What better than trekking to the Everest Base Camp Trek, you ask? We say Everest Base Camp With Helicopter return. The trip is about trekking to Base Camp and enjoying scenic views of Lukla, Namche Bazar, and Tengboche. Then, fly above stunning views of the path you walked back to Kathmandu.
The nine-day trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, we follow the classic itinerary to Everest Base Camp. On the first day itself, after a 30-minute flight to Lukla, we trekked to Phakding and spent the night there.
The next day, after an early morning breakfast, the trek expands to Namche Bazar. At Namche Bazar, you can explore the buzz of the Tibetan market, which features handmade artifacts. As we have gained quite an altitude by now and will move further up in the following days, the next day is dedicated to acclimatizing at Namche Bazar.
After relaxing on the third day, our bodies will adapt well to the trek to Tengboche on the fourth day. This day is the most challenging part of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Not to mention, it is also one of the most visually rewarding. It flaunts majestic landscapes and the largest gompa/monastery in the Khumbu region, called Tengboche Monastery.
On the fifth day, the trek takes you to Dingboche, which lies at an altitude of 4410 m. It will be around a six-hour long walk. Accompanied by sights of Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, etc.
It is time for acclimatization again to prevent the possibility of suffering from mountain sickness/ altitude sickness. So, the sixth day will be about exploring Dingboche and preparing for the next day.
The next day, the stunning Louche awaits us. We get to behold the sight of the world’s highest glacier, Khumbu Glacier. Other than the elevation gain, the trek to Lobuche doesn’t have challenging trails. So, we will take it slow and easy.
Finally, on the eighth day, we trek to the lap of Everest. This day comprises the longest walk of the Everest Base Camp trek. First, the trek expands to Gorakshep from Lobuche, which is about 3 hours long. Then, after resting for a bit, we head to the Everest Base Camp. To spend the night we return back to Gorakshep.
On the last day, we first trek to Kala Patthar, AKA the best viewpoint of Everest. After spending some time syncing in the beauty of Kala Patthar, the trek takes you back to Gorakshep. Then, we take the most awaited scenic helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu, which is about an hour long.
Day To Day Itinerary We Follow
First Day: Kathmandu To Lukla To Phakding
Second Day: Phakding To Namche Bazar
Third Day: Acclimatization At Namche Bazar
Fourth Day: Namche Bazar To Tengboche
Fifth Day: Tengboche To Dingboche
Sixth Day: Acclimatization At Dingboche
Seventh Day: Dingboche To Lobuche
Eighth Day: Lobuche To Everest Base Camp To Gorakshep
Ninth Day: Gorakshep To Kala Patthar To Gorakshep To Helicopter Flight To Kathmandu
Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return
- Visit the biggest glacier in Nepal, Khumbu Glacier, and the longest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier.
- The thrill of passing three high-altitude passes, namely Kongma-La Pass, Cho-La Pass, and Renjo-La Pass.
- Explore Hillary Museum and the Tibetan market on acclimatization day at Namche Bazar.
- Get a sneak peek into local Sherpa tradition, culture, and lifestyle.
- Indulge in local cuisines.
- Trek through Sagarmatha National Park and explore its exotic vegetation and wildlife.
- Behold the beauty of the oldest and biggest Buddhist Monastery, Tengboche Monastery.
- Witness the closest view of the tallest mountain in the world, Mt.Everest.
- Scenic helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu.
- Trekking amidst the beauty of colorful chortens, prayer flags, and monasteries.
How Much Does Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return Cost?
Different Travel agencies have their policy, offers, and services, which bring a little fluctuation in the total cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return. For more detailed information on the prices and discounts, feel free to contact us.
What does the price include?
- Airport pickup and drop at the start and end of the trek
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Three meals per day that is breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation on the trail
- Payment to Guides and Porters (tip not included)
- Cost of all the trekking permits required.
- Helicopter’s cost from Gorakshep to Kathmandu
What does the price exclude?
- Travel insurance for the trek
- Any additional foods, drinks, and snacks apart from breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Cost of International flights for foreigners
- Hotel and food when you are in Kathmandu
- Additional cost due to emergency unforeseen circumstances.
- Accommodation due to early arrival or late departure due to issues from trekker’s end
- Visa fee
- If teahouses charge extra for hot showers
- Personal gratuities
- Extra activities that are not part of the trek
Note: If you have any queries about the trek package covering the specific charge that is not mentioned above, you can inquire about it whenever.
Don’t Like Our Itinerary? Customize it!
If you feel our itinerary doesn’t fit your schedule or choices, we would be more than happy to customize it for you. Reach out to us in person or contact us via social media email, or cell phone and make an itinerary of your dream to the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek.
However, there can be slight changes in price when you do so.
Is there any weight limit for the helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu?
Yes, there is a weight limit trekkers need to follow. The standard weight limit obliges your luggage to be under 500 kg. To maintain it, make sure to carry only important things. You can also leave some of your luggage in Gorakshep and take it back when you return.
What are the permits needed for the Everest Base Camp With Helicopter Return Trek?
There are two permits needed for the trek, namely:
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- The Pashang Lhamu Sherpa Entrance Permit
Note: When you trek with an authorized travel agency, they handle permits on your behalf.
Things to pack for The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek
- First aid kit
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Warm insulated clothes
- Reusable water bottle
- High energy snacks
- Power banks
- Photocopies of your visa and passport
- Passport size pictures
- Nepali currency
- Light t-shirt and trekking pants for lower altitude
- Water purification tablet
- Polarized glasses
- Inner thermal set
- Hat
- Scarf
- Trekking socks
- Gloves
- Waterproof trekking clothes
- Mosquito repellent cream or spray
- Headlamp
- Navigating tools or physical map
- Down jacket
- Fleece Jacket
Note: The clothes you need to pack for the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return depend on the season you pick. However, at higher altitudes, the weather is always very cold, so always carry a couple of warm trekking sets. The rest can change with time.