Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek-11 Days
Yaks on the way to Everest base camp
Everest Base Camp Trek
Trip Highlights of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek-11 Days
- Trek to the famous Everest Base Camp through the classic Everest trail.
- Helicopter back to Kathmandu with panoramic Himalayan views.
- Hike to Kala Patthar for a close view of Mount Everest.
- Visit the colorful Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar in Khumbu region.
- Go to Tengboche Monastery which is the biggest monastery in the Everest region.
- Visit the forests, rivers and rocky mountains of the Sagarmatha National Park.
- Enjoy the Sherpa culture and rest in traditional mountain teahouses.
Overview of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek-11 Days
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek is a fulfilling adventure which incorporates the traditional Everest Base Camp trekking trail, with a picturesque helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. You will take a helicopter flight back to Gorak Shep instead of walking on the same path once you have reached Everest Base Camp, and this will enable you to have a beautiful aerial view of the Himalayas as well as shorten the total time of trekking. This itinerary is ideal for trekkers who want to experience the highlights of the Everest region in a shorter and more convenient way.
You start your journey by flying to Lukla and then follow the popular route past Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Diboche, Dingboche and Lobuche. You will pass through old Sherpa villages along the route, cross hanging bridges over the river Dudh Koski, and forests, rivers, and alpine scenery. The path also passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, where one can have a glimpse at Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and numerous other Himalayan mountains. Properly designed acclimatization days allow you to adjust comfortably prior to the higher altitudes.
Nepal Wanderlust Treks has designed this journey with experienced guides, carefully selected teahouses, and a carefully chosen itinerary to provide a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Our team will guide you through the trip, ensuring a comfortable pace, and will be with you from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek Itinerary involves visiting the Everest Base Camp, an early morning walk to Kala Patthar and a scenic helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. This is a flight back which gives a new outlook of glaciers, deep valleys and snow covered peaks saving a few days of walking. When planning a rewarding adventure in the Himalayas, which also involves trekking with the comfort of a helicopter flight, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a good option.
Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek-11 Days
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,400 m)
Once you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can rest after the journey when you are checked in or you can walk in the surrounding streets in case you have some free time.
Your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek begins in the evening with your briefing on the trek, itinerary, equipment check and question-answer session with your guide.
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
In the morning we fly to the base of the Everest region, Lukla, by a mountain flight. Flights to Lukla between spring and autumn trekking seasons may originate at Ramechhap, instead of Kathmandu, depending on airline schedules and weather conditions.
We will then start walking to Phakding after our meeting with our trekking crew. We will follow the Dudh Koshi River, prayer wheels, suspension bridges, and traditional Sherpa villages, to our first overnight.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Today’s walk follows the Dudh Koshi River through forests and several small settlements before reaching Monjo, where we will enter Sagarmatha National Park. On finishing the permit formalities, we will proceed along the trail towards Namche Bazaar.
The last ascent is gradual yet satisfying. On a sunny day, the initial sight of Mount Everest comes before we reach the vibrant Sherpa town, with the amazing Himalayan view.
Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
We will take the day to go sightseeing around the hills above Namche Bazaar to enable your body to acclimatize to the altitude. A hike to Hotel Everest View rewards us with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and several nearby peaks.
We also explore Khumjung Village where you get to have a glimpse of local Sherpa culture before proceeding to Namche Bazaar to have another comfortable stay.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Diboche (3,700 m)
Leaving Namche Bazaar behind, we will follow a scenic trail with beautiful mountain views before descending to the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the river, the path climbs through rhododendron and pine forests toward Tengboche.
After visiting the famous Tengboche Monastery, we will continue on a gentle descent through peaceful woodland to the small village of Diboche, where we will stay for the night.
Trek from Diboche (3,700 m) to Dingboche (4,410 m)
The path continues down the Imja Khola, then crosses a suspension bridge and the Sherpa village of Pangboche, which is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Everest region. As we continue higher, the forests gradually disappear, giving way to open alpine terrain with impressive mountain scenery.
A steady walk through the wide Imja Valley brings us to Dingboche, a peaceful village surrounded by stone walled fields and towering Himalayan peaks. We will spend the next day here to allow our bodies to acclimatize to the altitude.
Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (4,410 m)
Today is another acclimatization day before we continue toward Everest Base Camp. We will climb to a Nangkartshang Peak viewpoint overlooking Dingboche on a clear day and Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak can be seen clearly.
The afternoon, after returning to the village, is at liberty to rest or to reconnoitre the immediate vicinity or to prepare to ascend to the elevations which lie ahead. The additional day will aid in acclimatization and ensure that the trek is safer.
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m)
Leaving Dingboche, the path ascends slowly over open country, and then to Thukla. Then, we will move on after a little rest and pass the memorial site of the climbers who died on Everest and the surrounding mountains.
The last part is a gradual climb along the Khumbu Glacier and ends at Lobuche. The village is encircled by mountainous landscape and glacial rocky terrain which makes it an ideal place to rest before we visit the Everest Base Camp.
Trek from Lobuche (4,910 m) to Gorak Shep (5,160 m) and Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,360 m)
Today’s journey follows the rocky trail beside the Khumbu Glacier as we make our way to Gorak Shep. Upon arrival at the teahouse, we will take a brief rest and proceed to Everest Base Camp on a glacial route.
Standing at Everest Base Camp is one of the biggest achievements of the trek. After spending time enjoying the surroundings and taking photographs, we will return to Gorak Shep for our final night in the mountains.
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu
We will start the short ascendancy before sunrise to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for close views of Mount Everest. As the morning light reaches the surrounding peaks, we can enjoy one of the finest panoramas in the Himalayas before returning to Gorak Shep.
We will then take a helicopter back to Kathmandu after breakfast. The journey offers amazing aerial views of glaciers, deep valleys, mountain villages, and snow covered peaks before landing in the capital. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and spend the remaining part of the day relaxing.
Departure from Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek will end today. As per your international flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport to proceed with your journey.
We hope you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Everest region and look forward to welcoming you again on another Himalayan adventure with Nepal Wanderlust Treks.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle.
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Domestic flight from Kathmandu (or Ramechhap during peak season) to Lukla.
- Shared helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
- Experienced English speaking trekking guide.
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).
- Salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment for guides and porters.
- Accommodation in teahouses during the trek.
- Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Seasonal fresh fruits during the trek.
- First aid kit carried by the guide.
- Duffel bag for use during the trek.
- Trek completion certificate.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges.
What's Excluded?
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Hot showers, WiFi, charging fees and laundry during the trek.
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water and personal snacks.
- Personal expenses.
- Extra hotel nights due to early arrival, late departure or flight delays.
- Tips for guides, porters and drivers.
- Any services not mentioned in the cost includes section.
Essential Information - Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek-11 Days
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek is best during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). There are clear skies, good temperatures, consistent weather, and a good mountain view in these months and trekking and helicopter flights are both more enjoyable.
The season of winter (December-February) can be recommended to people who do not mind much cold weather and fewer people on the trail. The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return may be impacted by the monsoon season (June to August) which is characterized by frequent rain and cloudy weather, which can influence the trekking conditions and the schedule of helicopter flights.
Trek Difficulty
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek is regarded as a moderately difficult trek. Although the helicopter flight eliminates the return walk from GorakShep, you still trek to Everest Base Camp through high altitude terrain. The walks typically take five to eight hours daily over rocky paths with gradual ups and downs.
No technical climbing skills are required, but good physical fitness and regular walking practice before the trip are highly recommended. Acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche will allow your body the time to adapt to the rising altitude. A gradual speed, sufficient hydration and support of our seasoned team members will all lead to a safe and enjoyable Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Kala Patthar, 5,545 m (18,192 ft) is the highest point of the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, and Everest Base Camp is 5,360 m (17,585 ft). As you gain elevation, the oxygen level becomes lower, making acclimatization an important part of the journey.
We will also have specific acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche so that your body can acclimatize slowly to the elevations. These rest days will involve brief ascents to elevated points and back to sleep at a lower level, along the high altitude trekking recommendations. Your guides observe your state during the trek and remind you to walk in a comfortable pace, have frequent hydration and rest in order to minimize the chances of a case of altitude sickness.
Permits
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek involves two permits to the trekking part of the trip. These are Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. These two permits are required to all trekkers who enter into the Everest region.
Our team will arrange these permits before or during the trek, so you do not need to worry about the application process. Traveling with a passport is also advisable, as it might be necessary to check points along the trail to verify your permits. There are permit fees that are charged in case they are in your package.
Travel Insurance
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek Itinerary highly requires travel insurance due to the fact that the trek height is above 5,000 meters. High altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation should be covered in your insurance policy in case of illness or injury.
The weather in the Everest area may sometimes interfere with domestic flights and the helicopter tours, therefore it is better to select a policy that also includes the delay or disruption of the trip. You should also ensure that your insurance is adequate to cover all your activities in the Everest region before your trek.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
Yes. Beginners with good physical fitness, proper preparation, and a steady walking pace can complete the trek. Prior high altitude trekking experience is optional although beneficial.
After hiking to Kala Patthar on Day 10, you will return to Gorak Shep and take a helicopter flight directly to Kathmandu.
Yes. The helicopter is only used for the return journey. You will trek all the way to Everest Base Camp before flying back to Kathmandu.
Yes. Helicopter flights are based on weather conditions within the Everest area. When conditions are not favorable, then the flight will be postponed until the weather changes.
Yes. Helicopter flights have very strict baggage limits as they are very unsafe. Before the trek starts, your guide will give you the most recent luggage allowance.
The majority of teahouses also offer charging and WiFi at an extra cost. Service will be slower, less reliable at higher elevations.
You must have the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. These are usually included in the package.
Yes. Nepal Wanderlust Treks is able to tailor the itinerary by either increasing the number of days, improving the accommodation or scheduling a personal departure based on your travel preferences.
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