Everest Base Camp Trek – Helicopter Return (11 Days)

Trip Facts

Trip Points Kathmandu-Phakding- Namche-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Lukla
Duration 11 Days
Max. Altitude: 5,364M/176001ft
Group size Min. 2 – Max. 12
Best Time for Visit Spring (Feb-May) & Autumn (Sep-Dec)
Activity Guided Trekking
Trip Guide & Porter Experienced | Licensed | Strenuous
Meals Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse
DIFFICULTY Difficult
Flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
Departure From Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Highlights

  • Nepal's top trekking destination – ultimate trekking adventure
  • Fly between giant mountains – heart-pounding moments landing at Lukla airport
  • Offer amazing, jaw-dropping scenery and views
  • Acute altitude sickness friendly itinerary
  • 10+ years' experience local guide and porters
  • Cross high suspension hanging bridges
  • Highest altitude situated Monastery (Gompa), Meet Buddhist Lama, Monks & Nuns, Tibetan Buddhism, and Practices
  • 2 Days' Acclimatization and Rest Days (First: Namche, second: Dingboche) to celebrate victory at Everest Base Camp
  • Closure view of Himalayas en-route to Everest Base Camp and return
  • Step on the Highest Base Camp – Everest Base Camp (EBC)
  • Magnificent View of Mount Everest (Sunrise and Sunset) from Kala Patthar
  • Sherpa villages, culture, tradition, and hospitality
  • Luxury lodges and hygiene meals
  • Walk to the habitat of rare and endangered species – snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black dear, musk deer, and Himalayan wolves.

Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Tour is a package customized for adventurer lovers with limited time and short vacations which are excited to explore and can pay the price. Happily, this package chains adventure, mystifying nature, massive snow-capped mountains, and a cerulean environment. Also, you get a hypnotizing aerial view of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848m), as well as various massifs, glaciers, rivers, rivulets, and a whole 360° picture of the Himalayan Region.

During the trek, you can have almighty views of nature, culture, and magnificent landscapes while strolling on downhill-uphill and rugged pathways. The trail leads up to EBC via a dense forest, boulder paths, suspension bridges, rivers, and Sherpa villages, before taking a helicopter journey from Gorakshep to Lukla on the way back.

Remember!

If you have average physical fitness, you can comfortably accomplish this trek. However, since the Everest helicopter tour is operated on a charter basis for a large group, you have to share the helicopter with other fellow trekkers who were in the Everest Region Trek.

Book your Everest Base Camp Trek – Helicopter Return with Nomadways Adventure. We promise you to provide the best quality trekking services, security, proper guidance, and assistance. So be ready to collect the most beautiful memories, natural-thrilling moments, and life-changing activities.

Itinenary

When you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transport you to our luxury hotel/guest house and assist you to check-in. So, look for someone holding a placard with your name or our company’s name – Nomadways Adventure– waiting for you.

On this day, you simply relax at Hotel/Guesthouse overnight and restore your energy to accomplish your upcoming adventurous trip.

Our company organizes a short introductory meeting in the evening. You will meet your trekking guide, and our trekking expert will provide you with all the detailed information about the trek.

 Meal : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

Your actual adventurous trip to Everest Base Camp begins on this first day.

We take an early morning flight (30-40 minutes) from Kathmandu to Lukla. As the plane passes between towering mountains, the flight offers you the heart-pounding experience of the turbulence and tranquil picturesque of the Himalayan range. Finally, you land at Lukla airport – the gateway to the Everest Region.

How would you feel landing on the airport with just a single runway on a cliff? You will get surprised. Right? Lukla airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

At Lukla, you get to rest for some time, meet your local porters and arrange the luggage.

From Lukla, after showing your Trekking Permit at the Lukla checkpoint, your footsteps head towards Phakding – a Sherpa village renowned for the 500 years old monastery. You follow the trails down to Thalsaroa and then to Cheplung. Then, the trail traces along Dudh Koshi valley, enjoying the introductory view of Mt. Khumbila (5,761m/18901ft). You continue your pace for a few hours and reach Ghat (2,520m/8,350ft). Further a short walk from Ghat, we reach Phakding –today’s destination. Enjoy the best hotel, hygienic cuisine, and friendly hospitality with superb service at Phakding.

  Activity Duration : 30 Min Flight + 8 Km, 3-4 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

Today, we trek from Phakding to Namche – the most significant tourism hub in the Everest region.

Passing through the dense fir, alpine, and rhododendron forest along Dudh Koshi River, we go up to Benkar. From Benkar, we further walk through dense forest and cross suspension bridges which take us to Chhumuwa and Monjo.

At Monjo, you must register your trekking permit at the check-post and then trek inside the Sagarmatha National Park. You feel completely enthusiastic about the wonderful environment of the park. Also, you may encounter wild animals and several species of vegetation. Watch them out!

Ahead, we cross the Tenzing-Hillary suspension bridge over Dudh-Koshi River ascend via the pine and fir forest to the ridge.

We have the first glimpse of Mt. Everest on the trail toward the ridge. Enjoy it.

Continue your pace uphill pace for a couple of hours; finally, you arrive at Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the rest of your time at Namche – standard lodging and modern facilities like ATMs, internet, cyber cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

  Activity Duration : 11 Km, 6-7 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this 4th day of our trip, we acclimate, explore, and rest in Namche.

As a part of acclimatization, after taking breakfast, we walk towards the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. Enjoy and learn about the Sherpa culture, local flora, and fauna of this region.

After leaving the museum, we head towards the Everest view hotel – one of the world’s highest hotels. You find yourself speechless when you see the panoramic view of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Khumbila (5,761m/18,901ft), Mt. Thamserku (6,623m/21,729ft), Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft) and Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft) mirroring and shining in front of you.

Other places to explore are Khumjung and Kunde villages with Hillary school, Hillary Hospital, and Syangboche Airstrip.

In the end, you come down to Namche Bazaar. We take a rest or explore the beautiful tourist hub and enjoy other facilities at Namche Bazaar.

  Activity Duration : 4 Km, 4-5 Hours Hiking
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

After taking an early breakfast, we start climbing up to the Namche village. On the way, we visualize a spectacular view of Mt. Everest.

A few hours walk from Namche takes to Sanasa junction – the intersection of Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lake trek. We take a right turn to get to EBC. Trekking down to the villages Lawichasa and Tashinga with the majestic view of sparkling Ama Dablam (6856m/22,493ft) and walking again, we reach Phunki Thanga. After enjoying lunch at Phunki, we climb to Tengboche, passing through the dense rhododendron, juniper, and alpine forest.

Tengboche is well-known for the Tengboche Gompa – one of the oldest monasteries of this region. Inspect evening prayer at Gompa and enjoy comfortable lodging and delicious meals.

  Activity Duration : 9 Km, 6-7 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

At dawn, we take a warm breakfast at Tengboche and follow the trails to Dingboche. Trekking along the stone-paved trail, we reach Debuche. Visit Debuche Nunnery to inspect the Thanka paintings, Mural paintings, and architecture. Here, you can take a rest for some time.

After that, we continued our hiking from Debuche and reached Pangboche. From Pangboche, we descend to Somare then to Orso. Further, we cross a suspension bridge over the Imja River. Then, walking for a few hours alongside the Imja River, we reach the summer village, Dingboche – the last human settlements at this higher altitude. We spend a pleasant night here, enjoy light meals, and rest.

  Activity Duration : 8 Km, 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

This is the second acclimatization day after Namche.

As scheduled, after breakfast, we start trekking from the north ridge of Dingboche and climb to Nangkar Tshang Peak (5,616m/18,425ft). From the peak, we observe the wonderful glimpse of snow-capped peaks Mt. Makalu (8,463m/21,204ft), Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,493ft), Island peak (6,189m/20,305ft), and Thamserku (6623m/21,729ft). Finally, after completely relishing nature’s beauty, we come back to Dingboche.

In the evening, we catch the finest moment of late sunshine. Then, we enjoy hygienic meals and take proper rest.

  Activity Duration : 3 Km, 4-5 Hours Hiking
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

We take proper breakfast and be ready to trek a complete uphill trip. From Dingboche, we follow rocky trails to Dusa. We keep hiking uphill, enjoying the fantastic view of numerous peaks such as Taboche (6,542m), Cholatse (6,440m), Ama Dablam (6,856m), Pumori (7,161m), Khumbutse (6,636), and Lhotse (8,516m).

We walk for about an hour along the ridge and cross Thokla Pass (4,830m/15,846ft) through the moraine glacial formed by the Khumbu glacier. A further few minutes’ walk takes us to Lobuche – today’s final destination.

At Lobuche, you feel comfortable with a warm meal, relax and think of climbing to the Everest Base Camp tomorrow.

  Activity Duration : 7 Km, 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this day, you feel more excited as your dream of climbing the world’s highest base camp comes true.

We start following the narrow mountain gaps and glacial moraine with an early warm breakfast. Then, keeping your pace for 2-3 hours on the rocky path, you reach Gorakshep – the last human settlement. Here, you check-in at the hotel and leave your heavy loads behind.

Following the right side of Gorakshep, we ascend for 2-3 hours trekking through the rocky sandpit and boulders alongside the glacial river of the world’s highest Khumbu glacier. Finally, we reach our final destination of the Everest Region, Everest Base camp (5,364m).

Enjoy the perfect landscape, 360° view of Mountains like Nuptse-Lhotse, and Khumbu glacier just above EBC. You can meet other international trekkers, enjoy your time, capture the best moments, celebrate your victory, and exchange happiness with one another.

For some time, you feel lost in the outstanding beauty of the Everest Region – Everest Base Camp. Then, we descend to Gorakshep, enjoy a delicious meal and take a rest in the cozy lodging.

  Activity Duration : 14 Km, 8-9 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

In fact, we cannot see Mt. Everest clearly and precisely from EBC. So, we arrange a side trip to the Kala Pattharpeak (5,550m/18,208ft). You enjoy a spectacular sunrise view touching the Mt. Everest summit and a 360° view of snow-capped mountains.

We leave Gorakshep at 4 am for Kala Patthar to capture this moment. A couple of hours tracing down, we reach the Kala Patthar pinnacle. Your eyes continuously watch, enjoy and capture a 360° view of mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m/29029ft), Mt. Lingtren (6,749m/22,142ft), Khumbutse (6,636m/21,771ft), Nuptse (7,861m/25,790ft) and Pumori (7,161m/23,494ft).

After the morning hike to Kala Pathar and enjoying panoramic views, we take breakfast. Then, you are airlifted by Helicopter from Kala Pattharto Lukla. You can catch a commercial flight and fly back to Kathmandu. Landing at TIA, we transfer you to your hotel. You can take a rest or scroll around Thamel – The No. 1 tourist town in Nepal.

  Activity Duration : 15 Km, 7-8 Hours Trek, Heli-Flight
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this final day, offering you a light breakfast, we transfer to the Tribhuvan International airport via our private transportation. We bid you a happy ‘Goodbye’ and wish you a safe flight.

 Meal : Breakfast

Cost Includes

  • All airport transfers
  • Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu for two nights with breakfast
  • Flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
  • All airport taxes
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park permit and TIMS)
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Guide and porter salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
  • Full meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner of your choice
  • Seasonal fresh fruits desert every day
  • Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • A comprehensive First Aid kit

Cost Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Tips for Guides and Porters

Equipment

Trekking requires careful selection of gear to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail. Depending on the conditions (terrain, weather, duration), the equipment you need may vary, but here’s a comprehensive list of essential trekking gear:

  1. Backpack
  • Capacity: Typically, for a multi-day trek, a 40-60L pack is ideal.
  • Fit: Adjustable straps for shoulder, chest, and hip.
  • Features: Hydration system compatibility, side pockets for easy access, and a rain cover.
  1. Footwear
  • Trekking Boots: Look for boots with good ankle support, durable soles (Vibram is a popular choice), and waterproof features.
  • Trail Shoes: For lighter treks or well-maintained paths, trail shoes may suffice.
  • Sock Layers: Merino wool socks or synthetic socks that wick moisture and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton.
  • Gaiters: To keep debris, mud, and snow out of your boots.
  1. Clothing (Layering System)
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool) long-sleeve top and bottoms.
  • Mid Layer: Insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket.
  • Outer Layer (Shell): Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are excellent choices.
  • Trekking Pants: Convertible pants (with zippers for shorts) can be useful.
  • Trekking Shirt: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
  • Gloves: Lightweight gloves for warmth, plus an additional heavier pair if trekking in cold climates.
  • Hat/Cap: A sunhat or beanie depending on the weather.
  • Neck Gaiter/Buff: For sun protection, warmth, or dust.
  1. Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated for the conditions you’ll face. Down bags are warmer and lighter but lose effectiveness if wet, while synthetic bags dry quicker.
  • Sleeping Pad: Inflatable or foam pads that insulate from the cold ground.
  • Tent: Lightweight trekking tents (1-3 person) that suit your conditions. Some options include 4-season tents if you're trekking in harsh weather.
  1. Hydration System
  • Water Bottles: Collapsible or hard plastic bottles (ensure they’re BPA-free).
  • Hydration Reservoir: Camelbak or similar bladder systems for easy access to water.
  • Water Purification: A filtration system (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw) or chemical tablets to purify water from streams or other sources.
  1. Food and Cooking
  • Stove: Compact gas or alcohol stove for cooking on the trail.
  • Cookware: Lightweight pots or pans, often titanium or aluminum.
  • Fuel: Compatible fuel for your stove (check for availability in the region you’re trekking).
  • Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and fruits. Lightweight, high-calorie, and easy-to-prepare foods are best.
  1. Navigation Tools
  • Map and Compass: Always have a paper map as a backup, even if you use a GPS.
  • GPS Device or Smartphone with a Trekking App: Make sure to download offline maps.
  • Altimeter Watch (optional): Useful for tracking elevation and route progress.
  1. Lighting
  • Headlamp: Hands-free lighting for night-time use, with extra batteries.
  • Flashlight: A backup to your headlamp.
  1. First Aid Kit
  • Include basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal Medications: Always bring enough for the whole trip, plus extras in case of delays.
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  1. Safety Gear
  • Multi-tool/Knife: A good multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman) is very useful for repairs and emergencies.
  • Whistle: For signaling.
  • Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact for warmth in case of emergency.
  • Firestarter: Matches or a lighter, and waterproof if needed.
  1. Miscellaneous
  • Trekking Poles: Help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and improve traction on uneven terrain.
  • Towel: Quick-dry, compact towel.
  • Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes.
  • Camera/Smartphone: For documenting the journey, with extra storage or a portable charger.
  1. Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
  • Toilet Paper: Always carry biodegradable toilet paper and a small trowel for digging a "cathole" if there are no facilities.
  • Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean without access to water.
  • Wet Wipes: For cleaning yourself when there's no shower.
  • Biodegradable Soap: If you need to wash, use eco-friendly soap.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Compact travel versions.
  1. Weather Protection
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Rain Gear: A high-quality waterproof jacket, pants, and gaiters, especially if you're trekking in areas with unpredictable weather.
  • Cold Weather Gear (if needed): Depending on the trek, you might need additional gear like down jackets, insulated gloves, or even crampons for ice or snow.
Extra Considerations for Specialized Treks:
  • High-altitude Treks: Consider gear for altitude sickness (like Diamox), extra layers for extreme cold, and an oxygen system if necessary.
  • Long-distance Treks: You might need additional gear like extra food storage, a larger stove, or a lightweight trekking umbrella.
Always check the weather forecast and understand the terrain and altitude of your trek to fine-tune your gear selection.

FAQ's

The helicopter return is a convenient and faster way to return to Kathmandu after reaching Everest Base Camp, saving trekkers 3-4 days of trekking back. It also allows for a unique aerial view of the Himalayas.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It requires good physical fitness and mental preparation, especially for high-altitude trekking. The helicopter return makes it easier by reducing the time spent in the higher altitudes, but proper acclimatization is still essential.

Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level.

Essential gear includes a good pair of trekking boots, warm clothing (layers), a down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles, and headgear (hats, gloves). You should also pack sunscreen, a water bottle, and a small first-aid kit.

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