Trip Duration 11 Days
Max, Altitude 5545 Meters
Type Trekking
Best Season Sept - May
Meals Included
Accommodation Guest House
Activity Trekking
Difficulty Strenuous
The Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return is an amazing yet comfortable trekking package that provides the best experience of the Himalayas. From Lukla, trekkers will cross through Sherpa settlement, green meadows and beautiful forests ascending gradually. On the journey, you’ll see famous places such as Namche Bazaar, the Tenboche Monastery, the Dingboche, with magical view of the highest mountain of earth, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the neighboring mountains of Himalaya.
During the trek you arrive at Everest Base Camp, a truly spectacular location at the base of the earth’s tallest peak. At base Camp, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, celebrate actually making it here, and then just chill out before you head back home. Instead of trekking all the way down, you’ll board a helicopter for the return flight.
The helicopter ride provides an amazing aerial panorama of the mountains and regions with an unique perspective of the area. This brief and picturesque route saves you several days of walking and allows you to reach Kathmandu without any hassle. The total difficulty of the trek the ease of the return makes this trek accessible to people who wish to see the Everest area, but do not have the chance to do a long return trek.
Ideal for those travelers that want to feel the thrill and the beauty of the mountains without demanding conditions of hiking down. The Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return is suitable for those who look for less strenuous trekking and are short on time, or those who want to admire the majesty of the Himalayas in the air. With this opportunity you will to fully spend your trip, having experiences you won’t be able to forget, besides saving time.
This trek is especially suitable for those trekkers who want to do the Everest Base Camp trek but they don’t want to take a longer return trekking. The trek provides one with beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains, through the Sherpa ethnic majority territories and remarkable sites like Tengboche Monastery. You’ll also get to experience the thrill of reaching Everest Base Camp itself, an unforgettable achievement.
The main advantage of this option is the helicopter return. Having arrived at Base Camp, instead of walking back, you’ll be flown by helicopter with a lot of time and effort spared. There is an aerial exposure of Everest and all the surrounding peaks on the ride, providing an unparalleled view of the mountains.
The best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). There is clear sky, moderate temperature and calm weather during these seasons, which makes the trek comfortable and safe. The trail is full of rhododendron during this season. Autumn offers a cool air, a blue Himalayan sky, which is perfecr for trekking.
Winter (December through February) is unbearably cold, and severe snowfall can make the trail difficult, particularly at elevation. Summers (June to August) are the monsoon season, and with the precipitation and its resulting landslide risk, trekking can be a very dangerous and hard task.
Take advantage of the best experience by planning your trek in spring or fall. Because it is appropriate weather for both trekking and helicopter return, it is a good time to experience the grandeur of Everest without any possibility of bad weather.
Experiencing this tour, you are certain to have a memorable trip. The hiking will lead you to breathtaking Sherpa villages, deep forests and high-altitude scenery. Stunning views of Mount Everest and Lhotse and other peaks. Upon reaching Base Camp, you will enjoy not only the personal satisfaction that comes with success, but also the stunning scenery.
You won’t walk back instead, you’ll be lifted off in a helicopter for a fast and breathtaking flight to get back to Kathmandu. Helicopter ride provides incredible aerial view from above of the hills and their surroundings. Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter challenging yet rewarding moments, and the combination of trekking and the helicopter ride makes it an easier and more comfortable experience. Get ready for incredible imagery, extraordinary cultural experiences and fundamentally, a very different way of looking at Everest.
To physically prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek and helicopter return, especially endurance, strength, and stamina training will be conducted. Start by hiking on different terrains for 3-4 weeks minimum. Increase the length and challenge of your hikes over time, with the goal of being able to carry out 4-6 hour long treks.
Incorporate aerobic training (i.e., running, cycling, or swimming) to increase stamina. Ideally about 30-60 min cardio 3-4 times a week. Strengthen your core and upper body with exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks to support your posture and reduce fatigue during the trek.
Altitude training may be helpful but is not always necessary. Wherever possible, climb to higher altitudes to acclimatize to thin air. Otherwise cardiovascular and leg fitness should be trained to adapt to altitude.
Make sure that rest days are part of your training, so that your body can recover. Stretch regularly to improve flexibility and prevent injuries. Finally, practice walking with a backpack to get used to carrying your gear. Physical training will pave the way for increasingly easy adventure trail and helicopter trip.
Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return route is mostly in teahouses, which are the small, basic houses that offer food and lodging for the short stay. In the hills, especially Lukla and Namche Bazaar, teahouses will be private, with private rooms and hot showers.
Going up to the base camp, the teahouses are less luxurious, sharing the same space and providing a limited menu of services. Common restroom facilities and limited heating in higher altitudes like in Dingboche, GorakShep. Rooms are very simple, with a bed and beddings and a small table. Some teahouses have Wi-Fi and charging facilities for a fee, but it can be very patchy.
Meals are served in a communal dining space, consisting of food commonly eaten in Nepal (dal bhat) as well as international food items. Though facilities are small in scale, they are still surprisingly comfortable to rest on while hiking.
Safety is one of the major attention on the Everest Base Camp Trek and Heli Return. primary concern is altitude sickness, given that the hike is high and at high altitude. Acclimatization is to be performed with sufficient rest days and sufficient intake of fluids. Altitude sickness may present itself in the form of headache, dizziness and vomiting, so, please adequately monitor your symptoms.
Pay attention to weather as it can move so fast. Trekking in spring or autumn provides the safest conditions. Do not trek alone without a guide and stay on the proper hiking path.
Do not fly the helicopter roundtrip with a less experienced company. Flight schedules can be influenced by weather conditions, so flexibility is key. Correct use of equipment including warm clothing, strong footwear, and a first aid pack are of prime importance.
The Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return is a unique and unforgettable adventure. The total cost for this package ranges between USD 2200 – USD 3000 per person. This price includes basic services such as all trekker’s permits, hotels, food and the rescue helicopter flight from Everest Base camp to Kathmandu. The trek is provided with professional guides, porters, and all necessary transportation, and will allow a stress relieved journey.
The accommodation is available in tea houses on the way, food is also provided in the package, comprising local and international dishes. Helicopters for the return flight to Base Camp are a easy, scenic, and relaxed alternative route out of Kathmandu and also avoid the long, descent back.
These are not included in the package such price drinks, snack, and souvenirs purchases. However, we are transparent with pricing. The price may vary according to the service and the number of people you choose. We strive to offer the best value for your Everest experience.
The helicopter trip is an added benefit to the trek to Everest Base Camp because it makes getting back to Kathmandu an even easier and more efficient option. Having just finished the grueling trek to Everest Base Camp, there is no need to trek back down to Lukla. It is entirely possible to fly in a helicopter and to beautifully enjoy the flight in the return journey, which saves time and exertion.
Aerial scenery of Everest and its neighboring peaks are spectacular on helicopter flight. You have a unique perspective of the Himalayas that you will never have on foot. The flight is one of the experiences which it is hard to forget, together with the magnificent beauty of the land, admire the beautiful valleys, the glaciers, and the heights peaks.
This is a good choice for people who do not have much time available in terms of waiting or for people who want to avoid the physical effort to go down by descending. The ease of helicopter return and convenience make it an excellent choice for trekkers who prefer to devote their attention only to getting to Base Camp and to the landscape and not to the complications of descent.
The return by helicopter guarantees safety, as it escapes the danger of altitude sickness or tiredness which may be present in a long hike. It enables you to finish the trek in style, which will make the trip to Everest Base Camp and back even more special and fun.
We offer an Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return package for USD 2,150 per person. With this package you are ready for an unforgettably adventure. You’ll get permits, professional guides, porters, accommodation, meals, and the scenic helicopter ride back to Kathmandu from Everest Base Camp.
Our package that is supposed to comfort and protect during your hike. You’ll trek through stunning landscapes, visit traditional Sherpa villages, and experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other peaks. Already travelling from Base Camp, helicopter transport back to Kathmandu cuts down on time and effort.
Booking with us is easy. Simply contact our team to reserve your spot. We maintain price transparency, and we have no hidden fees. We’re committed to making your Everest Base Camp experience as memorable and smooth as possible. Come along on this amazing adventure and make memories that last forever!
The Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return requires having a travel insurance. The flying back by helicopter to Kathmandu is subject to the field conditions and thus can be affected by some bad parameters such as weather conditions, flights may be delayed or even cancelled. This is well handled under insurance since in case your flight is rescheduled, delayed or even cancelled you are protected.
Some of the medical expenses relating to an emergency and evacuation are also highlighted as being covered by insurance especially when they are at the altitude. When trekking in the mountains, there are chances that one may get altitude sickness or injured and insurance provide for this.
Also, insurance includes trips cancelling and interrupting; it is very crucial due to unpredictability of helicopter return. As earlier mentioned, it is crucial to select a policy that will cover trekking at high altitude, and evacuation through the helicopter besides the medical bills.
On the whole, travel insurance means that you can be safe knowing that any emergency or complications which occur while undertaking a trek will be financially manageable.
Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness is one of the most experienced problem when it comes to the Everest Base Camp Trek. But as you go up in the highlands, air is made scarce to breathe and becomes thinner in the process] The symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and loss of appetite. The risk of altitude sickness can be reduced by having regular rest days and enough water.
Weather Conditions: The condition in the Everest region can be hardly predictable, it can even snow or rain during the day. These conditions can make trekking to be a hard and at times, unpredictable. You need to dress appropriately and take some necessary equipment with you and be ready to change your plans because of the bad weather.
Physical Demands: The hike through the region to reach the Everest base camp requires one to be in good physical health. Climbing a long distance consistently on a higher terrain is very tiring. Trek in steep terrain is obviously expected throughout the trekking to base and that may take 6-8 hours per day, and this may considerably drain energy more so if the terrains are steep or rocky.
Limited Facilities at Higher Altitudes: As we trek higher, the amenities that will be offered will be quite simple. At the teahouses, one gets very simple rooms and some of the rooms share toilets, there might be times that there is no hot water or heating. These are limits that can be a hardship to those who have become used to comfortable accommodation.
Flight Delays and Cancellations: Although, when using the helicopter return to shorten the trek, the weather and other factors like helicopter traffic can hinder one from accessing the location. As with any form of aviation, Helicopter flights can be affected by bad weather meaning travelers should get ready for flexibility when they are going for the flight.
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You will be welcomed at the airport by our representative who will escort you to your hotel. A welcome dinner will be organized for your arrival in Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu
We start early for a thrilling flight to Lukla. We meet the rest of the team there and then head down towards the Cheplung village. There you will get your first glimpses of the sacred Mt. Khumbila. We then continue onwards Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
After a nice breakfast, we head on a trail that passes through a pine forest. We then move northwards through the Benkar valley. After crossing the Dudh Koshi River, we pass the villages of Chumoa and Monjountil we reach the entrance of the Everest National Park.
Then we climb a steep trail to finally reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
We have reserved this day for the purpose of acclimatization. It is important to properly adjust our bodies to the high altitude. On this day, we will explore Namche. Namche is the biggest town in the region filled with shops, restaurants, internet cafes and a brilliant market.
Moreover, we can also go for a short climb on the Sagarmatha National Park to watch the sun rise over the colossal mountains of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and many more. In addition, we can also explore the ancient Khumjung village.
The village is home to the Hillary School and a monastery which claims to have a Yeti Scalp on display. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
With breakfast done, we move down towards the Dudh-Koshi River enjoying views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, AmaDablam, Thamserku, and Kongde. We then climb up through rhododendron forests to Tengboche.
There we visit the largest monastery in the entire region – The Tengboche Monastery-the largest monastery in the region. Overnight in Tengboche.
We head down towards Debuche passing through forests of birch, conifers, and rhododendrons. Furthermore, we get to enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and AmaDablam. After that, we cross the Imja River and head towards Pangboche.
The trail towards upper Pangboche is filled with extraordinary views of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. We then walk towards Imja Valley andLobuche River. From there, we start our ascent towardsDingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.
On this day, we go for a hike to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung Valley. En route, we will witness the beauty of the Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache and AmaDablam.We will also explore the Dingboche Village. The village is home to beautiful fields of barley, buckwheat and potatoes protected by stone walls.
Firstly, we steadily climb towards Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We then ascent a steep trail to Chupki Lhara. There we can see the memorials for Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and ten time Everest conquerer- Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) marked by an array of stones with prayer flags.
Both perished on a mission to climb Everest, the memorial is a grim reminder of the dangers of climbing the highest mountain in the world.
After this, we continue onwards the Khumbu Glacier moraine. There we are greeted by extraordinary views of the Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and MahalangurHimal. We then gradually head towardsLobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
We move through the sandy Gorakshep, which once used to be a lake bed. We continue on passing through a rocky terrain, moraine and streams to finally reach the Everest Base Camp. We spend time absorbing the beautiful views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumorifrom the base camp.
The base camp itself is decorated with colorful prayer flags and colorful tents. With that done, we head back to GorakShep for rest and sleep. Overnight in GorakShep.
We start before dawn for our journey today. We soon start seeing the Khumbutse, and Changtse towards the east. We also start getting glimpses of Everest. We get the most amazing panoramic views of Everest once we reach Kalapatthar (5,545m/18,192ft).
We then head back down to Gorakshep. From there we take a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu via Lukla with be flying over the holy and pristine Gokyo Lake. A farewell dinner will be organized for celebrating your successful trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.
So, it is time to say farewell. This is your last day in Nepal. Our representative will escort you to the airport for your flight back home.
The weather conditions in the mountain region of Nepal can change rapidly and aviation schedules are not as reliable as you might expect. The flight between Ramechhap/Manthali and Lukla is frequently delayed and maybe cancelled for the day or several days in succession. In the event your flight is cancelled we will either rebook your flight for the following day. It is recommended to apportion one or two extra days in case your flight gets cancelled and you are in short of scheduled time.
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