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Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Embark on an unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek, designed for those who want to maximize their time and minimize the effort of trekking back to Lukla. This unique itinerary allows you to experience the iconic Everest Base Camp on foot and return via a thrilling helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla.
The trek takes you to the base of the world’s highest peak, offering panoramic views of towering 8,000-meter summits like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori. Throughout the 12-day journey, you’ll also immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Nepal.
Itinerary Overview:
Flight to Lukla: A 20-minute flight from Ramechhap/Manthali to Lukla during peak season (March, April, May, October, November) or a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu in off-peak months (January, February, June, July, August, September, December).
The Trek: Begin your trek in Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River to Namche Bazaar, the Everest region’s main trading hub. After acclimatization, continue to Tengboche Monastery, then onto Dingboche and Lobuche. Along the way, you’ll witness stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.
Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar: Hike to Everest Base Camp and explore the Khumbu Glacier, the world’s deepest glacier. The next day, enjoy a sunrise from Kala Patthar, where you’ll get spectacular views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Helicopter Return: After exploring Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, take a shared helicopter flight from Gorakshep back to Lukla, then catch a flight to Kathmandu or Manthali/Ramechhap to conclude your trek.
This Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is an extraordinary adventure, offering breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and the convenience of a helicopter return.
Trip Highlights:
Day 1:
Arrival in Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: (1,350m/4,429ft)
Trekking duration:
Day 2:
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Maximum Altitude: (2,610m/8,563ft)
Trekking duration: 35 mins flight from Kathmandu, 5-6 hrs drive & 20 mins flights from Manthali, & 3-4 hrs trek
Day 3:
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft
Trekking duration: 5-6 hours
Day 4:
Namche Bazaar: acclimatization
Maximum Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft
Trekking Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Day 5:
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Maximum Altitude: 3,870m/12,697ft
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 6:
Tengboche to Dingboche
Maximum Altitude: (4,360 m / 14,305ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 7:
Dingboche: acclimatization
Maximum Altitude: (4,360m / 14,305ft)
Trekking Duration:
DAY 8:
Dingboche to Lobuche
Maximum Altitude: (4,940m / 16,208ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 9:
Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
Maximum Altitude: (5,364m / 17,599ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours
DAY 10:
Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, back to Gorak Shep, fly to Lukla by Helicopter
Maximum Altitude: (5,545m / 18,193ft)
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
DAY 11:
Fly to Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: (1,350m/4,429ft)
Trekking Duration:
DAY 12:
Final Departure
There are several ways to travel from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu to your hotel, including private transfers, taxis, and hotel transfers:
Private Transfers
You can book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Some services offer a driver who will meet you at the airport holding a personalized sign. You can choose from a variety of vehicles, including private sedans, shared vans, and limousine buses.
Taxis
Taxis are a convenient and common way to get to your hotel from the airport. They are readily available outside the airport.
Hotel Transfers
You can also book a hotel transfer either directly through your hotel or with a service like GetYourGuide. A driver will meet you at the airport or your hotel’s lobby and take you to your destination.
Tribhuvan International Airport is located in the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 5.56 km east of the Kathmandu city center. Upon your arrival, one of our officials will greet you at the airport. We will then transfer you to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle. A pre-trip meeting will be held, where you will meet your trip guide. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about your trekking adventure in the mountains.
Trek Distance:
Flight Hours: 11 to 12 km
Highest Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Trek Duration: 5 Hours
Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
During peak seasons, including March, April, May, October, and November, flights to Lukla operate from Ramechhap/Manthali due to increased air traffic. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is approximately a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. On this day, we wake up between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, take an escorted shuttle to Manthali Airport in a shared tourist vehicle, and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.
Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
During non-peak seasons (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December), flights to Lukla typically operate from Kathmandu. Please note that the decision regarding flight operations depends on the airline and the volume of travelers during each specific month. On this day, we wake up between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu, where you will board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.
Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before the flight. You will arrive at Tenzing Hillary Airport early in the morning, where breakfast will be provided in Lukla. Porters will meet the group in Lukla and will be assigned to carry luggage, with one porter for every two clients.
Trekking to Phakding
Today, we begin our trek to Phakding. The trail is relatively straightforward. We leave Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail, just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m). Continuing on, we pass through the small village of Ghat. After a brisk hike, we reach Phakding.
Trek Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 miles
Highest Altitude: (2,840 m)/ (474 m)/(2,610 m)
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
After breakfast, we follow the trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges along the way. After hiking for a while, we reach Sagarmatha National Park, where we undergo entry permit verification for the Everest region.
As the trek continues, we ascend a steep climb, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, rushing glacial rivers, vibrant prayer flags, and sacred mani stones. We arrive in the charming Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar in the early evening.
Trek Distance:
Flight Hours: 11 to 12 km
Highest Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trekking at higher elevations can lead to altitude sickness and other serious health issues, which is why acclimatization is essential when ascending. The first acclimatization day on the Everest Base Camp Trek is scheduled in Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar is the main trading center in the Everest region, run by the Sherpa people. Here, you can purchase a variety of items, including trekking equipment, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.
On this day, we acclimate at Namche Bazaar by hiking to nearby destinations. We first visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Sherpa community.
Next, we hike up to Syanboche Airport (the highest airport in Nepal) and Hotel Everest View (the highest hotel in the world). From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other towering peaks.
Trek Distance:
Highest Altitude: (3,440 m)/ (3,880 m)
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
After spending the night in Tengboche, we set off for Dingboche in the morning. The trek continues to Deboche through alpine forests, where we cross the Imja Khola via a suspension bridge.
Along the way, we pass a wall inscribed with stones. Later, we are rewarded with a captivating view of Ama Dablam. We then ascend to the village of Pangboche and follow the trail leading to the Imja Valley.
Finally, after a steady climb, we reach the village of Dingboche.
Trek Distance:
Highest Altitude: (4,410 m)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
After acclimatizing at Namche, we take a rest day today. Adapting to the increasing altitude and changing environment is essential for preventing altitude sickness.
Today, we acclimate by hiking to Nangkartsang Peak. The view of Ama Dablam from the peak is truly awe-inspiring. After the acclimatization hike, you can explore the village or relax at the teahouse.
Trek Distance:
Highest Altitude: (5,083 m)
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
On this day, we depart for Lobuche, starting with a gentle climb to Thukla. From this point, you’ll be amazed by the stunning views of Taboche and Cholatse. Continuing, we pass through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, where we encounter stone memorials.
These memorials are built in memory of fallen climbers and are adorned with colorful prayer flags. After a brisk hike, we reach Lobuche village, where we are treated to breathtaking mountain vistas, including Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori.
Trek Distance:
Highest Altitude: (4,910 m)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Today’s trek consists of two sections. First, we follow the route to Gorak Shep, and then continue to Everest Base Camp.
After breakfast, we depart from Lobuche, hiking along the Khumbu Glacier while enjoying magnificent views of Mt. Nuptse. Soon, we reach the village of Gorak Shep.
From here, we continue our trek to Everest Base Camp. The trail ahead is challenging, with rugged terrain, but along the way, we are treated to captivating views of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall.
Once we reach Base Camp, we are rewarded with a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and the surrounding peaks.
It’s an incredible feeling to be at the base of the world’s highest mountain. Additionally, we may encounter expedition teams and climbers, especially during peak seasons. We then retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep.
Trek Distance:
Highest Altitude: (5,364 m) / (5,190 m)
Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Today we hike to the highest point of the Everest Base Camp Trek, Kala Patthar. The hike begins very early in the morning with a breathtaking sunrise view over the giant mountains. Kala Patthar is an excellent vantage point for the incredible view of Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Mount Everest.
We descend to Gorak Shep to have breakfast, and then fly down to Lukla on a helicopter.
The helicopter flight is on a sharing basis. It’s not a private charter flight. If you want a private ride, please contact us for the price. Please note that in altitudes above 4,500 meters, the helicopters can land but can’t take off with more than 3 passengers.
So, if there are more than 3 people, the helicopter will take 3 people in the first shuttle and drop them off at a designated point below 4,500 meters. The point is usually the village of Pheriche.
Then, in the second shuttle, the helicopter will transfer the remaining passengers from Gorakshep; it will stop at the designated point to pick up the first three passengers and take all of them to Lukla. The helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the weather and the number of passengers.
Trek Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 miles
Highest Altitude: (5,555 m)/ (5,190 m)/(2,840 m)
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November):
The flight from Lukla to Manthali lasts about 20 minutes. After that, you will have a 5 to 6-hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that driving time may vary depending on highway traffic conditions. You will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle.
Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December):
The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes approximately 35 minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu by shared tourist vehicle. Please note that the operation of flights is solely at the discretion of the airline and may be affected by the volume of travelers during specific months.
If you wish to spend more time in Nepal, we offer trips to popular destinations such as Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tours. Additionally, we provide outbound tours to Tibet, India, and Bhutan.
A farewell dinner will be served at a fine restaurant.
Trek Distance:
Highest Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,285 ft
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Our thrilling EBC trek with a helicopter return has come to an end. One of our airport representatives will escort you to the International Airport for your return journey.
We wish you the best of luck in your future travels and hope to welcome you back to Nepal soon.
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