Everest Base Camp Trek Return By Helicopter

Duration: 11 Days
At a Glance
  • Duration 11 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Max. Altitude 5545m

Highlights

  • Short trek package to Everest base camp
  • Trek in the Sagarmatha National Park, home to hundreds of flora & faunas
  • Peek into the daily lifestyle and culture of Sherpas
  • Spend the night in beautiful villages and trek through lush forests
  • Visit ancient monasteries like Tengboche and Pangboche
  • Enjoy diverse landscapes and breathtaking mountain views in every bend of the trail
  • Walk along verdant foothills to barren alpine zone to reach EBC & Kala Patthar
  • Witness jaw-dropping mountain panorama and gorgeous sunrise at Kala Patthar
  • Enjoy a thrilling helicopter flight back to Kathmandu

Everest Base Camp Trek Return By Helicopter 11 Days

Khumbu region is the home of Mt. Everest, and trekking to the lap of the world's highest mountain has been one of the top bucket lists things for every adventurous heart. Join our Everest base camp trek and helicopter return by helicopter to embark on a lifetime venture in the Himalayas. Meet with friendly Sherpas, explore lush forests, spend nights in picturesque villages, and witness diverse mountain landscapes.

If you are looking for an ultimate package to Everest base camp that has a moderate difficulty level and is doable for new trekkers, then our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is the ideal option. It is a guided trek by our professional guides. Don't confuse this trek with Everest deluxe Trek, as the accommodations during the trek are simple yet comfortable.

Trekking to Everest base camp and returning by helicopter has become one of the trendiest Everest base camp trek packages in recent days. Now travelers can do the usual 14 days or 16 days of EBC trekking in 11 days or less than that without compromising acclimatization days. The package combines an adventurous trekking experience and the jaw-dropping aerial panorama of the Himalayas.

If you are trekking in a group, you can extend your budget by only a few hundred dollars to combine helicopter return flight in your package. The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return starts with a thrilling commercial flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m). From Lukla, you descend to Phakding village (2,610 m). Registering your permits at Monjo, you now walk in the Sagarmatha National Park.

The next stop is Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the tourist hub of the Khumbu region. The trail is full of ascends and descends through dense forests and small settlement areas. You have to cross numerous suspension bridges and streams on the way. At Namche Bazar, we have acclimatization day. The day is spent well by hiking to Everest View Hotel (3,962 m) and exploring the village.

You then continue trekking through lush rhododendron forests, occasionally passing by donkeys and yaks to Tengboche village (3,860 m). Before leaving this village, you visit the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. The trail then descends to Pangboche village (3,985 m), and you gradually ascend to Dingboche (4,410 m). We take a second acclimatization break here and hike to Nagarjun Hill.

You now have gained a significant elevation and can feel the air pressure. The next part of the trekking route is dry, barren, and rugged. The treeline ends, and you walk along with bushes. Spending a night at Lobuche (4,940 m), walk on a steep, rocky trail to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). You'll descend to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) on the same day for a night's stay and wake up early in the morning to hike to Kala Patthar (5,644 m).

Kala Patthar offers a gorgeous sunrise and heavenly mountain views. The trek ends here, and flying over the Khumbu Glacier, you'll descend to Kathmandu. Join Everest base camp trek with helicopter return 2023/2024. You can trek in a group or custom create an itinerary as per your convenience. If you have any query regarding booking or cost, feel free to contact us.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek Attractions

Short trek to Everest base camp

Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return is a short trek package perfect for travelers looking for alternatives to long treks to base camp. This package saves you 4 to 5 days of returning and a lot of energy. Even though the trek is short, you'll still enjoy all the acclimatization days and traverse safely.

Trek in the Sagarmatha National Park

Mt. Everest is situated in the Sagarmatha National Park that begins from Monjo onwards. The national park is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Therefore, the trekking route is quite enriching in terms of vegetation and wildlife. Not only that, there are many streams, rivers, and waterfalls along the way.

You pass by forests of fir, rhododendron, pine, and juniper. Cross suspension and wooden bridges. Trek along moraines, gorges, and glaciers. You'll explore different climatic zones and see varieties of flora.

Peek into the daily lifestyle and culture of Sherpas

The interactions with locals while trekking makes the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return a very immersive experience. Among all the communities, Sherpas are the most famous in the Khumbu region.

This venture offers a great opportunity to know them and their lifestyle closely. Likewise, on the trail, there are many stupas, prayer wheels, and prayer flags. You visit ancient monasteries like in Tengboche.

Spend the night in beautiful villages

The Everest trek route has many picturesque villages. While trekking, we spend nights in villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. These are our main stoppages for night stays while trekking. Every village has a unique charm and offers fascinating scenery.

Enjoy diverse landscapes and mountain views in every bend of the trail

Regardless of the Everest trekking route being bustling in the peak trekking season, every journey is unique, and every view holds a distinct meaning from one trekker to another. From the beginning of the venture to the very end, the scenery only gets better and better.

Enjoying the snow-capped Himalayan mountains views from far away at the starting of the trek, you'll soon find yourself face to face with the Himalayan giants. The views of valleys, moraines, and glaciers are phenomenal.

Mt. Everest (8,849 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Island Peak (6,160 m), Lobuche Peak (6,119 m), Pumori (7,161 m), etc are some of the mountains you see during the trek.

Walk along verdant foothills to barren alpine zone to reach EBC & Kala Patthar

The trek begins from lush forests and soon goes above the treeline. Passing by trees, you further walk alongside bushes. The final walk to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is steep and rocky. At EBC, you cannot see views of Mt. Everest. Therefore, the next day, there's a hike to a Kala Patthar (5,644 m) viewpoint.

Mountains like Lhotse and Pumori block the views of Mt. Everest from its base camp. Whereas, Kala Patthar offers not only one of the best sunrises but also 360-degrees views of the mountains. You stand in the clouds at Kala Patthar.

Enjoy a thrilling helicopter flight back to Kathmandu

Probably the most awaiting part of the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is the helicopter flight to Kathmandu. At Kala Patthar, you hope on the helicopter and fly over the Khumbu region. Before descending towards Lukla, you'll fly over the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall.

The aerial panorama of mountains, valleys, and villages is breathtaking. Every member of the group gets full window seats to enjoy the flight.

You'll Experience

Everest Base Camp

Itinerary

Get the detailed itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek return by helicopter from Gorekshep for 11 days. The 11-day Itinerary of the EBC helicopter trek includes your arrival and departure days to and from Nepal. The program is to trek to Everest Base Camp and return by a Helicopter flight from Gorekshep after reaching Everest base camp and Kalapattar. The Everest Base camp and the Kalapattar viewpoint are the final destinations of the EBC trek and you will trek down to Lukla on the same trail. So, the Everest Base Camp trek and Helicopter return is the best program for those having limited days who can not afford 16 days to complete the regular 16 Days program.

The Everest Base Camp Trek and return by Helicopter is the shortest Everest Base Camp trek with enough acclimatization days, even though it is a little pricy cause of the Helicopter flight.

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On your arrival day, you'll have no issue reaching your hotel from the airport. Our team will take care of your hotel escort. During the remaining day, you can take your time to relax and explore the surrounding area.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

We begin our day with an amazing flight to Lukla airport. The flight offers superb aerial views of the Himalayas. From Lukla, we begin trekking towards Phakding village. The porters join us at Lukla, and we walk on a downhill route that goes along the Dudh Koshi river to our destination of the day.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2610

Following the northern bank of the Dudh Koshi River, we cross a few suspension bridges and reach Monjo village. From here, we trek in the Sagarmatha National Park, which goes all the way up to the Mt. Everest base camp. The trail further passes by dense forests. On the way, we cross bridges numerous times and steeply ascend to Namche Bazaar.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

At Namche Bazaar, we get to witness the first sight of Mt. Everest. It's a famous Sherpa town with museums, cafes, and shops. Here, we spend a day exploring the village and learning about the locals. We also hike to the Everest View Hotel in the morning to see breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

The trail descends to Phunki Thanka. Walking alongside the foothills, we may pass by donkeys and yaks carrying goods on the way. The trail then steeply ascends through rhododendron forest to Tengboche village. The trail is scenic. You get to witness a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and many other mountains while trekking

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3860

After breakfast, we first trek and reach Pangboche village. Further, trekking along with lush alpine forests and rhododendron trees, we see the treeline diminishing. Walking by shrubs, we pass by farming fields and soon reach Dingboche village for the night's stay.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4410

We spend another acclimatization day in Dingboche. In the morning, we hike to Nagarjun hill, a ridge above Dingboche village that offers sick views of the snow-capped mountains. Views of Ama Dablam and Island Peak are especially outstanding.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4410

The trekking experience from Dingboche onwards is quite different. The trail gets a lot steeper and rugged with bare hills & prominent views of the majestic Himalayan mountains.

We walk on the steep terminal moraine of Khumbu Glacier and reach Thukla. The trail then passes by the memorials and Sherpa guides who lost their lives while pushing towards Everest top. We further ascend to Lobuche village.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4910

Following the footsteps of our trek leader, we begin trekking towards the lap of Mt. Everest today. First, we walk by Gorak Shep. The trail is rough and rocky.

We can see the Khumbu Icefall beyond the Khumbu Glacier upon reaching the Everest base camp. After spending time at the base camp, we descend to Gorak Shep to sleep in a lodge comfortably.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude5364

Before we take helicopter flight to Kathmandu, we do a final hike to Kala Patthar. It is the highest point of our trek, and our uphill walking ends. We do not again any further elevation above this point.

After we spend some time exploring and soaking in the heavenly views of the mountains, a helicopter picks us up from here and flies us back to Kathmandu.

The helicopter flight offers a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and the villages. In the evening, we meet over farewell dinner. Enjoy the remaining day doing shopping and packing.

  • MealsB, L
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude5545

We'll transfer you to the international airport for your next flight. Or, you can also continue your further journey with us in Nepal.

  • MealsB

Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

Looking for a customized itinerary? Reach out to our experts.

Map & Altitude Graph

Everest Base Camp Trek Return By Helicopter map

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • Two nights Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) on the trek
  • Accommodations in lodges on the trekking on twin share basis
  • A guide & porters (1 porter for every two trekkers)
  • Paper works, National park entry permits & TIMS permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
  • Flight fare Kathmandu - Lukla with airport tax
  • Helicopter flight from Gorekshep to Kathmandu
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (Paid by your insurance company)
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffel bag if necessary (return after the trek)

Exclusions

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Your Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals (lunch & dinner in Kathmandu)
  • Your personal expenses drink water, hot and cold drinks & bar bills
  • Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charge
  • Tips for the guide and porters
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Add-Ons & Options

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement cost of US $200.00 applies.

Note: When booking your accommodation for this trip, please note that while we guarantee a single room for you in the city of Kathmandu, there may be limited availability of mountain lodges and you may need to share a room with a fellow trekker of the same gender during certain parts of the trek. We will do our best to ensure your comfort and privacy throughout your journey.

Trip Departures

Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: TuesdaySep 05, 2023End DateEnds: FridaySep 15, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$2400StatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SaturdaySep 09, 2023End DateEnds: TuesdaySep 19, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$2400StatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: WednesdaySep 13, 2023End DateEnds: SaturdaySep 23, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$2400StatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SundaySep 17, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdaySep 27, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$2400StatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: ThursdaySep 21, 2023End DateEnds: SundayOct 01, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$2400StatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondaySep 25, 2023End DateEnds: ThursdayOct 05, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$2400StatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: FridaySep 29, 2023End DateEnds: MondayOct 09, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$2400StatusAvailable

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FAQs

  • Q1. How Difficult is Everest Trek with helicopter return?

    Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is a moderate trek. The trek is relatively short, but the terrain is the same and demands 6 to 7 hours of walk every day. Trekking through dense forests on rough paths, you continuously ascend and descend to reach base camp.

    No previous trekking experience is needed for Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return. However, good fitness and endurance are required. The region is remote and sees a high elevation rise. If you can cope with the limited facilities, then no one can stop you from reaching EBC.

  • We recommend having 3 to 4 weeks on hand while booking the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to prepare. The preparation includes getting your legs ready to walk long hours and building your stamina if you are not an active person. Likewise, you also use this time to buy trekking gear, especially a trekking boot, and wear it a few times to make it comfy.

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