Although five days isn’t enough time to embark on the full Everest Base Camp trek, you can experience the highlights of the Everest region on a five-day Namche Trek and Helicopter Tour. Trek the first couple of days of the EBC route, and then fast-track the rest of the way via a helicopter tour.
Trip Highlights
- Experience adventurous trekking and awe-striking helicopter tour in the Khumbu region within three days
- Get introduced to the unique Sherpa culture and traditions in the villages of Phakding, Jorsale, and Monjo
- Explore Namche Bazaar, the hub of the Khumbu region, and wander around the market
- Visit the Namche Monastery of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
- Chance to spot rare species of mammals and birds in the Sagarmatha National Park; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected area
- Walk in the lush subalpine forest of pine, juniper, Himalayan Birch, and Rhododendron
- Panoramic views of Mt. Everest and surrounding 8000m high mountains from a helicopter
- Close-up views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kantega from Everest Base Camp
- Visit the cultural heritage and spiritual sites in Kathmandu city
- Enjoy a scenic flight to Lukla with a bird’s eye view of rivers, hills, and snow-capped mountains
Trip Overviews
Namche Bazaar Trek with Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is an excellent way to explore the beautiful Himalayas of northeastern Nepal while getting a close-up view of Mt. Everest. The trek traverses to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,284 ft) in as little as three days, then flies off to the mountains for a stop at the maximum altitude of 5,364m/17,594ft at Everest Base Camp. The stunning views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other peaks, as well as an introduction to Sherpa villages, are the trek’s main highlights.
After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, the journey begins in Kathmandu. The afternoon can be spent on a cultural tour. Explore the historically significant Kathmandu Durbar Square or the world-renowned Swayabhunath Stupa. The second day begins with a flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Following landing, the trek to Phakding village in the Dudh Koshi river valley begins
The third day’s trek takes you to Namche Bazaar. The trek begins in Sagarmatha National Park at the Monjo village checkpoint and continues to Jorsale village, Topo Danda, and Namche settlement. The afternoon and evening are dedicated to exploring the market, monastery, and surrounding areas.
On the fourth day, a helicopter flight from Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp is taken while flying close to the world’s highest mountains. After a brief exploration stop at the Base Camp, the helicopter flight returns to Kathmandu. Spend the evening shopping for souvenirs and having a good time in town. The fifth day of the trip sees us depart for the international airport in preparation for our return home.
Want to know more?
Viber / WhatsApp | 9864014537 |
Kathmandu office | 01-4439962, 01-4439963 |
Price |
Trip Itinerary Brief
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
Day-1 | Welcome to Kathmandu! | Kathmandu |
Day-2 | Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (8,563 feet / 2,610 m) | Phakding |
Day-3 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet / 3,440 m) | Namche Bazaar |
Day-4 | Everest Helicopter Tour from Namche, Fly back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day-5 | Depart Kathmandu | – |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
Fly into Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, with a scenic view of the high Himalayas and green hills as you land at the airport. After clearing customs, proceed to the terminal, where a representative from Third Rock Adventures will greet you. You will be transferred to your hotel in the city’s tourist district, Thamel.
After settling in, you can opt to relax at your hotel or can explore what the mythical city has to offer. If you are drawn by history, you can visit the age-old Kathmandu Durbar Square in the city, also called Freak street or Basantapur. There you can explore the narrow alleyways sprouting with temples, local pubs, and Shah dynasty Palace, which has now been turned into a museum. Alternatively, if you are more spiritual, you can head to the Swayambhunath stupa located atop a hill in the city’s west. While the stupa itself is mesmerizing, you will most certainly enjoy the views of the sunset and the wide-angle view of the city.
In the evening, try your first authentic Nepali meal at one of the many restaurants and pubs in the area.
Stay in a hotel in Kathmandu for the night.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (8,563 feet / 2,610 m)
You’ll be woken up early in the morning with a delicious, filling breakfast. On this day, you will fly to Lukla, in the Khumbu region. The 35-minute flight takes you by surprise as you get a bird’s-eye view of rivers, forests, hills, and, eventually, some of the world’s tallest mountains. One of the most thrilling experiences is landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport.
After landing, you will begin your short journey to Phakding village. Because the snowy terrain is so different from Kathmandu, the experience is unique. Along the way, you’ll pass through Chaurikharka village and follow the Dudh Koshi River. You will come across Khumbila, an unclimbed sacred peak revered by the ethnic Sherpa community. After a few steps along the stone-paved road, you will arrive at Phakding village, which is primarily populated by the Sherpa community. It’s surreal to feel the cold mountain wind on your face as you walk to the village, which is beautifully decorated with prayer flags. Unpack your belongings, settle in, and share a cup of hot butter tea with the locals.
Stay in Phakding Village for the night.
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet / 3,440 m)
You will trek to Namche Bazaar, the long-awaited highlight of the trek. The first leg of the journey takes you up a steady and steep incline. Cross the Dudh Koshi River via a suspension bridge into a dense forest of pine and rhododendron. The green trail leads to the village of Monjo. A little further on, you’ll cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge to the Monjo checkpoint, which serves as the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Your guide will prepare all of the necessary documents.
Walking ahead, you will catch your first glimpse of Mt. Everest, which is a sight for sore eyes. You’ll head to Jorsale village, where you’ll stop for some much-needed lunch. You will be able to see pine-tree plantations as well as honeycombs on the way. After lunch, make the steep ascent to Tope Danda, which offers views of the Namche settlement below. A short distance away will take you to Namche Bazaar, which is very different from the peaceful villages you saw the day before.
Namche comes alive in the evening and offers a wide range of basic to standard amenities such as ATMs, bakeries, coffee shops, and even clothing stores. In addition, the Khumbu region’s hub serves as the beginning and endpoint for many treks and expeditions in the region. There are a lot of hikers who spend the night here. The Saturday market attracts Tibetan Yak caravans as well as Hindu traders selling their wares from various towns and villages. You can continue to Namche Monastery and relax while spinning prayer wheels with a view of Kongde Ri (6,187m). As the sun sets, Mt. Everest glows with radiance. In the evening, while enjoying local dishes in tea houses and cafes, you can interact with locals and other trekkers.
Stay the night in Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Everest Helicopter Tour from Namche, Fly back to Kathmandu
After a wonderful day in Namche, another adventure awaits. Pack all of your belongings and dress warmly. On this day, you will lavishly enjoy a helicopter ride over the world’s highest mountains! Following breakfast in Namche, you will board a private helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp.
Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft), Thamserku (6,608m/21,680ft), Kantega (6,782m/22,251ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), and Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft) appear for the first time. The crown jewel, Mt. Everest, stands at 8848.86m/29031.7ft and is the highest mountain in the world.
You will be dropped off at the Everest Base Camp for 15 minutes before setting foot on the highest mountain’s lap. Mt. Everest’s summit cannot be seen from its base camp. The weather is bitterly cold in this area, but the scenic views of snow-capped mountains enchant you. After a short time, you will board the helicopter and be flown to Kathmandu. The flight back is also very interesting, as you leave behind the snow-covered Dudh Koshi Valley, green hills, and a city area.
When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a hotel where you can rest. In the afternoon, you can visit local restaurants to sample Nepalese cuisine and purchase souvenirs to take home. You can go to a pub with your friends and crew in the evening.
Stay in a hotel in Kathmandu for the night.
Day 5: Final Departure from Kathmandu
On this day, you will bid farewell to Nepal. After breakfast, you will be dropped off at the international terminal by our representatives, who will bid you a fond farewell. You will bring back memories of setting foot on the lap of the world’s highest mountain. If you want to extend your stay or come back, please contact us for an exciting and heartwarming travel memory in Nepal.