Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Everest base camp trek is a popular and challenging trekking adventure in Nepal that takes you to the base camp of Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world. Everest base camp is at an altitude of 5364 meters (17598 feet) in the Khumbu region of Nepal offers amazing views of the Himalayas along the way.  It is the starting point of mountaineers attempting to summit Mount Everest. 

The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar stands at an elevation of 5545 m, which is one of the renowned viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other Himalayan peaks. Trekkers ascend to Kala Patthar early in the morning to witness the sunrise, as the first light illuminates the snow- capped summits in a golden glow. 

The Everest base camp trek is considered challenging but rewarding journey.  The trail passes through Sherpa villages, glacial rivers, rugged mountain terrain and suspension bridges. Moreover, the trail also passes through Sagarmatha National park, a pristine area rich in biodiversity and home to various flora and fauna.                 

Overall, Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return is suitable for the trekkers who have limited time and want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and get close to the world’s highest peak. It is a unique and exhilarating way to experience the impressive beauty of the Everest region and reach the Everest base camp in a shorter time frame. Once you have spent some time at EBC, a helicopter will pick you up and fly back to Lukla over stunning landscapes, including deep valleys, high mountain peaks, and charming Sherpa villages. You will also fly over the Khumbu glacier and witness the vastness of the region.   

However, the helicopter return option is more expansive compared to the traditional trekking route both in terms of the helicopter flight cost and permits. For instance, it can be a suitable choice for trekkers with limited time or prefer a quicker return journey.      

1) Favorable season 

Every season is suitable for Everest Base Camp. But, the different season enhance your trekking experience differently. So spring and autumn is mainly considered as best season for Everest. 

Spring (March, April, May) at EBC is one of the best times of the year to visit. The temperature warms up rapidly but the night remains still cold and chilly, dropping to below freezing. The weather is generally bright with clear skies, days are longer with enough sunlight hours and few clouds, and view of the summit is awesome. 

Autumn (September, October, and November) is another best season for Everest with the skies being clear once more after the monsoon rains and the landscape still and verdant as ever. Bright sunshine is warming, with highs of up to 17°C, though the winds can still be strong and cold, making it feel cooler. The heavier clouds are gone now, and the summit of the mountain is once more clearly visible from the base camp.

2) Local culture and religion

Sherpa are the natives of Everest and other higher Himalayan regions, these days ethnic people like Tamang, Rai, and Sherpa people are living in the Everest region. They construct Gompas to practice their religious practices. Tengboche was the first celibate monastery in the region. As you walk from one village to another, you will come across many prayer walls and religious monuments of stupas (domens), with rows of spinning prayer wheels. The majority of people are Buddhists. They mostly celebrate Lhosar as well as celebrate a festival called mani rimdu. It is celebrated massively in the Tengboche monastery. 

3) Foods and Accommodation 

 Teahouses/ Lodges of Everest region provide you with a choice of both Nepali and western meals every meal. The meals include energy giving food and liquid food like rice, cereals, lentils soup, noodles soup, hot tea potato etc.

In Everest region, most accommodations are managed by Sherpas. The Sherpa community populates the Namche village. You get great Hospitality from them when you visit Namche. You can find friendly tea houses and luxurious hotels. There are still possible to tented camp but not so popular since easily find the tea house or hotels. Rooms are available on a twin-sharing basis. Each room comes with two beds and common bathroom.

4) Guide and Porters

Hiring a guide and porter for the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return can greatly enhance your trekking experience. They can provide you valuable insights into the local culture, traditions, and history of the Everest region. They can explain the significance of monasteries, festivals, and other cultural aspects you encounter along the way.  

Moreover, they are familiar with the trail conditions and alternate routes. Similarly a porter carries your heavy backpack, and allowing you to trek with a lighter load. Therefore, you can join us for hiring a highly experienced, helpful, friendly, and English speaking licensed trekking guide and porter with their insurance. Your safety is our first priority. So our guide and porter are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one without compromising your safety, allowing you to fully enjoy the trek.

5) Travel insurance  

We strongly recommend you to get travel insurance before going on Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return. Make sure that, your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. We do our best to take care of you, but sometimes we have to face unavoidable accident that is out of our control. So in case of a medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.

6) Altitude sickness

While ascending quickly you may feel symptoms like nausea, headache, difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, and uneasiness. And, if the symptoms persist for a longer duration then know that your body could not resist the altitude variation. So, if you feel these symptoms, please let your guide and your group know. Your guide will provide you with immediate first aid.

7) Necessary Permits 

As per the regulations of the Nepalese government, you will require different permits to undertake Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return. Here are the permits you will need:

1) The Sagarmatha National Park Permit

2) Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

3) Local Area Permit