Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return - 11 Days

  • Duration11 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty LevelModerate to Strenuous
  • Max Altitude5,644 meters

About Trip

Now you can explore the Everest region in the best possible way on our 11 days Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. It is a short Everest base camp trek that involves a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Gorak Shep. Hence, you do not have to do 3 to 4 days of return trek to Lukla. This is the ideal time to book the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return 2023 spring or autumn departure for yourself. 

This special Everest base camp trek itinerary not only saves you a lot of time and energy but also lets you behold the jaw-dropping aerial panorama of the Himalayas. And trust us, not many people have seen it. Everest base camp has always been the best trekking destination in the world, a bucket list venture for dreamers who want to be at the lap of the world's highest mountain, Everest. 

Over the years, we, Ashmita Trek & Tours, have tested and organized many different Everest base camp trek packages to find the perfect itinerary. And this is it, the perfect itinerary. In just 11 days, you get to experience the adventurous trek, push yourself in the harsh environment of the Khumbu region, meet with Sherpas, and come across some of the most stunning vistas in the world. 

The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return cost is also minimal in the group departures because the charge for helicopter flight is shared between three to five people. Therefore, you get to enjoy a comfortable helicopter ride with a full window seat without making a hole in your pocket. The Everest base camp trek heli out is also an ideal package to do with your kids and senior members of the family.

What to expect during the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return?

Every day stores a brand new scenery and experience for you during the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. You will walk 6 hours a day on average. The day begins early after a delicious breakfast and goes to the next destination until you reach Everest base camp. As the day passes by, the trail progresses to the alpine zone, and elevation increases. We take two acclimatization hikes in between the trek. 

The locals welcome us with open hearts. You'll get a chance to live a mountain lifestyle and have close interaction with the villagers. And the best part of Everest base camp trekking, the mountain views will keep you motivated to keep going. With every new village you reach, the mountain gets closer, and at one point, you'll stand right in front of some stunning towering peaks. 

The lower part of the trail involves dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, and terraced fields. Whereas the upper part of the trail involves glaciers, moraines, avalanche debris, glacial lakes, and icefalls. Snow-capped mountains like Everest (8,849 m), Makalu (8,481 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), and numerous others are seen along the way.

Everest base camp trek with helicopter return itinerary brief

Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return starts with a short domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport (2,846 m). The flight sets the right spirit for the upcoming adventure. From Lukla, we will be trekking through the Dudh Koshi valley and then join the Imja Khola river valley before ascending above the treeline. 

The trail goes through picturesque Sherpa villages and lush rhododendron forests, crossing hanging suspension bridges on the way. We stop at different stupas and monasteries on the way, including Tengboche monastery (the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region) and Pangboche monastery (one of the oldest monasteries in the region). 

The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return 11 days itinerary has ample rest days. We take acclimatization breaks in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters and in Dingboche village at 4,410 meters. These rest days allow us to be slow and enjoy our time in these beautiful mountain villages. We will go on short hikes to Everest View Hotel (3,962 m) and Nangkartshang peak (5,100 m), respectively. 

From Dingboche onwards, we walk on the glacier path to cross Dughla (4,620 m) and trek alongside the Khumbu glacier to Lobuche village (4,940 m). From Lobuche, the trail steeply ascends to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), the last settlement before Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). We will EBC from Gorak Shep in 4 hours of trekking following an uneven, rocky path. 

The night will be spent at Gorak Shep. The next day, we will hike to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) early in the morning to catch a gorgeous sunrise and later fly back to Kathmandu in a helicopter from Gorak Shep.

People and culture of Khumbu region (Everest region)

Khumbu region, also known as the Everest region, is home to world-famous Sherpas. Along with them, people from ethnic groups like Rais, Limbus, Bhotiyas, Lamas, etc, also reside in this part of Nepal. The locals of the Khumbu region are well-adapted to foreign travellers. Most of them speak good English, so you'll not have a hard time interacting with them.

The warm welcome of the locals and their hospitality make the trek even more meaningful. They will share their culture, beliefs, and stories with you. The region is highly dominated by Buddhis, so you will see many stupas, mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and prayer wheels all around the Everest base camp trek route. 

You get a chance to explore a couple of ancient monasteries. Get a blessing from the Lamas and meditate with monks if you wish.

Customize the Everest base camp helicopter trek itinerary with Ashmita Treks & Tour

In this package, we have proposed an 11 days Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return itinerary. You can customize the itinerary as per your desire. If your budget allows, upgrade the package to a luxury trek. Change in itinerary or services also increases or lowers the overall trek cost, so be mindful of it. 

For more information, kindly get in touch with us at [email protected] or Text/Call us at +91 9733106312 (WhatsApp/Viber).

Highlights

  • A short  Everest base camp trek itinerary that involves a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Gorak Shep
  • Save 3 to 4 days of return trek to Lukla from Gorak Shep
  • Behold the jaw-dropping aerial panorama of the Himalayas during the helicopter flight
  • Trek to the lap of the world's highest mountain, Everest base camp, and witness a gorgeous sunrise from Kala Patthar
  • Experience an adventurous trek, push yourself in the harsh environment of the Khumbu region, and come across some of the most stunning vistas in the world
  • An ideal Everest trek package to do with your kids and senior members of the family
  • Live a mountain lifestyle and have close interaction with the villagers
  • Trekking through dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, and terraced fields, ascend to glaciers, moraines, avalanche debris, etc
  • Visit ancient monasteries along the trail
  • Amazing short acclimatization hikes to Everest View Hotel and Nangkartshang peak

Itinerary

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The representative of our company will welcome you upon your landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. You can find them at the terminal gate waiting for you with your nameplate. They will assist you with your luggage and drop you at the hotel. Feel free to ask them any questions you have. Get some rest and unpack. We will meet you in the late evening over a welcome dinner. Later, explore the nightlife and bustling streets of Thamel. 

  • Hotel

We begin our adventurous trek in the Himalayas today. Early in the morning, we will drive to the airport to take a short flight to Lukla. From Lukla, we begin trekking to EBC. Upon landing at Lukla, we meet with the porters and follow the footsteps of our guide to Phakding village.

As Phakding is situated at a lower elevation than Lukla, this descent will help us in acclimatization. The trail goes along the Dudh Koshi river via verdant forests. We will walk past a few villages on the way, crossing suspension bridges. In Phakding, we can see lovely views of mountains like Kusum Kanguru and Kongde Ri.

  • Lodge
  • 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 2,846 m/9,337 ft

After breakfast in Phakding, we continue trekking toward Namche Bazaar. The trail goes through villages like Toktok and Bekar before we reach Monjo. We will be crossing numerous suspension bridges on this day. From Monjo onwards, we register our permits and begin trekking inside the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail gradually ascends through lush forests of pine and rhododendron. The latter part of the trail involves a steep climb to Namche Bazaar. 

  • Lodge
  • 6 hours
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 3,440 m/11,290 ft

Our first acclimatization day will be in the biggest Sherpa town in the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. We have a handful of hike options on this day. To witness the first view of Mt. Everest, we will hike to Hotel Everest View via Syangboche Airstrip. The hiking route is uneven and involves a long ascend. The hike lets us witness some stunning mountain vistas like Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, Kusum Kanguru, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc.

After the hike, we will come back to Namche Bazaar. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery on the way. Spend the remaining day resting and exploring the bustling market of Namche Bazaar. There are many cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, gear shops, etc, that we can explore. 

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 3,962 m/13,000 ft

After a warm delicious breakfast, we leave Namche Bazaar and begin trekking on a downhill path to Phunki Thenga. The trail navigates through Imja Khola valley. From Phunki Thenga, it is a long ascend to Tengboche village. We may come across yaks and mules on the way. Likewise, the scenery along the trail is excellent too. Mountains like Everest, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, etc, are seen on the way to Tengboche village. In Tengboche, we will visit the biggest monastery in the region. 

  • Lodge
  • 5 hours
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 3,860 m/12,660 ft

Leaving Tengboche, we’ll walk through rhododendron and pine forests to Dingboche village. On the way, the view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse Shar, Cholatse, Taboche, etc are mind-blowing. The trail is well made and passes by mani walls and chortens. As we descend from Tengboche village, the trail drops down to Imja Khola. We'll cross the river and walk up to Pangboche village. Further, trekking through dense forests, we reach Orsho and walk via terraced fields to Dingboche village. 

  • Lodge
  • 5 hours
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 4,410 m/14,470 ft

This is our second acclimatization day in Dingboche village. In the morning, there will be a hike to Nangkartshang peak, which offers a breathtaking mountain panorama. We also have an alternative long-hike option to Chhukung Ri. The remaining day we'll spend in Dingboche resting and looking around the village. 

  • Lodge
  • 4-5 hours
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 5,100 m/16,732 ft

From Dingboche, we will be walking on very rough, steep, and glacial paths. First, we have to tackle a pass called Dhugla. The trail crosses a wooden bridge and ascends to Dhugla via glacier. We ascend on the zig-zag route on the boulder-strewn trail and continue trekking toward Lobuche village. The trail today is well-decorated with mountains like Lingtern, Khumbutse, Pumori, Taboche, Thamserku, and Kantega. 

  • Lodge
  • 5-6 hours
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 4,940 m/16,210 ft

We will be finally setting foot on Everest base camp on this day. Leaving Lobuche village, we ascend to Gorak Shep. The trail goes northwest along the Khumbu glacial moraine. We will take a short lunch break in Gorak Shep and continue trekking on the boulders and loose rocks section. All we can see surrounding us are barren hills, avalanche debris, and huge mountains dominating the skyline.

Upon reaching Everest base camp, we will spend some time enjoying our achievements and taking pictures. The view of the notorious Khumbu Icefall from the base camp will mesmerize you. We can see numerous tents of mountaineers on the base camp. It's like a town up here. Later, we will follow the same trail back to Gorak Shep to spend the night. 

  • Lodge
  • 8 hours
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 5,364 m/17,598 ft

We will wake up early in the morning on this day to hike to Kala Patthar. The route is steep and uneven. You can see the sun gradually coming up and hitting the top of the snow-capped mountains. The scenery is to die for. Once we reach Kala Patthar, we can see towering peaks poking out of clouds all around us. The view of Everest is outstanding from this place. Later, we descend to Gorak Shep following the same trail and have breakfast before leaving for Kathmandu.

The helicopter will pick us up at Gorak Shep. Enjoying the dramatic aerial panorama of the mountains, rivers, valleys, forests, and villages, we will reach Lukla. At Lukla, we have to stop for 10-15 minutes to refuel the chopper and continue the flight to Kathmandu. You have the whole day free in Kathmandu. We recommend visiting the spa, shopping, and exploring local markets. In the late evening, we have a celebratory/farewell dinner with the team. 

  • Lodge
  • 3-4 hours
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 5,644 m/18,519 ft

Our team will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home or your next destination. You can also extend your trip with us if you wish. We hope to travel with you again to the Himalayas. 

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    What's Included

    • Airport transfers
    • Two nights Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
    • Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) on the trek
    • Accommodations in lodges on the trekking on twin share basis
    • A guide & porters (1 porter for every two trekkers)
    • Paper works, National park entry permits & TIMS permit
    • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
    • Flight fare Kathmandu - Lukla with airport tax
    • Helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu
    • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (Paid by your insurance company)
    • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffel bag if necessary (return after the trek)
    • Nepal entry visa fee
    • Your Travel insurance (compulsory)
    • Meals (lunch & dinner in Kathmandu)
    • Your personal expenses drink water, hot and cold drinks & bar bills
    • Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charge
    • Tips for the guide and porters
    • Anything not mentioned in the included section

    Useful Information

    Best time to do the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return

    The best time to do the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is from March to April and October to November. These four months have the most fantastic weather and favourable climate to trek to Everest base camp and enjoy a safe scenic helicopter flight. The weather does not fluctuate like in the monsoon and winter seasons. Therefore, the chance of helicopter flights getting cancelled is rare. 

    Spring and autumn are the seasons of flowers and festivity. The Everest base camp trail gets bloomed with a variety of vegetation and flowers in spring. Likewise, autumn has a special sense of celebration in the air, which makes travelling in Nepal during this time of the year fantastic. The mountain views are crystal clear in both seasons, and the trail welcomes hundreds of trekkers from around the globe.

    Accommodation & meals during the Everest base camp helicopter trek

    You will stay overnight in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu, and breakfast is included in the room cost. On the trail, we use lodges for our accommodation. All the accommodations are pre-booked, so let us know if you have any specific requests. 

    The rooms are shared between two trekkers if you do not ask for a single room. The washrooms are not attached to the rooms usually. You will get western-style toilets. The sleeping rooms are small, with a couple of beds and a table. 

    We provide two dinners in Kathmandu as welcome and farewell meals. On the trek, all the meals are given as per the menu of the lodge. There is a variety of food available on the menu. Dal Bhat, momo, noodles, thukpa, thenduk, Tibetan bread, dhido, sandwich, pasta, pizza, toast, eggs, soups, porridge, roti, curries, etc are some famous options.

    Everest base camp trek with helicopter return difficulty

    Everest base camp trek heli out has moderate difficulty. If you have never trekked before and this is your first time in a high altitude venture, then this will be a bit difficult journey for you. There are constant ascends and descends throughout the trek, which can tire you quickly. Therefore, you have to be in good health and shape to walk 5-6 hours a day at minimum.

    The terrain is uneven and steep at some points. You will begin trekking through lush forests and terraced fields. The trail gradually ascends along foothills and opens up to vast rocky fields. Further, crossing glacier paths and glacial moraines, walking on boulder fields and avalanche-prone areas to the base camp. 

    So you might be wondering, can a beginner do the Everest base camp trek or not? And the answer is yes. You can definitely do this trek. But do not underestimate the challenges the trek holds just because the trail is marked moderate.

    Everest base camp helicopter trek distance

    The Everest base camp trek 14 days itinerary involves 130 km of walking distance on both sides. Because we do not trek back during the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return, the trek only covers 65 km of the total distance. We walk 5 to 6 hours a day on a minimum.

    Everest base camp trek map

    You can check out our Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return map on our site for a more detailed view of the route. The map is designed in the simplest form to show you all the major night stops and elevation changes.

    Altitude Sickness

    The altitude sickness during the Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return is minimal, thanks to our well-made itinerary. We have two acclimatization days in our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return itinerary. You get a lot of time to rest and be at your pace during the trek. We do not rush our guests and take our time. 

    Likewise, our licensed and experienced guide will keep an eye on your health and provide first aid if needed. Drink plenty of water, and do not consume anything that will dehydrate your body. It will make you vulnerable to altitude sickness.

    Do you need travel insurance for the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return?

    We recommend trekking with travel insurance for the Everest base camp. The trekking route does not have good healthcare facilities and transportation. In case of any emergency, we may have to use air evacuation. Travel insurance covering emergency air rescue allows us to give you the service promptly. 

    You have to buy travel insurance in your home country and bring the documents with you. Doble check all the clauses before signing them. And make sure the travel insurance covers air evacuation up to 6,000 meters for this particular trek.

    Internet, charging, and hot shower during the Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return

    Lodges along the Everest base camp trekking route offer paid WiFi, charging service, and a hot shower. All of these services are add-ons and are not covered in your Everest base camp trek with helicopter return cost. So, better have a few hundred dollars in your budget for personal expenses. 

    Charging slots are separately made in the reception or dining area. Likewise, locals use solar to heat the water for a hot shower, and for the internet, you also have the option to get a Nepali sim to use the internet while trekking. The network might be stable all the time.

    Is a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu safe?

    Yes, a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu is safe. You will be flying with a very experienced and professional crew, so there is nothing to worry about. Our flying crew double-checks all the systems and weather before any takeoff. Likewise, we only use the safest and most advanced helicopters for our flights.

    To maintain the safety of the helicopter flight, please follow the below instructions:

    • Do not move or change your seats once you are in the air.
    • Do not smoke inside the helicopter.
    • Only approach or exit the helicopter after the captain gives you the signal.
    • Do not go after your things if a helicopter is in the air.
    • Never approach the helicopter from behind. 
    • Follow the instructions of the pilot and be respectful.

    FAQs

    Yes, a helicopter can reach Everest Base Camp. But unfortunately, it cannot land at the base camp because of insufficient space. Therefore, usually helicopters land a few hundred meters away from the EBC.

    You can use the same route to return from Everest Base Camp to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu. The return trekking is usually three days long. However, in this itinerary, you will take a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu that will save you from trekking back.

    Yes, a beginner can climb Everest Base Camp. Reach Everest Base Camp is more like trekking than climbing. The trail is well-defined and has many ups & downs.

    To reach Everest Base Camp, the best route is the classic one that involves a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and then a trek through villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. This route has ample accommodation and a crowd, so you will not feel alone or have any issues.

    Usually, it costs USD 999 per head to fly from Everest Base Camp to Lukla and continue the flight to Kathmandu. Flying in groups divides the big amount and makes it much more affordable. You can also charter a private helicopter if your budget allows it.

    If we consider the data, approximately 65% of the trekkers make it to Everest Base Camp from Lukla. But we bet the number is higher than this. With the right itinerary, support, and preparation, you can reach Everest Base Camp too.

    No, it is not hard to breathe at Everest Base Camp. However, the day you reach EBC already involves 4-5 hours of walking, which may tire you by the moment you reach there, and as a result, you may feel shortness of breath. Take a rest for a few minutes, and you will be fine.

    There is no such rule that defines the best number to tip. Many trekkers tip 10% of the cost of the trek. Or, you can tip as much as you can. Be generous and respectful towards the hard work of guides & porters.

    No, you cannot sleep at Everest Base Camp during our trek. There is no lodge or tea house at the base camp to spend the night. The last settlement area is Gorak Shep, where you will be spending the night.

    As per the data, the youngest human to trek to Everest Base Camp is a three-year-old kid. We have led many family treks where parents trekked with their toddlers and kids below 18 years old. We also have organized an Everest Base Camp trek for people who are above 50 years old.

    Yes, you can do the Everest Base Camp helicopter trek alone, but it is better to trek with a company like us that will arrange everything for you, from permits, accommodation, guides, and porters to book a helicopter flight from Kala Patthar and make sure you are safe & enjoying the trek.

    Hiking to Everest Base Camp is not easy at all. It is a multiple-day trek through seven forested trails with night stays at remote villages. You will be traversing a harsh environment where there are no proper means of health facilities, transportation, etc. And the elevation increases every day, raising the potential risk of altitude sickness.