Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return-11 Days

"Great Adventure in the heart of Mt. Everest with Comfort of Scenic Heli flight Back to Kathmandu"
Good to Know
  • Duration 11 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 5545 m
  • Group Size 2+
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu
  • Trip Ends Kathmandu
  • Group Style Group and Private
  • Activities Trekking
  • Best Season March-June and Sept-Dec

Highlights

  • Gentle skies accompanied by dramatic views on a flight to Lukla with a helicopter return to Kathmandu.
  • Enjoy the tremendous dramatic and scenic adventure in the heart of Mt. Everest.
  • Get to know the ancient culture of Sherpa Highlanders, unchanged for centuries.
  • Explore Namche Bazaar, The Thamel of Everest.
  • Pay a visit to the world heritage site of the Sagarmatha National Park and Sagarmatha National Museum.
  • Visiting traditional villages and impress colorful monasteries of great interest.
  • Beautiful pines, rhododendron woodland to the arctic zone of ice and glaciers.
  • Bedazzled and witnessed the astonishing beauty of the Khumbu Glacier Icefall.
  • Watch the gracefulness and flawless presence of the world’s highest peaks, Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463m).

An advantage of booking a trip with Trekking Planner Nepal.

  • Private vehicles pick up and drop off passengers at all airports.
  • First-aid kit box.
  • Trekking Planner’s down jackets, t-shirt, and cap, if necessary.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (you should have insurance for emergency evacuation, which will be paid for by your travel insurance company).
  • We provide an oximeter to check your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, and we provide oxygen.
  • Our company provides SIM cards for travelers, so there won’t be any networking issues.

Important Notice

1) Trekking Planner Nepal offers NCELL Physical SIM to all our clients for free. However, we charge a certain amount for the data packages or internet facilities. However, for those who require an eSIM, please note that the conversion of eSIM will need at least 24 to 48 hours for activation. We recommend ensuring additional time for SIM setup, especially for tight trekking dates. Our team here will help you acquire the eSIM, but it will be comparatively more straightforward for users to obtain a physical SIM upon arrival. However, for those who only have the option of an eSIM, please allow 24 to 48 hours for processing and activation.

2) The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has implemented new rules for helicopter landing at Kalapatthar. In a shared helicopter, there are either 5 passengers or 2 passengers, and the cost is split, and in the case of 5 passengers, the helicopter doesn't land. The cost must be split among two passengers for landing at Kalapatthar.

In a private helicopter, if there are 2 passengers, the helicopter lands, and in the case of 5, it doesn't land. There must be either a single passenger or two passengers for the landing at Kalapatthar.

In both sharing and private helicopters the helicopter lands at the Everest View Hotel for breakfast.

Trip Introduction: Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return - 2024/2025

"Everest Base Camp Trekking With Helicopter Return" is unarguably one of the best aerial trek adventures that take place in Nepal. There is no other alternative and a better perspective to circumnavigate the iconic landmark than an Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. This is one of the most famous treks in the Everest Region due to the helicopter return, making it easier for the trekkers to return back providing an aerial view of the whole region.

EBC trek with heli return to Kathmandu is designed in a comfortable way to avoid the rush, complications, and problems faced during the Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekkers get electric blankets, private attached bathrooms as far as possible, and hot water bags if electric blankets don't work. The best part is returning to Kathmandu by helicopter, an adventure.

What is Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return 2024/2025 trip about?

Did you ever dream or fantasize about having a faceoff with the mighty snow-fed mountain peaks?  It's now time to change this dream into a fulfilling reality. Trekkers get the privilege of sitting in the comfort of a helicopter to get a bird's eye view of the mighty Everest while returning from Gorakhshep to Kathmandu. Bask under the thrilling vistas and scenic views of Mount Everest and its adjoining mountain peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori some of the highest peaks in the world.

Our package of 'Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Kathmandu’ 2024/2025 is a memorable adventure for those who live larger than life. It is a combo of trekking towards the base camp of Everest combined with a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. An aerial voyage to witness the spectacles of the mountains followed by the beauty of the Sherpa culture and tradition from a bird's eye view. We bask under the green rugged cover of the hills that engulf the mysterious valleys through trekking towards the Everest base camp. This spectacular trip is a fulfilling experience walking along the thrilling bridges, Stupas, colorful prayer flags, and the age-old sherpa villages in the Everest Region.

Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return - What do we expect?

We start with our hike to Phakding, amidst the Himalayan abode. Taking on an array of the well-known suspension bridges of the Everest Region, crossing the Hillary Bridge white river, we reach Namche Bazaar (3,400m). Here, we take an ideal rest and acclimatize for the whole day at Namche with an acclimatization hike towards the Everest View Hotel or Everest Panorama Hotel.

After Namche, we head towards Tengboche, and if we get enough time, we meditate at the Tengboche monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Everest Region. After Tengboche, we go to the town of Dingboche; at Dingboche, we will spend a day extra for acclimatization and go for a hike towards Nagarkhatsang. After Dingboche, we head to the town of Lobuche via Thukla.On our big day of the trek, we start our walk from Lobuche to Gorakshep, check our baggage inn, head towards our goal, Everest base camp, and return to Gorakshep. The next morning at our last day we take the helicopter ride from Gorakhshep to Kathmandu via Lukla.

The much-awaited helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu is a thrilling encounter with glorious views of the mountains and the villages. Watching the first glimmering rays of the morning sunlight gently kissing the snow-capped peaks through the helicopter is a phenomenal treat while returning back to Kathmandu. 

We return after finishing the trek by flying into the clouds and above the overwhelming mountains after completing the EBC Trek and reaching Kathmandu by helicopter.

Is trekking to Everest with a Helicopter Return to Kathmandu suitable for everyone?

This trip is perfect and ideal for everyone having minimal fitness levels who dare to dream of making it to the legendary Everest. Even young kids can accompany their guardians and do this with comparative ease and safety. This unique journey is an ideal mix of trekking to Everest Base Camp with a scenic helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. This opportunity comes only once in a lifetime so why to wait be a part of Trekking Planner Nepal's group and see the mountains like no one does?

If you are on the lookout for something more challenging and adventurous trekking journey we have it for you. You have the liberty of choosing various other options and routes for making it to the Everest Base Camp. We have 13 days of Everest Base Camp Trek, 14 days of Short Everest Base Camp Trek, 15 Days of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trekking, and many more to choose from.

Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.

This weather is always vital to watch out for before planning to do the Everest Base Camp Trekking with a helicopter return to Kathmandu. It decides the success or failure of the tour. More often than not it is nearly impossible to predict the weather and its moods. As this kind of journey is carried out throughout the year but there are ups and downs in every season. To avoid all these pros and cons the best suitable time for trekking is during the spring and autumn. These months are a guarantee for getting crystal clear skies from dusk till dawn. The aura of clear blue skies provides the most spectacular vistas and views. The temperature is bearable with plenty of warm sunlight and it is soothing and pleasant. On the other hand, during the winters and monsoons, it becomes a bit challenging to trek due to heavy snowfall, or rain followed by cold temperatures. These entire factors discourage adventurers from trekking.

January to February - Extreme months only for adventure junkies.

This is perhaps the coldest time of all. This is when it experiences heavy snowfall in the mountains can result in extremely cold temperatures. Though the days are warm and bearable with clear skies, the night becomes extremely cold. Fret not if you are on a trek with Trekking Planner Nepal be assured of your safety at all times. However, if you are not a cold weather-friendly person then better not to be on this journey to this part of the world.

March to April - Best for all walks of life for trekking.

Undoubtedly this is one of the best times of the season to be at the Everest Base Camp. The weather is very comfortable providing splendid views of the Himalayas ranges and glaciers. It is the beginning of the spring season, and the weather starts to warm up during these months. There is an element of smile and bloom out into the wild as the hidden elusive beings come back to life in the sunny weather. Especially the mid of March is considered to be ideal with clear skies around the snow-fed mountains can be sighted their best. Hence the majority of them fulfill their dream trekking journey with success at this time of the year often succeed in their expedition at this time.

May to June – Pleasant and warm for trekking.

These are the months when the monsoon sets in gradually. However, it is also a suitable time for trekking right before the rain starts to pour in. Nepal experiences rainfall not until the end of June till mid-August. The season of spring and summer makes the trek much more blissful.

July to August – Rainy yet doable for trekking.

These months are when the downpour hits hard. As a result of this occurrence Flights to Lukla more often than not gets canceled at the beginning or end of the trek. It does pose a challenge for trekkers and their trek journey but it’s not out of the question yet. If you want to trek in these particular months then Trekking Planner will take care of your safety and make your journey memorable and ably successful. Be reminded that though rainy it does provide spectacular views of the waterfall and it is less frequent too.

September to October – Festive months for Trekking.

The months ranging between September to October happen to be another best season for doing the Everest Base Camp Trek. There is a huge influx of trekkers in Nepal due to its favorable weather conditions. The monsoon gradually comes to an end making it a pleasant time for trekking. Their skies remain clear offering an amazing view of the mountains. It is highly recommended, as it’s the best time for the trek. Also because of Nepal's biggest festival, Dashain and Tihar falls between these months and are a crowd puller.

November to December – Chilly with clear mountain views for the Trek.

This is probably one of the toughest months for trekking yet preferred by most. It’s time for the snowfall in the Himalayan region to impose difficulties for trekking. The nights are chilly but the skies are clear during the day, providing exquisite glimpses of towering mountains.

    Climate and Weather at Everest Region.

    Himalayan climate can be unpredictable sometimes, even in the best seasons, where April and May to the first week of June will be the best times during spring when days are longer with enough sunlight hours.

    Morning and nighttime, as well as in shade, can be cold, with much freezing temperatures around higher areas above 3,000 m.

    Months from September to November are great times for trekking around the Everest Region and other areas of the Himalayas when days are clear for views and to summit the top of the peak, although the colder months of the autumn season are extremely cold during morning and night time when sunlight is much shorter.

    Local Culture and Religion At Trekking Trail of Everest Region.

    Sherpas are the natives of Everest and other higher Himalayan regions; “Sherpa” comes from the Tibetan language. East for Sher and Pa means people, where Sherpa migrated around the high Himalayas of Nepal around the Mid-East and Far Eastern Himalayas range from Eastern parts of Tibet.

    Sherpa's if we look back more than 400 years ago, the Sherpa were normally farmers and livestock herdings like cows and yaks interwoven with strong Buddhist religion and fascinating cultures that you can witness walking around villages.

    In every Sherpa village, one can find a monastery; some are older by more than 500 years, like the “monastery of Thame and Pangboche villages”, whereas the famous monastery of Tengboche was much older, was destroyed by a huge fire in 1991, and has been rebuilt to its original shapes.

    As you walk from one village to another, you will come across many prayer walls and religious monuments called Stupas (domes), with rows of spinning prayer wheels. Sherpa men-folks were the earlier pioneers as mountain and trekking guides and still hold the post to the present.

    Travel Insurance - Everest Trek with Helicopter Return.

    Trekking Planner Nepal strongly advises and recommends all clients to purchase travel as well as medical Insurance against unforeseen circumstances that might arise or occur during your Himalayan holidays. Travel and Medical Insurance can be obtained through World Nomads Travel Insurance for your upcoming holiday in Nepal.

    Trekking Planner Nepal requests all our clients on booking to acquire Travel and Medical Insurance compulsory when undertaking any tour and trek. It should include adequate protection for tour/treks duration to cover personal injury, death, medical expenses, and repatriation expenses in any means of transportation on emergency evacuation such as helicopter rescue, air ambulance, and adequate cover for baggage.

    In this situation, your selected and chosen tour destination may differ from the program itineraries. In rare cases, we might even have to reroute or cancel the trips as per the political, riot, bad weather, broken road or trail condition, and porter's situation and condition. The company has the right to cancel the trips due to unavoidable conditions beyond our control including if the volume of travelers is less than expected as per the trips selected. In this case, please bear with us we will try our best to adjust the itinerary trips as best as possible for your convenience.

    Altitude Sickness

    Altitude Sickness can affect anyone. At high altitudes, the decrease in atmospheric pressure makes breathing difficult due to less oxygen. Mainly, it happens above 3300m (10,000ft). Signs and symptoms are as follows:

    • Headache/Dizziness.
    • Nausea/vomiting.
    • tiredness/fatigue.
    • Sleepy but can’t sleep.
    • Loss of appetite.

    Prevention for this is to dress warmly as per weather conditions, drink plenty of water, eat well, and walk slowly. It is a good idea to eat well at night as a good amount of nutrition in the body will help produce good amounts of heat. Make sure you avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.

    Washing and Toilet facilities for the EBC Trek.

    Since we are getting comfortable lodges in this package, the services for hot water and a room with electric blankets and attached bathrooms, the guest houses are warm and cozy and even the dining has big heaters which will be on after 5.00 pm till night time so we can stay in the hall as well and even when going to bed we will have electric blankets which will provide a good amount of heat to the body and attached bathroom makes it easy as we won't have to go out in cold for using the toilets.
     
    Hot water is available at tea houses for an additional cost, and remember to bring toilet paper, face wipers, and sanitizers for the trek because toiletries are not placed inside the toilets and must be brought on your own or bought at the lodges.

    Note in places like Louche and Gorakshep; sometimes there may be a problem with the bathroom getting frozen due to cold temperatures, and even the water taps can be frozen. Electricity issues might occur because the power source is the sun out there, and there might be electricity issues in case of bad weather.

    Important Note

    All our hikes, trekking, and tour programs have itineraries where accommodations are all set in respective hotels, lodges, homestays, guesthouses, and resorts, even camping is available in some remote areas accorfing to the itinerary. Some days could be longer or shorter depending upon the fitness of the clients, availability of vehicles on time, flight delay, cancellation, unfavorable bad weather, and roads or trail conditions.

    • This trip departs every day of the year.
    • This trip is fully customizable. We can customize the trip as per your need, please contact us.
    • This trip is available on both a Fixed Departure and a Private Group Basis.
    • This trip can be booked privately if you’re traveling solo or privately or with family.
    • Have a big group? We can help as per your needs.
    • We can help you make it fit your budget.
    • We accept instant booking and online payment.
    Itinerary
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    Important Notice

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has implemented new rules for helicopter landing at Kalapatthar. In a shared helicopter, there are either 5 passengers or 2 passengers, and the cost is split, and in the case of 5 passengers, the helicopter doesn't land. The cost must be split among two passengers for landing at Kalapatthar.

    In a private helicopter, if there are 2 passengers, the helicopter lands, and in the case of 5, it doesn't land. There must be either a single passenger or two passengers for the landing at Kalapatthar.

    In both sharing and private helicopters the helicopter lands at the Everest View Hotel for breakfast.

    • AccommodationRamada Encore Kathmandu/Hotel Lo Mustang/ Aloft Kathmandu
    • MealsWelcome Dinner
    • Max. Altitude/Time1,350m/4,429ft,

    On first arrival at Kathmandu International Airport via respective airlines you will be received by Nepal Trekking Planner staff at the arrival section. The representative will welcome you with traditional garland, and then transfers you to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city around the Thamel area.

    Thamel is an interesting and exciting place to be steeped with shops, trekking stores, world-class restaurants, and hotels of international standard.

    Upon reaching the hotel the representative will help you to check into your room. You can get refreshed and rest after a jet leg. Later in the afternoon you will join with other members of the groups for a briefing on Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli. Our guide will provide important information regarding trekking with other necessary details to make your adventure a great success with us.

    In the evening you will have a welcome dinner in a nice, authentic Nepalese restaurant with a Nepalese Folk Culture program to entertain while having dinner. You can further talk about trek, ask questions and get your doubt clear. After a lovely dinner you will be escorted back to the hotel, then you can rest and sleep. Spend the night in Kathmandu.

    • AccommodationSee you Lodge/Sherpa Guide
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffe
    • Max. Altitude/Time2780 m/9121 ft

    In this day, you have to wake up early and have breakfast. If you don’t feel like eating, you can order a packed lunch. Afterwards, a representative of Trekking Planner Nepal will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Kathmandu domestic airport for a short and scenic flight to Lukla. The flight take place on a small aircraft (Twin Otter or Dornier), seated for a maximum of 18 passengers, including two pilots and air attendants. The flight will take about 35 minutes where you can enjoy the grand panorama of Himalayan peaks with views of Mt. Everest. The plane lands on a unique airstrip and runways to park at Lukla ‘Tenzing & Hillary Airport’.

    As you land on Lukla, you will have a tea break where you will meet with rest of the trekking crew and discuss on how the trekking is going to be commenced. Once all that is done you will initiate your trekking from Lukla to Phakding through a gradual downhill. After leaving interesting Lukla town, and then following Dudh Kosi River upstream through a number of Sherpa farm villages you will reach Phakding village.

    Upon reaching Phakding you will settle in an accommodation place and wait for dinner. After dinner you can rest and spend the night in Phakding.

    • AccommodationHotel Namche/Hotel Himalayan Culture Home
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffe
    • Max. Altitude/Time3440m/11287ft

    As you wake up, you will have a filling breakfast and march your way in the Everest Base Camp trek. From Phakding you will have a pleasant walk in the morning around the pine and rhododendron woods to a long suspension bridge to cross above Dudh Kosi River. Afterwards you will continue the short ups to reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park near Monjo village. There is an army check post which is located at Monjo where all the permits and documents required to enter the protected area of Sagarmatha national park is checked.

    Sagarmatha is the name for Mt. Everest in Nepali while in Sherpa language it is called Chomolungma of Tibetan origin. Sagarmatha National Park is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the park entrance, you will cross another bridge to reach the last village of Jorsalle before Namche Bazaar.

    Jorsale is a lunch stop for the day after which you can trek for an hour or more and then follow the river bed into the cool shade of pine and rhododendron forest and then cross the last high bridge. The bridge is known as Hillary bridge which is decorated by prayer flags. After crossing the bridge walk a long uphill trail with views of high snow peaks with Mt. Everest on a clear day. As the walk progresses slowly the climb ends on reaching at colorful Namche Bazaar.

    Namche is the main hub of trekkers and mountaineers is a perfect place for rest days to get acclimatized. Once you reach Namche settle in an accommodation place, rest and have dinner. Spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

    • AccommodationHotel Namche/Hotel Himalayan Culture Home
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffe
    • Max. Altitude/Time3440m/11287ft

    Today is your acclimatization day in Namche. You will have a full day in Namche Bazaar, for a leisure hike to explore Namche Bazaar and its high view-point for excellent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and a range of peaks. You can begin by having a breakfast to energize yourself, after breakfast you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum for more information on Khumbu and Everest area.

    You can take a hike uphill to Everest View Hotel which is about two hours hike above Namche Bazaar. Rest of the afternoon enjoy your day, relaxing and browsing around Namche's nice café, well-stocked shops, and stores with banks and ATMs if you require local cash. You can also explore the Irish Pub, take some photographs and carry on some yoga sessions while staying at Namche.

    After spending a quality time in Namche, you can settle in an accommodation place and have dinner. After dinner you can rest and spend overnight in Namche.

    • AccommodationHotel Himalayan Culture Home
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffe
    • Max. Altitude/Time3850m/12632ft

    Enjoying time at Namche the morning you will have breakfast. After breakfast, the adventure continues heading higher on a nice scenic path facing lovely mountain views with a deep river gorge, as the walk heads downhill to Imjatse River, a small spot called Phungethanga is approached. Phungethanga is suitable for lunch stop within the shade of coniferous tree lines.

    After lunch in the afternoon, start climbing into the cool shade of pine, hemlock, fir, oaks, and rhododendron forest to reach the beautiful Thyangboche / Tengboche village and its impressive monastery.

    Tengboche is surrounded by green forest and snow-capped peaks with grand views of Mt. Everest with stunning close views of Ama Dablam with an array of peaks that encircles this wonderful spot.

    Tengboche for an overnight stop or a little further down to Deboche, with time to visit the monastery and observe young monks and priests on daily religious routine, where climbers on major expeditions visit here to get blessed by the head priest / Lama for safe climb and success. After spending quality time in Tengboche you will settle in an accommodation place and wait for dinner. After dinner you can rest and spend overnight in Tengboche.

    • AccommodationDingboche resort/Bright Star Lodge & Restaurant
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffe
    • Max. Altitude/Time4350m/14272ft

    Enjoy the morning views of Everest and beautiful Ama Dablam, along with breakfast. You can start your day with an easy downhill into serene woodland for less than an hour, to reach a strong metal over raging Imjatse River deep gorge.

    From here with a slow climb with a majestic view of Ama Dablam you will reach the last permanent Pangboche village, the other places on the route like Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep are temporary settlements to cater the travelers with lodges accommodations and restaurants.

    After Pangboche tree lines drop for the wide-open country. As you move with a gradual climb and a short descent to cross a small bridge. Further take a steep climb for an hour which allows you to enter scenic Imjatse valley at Dingboche.

    Dingboche is a sherpa settlement with many good lodges for travelers with grand views of Ama Dablam North Face and famous Island Peak towards the east. Upon reaching Dingboche, you will settle in an accommodation place and have a filling dinner. After dinner you can rest and stay overnight in Dingboche.

    • AccommodationDingboche resort/Bright Star Lodge & Restaurant
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffee
    • Max. Altitude/Time4350m/14272ft

    Today is another well-deserved rest day at Dingboche that allows you with proper acclimatization at this high altitude. Acclimatization at Dingboche is necessary to adapt the body to decreasing oxygen level.

    To support acclimatization, take a short hike up to Nagarjuna hills for better views of surrounding peaks with Mt. Makalu towards east direction with array of peaks. Walking towards higher altitude and returning to rest at low altitude helps you to overcome with altitude sickness or AMS.

    After the hike you can explore the Dingboche village in the evening. Stroll around the area and communicate with the locals to get insights into the mountain life of Everest. As you finish the excursion, you can settle in an accommodation place and have dinner. After dinner you can rest and spend overnight in Dingboche.

    • AccommodationOxygen Altitude Home/Pyramid Lobuche
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffe
    • Max. Altitude/Time4910m/16109ft

    Enjoying wonderful rest at Dingboche, after breakfast start a short distance walk to Lobuche but the walk takes time due to dry air and high altitude. Morning starts with a short climb to a high ridge, offers grand views of Imjatse valley and Dingboche settlement with surrounding high snow peaks.

    From here on a gradual scenic trail to Thugla for lunch, this is where the massive Khumbu glacier melts into a raging river. Thugla a junction to Everest base camp where Dingboche and Pheriche valley trail joins.

    After a lunch break, start the windy afternoon with a steep climb for an hour to Thugla pass, where you can notice many stone memorials of climbers who unfortunately died trying to climb Mt. Everest, Lhotse, or other high mountains. From here go on a nice walk to Lobuche. Once reaching Lobuche settle in an accommodation place and have dinner. After dinner go to the room and stay overnight in Lobuche.

    • AccommodationYeti Inn/ Everest Inn Pvt.Ltd
    • MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner + tea/coffe
    • Max. Altitude/Time5180m/16995ft

    Today is the grandest day in Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return. This is the day where you will finally reach your destination. Today you will trek to Gorakshep followed by exploration of Everest Base Camp.

    Begin the trek where trail to Gorakshep and Glass Pyramids (a metrological stations), separates interested people can make a short visit to glass pyramids and collect information of glacier movements and climate change of the area.

    From here walk for few hours with a short steep climb in between glacier and moraine, then taking a short downhill lead to Gorakshep, located beneath lofty peak Pumori and Kalapatthar rocky hill. Gorakshep was an early base camp back in the 1950s to late 1970’s, a small settlement with few lodges.

    Continuing the walk from Gorakshep for another 2-3 hours you will reach your destination at Everest base camp, where you will be standing beneath towering Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse with close views of massive Khumbu Ice Fall and glaciers.

    Enjoy the grand views of the area, click photographs on the iconic rock lied at the base camp. You can also see a bunch of yellow tents in climbing season. After the amazing experience, retrace your journey back to Gorakshep for the last overnight stop around Everest and the high Khumbu area.

    As Gorakshep is marked with cold temperature be sure to accommodate accordingly and take extra caution for heating. Spend overnight in Gorakshep.

    • AccommodationRamada Encore Kathmandu/Hotel Lo Mustang/ Aloft Kathmandu
    • MealsBreakfast and farewell dinner
    • Max. Altitude/Time1,350m/4,429ft,

    Early morning start with strenuous steep climb to Kalapatthar (black rocky hill top). This is the highest spot of the adventure. From the top and along mid-way enjoy a breathtaking panorama of giant mountains, with Mt. Everest at its closest distance. Enjoying grand glorious scenery including the golden sunrise view and descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast.

    After a good morning high altitude breakfast with views of surrounding high peaks, get ready for a Helicopter flight to Kathmandu, the scenic swift flight on AS 350 B series of helicopters of Euro-Copter, made in France, which is popular all over the world and Ecureuil model or similar types. The maximum seats available are for 4-5 person. For larger group, requires two heli to ferry all passengers back to Kathmandu.

    During your air journey, enjoy the dramatic scenery of the countryside with Central and Eastern Himalaya Mountain range, as Heli makes a smooth landing at Kathmandu airport, transfer back to your hotel after a glorious adventure and experience on Everest base camp trek with Heli.  You can have a farewell dinner at the evening with the company explaining how your trekking went and so on. After dinner you will be escorted to the hotel where you can rest and spend the night.

      Your last day in amazing Nepal, a country of Himalayan wonders and as per your international flight time for homeward bound or to your next respective destinations. Trekking Planner staff and guide transfers you to Kathmandu airport after a mesmerizing adventure on Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli. After escorting you to the airport your journey with Nepal Trekking Planner comes to an end. Best wishes for future endeavors.

      Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.

      Trip Map
      Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return-11 Days Map
      Inclusions
      What's Included
      • All airport pick up drop off by private vehicle (for both international and domestic flights).
      • Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant.
      • 02 nights of Twin/double sharing accommodation with breakfast at a 4-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
      • Kathmandu to Lukla by regular flight and Gorak Shep to Kathmandu by Helicopter.
      • National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System ( TIMS card).
      • A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking, well-trained, Government license-holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
      • 02 guests to 01 porter (they carry about 20 kg-25 kg weight) with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation, and equipment.
      • Your cost includes insurance, wages, food, and lodging for both your guide and porter. We take excellent care of our guides and porters, they are like family to us.
      • Comfort lodge ( inside toilet and bathroom with electric blanket), twin-sharing lodge accommodation during the trek (we have private rooms with attached bathrooms except for Lobuche and Gorekshep).
      • Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and tea/coffee during the trekking.
      • Snacks of biscuits/peanuts and seasonal fresh fruits dessert during the trek.
      • First aid kit.
      • Trekking Planner Nepal’s sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirt, cap, duffle bags, city, and trekking route maps – if necessary.
      • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company).
      • Oximeter to check your pulse oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
      • Fresh fruits after dinner every night as dessert during the trek.
      • Cookies and biscuits during the trek for cookie time after reaching the tea house.
      • One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after the trek.      
      • All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary.
      What's Excluded
      •  Your Nepal Visa fees
      •  All the International airfare from and to Kathmandu 
      •  Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
      •  Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation.
      •  In case of extra nights accommodation, lunch and dinner in the city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from.
      •  mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given period of the itinerary.
      • Your expenses such as ( laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc).
      • The Tips to the trekking crews and drive.
      • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions, or any event out of our control.
      Departure Dates
      • This trip departs every day of the year.
      • This trip is fully customizable. We can customize the trip as per your needs, Please contact us.
      • This trip is available on both a Fixed Departure and a Private Group Basis.
      • If the given date is not appropriate for you, please get in touch with US (Call/email now for a private trip, i[email protected], Mobile +977 9851071767 (24 hrs) - WhatsApp, WeChat, and Viber) so that Trekking Planner can happily manage your trip on dates favorable for you.
      • Trekking Planner also organizes various trips in small groups that can suit you. We recommend you reserve a seat for yourself by booking with us right away for a beautiful experience. Hurry up! Adventure is waiting for you.
      Choose month & year
      Departure Date Trip StatusPrice 
      Departure DateDeparture DateDec 08, 2024 Dec 18, 2024Trip StatusTrip StatusGuaranteedPriceStarting fromUS$2699
      Departure DateDeparture DateDec 11, 2024 Dec 21, 2024Trip StatusTrip StatusGuaranteedPriceStarting fromUS$2699
      Departure DateDeparture DateDec 15, 2024 Dec 25, 2024Trip StatusTrip StatusGuaranteedPriceStarting fromUS$2699
      Departure DateDeparture DateDec 18, 2024 Dec 28, 2024Trip StatusTrip StatusGuaranteedPriceStarting fromUS$2699
      Departure DateDeparture DateDec 22, 2024 Jan 01, 2025Trip StatusTrip StatusGuaranteedPriceStarting fromUS$2699
      Departure DateDeparture DateDec 25, 2024 Jan 04, 2025Trip StatusTrip StatusGuaranteedPriceStarting fromUS$2699
      Departure DateDeparture DateDec 29, 2024 Jan 08, 2025Trip StatusTrip StatusGuaranteedPriceStarting fromUS$2699
      Essential Info

      If you want to customize the trip or custom hand-picked facilities instead of the whole package, we also have those services, for example.

      • Our agency can provide customized tailored itineraries for our client’s Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return needs.
      • Trekking Planner can conduct the trip by providing a guide and porters-only service for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
      • We can provide accommodation-only facilities for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
      • We can book and arrange flight tickets for Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
      • Our agency provides flight services from Ramechhap to Lukla and Lukla to Ramechhap.
      • Vehicle service from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and Ramechhap to Kathmandu can be arranged.

      Note that from April 2024, the flights will take place from Ramechhap, which is around 3/4 hours of drive, depending on whether you are taking a private vehicle or want to join a group to share the cost of a coaster or a bus.

      Useful Articles related to Everest Base Camp Trek

      Driving to Ramechhap for Lukla Flight, don’t forget these things.

      • If you take a private vehicle, you can reach around a 3-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, and the car will pick you up at the hotel or the place you choose.
      • If you’re taking a shared bus or coaster towards Ramechhap, then you have to go from your place towards the bus, and the bus will have other trekkers joining as well, as soon as everyone arrives, the bus or coaster will then move towards Ramechhap airport.

      Everest Base Camp Trekking Tips for Females.

      • Ladies and women need to keep track of their periods.
      • After tracking the periods, always keep two packs of sanitary pads with you.
      • In the mountains, during the cold, you can feel cramps, and bleeding can be a little more than normal, so feel free to let the guide know about the situation and consume painkillers in case of cramps.

      Equipment and Gear List

      trekking iconGeneral

      • Four-season (-20 degree) sleeping bag (We provide rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
      • Puffy down jacket (We provide rental jackets for an additional USD 35)
      • Daypack (25-30 liters recommended) with rain cover

      HeadUpper Body

      • Sun hat or cap (We'll provide you with a trekking cap.)
      • warm woolen hat
      • Scarf/Neck Buff (highly recommended to get saved from wind and cold)
      • Headlamp or mobile torch light for nighttime
      • Polarized sunglasses

      TorsoTorso

      • Technical fabric base layer thermals are light for warmer months, heavy for colder months
      • Technical fabric t-shirts and sleeve sweaters or high-necks
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • windproof jacket for the walk as it gets windy
      • Fleece jacket or down jacket

      PantLower Body

      • thermals inner
      • Hiking pants at least 3
      • Comfortable pants for teahouses
      • Waterproof, windproof shell
      • Hiking shorts

      GlovesHands

      • Woolen gloves for the tea house
      • Hard-shell windproof outer gloves for the walk

      FeetFeet

      • Marino Wool or comfortable, warm socks
      • Hiking socks
      • Liner socks
      • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
      • Crampons (For passes)
      • Casual shoes or sandals that are comfortable for the time in the tea house
      • Gaiters (lightweight for rain and snow)

      UndergarmentsUndergarments and inner wears

      • Technical fabric/quick drying (can be washed during the trek)
      • Sports bras (women)
      • sleeping clothes as per the comfortability

      MedicineFirst Aid Kits and Medications

      • Sunscreen SPF- 50+
      • Lip balm or Vaseline
      • ointment cream
      • Cough Syrup and strepsils (recommended for Khumbu Cough)
      • Creams and medicines (for any allergies or diseases)

      (Note: Our guides carry medications, oxygen cans, and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are recommended.)

      Other essentialsOther Essentials

      • Passport
      • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
      • Reusable water bottle
      • Toilet paper, small soap, and shampoo
      • Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
      • water bladder for the day bag
      • small towel for personal use
      • Pillowcase in case of allergies to new pillows
      • High-protein snacks (such as mountain bars or nuts)
      • Waterproof/dry bags for carrying essential documents, stuff, frequently used items, and money
      • Power bank or extra batteries
      • Cameras and mobile phone
      • Cards/book
      • Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
      • Trekking poles
      • Whistle in case your voice is not loud enough to stop or start
      • Thermos for hot water during the nighttime
      • We give you a free duffel bag, trekking cap, maps, and t-shirt during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
      • For every two participants, we assign one porter. The porter will carry the duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg/22 lbs., throughout the walk.
      • Daypack bag for daily used stuff like cash, documents, papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc. (with a waterproof cover).
      • You can store your luggage (on-trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu, and we can assist and help.
      • Total luggage for the Kathmandu-Lukla flight is (15 kg/33 lbs.), including duffel (10 Kg/22 lbs.) and backpack (5 kg/11 lbs.)
      • A down jacket with a hood(cap) to be warm in altitudes above 3,000m.
      • We can provide a down jacket for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, you need to pay back the cost of USD 200 per item.
      • We can provide a sleeping bag for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, USD 200 per item must be paid.

      Note: Supplies and gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu. Once you are in Nepal, you can buy supplies and gear for hiking if you have spare time. Trekking Planner Nepal representatives will assist you in purchasing the equipment. Thamel a tourist hub, offers a wide range of trekking equipment at affordable prices. Don't wear short clothes inside the monasteries and religious places.

      What to pack for trekking in Nepal

      FAQs
      • Awesome panorama of world highest mountain range, which you can view four world highest peaks on Everest Base Camp Heli flight, from Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Mt. Cho-Oyu. The difference is, you can enjoy the trek to Everest base camp in a short duration of time, than normal trekking days of more than 11-12 days.

      • Not as hard as it looks, although much ups in the first part of the trek, return journey is easier on losing heights. The high altitude makes hard walks for some people, taking time with a slow walk makes you overcome the hard work, and feel great on achieving your goal.

      • A big yes, it can land depends upon landing space as base camp is full of rock, moraine and glaciers, the available Heli-Pad or level ground is hard to maintain due to rock falls, avalanches and movement of glaciers every season.

        Which makes any type of chopper difficult to find space for a smooth and perfect landing. The only best available Heli-Pad with much level ground at Gorakshep or on the base of Kalapathar Hill.

      • Not at all, as long one take precautionary measures as advised by your doctor, guide, and group leader. High Altitude Symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is the main danger to be avoided, with enough rest days for acclimatization, drinking enough fluid (safe drinking water, green tea, or hot lemon and soups). As well walking slow with short rest will help you to make your trek enjoyable without any danger of high altitude.

        The other part of the trek is walking over moraine and glaciers to Everest base camp for just one day, it can be dangerous if you do not know the right path with guide will be safe throughout the treks.

      • Spring and autumn/fall to pre-winter best seasons for Everest base camp Heli Trek, when most morning till mid-day with clear sky for views and pleasant Helicopter flight, as well for treks.

      • Simple to standard room accommodation either you prefer single or twin sharing rooms with your partners, but higher up at Lobuche and Gorakshep single rooms might not be available in high trekking seasons.

        Lodge room accommodation as per your budget, where one can find luxury to simple standard rooms up to Dingboche. From Lobuche and Gorakshep only simple rooms available. Most places till Thyangboche with attach bathrooms and toilets or common, with large warm dining hall.

      • Yes, Travel and medical insurance most important and necessary documents to have with you, which should cover emergency medical evacuation on health issues by any means of transport like a Helicopter.

        Travel insurance should cover flight cancellation due to bad weather, or any unforeseen situation like roadblocks, due to landslides, political unrest that might hamper your travel in Nepal.

      • Once you book with us, no need to carry your stuff like bigger baggage which will be carried by our porters and pack animals, the only item that you should carry with you is your day items with small day pack or rucksack.

      • It varies on booking as per season size, normally we run the trek for a minimum of 2-3 person and maximum of 08 to 12 person in a group, but in special case we also organize for solo or individual travelers, although the cost comes much higher than in group.

      • Simple jogging, running, and walking for an hour or less every day before and after booking the trek with us. Exercise should include walking ups and down steps or one can enjoy swimming, aerobic, and Zumba class to stay fit and healthy for the trek to Everest base camp.

      • Guide will either accompany from Kathmandu, sometimes our local guide and field staff are stationed in Lukla also. All expert local guides provided with much knowledge of the area of trekking equipped with basic medical training and First-Aid including Responsible Tourism or Eco-Trekking to make our clients safe with enjoyable holidays.

        The number of guide and field staff provided according to group size, larger the group with more guide, staff and porter for minimum of 2-4 person with a guide and couple of porters to accompany throughout the trek.

      • It is best to join in a group departures date, as it is more fun and enjoyable with travelers of different nationalities and the cost of the trip comes slightly low than traveling alone with a guide and porter.

        If your holiday and date do not coincide with group departure dates, we can organize a special private trek for you, as exact date provided by you, we will set the date accordingly.

      • As long you take enough precaution you will be okay, walking slow and steady with some rest will help you from altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The other good things to fight with altitude is drinking enough water, light tea, or some hot drinks and soups, should consume at least a minimum of 2-3 liters of fluid every day.

        We have flexible itinerary days to cope with altitude having rest days for acclimatization. Do not take sleeping pills or any strong drugs at high altitudes can lead to critical situations. Pain reliever is all right to take as per your doctor's advice or medical personal. As for other durgs, your doctor should advise you, normally some people take from the start of the trek to the end at Lukla or any final destination.

      • When booking the whole package with guide and porters, including all meals on treks with room accommodation. The only money you need is for your personal needs, like buying souvenirs, hot shower in lodge or for snacks and other refreshments. US$ 300 to 400 convertible to local currency should be enough, and carry extra emergency money about US$ 100 to 200 in case of flight delay and cancellation, or if you have to break the journey and have to leave earlier.

        Other expenses for tipping the guide and porters, if you feel they deserve it after taking much care of you and the whole group.

      • You can buy or rent some good gear required for the trek in Kathmandu, if it is too much to carry from home, like sleeping bags, down jackets, snow gaiters, flash/torch including good metal water bottles and rucksacks.

      • You can leave at the hotel storage, or with Trekking Planner as well any valuable items and documents that are not required on treks, where you can store in a safety box at the hotel.

      • Showers are available hot or cold in every lodge that you stay, at extra cost where your guide will advise you, the bathrooms are all right and clean but some places not to Western standard or of Kathmandu hotels. Depending upon the standard of the hotel, there are toilets and bathroom, available on route trek at lodges and restaurants. Further high up there are no attach bathrooms or toilets due to harsh weather and high altitude terrain, where most toilets are outside the lodge.

      • In every lodge to Gorakshep, with facilities to charge your electronic gadgets, from Thyangboche onward most lodges have their solar power, where you have to pay per hour for each gadget.

      • There is WiFi available on route EBC Trek in most lodges that you spend overnights, sometimes with poor reception due to weather condition as well if you are staying in places enclosed by high hills and mountains or near river gorge.

      Client Reviews
      • rating star

        Truly the Trip (and Trek!) of a Lifetime!

        We did the 8 day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return in October. From the minute we first reached out to Trekking Planner, Dipak was responsive, informative, made great suggestions and was so patient with all of our (many!) questions. And once we arrived in Kathmandu, EVERYTHING was taken care of and ran smoothly. From the airport pickup, to the welcome dinner, the hotel, to the flight to Lukla, the helicopter back and getting us to the airport for our flight home, Trekking Planner had everything arranged and we didn’t have to worry about a thing!

        As for the trek itself - we were lucky enough to have the wonderful Dibash as our guide and Umis as our porter. Dibash took such good care of us, was knowledgeable, informative, funny and truly made an amazing trek even better. His love for the mountains and the culture was obvious and we thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with him. If you have a chance, ask him about his magic tricks!! Umis always had a smile on his face and was always up for a good game of cards.

        We have nothing but positive things to say about Trekking Planner in general, and Dipak, Dibash and Umis specifically. We’d love to come back and do the Annapurna Circuit!

        TripAdvisor
        L
        Lisa LAustralia,Nov 19, 2024
      • rating star

        Trekking Planner is a reliable company.

        Trekking Planner is a reliable company. Even though flight plans can be unpredictable, they managed everything smoothly and even arranged a helicopter when needed. My tour guide, Sudip, was amazing—he really cared about making our trek comfortable and exciting. He took care of all the logistics, knew everything about the area, and answered all our questions. We're extremely happy with our choice to book with Trekking Planner. The memories we made on this trek will stay with us forever.

        Google
        N
        Nirman PudasainiIndia,Jun 26, 2024
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