kathmandu's most sacred sites. You'll explore the peaceful Boudhanath Stupa with its colorful prayer flags, see the holy Pashupatinath Temple along the Bagmati River, visit the ancient Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) with its panoramic views, and walk through the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. 

This is your perfect opportunity to pick up some special souvenirs before heading home, perhaps some local handicrafts or prayer flags to remember your journey.

Your Everest Base Camp Heli Trek comes to an end today. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.