Begin an unforgettable journey with our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return a perfect blend of classic trekking adventure and time-saving comfort. This 12 day trek will guide you through classic Sherpa villages, mountain passes, and up to the base of Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m).
We will trek to Everest Base Camp, then return on a breathtaking helicopter ride, avoiding the long trek down. It is the best way to maximize your Himalayan experience within a short period.
The adventure begins with a scenic flight to Lukla (2,845 m), the entry point to Everest. From here, we will trek across the Khumbu, covering about 65 km of mountain trails. The trail passes through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving us time to acclimatize and enjoy the scenery.
We will trek along the Dudh Koshi River, cross on wavering suspension bridges, and trek up to popular viewpoints such as the Kala Patthar (5,545 m) to have an all-inclusive sunrise view of Everest and its surrounding regions. On the route, experience the rich Sherpa culture in the lively Namche Bazaar and the peaceful setting of the Tengboche Monastery, where prayer flags riot and a backdrop of mountainous peaks.
With two acclimatization days built in, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return itinerary prioritizes our safety and comfort at high altitudes. At the ending of the journey we will stay at the base camp of Everest (5,364 m) and witness the Khumbu Icefall and then fly by helicopter from Gorak Shep to Lukla (with onward flights usually continuing to Kathmandu; direct Gorak Shep–Kathmandu flights are rare and only possible as special charters) and have a stunning view of the Khumbu Valley. The Himalayas aerial view is the perfect ending to our adventure.
The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is an excellent adventure Trek that is best suited to the trekker who desires a complete Everest experience but does not want to trek out. It provides difficult trekking days, satisfying cultural experience, and unmatched mountain sceneries – all experienced before the helicopter ride back. If you dream of reaching Everest Base Camp in comfort while creating memories that last forever, this trek is your gateway to the adventure of a lifetime.
The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is filled with unforgettable highlights from the impressive flight into Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling high-altitude airstrips, to the final helicopter ride from Gorak Shep to Lukla (and onward to Kathmandu), offering breathtaking aerial views of the Khumbu. We will cross colorful Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, on the way, full of prayer flags, mani walls and monasteries, including Tengboche, where evening chants are heard in the background of Everest and Ama Dablam.
Strolling through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will discover pine and rhododendron forests, alpine fields, and the possibility to see wildlife such as Himalayan tahr and the colorful Danphe pheasant. It is an inspirational accomplishment to hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and its towering glacier and seasonal trekking camps, and the sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) lights up Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in gold, a view we will never forget.
Note: helicopter pickups at very high viewpoints depend on weather and operator permission; most pickups occur from Gorak Shep. Natural miracle and cultural diversity are combined in an everyday experience, and this trek is a unique combination of adventure, beauty, and the heritage of Sherpa.
Choosing the right season is crucial for a successful Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
Autumn (Sept–Nov): The most favored season, with clear blue skies, day-time temperatures that are mild (10–15 °C at the lower altitudes), and the air is cool. Higher elevations are very cold during the nights and October has the best visibility.
Spring (March-May): The best time to hike as the weather becomes warmer and there are rhododendrons in the spring. Days are ideal, nights are cold and Everest journeys gear up to climbs. In the morning, skies tend to remain clear, with any cloud formation that might occur in the afternoon.
Monsoon (June– Aug): Monsoon rain clouds obscure mountains, trails become muddy, and flights are regularly canceled. Trekking is not normally advisable during this season.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Trekking is possible but very cold, with daytime sun and temperatures falling to –20 °C or lowers in the high altitudes. Certain teahouses at higher altitudes shut down, but there are less trekkers and the mountain views are breathtaking. Some teahouses at higher altitudes may close in winter, and the ones that remain open are very basic.
The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a moderate to challenging trek. Although you don’t need to be an extremely fit athlete, a moderate level of fitness will significantly improve your experience. The daily routine entails a 5 to 7 hours walk on a hilly surface with a high altitude.
The routes are established but include steep slopes (such as the reach to Namche Bazaar) and rocky streams close to the base camp. Every step becomes more challenging with the altitude, which is why the mental strength is as significant as physical stamina. We should begin training at least 8–12 weeks before the trek.
Pay attention to exercises and endurance training of the heart. Exercises such as jogging, cycling, swimming, or climbing stairs will make our lungs and legs stronger in case of the uphill increases. Increase distance and carry a weighted daypack on weekend hikes, gradually adding more distance, and build endurance step by step. Train on rises on trails where the elevation gains are made, as much as possible to train your muscles to go both uphill and downhill.
The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return will provide the trekkers with all the trekking experience of the Everest Base Camp, without the long and hard descent. Helicopter flights in or out of Gorak Shep or its surroundings take out 4-5 days of downhill hiking and crowd a standard 14-day schedule into approximately 10 days.
This is a best itinerary that works with those who have limited time and still want to make it to base camp. It is also more comfortable; the physical burden of climbing steep trails can be painful on the joints, and the flight eliminates this physical load. The helicopter experience is in itself a highlight – flying above the Khumbu Valley with a view of the panorama of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse is unforgettable.
The flight is also flexible: It gives the opportunity to return safely in case of altitude sickness or some unexpected problems. Altogether, the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is a combination of convenience and adventure, which makes it a clever solution among trekkers who want to be efficient and have a great aerial ending.
Welcome to Nepal! You arrive in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport where our representative will receive you with open arms. It is just a few minute drives through a busy city to your hotel. Once you check-in, you can spend the remaining part of the day to rest and unwind after the flight.
You can also go sightseeing of the vibrant streets of Thamel, see the nearby cultural places, or make final trekking equipment, in case you arrive early. Later in the evening, you will have a welcome dinner, typical of Nepali food and have a briefing of your trek guide on the adventure ahead.
Spend the night at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and relax before starting your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. Get some sleep, tomorrow morning we are going to fly to the mountains and officially start our adventure
In the morning, we will fly to Lukla, a small airstrip on a mountainside. During peak trekking season, most flights operate via Manthali (Ramechhap), which requires a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu before the short flight to Lukla. The short flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas before landing at Lukla, the gateway to Everest. After the flight to Lukla (2,845 m), we will trek downhill gradually for 3–4 hours to reach Phakding at 2,610 m.
Once you meet the trekking crew, we will begin the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. It is a gradual descent through the pine forest along the traditional Sherpa villages. We are heading the valley of the Dudh Koshi River and pass our first hanging suspension bridges with prayer flags.
On a light trekking of 3 to 4 hours, we will reach Phakding (2,610 m), a village located along a river. We’ll spend the afternoon unwinding and enjoying the surroundings, perhaps visiting one of the local monasteries, or stay by the river. We will stay in a small teahouse in Phakding. Teahouse accommodations are basic at higher altitudes (shared rooms, limited heating, and simple toilets), though they are cozier and more comfortable in lower villages.
After breakfast we will trek to Namche Bazaar. The path goes on through the Dudh Koshi River where there are various suspension bridges. We will cross Monjo and then get into Sagarmatha National Park. This is where park permits are inspected and we can see the looming mountains in the distance.
Along the pine and rhododendron forests, we may see Himalayan tahr or colorful Danphe pheasants. We will have a difficult climb after lunch along the river. Across the renowned Hillary Suspension Bridge well above the river, we will start to climb a steep zigzag up the Namche Hill. We will go slowly and gradually, about midway up we may first get a glimpse of Mt. Everest over the ridge.
Towards the end of the afternoon, we will reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the Sherpa capital. We will take a nice break, maybe a hot beverage at a nearby bakery and stay overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar, where the mountains encircle the amphitheater-shaped town.
This day will be the acclimatization day to adapt to the thinning air in Namche. We will take an active hike instead of a complete rest to allow our body to adjust. After breakfast we will hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) which is well named as it offers a stunning view of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam among other mountains on a clear day.
The trail ascends over Namche and Syangboche airstrip and then proceeds to the hotel. We will sip a warm beverage in the terrace with breathtaking scenery. We may also go on a diversion to the old Sherpa villages of Khunde or Khumjung surrounding it which has the Hillary School and a well known monastery.
Afternoon, we will go down to Namche Bazaar. Spend the remainder of this day to rest, explore the Sherpa museum, and go shopping and cafes in Namche. The acclimatization hike is important to your Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return, as we will be healthy all the way up the mountain. We will stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Continuing on the trail beyond Namche, we will wind around the mountain side with excellent views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam on our left. We will walk up scented pines and rhododendrons, down river-bank to the hamlet of Phunki Tenga.
Here we cross a bridge across the Dudh Koshi and get our lunch which is a refueling to the coming climb. The afternoon entails a constant rising climb up through pine and rhododendron woods (in spring) towards Tengboche. We will have glimpses of wildlife or hear the roar of the Imja Khola River below.
At last, we arrive at the village of Tengboche (3,860 m) the biggest Buddhist monastery of the region. The golden spire of Tengboche Monastery rises against the majestic silhouette of Ama Dablam. We can take advantage and visit the monastery and attend the afternoon prayer ceremony in order to have a different cultural experience as long as time allows. We will spend the night in a teahouse in Tengboche watching the Everest and the surrounding mountains at dusk.
After breakfast we will leave Tengboche and trek down the valley through a rhododendron and juniper forest to Debuche, a small village. Cross a suspension bridge across the Imja Khola, and ascend to Pangboche, a classic Sherpa village at 3,985 m which has an ancient monastery.
We will find the landscape growing more alpine as we go on we will see scrub and grasses instead of trees. Ama Dablam soars to our right and higher up the valley we may see Island Peak or Makalu far away on a clear day and the path leads up the Imja Valley to Dingboche, a charming high altitude village with stone walled potato fields.
By afternoon, we will reach Dingboche (4,410 m), we can see the huge north side of Ama Dablam and the sheer Lhotse wall. We will relax in a local teahouse in the evening and enjoy a good dinner, we will stay overnight in Dingboche.
The day is the second of our acclimatization days, very important to avoid the occurrence of the altitude sickness before ascending. In the morning we will take a trek up to Nangkartshang Peak, a rocky ridge just above Dingboche. The trail is steep and challenging. Each rest offers breathtaking views of the Imja Valley below and towering mountains all around.
When we reach a height of about 5,083 m (the peak of the hike), we will get the view of Makalu (the 5th highest mountain in the world), Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and a panoramic view of Ama Dablam’s spire. We will take lots of photos, and then walk back to Dingboche to have lunch. The elevation will aid our body to adapt to the lighter air and offers memorable landscapes.
The afternoon is free to rest. We may take a walk around Dingboche, enjoy the ridge of its kilometer-long row of prayer flags or sit in the sun and read a book. We will spend the night at the Dingboche teahouse and prepare to resume the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
We will leave Dingboche and head up a moderate hill towards Dughla ( Thukla ). The path moves up the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier and the land turns barer and rougher. After two or three hours we will arrive at Dughla (4,620 m) and have tea or lunch by a stream.
The way ahead is a steep climb through Thukla Pass so we will trek slowly and reach a heartwarming view on top of the ridge: a group of memorial cairns and prayer flags dedicated to the loss of climbers and Sherpas who died while climbing Everest. It is a sobering and motivating experience that reminds us of the power of the Himalayas.
In the memorial area, we will proceed on a slow slope along the edge of the glacier to Lobuche. At mid-afternoon we will reach the tiny village of Lobuche (4,910 m). Here the oxygen is thin, and the temperatures in the evening fall rapidly as soon as the sun goes down. We will have a hot meal and some ginger tea to warm up and sleep in Lobuche overnight.
Today we will arrive to our final destination: Everest Base Camp. We will begin at dawn, and walk out of Lobuche up a bare, rocky trail bordering the Khumbu Glacier. In approximately 3 hours of slow ascent, we will reach Gorak Shep (5,190 m), the final post with lodges.
We will take a short rest and refuel, and then go on to the last push to base camp. The path is curved through glacial moraine and boulders beneath towering mountains. When we finally arrive at the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), we stand at the base of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.
Colorful prayer flags mark this historic place, set against the mighty Khumbu Icefall. We will take time to enjoy the achievement and enjoy the surreal alpine setting. In the evening, after rejoicing in the base camp, we will go back to dine and sleep at Gorak Shep.
We will depart before daylight with headlamps to climb the steep mountain of Kala Patthar, which is a renowned viewpoint. After about two hours of climbing, we will arrive at the top of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) just in time to see the sunrise. The panorama is truly amazing, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and all the Khumbu range in the morning sun.
After enjoying the panorama, we will descend to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved breakfast. Soon after, a helicopter will pick us up for the return journey. The helicopter will first fly us from Gorak Shep to Lukla. From Lukla, we usually continue by flight to Kathmandu. Direct Gorak Shep–Kathmandu flights are rare and can only be arranged as special charters, strictly weather-dependent.
We will arrive in Lukla, we will feel the warmer air and lower altitude again. That rapid air travel spares our three days of hiking. We will spend a relaxing afternoon and maybe a little celebration with our guide and porter. Tonight, we will sleep in Lukla, marking the successful end of the Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return.
This is our last farewell to Lukla and the Everest region this morning. During the busy trekking seasons, many flights operate via Manthali (Ramechhap). In that case, we will first fly to Manthali and then enjoy a 4–5 hour scenic drive to Kathmandu. If the flight operates directly, we will reach Kathmandu in just 35 minutes.
Upon arrival, our team will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax with a hot shower or explore local markets for souvenirs. At night you can participate in a cultural dinner or just have a rest after the long trip. Tonight you will spend your night in a 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and contemplate on the memories of your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
It is the end of our wonderful Himalayan adventure today. Our staff will pick you up after breakfast and bring you to Tribhuvan International Airport. You will have time to get in a bit of last minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu should you be leaving later in the day. Otherwise, enjoy Kathmandu Valley scenery on the way to the airport. With heartfelt thanks for joining us on the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, we wish you a safe journey ahead.
On your flight home, you have such amazing memories of mountains that seem high, the culture of the friendly Sherpas, and the grand achievement of making it to the Everest Base Camp. We hope you leave with your head held high and a camera loaded with great photos. Nepal and the Himalayas will welcome you back for another adventure.
For the Everest Base Camp trek, two main permits are required, and both are included in your package.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit – Approximately NPR 3,000 (about USD 30) per person, to enter the national park.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit – Approximately NPR 2,000 (about USD 20) per person, the Khumbu permit, which is received in Lukla or Monjo.
TIMS is not required for the Everest Base Camp trek, though regulations may change. Our team ensures all permits, including Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu permits, are obtained before the trek. Since April 2023, foreign trekkers in the Everest area are required to have a licensed guide or porter; our package will offer an experienced guide to the full extent.
During the trek, we respect local rules and traditions: be mindful of the trail, employ the principles of Leave No Trace, discard waste effectively, and do not fly drones without approved permits. By following these rules, the Everest region is preserved and the trekking experience is safe and comfortable.
Yes, with proper preparation, first-time trekkers can complete the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. The route is easy to follow and does not involve technical climbing, but the trek is exhausting, as the altitude, long days, and rough surface make it hard.
The itinerary helps beginners with rest days when they should acclimatize, an expert guide, and the assistance of porters who help transport heavy equipment. “Helicopter back from Gorak Shep saves three days of downhill trekking, and the adventure becomes easier and enjoyable to the first time visitors.
This is the variant of EBC trek that is appropriate to the traveller who wants to enjoy the Himalayas yet has not much time. Flying back to the mountains over the high mountain trims the trekking distance since instead of walking an average of about 130 km, you walk approximately 65 km and complete the trek in under ten days. Individuals who fear the three-day descent back to Lukla or even are just interested in viewing the Himalayas by air will find this option fulfilling. The walk is still physically demanding: the path is icy, and there is a steady uphill and downhill movement and it is difficult to breathe in the high altitude.
However, beginners are welcome to do so in case they are physically fit and train beforehand. Adequate acclimatization, guidance by the experienced guide, and training (cardio activities, hiking on hills and carrying a daypack) are needed to acclimatize to the altitude and be safe.
Weather is very important in organizing an Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. The spring (March-May) has moderate weather conditions (daytime temperatures take between 12 0 C to 18 0 C and night temperatures drop to -5 0 C to -10 C). The blue skies and the flowers of rhododendron make hiking fun and helicopter tours dependable.
Another season that is optimal is a period of autumn (September -November): after the monsoon, the skies are clear, temperatures are comfortable (approximately 10o C to 15o C during the day) and trails are not muddy. It is also the season that local festivals coincide and it is also a good place to have cultural experience, but it is busy and it is more expensive.
Summer/monsoon (June- August) has green scenery, however, because of the rainfall, the trails are muddy and helicopter flights are not predictable. Few trekkers come during winter (December February), and there are clear skies with snow and the view is pristine, but the temperatures drop as low as -15 -15 C and at night, and the trail is difficult due to snow and ice. Winter can postpone helicopter flights due to snow and thus trekkers have to be flexible. In general, spring and fall season offer the best conditions of trekking as well as heli flights.
Your wellness and safety are our top priority on the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. The protocols of the itinerary and the guide reduce risks as much as possible, but you need to take some precautions on your part:
It is highly advised that you have travel insurance that will cover high altitude trekking and emergency evacuation (up to 6,000 m). Helicopter evacuation of the Everest region in case of severe illness or injury can be very expensive to the tune of thousands of dollars. A quality insurance policy gives the peace of mind and financial cover.
Be hygienic to prevent recurrent diseases. Use hand sanitizer, drink purified or boiled water only. Teahouses offer boiled drinking water, eat well cooked foods and do not have any raw foods or non peeled fruits in order to avoid stomach upsets. In addition, avoid drinking alcohol when you are high up, it dries the body and may enhance the symptoms of altitude.
Risk of altitude sickness is one of the biggest problems of the Everest Base Camp trek (or any other high-altitude trek). The higher we ascend above 2,500 m the lower the air pressure and oxygen. We must allow our body some time to adapt. In case we climb too fast, we can get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
AMS has the symptoms of headache, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, dizziness and fatigue. They tend to be much like a hangover. Mild symptoms are quite common and may be treated most of the time with an additional day of rest, hydration and headache medication, or Diamox (medication that assists acclimatization). Diamox may be used if prescribed by a doctor, but should not replace proper acclimatization and rest.
Our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return itinerary is specifically designed to minimize altitude sickness risk; we include acclimatization days and keep a steady ascent profile. Communicating to your guide how you feel on a daily basis is very essential. In case of symptoms becoming more intense (severe headache, vomiting, unsteady walking, or feeling out of breath even during rest), it may be a sign of more severe types of altitude sickness such as HAPE or HACE. When this happens, the best intervention to apply is to reduce the altitude at once.
In case you need a change or just do not want to use the regular trail, there are a number of alternative for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. An alternative solution is to proceed with the Gokyo Valley detour- Namche to west, pass the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri summit, cross Cho LaPass, onward to Everest Base Camp and fly back.
Another demanding variant is Three Passes Trek which connects Everest Base Camp to three high passes namely: Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, which provides 360 degrees of views and a route through isolated valleys. The other option begins in Jiri; this traditional style is more of an addition of sometime in trekking in the lower altitude villages and is more of an acclimatization and cultural exposure.
It is also possible that trekkers begin at the Rolwaling Valley and cross the difficult Tashi Lapcha Pass before joining the Everest Base Camp trail. All these paths lead to the Everest Base Camp and they end with a helicopter flight, which offers the best of both worlds, allowing one to see the beauty of the scenery but also provides an easy way to go back.
Prior trekking experience is helpful but not strictly required. This trek is often attempted by beginners who have prepared adequately.
The highest point is Kala Patthar at 5,545, a famous viewpoint above Gorak Shep.
You can carry 10 kg checked baggage and 5 kg hand luggage. Extra weight may cost more, so pack light. Porters carry your duffel bag; you just take a daypack.
Yes, most gear like down jackets, sleeping bags, and poles can be rented or bought in Thamel before your trek.
Yes, for a couple of reasons. As of 2023, Nepal requires all foreign trekkers to have a guide or porter (or join a group) for treks in national parks, including the Everest region.
Lukla flights depend on weather, so delays can happen. We’ll rebook or arrange alternatives (helicopter at extra cost) and assist with lodging if needed. Safety comes first.
Pack sturdy boots, layered clothing, warm accessories, UV sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, water bottles with purification, and a sleeping bag rated to at least –10°C.
Electricity is available in most tea houses (often for a fee), though limited at higher altitudes. Wi-Fi exists in places like Namche via Everest Link (paid, slow, or unreliable). Coverage is patchy and often disappears above Dingboche/Lobuche. Carry a power bank or solar charger
Yes, most teahouses offer charging for a small fee (USD 2–5). Power is solar at higher altitudes, so charging is slow. Carry a power bank or solar charger
Toilets are usually basic squat or shared ones in teahouses. Hot showers are available at lower altitudes for a small fee, but at higher villages they may be limited or bucket-style.
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