Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

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Trip Fact:
  • Duration 9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • DestinationNepal
  • Max Altitude5550m
  • AccommodationHotel/Lodges
  • MealsAll Meals (B/L/D) during the trek
  • Trip Start/EndLukla
  • Group Size1-10 pax
  • Best SeasonFebruary to May and September to December are the best months

What to Expect:

  • Adventurous nine days hike to the world's highest, Mount Everest, via arresting terrains.
  • Hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for an exquisite Everest viewing experience along Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and more.
  • Helicopter fly-out from Gorak Shep with utmost luxury and a bird's eye view of Everest, Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and every mountain in Khumbu.
  • Hike on the serene, classic Everest Base Camp Trek route via wonderful Khumbu villages like Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, and more.
  • Hike through the verdant rhododendron blossom, lush pine and oak forest, rushing Dudh Koshi River, and several high suspension bridges.
  • Experienced trek guides, porters, well-designed itineraries with the best available tea houses and helicopter service at the best rate.
  • 100% assured safety with emergency helicopter evacuation during emergencies from any point on the trek route.
  • Fixed departures for Spring and Autumn 2024 with a limited number of clients.

Experience the ultimate adventure with our Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, a 9-day journey combining the classic EBC trek with a luxurious helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. Over the first nine days, you'll trek through the breathtaking Khumbu region, catching panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori. After completing your trek, a scenic helicopter flight offers a bird's-eye view of the Everest region's stunning landscapes.

This package is ideal for trekkers dreaming of the EBC trek but seeking to save time and avoid strenuous descents. By opting for the helicopter return, you can shorten your trekking duration without compromising on the Everest experience.

Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Explore the rugged beauty of the Khumbu Valley on the classic EBC trek route, immersing yourself in Sherpa culture and enjoying comfortable tea house accommodations. From the serene glacial lakes to the towering peaks, every moment in the Himalayas is an opportunity for reflection and awe.

The helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla provides a spectacular finale, offering unparalleled views of the Himalayan terrain you've conquered. It's a swift and luxurious way to conclude your adventure, bypassing three days of descent hikes.

Difficulty Level

This customized journey blends easy, moderate, and luxurious elements, starting from Lukla and passing through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. While some sections like Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Kala Patthar present challenges due to high altitude, our well-maintained trails ensure a comfortable trekking experience overall.

Transportation

Your adventure begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by trekking to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. The journey concludes with a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla, with options for direct return to Kathmandu.

Embark on this unforgettable journey that combines the thrill of trekking to Everest Base Camp with the luxury of a helicopter return. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time adventurer, our Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return promises an experience of a lifetime.

Itinerary

The next morning, you will take an early flight to Lukla. Lukla airport is the scariest and coolest airport in the whole world.

You will love the thrill of landing at that beautiful airport with a mind-blowing Himalayas view.

After landing, you will take a small break and start your trek in the Khumbu region. Phakding is the destination for your first day. It is only around 6 KM away, which takes about 3 hours.

You will spend a night in a cosy teahouse after having a delicious meal.

Flight Duration: 40 minutes
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Trek Distance: 6.5 Km Approx.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 2,610m

You will start early on your third day to reach Namche Bazaar. Phakding being at the elevation of about 2610m, you will slowly walk uphill.

You will show your permit at Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit Checking Counter as you are moving toward your destination.

You will cross the river, walking over suspension bridges and lush green vegetation. You will enjoy the astonishing views on the trail and pass through beautiful villages like Monjo and Jorsale.

You will reach Namche Bazaar after trekking for 8-9 hours daily. Once you are there, you will relax and chill. After one fine meal, you will stay overnight in a nice hotel.

Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Trek Distance: 8 Km Approx.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 3,440m

Acclimatisation is essential as you climb the altitude. It helps immensely with altitude sickness.

You will take a day as a break from your trek, and you can do short hiking around Namche Bazaar. This city is bustling with the crowd most of the time. You can get to know a lot of people here.

With an astonishing view of the Himalayas, you can spend quality time in and around Namche Bazaar. Exploring Namche bazaar will not only prepare your body for the altitude, but you will also learn about Sherpa villages and cultures.

After acclimating at an altitude of 3,440m above sea level for a day, you will have a nice dinner and get some sleep for the next day.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 3,440m

Once you leave Namche Bazaar, you will trek uphill, and your trail will get more manageable afterward.

You will trek through the forest and cross the rivers through suspension bridges. Your 6-7 hours trek journey will take you to Tengboche. Tengboche has one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Khumbu region, the largest.

You will love the peace and calm environment of this village. You can explore Buddhist cultures and monasteries.

You will spend a night here.

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 9.5Km

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • (3,860m)

You can take part in the Morning Prayer in the Tengboche Monastery if you like. After taking part in the Morning Prayer in the Tengboche monastery, you will start your trek.

Descending through the forest, you will reach a charming village named Deboche. It's a warm and friendly hub and one of the Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region.

You will trek further to get to Shomare and reach Dingboche after around 7 hours of walking.

You will get a fine dinner and rest in a cosy teahouse.

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 11 Km

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • (4,410m)

Once you reach Dingboche, you will have crossed the altitude of 4000m. Dingboche is at 4,410m altitude. Your body needs adjustments as you climb higher.

You will spend a day in Dingboche exploring the village and peaks near it. You can take a short hike and acclimatise. You will see the spectacular view of the peaks like Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and others.

You will take enough rest for another day's trek.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • (4,410m)

You will wake up early and head towards your destination for a day which is Lobuche.

You will pass through Pheriche, a famous village. After a few more elevations, you will reach Thukla, sometimes known as Dughla. You will walk uphill and trek through the Everest memorial, a sacred place for the souls which were lost in the Everest expedition.

Once you reach Lobuche village, you will stay in a teahouse. After a meal, you can call it a night.

Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Trek Distance: 11Km

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • (4,910m)

You will have breakfast in Lobuche and trek towards Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep is the small settlement area that is the actual original base camp.

You can take a break here, and it will be your final stop at Everest Base camp. Following the prayer flags on the trek trails, you will reach the Everest Base camp.

You will get the best view of the majestic Himalayan range. You will explore the area and stand in front of Mount Everest face to face.

This moment gives a lifelong, cherishable memory.

You will walk back to Gorak Shep to stay overnight. You will take a rest after one fine meal.

Trek Duration: 7 to 9 hours
Trek Distance: 15 Km

    You can only see the most remarkable view of Mount Everest from Kalapatthar. You will wake up early before dawn and trek up to Kalapatthar to see the breathtaking view of golden rays on Mount Everest.

    All the difficulties you have overcome in this trek will be worth it. Every view will make your heart skip a bit. The clear sky and flying prayer flags with you standing at the highest point on the Everest base camp will be an incredible journey for you.

    After living in the moment for some time, you will trek back to Gorak Shep.

    After breakfast, you will be in your helicopter to return to Kathmandu.

    If the weather is clear and pleasant, the flight will only take around 70-80 minutes. But, if it isn't the case, it may take longer than that estimated time.

    You will be able to get an astounding and magnificent aerial view of Everest and the whole Khumbu region.

    Once you land in Kathmandu on a helicopter, you will officially complete your Everest base camp trek.

    You will transfer to your hotel and take a rest. If you like, you may explore the streets of Thamel, Asan, and New road. You can have dinner and go to sleep afterward.

    Flight duration: 70 minutes Approx.
    Trek Duration: 1 to 2 hours
    Trek Distance: 4 Km Approx.

    • Your own hotel
    • Breakfast/Dinner
    • 5,545m

    Cost Details

    Includes

    • Domestic airport transfer
    • Hotel/accomodation (tea house) in mountain
    • All meals ( 9 breakfast, 8 lunch and 8 dinner )
    • Fresh fruit every day ( during the trek )
    • Kathmandu Lukla flight ticket
    • Sagarmatha National Park permit and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee
    • Professional trekking guide
    • Strong/helpful trekking porter
    • Usage of Equipments (sleeping bags, down jacakes, walking poles )
    • Helicopter flight from Ghorakshep-Lukla-Kathmandu
    • Government taxes, necessary paperworks and office expences

    Excludes

    • Hotel in Kathmandu
    • Your travel insurance
    • Personal related expences ( hot shower, battery charging, chocolated, laundry etc)
    • All kind of drinks ( alcoholic, non-alcoholic, soft and hot drinks)
    • Tipping for trekking staffs 

    Good to Know

    Altitude Sickness and Prevention on Everest Base Camp Trek

    When trekking above 3,500 meters on the Everest Base Camp route, altitude sickness can affect you with symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

    Some trekkers recover with medicine, but others may feel worse. It's important to tell your guide about any health issues. Our guides on the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return from Gorak Shep have basic first aid training and check your health with a pulse oximeter.

    To avoid altitude sickness, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals during the trek. Vitamin C supplements and Oral Rehydration Solutions help balance your body's electrolytes. Avoid drinks like coffee and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

    Having travel insurance is essential in case you need a helicopter for a health emergency during the trek.

    Fitness for Everest Base Camp Trek

    Being physically fit is crucial for the 10-day trek to Everest Base Camp. Start preparing a month before the trip with cardio exercises and acclimatization techniques for high altitudes.

    Activities like swimming, running, cycling, and hiking improve your stamina and help you adjust to the altitude. This preparation reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

    Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

    The best times for trekking to Everest Base Camp and returning by helicopter are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, mild weather, and breathtaking views of Everest and other peaks.

    Spring and Autumn have ideal trekking conditions with no rain, blooming flowers, and lush forests. The weather also allows for regular flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, ensuring smooth logistics for your trek.

    Weather and Temperature

    Spring (March-May): Daytime temperatures are mild around 18°C with bearable freezing nights. Clear skies make for good visibility and enjoyable trekking.

    Autumn (September-November): Daytime temperatures average 17°C and nights are around -4°C. The weather is clear, and the festive atmosphere adds to the trekking experience.

    Winter (December-February): Cold with daytime temperatures around 4°C and nights as low as -10°C. Snow-covered landscapes make for beautiful scenery, but trekking is challenging and helicopter flights may be affected by snowfall.

    Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with daytime temperatures up to 20°C. Heavy rain from mid-June to early September makes trekking difficult and delays helicopter returns. Summer isn't recommended for Everest Base Camp trekking but is suitable for shorter helicopter tours.

    For those interested in seeing Everest during summer, we offer affordable One Day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours, which can accommodate minor weather disruptions.

    Client Reviews

    • S
      Sara MorrisonUnited States |May 10, 2023
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      EBC Adventure: Beyond Expectations

      I recently went on an incredible trek with my husband. Although it was tough, the experience was completely worth it. We owe a lot to the Dream Heaven Adventure and Team, especially Suman, who went above and beyond to adjust our plans and ensure we had our scheduled helicopter ride back despite some challenges. Our guide, Dipak, wasn't just helpful—he taught us local tales, introduced us to the card game, and genuinely became a friend. I'm also grateful to our porter Phurba, for seamlessly transporting our belongings. If you're an adventure enthusiast, I can't recommend this Everest base camp trek and the Dream Heaven Adventure enough. A heartfelt thanks to them!!!

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