Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 9 Days
  • Trip Grade: Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Trip Area: Everest Base Camp
  • Trip Style: Active/Adventure Trekking
  • Age Group: 15 or Above
  • Trip Type: Private and group
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Max. Altitude: 5367m
  • Best Season: March - May/September - December
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a one-way trekking trip to EBC followed by a helicopter return from Everest (Gorakshep) to Kathmandu. This trek is perfect for those who want to experience the classic Everest trail by spending less time than the actual classic trekking. This way, you can enthusiastically look forward to reaching Everest Base Camp knowing it is the highlight and also the conclusion of your trekking journey.

Highlights: Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

  • Stand tall at Everest Base Camp, the lap of the world’s highest peak.
  • Rejoice in the breathtaking Everest view and surrounding scenery from Kala Patthar.
  • A scenic mountain flight to the Lukla airport is a highlight in itself.
  • Absorb the tranquillity of monasteries like Rongbuk, Tengboche, Dingboche, Thame, Khumjung, Pangboche, etc.
  • Learn and live the authentic Sherpa culture, dance to their beats, and relish their cuisines.
  • Rediscover true adventure in the rugged trails with Mani Walls and prayer flags.
  • Visit the magnificent Khumbu Icefall and Glacier, the highest of its kind worldwide.
  • Survey the numerous exotic plant and animal species of the Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Get away with the taxing return trek with a picturesque helicopter return trip.

Trip Overview: Everest Base Camp Trek and Fly Back by Helicopter

Trekkers all over the world dream of trekking to the Everest region. Treading along beautiful Sherpa villages, relishing local Nepali cuisines, and leaving footprints at Everest Base Camp - this is a dreamy adventure. Thankfully, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek makes the classic Everest trek experience more accessible.

The Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek lets you take a helicopter from Gorakshep right after you descend from Kala Patthar. You will get away with the latter half of the tiring trek, enjoy a scenic helicopter ride, and avoid flight delays and cancellations at the Lukla airport.

In this way, you avoid retracing the same trail on your return journey, shaving off the 65 km long return trip from the total 130 km long journey. This makes the trek a lot more pleasant and keeps the entire journey interesting. The Everest Trek with Fly Back by Helicopter is also perfect for travelers on a tight vacation schedule who still want the Everest trekking experience.

First, the trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar becomes a spectacular highlight. You’ll get enough cultural immersion into the lives of the brave Sherpa community as you trek through the Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche.

You’ll witness the rich floral and faunal diversity of the Everest region along with elaborate mountain views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Island Peak, and more as you trudge through the Sagarmatha National Park.

After living, sleeping, eating, and exploring the heavenly Everest region like the native Sherpas during the trip, you will take an exhilarating helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Everest Base Camp (Gorakshep). The bird’s eye view of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and mountain valleys is a sight. Hence, the direct helicopter return trip from Everest to Kathmandu is not only a convenient arrangement but a highlight in itself.

Our Sublime Trails team carefully plans and meticulously implements the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek itinerary. Refer to the specific sections about cost, itinerary, preparation, and weather below for a quick glimpse into how we make this glorious journey possible.

Why Trek to Everest and Return via Helicopter

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek with a helicopter return from Base Camp to Kathmandu is getting popular for several reasons. First of all, taking a helicopter from Gorakshep back to Kathmandu significantly reduces the overall duration of the trip. While the helicopter return itinerary takes 9 days, the standard EBC trek takes 14 days to complete, including the return trek from Gorakshep to Lukla.

Instead of spending several days trekking back to Lukla and then taking a flight to Kathmandu, trekkers will return from Everest to Kathmandu in just a couple of hours. This is more convenient, and trekkers get a spare day to spend sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Second, and probably the most significant, the helicopter return takes away half the physical strain of the EBC trek. By the time trekkers reach the base camp, they are often very tired. The helicopter return helps them avoid the strenuous journey back. The standard itinerary on the other hand includes a return trek to Lukla which is hard on the knees.

Additionally, flights from Lukla to Kathmandu can be frequently delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. A helicopter provides a more reliable and flexible option.

Furthermore, the helicopter ride offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas including Everest like in the Everest Helicopter Tour, which adds a unique and memorable experience to the trek.

Lastly, if trekkers face any health issues while at Kala Patthar or Gorakshep, especially related to altitude sickness, helicopter flyback is a quick evacuation option.

Why Does it Cost More for the Helicopter Return Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek is costlier mainly because of the helicopter return trip. You will be shuttled from Gorakshep to Lukla, and then to Kathmandu in the helicopter.

While the plane flight from Lukla is cheaper because of the group size and commercial nature, helicopter flights are for convenience and a unique experience. Nothing beats getting a window seat and breathtaking views from a comfortable helicopter seating.

Meanwhile, in the mountain plane flight, you’ll be lucky to get a window seat, and that too, in a cramped space full of passengers. And note that mountain flights to and from Lukla are nowhere near your standard commercial flight.

While most stories you hear about the “world’s most dangerous flight” are exaggerated, do prepare to experience a bit of turbulence and limited legroom on a mountain flight.

The helicopter return, on the other hand, only seats 5 passengers at most and is roomier. Depending on your trek group size, there may even be a window seat for every passenger!

There’s also an added benefit and an additional cost metric in the EBC Helicopter Return Trek itinerary. Because we save on trip length by taking a direct helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu, your Sublime Trails guide will also take you sightseeing in Kathmandu on the last day before you return home.

9 Days Itinerary for EBC Helicopter Trek

The 9-Day EBC Helicopter Trek starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you off at your hotel. With preparatory briefings and perhaps a little shopping in Thamel, you’ll be set for the mountain flight on the next day.

Flights to Lukla are operated either from Kathmandu itself or you’ll drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and take a flight to Lukla. Your actual trek starts from Lukla as you head off for your first night in the Everest region at Phakding.

Moving on, day 3 of your Everest Trek with Helicopter Return Itinerary concludes in Namche, and you’ll spend the next day acclimatizing in this bustling Sherpa town. You’ll then trek from Namche to Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche in subsequent days.

Day 9 is the highlight of this trip when you trek to Gorakshep and then to Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu glacier. After returning and spending another splendid night in Gorakshep, you’ll hike further up to Kala Patthar, the one true viewpoint of the Everest region.

On this very day, the helicopter return option allows you to take a helicopter ride straight back to Kathmandu. You can then spend another day sightseeing the historic and culturally enriched sites in Kathmandu before you head back home after a successful trip.

Direct flight from Everest Base Camp (Gorakshep) to Kathmandu

As mentioned earlier, you will take a helicopter flight right from Gorakshep to return to Kathmandu. Gorakshep is the highest settlement in Everest, a few meters from Everest Base Camp. This eliminates the need to descend from Gorakshep to the Lukla airport for a plane flight.

Instead, the helicopter will pick you up directly from Gorakshep. Your helicopter will then fly to Lukla, make a short refueling stop, and cruise towards Kathmandu.

Because of this, there is no risk of flight delay and cancellation at Lukla.

Best Everest Trek with Helicopter Return for Everyone

The Trek to Everest Base Camp and Return by Helicopter is suitable for people from all walks of life.

First and foremost, it combines the ruggedness of an Everest Trek with the luxury, comfort, and convenience of an Everest Helicopter Tour. Hence, the EBC Trek with Helicopter Return is fitting for all people who are fans of either of them.

If you’re young and impatient, you probably do not want to return from the same trekking route after successfully reaching Base Camp. As such, the helicopter return will keep your adrenaline up while greatly enhancing the "photogenicness" of your Everest trip.

For older folks, the hardest part of any trek is the descent. While trekking up may be physically demanding, trekking down is especially taxing on the knees. With a helicopter return from Gorakshep, you will do them a favor.

All in all, this trip provides a comprehensive trekking experience from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar while also allowing you to conclude your trip and return in style.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Gallery

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Itinerary

  • Day 1:Flight to Lukla and Trek To PhakdingAltitude: 2804m, Duration: 4 hours
  • Day 2:Phakding to Namche BazaarAltitude: 3,441m, Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Day 3:Acclimatization day at Namche BazaarAltitude: 3,800m, Duration: 3 hours
  • Day 4:Namche to TengbocheAltitude: 3,860 meters, Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Day 5:Tengboche to DingbocheAltitude: 4,400 meters, Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Day 6:Acclimatization day at DingbocheAltitude: 4710 meters, Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Day 7:Dingboche to LobucheAltitude: 4,900 meters, Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Day 8:Lobuche to Gorak Shep and EBC, back to GorakshepAltitude: 5,180 meters, Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Day 9:Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, back to Gorak Shep, fly back to Kathmandu By HelicopterAltitude: 5555 meters, Duration: 4 Hours

Day 1:Flight to Lukla and Trek To Phakding

  • Max Altitude2804m
  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsBLD

You will head out to Lukla (2800m) on an early morning flight. This flight from Kathmandu, which is only 35 minutes long, will give you the first glimpses of the Himalayas of the Everest region. Note that you'll board your flight from Ramechhap during the months of April, May, October, and November. Your actual trek starts in Lukla.

Initially, the trail to Phakding descends to Tharo Koshi, which is better known as Kusum Kangru Khola (river). After crossing this river on a suspension bridge, you trek uphill to Phakding (2700 meters).

Day 2:Phakding to Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3,441m
  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsBLD

Your final destination for today’s trek is Namche Bazaar. The trail initially descends from Phakding to a suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi River. After a series of ascents and descents, you will get to the same river.

As you continue your hike, you will reach the small village of Monjo, where the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park is located. From there you will trek along a winding uphill to Namche Bazaar- the capital of Sherpas.

Day 3:Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3,800m
  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsBLD

As this is a high-altitude trek, you will spend this day acclimatization in Namche Bazaar. You can join a small uphill hike to the headquarters of Sagarmatha National Park.

Or you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. This historic museum has an abundance of information related to the Himalayas, its culture, religion, and the rich history of mountaineering.

Day 4:Namche to Tengboche

  • Max Altitude3,860 meters
  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsBLD

As you leave Namche Bazaar on Day 05 of the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, you will walk 20 minutes uphill reaching a ridge at the top of Namche Bazaar. After a gentle descent, you will reach Phungitenga (3,250m). An uphill trek of around 2 hours from Phungitenta will take you to Thyangboche Gomba (Monastery).

Day 5:Tengboche to Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4,400 meters
  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsBLD

The initial trail from Tengboche to Dingboche takes you through birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron forests as you trek downhill. The trail then winds gently uphill until Pangboche village (3,900m).

Trekking further, you will reach Shomare, where you can get some close views of Mt. Ama-Dablam. As you walk along the North Eastern side from Shomare, you will reach a small bridge that will take you to Imja Tse Valley. From Imja Tse, you will trek to Dingboche, which is a quaint beautiful Sherpa village.

Day 6:Acclimatization day at Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4710 meters
  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsBLD

Today is another acclimatization day of the short Everest trek which you will stay in Dingboche. To adjust your body to the changing altitude, you can either go for short hikes around the village, or climb the Nagarjuna Hill.

Day 7:Dingboche to Lobuche

  • Max Altitude4,900 meters
  • AccommodationBasic Lodge
  • MealsBLD

You will head out on a gentle uphill trek to the prayer ridge, which offers some wonderful views of Pheriche village. As you hike from the ridge, you will get to Thugla.

After one hour of demanding uphill trek, you will reach the ridge at Thugla Pass. After trekking for an hour from Thugla Pass, you will reach Lobuche.

Day 8:Lobuche to Gorak Shep and EBC, back to Gorakshep

  • Max Altitude5,180 meters
  • AccommodationBasic Lodge
  • MealsBLD

Today you will trek to the Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5,357 meters. After trekking for an hour, you will trek along a steep rocky moraine. Glacial ponds and icebergs of Khumbu Glacier are visible from the moraine.

A short downhill trek from the moraine will take you to Gorak Shep. The trail to Base Camp is full of rocky dunes, moraine, and streams.

Day 9:Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, back to Gorak Shep, fly back to Kathmandu By Helicopter

  • Max Altitude5555 meters
  • Accommodation3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Dinner

Early in the morning, you will trek to Kala Patthar. The hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar takes about an hour. The sun rises over mountains like Mt.Pumori, Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, and other peaks.

After enjoying your time at Kala Patthar, you will hike down to Gorak Shep. A helicopter from Gorak Shep will take you to Lukla. After  Lukla, you will head out to Kathmandu in a 45-minute flight over the Himalayas of the Everest region.

Love doing it your way?

Trip Map

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Map

Cost Details

Included

  • Domestic airport drop and pick-up
  • 8 nights of Mountain Lodge accommodation 
  • Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek
  • Helicopter return flight from Gorekshep to Kathmandu
  • Flight fare from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla
  • Well-experienced guide and porters (1 porter sharing between 2 trekkers)
  • National park entrance fees, TIMS card fees, and local government permit fee
  • Necessary paperwork with the Government of Nepal and the Tax Department
  • All essential private land transport as per itinerary
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag to use for the trekking
  • First Aid kit carried by our guide

Excluded

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu during your stay.
  • Travel insurance and health treatment service
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival and late departure
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Tipping for guide and porters

Dates, Prices & Booking

Select Month and Year
Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 12, 2024End DateEnd: FridayDec 20, 2024PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 14, 2024End DateEnd: SundayDec 22, 2024PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 17, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayDec 25, 2024PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 21, 2024End DateEnd: SundayDec 29, 2024PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 24, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayJan 01, 2025PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 26, 2024End DateEnd: FridayJan 03, 2025PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 28, 2024End DateEnd: SundayJan 05, 2025PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 31, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayJan 08, 2025PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable

Trip Essential Information

Best Time, Weather, and Temperature for EBC Trek with Helicopter Return

Spring (March till May) and autumn (September till November) are the best times for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek. The rain-free days, vibrant landscapes, and serene mountains make the hike entertaining.

Days in the spring season are warm and have mild temperatures. Most days offer clear visibility for the view. The temperature is around 12 degrees in the daytime and -6 degrees during the night is bearable. Also, the gentle wind of 5mph clears the clouds and makes the views even more alluring.

Meanwhile, autumn months witness less traffic, equally beautiful weather, and stunning mountain scenery. In both these seasons, mornings are usually clear. Clouds can build up in the skies in the afternoon but quickly disappear at night—the daytime temperature averages around 13 degrees and the nighttime temperature averages around the freezing point.

While trekking during the summer (June to August) and winter (November to February) is possible, these months pose greater challenges. During winter, the daytime temperature averages 4 degrees, and the nighttime temperature can fall below -12 degrees. On top of that, the wind speed can get to 10mph. Meanwhile, during summer, the temperature of 17 degrees during the day makes the hike sweaty and tiring. Also, the 12 mph wind speed makes the trek onerous.

Furthermore, heavy rain or snow adds to the already-challenging terrain. Trekking in either of these seasons can be uncomfortable and the clouds can block the view. Nevertheless, winter is good for photographs if the snow settles, revealing beautiful snow-capped peaks everywhere.

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return

Sublime Trails highly recommends trekkers carry a physical copy of the mandatory travel insurance. Travel insurance is useful for unexpected health complications or emergency helicopter evacuation. 

Since the itinerary involves high-altitude trekking, you should check with your insurance provider about emergency medical evacuation. Specifically, check if they cover the cost of helicopter evacuation at altitudes above 5,500m (in the Everest region).

Furthermore, your travel insurance should cover medical treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Although the Everest Base Camp Trek and Helicopter Return includes a helicopter trip back from Gorakshep to Kathmandu, the cost for emergency helicopter evac is not included in the booking cost. We only provide a scheduled helicopter return trip from Gorakshep.

Trek Difficulty

Considering the terrain, daily trekking time, altitude, and weather conditions, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek is moderately difficult. Although the helicopter return makes it a lot more doable, this trek will still be challenging for first-time trekkers.

On trekking days, you’ll be trekking 5 to 8 hours daily.

The hike on the serene trail to Phakding, Monjo, and Namche is comfortable. The decent trails through lush forests along the shore of Dudh Koshi, crossing several suspension bridges make the hike delightful.

Meanwhile, the uphill climb of Tengboche and Dingboche, and the hike on the rugged terrain of Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep are moderate to arduous in difficulty. The three-hour trek to Kala Patthar from Gorak Shep in the early morning gets chilly.

Also Read: How to Train and Prepare for Everest Base Camp?

Related Trips in the Everest Region

Classic Everest Base Camp Trek | Sleeping at Everest Base Camp Trek | Everest Helicopter Tour | Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek
 

FAQs

  • Due to safety considerations at high altitudes, a helicopter will pick up two trekkers and their baggage on a single trip from Gorakshep.

  • Helicopter shuttles are made from Gorakshep to Lukla from 8 am to 11 am.

  • The Everest Heli Trek offers a helicopter return from Gorakshep to Kathmandu, but your journey to Lukla begins with a scenic mountain flight by plane. Depending on the season, these flights operate either directly from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap, a few hours' drive from the capital city.

  • The B3 Eurocopter, also known as the AS350 B3, will pick you up from Gorakshep. Renowned for its versatility and exceptional performance, particularly in challenging conditions, the B3 has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable aircraft in the mountainous Everest region.

  • For serious altitude-related complications, you will be airlifted from any place in the Everest region and shuttled straight to Kathmandu for medical treatment. If your health condition is manageable, you will be picked up by a helicopter from any point in the Everest region, flown over to Everest Base Camp, and then to Lukla and Kathmandu.

  • You can pack 10 to 12 kg (22.05 to 26.46 lbs) of luggage to be assigned to a porter. Each porter is shared by two trekkers and can carry up to 20 kg. If you have extra gear, equipment, or supplies, you can easily hire an additional porter.

  • For additional personal and miscellaneous expenses, bring the Nepalese equivalent of USD 200 to USD 300 in cash.

  • Yes, all stops in the Everest trekking trail have WiFi connectivity with fees ranging from NPR 500 to NPR 1000 per day.

  • Yes, helicopter flights from Gorakshep are 100% safe and operated by licensed airline companies in Nepal. They are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), ensuring that all necessary safety checks and protocols are strictly followed.

  • Yes, most guests store their extra luggage at the hotel where they're staying in Kathmandu. We can also store your belongings safely at our office in Kathmandu.

  • Certainly, just make sure you consult with our team and guide beforehand so we can design a suitable diet plan for you throughout the trip.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Reviews

5.0based on 17 reviews
  • D
    David K HandersonOctober 26, 2023
    TripAdvisor

    Simply the Very Best!!

    Absolutely top-notch company!! I couldn't have asked for any better people or resources for my trekking experience. The owner of the company was involved from day one of planning until the last day of the trek itself. Our guide and porter were fabulous! Always smiling and helping in any and every way possible. Even when we decided to make changes to the trek they were more than willing to assist us in getting exactly what we wanted. I wholeheartedly recommend Sublime Trails without any reservation! Simply the very best!! Thanks to each and every one of the company that helped to make this trek a great success!!

  • J
    Jane IOctober 26, 2023
    TripAdvisor

    Dream Come True

    My long-cherished dream of witnessing Everest has finally come true, all thanks to Ram and his team. I don't have enough words to express how I felt throughout the journey. Ram made sure I had a fantastic window seat, which allowed me to revel in the stunning vistas of Everest and the Himalayas. It was a life-changing adventure, and I wholeheartedly recommend Sublime Trails for an unforgettable Everest experience.

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