Travelling halfway around the world from Australia to Nepal is no small feat, but when you’re in search of an adventure as exhilarating as the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, every mile is worth it. My journey, I, L. Mani, alongside my friend Stev Neal, turned out to be a life-changing experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and physical challenges that tested our limits. Here’s a detailed account of our memorable Everest base camp trek experience.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
The adventure began as I touched down in Kathmandu, where my good friend, Suman Bhaniya, was waiting to greet me at the airport. Suman, who had organized our entire trek, brought me to our base for the next couple of days: the Green Horizon Hotel in Thamel.
Thamel’s bustling streets were an experience in themselves. We wandered through its vibrant alleys, stopping to enjoy the energetic atmosphere. The music spilling out of the clubs kept the energy alive, and the Nepali Gurkha beer turned out to be a delicious introduction to the local flavours. Thamel set the perfect tone for what was to come.
Day 2: Trek Preparation and Exploring Kathmandu
Our second day in Kathmandu was dedicated to preparing for our trek. We shopped for trekking equipment, making sure we had all the essentials for our Everest Base Camp adventure.
For lunch, we couldn’t resist trying some authentic Nepali momos paired with local tea. The momos were absolutely mouthwatering, and it was a perfect meal to fuel us for our upcoming journey. That evening, Stev and I packed our bags and went to bed with excitement and a bit of nervous anticipation for the trek ahead.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Our alarms went off at 4:30 am, and by 5:00 am, Suman had picked us up for our flight to Lukla. The flight itself was thrilling, offering jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan peaks and an adrenaline-pumping landing at Lukla’s famous, short runway.
The trek began from Lukla as we made our way to Phakding, a journey of around 3.5 hours. Though we started strong, the last stretch left our legs feeling the strain. Despite the fatigue, the excitement of being in the Himalayas kept our spirits high.
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day four was a true test of our endurance. We left Phakding at 7:00 am, embarking on a steep uphill trek to Namche Bazaar. The trail was filled with stunning wildlife and awe-inspiring views, but the constant uphill climb was gruelling.
At 11:00 am, we stopped for lunch in Mojo Jhorsalle, a much-needed break to refuel before tackling the final push to Namche. The last few hours were tough, but arriving in Namche at 1:00 pm was a moment of triumph. The sight of the colourful buildings and serene Buddha statues made every step worth it.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
We spent the day acclimatizing to Namche Bazaar’s altitude of 3,400 meters. It was a day of relaxation and short hikes. We trekked to a viewpoint above Namche, where we captured breathtaking photos of the surrounding valley and snow-capped peaks. The beauty of the region was indescribable.
Day 6: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
We were up early again, ready for a challenging day. The trek from Namche to Tengboche took around six hours, navigating a hilly trail lined with majestic mountains and lush greenery. By the time we arrived in Tengboche, exhaustion had set in.
Tengboche, at 3,800 meters, is home to the world’s highest monastery. The serenity of the place was calming, but I started experiencing altitude-induced headaches. Panadol came to the rescue, and I managed to get some rest, waking up to breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest.
Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche
The journey to Dingboche was strenuous, with an unrelenting uphill climb. We covered rocky paths, crossed suspension bridges, and fought against the fatigue setting in from trekking for six hours daily. We stopped for a traditional Nepali lunch, dhaal bhaat, at Somare, a simple yet energizing meal.
By the time we reached Dingboche, the cold winds and altitude were taking a toll on us. However, the camaraderie of fellow trekkers and new friends made the challenge feel more bearable.
Day 8: Rest Day in Dingboche
Altitude sickness hit me hard, and I spent the day resting and hydrating. The sunny weather lifted my spirits a bit, and we passed the time laughing and soaking in the stunning view of Ama Dablam. By the end of the day, we packed our gear, mentally preparing for the trek ahead.
Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche
We left Dingboche early, embarking on a six-hour trek to Lobuche. The trail offered unforgettable views of majestic peaks and deep valleys. Words can't capture the sheer beauty of the landscape—it’s something you have to witness to believe.
Along the way, we made a friend from India who added humour and camaraderie to our journey. We even stopped at the world’s highest bakery, situated at 5,000 meters, for a well-deserved break. The altitude and weather made the trek draining, but we pressed on.
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp
Day 10 was the highlight. We braved the freezing temperatures, starting our hike to Gorakshep early. The trail was steady but demanding. After a short break in Gorakshep, we continued to Everest Base Camp, finally arriving two hours later.
Standing at Everest Base Camp was surreal. Despite battling altitude sickness, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. The majestic mountains surrounding us made every moment unforgettable.
Day 11: Sunrise at Kala Patthar
We woke up at 4:00 am for our ascent to Kala Patthar. The temperature had plunged below -10 degrees, but the sight of the sun rising over Mount Everest made it all worthwhile. Reaching the summit at 7:00 am was a moment of pure joy, and the views were nothing short of magnificent. then we back from helicopter to kathmandu .A big thanks to Suman Bhaniya and Lets Trek Himalayas for making this experience unforgettable.
Day 12: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After returning to Kathmandu, we spent our final day sightseeing. We visited the Pashupatinath Temple and the Boudhanath Stupa, both rich in history and spirituality. The rituals at Pashupatinath were eye-opening, and the beauty of Boudhanath was captivating. We rounded off our day with lunch at the Himalayan Java Coffee Café, savouring every last moment of our time in Nepal.
Final Thoughts
My Everest Base Camp trek experience was an adventure of a lifetime. The physical and mental challenges were immense, but the rewards—breathtaking views, cultural immersion, and lifelong memories—made it all worth it. This journey, organized by Lets Trek Himalayas and guided by the incredible Suman Bhaniya, is something I will always treasure. For anyone considering the trek, prepare to be awed, tested, and forever changed.
