Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return- 11 Days

Trip Facts
  • Duration:11 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 5600 Meters
  • Start at: Kathmandu
  • End at: Kathmandu
  • Group Size: 1 - 12
  • Best Season: Spring - Autumn

Highlights

  • A short 11 days EBC trek package for all ages of trekkers
  • Skip 65 km of return trekking to Lukla and take a scenic helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu
  • Enjoy the bustle of Kathmandu and explore historical sites
  • Trek to the base camp of tallest mountain in the world via lush rhododendron forests and Sherpa villages
  • Experience the daily lifestyle of the mountain people and get to see their culture
  • Visit ancient monasteries on the way and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals
  • Witness breathtaking mountain views and diverse landscapes as you trek from verdant valleys to glacier moraines
  • Reach Everest Base Camp and hike to Kala Patthar
  • Challenge yourself to complete one of the most adventurous trekking routes in the world

Trip Overview

If you ever wished to trek to the base of the tallest mountain in the world without spending much time, then we are glad to present you our Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return package. It is an 11-day trekking program to EBC that can further be customized to 8 to 10 days as per your requirements.

This is not only a short trekking package but also includes a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu. So, you will skip approximately 65 kilometers of return trekking to Lukla. Likewise, the helicopter flight is much more comfortable and offers outstanding aerial panoramas.

Join our Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return and get to explore the incredible beauty of the Himalayas. Embark on a lifetime adventure amidst towering mountains, beautiful river valleys, and picturesque Sherpa villages. Experience the warm hospitality of Nepali people and the bustle of Kathmandu, the city of temples.

What is it like trekking to the Everest Base Camp?

Everest base camp trek, with or without a helicopter return, is one of the most adventurous things a human can do in their lifetime. It is a multiple-day hike via rhododendron forests and remote mountain villages. Leaving the modern world and its comfort behind, you will follow rugged mountainous terrain, challenging yourself every day to reach the base of Mt. Everest.

The journey is adventurous and quite culturally immersing. Adventurous because you will traverse uneven cliffsides, dense forests, thrilling suspension bridges, gorges, and glacier moraines. Likewise, culturally immersing because of all the interactions with the locals and visits to ancient monasteries along the way, such as Tengboche and Pangboche.

The Everest base camp trek heli out will not be easygoing, and you may feel like giving up. But as it said, the best view comes after the hardest walks- you will get to witness some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. The trekking route is dotted with colorful prayer flags and stupas.

Numerous mountains surround the trekking route, including Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Cholatse (6,440 m/21,130 ft), Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft), etc.

Why choose Everest Base Camp trek packages with helicopter return?

The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is one of the shortest EBC trek packages in Nepal. Moreover, compared to the usual EBC trek, the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is also much more comfortable and unique, as you will get to enjoy the aerial perspective of the Himalayas closely.

If you are bound by time or just wish to skip the return trekking to Lukla, this package is the perfect option. You can complete the trek in 10-11 days and spend the remaining day exploring other parts of Nepal. Similarly, you also have the option to extend the Everest base camp heli trek to Gokyo Lakes if you wish to spend more time exploring the Khumbu region.

Everest Base Camp trek 14 days vs Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return

  • Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days- Best For Adventure And Fitness Enthusiasts Looking For An Immersive Experience
  • Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return- Best For Time-Conscious Travelers, Those with Physical Limitations, And Comfort Seeking

The major difference between the Everest Base Camp trek 14 days and the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is the number of days and total walking distance. The classic EBC trek covers a total of 130 kilometers in 14 days, whereas the EBC trek with heli return covers only half of this distance (65 km) in 11 days trip.

EBC trek 14 days is perfect for anyone who wishes to spend more time in the mountains and complete the world-famous trekking itinerary. Likewise, the helicopter return EBC trek is best for those who do not want to trek back to Lukla and end the trip right after exploring Kala Patthar.

Overall, the Everest base camp with helicopter return is a short trek and therefore, less time-consuming. It is suited for those who may have physical limitations or prefer a less physically demanding option. Due to the helicopter flight, this package cost a bit more than the general 14 days EBC trek.

Can we reach Mount Everest base camp without trekking?

Yes, you can reach the Mount Everest base camp without trekking. We have a four-hour EBC helicopter tour with a landing at Kala Patthar. Likewise, we can also customize a very immersive multiple-day helicopter trek itinerary for you, during which you can enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas with minimal hiking.

Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return cost for 2024 and 2025

You can do the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return solo or in a group. The price of the package differs for solo trekkers and group trekkers. Below, we have mentioned the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return prices for 2024 and 2025:

1 trekker: USD 2,829

2 to 5 trekkers: USD 2,759

6 and above trekkers: USD 2,590

This price covers the following things. Anything not mentioned below must be covered by the trekkers. For example, international flight tickets, travel insurance, tips, shopping, etc.

  • Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Commercial flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and a helicopter ride from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu
  • Full board meals (B, L, D) during the trek
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking trek guide and porter
  • Sleeping bag, Green society duffel bag, t-shirt, trekking map (sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and permits
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes
Itinerary
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We can Customize the trip to suite your interest and help you make it fit your budget.

Meet the team of Green Society Adventure upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport. We will be at the airport to welcome you in Nepal and transfer you to the hotel as per your flight schedule time. The hotel will be pre-booked for a hassle-free check-in.

Rest for a bit, and later, meet us for a trek briefing and introduction to your guide. Pack the duffel bags and do last-minute shopping. We will end this day with a delicious Nepali-style dinner.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Welcome Dinner

The trek to the Everest Base Camp starts today. Early in the morning, fly to Lukla and trek from here to Phakding village to spend the night. The trail from Lukla to Phakding descends via lush forests, crossing many suspension bridges and small settlements like Chheplung and Ghat. Today's highlights are Mt. Khumbila and Kongde Ri.

Trek distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles. Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3-4 hours trek

  • Max. Altitude:2846m/93337 ft.
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail leads to the famous Namche Bazaar today. From Phakding, trek via lush rhododendron and magnolia forests throughout the way. Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing it numerous times via hanging bridges, including the long Tenzing Hillary Bridge. At Mojo, register the trek permits and continue ascending towards Namche Bazaar. 

Trek distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles. Duration: 6 hours

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will spend two nights in Namche Bazaar before trekking further. The morning involves a hike to the Hotel Everest View. It is a luxury lodge hotel and offers a view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Lhotse from all of its windows.

While hiking, you will also witness stunning views of Mt. Thamserku. After the hike, return to Namche Bazaar, visiting the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery on the way.

  • Max. Altitude:3340m/11284
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail continues to Tengboche, where you will visit the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. Leaving Namche Bazaar, follow a rugged path to Kyangjuma. From here, descend to Phungi Thanga and cross a suspension bridge. The trail then follows an uphill forested route and ascends to Tengboche village. The view of Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest is phenomenal from this village.

Trek distance: 9.2 km/5.7 miles, Duration: 5 hours

  • Max. Altitude:3790m/12694ft
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Tengboche village, trek through lush rhododendron forests and descend to Deboche. From here, the trail keeps descending until it reaches the Imja Khola river bed and crosses the river. Further, the trail ascends to Pangboche village and continues to Dingboche village past terraced fields.

Trek distance: 12 km/7.45 miles, Duration: 5 hours.

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/14464ft
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Dingboche onwards, the trail is offbeat with many steep ups and downs. We will leave the village after a delicious breakfast and follow a steep, rugged route. Navigating a glacier field, descend a few hundred meters before ascending to Dusa at 4,503 m. From here, the trail descends to Dughla, where you will spend the night.

Trek distance: 4.3 km/2.6 miles, Duration: 3 hours.

  • Max. Altitude:4620m/15154ft
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dughla to Lobuche distance is short, so you will have the entire day to rest and catch your breath. You will walk along the Khumbu glacier, enjoying towering views of peaks and mountains around you. The trail will be barren and rocky.

Trek distance: 2.8 km/1.7 miles, Duration: 3 hours. 

  • Max. Altitude:4030m/16172
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will be at the Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche village, continue trekking along the Khumbu Glacier moraine and ascend to Gorak Shep. It is the last settlement area before the base camp. Leave the luggage here and continue walking towards EBC, following boulder fields and steep, rocky uphill tracks. Spend some time at the base camp of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, and later descend to Gorak Shep, following the same trail to spend the night.

Trek distance: 15 km/9.32 miles, Duration: 8 hours.

  • Max. Altitude:5364m/17593ft
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint to witness a spectacular sunrise and mountain panorama. After the hike, return to Gorak Shep, where the helicopter will be waiting for you. Take a fantastic helicopter ride, enjoying a breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayas, and fly back to Kathmandu.

You have a full day in Kathmandu. Take some rest and visit nearby tourist sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Boudhanth Stupa. Purchase souvenirs and try Nepali street food. In the late evening, we will meet for a farewell dinner and also hand over the trek completion certificate.

Trek distance: 2.4 km/1.4 miles, Duration: 3 hours hike & 1-hour flight.

  • Max. Altitude:5560m/18237ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will fly back to your home or next destination on this day. Our airport team will drop you at the international terminal as per your flight schedule time, so make sure to be ready to leave the hotel on time.

  • Meals:Breakfast
Route Map
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return- 11 Days map
Cost Details
Includes
  • All Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
  • Accommodations in a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basic.
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Flight from Kathmandu – Lukla and Chopper Ride from Gorakshep including departure taxes
  • Full board meals: B, L, D, and accommodation during the trek.
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Sleeping Bag, Green society duffel bag, t-shirt, trekking map (sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and National Park permit and TIMS
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes
Excludes
  • Nepal Visa fee.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc).
  • Tips for guides and porters.
Departure Dates
PLAN TRIP
Useful Information

Travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return

Travel insurance is mandatory if you are trekking to Everest Base Camp following any itinerary. We, Green Society Adventure, require a comprehensive travel insurance coverage document from all the participants.

The insurance must cover helicopter rescue up to 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) and medical bills. You can add other coverage like property loss and flight cancellation to your insurance, too. You have to submit the documents at least one week before the trek starts.

Make sure to double-check with your insurance company that it covers high-altitude activities and go through their terms thoroughly before buying the insurance. We also recommend you compare a few companies and their perks before purchasing the insurance.

Everest base camp trek with helicopter return packing list

You can buy most of the trekking clothes and gear in Kathmandu at a minimal cost. Likewise, renting is available for trekkers who do not want to invest in expensive gear. For instance, you can rent a sleeping bag for USD 1 to USD 3 per day and other clothes for USD 1 to USD 4 per day.

Follow the below list to pack for the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return:

  • Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
  • T-shirts or shirts
  • Down Jacket
  • Wind/waterproof light jacket
  • Fleece jumper or jacket
  • Inner Thermal (top and trousers)
  • Socks and underwear
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclavas
  • Inner and outer gloves
  • Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
  • Torch, power bank, and extra batteries
  • Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
  • Dry towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
  • Water bottles and water purification tablets
  • Sleeping bag
  • Snacks, bars, journal
  • Nepali cash and other necessary documents

Foods on the Everest Base Camp helicopter trek

The food options are quite extensive along the Everest base camp trail. In villages like Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, you will get a wide variety of food ranging from typical Nepali dal bhat and momos to pizza, burgers, steak, and different types of bakery items.

Above Dingboche, the region gets quite remote, so the options will be a bit less, but you will still get good food to keep yourself energized. Overall, the menu also includes dishes like Pancakes, Chapati, Porridge, Eggs, Muesli, Oats, Thukpa, Thenduk, Tibetan bread, soups, Sherpa stew, vegetable curries, noodles, etc.

You will have no issue finding vegetarian food. Moreover, we recommend our guests mostly have vegetarian dishes and eggs during the trek because they are fresh and carry less risk of indigestion. Likewise, fill your water bottle with boiled drinking water in the lodges along the trail. It will cost you USD 1 to USD 2 per liter.

Accommodation facilities on Everest base camp trek with helicopter return

Below is how your accommodation varies during the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return with us:

Kathmandu: In Kathmandu, we will book you a three-star hotel. You will spend two nights in Kathmandu. The hotel will be safe and offer all modern amenities, including free WiFi, AC, TV, attached washroom, etc.

During the trek: During trekking, you will stay overnight in simple but clean lodges. The rooms will be booked on a twin-sharing basis until you ask for single rooms. Do note that single rooms cost a little extra money. Washrooms will not be private in most places and any additional service like hot shower, charging, and WiFi will cost you a few extra bucks. These expenses are not covered in our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return cost, so carry enough Nepali cash to use during the trek.

Everest base camp trek heli out difficulty

The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is a moderate/difficult grade trek. This trek is not super challenging but requires decent fitness. You can trek to Everest Base Camp without previous trekking experience if you are well prepared and understand all the hurdles this trek includes.

Thanks to the availability of ample accommodation, meals, and other services along the trail, you will not face many hassles when it comes to comfort. However, the daily average 5 to 6 hours of trekking on rugged terrain can be exhausting if you are not active enough.

The major challenge of Everest base camp trekking is the high altitude and constant ascents and descends. So, trekkers must be physically fit with good stamina and endurance. Trekking from lush alpine forests, you will ascend above the tree line and pass by glacier moraines.

Trekking in the Himalayas is very different from any other sports activity. You will be out in the wilderness for multiple days. Your day-to-day will completely change. It will get tiring and annoying at some points, but the views you will come across and break your limits as you trek further will fill your heart and soul with contentment.

Altitude sickness and remedies during Everest Base Camp helicopter return trek

Altitude sickness is one of the major challenges of the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. Starting the journey from Kathmandu at 1,400 meters (4,593 ft), you will fly to Lukla at 2,846 meters (9,337 ft) in the blink of an eye. From here, the altitude only increases until you reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 ft) and eventually hike to Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters (18,192 ft). Kala Patthar is the highest point during this trek.

Given this drastic increase in altitude, the altitude sickness risks are definitely there, but you can avoid it. First of all, our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return itinerary has two rest days- one in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft) and another in Dingboche village (4,410 m/14,470 ft). These rest days involve acclimatization hikes and help you adjust to the altitude in between trekking.

Second, we have controlled the elevation increase each day and kept it below 500 meters (1,640 ft). Unlike the most EBC trek itinerary out there, this itinerary does not ascend directly from Dingboche to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft). Instead, you will spend a night in Dughla (4,620 m/15,157 ft) before continuing to Lobuche. It provides you with more chances to adjust to the elevation.

Read below to know the symptoms and preventive measures for altitude sickness during the EBC trek:

  • You have to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek. Do not smoke or drink alcohol, as it will dehydrate your body.
  • Have nutritious food during trekking. Try incorporating dal bhat in at least one of your meals and have lots of stews and soups.
  • Trek frequent 5-minute breaks to catch your breath and take long respires.
  • Maintain your pace, and do not over-tire yourself unnecessarily.

The best time to do the Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter Return

The best time to do the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is the spring and autumn seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the peak trekking seasons in the Himalayas. These seasons have stable weather, which makes trekking and flights on time. Likewise, the climate is also wonderful to enjoy walking and mountain views.

Usually, an EBC trek is also possible in the winter season (December to February), but as this trek includes a helicopter flight you may have to consider doing it in winter. If you are doing the Everest Base Camp helicopter trek in winter, at least 1-2 contingency days in your itinerary. Likewise, summer/monsoon (June to August) is one of the least favorable times for this trek.

FAQs

  • The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return covers approximately 65 kilometers (40.3 miles). Because of the helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu, you will skip the other 65 kilometers of return walking to Lukla.

  • The best time to do the Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These two seasons have ideal weather and climate conditions in the Himalayas for the trek and helicopter flight.

  • Yes, you can change the commercial Lukla flight to a helicopter flight from Kathmandu at an additional cost. It takes around 45 minutes in a helicopter to reach Lukla from Kathmandu.

  • No, the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is not a luxury trek. We have only removed the return trekking from the package and replaced it with a helicopter flight. However, you have the option to upgrade to a luxury EBC trek. Additional charges apply.

  • If you have opted for a shared flight, there will be five other passengers, including you, during the helicopter flight.

  • Yes, you can rent and buy trekking equipment and clothing in Kathmandu as well as in Lukla at a minimal cost.

  • There is no age limit for the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. The participants have to be in good health and fitness to join this adventure in the Himalayas. UNderage trekkers (below age 16) can join this trek with an identified guardian.

  • The chances of altitude sickness by following our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return itinerary are very low. We have a very different itinerary with ample rest days and minimal walk once you are above 3,500 meters.

  • From Lukla, you can reach Kathmandu in 45 minutes of helicopter flight during the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return.

  • It takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by helicopter. Likewise, it takes the same time to return to Kathmandu.

  • The difficulty of the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return depends on the physical fitness of the trekker. If you are fit and can walk 5 to 6 hours a day, then this trek will not be that challenging. Overall, the EBC helicopter trek is considered a moderate-difficult trek.

  • Yes, the helicopter flight is 100% safe. The helicopters are operated by professional and highly experienced pilots who know the Himalayan geography deeply. We make sure the helicopters are regularly maintained for a safe flight.

  • Yes, you can do the Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return solo. You can join a fixed departure group and trek with like-minded travelers from around the world or opt for a private trek. Do note that the private trek rate is a bit higher because you will solely cover the expense of the guide and porter.

  • From Kathmandu, the helicopter flight to the Everest Base Camp costs USD 1,300 to USD 1,450 per person. Likewise, if you are in a group, you can join the flight at a bit lower cost as per the group size. For instance, in a group of 5 or more people, you can fly to EBC from Kathmandu at USD 1,200 per person.

  • Yes, you can take a helicopter and fly to Everest base camp, but landing there is not possible because of limited space.

  • You can seamlessly extend your Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return itinerary to Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes. We will change the helicopter pick-up point where your ascending journey ends and ready to return to Lukla.

  • No, you cannot reach Mount Everest summit by helicopter, but you can fly to its base camp or Camp II and Camp II.

  • The chances of helicopter flight delay are very low to almost zero in the peak trekking seasons. Both commercial Lukla flights and helicopter flights are mostly on time.

Price Per PersonUS$2590(All-inclusive price)
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  • Call Us+977 9841741756 (Raj)
  • Mail Us [email protected]
  • Our Location Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

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