Everest Heli Trek Tour

An elite adventure, this trip takes you to Khumbu Himal, the homeland of Nepal’s tough mountain tribe, the Sherpas. Trek to Sherpa villages that lie under the shadows of some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, and take an exciting Heli tour to Kala Patthar (5242m), at the base of Mount Everest.

After arriving in Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla, the “Gateway of Everest.” We trek for two days, taking in the wonderful mountain scenery and Sherpa culture, with stopovers at the Sherpa villages of Phakding and Namche, finally arriving at Shyangboche – the site of the world’s highest skydiving adventure, Everest Skydive.

At Shyangboche, we board a waiting Fishtail Air helicopter for our Heli tour and fly over the towering Himalayan giants: Ama Dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6608m), Kantega (6685m), Lhotse (8501m), Nuptse (7879m), and then enter Mount Everest’s Western Cwm – a broad, flat, gently undulating glacial valley terminating at the foot of the Lhotse Face.

The Western Cwm, also known as the “Valley of Silence,” is traversed by climbers using the southeast route to the summit of Everest. The view of the mesmerising Gokyo Lake from aboard the helicopter is simply breathtaking.

We stop briefly at Kala Patthar (5545m) – one of the finest viewpoints from which to see Mount Everest up close and also the site of the world’s highest cabinet meeting (held on December 4, 2009). After exploring and taking pictures, we leave Kala Patthar and fly towards Kongde Ri (4200m), home to the world’s highest full-service luxury resort – Yeti Mountain Home, Kongde.

At the resort, we sit outdoors enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains and celebrate the completion of our Everest adventure over champagne and a sumptuous breakfast – a fitting finale to a wonderful and memorable trip. After the meal, we take the return flight to Kathmandu.

Throughout your trek, you will be accommodated at Yeti Mountain Homes, a chain of high-end luxury resorts. In Kathmandu, your stay will be at the serene Gokarna Forest Resort.

TRIP FACTS:

Trip length: 5 nights / 6 days
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Activities: Heli tour, Cultural Tour
Accommodation: High-end Hotels & Resorts
Maximum Altitude: 5242m

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Trek to Khumbu – the Sherpa homeland at the foothills of Mount Everest

Heli tour – Fly over some of the tallest peaks in the world and Mt. Everest’s Western Cwm, a magical glacial valley known as the Valley of Silence

Helicopter transfer from Syangboche – the site of the world’s highest skydiving event

Stopovers at Kala Patthar (site of the world’s highest cabinet meeting) and at the world’s highest luxury resort, Yeti Mountain Home, Kongde

Champagne breakfast at Yeti Mountain Home, Kongde

Guided tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Accommodation at high-altitude luxury resorts – Yeti Mountain Homes – and at Gokarna Forest Resort, Nepal’s only golf resort

OUTLINE ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu; Transfer to Gokarna Forest Resort

Day 02: Fly to Lukla (2800m), Trek to Phakding (2656m) / Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

Day 03: Trek to Namche (3450m) / Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

Day 04: Trek to Shyangboche (3720m) – Heli tour to Kala Patthar (5242m) & Kongde (4200m) – Return to Kathmandu

Day 05: Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu

Day 06: Depart Kathmandu

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu; Transfer to Gokarna Forest Resort

Flying into Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is an exciting and memorable experience, with exotic panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks sprawling before you.

We will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

Gokarna Forest Resort, Nepal’s only golf resort, is located just a few minutes’ drive from the airport in a quiet suburb of Kathmandu. The resort is set amidst the lush greenery of Gokarna Forest, once the traditional hunting grounds of Nepalese royalty.

Tucked into a peaceful corner of the resort is ‘The Hunter's Lodge,’ which once housed the Shikaris (hunting party) accompanying the royal family. Over 120 years old, the building has been carefully restored and now houses a quaint restaurant and bar. The resort features world-class accommodation, a spa, and an international standard golf course.

Day 02: Fly to Lukla (2800m) & Trek to Phakding / Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

The 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a thrilling experience. The airport here was built by Sir Edmund Hillary. Lukla is a lively Sherpa village filled with trekkers from around the world heading towards Everest.

After meeting our guide, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley to Phakding. The village is the first overnight stop for trekkers in this region. At its centre stands Rimijung Monastery, established in the 16th century. Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home in Phakding.

Day 03: Trek to Namche / Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

From Phakding, we cross the Dudh Koshi River multiple times on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo lies the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, established to preserve the fragile mountain environment. A steep hike takes us to Namche.

If the weather is clear, we get our first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Namche is the trading capital of the Khumbu region. Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home.

Day 04: Trek to Shyangboche – Heli Tour to Kala Patthar – Fly to Kongde Resort – Return to Kathmandu

We rise early and hike to Shyangboche, located above Namche and known for hosting the world’s highest skydiving event. After admiring the panoramic views, we board the helicopter and fly to Kala Patthar. Here, we enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Everest and the Gokyo Lakes.

From here, we fly towards Kongde, home to the world’s highest full-service luxury resort, Yeti Mountain Home, Kongde. At 4200m, the resort offers extraordinary views of Everest and Lhotse. We enjoy breakfast with champagne before flying back to Kathmandu.

Day 05: Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu

A half-day guided tour takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), and the medieval palace square of the Malla dynasty at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight at Gokarna Resort.

Day 06: Depart Kathmandu

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Optional tours can be arranged, including wildlife safaris, rafting trips, mountain biking, or Tibet tours.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Accommodation: 3 nights at a five-star hotel in Kathmandu; 1 night each at Yeti Mountain Home in Phakding and Namche

Breakfast with champagne at Yeti Mountain Home, Kongde

Kathmandu–Lukla airfare

Arrival and departure transfers

TIMS & National Park permit

English-speaking trekking guide and porters

Everest heli tour

Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with entry fees

Farewell dinner with a cultural program

Equipment and clothing for staff and porters

Staff & porter insurance

PRICE EXCLUDES:

Nepal visa

International airfare

Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu

Meals during the trek

Personal gear & clothing (available for hire)

Tips and expenses due to emergency evacuation/roadblocks

Drinks, snacks

Medical treatment

Travel insurance