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Everest Signature Lodge Trek and Helicopter Tour

  • 10 days
  • moderate
  • Up to 12
  • Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
4.9

We combine luxury mountain lodges with private helicopter flights and scenic trekking through Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region.

At a glance

Trip overview

Our Everest Signature Lodge Trek offers a refined way to experience Nepal's high Khumbu region without sacrificing comfort. By combining carefully scheduled trekking days with private helicopter transfers, we provide access to remote mountain viewpoints and historic settlements while staying in some of the finest lodges available in the Himalayas.

This journey suits travelers who appreciate a balance of physical trekking and high-end mountain hospitality. We traverse traditional Sherpa communities, pine and rhododendron forests, and alpine ridgelines, all while maintaining a measured pace designed to support safe acclimatisation up to our high point at Kala Patthar.

We begin our journey in Kathmandu with heritage lodgings before flying directly into the mountains. As we walk from Kongde toward Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, our experienced Sherpa guides share deep insight into local Buddhist traditions and mountaineering history, ensuring a grounded and culturally respectful exploration of the Everest region.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — gallery 1

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Kala Patthar Landing

    We land by private helicopter at 5,545 m for close-range views of Mount Everest and the Khumbu Glacier.

  • Everest View Hotel

    We stay at one of the highest luxury hotels in the world, offering sweeping vistas of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest.

  • Sherpa Cultural Heritage

    We explore traditional settlements such as Khumjung and Mende alongside the market hub of Namche Bazaar.

  • Tengboche Monastery

    We visit the spiritual center of the Khumbu region, set upon a forested ridge surrounded by Himalayan giants.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our representative meets our team members upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to Dwarika’s Hotel. The remainder of the day is spent resting or exploring the traditional Newari woodwork and quiet courtyards of the property.

Day 2

Cultural Tour in Kathmandu Valley

Meals: B / L / D

Today we take a private guided walk through two major spiritual sites of the valley. We visit the Hindu temple grounds at Pashupatinath along the Bagmati River, followed by the vast Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath.

Day 3

Helicopter Flight to Kongde Resort

Meals: B / L / D

We board a private helicopter in Kathmandu for a 45-minute flight across the middle hills and into the Khumbu region. We land at Kongde Resort (3,840 m) on a high ridge above the Dudh Koshi Valley, spending the afternoon on short walks for initial acclimatisation.

Day 4

Kongde to Mende

Meals: B / L / D

Our walk today follows peaceful ridge trails through alpine vegetation and small settlements over 4 to 5 hours. We cover 4 to 5 km at a gradual pace before reaching Mende (3,736 m) for our night at Everest Summit Lodge.

Day 5

Mende to Namche Bazaar

Meals: B / L / D

We descend gradually along scenic ridge contours with views stretching down the valley toward Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). The walk takes 3 to 4 hours over 6 to 7 km, bringing us to Yeti Mountain Home in the vibrant trade center of the Sherpa community.

Day 6

Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar

Meals: B / L / D

We spend today supporting our bodies' adjustment to 3,440 m elevation with a morning walk to high viewpoints overlooking Everest and Lhotse. We also visit the local Sherpa Museum to study regional mountaineering history before an afternoon free for rest.

Day 7

Namche Bazaar to Everest View Hotel

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, our trail climbs steadily through pine woods above Namche toward the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m). This 2-hour walk covers 3 to 4 km and rewards our efforts with clear panoramas of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Everest from the lodge terrace.

Day 8

Everest View Hotel to Tengboche

Meals: B / L / D

Today we trek 7 to 8 km over 4 to 5 hours, passing through Khumjung village before dropping into the pine and rhododendron forest at Phortse Tenga. We cross the suspension bridge and climb the final stone steps to reach Tengboche Monastery (3,780 m).

Day 9

Helicopter to Kala Patthar and Return to Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

An early morning private helicopter picks us up for a 2 to 2.5-hour flight loop. We land briefly at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for close photographs of the Khumbu Icefall and Everest Base Camp before flying back to Kathmandu for a final night at Dwarika's Hotel.

Day 10

Departure from Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our team provides a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to your scheduled international departure flight, concluding our services.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Two nights at Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Private helicopter transfers and flights as per itinerary
  • Luxury lodge accommodation on trek on twin-share basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while on trek
  • Experienced Sherpa guide and necessary support staff
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and local area fees

Not included

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee obtained on arrival
  • Travel insurance covering high-altitude helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, and device charging
  • Tipping for guides and support staff

Before you go

Good to know

Altitude & acclimatisation

Our itinerary reaches a maximum altitude of 5,545 m at Kala Patthar via helicopter, while our highest sleeping elevation is 3,880 m at the Everest View Hotel. We include balanced walking distances and an acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar to minimize altitude-related risks.

Accommodation standards

We house our team in heritage properties in Kathmandu and carefully selected luxury mountain lodges on the trek, including Yeti Mountain Home, Everest Summit Lodge, and Kongde Resort, all featuring twin-share rooms and attached bathrooms where available.

Fitness expectations

While this is a luxury-tier lodge trek, daily walks still require standard cardiovascular endurance over uneven mountain terrain lasting 2 to 5 hours. Previous multi-day hiking experience is recommended.

Weather and mountain flights

Himalayan weather patterns can shift rapidly, occasionally affecting helicopter schedules. Our experienced guides manage all logistics flexibly to ensure safe execution of all transfers.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — route map

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — altitude profile

Pack list

What to pack

  • Sturdy trekking bootsEssential

    Footwear

    Ankle-supportive boots broken in prior to arrival.

  • Down jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Rated for sub-zero alpine temperatures.

  • Thermal base layersEssential

    Clothing

    Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking tops and bottoms.

  • Trekking polesEssential

    Safety

    Collapsible poles to reduce joint impact on stone stairways.

  • UV-protection sunglassesEssential

    Safety

    Cat 3 or Cat 4 lenses for high-altitude glare.

  • Reusable water bottleEssential

    Camping

    Paired with purification tablets or drops.

  • Valid passport and insurance papersEssential

    Documents

    Must include proof of emergency rescue coverage.

  • Daypack (30–40 L)Essential

    Camping

    For carrying daily layers, water, and camera gear.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

    Permit

    Required for entering the protected national park area in the Khumbu region.

  • Local Area Fee

    Permit

    Local rural municipality fee supporting trail maintenance and community services.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?

Our maximum altitude is 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, which we visit via a brief private helicopter landing.

What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?

We stay in high-end mountain lodges including Yeti Mountain Home, Everest Summit Lodge, Kongde Resort, and the Everest View Hotel.

Do I need previous trekking experience?

Yes, although the daily walks are short (2 to 5 hours), familiarity with multi-day hiking and uneven terrain is important for comfort at altitude.

What permits are required for this route?

We arrange the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and local government fees as part of our package.

How are medical emergencies handled?

Our lead guides carry first aid kits and maintain communication with our Kathmandu office to coordinate emergency helicopter evacuation if required.

Are meals included throughout the trip?

Breakfast is included in Kathmandu, while three full meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided during all days on the trek.

Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.

Book your trip

Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
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