Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Overview
Everest base camp trek with Helicopter Return 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 with Helicopter Return 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 trek with Helicopter Return 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 Everest base camp trek with 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.
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.
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.
Healthy Meals and Accommodation at Everest base camp trek with Helicopter Return
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.
Guide and Porters for the safety on Everest base camp trek with Helicopter Return
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.Porter will carry up to 10 kg or 15 kg per client. If you wish , you may keep your clothing and items in a storage on room where you are stay on Kathmandu hotel.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.
Travel insurance Everest base camp trek with Helicopter Return
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.
During the trek 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.
Necessary Permits
As per the regulations of the Nepalese government, you will require different permits to undertake Everest base camp trek with 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
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Since Everest Base Camp is located within Sagarmatha National Park, the trekkers need to pay an entry fee to access this protected area. The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit fee is:
- For foreigners: NPR 3,000 per person
- For SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person
- For Nepalese: NPR 100 per person
This permit can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or at Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Gate in Monjo.
Preventing Altitude Sickness (AMS):
- Rest Well: Ensure that you rest well before starting your trek.
- Stay Hydrated: Continue drinking plenty of water during the journey.
- Balanced Nutrition: Maintain the balance of salt and sugar through proper eating habits and not skipping meals.
- Keep Warm: Layer up to remain warm without profuse sweating.
- Controlled Breathing: Breathe deeply and steadily from your diaphragm to maximize lung capacity. Maintain a comfortable walking speed that will allow for controlled breathing. Nasal breathing avoids drying your throat—wearing a muff or scarf in high altitudes might be of use.
- Pace Yourself: It’s not a competition. Pace yourself with a maintainable and Server consistent pace instead of exhausting yourself too early and taking many rest stops. Stop and admire the stunning views.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Highlights
- Scenic helicopter fly back from EBC to Lukla from a bird’s- eye perspective
- Mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other
towering peaks - Explore charming Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and
Gorak Shep - Experience rich Sherpa culture, interact with the locals, visit monasteries, and learn about
their way of life - Passes through rugged valleys, pristine rivers, and towering snow- capped peaks
- The trail offers panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Mount Everest, and many other
majestic mountain’s - Incredible experience reaching at the foot of the world’s highest peak- Mt. Everest (8848 m)
- A renowned viewpoint Kala Patthar (5545 m)
- Pass through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site
- Witness various species of birds, Himalayan wildlife, and beautiful rhododendron forests
Important Notes
Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. has years of expertise in the field of Himalayan trekking and can curate unforgettable experiences for adventurers like you. In order for trekkers to have a really comfortable and pleasant Everest Base Camp Trek, we are offering different optional services as per your need.
Weather Condition during Trek
The flight to Lukla is greatly dependent on fine weather and smooth conditions. Instable changes in weather usually bring in delays or postponements that might extend your trekking program. To cater for any unforeseen interruptions, we strongly recommend additional buffer days being included into the itinerary.For long flight delays, helicopter transfer is also possible, but this comes at an additional cost and is not included in the general trek package. While helicopters do get to fly in some instances when planes cannot, extreme weather conditions will also see them grounded. If it becomes necessary, we can arrange a helicopter charter, although this is limited and on the basis of weather, as this too can cause delays.
Your tact and wisdom in such a situation are greatly appreciated. If the flights are grounded for a long period of time, another option is to drive by car to Tham Danda—a 20-hour grueling ride—where the trek can begin. But this trail too has its difficulties, particularly in inclement weather, with the necessity of added days and patience. If it becomes impossible to trek to Everest Base Camp due to recurring weather patterns, we can offer alternative trekking routes, such as Annapurna Base Camp or Langtang Gosainkunda. Although these routes do not end at Everest, they provide beautiful scenery and a rewarding trekking experience.
We thank you for your flexibility and understanding in dealing with these uncertainties, ensuring a worthwhile experience regardless of which route is taken.
Optional Add-Ons Available:
✅ Porter Service – USD $Let’s relax and stroll in comfort! Our porters are professional and can handle a maximum of 25 kg of luggage, which can be shared between two travelers. Enjoy the stunning views without the burden of heavy gear.
✅ Private Jeep Transfers – USD $
Enhance your trekking experience by taking a private jeep transfer to and from trek starting points, in a comfortable and hassle-free manner without using public means of transport.
✅ Helicopter Return Facility – USD $
For those on a time crunch and seeking a luxurious end to their trek, we offer helicopter return services from top locations such as Annapurna Base Camp, Samagaun (Manaslu region), and Kyanjin Gompa (Langtang region). Enjoy thrilling bird’s eye views of the Himalayas while saving travel time.
✅ Upgraded Accommodation – USD $
Upgrade your trek with enhanced lodges having attached bathrooms strategically located. Enjoy more comfort and relaxation after tired trekking days.
✅ Extra Night in Kathmandu – USD $/night
Early arrival or extended stay? Add extra nights at our partnered 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, with breakfast, to relax prior to or post-trekking.
How to Customize Your Trek:
- Choose Your Trek Departure Date.
- Specify the Number of Travelers.
- Click ‘Book Now’ or ‘Add to Cart.’
- Choose Your Preferred Add-on Options.
- Complete Your Booking and Payment.
Required Experience:
This trek is ideal for active trekkers who can hike 6 to 7 hours a day carrying a light daypack. On certain days, the trekking is longer and the altitude increases the difficulty level of trekking. The trails are generally good, but there could be boulder and uneven patches in between.
Itinerary and Schedule: We try to follow the itinerary planned; yet trekking in distant mountain regions means uncertainty. Factors such as weather and trekkers’ well-being may make readjustments necessary. Your guide and Sherpa crew will try to stick to the trail as designed but flexibility is a must. Your safety is our topmost priority and also to get you back to Kathmandu before your scheduled departure.
What will the temperature be like during trek?
Weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the season and can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. If your trek takes you above 3,000m, you should be prepared for temperatures ranging from -10°C to 25°C in a single day. It’s essential to have proper protection against sun exposure and strong winds. For helpful weather insights, refer to reliable source. Feel free to reach out to us for a recommended packing list tailored to your trekking itinerary.
How much money should be we bring?
You’ll require Nepali Rupees for any expenditure not covered by your package itinerary. Such costs might include bottled water, night hot shower, extra snacks, extra hot drinks, repairing or replacing equipment, battery charging, souvenirs, and tips. In case you want to shop, Thamel is an excellent place to shop on your last day. You are welcome to come to our office prior to your trek for individual counsel and assistance with money exchange.
Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Hurry up! Adventure is waiting for you and mountains are calling you.
This trip is fully customization. Importantly, this trip is available on both a fixed departure and a private group basis. Moreover, we can also customize the trip as per your needs, please contact us at Whatsapp (+977-9843770916) or email us at [email protected]. Let us know how we can help you, and we will do our best to give you the best customer service you’ll get anywhere else. Furthermore, Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reputable and reliable company serving relentlessly in the field of tourism to fulfill the dreams of diverse adventure seekers around the globe into reality where they can feel most alive. So, we recommend you to reserve seat for yourself by booking with us right away for a wonderful and unforgettable trip experience.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Itinerary
Expand allDay 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (30 min) then Trek to Phakding (3 hrs walk)
From Kathmandu, you will board a 45-minute flight to Lukla in the early morning. On the way, you can enjoy the views of magnificent mountain ranges all along. After reaching Lukla, you will have your breakfast and a short briefing on the trek to come. And then the journey begins towards Phakding. You will spend the night walking along well- paved footpaths through Dudh Koshi Valley.
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles)) ( 5 - 7hrs)
The trek will continue through the valley of Dudh Koshi through exciting suspension bridges with prayer flag. After reaching Monjo, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. After a difficult walk of around 2-3 hours of walking, you will reach Namche from here, you get your first view of Everest and Lhotse after again, you will continue walking for around 2-3 hours to reach the main trading centre of Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. You will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
Today is an acclimatization day. It is a rest day for your body to acclimatize better, where you should take a short hike to the higher altitude. Some of the short day hikes choose from.
Trek to Khumjung:
You can take a day hike to the Khumjung and Khunde Villages. On the way, you can also visit the local school and hospital. Else, you can visit the monastery and see the skull of a Yeti.
Trek to Syanboche
You begin with a trek to Everest View Hotel. This hotel provides remarkable views of the surrounding mountain with great coffee and tea. From there, you trek upwards to the Syanboche airstrip. Here, you can take an indirect route to Khumjung village on the way back. Night stay will be at Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Trek to Tengbouche from Namche Bazaar ( 9.2 kilometers (5.7 miles)) ( 5 - 6 hrs)
You will pass through small settlements like Sansa, Phunkithanga, pine forests and mani stones to reach Teng Boche. Teng Boche is beautiful. You can see a panorama of some of the biggest mountain peaks like Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse etc. Night at Teng boche.
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche ( 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles)) ( 5 - 6 hrs)
Your trek to Ding Boche will be continued along with the Imja Khola Valley. From here, you gradually make the way to the Pangboche village. The route continues to Dingboche. From here, the incredible views Island Peak and Ama Dablam can be viewed. You will spend the night here.
Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
This is another day acclimatization, Rather acclimatize, short hikes nearby are better. Some popular day hike is:
Trek to Chhukung
It is easy and nice day hike which offers a beautiful view of Mount. Makalu Island peak and several other
Himalayan peaks.
Trek to Nang Karts Hang Peak
A trek here offers the brilliant views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Kangtega.
Day 7: Trek from Dengbouche to Lobuche (4900m) (6 hrs walk)
You start with a climb to the chorten trail Pheriche where you will pass through the trekker’s Aid post. Here, Trekkers can get consultation and treatment before the trek to continue. After leaving Pheriche, you trek to Thulga where Gokyo trail joins with the Everest Base Camp trail. After the valley, you descent towards Lobuche. Overnight stay in Lobuche. Here you can view Mt. Tawache and Mt. Nuptse from the village.
Day 8: Trek to Gorakshep and Hiking to EBC and back to Gorakshep ( 14 kilometers (8.7 miles))
You will begin with a trek to Gorakshep before EBC. Hence, you return to spend the night here. The first half of the trek is nice and easy but the second one has a beautiful view of majestic walls formed by Everest, Nuptse, and many other mountains. Here you will take your lunch and then walks on a side ridge of the Khumbu glacier, and cross the glacier and reach the EBC area. EBC is one of the main highlights of the trek. You get splendid views of Mt. Khutse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Changtse and the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall from here. After a good rest here, you start your trek back to Gorak Shep. Night at a tea house at Gorakshep.
Day 9: Early morning hike to Kalapathar then down to Gorekshep & fly to Kathmandu with Helicopter
The day begins early with a walk to Kalapather from Gorakshep. You do this trek before the break of dawn. The chance of getting clear views are at their best in the morning. Kalapathar is the highest attitude of your entire trek. From here, you get views of innumerable mountains peaks. Like Mt. Pumori, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Mt Changtse, Mt Nuptse. After you get your fill of the place, you return to Gorak Shep for breakfast. After this, you take your helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. The ride back provides with an aerial view ofthe entire region. It is a remarkable way to end your journey to EBC.
If the above Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications.
Plan My TripEverest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Cost Includes
- Domestic flight from Kathmandu- Lukla-Kathmandu
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Airport pickup and hotel transfers by private vehicle.
- Three times Three meals a day- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 3 cup’s of tea/Coffee a day during the trek
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Accommodation in tea house during the trek.
- Seasonally fruits and desserts on the trek after dinner every day.
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In a day time tea break with cookies every day.
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (3 star hotel) on the BB plan, 1 night before starting the trek and 1 night the day after returning from the trek.
- Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours, (-20 degree sleeping bag) and a duffel bag for the trekking, but you need to refund to the office after the trip.
- You will be under observation with a pulse oximeter to have your oxygen levels and heart rate measured twice a day during the trek. This is to catch the signs of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) early, thus making trekking safer.
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National park Trekking permits & local government permit and TIMS Card
- Normal First aids kit box.
- Nepal Holiday Treks And Tours trip completion certificate from the company side.
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Domestic flight ticket to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap including airport transportation.
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An experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, government license holder Trekking Guide with all his salary, food, Drinks, accommodation, equipment, transport, and insurance.
- One porter for two guest.
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Arrangement of Emergency helicopter service (paid by your travel insurance company)
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All the government taxes and company operating charges
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Cost Excludes
- International airfare and visa fees
- Extra days in Kathmandu and the mountains such as weather condition, flight delays, or strikes and health issues.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket, and trekking pole)
- Personal expenses of bar and beverage (bills, WiFi, hot shower, extra porters, laundry, extra porters etc) or any other things which are not mentioned by the company
- A strong, helpful, porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, (one porter for two people he will carry bag pack max 20-25kg).
- Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Your trekking gears and extra nights in a certain destination
- Tips for your guide and porters which is comparison.
- Entrance fees during the sightseeing
- Extra expenses due to any event
Upcoming Departures
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Clothing:
- Thermal base layers
- Trekking shirts (quick-dry)
- Fleece jacket and down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking trousers
- Gloves (inner and outer)
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Trekking socks
- -20 Sleeping bags
Footwear:
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Camp shoes/sandals
- Gaiters (optional)
Accessories:
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Backpack (50-60L) and daypack (20-30L)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets