| Destination | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Activity | Everest Treks |
| Accomodation | Yeti Mountain Home during the trek |
| Region | Everest Region |
| Start / End point | Kathmandu / Kathmandu |
| Duration | 5 Days |
| Max. Altitude | 5,555m at Kalapatthar |
| Meals Included | All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek |
| Group size | 2-12 |
| Nature of Trek | Lodge to Lodge Trekking |
| Best Season | Feb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec |
| Trip Code | DWTH05 |
| Activity Per Day | Approximately 4-6 hrs walking |
| Transportation | Domestic flight (lukla-Ktm-Lukla), Helicopter Tour (from Namche to EBC, Kalapatthar & fly back to Lukla), and private vehicle (Transportation) |
| Grade | Easy |
About the Trip
Everest is the prime destination for trekkers, nature lovers, mountaineers, and adventurers. Classical treks to Everest Base Camp are quite challenging and require several days or even weeks. Everyone may not have that determination or time to complete classic Everest treks, but they too want to see Everest. Hence, we have prepared an easy five-day Everest Base Camp trek where you will be reaching Everest Base Camp on a helicopter. From the helicopter, you will get stunning views of Khumbu Glacier and many mountains - including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463m).
Highlights
- The most exquisite yet beautiful flights Kathmandu-Lukla- Kathmandu
- A light hike to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest
- A scenic and thrilling helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp
- Get acquainted with the Sherpa culture and lifestyle.
- Graceful views of the world’s highest peaks, Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463m)
- Khumbu Glacier
- Savor the astounding beauty of the Khumbu Icefall (5,486m)
Benefits of trekking to Everest Base Camp with DWT
- Free pick up & drop off from airport to hotel and vice versa in a private vehicle.
- Our trek crew carries medical kits to face any situation.
- We use oximeters to monitor the blood oxygen saturation level at high altitudes. It can detect early signs of altitude sickness.
- Down jackets and sleeping bags arrangements if you do not have your own.
- We offer free excess luggage storage at Discovery World Trekking store during the trek.
Comprehensive Overview
This package is for those looking for a crisp and refreshing journey to Everest Base Camp - mainly on a helicopter. You will be staying a total of three days in Phakding and Namche Bazaar, where you can familiarize yourself with Sherpa culture and tradition. As you will be covering the higher trek elevations in a helicopter, your trek will be very comfortable.
The trek starts with an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, you will take a short hike to Phakding (2,650m). The following morning we head to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) - the gateway to Everest. The hike will be pleasurable and exciting as we will be traversing several bridges - including the Hillary Suspension Bridge before reaching Namche.
We will spend one day acclimatizing in Namche before heading to Everest Base Camp on a helicopter. However, we will not be staying idle in Namche. We can hike to Sagarmatha National Park and/or Khumjung. People believe that the Khumjung monastery houses a yeti scalp. You can also visit Syangboche Airport (3,780m) - one of the highest airports in the world. If you want to see Everest, you need to hike up to Everest Hotel.
After an acclimatization day at Namche, we head to the Everest Base Camp on a helicopter. The flight is thrilling and filled with unquestionably beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and high-altitude villages. As you look down from the helicopter you will get a bird's eye view of the whole Everest region - including Gokyo lakes and other high passes. The helicopter will land in Kala Patthar (5,555m). Kala Patthar Viewpoint provides up-close and panoramic views of Everest and other high mountains.
Even though you might think Everest Base Camp seems to be the perfect place to view Everest, it is not true. You cannot see Mount. Everest from Everest Base Camp, so Kala Patthar is the favored place for viewing Everest and surrounding areas. After enjoying the views from Kala Patthar, we head back to Lukla on the helicopter. The next day, we will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
This trip is for everyone who wants to see the world's highest mountain with minimal effort and within a few days.
We advise all our valuable clients to arrive at Kathmandu airport before three pm at least one day before the trek departure date to attend the trip briefing. During the trip briefing, we will provide you with vital information about the trek, and also check your luggage to ensure that you are bringing all essentials. Further, we advise you to add one or two days extra for the trek because there are chances that flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or from Lukla to Kathmandu gets delayed or canceled due to bad weather. We do not want you to miss your international flight back home because of this delay.
Photos & Videos
Day to Day Itinerary
- day 1
Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft) Trek to Phakding (2650m / 8562ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 6.2km / 3.8miles Flight Hours 40 Minutes Highest Altitude 2,850m / 9,350ft Trek Duration 3 hours We start our journey to the Everest region by taking a 40-minute scenic flight to Lukla. After landing in Lukla, you will take a short hike to Phakding while passing Chaurikharka Village on the way.
Phakding is the starting point for Everest treks, and at the Phakding market, you can find everything required for the trek. It also has modern restaurants and cafes that are Wi-Fi-linked. Phakding also houses many monasteries - including Rimishung Monastery, which we will not miss visiting.
- Overnight stay at Yeti Mountain Home
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day 2
Trek from Phakding (2,650m / 8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 7.4km / 4.6miles Highest Altitude 3,440m / 11,285ft Trek Duration 6 hours We start the hike early in the morning along the northern banks of the Dudh Koshi River and take it slow to reach our destination, Namche Bazaar. As you trek ahead, you will be crossing several prayer flags ornamented suspension bridges - including Hillary Bridge - that will make your trek exciting. Eventually, you will reach Monjo village and then Sagarmatha National Park.
We will be registering our permit at the Sagarmatha National Park and then climb up the forest from where you will get to enjoy the first glimpses of mt. Everest. Through the woods and stone-paved way, we finally reach Namche Bazar. Namche Bazaar is one of the most happening places in the Everest region. The lively atmosphere and the heartwarming hospitality of the Sherpas will make your stay very pleasant.
- Overnight stay at Yeti Mountain Home
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day 3
Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
We stay at Namche Bazar for another day to acclimatize to the altitude. However, we will not be staying idle. We will explore Namche Bazaar as we immerse ourselves in its beauty. If you want, you can hike to Sagarmatha National Park or Khumjung (3,790m) or Khunde. We will also be visiting Hillary School and old monasteries on the way to Khumjung.
Namche, without a doubt, offers a lot of hidden wonders. A must-not-miss place is the Syangboche airport (3,780m), one of the highest airports in the world. If you want to get excellent views of Everest, you have the option to hike to the Everest View Hotel. We conclude our day enjoying the exquisiteness of Namche Bazaar and eating the delicious, authentic Sherpa cuisine.
- Overnight stay at Yeti Mountain Home
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day 4
Heli flight from Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft) / Kala Patthar(5,555m / 18,208ft) and fly back to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)
We start the day as early as possible to savor the beauty of sun-rays kissing Mount Everest. We board a helicopter and fly from Namche Bazaar over Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Glacier to Kala Patthar (5,555m) - the highest altitude point of our trip. We will fly very near to the Everest Base Camp, providing you enough time to appreciate Everest Base Camp.
Mount Everest (8,848m) hides behind Mount Lhotse (8,516m), so we reach Kalapatthar to witness the mighty Everest and other alluring Himalayan peaks.
We spend quality time at Kala Patthar amidst the serenity of the world's highest mountains while enjoying the incredible scenery. After savoring the views to the heart's content, we fly back to Lukla and spend the night at Lukla.
- Overnight stay at Yeti Mountain Home
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day 5
Fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) from Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft) - 40 minutes.
Itinerary Facts Flight Hours 40 minutes After breakfast, we enjoy the views of the mighty Himalayas - one last time - before flying back to Kathmandu. We hope your flight will be pleasant as you look back on the new memories you formed during the trek. Your trek ends in Kathmandu. However, if you want, we can show you notable sites in and around Kathmandu.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
What is included?
- Pick up & drop off from airport to hotel and vice versa in a private vehicle
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu) tickets and airport departure taxes
- Helicopter flight from Namche - Kala Patthar (Everest Base Camp) back to Lukla
- Accommodations: Four nights luxury accommodation (Yeti Mountain Home) at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche (2N)
- Meals: four breakfasts, four dinners, and four lunches at Yeti Mountain Home in trek regions. One breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Government licensed English-speaking Discovery World Trekking experienced trek leader /guide and porters to help trekkers luggage. (luggage weight limit 9 kg per trekker)
- Guides and porters costs - their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight, and other necessary equipment like duffle bags, etc
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
- Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Arrangement of sleeping bags and Down jackets if you do not have your own
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Medical kits
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Pulse oximeters to monitor the blood oxygen saturation level at high altitudes to recognize early signs of altitude sickness and other potential health risks
- Souvenir - a company's T-shirt & cap
- Discovery World Trekking trek appreciation certificate after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek
What is excluded?
- International flight airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees for multiple entries at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Excess baggage charges (Limit is 9 kg luggage per trekker)
- All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boil bottled water, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee), extra porters, etc.
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance, which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside our control, for example, landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
- All costs and expenses not listed in "What is included?" will be counted as excluding costs
Route Map
Equipment Checklist
Equipment list for Everest Base Camp Trek
We recommend you to carry the basic clothing and accessories for the trek. Although we understand that you have your preferences, here is a list to help you pack your things for the trek. Porters will carry your luggage, but your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. You can buy equipment in Kathmandu at reasonable prices.
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
- Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-Shirt (bring Lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene underwear
- Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
Footwear
- Hiking Boots
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not).
- Thermal bottle
- Water purification
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in high altitude trekking)
Toiletries
- Medium size drying towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant floss
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
Extra items
- First aid kit
- Extra passport photos and passport photocopies
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
Trip Information
Journey start
You will arrive in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport - the only international airport. You require at least one overnight stay in Kathmandu, but this package does not include it. On the trek departure day, you will take a domestic flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla. The flight will last about 40-minutes.
This package includes Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu flights.
Complimentary airport transfer
We provide free airport to hotel transfer during arrival and vice-a-versa during your departure. Upon arrival, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name on it. They will present you with a Khada or a marigold garland and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. Please email us your arrival and departure dates beforehand to take advantage of this service.
Accommodation details
This Everest Heli trek includes four nights luxury lodge stay at Yeti Mountain Home in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche. You will require at least two night stays in Kathmandu, but this package does not include this. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and your interest. We prefer your choice.
The Meals
During this luxury helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp, you will get nutritious and delicious meals. Mostly the breakfasts, lunches, and dinners will be buffets. You will have plenty of options, and you will most probably find your favorite foods.
All personal bills (alcoholic, hot (tea/coffee), and cold drinks) in tea houses/ lodges or cafes are excluded from the package.
Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The weather is the most important factor you need to consider while deciding for a helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp. You can find weather predictions at Everest Base Camp online, but there is no certainty because weather changes quickly in high altitudes.
People trek to Everest base camp throughout the year, but trekking in certain seasons is much more favorable. Autumn and spring skies are crystal clear from dusk to dawn, and there is no rain, and the temperatures are just right, letting you enjoy the stunning views of high mountains and other landscapes.
The temperatures are low in winter and there is heavy snowfall in trek regions making Everest Base Camp treks challenging. Similarly, the summer season in Nepal coincides with the monsoon, and the trails can be wet and slippery. Here is a summary of monthly weather conditions at the high trek altitudes.
January to February
This is the coldest time, especially from early January to early February. There is heavy snowfall in the mountains resulting in extremely cold temperatures. Though the daytime may be warm and admirable with clear skies, the nighttime would be extremely cold. Trek is challenging but not impossible. We organize treks during these months as well. However, if you are allergic to colds, we do not recommend you this trek during these months.
Temperature: 15°C to -15°C.
March to April
It is one of the best times to hike to the Everest Base Camp. The weather is very favorable, letting you enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas ranges and glaciers. March being the beginning of the spring season, the weather starts to warm up. All flora and fauna dormant throughout the winter come back to life- feeding, thriving, and breeding in the sun-kissed temperatures. Temperatures start increasing from the mid of March, and with clear skies, snow mountains look their best. Many trekkers complete this trek during these months.
Temperature: 18 °C to -12 °C.
May to June
These months are also favorable for trekking - just before the monsoon becomes active. Rainfall starts from the end of June and lasts till mid-August. The mix of spring and summer seasons makes Everest Base Camp treks very attractive at this time.
Temperature: 25°C to -5°C.
July to August
The rainfall hits its peak at elevations below 3500 meters. Due to heavy rain, flights to Lukla may get canceled at the beginning or end of the trek, but trekkers trek to Everest Base Camp during these months. Due to the monsoon, you will be getting spectacular views of waterfalls. Discovery World Trekking conducts safe treks during these months as well.
Temperature: 27°C to 5°C
September to October
This is also one of the perfect seasons for the EBC trek, attracting thousands of tourists to EBC. As the monsoon slowly ends, a perfect trekking climate sets in. The temperatures are also very favorable - it reaches 20 degrees during the day and fall to 5 degrees at night. With clear skies, great trail conditions, and perfect views of mountains, this season is a boon for the trekkers. The main festivals of Nepal - Dashain, and Tihar - fall during these months, adding a festive mood to your trek.
Temperature: 20°C to 5°C
November to December
As winter begins, snowfalls begin in the Himalayas region, and it eventually gets tough to trek. The sparkling days let you enjoy stunning mountain views during November. From December, the temperature dips, and snowfalls make nights frigid.
Temperature: 10°C to -17°C.
The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and changes quickly.
Trip Grade, Fitness level
This helicopter tour involves a limited on-foot trek. You will only hike from Lukla to Phakding for 3 hours and from Phakding to Namche for 5 to six hours. In addition, during the rest and acclimatization day, we will trek to nearby areas. Since there is no heavy trek involved, almost all people can complete this trek. If you have sensitive medical conditions such as lung or heart diseases, please consult us before booking.
Trekking group/single
This is a private tour because of its nature - a helicopter tour. The helicopter is comfortable for three persons and can accommodate four persons at the maximum.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation - including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at the highest trek altitudes (up to 6000m).
If you require, we can recommend insurance companies for you- based on our previous clients' experience. However, we do not sell insurance. We request all our valuable clients to send their insurance details within a week of booking the trip. In emergencies, we will use your documents for rescue.
Before buying travel insurance, call insurance companies and recheck if they have helicopter rescue and evacuation up to 6000m. Don't just rely on the insurance company's web content.
Passport and visa
All foreigners, except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Most nationals get an on-arrival visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You can get a visa at immigration checkpoints along Nepal borders as well.
A visa application will require a passport with at least six-month validity, a passport-size photo, and visa application fees. The current visa application fee is USD 50 for a thirty-day stay, which you can pay in cash (dollars). Chinese and SAARC ( Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka ) citizens get free visas.
Citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan may not receive on-arrival visas. So if you are from any of these countries, you will have to contact your local Nepalese embassy.
Visa information may change without notice, so for recent visa information, visit - https://www.immigration.gov.np/.
Money exchange
Nepali Rupees (NPR) is the local currency.
(1 USD = ~ Rs.120 NPR).
You can exchange major foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Legal money exchanges display their ongoing rates visibly. If you have Indian Rupees, please note that only Indian Notes of 100 and 2,000 are legal in Nepal.
Despite the security advantage of traveler's cheques, we recommend you cash exchanges to avoid lengthy processes and high bank commission rates. You can also withdraw cash (in Nepalese Rupees only) from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu and Thamel itself. Several of these ATMs are open round the clock for convenience.
The maximum withdrawal amount is Rs. 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing fee using a foreign card. If you use the money exchange facility at banks and financial institutions, the service charge imposed is about 4% or more.
Please note that there are no banks and money exchanges in trek regions. So you should exchange your money in Kathmandu, depending on your expense estimates. Additionally, trek regions accept Nepalese currency only.
Most established banks in Asia will not accept old, torn, or faded foreign currencies. Please ensure that you have new and clean notes.
How much luggage can I bring to the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour?
The luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg. We provide one porter for every two trekkers, and we do not allow our porters to carry more than 18 kg of combined weight. However, we expect you to bring a regular backpack for your valuables and essential documents. We advise you to bring only the basics to the trek. You can store your excess luggage at your hotel or Discovery World Trekking store for free.
We will recheck luggage, equipment, and gear during our briefing before starting the journey.
Everest Base Camp Trek Safety
We guarantee the safety and security of all our clients. To ensure safety, we carry all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits. Our leaders and guides have completed extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick due to the altitude, your trek guide has the authority to decide whether to descend immediately or continue the trek. Further, we will be trekking together.
Responsible Travel
We strongly believe in environmental protection for long-term sustainable tourism. So, Discovery World Trekking works together with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly tours that benefit both the trekkers and the locals.
Discovery World Trekking Crew
Throughout your trek, our experienced guides/Sherpas will accompany you. They will provide you with information about the places you will be visiting. We also assign a porter for every two trekkers to carry luggage. However, each porter will not carry more than 18kg of luggage. If you want, we can arrange one porter for each trekker.
Our crew members are born and raised in the high Himalayas, so they can easily adapt to high-altitude environments. All our staff members are precious to us. Besides paying them well, we also provide their insurance, clothing, food, and lodging. They also receive medical care when sick or injured. We put every effort to ensure that our staff members are happy because we believe that only a happy person can keep others happy.
All our guides/trek leads
- are intensive wilderness first aid trained
- have government authorized trekking guide training certificate
- are fluent in English and other major languages.
- have conservation and biodiversity training
- have rock climbing experience
Tipping
Nepali culture accepts tipping, but it is at the trekker's discretion and should reflect the quality of service provided. We advise you to tip as a group at the end of the trek.
Booking and payment process
Discovery world trekking is a Nepal government-authorized, and bonded trek and touring operator providing service for over a decade. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Therefore, you can book Discovery World Trekking with confidence.
We require a 10% trip cost in advance to confirm the booking. You can pay this advance using bank transfer, Western Union, or online from our website. Similarly, you can pay the remaining trip cost in cash, bank transfer, or using your credit card after arriving in Nepal. We will also email you payments details along with your modes of payment.
Last-minute booking
Discovery World Trekking offers a special provision of last-minute booking for those unable to book the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in advance. To take advantage of this facility, you need to clear your tour payment at least 24 hours before the targeted departure date. Please note that we try to organize this trek at all times but cannot guarantee the departure date because of circumstances beyond our control - such as bad weather, unavailability of lodges/hotels, etc.
Trip extension
After completing this trek, you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal. If so, we can arrange fun activities for you like exploring in and around Kathmandu, Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing, and much more.
Feedback
We will arrange a farewell dinner in Kathmandu after successful trek completion. After the dinner, we will present you with a Discovery World Trekking trek completion certificate. This is also a perfect time for you to provide us with trek feedback.
Benefits
Group Discount Prices
| No. of Persons | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US$ 4100 |
| 2 Paxes | US$ 2700 |
| 3 Paxes | US$ 2400 |
| 4 Paxes | US$ 2100 |
Travelers' Review
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Trip Reviews
Discovery World Trekking
Experience of a lifetime!
I booked a 10 day hiking trip to Everest base camp with Discovery World Trekking. Paul, the owner of the company was incredibly resourceful in arranging everything for me. I had nothing to worry about but just take in the raw beauty of the Himalayas and enjoy my trek. From the time of landing at the airport to the departure, everything was taken care of in a concierge style with utmost punctuality and ease. I would not do it any other way. Nepal is not easy to navigate by yourself and I would strongly recommend Discovery World Trekking as they took care of everything. I had a guide and a porter with me the entire time which made this trip worry-free and very enjoyable. The personal touch that Paul and his company invests in their clients is priceless. He was also able to arrange for a helicopter tour of Everest base camp which was a life-changing experience! I can’t thank him enough for his hard work and diligence in making my dreams come true!
Nepal during Covid -19 Once in a lifetime opportunity
Just back from an amazing experience trekking to EBC (5,364m), Kala Patthar (5,643m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Gokyo Ri (5,360m) in November 2020. I had planned the trek for nearly a year but was interrupted by the pandemic. I caught a mild version of Covid in late September, and tested positive for antibodies right about the time Nepal re-opened for trekking and mountaineering mid-October and saw the opportunity of a lifetime; to trek nearly undisturbed in what could otherwise be a fairly crowded peak-season. 
I came in contact with Paul and had long and detailed discussions about Nepal&rsquo's travel restrictions; visa, insurance, and PCR test requirements, etc. Paul and his team were extremely helpful and updated me on all the latest news, how to interpret the regulation while helping me apply for a visa. In the end, I had no trouble entering Nepal or continuing my journey towards Everest. I traveled to Kathmandu in early November, was met at the airport by my guide, Karan, who brought me to my hotel and helped me get the required PCR test to allow me to continue my journey to Lukla. Karan was very helpful throughout the trek; had updated knowledge of which villages were open or closed (all of the major hubs along the trail were open, although maybe only 1-2 lodges in each village), 
he provided me with face masks and alcogel when needed and helped me set the right trekking pace depending on how strong or tired I felt. He carried a sizeable medical kit, tested my blood oxygen level (pulse oximeter) every night, and provided me with Diamox (voluntary) as a precaution when we got above 4,000m, to help prevent altitude sickness. In the end, I experienced only very mild symptoms. Trekking during the pandemic never felt like a concern; in part because I had antibodies (although you never know how long or well such protection lasts), but also because social distancing is rarely a problem on the Everest trail. Although we did meet a few very nice fellow trekkers at some lodges, half the nights we were the only guests in the lodge. When crossing Cho La Pass(5,420m) from Dzongla to Gokyo we trekked for nearly 8h without meeting a single soul (tourist or Nepali) on the trail. 
The trek went from Lukla to EBC, Kala Patthar, Cho La, and Gokyo back to Lukla, covering 190km in at times very tough terrain. It was planned for 14 days but we did it in 12, at my own request. It was very demanding at times (I chose to carry my own 14kg backpack), but the views and the experience were amazing and clearly worth all the effort. The weather was optimal; clear skies all days except 1½. Very cold at night, particularly when 4,000m, but warm/mild in the daytime. Food was very good; avoid meat, aim mainly for boiled food and you will be fine. I experienced no stomach issues.
In the end, I am extremely pleased with my journey, very thankful to Paul and Karan for all their efforts, and hope that more people discover the advantages of visiting Nepal while the number of visitors remains far below the usual.
Amazing Journey of Many Steps
Our trek to EBC was truly an amazing journey one step at a time. Discovery World Trekking guides and porters took care of every detail so we could concentrate on the incredible beauty of the Himalayas and daily hikes. They seemed to know when you needed help before you did. By the first evening, we felt like family telling stories, learning more about Nepal, and having lots of laughs. 
mary is in Tengboche
Our guides were in contact with Paul Gurung in Kathmandu in anticipation of our return making sure every contingency was explored to get us back on time. This trek was more than a hike to EBC. It was learning about the history, religion, and culture of the Nepalese people and the stories about Everest which were so grateful to have experienced. It was the trip of a lifetime. Thank you
