Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return

Our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return begins with a scenic flight to Lukla. It takes 30 minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, while it takes 20 minutes to fly from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. Lukla is the starting point of our trek, and from here, we will gradually begin our journey to Everest Base Camp.

From Lukla, we will gradually ascend to Phakding. It is a relatively short trek and less demanding. The trail begins to get challenging as you leave Phakding. You will enter the dense forest trails of rhododendrons, oaks, and firs. Similarly, you will trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River and ascend to Namche Bazaar. The beautiful Namche Bazaar is a popular acclimatization stop. We will also rest here for a day and take a short excursion to the Everest View Hotel. It helps the body to adapt to the growing elevation.

After a day’s rest, we will continue our journey. We will again trek on a trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River and through rhododendron forests. During the trek, crystal-clear views of the snow-clad peaks of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and more are visible. Finally, we will reach Tengboche and visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. The following day, we will trek through the alpine forest, cross the Imja Khola, and ascend to Dingboche village.

Dingboche will be our second acclimatization stop. We will take a short hike to the Dingboche viewpoint to witness the beautiful mountain views and sceneries. From here, we will climb to Thukla and pass the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine and stone memorial. The rocky and uneven paths will become gentler as you reach Lobuche. We will trek along the Khumbu Glacier on rough, rocky trails to reach Gorak Shep. We will take a short break and resume our hike to the Mount Everest Base Camp. En route, the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall are visible.

We will spend some time at Everest Base Camp before descending to Gorak Shep. The next day, we will wake up early and ascend a steep trail to Kala Patthar. The vantage point offers a grand view of Everest and other surrounding mountain vistas. It is also the highest point of our trek. We will explore around for a while and descend again to Gorak Shep. A helicopter will pick you up for your return back to Kathmandu. The helicopter can make a brief stop to refuel in Lukla.

Scenic flights

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return offers an excellent opportunity to get on scenic flights and enjoy the aerial views. You will begin your journey with a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It offers the first glimpse at the diverse landscapes and panoramas of the Everest region. You will land at one of the most dangerous airports in the world, Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla. After beginning your journey with a scenic flight, you will end it with a spectacular helicopter flight. The helicopter lands at Kala Patthar, and the flight offers brilliant scenery.

Adventurous trails

The trekking trail to Everest Base Camp is famous for its sceneries and diverse terrains. You will trek on the very trail that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa took during their 1953 Mount Everest expedition. It has numerous uphill and downhill climbs with steep and narrow sections. Similarly, you will cross several wooden bridges over rushing rivers. You will move from the subtropical dense forest of lower altitude to highland alpine meadows. As you get close to the Mount Everest Base Camp, you will cross a few glacier moraines. The rough and rocky trails make the climb demanding but, at the same time, rewarding.

Panoramic mountain views

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is the best way to witness the panoramic mountain views. From the start to the end of the journey, the gorgeous vistas will keep you accompanied. When you ascend to the Everest Base Camp, you will witness the gigantic Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and other surrounding peaks in close and personal view. Similarly, you will observe these mountains from a 360-degree view at ground level from Kala Patthar. Let us not forget about the helicopter return flight. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery with bird’s eye views. You can capture these moments with your camera and take them home as a souvenir.

Cultural immersion

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is not just an adventure but also a cultural trip. The Everest region is home to the famous Sherpa people with unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. They also follow Tibetan Buddhism, which significantly impacts their daily lives. During the journey, you will have numerous opportunities to glimpse and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Sherpas. The locals run the accommodation facilities along the routes. Hence, you get to experience the warm hospitality and observe their local customs from close range. Some accommodations also host traditional dance and music programs to entertain their guests. You can also taste the local delicacies while on the trip.

Thrilling helicopter return

There is no better way to end the extraordinary trip to Everest Base Camp than with a thrilling helicopter ride. After the demanding hike to the Kala Patthar viewpoint, the marvelous scenery unfolds before you. You will have time to soak in the beautiful atmosphere before a helicopter lands to take you back. The helicopter hovers over the viewpoint and offers stunning views at the same time. Then, you will fly over the picturesque landscapes of the Everest region. It is a convinent and comfortable way of returning as you do not have to retrace your way back to the demanding trails. Additionally, it is also time-saving.

The average cost for Everest Base Camp Trek and helicopter return ranges between USD 2000 to USD 5000 per person. The costs vary depending on the itinerary and services included during the trek. Trek duration, season, and number of people in a group also influence the price of the package. The cost can increase when you customize the package and add more services. Compared to the standard Everest Base Camp trek, you will take a helicopter flight back.

Usually, the trek package includes accommodations, transportation, meals, permits, guides, and porter fees. Check what is included in the package with your tour operator before booking the package. The additional charges incurred during the trek are the trekker’s own personal expenses. Take a look at the costs of Himalayan 360’s Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return package:

It is normal for you to wonder whether the EBC Trek Helicopter Return suits you or not. While many dream of ascending to Mount Everest Base Camp, it is not easy. They may not have the leisure or time constraints to join the trek. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek and helicopter return are great for such travelers. It allows you to complete the adventure in less time than the standard itinerary.

You will begin your journey the same way as the standard EBC Trek, with a flight to Lukla. Then, you will trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. From Kala Patthar, you will catch a flight back to Kathmandu. This reduces the trek duration by a few days and immensely reduces the physical exertion on trekkers. Aside from time and trekkers’ physical fitness, budget also plays a crucial role. This trek is more suitable for trekkers with flexible budgets. Hence, the Everest Base Camp Trek return by Helicopter is suitable for those with limited time and a flexible budget. You can also customize the itinerary to match your preferences and requirements best.You can also take a one-day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour if you have only limited time.

The Everest region is in the rural eastern part of Nepal. Despite being a popular trekking region, it lacks proper infrastructure and facilities. As a result, the accommodations in the area are basic, with limited amenities. The standard accommodations available along the Everest Base Camp Trek route are family-run teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses. These places offer beds, blankets, and pillows to their guests.

Unlike the hotels in Kathmandu, the rooms are relatively small and are primarily on a shared basis. The insulation in the room is also poor. Likewise, the bathrooms are also usually squat-style and communal. In lower regions, you may find rooms with attached bathrooms, but as you go higher, the options are minimal. You will have to pay additional charges for internet, phone calls, hot showers, charging electronic devices, etc. There are a few luxurious hotels at Namche Bazaar. The Everest View Hotel, which sits right above Nmache, also provides luxurious services. However, they are expensive.

The meal options also become limited as you ascend to higher elevation areas. Almost all ingredients used in the cooking are locally sourced. The staple Nepali dish, Dal Bhat, is widely available. It is a high-carb meal that consists of rice, lentil soups, vegetables, curries, and pickles. Aside from this, you will find food options like eggs, porridge, oats, cornflakes, soup, salad, Tibetan bread, chapati, curries, Sherpa Stew, Tenduk, thukpa, momo, chowmein, pasta, sandwiches, steak, spaghetti, etc. Likewise, you will find drink menus like tea (milk, black, green), Tibetan tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

Returning by helicopter after the EBC Trek is a great way to take part in Nepal’s most famous trek destination and finish it with a stunning helicopter ride. You can join the adventurous trek with the standard Everest Base Camp Trek package, and the helicopter flight return makes the trip more fulfilling and memorable. Additionally, there are several benefits of taking an EBC Trek with a helicopter return:

• The standard Everest Base Camp Trek takes around12 days to 14 days to complete. Taking a helicopter return reduces the time needed to descend back to Lukla. Hence, it is more time-saving and excellent for trekkers who are short on time.
• Ascending to the base camp and Kala Patthar is a physically demanding journey. Climbing down is equally challenging. Taking a heli return helps prevent overexertion and exhaustion.
• With a helicopter return, you will swiftly descend to a lower altitude. Hence, you will spend less time at high elevations, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
• A helicopter return is the best way to finish the exhilarating journey. You will fly over Kala Patthar, which offers magnificent mountain panorama views. This unique bird’ s-eye view is not possible while trekking. It also provides an excellent photo and video opportunity.

During the Everest Base Camp helicopter return trek, you will ascend to an altitude of 5,555 meters above sea level. This high-altitude journey exposes trekkers to the risk of altitude sickness. The low oxygen level in the atmosphere and reduced air pressure can cause trekkers to feel ill and discomfort. It is because the body cannot adjust to the growing elevation and its surroundings.

The symptoms can vary from person to person. While some trekkers may experience mild ones, known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), others may experience severe ones, known as High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). The most common symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and shortness of breath. Trekkers must exercise proper caution and take the symptoms seriously. These common symptoms can turn severe quickly and can even be fatal.

To prevent altitude sickness, trekkers can follow several precautions. Similarly, there are a few ways one can treat the symptoms. These methods are as follows:

• Do not rush to high altitude; ascend gradually. It will give your body adequate time to adapt to the decreasing oxygen and air pressure levels.
• If you are a beginner, take acclimatization or rest days. On these days, keep your body active, which will help you get used to high elevation.
• Follow the golden rule, “Sleep low, climb high.” It is always best to spend the night at a slightly lower altitude.
• Keep your body hydrated throughout the trek. Drink plenty of water, and not just when you feel thirsty.
• Eat a light and nutritious diet while trekking. You need a lot of energy, so eat high-carb and protein-rich food.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking tobacco during the journey.
• Carry medications like acetazolamide or diamox for the trek. It helps to subdue the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, consult with your doctor beforehand.

Trekkers will require two permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. They are as follows:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Everest Base Camp lies within the Sagarmatha National Park. It is inhabited by diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, and is a government-protected area. Hence, to control the flow of tourism, the government of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board have made it mandatory to obtain an entry permit for the national park. You can obtain the permit from a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or at the entrance gate of Sagarmatha National Park entrance at Monjo. 

The costs of the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit are:

• SAARC residents: NPR 1500 per person
• Non-SAARC residents: NPR 3000 per person

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The trekking trails of Everest Base Camp pass through Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in the Khumbu region. As a result, trekkers must obtain an entrance permit to pass through the entry point. The government introduced this permit back in October of 2018. Thus, it is a fairly new permit that was made mandatory for trekking in the Everest region. 

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit costs NPR 2000 per person for the first four weeks. Its price then becomes NPR 2500 per person. The permit cost is the same for SAARC and non-SAARC residents.

Choosing the right time to travel to Everest Base Camp enhances your trekking experience. It makes your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Nepal has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best times for Everest Base Camp travel are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) are the least favorable times due to bad weather conditions. Here is a brief of the best time when you should travel to Everest Base Camp:

Spring (March to May)

One of the best times to travel to Everest Base Camp is springtime. The beginning of spring is a little cold, and light snowfall is possible at higher altitude regions. As the season progresses, it gets warmer, and the weather becomes more stable. The rhododendron forests that adorn the trails also bloom in their full glory. You can enjoy the picturesque and colorful landscapes as you trek to the Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the various Himalayan floras also bloom in different colors, adding to the beauty of the trekking trails.

There is a minimum chance for rainfall during spring. Hence, it is an ideal time for trekking and hiking. The days are bright and sunny with excellent visibility. As a result, the flights are less likely to be delayed or canceled. Due to the favorable weather, the trekking routes are relatively more crowded, and you have to book the flights and accommodations in advance. The daytime temperature of Everest Base Camp during spring is around 15°C. Meanwhile, the nighttime temperature can drop to -1°C.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the peak trekking season, and for good reason. The weather is stable and favorable, with crisp air and clear skies. It offers the most comfortable trekking conditions. Early autumn sees quite some rain, as monsoons only exit the country in mid-September. The rainfall leaves the landscapes and vegetation clean, fresh, and vibrant. It also cleanses the dust and pollution in the atmosphere, thereby making visibility extremely clear. Trekkers can enjoy clear panoramic mountain views without any obstruction.

As the season progresses, autumn foliage begins to color the landscapes of the Khumbu region. It adds to the region’s beauty and enhances the trekking experience. All the favorable conditions make autumn the best time for trekking. However, the trekking routes are usually crowded, and the accommodations are fully packed. You must book them in advance. The temperature during mornings and nights also slowly starts to get chilly. The daytime temperature is 17°C, while the nighttime temperature can drop to -8°C.

The Everest Base Camp Trek and helicopter return is a moderate venture. It is not a strenuous journey, but still physically and mentally demanding. The classic trails of Everest Base Camp have many steep ascending and descending sections on diverse terrains. Similarly, the average trekking per day is between 5 and 6 hours. It can be challenging for beginners, but they can overcome it with proper preparation. Trekkers must be physically fit and healthy to participate in this trek.

In addition to the challenging trails, the high altitude also makes the journey difficult. You will ascend to an elevation of 5,555 meters above sea level. It can cause trekkers to experience various altitude-related sicknesses. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In case of severe symptoms, trekkers will require immediate medical attention as it can quickly turn life-threatening. The remote nature of the trek route also adds to the challenges.

The weather in the high-elevation areas is unpredictable. It changes rapidly, and the temperature is also colder than in the lower regions. Due to this, trekkers can face unforeseen challenges during the journey, making the trek challenging. Trekkers must have the mental resilience to tackle the difficulties during the trip. Hence, the EBC Trek with helicopter return is a thrilling adventure that requires physical and mental preparation.

The Everest Base Camp, with a return by heli trek, takes you from lower altitude regions to a high elevation of 5,555 meters. As a result, the climate and temperature vary drastically. Packing the right clothing and proper trekking gear plays a crucial role during the trek. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of packing essentials for the trip:

Clothing

• Insulating layers (top and bottom)
• Windproof/ waterproof jacket
• Fleece and down jacket
• Trekking shirts and T-shirts
• Trekking pants
• Warm trousers
• Sweaters and pull-over
• Inner wears
• Gloves, hats, and scarf

Footwear

• Trekking and warm socks
• Comfortable and sturdy trekking shoes
• Sandles
• Gaiters

Equipment & gear

• Backpack with rain cover (40 – 50 litres)
• Duffle bag
• Thermal water bottle
• Adjustable trekking pole
• Headlamp or flashlights
• Sleeping bag
• Camera with extra batteries
• Adapters and chargers
• Sunglasses

Miscellaneous

• Snacks and energy bars
• Towels
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoos and soaps
• Sunscreens and lotions
• Wet wipes or toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Hygiene products
• First aid kits