Your Adventure is Around the Corner
Trip Code
AWTE-E001
Destination
Nepal
Trekking Duration
12 Days
Grade
Altitude
5,346m
Activity
Trekking
Best Season
Sept-Dec, Feb-May
Accomodation
Meals Included
Transportation
Flight
Region
Everest Region
Start / End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Group Size
2 - 30
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is an 12-day journey that allows travelers to explore the Everest region with two distinct perspectives. The journey allows trekkers to trek all the way to Everest Base Camp and return back to Kathmandu with a helicopter ride.
Through this package, travelers will get to skip the same terrain that they trekked all the way up; instead, they will get unique views through their helicopter’s window.
The breathtaking journey from Kathmandu to Lukla, the region’s entry point, marks the beginning of the Everest trek with a helicopter return. Trekkers can take a well-trod path through numerous Sherpa settlements, including Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, to experience the local way of life and enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other summits.
As they ascend to Everest Base Camp, trekkers will also see the pure beauty of the Khumbu area, which includes glacial mountains, dense forests, and natural scenery. Arriving at Everest Base Camp is the trip’s high point. Kala Patthar Viewpoint, which offers expansive views of Everest and the surrounding peaks, is a must-see stop nearby.
After the demanding but rewarding trek to the base camp, the helicopter tour back to Kathmandu completes the experience.
With its unique views of the rough terrain, deep valleys, and spectacular mountains that trekkers have recently crossed, the heli ride provides a unique viewpoint of the Himalayas. This trip is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the physical effort of a trek combined with the ease of a quick return, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Everest region.
The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons are the ideal periods to hike to Everest Base Camp (EBC) with a helicopter return.
At lower elevations, springtime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with nighttime lows of -10°C (14°F) in higher regions like Gorak Shep and Base Camp.
Overall, the weather is very consistent throughout this time of year. The rhododendron forests are in blossoming condition, bringing bright colors to the route, and the sky is frequently clear, providing breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan peaks.
In addition to increasing the excitement on the path, this season also offers a sense of refreshing as climbers get ready for efforts to conquer Everest.
With daytime temperatures of 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) at lower elevations and nighttime temperatures of -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) at higher altitudes, autumn is another perfect season for the EBC journey with helicopter return.
The monsoon showers provide magnificent, unfettered views of the mountains through bright and clear skies. The journey is more comfortable during this time of year since the weather is cool and steady with little possibility of rain or snowfall.
The perfect weather also guarantees breathtaking and safe helicopter rides, letting hikers enjoy the Himalayas’ majesty.
| Day | Location | Duration |
| 1 | Kathmandu | – |
| 2 | Lukla – Phakding | 45 minutes flight, 3 hours trek |
| 3 | Phakding – Namche Bazaar | 6 to 8 hours |
| 4 | Namche Bazaar | Acclimatization |
| 5 | Namche Bazaar – Tengboche | 3 to 4 hours |
| 6 | Tengboche – Dingboche | 3 to 4 hours |
| 7 | Dingboche | Acclimatization |
| 8 | Dingboche – Lobuche | 4 to 5 hours |
| 9 | Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp – Gorakshep | 6 to 8 hours |
| 10 | Gorakshep – Kalapatthar – Kathmandu | 2 hours hike, helicopter ride |
| 11 | Relaxing Day at Kathmandu | – |
| 12 | Departure | – |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 20min drive | |
| Highest Altitude 1400m | |
| Start Point Airports | |
| End Point Kathmandu | |
| Mode of Transportation Comfortable Transportation |
When you arrive at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our staff will warmly greet you. Our private tourist vehicle will transport you to your accommodation.
You will get the chance to meet your trip guide and speak with one of our staff members about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your upcoming mountain trekking experience during the pre-tour meeting.
The rest of the evening, you can explore the nearby places and do any last-minute shopping before the trek.
| Accomodations 5 Star Hotel |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance 6.2km | |
| Trek Duration 3 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 2610m | |
| Flight Hours 30m | |
| Flight Distance 135km | |
| Start Point Kathmandu | |
| End Point Phakding | |
| Mode of Transportation Flight by Heli |
We are taking a plane from Kathmandu to Lukla on this particular day. It will take us thirty to forty minutes to get from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport. Many mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and other types of flora will be visible from above as you go.
We will go to Phakding once you reach Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Throughout the tour, you’ll be given stunning views of the surrounding lush forest as well as the Sherpa people and their way of life. Their way of life, their modest yet exquisite homes, and much more will be shown to us.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Luxury (Yati Mountain Home ) |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance 21.5km | |
| Trek Duration 5-7hours | |
| Highest Altitude 3440m | |
| Start Point Phakding | |
| End Point Namche Bazaar |
After breakfast, we’ll travel beside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several exciting suspension bridges along the way. After some climbing, we will arrive at Sagarmatha National Park and continue with the Everest area admission permit verification procedure.
As the hike goes on, there will be difficult ascents that will provide us with amazing views of the majestic Himalayas, glistening glacier rivers, prayer flags of every color, and sacred mani stones. We will arrive at Namche Bazaar, a stunning Sherpa village, in the early evening.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Luxury (Yeti Mountain Home ) |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 4 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 3850 | |
| Start Point Namche | |
| End Point Everest View Hotel |
To acclimate to the high altitude, we will spend one more day at Namche Bazar. You have two options: either explore Namche Bazar all day or go on a side trip to Thame. You will be able to witness the beauty of venerable, old monasteries.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Luxury (Yeti Mountain Home ) |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance 17.9km | |
| Trek Duration 6-7hours | |
| Highest Altitude 3850m | |
| Start Point Namche | |
| End Point Deboche |
The fifth day of our journey begins with a delectable breakfast as we set out to walk across the stunning Himalayan scenery, from Namche to Tengboche.
The trail winds through charming towns and verdant surroundings, providing views of the Sherpa culture and way of life prevalent in the area.
The air got clearer and the vistas more breathtaking as we ascended. With every step we take, we are getting closer to Tengboche, a quiet settlement surrounded by high hills.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Luxury(Rebandol Lodge ) |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance 9.1km | |
| Trek Duration 5-6hours | |
| Highest Altitude 4410m | |
| Start Point Deboche | |
| End Point Dingboche |
After an early breakfast on the sixth day of our journey, we strolled from Tengboche to Dingboche while taking in the breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
We travel through breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by high peaks and monasteries decorated with prayer flags, and the cool mountain air fills our lungs. We will come across amiable residents along the route, and their pleasant grins will only serve to enhance the allure of this isolated area.
The scenery changed and the altitude became more apparent as we got closer to Dingboche. At a height of more than 4,410 meters, the settlement greets us with a rustic charm. The Himalayan magnificence surrounds us as we relax in our lodgings.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Luxury(Tasi Delek or Similar Lodge) |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 4 hours hiking | |
| Highest Altitude 4410m |
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Luxury(Tasi Delek or Similar Lodge) |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance 8.5km | |
| Trek Duration 5 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 4910m | |
| Start Point Dingboche | |
| End Point Lobuche |
On this day, we will climb up to Dugla and then go to the famous Khumbu Glacier. Prepare to be astounded by the amazing views of Tawache, Pumari Peak, and Cholaste.
As we ascend, Lobuche Village will get increasingly frigid, a sign of the high altitude we are approaching. It will take us around 6 hours to complete the approximately 11 kilometers of hiking. After our exhilarating climb, we’ll spend the day discovering the magnificent surroundings.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations New EBC Lodge or Similar |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance 11.2km | |
| Trek Duration 7-9 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 5364 | |
| Elevation 5140m Gorak Shep | |
| Start Point Lobuche | |
| End Point EBC and back To Gorak Shep |
You will set out from Lobuche on day nine to reach Gorakshep (16,942 feet). The walk will take around three hours to complete, covering about five kilometers.
After reaching Gorakshep, we’ll take a pause to refuel with a delectable lunch before continuing on to the renowned Everest Base Camp.
We’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of mighty peaks and mountains throughout the route that will wow you. We’ll hike back down to Gorak Shep in the afternoon and stay the night.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Buddha Lodge or Similar |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 3-4hours | |
| Highest Altitude 5555m | |
| Flight Hours One hours | |
| Flight Distance 155km | |
| Start Point Gorak Shep | |
| End Point Kathmandu |
You will go off for Kalapatthar early in the morning. One of the most popular viewpoints in the Everest region of Nepal. From Kalapatthar, you can view Mount Everest and other towering peaks in the range as the sun sets over.
After a few hours at Kalapatthar, you will make your way down to Gorakshep. A helicopter will pick you up in Gorakshep and fly you across the Everest region to Kathmandu.
After arriving at the airport in Kathmandu, your helicopter ride.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations 5 Star Hotel |
This day you will relax in Kathmandu or doing sightseeing in Valley .
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations 5 Star Hotel |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance 10km | |
| Trek Duration 20m drive | |
| Highest Altitude 1400m | |
| Start Point Kathmandu | |
| End Point Airports | |
| Mode of Transportation Private Transportation |
Our team representative will be there early in the morning to drop you off at the airport. We hope you had a great time during your visit to Nepal. We hope to see you in the near future.
| Meals B |
Lukla Airport: Flight to Lukla is the starting point of the adventure ahead with an exhilarating trip to one of the most well-known airports in the world.
Namche Bazaar: Trekkers can visit local shops, see the Sherpa Museum, and acclimate while taking in breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Namche Bazaar is a bustling Sherpa village and the entry point to Everest.
Tengboche Monastery: The monastery is known for its spiritual significance; this old monastery provides a peaceful setting with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and other peaks.
Everest Base Camp: The ultimate trekking destination, Everest Base Camp offers the opportunity to stand at the foot of the tallest peak in the world, surrounded by massive glaciers and icefalls.
Kala Patthar: For unmatched panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Glacier, especially at sunrise or sunset, Kala Patthar is a must-visit location.
Khumbu Glacier and Icefall: Khumbu Glacier provides striking and constantly shifting ice formations that provide a challenge to climbers striving to reach the top of Everest.
Sherpa Culture: Throughout the walk, take in the warmth, traditional cuisine, and Buddhist rituals of the Sherpa people, who have a rich cultural legacy.
Helicopter Return: The helicopter trip back from Base Camp provides a unique aerial view of the Himalayas, verdant valleys, and villages in just a little of the time it took to climb up.
Trekkers can expect a variety of dining and lodging alternatives to accommodate a range of preferences on the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
Food
Trekkers can expect a wide range of food options on the EBC Trek with Helicopter Return, mostly offered by Luxury Lodge along the way. These restaurants provide both Western and local cuisine; famous traditional meals include momos (dumplings), Sherpa stew, and dal bhat (lentil soup with rice).
Pasta, pizza, and pancakes are examples of common Western cuisine, particularly in bigger areas like Namche Bazaar. Tea houses usually provide filling, energizing lunches that are necessary for the demands of the hike.
Apart from meals, there’s always a wide selection of teas, including well-liked ginger and lemon tea, and snacks like chocolate bars and energy drinks.
Accommodation
Luxury Lodge are the typical overnight option for trekkers, offering simple yet cozy accommodations. Twin beds with blankets are common in the rooms; although most tea houses provide communal bathrooms, some can charge extra for hot showers.
Even though the lodgings are basic, the warm and welcoming common rooms at tea houses, which are frequently heated by stoves, allow hikers to unwind, socialize, and take in the breathtaking mountain views.
Ensuring safety during the Trek to Everest with Helicopter Return is crucial for a successful and comfortable experience. Here are some safety precautions to follow:
Safety precautions to follow during the trek
Altitude Acclimatization: Go slowly on the hike to give your body time to become used to the higher altitude. Acclimatization days are included in your package; this is especially important in locations like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Stick to the rule “climb high, sleep low.” Recognize the signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If symptoms increase, go down quickly.
Nutrition and Hydration: Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can cause dehydration, and drink lots of water to be well-hydrated. Maintain your energy levels with a balanced diet and sufficient calories. You can also bring energy bars and nuts as snacks for when you need a fast pick-me-up.
Proper Equipment: Make sure your hiking equipment is up to the challenging circumstances found in the Himalayas. Use trekking poles for stability over uneven terrain and well-fitting, broken-in footwear to avoid blisters. Keep bandages, antiseptics, and medicine for altitude sickness in your first aid box.
Stay on Marked Trails: To prevent getting lost or coming across dangerous regions, stay on the designated hiking routes. Steer clear of shortcuts and exercise caution on any steep or slick path sections.
Safety precautions to follow during the helicopter ride
Observe pilot directions: Pay special attention to the safety briefing and heed the pilot’s directions. This covers how to buckle up, how to board and get off, and emergency procedures.
Weight distribution and restrictions: To guarantee the stability and safety of the helicopter, followed by the weight restrictions. As you fly, distribute your weight equally among the passengers to keep the balance.
Weather: In the Everest region, helicopter flights are heavily dependent on the weather. If the weather is not ideal, be ready for possible cancellations or delays. If the pilot chooses to postpone or modify the flight for safety reasons, you should respect their decision.
Secure loose things: Before entering the helicopter, make sure that any loose things, including hats, scarves, and cameras, are fastened to prevent them from being blown away by the rotating spray.
It is a classic trekking journey to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) followed by a scenic helicopter flight back to Kathmandu or Lukla, instead of trekking down the same route.
The trek takes 11 days, depending on the itinerary. The return by helicopter shortens the trip compared to the traditional round-trip trek.
The best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is clear, and the views are stunning.
No prior trekking experience is necessary, but good physical fitness and stamina are required as the trek involves long days of walking in high-altitude conditions.
Yes, as the trek reaches over 5,000 m, altitude sickness is a risk. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a slow ascent help prevent it.
Teahouses and lodges provide basic but comfortable accommodation along the route, with shared or private rooms available.
Essentials include warm layers, trekking boots, a down jacket, gloves, sunglasses, and sun protection. A detailed packing list is recommended.
Helicopter flights are generally safe, operated by experienced pilots familiar with the mountainous terrain. However, weather conditions can sometimes cause delays.
Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is highly recommended.
The cost varies depending on services included but generally ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per person, covering permits, accommodation, food, guides, and helicopter return.
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