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.

The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is a bundle of 9 days of hikes on the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route and return on a helicopter,directly to Kathmandu after the completion of the trekking. For the first nine days, you'll experience high-altitude trekking on Khumbu terrain with arresting glimpses of mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and more. While returning, you'll fly on a helicopter that offers a bird's eye view of every possible mountain around Everest you could count and name.

Most trekkers who dream of classic Everest Base Camp trek wish to return to Lukla on a helicopter. They can save 3 days of descent hikes and avoid fatigue. Apart from them, the most time-bound trekkers prefer this package because that they can have a short Everest base camp trekking duration with a luxurious return.

Fascination of Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return

Undoubtedly, you'll enjoy every step of your hike over Khumbu's rugged yet appealing Everest Base Camp Trek route. The mountains that surround you, the rushing streams, verdant forests, the calm glacial lakes, the ethnic Sherpa lifestyle, decent accommodations at the tea house, and chatting with fellow trekkers, guides, and porters gives you the serenity of being on the Himalayas for a week. You'll discover the essence of nature and will have the time to reflect on your purpose. You'll escape the hustle and bustle of crowded urban life on the remoteness of the Himalayas, accompanied by the Mother of Sky, Everest.

The utter aesthetic of Everest and other mountains around is best when viewed from the sky on a helicopter. The inspiring Khumbu terrain you hiked up to Kala Patthar appears spectacular as the chopper takes off from Gorak Shep down to Lukla. Every mountain, lake, stream, and settlement you encounter will now become a bird's-eye view, which is mind-blowing. The low-altitude flying of helicopters between the mountain terrains lets you get an immediate prospect of them.

Helicopter fly out from Gorak Shep takes you to Lukla within a half hour, escaping 3 tiring decent hike days. With utmost comfort and luxury, the Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter Return provides you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of enjoying a classic Everest base camp trek and One day Everest Base Camp helicopter tour.

Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return - Difficulty Level

Ten days of Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return from Kala Patthar is a combined and customized easy, moderate, and luxurious journey. The hike starts after landing at Lukla airport and takes us to Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche.  Along the mentioned places, the walks are comfortable on a well-maintained trek route. They have stone paved broad hiking trails adding ease to hiking.

However, the hikes to Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar become arduous and tiring. Lack of oxygen at these altitudes causes headaches and nausea, making trekkers tire faster. Besides that, you'll put your feet on Kala Patthar for sightseeing, return to Gorak Shep, and sit on a helicopter for a tireless and luxurious return to Lukla. Nevertheless, the post trekking experience would be amazing and exciting.

Means of Transportation for Helicopter Return Trek

Kathmandu to Lukla flight, and Helicopter return from Kala Patthar to Lukla or Kathmandu. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, as complementary, we at Dream Heaven Adventure offer our clients an accessible airport and hotel pickup and drop service.

The trek beings from kathmandu with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla, the hike leads you upto the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

The trek concludes with a helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla first and then to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Trek comes up with various options as per the need of the travellers.

  1. Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
  2. Everest Base Camp Short Trek (7 days)
  3. Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return (9 days)

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

    On the Everest Base Camp trek, over 3,500 metres, you'll likely develop altitude sickness symptoms. These include headaches, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and shortness of breath.

    Some trekkers recover after consuming medicines, whereas the symptoms worsen for some. You must report your health situation to the trek guide at such times. Our guides for the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return from Gorak Shep possess some extent of first aid and mountain medicine knowledge. They'll also check your health status with a pulse oximeter.

    To avoid these symptoms, you must drink plenty of water and eat healthy meals on the trek. Vitamin C supplements and Oral Rehydration Solutions also balance the essential body ions.
    However, consuming caffeinated drinks and alcohol prompts dehydration. Hence, avoid these drinks on the trek to stay hydrated and fit.

    You must have travel insurance if you need helicopter evacuation for health issues during the trek.

    Everest Base Camp Trek and Body Fitness Level

    Sound body fitness complements high-altitude trekking. Ten days hike on the classic Everest Base Camp trek route demands physical fitness. It would help to prepare cardiovascular, mental, physical, emotional, and high altitude sickness escaping techniques. After booking Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter, most trekkers prepare for the trek a month before departure.

    You can cope with altitude sickness with cardiovascular exercises, adequate meals, and plenty of water. On this trek, you'll get sufficient acclimatisation that adapts you to the gradual increasing altitude.

    Exercises like swimming, running, hiking, cycling, and mini-marathons keep cardiovascular health on top. You are engaging in these exercises for some months before the trek makes you fit and can overcome altitude sickness. Also, with these exercises, you won't have trouble hiking for multiple hours each day.

    Don't be afraid of this trek. Even aspiring trekkers reach the base camp and complete the tour successfully. Hence, with guides, you'll also be on Kala Patthar, viewing Everest in proximity. But, for this, be mentally strong and develop a will for success.

    Best time for Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return

    Trekking to the Everest region is to behold the Himalayan giants like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other prominent mountains from proximity. A clear and concise view of Everest is possible in Spring and Autumn.

    The helicopter return becomes enthralling when you get a bird's eye view of the Himalayas at 100% visibility. Hence, the best time for trekkers to join Everest Base Camp by helicopter return is Spring and Autumn.

    First, the Everest region is one of the best landscapes on earth. Unobstructed view of mountains leaves you in awe. The clear sky, rain-free days, crispy snow-occupied mountains, blossoming rhododendron, and lush pine forests all are ideals of Spring and Autumn. Also, you'll get a regular Kathmandu to Lukla flight during these months.

    The temperature and weather in other months make Everest trekking unique and non-doable.

    Weather and Temperature in Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek

    Weather and temperature are crucial factors that determine how well your Everest trekking experience will be. If you trek to Everest in winter, you'll freeze and get a terrible experience. Also, humid days with frequent rain hinder the hike in summer. Hence, planning an Everest trek in ideal weather and temperature is a must for solo trekkers and those looking for a local tour agency.

    Weather and temperature in Spring (March, April, and May)

    Spring is a modest month that has ideal weather and temperature conditions. The daytime temperature averages 18 degrees, mild for a day hike. Also, the nighttime temperature around freezing is bearable with decent down jackets and sleeping bags.

    The rain-free days add the viewing pleasure without any obstructions as well.

    Weather and temperature in Autumn (September, October, and November)

    Autumn is a long-awaited season for Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter return after prolonged monsoon rain in summer. The shower-free days with moderate temperature, pollutants-free outlook and lush terrain entertain the hike. Viewing the entire Everest region, lakes, and mountains from a helicopter return is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of clear weather in Autumn.

    The daytime temperature averages 17 degrees, making it ideal for a day hike with less sweat. Also, the nighttime temperature of -4 degrees is bearable. On top, the festive vibe in Autumn makes Everest trekking an exquisite cultural cum natural escapade.

    Weather and temperature in Winter (December, January, and February)

    Winter in the Everest region becomes harsh with a drop in temperature of 4 degrees in the daytime and -10 degrees at nighttime. Hence, these temperatures are not best for trekking here in winter.

    However, the best view of the snow-filled landscape is possible in winter. Only experienced high-altitude trekkers with adequate trekking preparations can hike to Everest base camp. But, the helicopter flight on return becomes an issue if the weather turns terrible with continuous snowfall.

    Weather and temperature in Summer  (June, July, and August)

    Summer in the Everest region becomes humid and hotter than other months, making day hikes more sweaty. The frequent rain showers hinder the pace of the walk, with added risks on the trail.

    The daytime temperature rises to 20 degrees and nighttime is around freezing on average. The daytime temperatures are bearable at high altitudes but not at low lands.

    The rain hinders the Kathmandu Lukla flight from mid-June to early September for almost the entire monsoon. Also, the helicopter return from Kala Patthar to Lukla and Kathmandu gets delayed. The Everest Base Camp trek and helicopter return in summer is not the best plan.

    If you want to see Everest in Summer, we can provide you with a One day Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour at the best rates. The helicopter tours to Everest are possible on minor weather issues.

    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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