Hiking & Helicopters in Nepal: The Secret Path to Everest

Route
Kathmandu · Phakding · Monjo · Namche · Deboche · Kongde · EBC · Lukla · Kathmandu
May 18–Jun 2, 2025
16 Days, 15 Nights
Per Person
Lodges
Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu
Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Phakding Lodge
Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Monjo Lodge
Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Namche Lodge
Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Deboche Lodge
Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Kongde Lodge
Private Tented Camp, Everest Base Camp
Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Lukla Lodge

Venture to the “Roof of the World” on this new lodge-to-lodge trekking experience in Nepal. This small group journey, hosted by famed summiteer Jamling Tenzing Norgay, begins in Kathmandu and ascends via a lesser taken route to Everest Base Camp. The finest lodges available, courtesy of Mountain Lodges of Nepal, help elevate this special adventure, along with appearances from notable mountaineers, culinary delights, private touring, and stunning helicopter transfers. A private camp upon reaching EBC on Everest Day is the pièce de resistance to this incredible Himalayan trip. Only 12 spaces are available for this exclusive journey, which is suitable for couples, friends, and solo travelers.

Hike shorter days, but see more. This is the guiding philosophy behind this meticulously crafted trekking adventure, blending group travel with personalized service. With a world-class support team by your side, hike at your own pace, pausing whenever you wish to breathe in the scent of wild rhododendrons, take in epic Himalayan vistas, or to enjoy an impromptu picnic. 

TRAVEL THE PATH LESS TAKEN

Great care has been taken to enhance the typical route to Everest Base Camp, making this journey truly unique. Where most tour groups turn right, we turn left. Smart use of helicopters allows us to bypass the infamous 'Everest Highways', while at other times, we take the scenic route to explore more, visiting monasteries and temples to meet monks and experience ancient ceremonies and rituals. Instead of following the usual path through Tengboche, Periche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, we take a different approach, heading from Namche to Deboche and then onward to Kongde by helicopter before continuing to EBC. We believe this is the ultimate route to Everest Base Camp.

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THE SMARTER WAY TO EVEREST

Travel in comfort and style, with shorter hiking days made possible by strategic helicopter transfers. This approach allows our guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience—enjoying mountain vistas, hiking at their own pace, and relaxing in cozy lodges—while also granting access to more difficult-to-reach areas. It enables us to forge our own path to Everest Base Camp. Key helicopter jumps to Kongde and EBC help make this journey truly unique, maximizing your time and streamlining the adventure for an unparalleled experience.

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Born out of Mr. Dwarika Das Shrestha’s quest to preserve the Kathmandu Valley’s heritage, Dwarika’s Hotel is a sanctuary for the architectural grandeur of the Newari civilization. An oasis in the middle of a bustling city, Dwarika’s peaceful courtyards display the grand architectural wooden masterpieces while the meticulously decorated spacious rooms offer a sumptuous lifestyle deep-rooted in Nepalese culture.

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Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Phakding Lodge

Phakding Lodge perches at an altitude of 8,563 feet above sea level in an idyllic part of the Dudh Koshi river gorge, a 4-hour trek from Lukla. The lodge offers 18 spacious and cozy ensuite guest rooms finished in a combination of traditional Khumbu and modern style with lashings of natural wood. En-suite bathrooms, heated beds, and soft, clean sheets ensure your comfort, along with the spectacular view of the mountains. Lodge facilities include an airy sunroom, a small in-house library, a dining room that serves an a la carte menu, and a well-stocked bar.

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Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Monjo Lodge

Monjo Lodge is located on the edge of the Sagarmatha National Park, a day's journey from Namche Bazaar. The lodge is comprised of 11 cozy guest rooms with ensuite facilities and hot showers. Electric mats and a thermos of boiled water keep guests toasty on a chilly night. The dining hall serves hearty dishes made using organic vegetables grown in the property's own greenhouse. Yoga sessions are also available for guests to unwind amongst the natural surrounding splendors.

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Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Namche Lodge

Namche Lodge sits 11,286 feet upon 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 lodge is the ideal acclimatization station, a basecamp for cultural experiences, and spa treatments. The lodge offers warm, dry, spacious rooms with indulgent bathrooms and hot running water, each room furnished with Tibetan rugs and English linens, and stunning views of the town’s iconic C-shaped layout and the intensely close Kongde mountain across the valley.

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Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Deboche Lodge

The latest edition to Mountain Lodges of Nepal’s portfolio, Deboche Lodge is an inviting beyul on the way to the Everest Base Camp. Located at 3,820 meters, the upmarket Deboche Lodge offers a very cozy stay in quaint Deboche, a charming alternative to more busy stops along the Everest Base Camp trail. The lodge features 14 rooms, each well-equipped with electric blankets and ensuite bathrooms. Common areas include a dining room, lounge, and amenities such as wi-fi, laundry service, and a spa.

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Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Kongde Lodge

Kongde Lodge is the highest of Mountain Lodges at around 14,000 feet above sea level, also making this one of the highest hotels in the world. The property is comprised of just 12 guest rooms and offers incredible views of five of the world's highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyo, Gyajung Khang, and Ama Dablam. The lodge-style accommodations are designed in a mix of traditional Khumbu and modern styles, configured with either a king-size bed or two twin beds, all ensuite and with both hot and cold running water. To protect against the cold temperatures, an electric mat is provided in each bed and a thermos of hot boiled water is served in each room. For dining, guests can enjoy meals in the cozy dining room, where dishes are served which make use of organic vegetables grown in the property's greenhouse.

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Private Tented Camp
Everest Base Camp

Your private tented camp is the best equipped and most modern available at Everest Base Camp. Each private tent has a full bed and heated mattress with additional furnishing such as tables and chairs, and storage. Guests can expect a rustic yet comfortable experience, but suitable for those who have never gone camping or mountaineering before. Hot water is available in dining and shower tents. Wi-Fi is available so that you may video call your friends and family from the top of the world. 

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Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Lukla Lodge

At 9,318 feet, the Lukla Lodge lies at the very end of the Lukla Bazaar, a 10-minute walk from the airport. The lodge offers 20 sizeable rooms all having heated beds and private en-suite bathrooms with hot showers. The extravagant windows, both in guest rooms and common areas, boast deep wood frames that double as lounging spaces for admiring the spectacular sight of the Lukla Ri peaks. The lodge design combines Sherpa heritage with a contemporary Himalayan home, in wood, stone and glass. A grand Buddhist shrine fitted with prayer wheels centers the sprawling lobby, shared by a fully stocked bar. Upstairs, the dining room is indulgently ornate with traditional Sherpa murals on walls and ceilings.

Jamling Tenzing Norgay

Mountaineer & Explorer

Jamling Tenzing Norgay is an Indian-Nepali Sherpa Everest climber and mountain guide. He is also the son of Tenzing Norgay, who along with Sir Edmund Hillary, were the first men to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Retracing his father’s footsteps, Jamling Norgay summited Mount Everest in 1996, an experience documented in the 1998 IMAX film ‘Everest’. In 2002, Jamling Norgay and Peter Hillary, the son of Edmund Hillary, were part of an expedition to climb Everest and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent. Today he personally guides treks across peaks in Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Jamling Tenzing Norgay
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Your Own Private Everest

The dates have been carefully chosen by local Everest experts to coincide with the end of the trekking season in Nepal. This means by the time you reach your private camp at the apex of your journey, it is very unlikely other trekking groups will be present there and you will have Everest Base Camp to yourself. 

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Celebrate International Everest Day

Arrive at Everest Base Camp on International Everest Day, the anniversary of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary's historic summit in 1953. Celebrate this momentous occasion alongside Tenzing Norgay's son, acclaimed mountaineer Jamling Tenzing Norgay.

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Witness the Immensity of the Himalayas from the air

Experience three sublime and unforgettable helicopter flights in just one journey. Witness Himalayan landscapes of glaciers, sheer cliffs, and serrated summits from the air as you ascend from Deboche to remote Kongde, followed later by spectacular landing at Everest Base Camp itself, before descending through alpine valleys to picturesque Lukla. 

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World-Class Support Team

Up to 20 Sherpas, porters, and mountain experts will accompany you on the trek, bringing seasoned expertise and invaluable knowledge every step of the way. With a support team exceeding the number of guests, you'll receive exceptional, personalized service. Each couple or solo traveler will have their own porter allowing them to hike on their own or with the group, as they wish. Many of these guides are local Sherpas, who carry the spirit of Everest in their blood.

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Feasts & Picnics

Although this may be one of the planet’s most remote regions, no effort is spared in providing our guests with the fuel and nourishment needed for challenging treks. We believe that trekking shouldn’t mean compromising on comfort, so you'll enjoy lavish meals—both Nepali and Western options—served in cozy lodges, impromptu snacks along the way, and scenic champagne picnics. We've also arranged a celebratory meal at EBC itself so you can commemorate your achievement in style. 

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Lessons & Cultural Encounters

Throughout the trek, you'll encounter fascinating guests and speakers who will share their adventures over relaxed dinners and drinks. You'll also have the opportunity to meet practicing monks and high lamas in remote monasteries for special blessings, and experience traditional Sherpa welcomes. 

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Languid soirées complement challenging days

Challenging hikes during the days are tempered with relaxing evenings at the Mountain Lodges of Nepal where dinners, wine, and aperitifs lend a jovial atmosphere and a chance to socialize with fellow guests. Additionally, we’ve arranged welcome and farewell cocktail gatherings for you and your fellow travelers with special guests. 

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Blessings in the Mountains

Pause along your journey to get in touch with Nepal’s spirituality with a private puja performed by a senior lama at a remote and ancient monastery. An offering is made to the divine, and in return, the divine sees the worshipper. This ritual is a daily reminder of the link between the earthly and celestial worlds. 

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Meet A Living Goddess

In Kathmandu, experience an audience with the Kumari, a young girl revered and worshipped as a "living goddess" possessed by the goddess Taleju, or Durga. Receive a blessing from the Kumari and learn more about her unique role from her guardians.

Day 1–3

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KATHMANDU DWARIKA'S HOTEL

Day 1

Begin your journey in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be met off the plane and escorted through the airport with VIP arrival service. A private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel to check in.

Day 2 

Today is spent at leisure, an opportunity to rest and get your bearings before the adventure starts tomorrow. In the late afternoon, meet your fellow guests for a visit to a monastery for a special prayer ceremony and a private audience with the High Lama. Then, head to a local restaurant where you will meet your expedition leader for a lively welcome reception followed by multi-course Nepalese dinner.

Day 3

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Phakding Phakding Lodge

Day 3

Early this morning, take a flight to Lukla (2,840m). At Lukla Lodge, enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet your trekking crew who will help you gear up. Then, set off through the winding village to officially start the trek at the Khumbu ‘Gateway.’ Descend through rhododendron forests, farms, and charming hamlets as you follow the Dudh Koshi River on the trail to Phakding (2,610m). Arrive in time for a late lunch and relax the rest of the afternoon at the riverside Phakding Lodge or opt to explore the surrounding village. Come together this evening for drinks by the fire and dinner overlooking the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 4

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Day 4

After breakfast, set off on the trail which takes you along the left bank of the river and through blue pine and silver fir forest. A detour from the classic Everest Trail takes you through Sano Gumela and Thulo Gumela villages, and ascending to Rimishung Monastery, before rejoining the trail to Monjo. A gourmet picnic lunch at Benkar allows for time to rest and take in the view of Mt. Thamserku, enjoyed with a cup of fresh Himalayan coffee. End the day at Monjo Lodge (2,835m).

Day 5–7

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Day 5 

The trek continues to ascend, across suspension bridges, through a pine forest, and into Sagarmatha National Park. Today’s destination is Namche (3,440m), the main hub in the Khumbu region for mountaineers and from where you get the first view of Everest. After checking in at Namche Lodge, explore the charming Namche Bazaar which offers the international flavors of German bakeries, Italian coffee, British pubs and more.

Day 6

Today is reserved for acclimatizing to the altitude, an important part of mountaineering. Take the opportunity to explore Namche’s surrounds including a 1.5 hour hike up to Sagarmatha Next to learn about sustainability in the area. Continue on another 2-hour gentle hike to Khumjung village (3,750m), home to the Sir Edmund Hillary School built in 1961. Descend back to Namche and enjoy lunch and a rest.

Day 7–9

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Deboche Deboche Lodge

Day 7

Continue onward today along the Everest trail, lined by large chortens, prayer walls, and painted rock faces. The path curves around the ridge, descends into the valley, then heads back up through the rhododendron forest to Deboche. Quaint and quiet, Deboche village is perched at a height of 3,820m so count on a slower pace for today’s trek. A late lunch will be had in Phungi Thanga along the way, with arrival at the newly-built Deboche lodge before nightfall. This lodge offers a spa and laundry service - hard-sought luxuries along the trail.

Day 8

A steady pace and time to acclimatize is recommended when heading for the roof of the world. Today is spent reaching the heights around Deboche, starting with a 1.5 hour hike to the renowned Pangboche Gumba. Stop for a brief coffee break before continuing on a further 4-hour uphill hike to Pangboche Hill (4,600m) where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Island Peak. Relish the sight of these giants as you enjoy a light picnic lunch. Descend back down to Deboche and spend another night at the lodge.

Day 9–11

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Day 9

Today’s destination is Kongde at 4,250m. After breakfast, board a helicopter for a scenic flight amongst the unparalleled Himalayan backdrop. Rest up at Kongde Lodge and savor the 360-degree views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Cholatse, and other looming peaks.

Day 10

Bask in Kongde’s towering heights as you sit down for a full-service champagne breakfast at one of the world’s highest lodges with front-row panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks. Today is yet another day for acclimatizing. You may choose to take on a two-hour ascent to the small crystal-clear Kongde Lake which reflects the mountain range on its mirror surface, or alternatively opt for the Farak Ri, a 3-hour high-altitude trail (5,000m) offering spectacular distant views of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks.

Day 11–13

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Everest Base Camp Private Tented Camp

Day 11

Today is the day you touchdown at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) via helicopter. Here, hundreds of international mountaineers arrive each spring. It is both the endpoint for trekkers as well as the start for summiteers to rest and prepare to take on Mount Everest. Upon your arrival, the trekking season will have just ended and so the base camp will be exclusively yours. Although only summiteers on Everest expeditions are allowed to overnight at EBC, special permission will be secured for our group’s private access. The unique experience of solitude at EBC amidst the stunning and serene environment is a lifetime moment to remember. Enjoy a celebratory toast as your luxury camp gets set up and relax for the rest of the day as your body gets used to the dizzy heights.

Day 12

Hike to Pumori Base Camp (5,300m), 4-5 hours, 1.7km/1miTake it easy in the morning as you acclimatize to the heights at EBC and prepare for your short trek today to Pumori Base Camp where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori. THe camp is a perfect spot to explore the area and soak in the beauty of the Himalayas.

Day 13

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Day 13

After breakfast, a thrilling helicopter ride takes you on the descending journey back to Lukla (2,840m). Witness a birds-eye view of glaciers, lakes, and the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest along with views of Khumbu valley, monasteries, and stone hamlets. Settle in and enjoy the warm, welcome comforts of Lukla Lodge.

Day 14–16

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KATHMANDU DWARIKA'S HOTEL

Day 14

Bid farewell to the Himalayas as you fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m) this morning. In the afternoon, explore the capital city with your private car, driver, and guide. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century. Then head out to Patan city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history that stretches back to the third century BC. Also known as Lalitpur, this ancient city contains many beautiful monuments, including the stone temple of Lord Krishna and Tushahity, the Royal Bath. Here you will have the unique experience of meeting with Patan’s Kumari “living goddess,” followed by a blessing ceremony and chat with the goddess’s guardians. 

Day 15

This morning, visit Bhaktapur, the former capital of Nepal and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bhaktapur has remarkable examples of wood, stone and metal artwork, plus ornate ancient temples and perfectly preserved traditional architecture. Sites of note here include the intricately-carved Golden Gate and the Palace with Fifty-Five Windows. Then, return to the city and visit Kathmandu’s prominent holy sites, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At Pashupatinath temple, make your way to the ghats that line the river. Local Hindus cremate their dead at these burning ghats and the ashes are carried away by the water. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a final farewell reception and dinner with a special guest, an ex-Kumari, and live entertainment by a team of Tibetan performers.

Day 16

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer to the airport for your international flight home.