9 Days Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek

everest-base-camp-helicopter-trek
At a Glance
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 5640m
  • Group Size 1 - 20 Person
  • Start City Kathmandu City
  • End City Kathmandu City
  • Trip Type Private and Group Joining
  • Activity Trekking, Hiking and Helicopter Flight
  • Best Season March - May and September - January
Trip Highlights
  • Senic flight to Lukla.
  • Sherpa Culture and their lifestyle.
  • Mount Everest
  • Namche Bazaar.
  • Everest Base Camp.
  • Kalapatthar.
  • Sagarmatha Natilnal Park.
  • Helicopter ride from Gorekshep via Dingboche, Tengboche, Namche, Lukla to Kathmandu.

The Everest Base Camp trek is obviously the world’s most preferred holiday plan. Strolling in the unique landscape surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas in all directions is definitely fun. However, did you know that flying to Everest, right above the panorama of the mountain is even more exciting? Trekking and helicopter flight are two different ways to see Everest, each one offering a completely different experience that you cannot miss. 

So, why limit yourself to just when there’s a way to enjoy the Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek i.e. both trekking and Heli flight to Everest in a single journey? 

How? Let us explain.

Like all other Everest Base Camp treks, this journey also begins from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. From here, we catch a flight to Lukla and hike towards the majestic Everest by getting into the villages of Phakding and Namche. We stop at Namche for a day and then walk to Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep before finally landing at Everest Base Camp, the closest we get to the mysterious Everest. Next, we hike to Kala Patthar for the best sunrise view of Everest. 

However, the rather interesting part of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek journey starts when a Helicopter picks us up from Gorakshep and flies us above Khumbu Glacier. With the unbelievable bird’s eye view of Everest, Nuptse, Cho Oyo, Makalu, etc., the helicopter takes us to Kathmandu within a few minutes. 

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek Difficulty

The initial part of the journey is obviously very demanding. Walking to 5,000 meters above sea level continuously isn’t very easy. Thankfully, since we directly fly from Everest to Kathmandu by Helicopter, we avoid the major painful section. This Everest Base Camp helicopter trek is way easier than the classic trek trail of Everest. 

Why Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

You gotta get the thrills of both the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. In the EBC trek, you get to visit the local villages, interact with the Sherpas, and observe their lives while climbing upward. You can spot the rear wildlife dwelling in Sagarmatha National Park and discover the hidden monastery. And on the Everest base camp Heli tour, you get to experience the bird’s eye view from the top while returning to Kathmandu quickly and luxuriously

Itinerary

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A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you to our hotel.  We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transport: Car/Van

Unlike other trek packages to Everest Base Camp, we first drive to the terminal airport of Kathmandu and then get on a flight to Lukla. Our driver picks us up right from the hotel in Thamel and drives us to the airport for the very scenic flight to Lukla. This is actually the most exciting part of this Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Tenzing Hillary Airport at 2,800 meters offers one of the most thrilling landings in the world. 
 
At Lukla, we met some Porters who will carry our duffel bag. From there, we begin the walk on the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Crossing many Himalayan settlements, we reach Phakding for the night.

  • Max Altitude: 2610m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 3 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 8km

Today, we have an exciting walk along the forest of Pine and Rhododendron. Walking along the Dudh Koshi River, we visit the villages of Benker, Chumoa, and Monjo. At Monjo, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park by issuing an entry permit. You might get the chance to encounter some exciting Himalayan wildlife like Thar, Red Panda, Langur, Monkey, etc. on your way up. 
 Now, we ascent for one more hour before getting to Namche. After we get to Namche in the evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner in the beautiful ambiance of the mountain. Namche is a big trading town at such an altitude that you can see many bars, restaurants, and bakeries. 

  • Max Altitude: 3440m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 12km

Since we are at 3,867 meters, we will need some rest to cope with decreasing oxygen levels. Thus, we stop at Namche for a day and visit places such as the Everest view hotel, Khunde Hospital, Local Schools, and museums. Everest View Hotel can be a great viewpoint in the morning where we can witness the spectacular Panorama of mountains including Everest. We can also visit nearby local villages or rest in our rooms. 
 
In the evening, we visit the small yet beautiful market of Namche. You can enjoy a cup of coffee and some freshly baked pies in one of the restaurants here. Such luxury isn’t available once you walk beyond Namche.

  • Max Altitude: 3880m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 3 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 5km

This is another interesting day of Everest Base Camp trek and Helicopter flyback. Getting further into the Khumbu region, we trek into the places called Sansa via Kayangjuma. We strop here from the view and some food. As we keep walking down with the view of Mt. Thamserku, we cross the checkpoint right before starting the ascent to Tengboche. After a couple of hours, we get to Tengboche, a considerable settlement in the area.
 
Here, we visit the Tengboche monastery, the most significant and oldest Buddhist heritage of the village. Tengboche monastery. Inside the monastery, we can hear the evening chants inside the monastery by the Buddhist monks. From the backyard of the monastery, we will see the trekking routes to Gokyo Valley.

  • Max Altitude: 3867m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 9km

After breakfast, we start the walk with the majestic Ama Dablam towering before us. From Tengboche, the trekking trail descends down for about 30 minutes and reaches Pangboche. The trail is beautiful with amazing sights of the Himalayas and many trekkers around. We get into Imja Valley which shows the beautiful view of the Lobuche River, before getting to Dingboche by evening. 
 
Dingboche is a lovely village. We will see the cultivation of Potato and Barley there. Here, people surround their fields with stone walls to protect the crops from cattle and cold air. Enjoy the beauty of the mountain while you spend a comfortable night in a tea house.

  • Max Altitude: 4410m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 12km

On the 5th day of the Everest trek with helicopter flyback, we will spend a great time in the beautiful ambiance of Dingboche. Although Dingboche is not as fancy as Namche Bazaar, it’s a calm and peaceful place to stop before our climb gets more difficult. From your hotel, the views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, Cho Yu, Lobuche East/ West, and many other peaks are magnificent. In the morning or in the daytime, we can hike to the nearby hill and enjoy the day. There is some great viewpoint to witness the awesome peaks in the Everest Region.

  • Max Altitude: 5030m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 7km

After re-energizing from a rest day, we now walk towards the village of Lobuche. First, we get to the settlement of Duglha and Dusa before the valley narrows down. From the ridge, we can see the best views of Mt. Tawache and Cholatse so close and so beautiful. Since we keep on gaining altitude, the treks keep on being harder. So, we walk slowly to the beautiful yak pastures in Thukla. We drink a lot of water while walking in the terminal moraine of Khumbu glacier. With the stunning Mount Pumori right before us, we continue the walk to Lobuche. Lobuche is also a small village situated in very difficult terrain. However, there are some comfortable tea houses for our night’s stop.

  • Max Altitude: 4940m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 11km

Today, we start the hike to the Gorakshep in the morning. As we reach Gorakshep, the last human settlement before EBC, we stop for a while to leave our stuff. Then, we trek to Everest Base Camp for the most beautiful experience of our lives. We can see the world’s highest peak shining right before our eyes, glittering in the mountains. We spend a couple of hours in this magical land, capturing some stunning views of the mountains. 
 
After a few hours before the majestic Everest, we make a lot of memories before returning to Gorakshep for a night’s stay. They serve quite excellent food and arrange a comfortable stay for the night. Since we have to wake up early the next morning, we get to bed early.

  • Max Altitude: 5364m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 7/8 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 15km

We wake up very early, intending to reach Kala Patthar before sunrise. This 2-3 hours of trek will be the most challenging climb of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek journey. However, the views from the top are just magnificent, i.e. better than the ones from the base camp itself. In a couple of hours, we get back to Gorakshep for breakfast. As we sip the warm cup of coffee, there will be a helicopter waiting for us.

After getting our bag, the entire team gets inside the Heli and the flight to Everest thus begins. We fly above Khumbu glacier and other small peaks, giving you a satisfactory view of the landscape. Then, we fly towards Namche and within some moments, you can see the runway of Lukla beyond you. Finally, we start to see the lush tropical forest and valley of Kathmandu. Within some moments, we shall be driving to our hotel in Thamel from the airport in Kathmandu. 

  • Max Altitude: 5640m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 5km
  • Transport: Helicopter

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport.  Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide!  We look forward to your next adventure with us.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Meals: Breakfast
Cost Details
What's Included
  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  • 3 nights in a 2-star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • Transportation to and from the Airport
  • Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Ticket.
  • Gorekshep -Lukla - Kathmandu Helicopter Flight.
  • Local guest house accommodation in the mountains.
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porter.
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guide and porter.
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Equipments:-sleeping bag, trekking pole, down jacket.
  • First Aid Kit
  • Breeze Adventure logo Trekking T-shirt ( 1 piece)
  • Maps
  • Service charge and government taxes
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry fee.
What's Not Included
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide
  • Personal Insurance
  • International Flight
Group Discount Prices
Number of peoplePrice per person
1 pax
US$2800
2 - 5 pax
US$2600
6 - 10 pax
US$2500
11 - 20 pax
US$2500

Essential Information

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek vs Tour

Trekking to Everest itself has a lot of adventurous thrilling. However, it will take more than 2 weeks of hard walking in the remote land while the Everest base camp tour by helicopter is only 9 days long. Many people suffer from cramps and knee pain on the return journey. So, having a helicopter to take you to the comfort of the city in less than an hour is a blessing. Also, you will not miss out on the stunning Everest and other nearby peaks from the top of Kalapatthar.

Weather and climate

Views from this glorious trail are always awe-inspiring. However, the months of autumn (September, October, November) and Spring (March, April, May) are absolutely lovely. The temperature during these months is 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and the weather is stable i.e. no rainfall and snowfall. Trekking in winter (December to January ) is hard due to the snow above Namche. The helicopter flight to Everest is more than magical in winter. Summer i.e. June and July is not a good time for both trek and helicopter flights to Everest. 

Cost Details of Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Since it involves the cost of a helicopter, the Everest Base Camp helicopter trek is obviously high. The price of an Everest trek is about $1500/ person and that of a helicopter flight is about $1200/ person. Combining both, the Everest Heli trek is about $2500. However, if you have a crew to share in the Helicopter cost on the return journey, the cost comes out to be a little cheaper. 

Group Joining Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek Cost Details

The cost of the Everest Base Camp helicopter trek is high if you have to charter the entire Helicopter. However, when you have a crew to share that cost with i.e. Group Joining Everest Base Camp Heli Trek cost comes out to $2000 to $2500. The group can be arranged by the agency or by the trekkers themselves. Considering the comfort it brings, the price is worth it.

Our Helicopter Services in Everest Region

Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter flight

While regular people fly from Kathmandu to Lukla at a domestic airport, a helicopter flight to Lukla is a more comfortable option. With Breeze Adventure, you can charter a helicopter to Lukla and fly around Kathmandu, Dolakha, and Solukumbu of your own free will. The helicopter lands at Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla (2680 meters). 

Gorekshep to Lukla Helicopter Flight

Gorekshep is the final human settlement before Everest Base Camp. After the visit to Everest and Kalapatthar, the trekkers shall enjoy a warm breakfast at Gorekshep and then job into Breeze Adventure’s helicopter. Similarly, you can also fly from Lukla to Gorakshep and then hike to Everest and Kalapatthar on your foot. 

Kalapatthar Helicopter Tour flight

Kalapatthar (Black Rock) is the highest point during Everest Trek. This small peak at 5,644 offers the most beautiful views of Everest and the nearby Himalayas with the sunrise in the morning. It’s claimed that the view from Kalapatthar is better than the one from Everest Base Camp itself. Kalapatthar Helicopter Flight Landing tour is very popular. 

Gokyo Lakes Helicopter Tour

Beyond Everest base camp, there lie the six pristine glacier lakes of Gokyo. A helicopter flight to Gokyo is available from Kathmandu or Lukla (also the return flight). The lakes and Himalayas in the Gokyo Valley, one of the world’s highest-located settlement makes a lifetime memorable journey. This is about 4 hours of flight from the capital. 

Kathmandu –Kalapatthar-Gokyo Lakes Helicopter tour

Now, this is the ultimate adventure one can experience on Everest. We shall first fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then head towards Kalapatthar for the awesome view of Everest Peak. Then, we shall land at Gokyo Lakes, offering a magical view of the entire landscape. In a short while, we fly from Gokyo to Kathmandu. 

Everest Kalapatthar Kongde Resort Helicopter tour

Want something even more fun and luxurious? Then, you must try this Kalapatthar Kongde Resort Helicopter tour. After a wonderful view from Kalapatthar, we shall land at Kongde Resort which is one of the highest-located resorts with an entire view of the Khumbu Region at 4250m. They serve yummy food for the trekkers while enjoying such a magical view.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is the most exciting and adventurous experience. So please contact Breeze Adventure for more details. We are committed to making your journey on Everest fun and exciting! 

9 Days Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek FAQs

  • Yes, we believe that the Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek will definitely be trending in the near future. If you want adventure and luxury in a single trip and complete the Everest Base Camp trek quite easily (and in a short time), this Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek package is perfect for you. 

  • On the helicopter flight, one get’s the world's tallest mountain peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Kanchanjunga, Mera, and dozens of other high peaks. We can also see Gyajung Khang, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Khangugu, Tawache and Cholatse. Along with such incredible mountains, you get to visit Namche Bazaar school, museums, and local farms. You can see Tengboche Monastery and also the unique wildlife of Sagarmatha National Park.

  • Since you will be trekking with an experienced guide who will be helping you throughout the trek, you will be in safe hands. Similarly, our Helicopters are new and regularly inspected. Detailed checking is done after each flight and all necessary maintenance is done. The pilots are also highly experienced, flying in the Everest region regularly. So, yeah, Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is very safe. 

  • Yes, You can do this trek with your kids above 5 years old with additional days on the regular itinerary. 

  • No, you have to trek back to Gorekshep to fly out by Helicopter. There is not a regular helipad at the Everest Base camp. So it is better to back to Gorekshep and climb the Kalapatthar the next morning and fly out by Helicopter to Kathmandu.

  • Yes, You could do this trek with your family without any problems. However, you will have to add some extra days to the regular itinerary. your family would love this trip!

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