- TRIP DURATION
- 10 Days
- MAX. ALTITUDE
- Kalapatthar (5,544 m)
- TRIP GRADE
- Moderate
- LODGING
- Hotel and tea house
- BEST SEASON
- 12 months a year
- MEALS
- Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
- COMMUNICATION
- Wi-Fi and Local SIM card
- PER DAY WALK
- 5 to 6 hours
Everest base camp trek with helicopter return
Overview
Our EBC trek with a helicopter return option makes your Everest Base Camp Trek even more impressive. This unique itinerary lets you hike to Everest Base Camp and return by helicopter to Lukla, saving you the long hike back.
This 10-day Mount Everest base camp helicopter tour, at an altitude of about 5,364 meters, offers panoramic views of 8,000-meter-high peaks, including Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche, and Mt. Everest. The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return starts with a panoramic flight to Lukla, followed by a trek through the beautiful Dudh Koshi River valley to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll acclimatize.
Enjoy breathtaking views while trekking to Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. The highlight of the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is reaching Everest Base Camp, where towering peaks and the massive Khumbu Glacier surround you.
After a memorable sunrise view from Kalapatthar, you’ll return to Gorak Shep for the best Everest Base camp Trek. Then, you’ll take a helicopter ride back to Lukla, where you’ll catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Experience the best of the Everest region with our Everest base camp helicopter return option.
Trip Highlights
- Your journey will start with a scenic flight to Lukla.
- You will have the opportunity to see Mount Everest from a close view.
- Follow the famous trail to Everest Base Camp, repeating the steps of many trekkers and climbers.
- Experience the raw, rural beauty of the Everest Region.
- Learn about the Sherpa culture, try their food, and admire their inspiring way of life.
- Trek through the dense forests of Sagarmatha National Park.
- Stay in famous villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche.
- Reach Everest Base Camp (5,545m) and Kala Patthar (5,645m) for breathtaking views.
- Catch sight of iconic mountains like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Pumori.
- Return to Lukla by helicopter from Gorakshep, enjoying views of Mount Everest.
Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, and Health
When we talk about the fitness level required for an Everest base camp trek with helicopter return, we mean how fit you need to be. Some treks require you to be fit and ready for a challenge, while others are easier and more suitable for less fit people.
On the medical side, it’s essential to consider things like altitude sickness and how the trek might affect your health. Altitude sickness can occur when you go to high places too quickly, and your body doesn’t have enough time to adjust. It can make you feel sick and weak, so it’s something to be aware of, especially on treks at high altitudes.
Health is also important because you want to ensure your health before starting a trek. If you have health concerns or are unsure if a trek is suitable for you, check with a doctor. It’s also essential to stay healthy during the trek, so bringing medications and caring for yourself along the way is a good idea.
Weather Information
The weather conditions significantly impact the Everest Base Camp trek’s success and safety. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the optimal times for the journey, boasting stable weather with clear skies and warm temperatures. Spring offers pleasant trekking conditions with temperatures ranging from 16 to 23°C, while autumn provides crystal-clear views after the monsoon season, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 24°C.
Summer (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and temperatures between 9 to 12°C, making trekking challenging and helicopter operations risky. Winter (December to February) presents extreme cold, with temperatures below freezing and the possibility of heavy snowfall, adding to the trek’s difficulty and risk. Therefore, planning your Everest Base Camp trek during Spring or Autumn is advisable for optimal weather conditions and safety.
ITINERAY
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
Your Everest base camp trek with helicopter return begins as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A team member from Himalayan Masters will receive you and accompany you to your teahouse, where you can rest and prepare for the adventure.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can relax for a couple of days and, if you have time, tour Thamel, Bouddha, Syambhunath, and many other places. Before departing, you must visit Himalayan Masters company at Thamel for your briefing session. Our team representative, Mr. Sandip Dhugana, will give you a briefing session.
Meal : Dinner
Accomodation : Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02: Flight to Lukla, then Trek to Phakding
Your Everest base camp trek with a Helicopter The return trip starts with a scenic 25-minute flight to Lukla early in the morning. The Lukla airport has a high chance of flight delays and cancellations, as the weather in the Lukla region is not clear every day. Your guide will accompany you from Kathmandu, but you will find the porter after landing in Lukla.
After landing at Lukla, you must walk 3–4 hours downhill. You will pass through many beautiful villages, such as Thadokoshi and Ghat, which can be seen during the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Phakding has a 200-meter lower elevation than Lukla. If your flight arrives on time, you can even trek to Monjo on the same day. We will stay at Pine Forest teahouse. You can find several teahouses in the area. You will stay at a teahouse with an attached toilet bathroom. The hotels are essential but are very comfortable. You will also have a hot shower if you want.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Walking / Driving : 25 mins flight/ 4 Hours trek
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar
On the third day of the Everest Base Camp Trek return back by helicopter, you will start your trek to Namche Bazar. Namche is 3440 meters high. You must trek for 2 hours on a gradual ascent to reach Namche. You will have your lunch at Gorselle. There are a variety of lunch options. There is no specific lunch or food you should eat.
Namche Bazar is the gateway of the Himalayas, Everest region of Nepal. Himalayan masters will provide you with a good teahouse for your accommodation. We will provide an attached bathroom, hot shower, and warm electric blanket. Namche has good accommodation facilities and many teahouses along the way. The total trek time on your third day is 6-7 hours.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Walking / Driving : 5 hours
Day 04: Acclimatization Day at Namche
Day four is the first day of your acclimatization day during the Everest base camp with helicopter return. Namche region is the best region in the Everest base camp trek. On this day, you will rest your body for further treks in the region. On your first acclimatization day in Namche, you’ll take it easy and let your body adjust to the higher altitude.
Namche is a lively town in the Khumbu area with many amenities, such as ATMs, internet cafes, and restaurants. You can also explore the area by visiting viewpoints like Thamo, Khunde, and the Sherpa people. You can even trek to the Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other mountains. After a day of exploring, you’ll return to Namche for the evening, passing by a picture gallery, museum, and Sherpa settlements.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Day 05: Trek to Tengboche
During your Everest Base Camp Trek from Namche Bazar, you will trek through Tengboche on the fifth day. You will pass through Kyanjhuma, a village, after walking from Namche for 1.5 – 2 hours. The route on this day is not very challenging. The paths are straight. Then, we will descend gradually to Fungi Thanga for our lunch.
After lunch, we will trek for 2 hours to Tengboche. The path has a 2-hour ascent. There are around 4-5 teahouses in the Tengboche area. Tengboche monastery is located in the area, so trekkers can enjoy the evening ceremony performed by the locals at the monastery. We can see scenic views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Toboche, and many more mountains. We will stay overnight at Tengboche.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Walking / Driving : 6 hours
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche
On the sixth day of the trek, you will have breakfast and begin your Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return. After walking for 30 minutes, the path takes you to Diboche, where you will gradually descend. Then, you will trek to Pangboche and Somare, which will take you around 2 hours to reach.
You will have lunch at Somare. After lunch, you will start walking to Dingboche, which is at an elevation of 4410 meters. You will gradually walk for around 2 hours to reach Dingboche. You will stay at Dingboche on that day.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Walking / Driving : 5 hours
Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
This day is also an acclimatization day. It will help you to rest yourself mentally and physically. Acclimatization is necessary for the Everest Base camp helicopter trek. You can use this day to explore Dingboche and villages nearby, like Chhukung and Imja. The short hike is optional for everyone. You can even take a rest at the hotel.
We will guide you through the Nagarjun hills or Chhukung Ri if you can take a short hike. You can choose one of these short hikes, as you cannot do them in a single day.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Day 08: Trek to Lobuche
The walk from Dingboche gets more exciting as you climb higher. After climbing a steep route, you’ll pass by Thukla, a village. You will talk through Thukla Pass for around one hour. From Thukla, the path gets tougher as you ascend to Chupki Lhara. Here, you’ll see stones covered in prayer flags honouring mountaineers who died on Everest.
As you continue towards Lobuche, the route becomes easier, offering views of Everest base camp, Kalapatthar, the Khumbu glacier, and beautiful peaks like Khumbutse and Pumori. There are around 5-6 teahouses in Lobuche.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Walking / Driving : 6 hours
Day 09: Trek to Everest Base Camp, then trek to Gorak Shep
On this day, you will gradually trek for 3 – 4 hours to reach Gorak Shep. You will have your lunch at Gorak Shep. Then you will trek to the most awaited place in the Everest base camp trek heli return, Everest base Camp.
After trekking for 2 hours, you will reach Everest Base Camp. After capturing some photos and enjoying the views of the Everest region, you will trek back to Gorak Shep. There are no accommodation facilities in the Everest Base Camp region, but there are around five teahouses in Gorak Shep.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Teahouse
Walking / Driving : 7 hours
Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar, then Helicopter Ride to Kathmandu
On the last day of your Everest Base Camp helicopter trek, you will wake up early to reach Kalapathar and see the amazing sunrise. After trekking for around 2.5 hours, you will reach Kalapathar. As the route is descending while returning to Gorak Shep, it will only take around 1.5 hours to return.
You will end the Everest Base Camp trek from Gorak Shep and start your Helicopter ride to Lukla. If you want to travel directly to Kathmandu rather than Lukla, Himalayan Masters will manage your ride. On the package, Himalayan Masters will take you to Lukla by helicopter. You will have a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
However, if you want to fly directly back to Kathmandu from Gorak Shep, we can help you with that, too.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Hotel in Kathmandu
Walking / Driving : 3 hours + 30mins flight
include / exclude
Trip Cost Includes
- International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off by private car.
- Two nights of accommodation in the kathamandu (3-star standard hotel)
- Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu airfare
- A professional trekking guide for during the trek
- Trekking porter for nine days of trekking (One porter carries up to 30 kg)
- 1 set Breakfast, 1 set lunch and 1 set dinner in the mountains as per the itinerary
- Three cups of hot drinks in the mountains
- Attached is the bathroom tea house accommodation with a hot shower in (Phakding and Namche.
- Two nights’ accommodation in the Namche with electric blankets
- Sagarmatha National Park permits
- Khumbu Municipality area permits
- Guide and Porter Insurance
- All government taxes and company service charges
Complimentary Services from Himalayan Masters
- Use a 25-degree sleeping bag during the trip if needed.
- Himalayan Masters brand Down jacket during the trek
- Use a pulse oximeter to check your spo2 and bpm at high elevations.
- Water bottles and purification tablets by Himalayan Masters
- first aid kit box.
- Seasonal fruits for dessert.
- The Himalayan Masters brand duffle bag for the trip
- Himalayan Masters Brand Trekking T-Shirt and Cap
- oxygen bottle for emergencies during climbing and trekking.
Trip Cost Excludes
- Nepal visa
- International flights tickets
- lunch and dinner in the city
- After Namche Wifi, battery charging and the hot shower
- Tips for guide and the porter
useful info
Difficulty of Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
The Everest Base Camp helicopter trek is difficult because of the high altitudes. The route is easy to follow, with clear paths and trails used by yaks. However, as you climb higher, the altitude makes it more challenging. You should be ready to walk for 6 to 7 hours daily, carrying your backpack with essential items like water, extra clothes, and snacks.
The trek can take up to 5,500 m, where some famous mountain base camps are located. You’ll also need to sleep at an elevation of 5,000 m or higher for one night at Gorekshep. Previous trekking experience is optional, but you should be reasonably fit, enjoy walking, and adapt to high altitudes.
Climbing experience for Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return
Climbing to Everest Base Camp with helicopter return is an incredible adventure. As you trek through the stunning Himalayan landscape, you’ll encounter challenges like steep paths and high altitudes, where the air is thin. But the journey is worth it for the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the sense of accomplishment when you reach Base Camp. The helicopter ride back gives you a different perspective of the mountains and lets you wonder at the region’s beauty one last time. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, filled with physical and emotional highs.
Emergency and evacuation
Lukla also has a hospital and an airport for rescue operations in case of an emergency during your Everest Base Camp trek. Helicopter evacuation depends on the weather and visibility conditions around Everest. In an emergency, the trekking team, guide, and local helpers will coordinate to move the person to a safe location and try to arrange for helicopter evacuation. However, bad weather can sometimes delay helicopter assistance, so it’s essential to be prepared and able to manage situations independently in the mountains.
If you need a helicopter evacuation, you can arrange it through your insurance. Contact your insurance company directly and provide them with your policy number, name, address, and the date you purchased the policy. This information is necessary to open a case and explain the emergency.
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Altitude Sickness
On this Everest base camp with helicopter return, you’ll climb higher and higher. It’s one of the highest treks you can do. The highest point, Kala Patthar, is about 5,554 meters. You’ll start your journey from Lukla, which is already high up at 2,860 meters.
When you go up that high, you risk altitude sickness. This is not good news for trekkers like us. It can make you feel sick and even cause serious problems. If someone gets sick, they might need to be evacuated immediately for medical help.
While this trek will be unique, we must watch for signs of altitude sickness. Safety first, right?
Kits and equipment
The proper gear is essential when getting ready for your trek to Everest Base Camp. You’ll need sturdy hiking boots, warm layers of clothing, like fleeces and waterproof jackets, and a good backpack to carry everything. Remember essentials like a hat, gloves, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and cold. And, of course, you’ll need a reliable sleeping bag and tent for camping along the way. It’s also wise to bring snacks and water to stay energized and hydrated during your journey. Packing smart and light will make the trek much more enjoyable.
Special training
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the best adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It’s known to be challenging, so preparing yourself beforehand is essential. Your fitness level, age, lifestyle, and diet affect how well you’ll do on the trek. Before you start, it’s wise to check with your doctor to ensure you’re healthy enough for the journey.
If you’re good to go, consider talking to a trainer or a nutritionist for extra guidance, although it’s only sometimes necessary. Training for the Everest Base Camp Trek concerns building up your stamina and strength to handle the long days of hiking at high altitudes. It’s all about being prepared and taking care of yourself along the way.
Permits for Mt Everest base camp helicopter tour
When trekking in Nepal, especially if you’re planning an Everest Helicopter Tour, you must arrange a few essential permits.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit supports the park’s ecology and helps preserve its beauty for future adventurers by controlling the number of visitors.
You might also need a local area permit for the specific regions you’ll be visiting. These permits help manage tourism in those areas responsibly and protect the environment and local communities. Finally, helicopter tour operators need aviation permits to ensure their flights meet safety standards and regulations.
The best time for Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter return
Many people ask if the Everest base camp trek is worth it. Knowing the best times for your Everest Base Camp trek is important, especially since you’ll also be taking a Mt. Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to go. Spring, from March to May, offers stable weather and beautiful views, although it can be crowded.
Autumn, from September to November, has clear skies and warm days, making it perfect for trekking. Summer, from June to August, is rainy and not recommended for trekking, as the trails can be slippery and dangerous. Winter, from December to February, is cold but offers stunning snowy views, although it’s less popular due to the extreme temperatures.
The weather is stable in spring and autumn, making it safer for helicopter rescues if needed. Summer is rainy and not ideal for helicopter operations, while winter is cold and risky due to potential snowfall. So, if you’re planning your Mt Everest base camp helicopter tour, aim for Spring or Autumn for the best experience and safety.
Things to Pack for Everest base camp trek with helicopter return
When preparing for an Everest Base Camp trek return back by helicopter, it’s essential to pack wisely to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your journey.
Clothing:
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket
- Trekking pants and shorts
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Footwear:
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Comfortable trekking socks
Everest Base Camp Gear list:
- Backpack with rain cover
- Sleeping bag for teahouse accommodation( complimentary by Himalayan Masters)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Water purification tablets( complimentary by Himalayan Masters)
- Snacks and energy bars
- Personal first-aid kit
- Durable camera or smartphone for capturing memories
- Portable charger or power bank
- Trekking map and guidebook
Personal Hygiene and Toiletries:
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes or baby wipes
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Miscellaneous:
- Passport and necessary permits
- Cash (Nepali rupees) for expenses along the trail
- Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage
- Waterproof dry bags or plastic bags for keeping items dry
- Lightweight towel
Helicopter-Specific Items:
- Carry-on essentials for the helicopter ride (snacks, water, medications, camera)
- Motion sickness medication
Accommodation and food during the trip
When you’re on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return trip, finding food and accommodation won’t be a problem. Along the way, there are many tea houses where you can eat and rest. Locals run tea houses and offer a variety of food like noodles, dumplings, pizza, and the popular Traditional Dal Bhat. At some stops, you can also find beverages like tea, coffee, energy drinks, and bakeries. You can get drinkable water from the tea houses or taps along the trail, but remember to use purification tablets.
Tea houses offer twin-sharing rooms with basic amenities like beds and bedding. While the rooms are clean and well-priced, expect something other than luxury. Tea houses also offer additional services like hot showers, WIFI, and charging facilities for extra charges.
Electricity and battery recharge, water during the trek
You’ll find electricity during the best Everest base camp trek with helicopter return in some teahouses, but it’s only sometimes reliable. They usually have solar to recharge your devices, like phones and cameras. However, bringing a portable charger just in case is a good idea.
You can refill your bottles at the teahouses or use purification tablets to make water from streams safe to drink. Staying hydrated is important, especially at higher altitudes, so always have enough water. Having a power bank will be suitable because, from Tengboche, you will have to rely on solar panels.
Roads on The Circuit and How to Avoid Them
On the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, you’ll mostly be trekking on dirt paths and rocky terrain. These trails can be challenging, especially with the altitude and unpredictable weather. To avoid the most difficult parts, carefully planning your Everest base camp trek with helicopter is important.
Choose the right trek season when the weather is more stable, and the paths are in better condition. Please consider taking rest days to acclimatize to the altitude, which can help prevent altitude sickness and make the Everest base camp with helicopter return more enjoyable.
With Himalayan Masters
Booking/ airport pickup
Himalayan Masters provides airport pickup and drop-off services personalized to your flight schedule. Your transfers are arranged based on your flight information, ensuring a smooth journey. If your flight schedule changes, please let us know on time so we can adjust the transfers accordingly.
Upon arrival, look for our team, who will welcome you in the arrival area. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Similarly, for your departure, we will provide you with the airport in time for your flight.
Support Team
With Himalayan Masters, you’ll have a dedicated support team throughout your trekking adventure. From experienced guides to skilled porters, our team ensures your safety, comfort, and enjoyment every step of the way. We prioritise your needs and try to make your trekking experience in the Himalayas unforgettable.
Starting Point/ Ending Point
Many people wonder where does Everest base camp trek start. The start and end point for the Everest Base Camp trek is usually Lukla, a little town with an airport in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where trekkers start their journey on foot.
After trekking for days, depending on the itinerary, trekkers reach Everest Base Camp, the starting point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest. The Everest base camp trek return back by helicopter concludes in Lukla, where trekkers catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Lukla serves as a gateway to the Everest region and shows stunning views of the Everest region throughout the journey.
A typical day on the trek
During the Everest base camp trek return back by helicopter; you’ll wake up between 6:00 am and 7:00 am daily. During our briefing, we’ll decide the wake-up and breakfast times the night before. Our schedule for the day depends on how long we’ll be walking.
After a filling breakfast, we’ll start our walk for the day. Before breakfast, pack your duffel bag, which the porter will carry while you eat. We’ll stop for lunch after walking for about 3-4 hours. Usually, the afternoon walk is shorter, and we’ll reach our destination in time for tea.
You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore, do laundry, or relax. Some days, we might arrive at our destination before lunch, giving us the whole afternoon free. After the dinner, your guide will provide a brief session about the next day’s trek.
Climbing Costs
Regarding climbing costs for the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return, you’ll need to budget for permits, guides, and gear rental. Permits can vary in price, but they’re necessary for entering the Sagarmatha National Park. Guides help guide the terrain and ensure your safety. Gear rental includes boots, crampons, and ropes, which can add up. Budgeting for food and accommodation along the way is also a good idea.
Insurance for Everest base camp trek return back by helicopter.
Travel insurance is necessary for the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. We require each trekker to provide a copy of their travel insurance certificate, covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and helicopter rescue at up to 6000 meters. This information should be submitted within a week of reserving the Everest base camp trek return back by helicopter.
We will use your insurance policy to organise a quick and successful rescue in an emergency. Before purchasing, it’s essential to check with your insurance company to ensure they offer coverage for helicopter rescue and evacuation up to 6000 meters and do not solely rely on the information provided on their website.
Additional Expenses
In addition to climbing costs and insurance, there are other helicopter Everest base camp expenses. These include meals, accommodation, and transportation to and from the starting point of the trek. Planning and budgeting for these additional expenses is a good idea to avoid any surprises during your Everest base camp trek return back by helicopter. The tips for guide and porters and electricity and internet charge are the major additional expenses.
ATM in Everest base camp trek return back by helicopter
There are a few ATMs in Namche Bazar, Dingboche, and Lukla. However, you should not rely solely on the ATMs in the region. Sometimes, the internet connection might need to be fixed. It’s best to bring enough cash with you for the entire Everest base camp trek return back by helicopter, including extra for emergencies.
Most places along the Mount Everest base camp helicopter tour route only accept cash, so having enough is essential. Ensure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid issues with using your card abroad.
FAQs
How do people return from Everest Base Camp?
Returning from the best Everest base camp trek with helicopter return typically involves retracing your steps along the same route you used to walk. This means hiking back down through the various villages and landscapes you passed through on your way up. It’s a gradual descent that allows your body to adjust to the decrease in altitude, which is important for avoiding altitude sickness. They also have an Everest Base Camp trek option with helicopter return. This is a more accessible alternative for the trekkers.