EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK RETURN BY HELICOPTER

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  • DURATION11 Days
  • DIFFICULTY-LEVELModerate
  • GROUP SIZE1-14
  • MAX ALTITUDE5555

Highlights

  • Feel the thrill of flying over the Himalayas
  • Adventurous trail
  • Rest day in Namche Bazar
  • Visit Tengboche monastery & get to see the culture of the Locals
  • Explore the Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar
  • Breath-taking landscapes and Himalayan Mountains

Trip Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek & Return by Helicopter is relatively a short itinerary to reach the EBC and enjoy the heart-warming beauty of the Khumbu region, perfect for travelers with limited time.

Everest Base Camp Trek is a glorious venture to the base of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848 m). The trek offers once in a lifetime trekking experience through picturesque Sherpa villages, verdant forests, gorges, and moraines. We have designed this 11 days Everest Base Camp Trek & Return by Helicopter trip for those who want to see the Himalayas not only standing in front of it but also above it. This package is also an ideal option for trekkers looking for a short EBC trek.

The trek takes you amidst the simple lifestyle of mountain people and rich culture. On the route, you get to visit many old monasteries and stupas. The trail winds through remote villages and dense forests, crossing several suspension bridges. The scenery and the views of the Himalayan Mountains along the way are remarkable. Everest Base Camp Trek & Return by Helicopter also let you unwind and enjoy the serenity of the Region. To book this adventurous trip, get in touch with us anytime.

We also have other version of Everest Base Camp Trek, Find 16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, 14 Days Everest Base Camp and 12 Days EBC Itinerary.

Major Attractions Everest Base Camp Trek & Return by Helicopter

Feel the thrill of flying over the Himalayas

The trek begins with a 35 minutes thrilling flight to Lukla. The flight offers breath-taking bird-eye views of the Himalayas. The short runway and the height of the Lukla airport make this flight a highlight of the overall trek.

Adventurous trail

The trail is adventurous and moderate, with many steep ascends & descends through dense forests and villages. You will cross numerous bridges and streams. Similarly, there will be gorges and moraines on the way as well.

Rest day in Namche Bazar

Acclimatization in Namche Bazar allows you to visit fantastic vantage points like the Everest View Hotel and Syangboche Airstrip. You can also hike to the ancient Khumjung monastery or Pangboche monastery. There are museums, galleries, shops, and cafes in Namche Bazar, where you can spend some time.

Visit Tengboche monastery & get to see the culture of the Locals

Tengboche monastery is situated at 3,860 meters and was established in 1916 AD. It is the oldest and the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. You can see monks practicing Buddhism in the Monastery. The trail to the base camp of Everest is resided by people from a few different communities that include Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Bhote. During the trek, you will be getting to see the lifestyle of the locals and their daily activities.

Explore the Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar

At 5,600 Everest Base Camp in the lap of Mt. Everest, where mountaineers spend numerous days before pushing towards the top of the peak. The base camp is rocky and surrounded by high Himalayan Mountains. Likewise, Kala Patthar is at 5,643 meters, a famous vantage point above Gorak Shep that offers 360-degree views of Mt. Everest and a glorious sunrise.

Breath-taking landscapes and Himalayan Mountains

The entire route to the base camp is scenic. With the increase in the elevation, the views only get prettier and prettier. The high Himalayan Mountains gradually begin to open up, and you will be seeing high mountains touching the sky. Himalaya mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), Mt. Pumori (7,161 m), Mt. Khumbutse (6,636 m), etc, are seen during the trek.

Itinerary

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From Kathmandu airport, you will head to the hotel. Our airport representative will escort you to the hotel and assist you in check-in. Later in the day, you can stroll on the lively streets of Thamel and end the day with a delicious dinner as per your desire.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

It will be an early morning flight to Lukla and probably one of the most thrilling flights of your life. You can see gorgeous Himalayan scenery during the flight. In 35 minutes, land at the Lukla airport and meet with the rest of the crew members.

As the altitude difference between Kathmandu and Lukla is significant, you will spend the night at Phakding village to decrease the chances of altitude sickness. From Lukla, the trail descends through forests and offers a glimpse of Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m).

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2610
  • Phakding

The trail goes north towards Monjo and further passes by Sagarmatha National Park. On the way, you can see numerous species of flora and fauna.

Trek through small villages and dense forests, crossing Dudh Koshi River on suspension bridge many times. It will be a steep ascent to Namche Bazar.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

Today is a rest day that you can spend visiting nearby viewpoints and exploring the Namche Bazar. Resided mostly by Sherpas, it is also an ideal opportunity to look into their daily lifestyle and culture.

After having breakfast, hike to Syangboche Airstrip and Everest View Hotel to witness panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Later, you can visit museums, shops, and cafes in the Namche Bazar.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

Begin the day at a gradual pace and follow a winding path that goes through lovely forests of rhododendron. You will be passing by quaint villages, enjoying the pleasant views of Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), and other mountains.

The trail passes through Imja Khola and ascends to Tengboche village. Here, you visit the oldest and the biggest Monastery of the Khumbu region, the Tengboche monastery.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3860
  • Tyangboche

Leaving Tengboche behind, walk on a downhill path that goes through lush forest hillsides to Deboche. Cross a suspension bridge over Imja Khola and reach Pangboche village.

From here, you will ascend and trek through Orsho before reaching Dingboche. On the way, you can see prayer flags and mani walls.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4410
  • Dingbuche

Dingboche is also known as the Summer Valley of the Khumbu region, where different crops are grown. This rest day will help to acclimatize properly before you gain more elevation.

Visit Nagarjun Hill, from where outstanding views of snow-capped mountains can be seen. Later, you can stroll around the village and observe the locals doing their daily chores.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4410
  • Dingbuche

The trail from Dingboche sweeps through pastures and huts of yak herders. The route consists mostly of shrubs and grasslands. You can see charming views of Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Pumori (7,161 m), Mt. Khumbutse (6,636 m), etc... On the way.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4910
  • Lobuche

The trail passes by Gorak Shep. During the early climbing days, this place used to be the base camp of Mt. Everest. The trail from here ascends alongside the Khumbu Glacier moraine and steeply moves towards the Everest Base Camp.

Explore the base camp and trek back to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5364
  • Gorekshep

Today, you will wake up early in the morning and follow a rugged path that leads to the Kala Patthar, a famous viewpoint. The stunning sunrise and heavenly view of the Himalayan Mountains along the way are unbelievable.

Kala Patthar is known to offer 360-degree views of Mt. Everest. Spend some time at the viewpoint and take a thrilling helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner from the company side.

  • Hotel
  • B, L
  • 5555
  • Kathmandu

It is your last day in Kathmandu. Get ready to leave for your next destination. You will get airport assistance as per your flight time.

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What's Included

  • Airport transfers
  • Two nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) on the trek
  • Accommodations in lodges on the trekking
  • A guide & porters (1 porter for every two trekkers)
  • Paper works, National park entry permits, & TIMS permit
  • Flight fare Kathmandu - Lukla with airport tax
  • Helicopter flight from Gorekshep to Kathmandu
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your travel insurance company
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffel bag if necessary (return after the trek)

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Your Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals (lunch & dinner in Kathmandu)
  • Your personal expenses drink water, hot and cold drinks & bar bills
  • Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charge
  • Tips for the guide and porters
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Useful Information

Fitness Required for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

A moderate level of fitness is required for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek with daily walking between 3 to 8 hours. Further, you need to be healthy and physically fit enough to complete the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek without any problem.

  • You do not need to have previous trek experience. However, we advise you to do some physical exercise to increase stamina.
  • If you have any health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider before booking the trek.

Permits Required for Everest Base Camp Hellicopter Return Trek

You need to have Sagarmatha national park entry, TIMS (Trekkers information management system), and Khumbu-Pasang Lhamu rural Municipality entry permit to do the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek. The approximate cost of these permits is about NPR 6000.00 per person, and we apply to get all these permits for you once you book the trek.

Accommodation on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

You have 3-star hotel accommodations for 2 nights in Kathmandu and simple lodge/teahouse accommodation for the rest of the 8 nights on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek.

The rooms are just with a bed with a pillow and blankets on the trek lodge/guest house. We accommodate you/group in the local lodge/guest house available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required number of rooms for you/your group (The Rooms are not available to book in advance in all places). Please remember that some of them are very basic, and a sense of adventure is necessary.

  • Hotel in Kathmandu: Hotel Moonlight: 2 nights
  • Hotel on Trek: Simple Mountain lodge: 8 nights

Notes:

  • If the above mentioined hotel is not available, we provide another hotel of similar catagory.
  • Accommodation will be on double/twin share mostly on trekking lodge and single room available in Kathmandu at extra cost.
  • Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu is available, as there are luxury 4 and 5-star hotels available in Kathmandu so, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu.

Meals & Drinks on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

We provide a total of 28 (10 breakfast, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners) on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek. Which includes daily breakfast and three meals a day while trekking. You have to pay for lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu.

The breakfast in Kathmandu is provided in the hotel, and breakfast & dinner on trek also are provided in the lodges you stay in overnights. The lunches are provided in the lodges/restaurants available along the trails.

Bottled water is available in every lodge of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek. So, you can buy bottled water, or also boiled water in the lodges. Furthermore, we also advise you to bring water purification pills/medicine that you can use on normal free water and drink.

Luggage allowance on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

The luggage on a domestic flight to Lukla is limited to 15KG with your hand luggage when you fly to Lukla for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek. However, you can take some more if you wish, and the additional Luggage costs US $2-3 per KG.

Best time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek is either the autumn season from mid-September to the end of December or the spring season from the start of March to the end of May.

The Everest base camp helicopter return trek is possible in the winter season from mid-December to the end of February, and there can be snowfall in this season. However, it always depends on the weather conditions. The trek is not advisable in monsoon season.

Equipment List for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

Equipment is very important to have a comfortable and successful Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek in Nepal. So, you need to pack your gear carefully and pack only the things that you need and not anything that you do not need for the trek.

To help you to pack your gear for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek, we have given a list that you should not miss while you are packing.

General

  • Four seasons sleeping bag (we provide you one if you do not have one).
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep all your gear, which will be carried by the porter.
  • Daypack for yourself to keep your things, such as a camera, water, and things that you need for the day.
  • A small lockable bag to keep the extra stuff that you do not use on the trek, and this can be kept at the hotel in Kathmandu and get a return after the trekking.
  • A down Jacket (we provide you one if you do not have
  • Shade hat
  • Warm wool hat to cover your ears
  • A pair of light-weight warm gloves
  • T-shirts 2 pieces
  • Lightweight thermal tops
  • A fleece jacket
  • Raincoat (if you are traveling in monsoon time)
  • A pair of trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • Some pairs of warm socks
  • A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots
  • A pair of light trekking shoes or sandals for camp/lodges
  • A water bottle
  • Head/torch Light
  • A medium-size towel
  • Walking poles (optional)

Medicines and First Aid Kits

  • We recommend consulting with your doctor for medication suggestions to take for these regions.

Miscellaneous but Important

  • Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies), these extra passport photos are necessary to obtain the trekking permits.
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
  • Lip balm at least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
  • Sun cream with SPF 40
  • Pocket knife
  • Water purification Iodine tablets (optional)
  • Toiletry kit and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.