• Luxury Everest Lodge Based Adventure

  • Travel lodge to lodge

  • Explore Nepal with Private, Expert Guides

  • Rejuvenate in Dhulikel

Hike and Heli to Everest Base Camp

Days: 10 | From: $9,500 /per person

  • Includes boutique hotels, comfortable lodges, and a world-class resort
  • Expert private guides join you on the trail
  • Explore ancient sites in Kathmandu, hike the iconic Everest Trail, gain an aerial view of the world's highest mountain by helicopter, and relax to sweeping views of the Himalaya in Dhulikel

Uncover the enchantment of the Everest region on this luxury trek that immerses you in the heart of the legendary Khumbu. Guided by our expert team, you'll explore villages nestled among the clouds, pause at the revered Tengboche Monastery, and immerse yourself in the captivating legends surrounding this Sherpa region. The trail to Everest is challenging, but your hard work during the day is rewarded with warm meals and comfortable beds each night at lodges along the route.After reaching the high point of Pangboche, board a helicopter for an aerial view of Everest itself before charting a course back towards Kathmandu, landing at the mountain retreat of Dhulikel. Relax in style at Dwarika’s, celebrating a successful trek as you dine with views of the epic range you were just hiking in.

Inquire about this trip

Talk to one of our Vaya Asia Specialists
+1 (510) 335-8229

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

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At a glance

  • Kathmandu
    2 nights: Timeless charm and ancient tradition in Nepal's capital
  • Everest Trail
    5 nights: Hike the iconic Everest Trail and Heli to Base Camp
  • Dhulikel
    3 nights: Celebrate a successful hike at the stunning Dwarika's Resort Dhulikel

  • All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

Customize this trip
+1 (510) 335-8229

Sample itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to Nepal!

Patan at sunset  in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal

Welcome to Kathmandu! Cradled by the Himalaya, Kathmandu is a vibrant city where ancient temples stand alongside modern buildings, and bustling marketplaces give way to tranquil gardens. You’ll be met at the airport before transferring into the city and to your hotel. The afternoon is free to rest and explore on your own.

Accommodations: The Dwarika’s Hotel, 2 nights

This award-winning hotel is inspired by Kathmandu Valley’s rich cultural heritage, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts from the 13th century. The peaceful courtyards display grand architectural wooden masterpieces, and the 80 spacious rooms are a tribute to Nepal’s artistic history. The rooms at Dwarika’s brings back the true essence of Nepali living where each room has a view of the Dwarika’s Courtyard. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at the onsite restaurants, as well as a large outdoor swimming pool, terraces and a spacious courtyard, and a Himalayan spa.

Alternative lodging options: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu, Nepali Ghar Hotel
Day 2:

Explore Kathmandu

Boudhanath Stupa

Explore some of Kathmandu’s iconic sites. Meet your expert guide and start your day at Pashupatinath Temple, observing rituals at this revered Hindu temple from across the Bagmati River. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, a highlight of Kathmandu with its whitewashed dome and gilded tower painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the stupa before heading back to your hotel.

Accommodations: The Dwarika’s Hotel, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3:

Start the Everest Hike

Suspension bridge on the way to Monjo

Transfer to the airport for a helicopter flight to Lukla (9,200′). Upon arrival at Lukla, meet your porters and head out on the trail! The trek begins with a leisurely three-hour hike down to the riverside village of Phakding. Prayer flags stream in the breeze as you cross sturdy suspension bridges over the roaring Dudh Kosi river and pass by colorful mani stones. Lunch is at a lodge in Phakding. After lunch, continue the trek to reach your lodge at Monjo.

Trekking: 5-6 hours
Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation loss from Lukla to Phakding: 700′
Elevation gain from Phakding to Monjo: 700’

Accommodations: Mountain Lodges of Nepal – Monjo

Monjo village lies on the edge of Everest (Sagarmatha) National Park’s entrance. The lodge itself sits perched on a hillock at the end of the village, between the local monastery and the oldest standing home in town, over a century old. Upon entering the lodge’s gate, a beautiful long, stone paved walkway leads through the garden and up to a warm and welcoming lobby. This boutique lodge has just eleven comfortable and generously sized rooms, boasting rafted ceilings, and very nice en suite bathrooms with hot showers. Guests can enjoy little touches such as cozy slippers, heated blankets, and mountain views. Guests can enjoy hearty organic meals served in the dining room adjacent to the fireplace, lounging in the sunrooms, or relaxing in their room with a cup of hot chai.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Monjo to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Today’s hike continues on to the iconic Namche Bazaar. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and descend to Jorsalle. From Jorsalle, follow the Dudh Kosi river before making a steep 1,300′ ascent towards Namche.
Prepare for a climb to the village of Namche Bazaar (11,300’), the world’s highest marketplace, the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu, and the jumping-off point for many Everest expeditions. Your lodge for the night is nestled in Namche town.

Trekking: 5-6 hours
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation gain from Monjo to Namche: 2000’

Accommodations: Mountain Lodges of Nepal – Namche

Namche Lodge sits on the upper slopes of Namche, the Sherpa capital, close to the Everest National Park headquarters and just a five-minute walk from the Sherpa Culture Museum. This comfortable, family friendly spot is the ideal acclimatization station, a basecamp for cultural experiences, and spa treatments. Namche Lodge also offers a revitalizing spa, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the stunning Himalayan views. Warm, dry, spacious rooms are softly furnished with Tibetan rugs and English linens, stunning views, thoughtful design touches, and an indulgent bathroom with hot running water. From the lodge’s high location, all rooms and the lounge offer clear views of the town’s iconic C-shaped layout, and the intensely close Kongde mountain across the valley.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

First Views of Everest

Everest View Hotel

Awaken to temple horns, yak bells, and a sunrise illuminating the 20,000’ mountains that surround you! Though this is a rest day, excitement is in the air, as you embark on an acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel at 13,000′. Take in your first views of Mt. Everest and other legendary Himalayan peaks, including Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Enjoy late afternoon tea and snacks at the hotel’s outdoor patio before descending back to Namche Bazaar. Rest up because tomorrow you continue higher into the Himalayas.

Trekking: 4-5 hours
Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation gain from Namche to Everest View Hotel: 1800’
Elevation loss from Everest View Hotel to Namche: 1800′

Accommodations: Mountain Lodges of Nepal – Namche

Namche Lodge sits on the upper slopes of Namche, the Sherpa capital, close to the Everest National Park headquarters and just a five-minute walk from the Sherpa Culture Museum. This comfortable, family friendly spot is the ideal acclimatization station, a basecamp for cultural experiences, and spa treatments. Namche Lodge also offers a revitalizing spa, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the stunning Himalayan views. Warm, dry, spacious rooms are softly furnished with Tibetan rugs and English linens, stunning views, thoughtful design touches, and an indulgent bathroom with hot running water. From the lodge’s high location, all rooms and the lounge offer clear views of the town’s iconic C-shaped layout, and the intensely close Kongde mountain across the valley.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Namche to Tashinga

Yak on the Everest Trail

Leave Namche behind as you continue towards Everest. Hiking out of Namche Bazaar, traverse the lower slopes of Khumbi Yulha, a 19,230′ mountain held sacred by the Sherpa people. Stop at a lovely viewpoint of Everest, called Kyangjuma before descending to the Imja River. From here, turn off the beaten path to Tashinga. Tashinga is located off the main trekker’s trail, offering a secluded experience and a unique glimpse into life in the Khumbu region.

Trekking: 4 hours
Mileage: 6 miles
No net elevation loss/ gain

Accommodations: Everest Summit Lodge Tashinga

Everest Summit Lodge at Tashinga is located in a breathtaking, almost uninhabited village, off the main trail to Everest Base Camp and Ama Dablam Base Camp. The lodge is situated amongst pine forest, from where you can gaze endlessly at panoramic views of famous mountains like Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku and other Himalayan giants. The lodge is newly renovated and offers the highest standard of service and hospitality in the area. The lodge has WiFi, a restaurant, hot water, and comfortable rooms.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Tashinga to Pangboche

Tengboche Monastery

Descend to the river to ascend to Tengboche Monastery at 12,700′. Tengboche is surrounded by views of the snowy Himalayas and hosts the main and most impressive Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Khumbu region, with an exceptional view of Everest’s pyramid summit. After visiting the monastery, continue on to Deboche for lunch. The final leg of our hike today is to Pangboche. Through the forest, cross another high metal bridge over to the other ridge going uphill towards Pangboche. After climbing towards the traditional gate of Pangboche, you’re treated to amazing views of Ama Dablam Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks.

Hike through the small lower village of Pangboche to arrive at your lodge for the night. The evening is free to visit the upper village where you can stroll the streets and visit a monastery before returning in time to capture the sunset on Ama Dablam.

NOTE: if you’d like to add a hike to Ama Dablam base camp, this it the lodge to do it from. Ask us about adding a day to your itinerary to include this amazing day hike.

Trekking: 4.5 -5.5 hours
Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation gain from Tashinga to Deboche to Pangboche: 1230’

Accommodations: Om Kailash

Located to the right just off the main trail to Everest Base Camp Trek, and known previously as an Everest Summit Lodge property, is the conveniently located Om Kailash lodge. This basic but comfortable accommodation offers warm rooms, hot showers, mountain views, and an onsite restaurant and lounge.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Heli to Base Camp and on to Dhulikel

Helicopter at Kala Pathar, Everest

Get up close and personal to the world’s highest mountain today! After a hearty breakfast in Pangboche, wait in anticipation for the thumping sounds of an approaching helicopter. Board the helicopter and hold on tight as it lifts off and makes its way towards Everest itself. Fly close to the Khumbu icefall before stopping for a brief walkabout at Kala Pathar. After amazing views of the world’s highest mountain, head back towards Kathmandu, landing just outside in a village called Dhulikel.

Your next three nights are at Dwarika’s Resort. This resort offers stunning views of the Himalayas, and the architecture is a testament to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Inspired by traditional Newari style, the buildings are adorned with intricate wood carvings and terracotta facades, offering a glimpse into the region’s artistic legacy. With an organic farm on-site, meals at Dwarika’s are a real treat.

Accommodations: The Dwarika’s Resort, 3 nights

Set in the Himalayan foothills outside Kathmandu, this resort offers spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas. All rooms at Dwarika's Resort are in suite-style, and offer mountain views, climate control, WiFi, and have ensuite bathrooms. The resort offers a large outdoor swimming pool, yoga and meditation classes, a spa, a gym, a bar and lounge with 360-degree views, and multiple dining areas featuring organic ingredients grown at the onsite farm.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 9:

Free Day in Dhulikel

Painting class at Dwarika's Dhulikel

Today is a free day to relax and enjoy Dwarika’s. Visit the organic garden, embark on a hike, take part in a yoga or meditation session, or try your hand at a pottery, cooking, or mandala class.

Accommodations: The Dwarika’s Resort, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 10:

Namo Buddha

Namo Buddha monastery in Nepal

Visit one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage sites today. Meet your guide and driver after breakfast for a short drive to Namo Buddha. Immerse yourself in this revered pilgrimage site, visiting a monastery and witnessing the serene chanting of monks. Explore the monastery grounds and other significant sites within Namo Buddha before enjoying a leisurely walk through a local village. Return to Dwarika’s in time for lunch and a free afternoon.

Accommodations: The Dwarika’s Resort, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 11:

Departure

Wave farewell to the Himalaya as you transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Choose from a selection of carefully curated, best in class hotels to fit your individual travel style.

  • Consult with your Vaya Specialist and expand your trip to include more nights in Kathmandu or additional parts of Nepal, such as the remote region of Mustang or the jungles of Chitwan National Park.

  • Consider continuing on to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a mystical nation with fabulous hotels, welcoming locals, and amazing natural spaces.

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip!

Call us to start planning your journey today:

+1 (510) 335-8229

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