Are you desiring to see the close-up view of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks? Some people can get excited, even at the thought of seeing those mountains. If you are looking to go beyond the boundaries, this Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is perfect for you. We offer this extraordinary experience blended with the classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
You will trek the entire journey to the Everest Base Camp from Lukla. The total round-trip distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 130 kilometres. It means you will have to walk the halfway (65 kilometres). The helicopter ride will cover the remaining 65 kilometers. You will get two distinct experiences in a single trek. Isn’t this a good plan to eliminate the long descent from Gorak Shep to Lukla? It would take at least 3 days of walking.
Why is the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Worth the Hike?
- The major places and villages experience the entire traditional EBC trekking route.
- The best views ever from these vantage points, such as the Everest View Hotel and Nagartsang.
- Trekking around the world’s highest peak and its Base Camp – a dream for nature-loving trekkers.
- Kalapatthar, a vantage point for close-up views of Lhoste, Nuptse, and Mount Everest itself.
- Take time to soak up the magnificence of the Himalayas and get a feel for the famous Khumbu region-you’ll be left with an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return: Day by Day Adventure
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 meters)
You arrive at TIA in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft). We will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will stay overnight at a comfortable 3-star hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.
Day 02: Free day and trek preparation.
Today is your free day to visit on your own. If you prefer, we can also organize a guided city tour for you. At the same time, you can buy or rent the gear if needed. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2840 meters) and trek to Phakding 2600 meters)
Here’s where it gets real – you take a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft). Due to the air traffic in Kathmandu, no flights operate during the peak months, October to November and March to April. Alternatively, we will arrange transport. You can drive 5-6 hours to Manthali/Ramechhap (474 m/1,555 ft) and then take a quick 20-minute flight to Lukla. Then you start walking to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft) – about 3 to 4 hours of your first real trekking. You’ll sleep in a mountain lodge.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters)
The second day, from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft), is the 1st hardest day of the trek to Everest Base Camp. Your legs start to figure out and take about 5 to 6 hours—another lodge night.
Day 05: Acclimatization day! Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,800 m)
Acclimatization day: stay in Namche Bazaar and hike up to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m/12,730 ft). It’s 4 to 5 hours total at high altitude, but you come back down to sleep. Your body will thank you later.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3,800 m)
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) – another 5 to 6-hour day. The monastery here is something else.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4,400 m)
Keep pushing from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft). Yeah, it’s another 5 to 6-hour day, but you’re getting stronger.
Day 08: Acclimatization Day and hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m)
Another rest and acclimatization day. You hike up to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m/16,676 ft) – about 4 to 5 hours – but come back to the same guesthouse.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 meters)
The trek from Pheriche to Lobuche consists the zigzags, steep climbs, glaciers, and moraines. It is the 2nd-hardest day on the EBC trail and takes 6 hours.
Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep (5100 m), then visit EBC (5,364 m), and then back.
Trekking into thin air and forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. Beaming with pride once you reach the base of Mt. Everest. The complete journey takes 8 hours, which is the toughest day of the Everest Base Camp trek. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Climb to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), and then a Helicopter ride back to Lukla (2,800 m)
A hike to Kala Patthar is also the most demanding but rewarding. It offers one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. From here, you can see the up-close view of Everest and deep into the Khumbu wall and glacier. After spending some time there, we head down to Gorakshep and wait for a chopper. Then, board a helicopter and fly back to Lukla, taking in a breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayas.
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu
It’s not over yet (35 minutes to Kathmandu and 20 minutes to Manthali), and a same-day drive to Kathmandu takes 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.
Day 13: Leisure and free day in Kathmandu.
Today is a leisure day; you are free to do whatever you want. It is a security day in case of late arrival due to the flight delay or something unforeseen cause.
Day 14: Final Departure:
Congratulations, you made it! Transfer to the Airport for your flight home.
Lukla Flight Info
We need to let you know about the Lukla flight situation — it may affect your plans. During the hectic months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), the Lukla flight departs from Ramechhap/Manthali instead of Kathmandu due to the increased air traffic in Kathmandu. It takes a few hours to drive from Kathmandu, so plan accordingly. Meanwhile, during the low season (January, February, June, July, August, and December), the flight continues to operate from Kathmandu.
Note that the airline ultimately decides how to operate, depending on the number of bookings at that time.
Helicopter Flight Info
Helicopter flights always depend on weather conditions. Sometimes, you may need to walk another 2 to 3 hours to Lobuche to take a Helicopter flight. We strongly recommend allocating a few additional days at the end of the trek, as helicopter flights are only possible in good weather. If the weather gets worse, you’ll need to walk or wait until it gets better. So plan accordingly. Expect the delays due to the busy schedule of the Helicopter or the weather.
Note that the helicopter company ultimately decides how to operate, depending on the number of passengers at that time.
Why Choose This Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return?
The trekkers who want to trek on the regular Everest Base Camp route still need to walk for 12 to 14 days in total, starting and ending at Lukla.
- The trekkers who have a short time without compromising the complete trekking experience.
- The trekkers who want to enjoy the trek with a combination of trekking and flying.
- Those of trekkers who want to explore in style, both aerial and land experiences, with a touch of luxury and premium comfort.
Whichever the journey you choose, please take a tike to read this Everest Base Camp Trek guide to help you plan your adventure with ease.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 3: Kathmandu –Lukla (2800m) – Phakding(2600m) 40 minutes by plane and 3h00 walk.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 5: Acclimatization day, explore the village.
Day 6: Namche – Tengboche (3860m)
Day 7: Tengboche - Dingboche (4410m)
Day 8: Acclimatization day!
Day 9: Dingboche – Labuche (4900m) 5h00 walk
Day 10: Lobuche – Everest Base Camp (5364m) – Gorakshep (5140m) 7h00 walk.
Day 11: Gorakshep – Kalapattar (5545m) – Lukla (3900m) 5h00 walk and 15 to 20 minutes flight
Day 12: Lukla – Kathmandu (Hotel includes)
Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu (Hotel includes)
Day 16: Final departure.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Kathmandu International Airport | |||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please depart at least 3 hours before the flight. | |||||||
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The prices are quoted in US dollars and payable in convertible currencies. All published rate on our website is set as low as possible. The Prices may vary at any time due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. However, we guarantee our prices which already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a custom quote.
Everest Base Camp Trek Map
