Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

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About the Destination

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a popular variation of the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek. It offers trekkers the full adventure of hiking to EBC, with the added convenience and luxury of a quick return by helicopter. This option is perfect for those with limited time or who prefer to avoid the long descent.

Location

Nepal

Region

Everest

Max Elevation

5,545 m
Highest Point Reached During the Trek.

Duration

12 days

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge
Typical lodges or teahouses during the trek

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Group

Min. 1 Pax

Difficulty

Moderate

Start Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Permit

Required
A permit is required for this trek.

Food

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are typically included

Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

  • Reach Everest Base Camp and stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak
  • Enjoy stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding Himalayan giants
  • Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for a breathtaking sunrise over Everest
  • Return by helicopter for a fast, scenic flight over the Himalayas
  • Combine traditional trekking with a modern, time-saving return
  • Explore Sherpa culture, visit ancient monasteries, and meet locals
  • Encounter diverse wildlife like Himalayan tahr and colorful pheasants
  • Stay in cozy mountain lodges, share stories with fellow trekkers, and savor local cuisine
  • Witness panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and more from land and air

Trip Summary

Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter Return Flight is a totally particular and outstanding way to discover the splendor of the Everest Himalayan vicinity. Trekking to Everest Base Camp and flying back by helicopter from Gorakshep to Lukla or Kathmandu is a great experience of trekking and helicopter flight in Nepal. After reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and climbing Kala Patthar (5,545 m), some trekkers choose to return to Lukla or Kathmandu by helicopter to save time or due to physical challenges. This is particularly helpful for those who want to avoid the difficulties of descending via the same route they used to reach Everest Base Camp. The helicopters can pick up the trekkers in Gorak Shep or a little further on the way to Kala Patthar, depending on weather conditions and permissions.

The helicopter flight offers a unique perspective of the Himalayan landscape. The helicopter takes the trekkers back to Lukla or Kathmandu, depending on the package chosen.

However, the return trip to Kathmandu directly by private helicopter is always better. Only back to Lukla is cheaper, but sometimes there are difficulties getting the helicopters just for the flight to Lukla. It is also possible to fly by helicopter from Gorakhshep to Lukla on a shared basis during the high trekking season, but we have to book in advance to be sure.

Everest base camp trekking is very popular among all adventurers and trekkers, but unfortunately, not many people have enough time to trek from Lukla and back to Lukla. The right option for them would be to trek from Lukla to Mount Everest Base Camp and return to Kathmandu by chartered helicopter.

The cost of the trip will be expensive as we have to charter a helicopter. We think the price is not a big deal if you dream of visiting Mount Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in a short time. Trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and returning by helicopter from Gorak Shep (5,140 m) would be the perfect choice to fulfill your dream. To reach Lukla, you need to take an exciting flight from Kathmandu airport.

You will start the trek from Lukla and walk down to the Dudh Koshi River and on to Phakding, which is located at an altitude of 2,610 meters. On your way to Namche Bazaar, you will cross the Dudh Koshi River and then pass through a forest area full of blue pine and rhododendron trees.

In Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest, you will spend 2 nights acclimatizing to the altitude and wandering around. Namche Bazaar is also known as the Sherpa capital. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the village and interact with the local Sherpa to get an insight into the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the inhabitants of the Everest region of Nepal.

After Namche Bazaar, the trail leads to the mountain village of Tengboche and on to Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep, the last teahouse settlement here on the way to Everest Base Camp. On the day you reach Gorak Shep, you will continue the trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and then return to Gorak Shep.

The next morning, hike up to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) to see the sunrise and mountain views. After enjoying the beautiful view from Kala Patthar, go back to Gorak Shep and have breakfast. After breakfast, go to the helipad, from where our chartered helicopter will take you back to Kathmandu.

12 days Everest Base Camp Trek includes 7 days Everest Base Camp trekking (or 8 days from Kathmandu), one day sightseeing and one day leisure in Kathmandu, two days for arrival and departure from Kathmandu.

If you want to use the helicopter on shared basis to Lukla or the private helicopter to Lukla only. It is better to inform us if you do not want to fly back to Kathmandu directly by private helicopter as per the itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Day 03

Kathmandu flight to Lukla then trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

Day 04

Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Day 05

Namche Bazaar rest day for acclimatization

Day 06

Namche Bazaar trek to Tengboche (3,867 m)

Day 07

Tengboche trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Day 08

Dingboche trek to Lobuche (4,910 m)

Day 09

Lobuche trek to Gorak Shep (5,140 m) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

Day 10

Hike to Kala Pattar (5,545 m) back to Gorak Shep then fly to Kathmandu by Helicopter

Day 11

Leisure day in Kathmandu

Day 12

Depart Kathmandu

Note

Have your own ideas or special requirements? We're more than happy to tailor the itinerary to match your schedule, interests, and travel preferences. Let us help you create a personalized adventure that’s truly yours.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Map and Elevation

Map and Elevation data coming soon...

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Packing List for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

This ultimate gear guide is designed to help you prepare smartly without a smartphone, and with no fluff, just essentials. Here’s what you’ll need across documents, clothing, equipment, and more.

Clothing

  • Thermal underwear (top & bottom)
  • Moisture-wicking T-shirts (2–3)
  • Thermal or wool socks (4–5 pairs)
  • Underwear (quick-dry)
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Lightweight wool sweater
  • Insulated jacket (-10°C to -20°C)
  • Waterproof shell jacket with hood
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Lightweight hiking pants (2 pairs)
  • Windproof softshell (optional)
  • Warm hat, sun hat, buff or neck gaiter
  • Gloves (liner + insulated)
  • Sleepwear and casual evening clothes

Footwear

  • Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Wool trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Sock liners (optional)

Bags & Packing

  • Duffle bag (60–80L for porter)
  • Daypack (25–35L with rain cover)
  • Backpack rain cover
  • Garbage bags / bag liners
  • Packing cubes or dry bags (optional)

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C rated)
  • Sleeping bag liner

Personal Hygiene & Toiletries

  • Biodegradable soap & shampoo
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Lip balm (SPF) & sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Nail clippers, tweezers
  • Razor (optional

Trekking Essentials

  • Trekking poles
  • Spikes or crampons (Snowy season)
  • Headlamp (extra batteries)
  • Water bottles (2 x 1L Nalgene)
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Dry snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
  • Pocket knife (optional)
  • Altitude sickness meds (Diamox)
  • Blister treatment (moleskin, Compeed)

First Aid & Health

  • Personal first aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Electrolyte powder
  • Basic cold/flu medicine

Electronics & Miscellaneous

  • Power bank
  • Charging cables
  • Travel adapter (Nepal types C, D, M)
  • Phone / camera
  • Offline maps or trekking guide app
  • Notebook, pen
  • Copies of passport & permits
  • Extra passport photos
  • Cash (Nepali rupees)

Documents & Permits

  • Passport (original)
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit
  • Lukla flight tickets (one way)

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return FAQ

Overview & Essentials

Arrival & Visa

Health & Safety

Weather & Temperature

Accommodation & Facilities

Packing & Gear

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 reviews

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Profile of Scott Marquet
Scott Marquet
5/5
A very well managed tour, friendly and experienced guide. It has been one of the best experiences of my trip. I have made a very good friend with guide, and I am sure we will stay in contact for a very long time. Binod Thapa I think you are doing...

All Inclusive Price

$2900

per person (varies with group size)

Group Discounts

  • 2 pax$4685
  • 3 pax$3685
  • 4 pax$3285
  • 5 pax$2900
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