Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter - 11 Days

Good to Know

    Highlights

    • An incredibly scenic Everest flight to Lukla.
    • Trek through scenically aesthetic and pleasing Sherpa villages and lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine.
    • Grab the most spectacular sight of the eastern Himalayas of Nepal perched above the sky, including Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and others, while Mt. Everest dominates the skyline.
    • A short yet well-planned itinerary trek to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with ample acclimatization.
    • A perfect journey for adventurers with a limited stay in Nepal, still hoping to conquer some heights and reach the lap of the tallest mountain in the world.
    • This is an amazing insight into the local culture, tradition, and customs of the Everest Himalayas, along with a chance to warm yourself up to the genuine hospitality of the Sherpa people.
    • Side trips to Hotel Everest View Hotel, Khongde, Khumjung, Kala Patthar, and other notable viewpoints.
    • A seamless return back to Kathmandu in a helicopter, and many more.

    The Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter is an exhilarating 11-day journey, a perfect escape for adventurers seeking an exceptionally classic experience with the thrill of a helicopter ride, comfort, and relaxation as you do so in the majestic Nepalese Himalayas in the Everest/Khumbu region. Lying at a distance of 140 km/87 miles from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, to the northeast, the region is infamous for its unmatchable trekking, mountaineering, and climbing spots, including the top of the world itself, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), and the other two eight-thousanders of the globe, Cho Oyu (8,188 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m).

    The Everest Base Camp Trek and Return with Heli stands out as a luxurious way to be in the lap of the gigantic mountain Everest, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You will pass through several Sherpa settlements, verdant hills, cascading waterfalls, glacier streams, and suspension bridges as you begin with a short flight over to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, offering you the heavenly sights of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse as you make your way through the popular tourist hub, Namche Bazaar, and other notable Himalayan villages of the Everest region en route to the Everest Base Camp, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and others, and finally to Gorak Shep, EBC, and Kala Patthar.

    Therefore, the 11-Day Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter is a carefully designed itinerary and route to Everest that still assures the best of the amenities that other trekking regions such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and others might not offer despite the same level of remoteness and unique Himalayan landscape. It is the best choice for individuals looking for a long retracing alternative back to Kathmandu, the perfect option to avoid rushing, complications, and unforeseen circumstances, a common occurrence in such a high altitude of the Everest region.

    What to expect during the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter?

    What sets the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter apart from other different routes and combine itineraries such as the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake via Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp with Two High Passes, or Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake with Thee High Passes is definitely its comfortable helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, saving several days of trekking, a fantastic option for individuals constrained by time.

    Though it might add slightly to the normal package such as the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar Trek of 14 days, in just 11 days, the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter ensures equal highlights, an unparalleled blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural enrichment, concluding with a memorable helicopter ride over the Himalayas instead of catching the Everest Flight with a higher chance of getting canceled or delayed due to unpredictable Himalayan weather, especially during winter and summer.

    Here are some of the prime features that you get to notice during the Everest Base Camp by helicopter, making it a luxury encounter and leaving you with a long-lasting impression to marvel at throughout your lifetime:

    An epic trekking experience to the Everest Himalayas of Nepal

    Though this journey to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal begins with an adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and ends with an equally mesmerizing helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, for several days you would be trekking through the alpine region of Nepal along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River, passing through dense forests of rhododendron and lovely Sherpa villages.

    The alpine jaunting lasts for a week or more, with 5–6 hours each day mostly ascending until you arrive at the base camp of Everest in Nepal, making its way past rugged paths, thrilling suspension bridges, steep ascents, and high altitude as you stop by significant and iconic sights like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche monastery, the largest of its own kind in the entire region, and others with panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and many more, promising you a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

    An insider insight into the Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar and other typical Moutain settlements

    Namche Bazaar, at an altitude of 3,440 m, is a vibrant Sherpa capital serving as the main trading and cultural center in the Khumbu region, showcasing the Sherpa’s rich culture deeply connected to Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism with local markets, Sherpa museums, stupas, and monasteries for a pleasing stroll as you enjoy their warming hospitality.

    The whole town is festooned with colorful prayer flags where trekkers can witness the daily life of Sherpa, the legendary locals from the Himalayas renowned for their great mountaineering skills and adaptability to the arduous high-altitude environment, while you can also take yourself on a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, Kongde, and other nearby viewpoints even during the Everest Base Camp Trek by helicopter.

    Moreover, the region is primarily dominated by the larger population of Sherpa people, who not only run tea houses and lodges to host trekkers, travelers, mountaineers, and climbers who have dreamt of Everest but also gladly share their culture, customs, and traditions throughout the way to the Everest Base Camp, offering unrivaled glimpses and experiences of Sherpas day-to-day life, beliefs, and many more.

    The spiritual dimension of Tengboche Monastery on the way to the Everest Base Camp

    The Everest Base Camp Trekking by Helicopter also includes a visit to Tengboche monastery, the largest monastery in the Khumbu region, at an altitude of 3,867 m amidst the stunning backdrop of Ama Dablam, adding much to the serene and spiritual experience as you find yourself in the pleasing smell of burning incense and the rhythmic beating of drums and chants radiating a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the rugged mountains.

    All of these come together to create a meditative atmosphere, all surrounded by panoramic sights of Everest, Lhotse, and others, enhancing the beauty and serene setting to the fullest as you unwind around intricately decorated halls with murals and statues, taking you back to centuries standing as a testament to enduring religious and cultural heritage, a perfect place to self-reflect and connect with yourself and nature spiritually.

    An adventurous ascent to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with acute mountain sickness (AMS)

    Making it to the foothold of the highest mountain range globally, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), at an elevation of 5,364 m above sea level is undoubtedly a significant achievement for trekkers, cornered by almighty snow-capped peaks perching the heavens, ice walls, and Khumbu icefall, offering you an awe-inspiring experience as you get to meet climbers preparing for their further ascent, particularly during the peak climbing season in autumn and spring, adding much to the unique atmosphere.

    Similarly, Kalapattar at 5,545 meters is a breathtaking vantage point, the highest altitude accessed by helicopter on an Everest camping trip. It offers a unique view of Everest and 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains like Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse And, which look particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset, making Everest in Nepal one of the highlights of the Himalayas.

    Since both are located at high altitudes in the Everest Trekking Region of Nepal, it is important to remain prepared for acute mountain sickness (AMS), or mountain sickness, which includes symptoms such as nausea, headache, depression and so it is important to keep the stairs up to speed and adjust well, Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated.

    A smooth Helicopter Ride Back to Kathmandu

    Unlike the rest of the Everest Himalayan Expedition on foot following the mountain guide, the Everest Base Camp Trek by helicopter lets you take a ride back to Kathmandu directly from Gorakshep without having to descend through the same route that you followed initially, consisting of a mixture of rugged terrain, steep ascents and descents, and glacial moraines in the comparatively remote countryside far away from easy access to modern amenities offering a magnificent aerial view of the Himalayas, glaciers, and valleys.

    Not only does it save you from numerous days of hiking down, but it also provides you with a unique, thrilling, and scenic way to conclude the overall journey to the Everest Base Camp, making it an ideal option for everyone who wishes to see the best of the Everest Himalayas in a short amount of time, including healthy children and old people, as they get to charter a helicopter to Kathmandu directly.

    The best 11-Days itinerary and route for the Everest Base Camp Trekking by Helicopter

    The 11-day itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter starts with a flyover to Lukla, the trek starting point, and moves forth to the EBC via Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, ascending through mountain settlements of the Sherpa people, an ethnic Himalayan community of Nepal, thicket forests, and suspension bridges over serene roaring rivers of Dudh Koshi, allowing trekkers, travelers, and climbers to acclimate gradually to the high altitude.

    As this Himalayan Odyssey progresses, you will notice an unforgettable transformation in the landscape, from green valleys and verdant hills to rocky, high-altitude terrain with sparse vegetation showcasing the sheer scale and grandness of the Himalayas as you get to breathe and embrace towering peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse in the shadow of the world’s highest peak at the center of the snow-clad peaks, striking glacial moraines, and Khumbu Icefall.

    On reaching the Everest Base Camp from Gorak Shep and visiting Kala Patthar, the adventure to the Everest Base Camp by helicopter comes to an end with a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, offering a bird's-eye view of the mythical Himalayas. Though based on this 11-day itinerary, the Himalayan voyage concludes in less than two weeks, it still grants you a balanced amount of adventure, acclimatization, exploration, and convenience, offering comprehensive and everlasting memories; hence, it is considered the best route for the Everest Base Camp Trek by helicopter.

    The 11-Day Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter Cost for 2024 and 2025

    At Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we are offering a group discounted price on any travel, trips, and tours you do with us, including the Everest Base Camp by Helicopter Trekking Package Cost, which is as follows even for the years 2024 and 2025:

    • USD 2,575 for 1 pax.
    • USD 2,475 for 2-3 pax.
    • USD 2,375 for 4-6 pax.
    • USD 2,275 for 7-10 pax.

    Further groups of trekkers, climbers, and visitors consisting of more than 10 pax can get a special discount, which may vary depending on trekking seasons, level of services you have chosen, type of tour, trek, and travel operator you are taking services from. Buying a suitable package from a reliable and trustworthy expert in a niche such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks covers most of the expenses for essential trek logistics.

    Itinerary
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    Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader. If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.

    • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
    • MealsComplimentary-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude1,400m

    In the morning, you will go to the airport, then fly to Lukla. It's a 40-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and you will trek to Phakding. The Everest Base Camp trip begins at Lukla and follows Phakding, which takes approximately 3–4 hours. Along the way, you can have a view of Mt. Nupla (5,885 m) and Kusum Kangaru (6,367 m). Overnight in Phakding (2,652 m).

    • AccommodationComfortable-Himalayan-Lodge
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude2,860m

    After breakfast, start to walk. Starting from a slight rise to Jorsalle, the trail passes waterfalls and other cultural and natural attractions. During the day, you will be passing through the Sherpa villages, viewing magnificent forests. Rhododendron trees, magnolias, and giant firs provide a stunning backdrop to this part of the walk. En route, you will be rewarded with the first glimpse of Kusum Kangru (6369 m), Thamserku (6608 m), Everest (8,848 m), and Nuptse (7879 m). (weather permitting) a steep climb up the beautiful village of Namche Bazaar (3440 m), which will produce more spectacular views and a comfortable place to spend the second night of the trek. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

    • AccommodationComfortable-Himalayan-Lodge
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude3,440m

    Acclimatization is important before proceeding to a higher elevation. It is therefore recommended that you take a short day's hike to Thame, Khunde, Khumjung, or up to the Everest View Hotel so that we can see a clear view of Mount Everest. You can even relax and explore the culture of Sherpa in Namche. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

    • AccommodationLocal-Guest-House
    • MealsAll-Three-Meals
    • Max. Altitude3,440m

    The trekking day begins early in the morning, as usual. From Phungithanga, you find the trail climbing the forests, where one might see the musk deer, the Himalayan goat, and other Himalayan wildlife species.

    Tengboche, situated on a saddle at 3870 m, is the largest Buddist monastery of the Khumbu/Everest region, surrounded by rhododendrons, offering an incredible panorama view of Kwongde (6,187 m), Tawache (6,542 m), Everest (8,848 m), Nuptse (7,855 m), Lhotse (8,618 m), Amadablam (6,856 m), and Thamserku (6,608 m).

    • AccommodationLocal-Guest-House
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude3,867m

    In the morning, you will get to marvel at the spectacular views of the mountains and the monastery in Tengboche. You will spend most of the morning in the Imjatse Khola, walking through the birches, conifers, and rhododendrons.

    By following the river to the north, the path goes through several walls, chortens, and prayer flags around the small villages. On the way, you can have the best view of Ama Dablam. After arriving in Dingboche, you can enjoy the beautiful array of fields surrounded by stone walls aiming to protect barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. The view of Island Peak is beautiful from Dingboche. 

    • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude4,360M

    On the 7th day, you will be climbing a bit and then descending in order to acclimatize. You can go for a short walk of 400 meters, ascending Nangkartshang Gompa in the north of the range, to Dingboche from Nangkartshang, which offers a good scenic view. To see Makalu (8463 m), alternatively, you can follow an epic trail along the Imja Khola to Chhukung, which may be a longer walk taking 4-5 hours. 

    • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
    • MealsAll-Three-Meals
    • Max. Altitude4,360m

    On the eighth day, you will climb a steep ridge with expanded sights of Taboche peak and Cholatse in the alpine region of the Everest Himalayas as you proceed all through yak pastures, cross a wooden bridge over Dugla stream, reach the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier, and stone pile memorials of adventurers who could not make it, concluding in Lobuche.

    Throughout the trek day, you will get to relish great border views of Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and others, along with a glimpse of Everest hidden behind the towering snow-capped peaks of Nuptse and Lhotse.

    • AccommodationLocal-Guest-House
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude4,940m

    The first half of today’s trek is to reach the dry riverbed of Gorakshep, following the narrow path between the moraine of the glacier and the wall, crossing the tributary of the mountain glacier, and finally to Gorakshep for lunch.

    Then onwards begins the journey to the EBC, the footstand of the highest mountain range on the planet, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), where you can get to interact with adventurous daredevils of mountaineers, climbers, and expeditors taking their chances to summit the peak itself in the serene and enthralling atmosphere and return to Gorakshep for the night.

    • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude5,364 m

    The day begins early in the morning as it tends to feature more favorable weather conditions, an essential factor to consider before heading, such as the high altitude in the Himalayan region. Kala Patthar rewards you with a 360-degree, complete sight of the surrounding panoramas, including that of Mt. Everest.

    On appreciating the Everest region’s nature splendor to the fullest, you will grab your much-needed breakfast and board a helicopter directly back to Kathmandu, denoting the end of the Everest Base Camp Trek by helicopter as you appreciate the otherworldly aerial sight of the hills, mountains, and scenic traditional valleys down.

    • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
    • MealsBreakfast
    • Max. Altitude5,545m

    The 11-day itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter includes a flight to your home country on this day, or alternative destinations such as the Langtang Valley, Manaslu Circuit,Annapurna Base Camp, and Annapurna Circuit, among others.

    If you are boarding a flight, we will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport three hours prior. Wish you a safe flight and hope to see you soon!

      This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

      Route Map
      Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter - 11 Days Map
      What's Included
      Includes
      • 8 nights and 9 days of food and accommodation during trek (luxury local lodge)
      • Kalapathar to Kathmandu by Helicopter
      • Kathmandu to Lukla by flight
      • English speaking local expert guide and porters( porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person)
      • Sagarmatha National Park fees
      • Pasang lamu Entrance fees
      • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
      • Two nights’ accommodation at the Luxury four star hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing with breakfast
      • Airport transfers and escort
      • Farewell dinner with Nepali cultural dance in Kathmandu
      • Adventure Travels Duffle/Kit Bag  
      • Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
      • Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
      • Insurance for all staff & porters.
      • Trekking achievement certificate
      • Adventure Himalayan T-shirt
      Excludes
      • Nepal visa - Multiple Entrée 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
      • International flight fare  
      • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu
      • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
      • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
      • Extra accomodation and meals outside of itinerary
      • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
      • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking. 
      Dates and Prices
      Date PriceAvailability 
      Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 12, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayDec 11, 2024PricePriceUS$2475StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: MondayDec 16, 2024End DateEnds: SundayDec 15, 2024PricePriceUS$2475StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 19, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayDec 18, 2024PricePriceUS$2475StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: MondayDec 23, 2024End DateEnds: SundayDec 22, 2024PricePriceUS$2475StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 26, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayDec 25, 2024PricePriceUS$2475StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: MondayDec 30, 2024End DateEnds: SundayDec 29, 2024PricePriceUS$2475StatusStatusAvailable
      Useful Info

      Is August the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter?

      Generally, June to August coincides with the monsoon season in Nepal, with greater chances of rainfall leading to slipper trails, cloudy weather, and high chances of flight cancellations and delays, along with a high possibility of mudslides and landslides; hence, it is not considered the best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking by Helicopter, but it is definitely conquerable if appropriately packed, geared, and prepared, including in winter.

      The autumn and spring from September to November and March to May are noted for comparatively mild temperatures, pleasant weather conditions, and excellent visibility, providing the best trekking and hiking trail conditions to the Everest Base Camp and return by Heli.

      What are the essential permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter?

      For trekking to the Everest Base Camp by helicopter, you will need at least two of the essential permits, which are the Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit that you can obtain in Kathamandu through the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) or at the entrance gate of Monjo or Lukla.

      These permits are regulated to record the number of visits in the Everest Trekking region and provide necessary aid in need along with support to the local communities and fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs NPR 2,000 (USD 20) and that of the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is NPR 3,000 (USD 30) per person per entry for all foreigners, while SAARC nationals are provided a discount.

      Can you get vegetarian meals and free wifi en route to the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter?

      Yes, absolutely along the trekking route to the Everest Base Camp, the tea houses and lodges provide you with hearty and nutritious meals along with a place to stay for the night. These well-established tea houses and lodges opened by locals of the Everest Himalayas offer you a variety of meal options, including all vegetarians, where wifi might be available in lower altitudes but not necessarily free.

      Therefore, for better communication and connection with your friends, it is good to get a local SIM card from Ncell or NTC and buy adequate data packages to stay in touch with loved ones whenever your cell phone receives a stable network.

      How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter?

      Where the traditional Everest Base Camp Himalayan voyage is considered moderate to strenuous, the Everest Base Camp by Helicopter reduces the difficulty level significantly, catering to the wide, varying fitness levels of the individuals dreaming of the Everest Himalayas and their grandeur.

      However exposure to high altitudes where oxygen is low is a consideration with a possible risk of severe altitude sickness or mountain sickness Appropriate precautions should be taken, including local guides and carriers to pick up, weather conditions and more packfalls, identifying climbing problems, and ways to mitigate them are available.

      Who can go for the Everest Base Camp Trek by Helicopter?

      Unlike the classic Everest Base Camp pilgrimage, this Everest Base Camp Odyssey by helicopter is convenient for a wide range of adventure enthusiasts, including specially-abled individuals who want to experience the beauty, nature, and culture of Everest without the challenges of a long trek, general tourists with limited time and moderate fitness, older adults and families with children, busy professionals, and comfort seekers seeking luxury travelers.

      In addition, it is also a perfect Himalayan alpine jaunt for adventure seekers wishing to relish the aerial views and experience of flying over the hills and Himalayas to even capture in photographs and videos.

      Client Reviews
      • Everest Base Camp Trek Return back by Helicopter -12 days

        rating

        We recently completed the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return through Adventure Himalaya Rana and Team. My wife, daughter and I had an incredible time and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We had a private tour with our personal tour guide, Durga, and a porter. Durga was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and brought us back safely. It was a challenging, yet amazing experience and we are so happy to have checked this bucket list item off with Adventure Himalaya. Rana has been extremely helpful since the minute we booked the tour and was always available and quick to answer any questions that we had. The entire process was very smooth and it’s evident that this team had very experienced members that are well aware of the in and outs of this base camp trek. We were in good hands. For example, on the first day our flight to Lukla was cancelled due to bad weather but the team organized a helicopter take off to avoid delaying our trek. This was truly an incredible experience for our family and we appreciate Rana, Durga, Dipi, and the rest of the adventure himalaya team!

        A
        Anil ThomasUnited States,Jun 20, 2023
        TourRadar

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