Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return - 10 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Everest Trek Helicopter Return
EBC Heli Return
Trip GradeModerate
Duration10 Days
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5545 M
ActivitiesTrekking with Heli Return
Group Size10
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeMarch to May & September to November

Overview Of Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Fly Out

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a special trekking package of 11 days from arrival to departure from Kathmandu, Nepal. This short trekking package eliminates the need of repeating Everest Base Camp route after reaching EBC and Kalapatthar on foot. In addition, this Everest Base Camp trek with the helicopter return flight to Kathmandu gives an unforgettable memory of the aerial view of the entire Everest region on your journey back to Kathmandu. You will enjoy the views of mountains, glaciers, villages, landscapes, forests, rivers, and the stunning Himalayas. The best part of the Everest Base Camp Trek and return via helicopter is that you get to experience all of the things. You’ll not only trek and explore the Everest Region, but you will also get a bird’s eye view of the region. You are going to experience both the passing via the traditional settlements like Tengboche monastery, Namche Bazaar, Phakding and flying over these villages.The Everest Base Camp Trek  Return by  Helicopter package is a flawless option for those with limited vacation time but still want to experience the spectacular beauty of the Great Himalayas in Nepal.

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Fly Back best time is during spring, around March to May or in autumn from September to November. During these months you will have the best possible clear views of the sky of the Everest region, the mountains look their absolute best, and the air feels crisp with bright and vibrant colours in the landscape. You will get to see the lower hills covered in blooming rhododendrons during spring which is just magical and those perfect sunny days for photography and stunning panoramic views of the giant massif of mountains during autumn.

As the tallest mountain in the world, the EBC Trek with Heli Return is difficult as the altitude to be reached is really high. The maximum altitude you will reach in this trek to the Everest Base Camp is 5,545 meters at Kalapatthar which is considered the best vantage point to spectate the beauty of Everest and surrounding regions. Despite this fact, it’s not as intimidating as some of the more remote treks in Nepal like the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. You’re walking five to seven hours a day on trails that sometimes get rocky or steep, crossing suspension bridges and climbing gradually as you go higher. The helicopter ride back really helps at the end of the base camp trek, so you don’t have to worry about the long exhausting descent. It makes your whole experience more enjoyable without taking away the adventure and thrill.

The EBC trek return by helicopter has quite good food and accommodation service compared to a remote trek like the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The facilities and services are very much developed in Everest Trekking region as it is one of the more popular treks in Nepal. Basic to standard hotels, guesthouses, teahouses and even luxury accommodation is present is EBC Heli Return Package which can be fixed as per your need. The food also includes the local Nepalese dishes like Dal, Bhat to western menus with eggs, potatoes and so on.

You will need a couple of permits for the Everest Base Camp helicopter trek. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit as the trekking route lies in the Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu Region TIMS Card. Having a licensed guide is also strongly advised to you as it will be a big help because they handle all the paperwork, show you the route, and give you little insights about the villages and mountains along the way. It makes the trek way more relaxing when someone experienced is looking out for you. Altitude sickness can be a concern, so it’s good to take it easy and drink plenty of water and ample rest with proper acclimatization. On the Everest Base Camp helicopter journey, you’ll notice it might take a day or two to fully adjust, especially as you get close to Kalapatthar. The helicopter back package is a nice safety net just in case you feel the need to avoid a long descent, which is a huge comfort specially for beginner trekkers doing high altitude trekking.

The Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return costs a bit more than a regular trek like Annapurna Circuit, mostly because of the helicopter ride. You get amazing aerial views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and all the surrounding peaks, and you save yourself a tough few hours coming down which makes the higher cost worth every penny of yours along with your accommodation, meals, permits, guide and porter fees, and maybe a little gear rental, and you have everything you need for an unforgettable journey in the Khumbu region trekking the terrains of Everest and flying over it.

Everest Base Camp Trek Return By Helicopter offers you a remarkable sight of the regal peaks of the Khumbu region, with three of the world's uppermost mountains, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Cho Oyu. This exclusive aerial perspective adds an extra layer of excitement and attraction to the experience for people with limited time or knee problems that make downhill trekking demanding. The helicopter return option offers a comfortable and easy solution. Join us at Attentive Holiday Tours and Travel for the ultimate combination of convenience and overall experience making it the top choice for  a cherished Everest Base Camp adventure.

Why Choose EBC Trek With Helicopter Return?

  • See the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar, considered the best viewpoint of Everest.
  • Fly to Lukla, the world's most dangerous airport which is a thrilling gateway to the Khumbu region.
  • Trek through the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park experiencing the lush Rhododendron forests and scenic landscapes.
  • Walk through the beautiful Sherpa villages and experience their culture of ancient Buddhism.
  • Enjoy trekking through the famous suspension bridges that are full of colorful prayer flags, famous villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and more.
  • Trek to the oldest Buddhist monastery in the world, the Tengboche Monastery.
  • Experience the Khumbu glacier and the Khumbu icefall and its thrilling beauty.
  • Breathtaking sunrise view from Kalapatthar of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.
  • Enjoy the thrilling and adventurous helicopter ride back from Gorak Shep and spectate the entire Everest Region from a bird’s eye view high in the sky.
  • Time saving, comfortable and thrilling return by helicopter to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return Best Time

The best time to do the EBC trek with heli fly back is spring and autumn. These months provide you with the most stable weather, clear visibility, and the ideal environment for both trekking and safe helicopter flights. During these peak trekking seasons, trekkers can enjoy the finest Himalayan scenery, including unobstructed views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks, along with vibrant landscapes and well maintained trails. During spring from March to May, you will experience moderate temperature which is perfect for trekking the difficult terrain. Spring brings vibrant Rhododendron blooms, adding scenic beauty to the landscape. During autumn from September to November the air is clean and crisp, very clear sky, perfect condition of the trail and clear views of the snow capped mountains. Hence, spring and autumn are the best seasons for you to do the Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter as while high up in the air you can clearly see the entire Everest Region from a bird’s eye view and have a complete 360° view of the Himalayas.

EBC Trek Helicopter Fly Out Difficulty?  Is It Beginner Friendly?

The EBC Trek with Heli Return is difficult as the altitude to be reached is really high at Kalapatthar at  an elevation of 5,545 meters from sea level. The Everest Base Camp Trek is considered moderately challenging due to the altitude and the rugged terrain. Trekking for 5 to 6 hours a day on uneven and steep paths, passing through remote villages and steep ascents, can be strenuous. Despite the fact that the trek is to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Everest, it’s not as intimidating as some of the more remote treks in Nepal like the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Due to high altitude, rugged terrain you do require a good level of physical fitness, endurance, stamina as well as mental resilience. As it is a short trek of normally 10 to 12 days it is beginner friendly unlike Makalu Base Camp Trek. You will avoid descending from Gorak Shep as you will fly out in a helicopter which will save your legs and knees from straining. Hence, the Trek to Everest Base Camp and Return via Helicopter is moderate to challenging so even beginners are advised to do it.

Accommodation and Food Service on the EBC Heli Return Package

Everest Base Camp helicopter return package features very good food and accommodation service as the trekking route in the Everest region is much more developed than that of other remote treks in Nepal. EBC trek features accommodation from simple teahouses to luxury lodges. You will find teahouses which are the most common type of accommodation and are family run by the local people. You will also find luxury hotels and lodges on the route but in lower towns of Lukla and Namche Bazaar. The teahouses provide basic amenities like hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi at an extra cost. EBC trek provides a wider food option than the basic Nepalese cuisine like in Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. You will find local as well as international menus in EBC trek with heli return package. The staples are Dal Bhat which is rice and lentils with Tarkari (veggies) , soup, noodles, fried rice, bread, eggs and potatoes. You will also find dishes like pizza, momo (dumplings), pasta but the menu becomes simpler and local as you gain altitude. 

EBC Trek and Heli Return Permit Requirement

As Everest Base Camp Trek lies within the protected area of the Sagarmatha National park you will require some permits to ensure legal and safe trekking experience to the base camp of Everest. You will need the following permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

  • This permit will provide you legal entry into the Sagarmatha National Park protected area. You will be checked for this permit at Monjo. The cost for this permit is approximately USD 30.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

  • This permit is required by the rural municipality council which supports the local development in the Khumbu Region, This will cost you approximately USD 20- 23.

We at Attentive Holiday Tours will manage all your permit requirements and ensure you have a hassle free and epic experience of the Everest Base Camp Trek return by helicopter.

EBC Trek Heli Return Package Possible for Altitude Sickness?

The EBC trek is magnificent but comes with a risk of altitude sickness as the elevation reaches the maximum altitude of 5,545 meters in the journey. Thinner air and lower oxygen levels will make it difficult to obtain enough oxygen which might cause headaches, nausea and vomiting too. Hence, you will have multiple acclimatization days which ensures proper acclimatization so that your body can adapt to the higher elevation. Taking gradual ascent while hiking up the trails and rest days is very necessary. You should also be hydrated with enough water each day so that you will be less prone to getting sick from altitude rise.

EBC Trek Highly Recommand  to Hire Trekking Guide and Porter

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek doesn’t strictly require you to have a licensed trekking guide and porters with you during your hike. But having a licensed trekking guide and a porter during your EBC trek return by Helicopter itinerary greatly enhances your safety, comfort and the overall experience of your trek. Having a licensed guide with you will help you manage permits, navigate the trail of your trekking route, explain to you about the local culture and traditions and its knowledge and most importantly ensure your altitude related issues are taken well care of.  In case of such an unwanted condition of altitude sickness it will be a huge relief for you if you have an experienced trekking guide with you who will handle the situation with utmost care and urgency. As for porters, they are your backbone in the Everest Base Camp Trek. They will carry your main luggage which is such a huge relief as you will then get to trek the magnificent Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu region comfortably enjoying each and every step without the physical burden on your body. You will be able to trek with ease and comfort which is a massive bonus specially on steep and high altitude sections of the EBC trek. The support of porters in your journey makes the trip hassle free, enjoyable and less physically demanding. We at Attentive Holiday Tours, will provide you with our experienced and reliable  team of Trekking guides and porters who will ensure your trekking experience to be an unforgettable adventure in the Everest region. 

Why People Choose Everest Base Camp Trek with Share Helicopter ?

The Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return does cost more than the standard EBC trek or popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit. In return the higher cost results in overall elevated experience. The helicopter ride at the end feels like a reward you have truly earned. After days of hiking through rugged Himalayan paths, weaving through cozy Sherpa villages, and walking next to the incredible Khumbu Glacier while you are taking off from Gorak Shep it will feel almost unreal. You will  remember yourself hiking and trekking up that trail and in the next moment you are soaring above Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori with the icefalls right beneath you. Seeing the mountains from both the ground and the sky adds a level of wonder that stays with you long after the trek is over.The helicopter return also makes the end of your journey so much easier. The walk back to Lukla is surprisingly tiring as many trekkers find the descent tougher than the climb. By choosing the EBC trek with a heli fly out itinerary, you will skip hours of downhill steps, sore knees, and the stress of unpredictable weather. You will find it as such a relief to know that instead of retracing the entire trail, you will be enjoying a smooth and scenic and thrilling helicopter flight back to Kathmandu. For anyone who is short on time or simply wants a more comfortable finish after reaching Base Camp, that helicopter ride feels absolutely worth it.

Overall the EBC Helicopter return package is higher in cost but it is not just about saving money and energy. It is about ending your Everest Base Camp adventure on a breathtaking high note, literally rising above the mountains you worked so hard to reach.

Conclusion: EBC Short Trek By Return Helicopter  

The Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return is more than just a trek. It is an unforgettable journey of a lifetime which leaves us with memories for the rest of our lives. You will have the memories of walking through peaceful Sherpa villages, to watching the sun cast a golden beam of light over the magnificent massif of the Himalayas. Every step throughout this EBC Trek With Helicopter Flight will make you feel alive and tranquil. And when the helicopter ride brings you back it is a moment of reflection, a chance to take in the vast beauty of the mountains from above the skies like from a bird’s eye view which is a completely new perspective.

With a carefully designed Everest trekking package and a thoughtfully planned Everest Base Camp itinerary, we at Attentive Holiday Tours will ensure that every detail from support on the trail to safety and comfort is handled letting you focus fully on the adventure itself. Whether you are seeking a physically rewarding challenge, a luxury Everest experience or simply a breathtaking Himalayan adventure, this trek and fly option brings together the best of both worlds providing you the thrill of the journey and the serenity of the mountains.

Itinerary

Note: During peak seasons flights from Lukla might be delayed as a secondary option we can drive to Ramechapp and fly from there, an additional day s required for this so make sure to anticipate it and book an extra day. This is our day-to-day regular itinerary. If you are looking for customized, feel free to contact us or WhatsApp: +977 9851070284

Trip PlanExpand all
Day 01:

You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu city the capital of Nepal, from there you will be welcomed by our representative of the Attentive Holiday Tour and transfer you to your hotel where you will stay overnight. Depending on your arrival time you can explore Kathmandu and start your preparation of the EBC trek with helicopter return

Max Altitude: 1200 Accommodation: Three StarDuration: 20 MinuteDistance: 07 KM
Day 02:

On your second day, after breakfast in a hotel you will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport from where you will board your domestic flight to Lukla which is the world’s most dangerous airport. After landing in Lukla, you will meet with our porter team and hike for 3 to 4 hours to reach Phakding which is along the Dudh Koshi River. You will spend your night in Phakding with a warm himalayan dinner in a teahouse/guesthouse.

Max Altitude: 2800 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 03:

After breakfast in the morning, your day will begin with departure from your guesthouse as you will begin your trekking by heading to the Monjo Check Post village. You will enter the Sagarmatha National Park from there. You will cross suspension bridge which passes the Jorsale village walking alongside Dudh Koshi and Bhotekoshi river. You will ascend to the destination of today which is the beautiful Sherpa village called Namche Bazaar. You can also witness magnificent views of Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse from here. You will stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Max Altitude: 3440 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 04:

Today is the rest day at Namche Bazaar. You will have breakfast and spend the whole day here acclimatizing with the altitude to avoid altitude sickness. Namche Bazaar is the hub of the region as it is the centre of the Khumbu Region. It is very highly facilitated with Wi-Fi, Cafes, Shops, Restaurants, ATMs  to name a few. You will  hike up to the Everest View Hotel in Syangboche for amazing views and then roam around Namche Bazaar exploring the local market, Sherpa museum, and witnessing the views of the Namche ridge. You will stay overnight here in Namche Bazaar

Max Altitude: 3440 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 05:

After breakfast in the morning, you will depart from your accommodation and start on your journey trekking through the Khumjung region. You will continue trekking north towards Phunge Tenga and finally reaching Tengboche Monastery. Trekking through the beautiful Rhododendron forest you will reach Tengboche where you will stay overnight. You can witness the views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and the area of Tengboche monastery from there.

Max Altitude: 3870 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 06:

This day after breakfast, you will continue east towards Pangboche following the trail of Somare eastwards. You will come across the beautiful Imja Valley by crossing the Imja River and the Lobuche River afterwards. You will ascend towards Dingboche and stay there overnight.

Max Altitude: 4410 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 07:

Today is another acclimatization day for you. You will hike up north to the Nangkatshang Gompa from where you will witness and enjoy magnificent views of the world’s highest mountains. After breakfast you will begin your acclimatization hike day and head back down to Dingboche and rest for acclimatizing. You will stay overnight here in Dingboche.

Max Altitude: 4410 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 08:

Today after breakfast, you will begin your trek to the Everest Base Camp as you will be trekking up north towards Dusa and continue north to Thukla for lunch. You will then cross the Thukla Pass at an elevation of 4,830 meters and visit the Everest Memorial Site. After hiking you will finally reach Lobuche where you will stay overnight in a teahouse

Max Altitude: 4910 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 09:

After breakfast, you will follow the trail up north continuing on the Lobuche Pass (5,110 m). You will hike witnessing magnificent views of the snow capped peaks but try not to get too hooked on it as you still have a long journey ahead of you. Upon arriving in Gorak Shep you will stop for check in at the teahouse and a short lunch break to fuel yourself as you will trek to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) at 5,364 meters from sea level. You will trek along a trail which leads next to the iconic Khumbu Glacier and enjoy the views from EBC before retracing your steps and returning back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

Max Altitude: 5180 M Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest House
Day 10:

This is the last day of your EBC Trek with Helicopter Return as you will start your trek from Gorak Shep after breakfast in the morning. You will hike up to Kalapatthar which is the maximum altitude you will reach on this trek of yours. From Kalapatthar which is also called the best view point of Everest you will enjoy the serene feeling and experience of seeing the giant massif of Everest right in front of your eyes. Along with glaciers, lakes and other mountains you will be able to experience it all from Kalapatthar. After you enjoy your time at Kalapatthar you will head back to Gorak Shep and pack up all of your belongings. As you look to end your memorable once in a lifetime trek to EBC another thrilling experience awaits you. You will fly out from Gorak Shep in a helicopter experiencing the aerial bird’s eye view of the entire Everest Region completing Luxury Helicopter Return Everest Base Camp Trek and land in Kathmandu then transfer to your hotel.

Max Altitude: 5545 M Meals: APAccommodation: Three Star Hotel
Day 11:

After breakfast free day, we at Attentive Holiday Tours will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours before the flight time for your flight back home in hopes to see and serve you again. Or you can also extend your visit here !

Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details
Included
  • Internal transport and flight within Nepal as per the itinerary.
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Accommodation during the trek as per the itinerary.
  • 3 meals a day while trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as indicated by the itinerary.
  • Medical and First Aid Kits.
  • All the trekking related permits and fees.
  • English speaking, professional Guides and Porters
  • Helicopter sharing flight Gorekshep Lukla Kathmandu
Excluded
  • International air fare to/ from Nepal.
  • Visa Fees required for travel.
  • Meals at airports and whilst in Kathmandu.
  • Travel Insurance and rescue.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, food and beverages outside the itinerary, personal gears and expenses.
  • Cost incurred due to reasons beyond our control.
  • Tips for trekking staff and porters (expected)
FAQs

The Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return is an unforgettable journey to the base of the world’s highest mountain. Along the way, you’ll explore Sherpa villages, visit monasteries, and enjoy breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, finishing with a scenic helicopter flight back to Kathmandu.

Mount Everest stands at 8,848 meters (29,032 ft), making it the tallest mountain on Earth and Trekking to EBC 5364 meter & Kalapather 5545 meter .,

The trek usually takes around 09–10 days by heli return, Normal itinerary 12- 14 days depending on your package and acclimatization needs.

The highest trekking point is Kalapatthar at 5,545 meters (18,192 ft), offering panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Everest Base Camp itself sits at 5,364 meters (17,598 ft).

The trek is moderate to challenging. A good level of fitness is needed, but the helicopter return reduces the strain of the long descent, making the adventure more manageable.

Yes, despite being in Sagarmatha National Park, solo trekking is allowed unlike the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, which requires trekkers to have a licensed guide with them. Trekking with a guide is still recommended for safety, navigation, and managing permits.

While solo trekking is allowed, having a licensed guide is strongly recommended to you to ensure safety, manage permits, and navigate the trail smoothly.

Along the Everest Base Camp trek, Most of the place you stay in cozy teahouses and lodges with basic amenities but some place have luxuary accomodation as well. Compared to more remote treks like the Makalu Base Camp trek, the facilities are much better, making your Himalayan adventure more comfortable.

Not need special permit like Manaslu and Mustang but you will need the following permits:

  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit (SNP)
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality Fee

The helicopter picks you up from Gorak Shep and flies Gorakshep to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu Sharing but if you book private heli return then direct Gorakshep to Kathamndu only you or your group only ,offering stunning aerial views of Everest and the Himalayas while saving time and energy on the long return trek.