Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek - 12 Days

  • Duration 12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge Based Trekking
  • Best Season Spring (March - May) & Autumn (Sept - Nov)
  • Group Size 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,545 m

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is a short Everest Base Camp Trek package without compromising on acclimatization days or the classic EBC Trek experience. Our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return (EBC Heli Trek) package is the best option to avoid the same trail walk back to Lukla from Gorek Shep. On our Everest Base Camp Trek package 2024 on our website, it is 15 days and lets you walk back. But our Everest base camp heli return trek takes you up to the base of Mount Everest, and instead of trekking back and retracing the same trail, you take a wonderful helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. 

Trek through picturesque Sherpa villages in the Himalayas far away from the bustle of modern cities and enjoy serene trekking while rejuvenating your soul and unwinding on Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, also known as EBC Heli Trek, is an adventurous venture that is a perfect alternative for trekkers with limited time or for the trekker who wants something extra in the Khumbu region. The helicopter lands just over the Gorak Shep (en route to Kala Pathat, 5545m) to pick you up and give you a round trip over the Himalayas before descending to Kathmandu. 

The outlines you can expect during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

  • Experience a great landing at Lukla
  • The trail goes through Sherpa villages and lush forests of rhododendron, pine
  • Cross many suspension bridges and streams while trekking
  • Get to see the lifestyle of the Sherpas and their culture
  • Visit monasteries along the way
  • Enjoy serene trekking and unwind 
  • Reach the Everest Base Camp and further hike to a hill, Kala Patthar to witness a gorgeous sunrise 
  • Fly in a helicopter from Kala Patthar or EBC to Kathmandu
  • Enjoy breathtaking mountain panorama

Views en route to the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return 

The views en route to the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return (EBC Trek with Helicopter Return) take the views to another level. You get to witness jaw-dropping aerial views of the mountains, valleys, and villages. While enjoying views of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,608 m), and numerous others from different viewpoints while trekking, you fly high in the sky and get to soak in the bird-eye views.

The views get only better and more mesmerizing as you move towards the end of the trip. Unlike any other place in the world, the Himalayan scenery is heavenly and unbelievable when seen from high up.

What is the difficulty level of the EBC Heli Trek?

The EBC Heli Trek is considered a moderate trek in Nepal. Even though this trek has a helicopter return, you have to trek up to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) following the same trail with uncountable ascents and descents. 

The trekking route is rugged and steep, passes through dense forests, and crosses old suspension bridges. With the increase in altitude, the trail changes into alpine terrain and ascends along the moraine and glacier. You need to walk 6 to 7 hours a day. And above all that, deal with the remoteness of the region. 

Preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return

Nothing serious is needed to prepare for the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return. You can go on short hikes or do other activities that increase your endurance. Cycling, swimming, jogging, etc. are good examples. As the trek demands a long walk (6 to 7 hours minimum a day), your stamina should support you. You can likewise exercise and work on your core strength. 

The Best Time for doing the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek 

The best time for doing the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), without a doubt. March to September and September to November are the months falling under these two seasons. Everything is just perfect in these two seasons, whether we talk about climate, weather, or views. You can do this adventurous trip in the early winter too.

What is our 12-day Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek Package?

Our expertise and resources team make the Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek Package for everyone who wants to return to Kathmandu directly from Gorak Shep after being at Everest Base Camp. We have offered the best price for the package of the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek for 2024. It covers your accommodation in Kathmandu, plane tickets to Lukla, Sagarmatha National Park permits, your meals and accommodation in trekking, an expert guide and support team, and of course, a helicopter ride to Kathmandu from Gorak Shep. 

Also, check out our other Everest Base Camp Trek Packages here. 

Itinerary

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At Tribhuvan International Airport, our team members will welcome you and assist you to the hotel on your arrival day. We use a private vehicle to pick you up from the airport. Unpack and rest. Later, meet with the rest of the team members.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

An extra day in Kathmandu to prepare for the trek and visit a few tourist sites. After breakfast, you can say hello to your tour guide & driver in your hotel lobby. For the tour, you'll visit monuments like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhnath Stupa. In the late afternoon, we have a small meeting with the trek guide. There will be a short briefing about the trek, and we then do the final packing.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

To reach the starting point of the trek, we take an early morning flight, enjoying aerial views of lush green hills and snow-capped mountains. From Lukla, the trail descends to Phakding village, our first night stop. The route goes along a forested path. We can see a superb view of Kongde Ri peak from this village.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,660 m

Our next stop is the famous Sherpa town called Namche Bazaar. The trail from Phakding to Namche Bazaar joins the Sagarmatha National Park (Monjo onwards) and steeply ascends through verdant forests. Along the way, we will be crossing many bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, passing by small villages. The trail offers a great insight into Himalayan flora & fauna.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,341 m

The rest day in Namche Bazaar means we get to explore the village and spend more time with locals. First, to acclimatize our body, we hike to Syangboche Airstrip and further ascend a few hundred meters to reach the Hotel Everest View. Both places offer stunning views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, etc. Later in the day, we can visit museums, cafes, and shops in Namche Bazaar.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,341 m

The trail to Tengboche villages gradually ascends, offering sensational views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The trekking route is very impressive. First, we drop down to Dudh Koshi valley at Phunki Thanga and follow an uphill route through lush rhododendron forests to Tengboche village. 

*Fact: This village is home to the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region, the Tengboche monastery.

 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,860 m

Giving our prayers first thing in the Tengboche monastery, we descend to the Imja river. The trail onwards is full of mountain scenery so bear your heart. We will reach Pangboche village and walk past numerous terraced fields to Dingboche village. It's a beautiful village with grasslands and yaks/goats herding. 

*Fact: This village is also known as the Summer Valley.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410 m

The acclimatization day in Dingboche is perfect to take a small break and catch our breath before we go beyond the tree line and enter the alpine zone. For the hike, we can either go to Nagartsang Peak at 5,083 m or Nagarjun Peak at 5,100 meters. There is also one more option to hike to Chhukung Ri at 5,550 m. All of the hikes present beautiful mountain views of Cho Oyu, Pumori, Makalu, Baruntse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam etc.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410 m

The trail goes towards Dhugla and joins a higher route that leads through the moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Along the way, we can see the stone monuments made in the memory of Sherpas, who died during the Everest expedition. Further, we will be walking on the west side of the valley to reach Lobuche.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,910 m

This day we will finally be touching the Everest Base Camp. The day begins early, and we weave through the ice pinnacles and crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail takes us to Gorak Shep and further climbs along steep, rocky paths to the base camp. The base camp is marked with colorful prayer flags, and you can see mountaineers & their tents in the peak climbing season. We spend the night in Gorak Shep.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,180 m

Before we move back to Kathmandu, we hike to the popular viewpoint - Kala Patthar. It is the highest point of our trek. From Gorak Shep, we begin ascending following a rugged sloppy route. As the day begins to break, we will be rewarded with heartwarming views of mountains and a gorgeous sunrise. The top of Kala Patthar offers a heavenly mountain panorama above the clouds. 

After exploring the viewpoint, we take a thrilling helicopter ride from Kala Patthar to Kathmandu. The ride will add stunning aerial views of the Himalayas to our trek. Not many trekkers get to behold the aerial beauty of the Everest region. In Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the day free. There will be a short farewell dinner in the evening.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return ends on this day. Our airport team will drop you at the airport with all your luggage and bid you our last goodbye.

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit to you, we can customize your trip as per your interest and time-frame. Click here for Tailor-Made program

Map

Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek - 12 Days map

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
  • One expert tour guide for Kathmandu valley sightseeing inclusive entrance fees
  • Three nights’ accommodation at three star category hotel in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast
  • Kathmandu to Lukla flight tickets inclusive domestic aiport taxes 
  • Gorak Shep to Lukla to Kathmandu helicopter expenses
  • Three times meal (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and Twin sharing room with attached bathroom during the trekking
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • One highly experience government license holder English speaking trekking guide and required porters assigned for your services including their expenses
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS card
  • Everest base camp trekking map
  • Nepal gateway company T-Shirt 
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • All necessary government taxes 
  • Office service charges

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa which can be obtained upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport.  
  • Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
  • Your personal nature expenses and equipment and medical kit
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in trekking
  • Tipping to field staffs (Tipping is not mandatory but expected) 

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 20, 2024End DateEnd: SundayMarch 31, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$3300
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 23, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayApril 03, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$3300
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 27, 2024End DateEnd: SundayApril 07, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$3300
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 30, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayApril 10, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$3300

These are our fixed departure dates. The trip starting and ending date are the arrival and departure day to/from Kathmandu. The dates and price are specified for joining group. 
For Private Trip

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness during Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return 

The trekkers have to be careful of the risks of altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return. It's a venture that takes you above 5,500 meters from sea level in a matter of a few days. 

To make sure none of our guests has to suffer altitude sickness while trekking, we have come up with the best Everest Base Camp trek with a Helicopter return itinerary that has rest days and no more than 500 meters of ascent in a day.

Trekkers do get altitude sickness sometimes, so no need to worry. Usually, the symptoms (headache, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, etc) get cured in 1-2 days of rest.
 

Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return for Solo/Private/Group

To book a private Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return, you have to send us an email and let us know your requirements. A private trip also lets you customize the itinerary. You can do a solo private tip or in your group.

Solo trekkers not wanting to do a private Everest Base Camp heli trek can join one of our departure dates. You trek in a group with fellow travellers from around the world. It's a great way to make some new friends.
 

Permit for Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek

Like the general EBC trek, you will need Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for the Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return. We obtain the permits on your behalf, and the fees are included in our Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return cost. 

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit cost: Npr 2000 per person

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit cost: Npr 3000 per person 
 

Last Minute Booking for Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek 

For last-minute bookings, talk to our representative and see if it's possible or not. If we can take the last-minute booking for the Everest Base Camp trek with a Helicopter return, then you have to send us 100% of the package cost for the confirmation of the trip. You'll get all the other information while talking with our representative. 
 

Travel Tips For Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek 

Accommodation: We book you the best lodge for an overnight stay during the trek. The services you can hope to get are small twin shared rooms with a private washroom. In some places, the washroom can be common as well. 

Food: The food variety along the EBC trek is fantastic because of the high commercialization of the trail. Fresh bakery, coffee, steak, pizza, you name it (most of them are available in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche).

ATM: The last ATM is in Namche Bazaar, so if you don't have enough cash to use while trekking, withdraw there.

Charging: A paid charging station is in all the lodges. Another option is spare batteries or a solar charger.

Luggage: The trekkers get a 5 kg day pack limit with a 10 kg duffel bag weight limit per head. 

Personal Expenses: Have an additional budget to buy your international flight tickets, shop, extra drinks/meals, and offer tips.

Travel Insurance: It is good to have travel insurance for a venture like this because of the lack of basic infrastructure in the region. In case we need to take you to a hospital, all we can do is air evacuate you, and trust us, without travel insurance, it is very difficult.

FAQs

  • Q1. Can you get to Everest Base Camp by helicopter?

    Yes, you can get to the Everest Base Camp by helicopter. The flight takes off from Kathmandu airport, and after a short landing at Lukla airport to refuel, you fly directly to the base camp. Overall the flight time is 2-3 hours.

  • To get back to EBC, you can trek from Lukla to the base camp or fly in a private helicopter. If you have enough time on hand, we recommend you trek to base camp Everest to experience trekking.

  • Yes, you can trek to Everest Base Camp on your own. Get the permits, plan the best itinerary that suits you, and well budget the trip. Remember you have to arrange everything independently, so do your research and not forget to book the accommodation for a trek in advance.

  • Yes, you need a permit for Everest base Camp. It's two of them available to obtain from Kathmandu.

  • It takes around 7 to 8 days of trek to get from Kathmandu to Everest base camp. 

  • In the peak trekking seasons, the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the busiest trails in the Himalayas. Around 42% of the visitors traveling Nepal are trekking to EBC in autumn 31% in spring. The fascinating thing is, the journey only gets better with all the people from around the world.

  • Yes, the Everest Base Camp trek is open now for trekkers from all around the world. You can book Everest Base Camp trek 2002 & 2023 with us anytime.

  • There are two Everest Base Camps. One is in Nepal, the south base camp, and another one is in Tibet, the north base camp.

  • Yes, a beginner can climb up to Everest Base Camp with proper guidance.

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