Shortest Everest Base Camp EBC Trek 7 Day Heli Return

7-day-everest-base-camp-trek
At a Glance
  • Duration7 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 5365m
  • Group Size 1 - 20 People
  • Start City Kathmandu
  • End City Kathmandu
  • Trip Type Private and Group Joining
  • Activity Trekking | Hiking | Helicopter Riding
  • Best Season Jan - MAy and Sep. - Jan
Trip Highlights
  • An amazing view of Mt. Everest
  • Sherpa Culture and lifestyle
  • Helicopter Flight from Gorekshep
  • Khumbu Glacier
  • Flight to Lukla 
  • Namche Bazaar
  • Tengboche Monastery and Mountain Views
  • Everest Base Camp Summit

Maybe every, literally every person in this world has dreams about visiting Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world at least once in a lifetime. However, only a few people have the courage to get up and actually plan their trip to Mount Everest. The Majestic Everest can be conquered in two ways, you can either plan a half-month-long, expensive, and painful EBC trek or you can pick a rather relaxing vacation of 7 days at Everest base camp and ride back to Kathmandu on a helicopter. Everest base camp trek is already the most popular adventure activity in Nepal and making it even more interesting, our team at Breeze Adventure has come up Everest base camp trek with helicopter return.

So why is this among our most popular and preferred tracking packages?

Trekking to Everest base camp is exciting but it takes more than 15 days. And as you return back on the same path the return journey backwards is rather boring. When you take such a long trek in the mountain terrain, the descent is difficult due to pain in the knees. This is why we came up with a 7-day EBC trek with helicopter return where you can explore all the wonderful places of Everest and enjoy all the perks of trekking while getting back on a comfortable ride.

So, this is the Shortest Everest Base Camp Trek.

But will it be expensive?

Returning back from Everest on a trek takes you about 3 to 4 days and a domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Whereas in a helicopter you can come back in less than one hour at almost a similar price. Both the longer trekking route and helicopter ride from Everest base camp to Lukla have similar costs and you shouldn't worry about the finances. And to top it all you can actually fly above Mount Everest to witness the bird eye view of the Majestic Mountain.

So, its it exciting?

Best time to Trek

Just like the classic Everest base camp trek this package is also best during the month of autumn and spring. September, October, and November at the most recommended months because the mountains look absolutely beautiful during this month. However, you might have to do some pre-bookings for 7 days of EBC Trek due to the heavy crowd of the trekkers. Further, the season of Spring is known for beautiful wildflowers and it also has warm and peaceful kind of weather in 7 days Everest Base Camp Trek Helicopter Return. Winner trekking in January and December is really hard and cold due to the snowfall in the mountains, even the Shortest Everest Base Camp Trek is not possible. Summer trek in June and July is actually not possible due to the slippery trials of the monsoon. If you are planning to travel to Nepal during winter and summer we can arrange you helicopter to Everest base camp with three landings.

Weather and Temperature of Everest Base Camp

The mountains are always cold and breezy. The average temperature of Everest base camp is -5°C and that of Namche is about 10°C. The month of December, January, and February are the coldest where all areas above Lukla is likely to be covered in snow. After that, the temperature starts to increase and reaches up to 10°C even in the Everest base camp during spring and summer. The month of spring from March to May is the peak season for Everest climbers so the entire area is very happening and crowded for 7 days of Everest Base Camp Trek. Summer (June and July) Jugaad some occasional rain fall but it is still one. The temperature starts to drop a little from October when it gets about 5°C in the base camp and 10°C in the lower region. Precipitation and wind in Autumn are very low and this is the best time for Short Everest Base Camp Trek.

Itinerary

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Firstly, all treks to Khumbu begin with a flight to Lukla that takes about 30 mins from Kathmandu. The mountain flight of Nepal with all the views of hills and Himalayas will give a thrilling start to the journey. At Lukla, we meet some more members of the crew joining us for the trip. Then we start to walk via the Dudh Koshi valley and move toward Phakding. Today’s trail is quite easy as we hike for 4 hours only.

  • Max Altitude: 2610m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 3 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 6.2km

From Phakding, we walk towards Monjo in the morning on the 2nd day of EBC Trek 7 days. After around two hours of walking, we entered Sagarmatha National Park. Then we cross a beautiful suspension bridge over the Dude Koshi River and take a route to the left. Then our next stop shall be Jorsale where we can find some shopping centres and beautiful tea houses. Finally, a last epic ascent takes us to Namche Bazaar.

  • Time: 6-7 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 7.4km

If you want, we can stop at Namche for an additional day. But our plan is to hike further north towards Tengboche on the third day. Although todays path is a bit quite rocky hiking along Dudh Koshi will definitely be fun. At Tengboche, we have an opportunity to explore the biggest monastery in the area.

  • Max Altitude: 3860m
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 10km

From Tengboche, we walk on a steep hill to Imja Khola. Beyond the river, we cross some forest and potato fields before we stop at Dingboches village. This high-altitude settlement has some beautiful hotels as trekkers often stop here for acclimatization.

  • Max Altitude: 4400m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 9.1km

In the morning on the 5th day of the Everest Helicopter Trek, Ama Dablam treats us with the spectacular sunrise. After breakfast, we moved to the village of Dughla. This is our only stop for the day before we begin a big ascent. Which reach today’s destination Lobuche late evening. Then, it’s time for a quick dinner and sleep.

  • Max Altitude: 4940m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 6.6km

Now, this is an exciting day of EBC Trek 7 days for us, a final day in the lap of Mount Everest. From Lobuche, we hike towards Gorakshep quickly. Here we keep our bagpacks and get from lunch before moving to Everest Base Camp. In the early evening, we shall be strolling around the earth’s most beautiful place i.e. Mount Everest Base Camp. Take some beautiful pictures and enjoy a few moments before getting to Gorakshep. Here, a helicopter will be waiting to lift you back to Lukla.

  • Max Altitude: 5365
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 7 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 11km

After breakfast in Lukla, we will be hopping on a plane to Kathmandu. The plane is often scheduled in the early morning when the weather is clear. In Kathmandu, you are free to roam however you will. We do recommend a good spa session though. Our EBC Trek 7 days end here.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Time: 30min
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Transport: Airplane

The 7-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is designed by our years of experienced local Trekking Guides. If this itinerary is not suitable for your holiday plan, you could add few more days on this 7 days EBc Trek.

Cost Details
What's Included
  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  • Two nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  •  flights to and from Lukla by plane
  • Helicopter Flight from Gorekshep to Lukla.
  • Local guest house accommodation in the mountains.
  • Government-authorized, experienced guides and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps
  • Service charges and government taxes
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry fee
  • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of the itinerary
Group Discount Prices
Number of peoplePrice per person
1 pax
US$2350
2 pax
US$2200
3 - 5 pax
US$2050
6 - 15 pax
US$1850

Essential Information

Most Popular Places on 7 Days EBC Trek

There are many popular places to visit during 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary and exciting stops. A few of them are listed here

Lukla: The village of Luke La is popular as a gateway to Everest and home to Lukla Airport one of the most dangerous airports in the world

Sagarmatha National Park: you cross the gate of Sagarmatha National Park a UNESCO old heritage site on the second day of the trek. This National Park is home to many rare mountain wildlife like Snow Leopard and Himalayan Thar

Namche Bazaar:This old town of Everest has places to visit such as the Everest View Hotel, Museum, local schools, and nearby monasteries.

Tengboche:This village comes from Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most important Monestry of the place of the entire Shortest Everest Base Camp Trek.

Gokyo: Beyond Everest base camp there are five stunning glacier lake called Gokyo lakes that is worth visiting either via trek or via helicopter

Side trip to Khumjung to see the famous "Yeti" skull and a Pangboche side trip to more ancient monasteries.

Trekking Difficulties

EBC helicopter return trek is regarded as moderately difficult. This means, you do not need any mountain trekking skills or training but you will need a great amount of stamina. You will be trekking 6 to 8 hours each day in a difficult mountain terrain and having good physical fitness is really important. However, the return journey shall be in and helicopter and you will only be walking for six days and it gets quite easy. The descent from Everest is very painful to the knees and you can avoid it by taking the helicopter. However, people with heart, lungs, or any other kind of illness are suggested to avoid this Everest Helicopter Trek.

Fitness Level for Everest Helicopter Trek

Everest Trek difficulty level: Moderate

This Shortest Everest Base Camp Trek is better for trekkers with lower fitness levels. Longer i.e. 15 days EBC trek can be very challenging, both mentally and physically. But as the trip gets shorter, you can easily complete it with some determination. Some pre-exercises and practice session is helpful, but 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Cost makes it really easy and quick.

Avoid High Altitude Sickness

During this trek, we will mostly be walking at 4,000 meters above sea level. From Lukla, we start to gain altitude very quickly and we might suffer from symptoms of altitude sickness. The symptoms such as headaches, nausea, back pain, difficulty in breathing etc can be seen. While most of these symptoms go away when you stop the hike and rest for a night or two, it gets serious in some cases. During this, you might have to walk to a lower altitude or even be evaluated in a helicopter. But our expert guides are well trained to deal with such issues and they will surely be helpful.

Trip Safety:

  • Drink lots of water and avoid all alcoholic drinks for the EBC Helicopter return trek
  • Carry a water bottle and purification table on your own
  • Dont push yourself very hard, ask the guide to stop as soon as you feel difficulty walking
  • Eat vegetarian food rich in carbs and fat for lunch
  • Keep yourself very warm throughout the Everest Helicopter Trek
  • Carry extra cash for things that are not included in 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
  • Do not leave your valuables in the room or in a trekking bag

Food and Accommodations

Food and accommodation are not an issue during this trip. Our Everest base camp tour with helicopter return comes with quality accommodation and all three meals during the trip. In Kathmandu, you will be staying at a three-star hotel while hotels in Everest are pretty basic with cozy rules and small beds. We make sure that you get the best within available facilities. For food, you can choose any breakfast, lunch, or dinner you prefer from the menu. A lot of Nepalese, Indian as well and Continental options such as burgers, pizza, and rolls are available throughout the trek. Also, you have some good options for local Sherpa food to keep yourself warm in the mountains.

Physical fitness

Ease of Everest base camp trek is determined by two factors your strength and physical well-being. The most important expectation is to be healthy from all kinds of heart and lung-related problems. Then, it is important that you prepare your body for such long walks in the mountains. For that, you should be doing strength improvement training and cardio exercises about one month before the Everest Helicopter Trek.

Trek Permits

Two different kind of tracking permit in addition to your Visa is required for the EBC Helicopter return trek. The Everest base camp trek permit includes a Sagarmatha National Park permit and a Khumbu National Park permit. These permits can be issued from Kathmandu or Lukla for about NPR 5000 in total. But Breeze Adventures arranges all kinds of permits for your Everest Helicopter Trek, so there is nothing to worry about.

Sherpa Culture

Sherpas are the most famous mountain people who have conquered many mountains including Everest for centuries. They are actually the protector of mountains and a dedicated community to make your trip to Everest exciting. Known for their resilience and strength they are the devout Tibetan Buddhists. Monasteries and stupas are the center of their cultural activities and you can see many of them during Short Everest Base Camp Trek. Sherpa people have their own Tibetic language, but they are also fluent speakers of Nepali and English. The colorful woven garments, prayer flags unique food dishes like "tsampa" (roasted barley flour), and "Thukpa" (noodle soup) make the journey even more exciting. If you travel in October or November, you can also celebrate their main festival Mani Rimdu at Tengboche Monastery on Everest Base Camp trek for 7 days.

Flora and Fauna

The Himalayas of Nepal Are very rich in all kinds of flora and fauna and this 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is your chance to observe them all. In this region, they have been protected under the supervision of Sagarmatha National Park. You can see alpine Vegetation around Dudh Kosi Valley which include rhododendron, pine, and fir trees. Above the Tree Line, there are alpine meadows and grassland for yaks and thar. The mountains are mostly known for Medicinal Herbs inlacing Yarsagumba, a caterpillar fungus.

And talking about animals, the elusive and endangered big cat called snow leopard homes the upper zone of Everest Base Camp trek 7 days. There is also a cute species of Red Panda with distinctive red fur and Musk Deer. You can spot some Yaks, Himalayan Tahr, and Meul. The mountains are also home to colorful birds such as Himalayan Monal, Snow Cock, Himalayan Griffon, hawks, ravens, and finches.

Trekking Guide and Porters

When you book a trekking package in Nepal with a breeze adventure, you get an experienced licensed guide and a brave porter as a part of your booking. However, if you do not want to pay for a travel package and hire a guide to Everest separately, then you can find authorized guys in Thamel or online. Getting guides to Everest online is not very common in Nepal, but there are some Facebook groups and genuine websites that can help you. Hiring a guide can cost you between $25-$30 per day. Also, you need to be a special porter because you will be carrying a lot of trekking gear and clothes, including a sleeping bag. On average, a porter can carry the bag of two people, around 20 KG each. And the cost of a porter is $20 per day.

Trekking route

The classic route of Everest base camp that has been used for more than one century stars from Lukla. Trekking from Kathmandu to Lukla takes another five days, so most people fly from Kathmandu and then trek to Namche Baazzar the biggest settlement in the area. From Namche Bazaar, there are many short diversions but we take the traditional route to Tengoboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. Our final stop before the Everest Base Camp shall be Gorakshep. Upto here, the route of the Shortest Everest Base Camp Trek is the same. We visit Everest Base Camp trek 7 days and walk to Gorakshep before our helicopter lifts us back to Lukla. If you want to witness the most spectacular sunrise and the amazing panorama of the Mountains, then you can hike to Kala Pathar in the morning.

Why 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek?

Because its fun and comfortable at the same time. In the first part, you get to enjoy all the fun of the trek and be the part of mountains. And on the second part, you get to fly above Everest and experience the highest form of comfort and luxury. While others deal with extreme pain to return on the same trail, all you need is a 15-minute flight to Lukla and 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Cost is the same as trekking. So, this EBC Helicopter return trek is definitely an all-in-one package.

Shortest Everest Base Camp EBC Trek 7 Day Heli Return FAQs

  • If more than 40,000 trekkers are making the trip every year, why can’t you? The trek is not difficult at all. It is quite safe and rewarding, the only difficulty being the high altitude. So, people of all ages, sizes, and shapes can train beforehand and make a trip to the Everest Base Camp. Acclimatizing for a couple of days in a trip of 14 days (including pre and post-night at Kathmandu) would avoid probable altitude sickness. You can go for short or express EBC trek as well if you have previous hiking experience.

  • Everest Base Camp Trek is just a slow hike on a man-made trail, not a rigorous mountain climb. But you will hike 5-6 hours each day for two weeks, so don’t underestimate this trip. Also, you need not be a marathon runner or fitness freak to make this trip successful. With proper acclimatization, a slow pace, and solid preparation, everyone can complete this trek. If you don’t have experience walking uphill, you might need 7-10 weeks of training to build your stamina and cardio endurance. Don’t forget to consult your doctor before you train or start the trek to EBC!

  • The weight limit for luggage is 10 kg per trekker. One porter will be assigned to every two trekkers, and the combined luggage for both trekkers should not exceed 20 kg. We do not overload our porters.

    You may need to bring a small knapsack or backpack for your valuables and important items. Only bring essential items. Excess baggage can be left at your hotel or Breeze Adventure Pvt Ltd store at no cost.

    If you are willing to take a heavy bag with you, we can provide a personal perter at an additional cost.

  • During the trek, you will have access to internet services at lodges for a small fee. Once you reach higher altitudes, communication will primarily be through the phone. Breeze Adventure will keep in touch with all clients at least once a day through our trek leader using various methods such as Signal, WhatsApp, phone, and Messenger to ensure your safety and well-being.

    Signal strength may be weak at higher elevations, but you can purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu to improve connectivity.

  • Everest Base Camp stands at an elevation of 17,598 feet (5,364 meters) above sea level. The journey to reach it begins at an elevation of 5,364 meters in Kathmandu and culminates at a peak of 18,192 feet (5,555 meters) at Kala Patthar.

  • There is not any road access to Lukla yet. So we must fly from Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, the road is building up to Lukla and it would be ready in a few years. If you want to avoid the flight to and from Lukla, you could add a few days to the itinerary and start your Everest Base Camp Trek trek from Phaplu. On this itinerary, you would drive to Phaplu, Nunthala and start the trek up to Lukla and continue up to Everest Base Camp on the same trail.

  • There is not any guesthouse at the Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is located above the Khumbu glacier so it is not possible to build a guesthouse. There is a space for the tent camp for the expedition groups. However, if you are willing to sleep at EBC and come to Nepal during March, or April, we can manage a night stay at the expedition group’s tent at an additional cost.

  • It's important to pack as lightly as possible to keep you on the move, right? But don't worry about carrying all of your gear yourself, we provide one porter for every two travelers and we will give you a waterproof duffel bag to carry your trekking gear. This will make it easier for you to enjoy the trip without being weighed down by heavy luggage.

    Please note that the maximum weight limit for porter-carried luggage is 10 kg (22 lbs) per person, and the weight limit for luggage on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is also 10 kg (22 lbs) with a hand luggage limit of 5 kg (11 lbs). Some of your luggage can be left in Kathmandu (although the hotel may charge a storage fee), but you'll need to bring all your trekking gear with you.

    Please carefully review the checklist in the trip notes for details on what to bring for the trek. You'll need to bring a comfortable, medium-sized day pack to carry the items you'll need during the day. Look for a pack with a waist strap or padded waist belt for added comfort. Remember that the weather can be changeable at high altitudes, so layered clothing is recommended year-round.

  • Yes, obviously this trek is for you! This trek leads you into the high valley of the Himalayas. All you need is hiking experience and strong determination. People who have never been up to 200m in their life also have made it all the way to EBC without any altitude sickness. While hiking, you must remember to go slow and steady. This trek does not have any age limit. 80+ years old people also reached Everest Base Camp, as well as 6-year-old children. This Trek is for all-age people around the world who have wanted to accomplish their bucket list dream. As long as you do some preparation and follow our guides, you should have no problem reaching base camp.

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