• Duration:8 Nights 9 Days
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Max. Altitude: 5545m
  • Group Size: 1-8
  • Activity: Trekking and Heli Tour
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek

Everest Base Camp with Helicopter ReturnTrek is a combination of classic trekking to the foothills of world’s highest mountain and returning back to Kathmandu on a chartered Helicopter. The trek to Everest Base Camp is a Himalayan classic and trekkers with limited time period can choose this option with a stunnung Helicopter experience in the Himalaya of Nepal.

It’s a dream of every adventure seekers to be at the world’s adventurous station of the base camp of mighty Mt. Everest. Annapurna Foothills Treks has customized this 9 Days amazing trip in the Himalaya of Nepal for those travelers who cannot afford more than two weeks holidays but would like to explore the Khumbu Himalaya. Some of the plus point of selecting this trip is that people doesn’t need to worry about delay in flight at Lukla because of unpredictable weather and returning the same way.

The itinerary of our Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek is designed looking at our guests experiences allowing them enough time for proper acclimatization and experience a lifetime journey in the Himalaya.

The trek begins after we take an adventurous flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. After reaching Lukla, the gateway to Everest Region, we start our hiking. We’ll hike further to Namche the next day from Phakding and spend 2 nights at Namche Bazaar, also known as the capital of the Sherpas, for proper acclimatization and exploration. On the way to Dingbouche, We’ll encounter Tengbouche monastery, one of the most alluring destinations as the monastery covers 10 monasteries in a clockwise direction terminating within it. It is believed that Dingbouche is the best station to witness Mount Ama Dablam panoramically as the village is nestled in sunny valley facing Mt. Ama Dablam (6812m).

Hiking to Everest Base Camp over the Khumbu glacier ridge can be challenging but after the walk, one will be clearly awarded with the highest Himalayan panoramic views and gorgeous glaciers surrounding them. The glimpse of Mount Everest is best witnessed from Kala Patthar, one of the best view points across the globe. Afterwards, we descend back to Gorakshep and upon reaching Gorakshep, we take some good rest and afterwards, fly from Gorakshep to Kathmandu on a chartered Helicopter and upon reaching Kathmandu, you''ll be transferred to your hotel. The Helicopter flight from Gorakshep - Lukla - Kathmandu is one of the most astonishing highlights of this amazing trip.

Best Season for Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek:

The best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek are from September to November and from March to May. These months are known for sunny and warm weather and outstanding views. The summer months from June to August are also beautiful, but the trek can be affected by the monsoon rains.

Meals on the Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek:

Three meals a day are included during your Everest Base Camp Trek. The menu will be fairly simple, but freshly cooked and hygienic. You can enjoy typical Nepali, Tibetan and Sherpa food, as well as all types of international cuisine. Dinners and breakfasts will be provided in the teahouse/lodge where you spend the night. Lunches will be eaten in a teashop on the way to the destination of the day.

Drinking Water on Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek:

We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.

Fitness/Health on Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Local Customs You Should Know About on Classic Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek:

Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek:

Annapurna Foothills Treks strongly recommends you have sufficient insurance coverage to you go into this remote area.Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability,medical treatment is recommended.The insurance must cover all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek

  • Hike to the foothills of Worlds' tallest mountain, Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters
  • Stunning sunrise view of Mt. Everest (8848.86m) and other Khumbu giants from Kala Patthar(Black Rock)
  • Witness the dynamic dazzling landscapes, centuries old monasteries and pristine sherpa settlements 
  • Meet and Greet the Culture, tradition and interactwith the People of Khumbu region
  • Experience one of the most scenic ride flying to Kathmandu from Gorakshep via Lukla
  • Skip retracing the same traildescending down from the foothillis of Khumbu Himalaya

Itinerary

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Day 1: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding 4 hrs 2,610 m/8,562 ft

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla

We head to the domestic airport for our early morning flight to Lukla. From the twin otter plane, we will enjoy some amazing views of several of the world’s highest mountains including Cho Oyu, 8153m, Lhotse, 8516m, Gauri Shankar, 7145m, Menlungtse, 7181m, and Mount Everest. Because of Air Traffic Congestion (ATC), direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is only operated in off seasons (December - February, June - August. Usually, it takes around 40 minutes to reach Lukla.

Flying from Manthali to Lukla

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the busiest time in Everest region because of which Lukla airport gets congested. So, during these months, all the flights to Lukla are re-routed from Manthali. Drive to Manthali from Kathmandu is somewhat 5-6 hours. Accordingly, leave for Manthali at 1:45 a.m. (approx.) on tourist vehicle. By doing so, will reach Manthali on time to catch our flight to Lukla. From Manthali, it takes around 15- 20 minutes (depending upon weather condition) to reach Lukla.

 Helicopter  Option

Flying in helicopter is a unique experience that adds a touch of luxury to your journey, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of Khumbu Himalaya in style. You can book your spot for a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an additional USD 300 Dollar per Person. Do note that the price is quoted on a sharing basis of 5 people.

At Lukla, our support crew will be waiting to welcome us. After distributing our luggage among the strong Sherpa porters who will so cheerfully carry our burdens for the trip, we set out downhill into the Dudh Koshi (milk river) Valley. The trails in these parts reflect the large roll Tibetan Buddhism plays in the lives of the Sherpa people. There are many mani stones, which are large stones withTibetan prayers chiseled into them, all along the trails. You will soon become familiar with the customary way of passing chortens, mani stones, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. We reach Phakdingma a small village beside the Dudh Kosi River. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today will be one of the hardest days of the trek. So, we take it slowly, giving our bodies a chance to acclimatize and our senses a chance to take in the sights and smells on this trail into the heart of the Khumbu. From Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Kosi valley north for 2-3 hours to Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There is a good view of Thamserku, 6608m. We follow the river to the Hilary Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge that spans the deep chasm over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi. From here, it is a tough climb to Namche. The trail continues to climb through forests of pine. About half way up there, is a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse.

Namche is a beautiful village in itself with colourful houses and lodges and prayer flags, and the setting is majestic as it is spread on the steep sides of a horse-shoe shaped valley facing the beautiful Kongde Ri Peak. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

If we are acclimatizing well, we will want to walk up a hill for spectacular viewpoint where we can see all the way up the Imja Khola Valley to where the glacial moraine begins below the towering Mt Everest, 8848m. Other spectacular peaks. We can see Taweche, 6542m, Thamserku, 6808m, Kantega, 6685 m, Ama Dablam, 6856m, Nuptse, 7896m and Lhotse, 8511m. Besides, the great bazaar with a wonderful variety of shops to visit, today gives us a chance to visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre which has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. There is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital. We can see the “scalp of a yeti” at the Khumjung monastery. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we follow the Classic Everest Base Camp trail and enjoy one of the most scenic days of the trek. We start with a short, steep climb out of Namche up to a ridge which meanders above the Imja Khola. As we hike along, we get spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and also the beautiful Ama Dablam. We descend through rhododendron forest to Phunki Tenga near the Dudh Kosi where we will have our lunch. A suspension bridge takes us across the river and we start an ascent of about 1 hr through pine and rhododendron forest. We will likely spot some wildlife such as Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer and pheasants while passing through the forests. The trail becomes less steep after leaving the forest. We climb for another 1.5 hours through grassy meadow to reach the Tengbuchhe monastery on the crest of a long ridge which stretches to the summit of Kantega. Sir Edmund Hillary helped to re-build this famous monastery after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. From Tengbuche, the views of the Everest massif as well as all the other major peaks of the area will be totally astounding.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The trail descends through a beautiful forest then crosses the Imja Khola (river) and passes through the village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures where the yak graze, to Dingboche, 4400m which is the second place to stop and acclimatize. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

A second acclimatization day with optional hikes to Nagarjun Hill or Chukung village, with fine views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and other peaks, interspersed with lakes and glaciers. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

We continue our trek through the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier to Dugla. The trail goes through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb, there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt. Everest. We continue to climb to Lobuche, 4910 m from where you will see the awesome Mt. Pumori Peak, 7220m, very well.

NOTE: Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness rest and plenty of water is necessary. You will crave some Chocolates or Snickers at this point. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we trek on past Gorak Shep 5130m, to reach Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return to Gorak Shep. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar, following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the sunrise and enjoy superb views of the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, we descend back to Gorakshep and upon reaching Gorakshep, we take some good rest and eventually, fly from Gorakshep to Lukla to Kathmandu on  Helicopter. 

  • Breakfast
  • Lodge/Tea House

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Accommodation during trek: local lodges 8 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill's T-shirt
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
  • One way flight to Lukla (Either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap)
  • Gorekshep to Kathmandu helicopter flight
  • Kathmandu to Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water, boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date30 Apr, 2024End Date08 May, 2024AvailableUS$ 2250

Departure Note:

Guaranteed - We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.
 

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.
 

We have set dates for departure to the Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design you own private trips with you loved ones.

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the trek. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.

Useful Info

Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek Packing List:

Are you planning your dream trip to the Himalaya of Nepal? Make sure you have packed well for your hiking and trekking experiences in Nepal. The time period of your visit also determines your packing list. The best trekking seasons for beginning your Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek are spring and autumn. During these seasons, maximum flow of trekkers can be witnessed. Weather during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are likely to be mild with clear blue sky and outstanding mountain views. But nights can get freezing cold at higher elevation. So, packing appropriate clothing, gear, and equipments for your Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek  is a must for lifetime memorable trekking experience in Everest region of Nepal.

Here is the complete packing checklist for Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Treking  or any other similar teahouse trekking in the captivating Himalaya of Nepal.

Upper Body:

  • Warm beanie hat
  • Tubular Headwear (buff)
  • Sun Hat or Cap (cap and buff all fit under your hood)
  • Polarized Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp (Black Diamond / Petzl) with spare batteries
  • Sunscreen with factor 50+
  • Upper Body (Core body):
  • 3 Light and trekking weight thermal tops
  • 3 T-shirts or cool-max trekking shirts
  • 1 Fleece Jacket
  • 1 Waterproof shell jacket with hood (lightweight, breathable)
  • 1 Down Jacket

Lower Body:

  • 2 Thermal base layers (merino or polartec power dry)
  • 2 Pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • 1 Heavy weight hiking trousers (wind proof soft shell for warmth at higher altitude)
  • 1 Waterproof/ Rain pants
  • 1 Fleece Pants
  • 4 Under wears (merino)

Hands:

  • 1 Lightweight gloves or liner gloves
  • 1 Pair shell gloves (Gore-Tex)

Feet:

  • 3 Warm Trekking socks (smart wool)
  • 3 Pairs of liner socks
  • 2 Pairs of thick/ warm socks
  • 2 Thick wool socks to wear at night in lodges
  • Trekking Boots (waterproof, ankle support with rigid sole)
  • Lightweight Rubber Shoes / Trainers / Trail Runner to wear at the Tea Houses

Accessories:

  • 1 Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) 40 - 50 Liters
  • 2 Water bottle or camel bag, 1-liter (one with an insulated cover is recommended)
  • Large duffle bag (and a lock as the porters will carry this)
  • A pair of adjustable Trekking Pole
  • Camera with extra battery
  • Sleeping bag (- 15 C depending upon trips)
  • Sleeping Bag liner
  • Ear Plugs
  • Portable Solar Charger
  • Smart Trekking Watch

Personal First Aid Kit:

Please do note that our trekking guides will be too carrying the first aid kit with them especially for the guests and the entire team as a whole. Still, we suggest the following items to be carried with you while trekking in the Himalaya of Nepal.

  • Personal Medication
  • Diarrhea Stopper (e.g. Imodium)
  • Paracetamol Tablets
  • Small Swiss Army knife (which has knife, scissors and tweezers)
  • Diamox for altitude (consult your doctor about this)
  • Water Purification tablets or drops
  • Blister kit / Zinc Tape
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Dressing Gauze
  • Antibiotic Cream

Can Everest Base Camp Trekking be done throughout the year?

Yes. Everest Base Camp trekking can be done throughout the year. However, the accepted answer to this, stating the best seasons for doing Everest Base Camp Trekking are from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). During these months, weather remains stable with clear blue sky offering us the surreal views of mountains soaring high. The summer months from June to August are also beautiful but the trek can be affected by the monsoon rains. Winter season (December to February) can be a great period for trekking to Everest Base Camp with good preparations, proper clothing and pre - arrangements for cold and weather.

Everest Base Camp Trekking in Spring (March – May)

Spring season (March – May) is the perfect time to do the Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal and to experience the adventure to the foothills of world highest mountain, Mount Sagarmatha (8848.86m). Spring season offers magnificent views, mild temperature, and remarkable adventure experiences. This season succeeds winter because of which first weeks of March will be quite cold. After that, temperature begins to warm up at Everest region and small buds of grasses start blinking from the ground. Spring is the season where most of the biodiversity blossoms up again and we witness varying species of flora and fauna along the trekking trail. Temperature on a normal day ranges from 10 – 14 degrees and at night temperature can drop upto 3 degrees. Undoubtedly, spring season is a joyful time for beginning Everest Base Camp trek.

Everest Base Camp weather in Monsoon (June – August) 

Early June marks the start of Monsoon (Summer) and ends by the end of August. The summer months from June to August are also beautiful, but the trek can be affected by the monsoon rains. Monsoon is regarded as off season for trekking in Everest region including Everest Base Camp too. However, trek to Everest Base Camp is still possible. As the name implies, summer (monsoon) days are hotter. So, we suggest wearing lightweight T-shirts and shorts while hiking. Monsoon indicates heavy rainfall and unclear surroundings which stands as an obstacle for getting a clear view of Khumbu Himalaya. Also, the trekking trails become wet and slippery due to frequent rain. The frequent rainfall in monsoon makes the EBC trek more difficult and because of rain, mosquitoes and leeches are found everywhere during this season. Temperature on a normal day ranges from 15 and reach up to 22 degrees and during night, temperature falls down to 5 degree to 0 degree (max).

Everest Base Camp Trekking in Autumn (September – November)

Following spring, Autumn (September – November) is the ideal season for Everest Base Camp trekking. September, October and November falls under this season. These months are known for sunny and warm weather and stable and outstanding mountain views. Autumn rewards the outdoor enthusiasts with a pleasant afternoon temperature for hiking. Nights get colder as we gain elevation but it is endurable. During autumn, you’ll witness some of the best views of towering Himalayan peaks dominating the Khumbu valley. Thousands of trekkers visit Everest Base Camp in this season as autumn probably has the favorable trekking weather and conditions. Even in autumn season, October is the busiest month for trekking in Everest Base Camp. Days are balmy and temperature in afternoon ranges to 12 – 15 degrees. During the night, temperature drops down to below zero degree on high altitudes (above 3500m).

Everest Base Camp weather in winter (December – February)

“There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” - Alfred Wainwright

With proper clothing, proper acclimatization and experienced Sherpa team, Everest Base Camp Trekking can be done. Winter season is for sure, the coldest time in Everest region of Nepal. The cold wind brings freezing temperatures and infrequent heavy snowfalls. However, winter season (December to February) can be a great period for trekking to Everest Base Camp with good preparations for cold and weather.

Trek to EBC will more adventurous yet rewarding. With proper winter gears, Everest Base Camp trek in winter is still doable and one can have a remarkable experience at Everest during winter. Winter days are shorter and nights are freezing cold and longer too. You might witness and need to pass through heavy snow on the trails. The sections involving jagged ascents, descents, and crossing the passes are more trick and challenging. February is considered as the coldest month of winter time in Everest. Temperature on a normal day ranges from 6 to 8 degrees and during night, temperature falls down to -15 degree (max.). Therefore, you need to carry extra warm gears and safety measures for Everest Base Camp trekking in winter.

Guaranteed Departure for Everest Base Camp Trekking

We’ve added Everest Base Camp Trekking fixed departure trek dates for Autumn, 2023 and Spring and Autumn, 2024. So, pick your preferable date and allow us to assist you to the foothills of worlds’ tallest mountain, Mount Everest (8848.86m). Everest Base Camp Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date. We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Likewise, if you’re a Female Traveler and you wish to get a departure date in any of the trekking categories that is, in a group, or solo in a private trekking group, we can also manage that for you. Private Trips to Everest Base Camp is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones. Single trekkers (Solo Travelers) are always welcome to join the trek. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.