Everest Base Camp trek helicopter return to Lukla is an exciting adventure for all. It offers the best of both worlds – the excitement of trekking through the Himalayas, which is attached to the convenience and luxury of air travel. The EBC Trek (Everest Base Camp) is a famous expedition for many adventure lovers, offering a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of the Himalayas. Standing at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
While the classic EBC trek is a challenging yet rewarding expedition, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return provides a more accessible and luxurious alternative. This option suits those with time limits or prefer a less strenuous experience.
The Everest Base Camp trek helicopter return begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital city. After a day spent exploring ancient temples and bustling markets, you’ll board a scenic flight to Lukla, a small airstrip nestled amidst the mountains. This exhilarating flight offers a taste of the dramatic landscapes to come.
Lukla, often nicknamed “Gateway to Everest,” is a charming town with a unique atmosphere. Stone houses adorned with colorful prayer flags line the narrow streets, and the air thrums with the excitement of trekkers embarking on their journeys.
The first few days of the trek are dedicated to acclimatization, a crucial process that allows your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. You’ll hike through picturesque villages like Phakding and Namche Bazaar, the bustling “Sherpa capital.” Namche Bazaar offers many shops and cafes where you can soak in the local culture and witness the vibrant lives of the Sherpa people.
As you ascend, the landscape transforms dramatically. Lush rhododendron forests give way to alpine meadows dotted with colorful prayer flags. The majestic peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam begin to dominate the skyline, offering breathtaking panoramas at every turn.
Following well-made paths, you’ll reach Tengboche, a serene village renowned for its ancient monastery. Rest and acclimatize in peaceful surroundings before continuing your trek to Everest base camp.
The trek ends in the awe-inspiring Gorak Shep, a small settlement at 5,164 meters (16,942 feet). From here, you’ll undertake the challenging climb to Kala Patthar, a viewpoint at 5,545 meters (18,193 feet). This strenuous hike rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding Himalayan giants. Witnessing sunrise paint the peaks in a golden hue is an experience that will remain etched in your memory forever.
Then, there is Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters; this is the starting point for the expedition’s team attempting to summit the world’s highest peak. The Khumbu Valley’s breathtaking panorama surrounds it and stands in the shadow of Everest. Enjoy this extraordinary moment, a testament to your endurance, determination, and the incredible journey you’ve undertaken.
After a thrilling experience at Everest Base Camp, the highlight of this itinerary comes into play. You’ll enjoy a scenic helicopter flight back to Lukla. This spectacular journey offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire Everest region, allowing you to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Himalayas in a new light. Fly above the villages you trek through on foot, witness the immense Khumbu Glacier from above, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the mountains that define this region. Upon landing in Lukla, you’ll board a short connecting flight back to Kathmandu, bringing your adventure to a close.
The Everest Base Camp Trek Helicopter Return isn’t just about breathtaking scenery; it’s also a cultural immersion. Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people, renowned for their resilience and deep connection to the mountains. Witnessing their traditional way of life, from prayer ceremonies to colorful clothing, provides a unique and enriching experience.
Experience the ultimate Himalayan adventure: trek to Everest Base Camp and return to civilization in style by helicopter. This unforgettable journey combines physical challenges with unparalleled rewards.
Over 12 days, trekkers are immersed in the rich culture of the Sherpa people, the awe-inspiring landscapes, and the iconic vistas of the world’s highest peaks. The journey tests endurance and spirit and rewards with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Concluding with a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla adds a spectacular finish to this remarkable adventure, providing a unique perspective of the majestic Everest region. This trek is a perfect blend of challenge and luxury, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an extraordinary Himalayan expedition.
Experience the best of both worlds on our Everest Base Camp trek. Conquer the heights on foot, then return by helicopter for an unforgettable adventure.
Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp trek helicopter return is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and taking back to Lukla or Kathmandu by helicopter will be a different level of experience you gonna have on this trip of a lifetime. Here’s what you can expect on the Everest Base Camp trek:
Please be aware that our itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Factors such as weather conditions, natural disasters, flight disruptions, government restrictions, or health concerns may necessitate adjustments to our plans. In such cases, we will work diligently to find alternative arrangements. Your understanding and flexibility are greatly appreciated.
To ensure a smooth start to your adventure, we recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one day before the trek to acclimatize, gather the necessary gear, and explore the city. Additionally, consider booking your international flights with extra buffer days to accommodate potential travel delays. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, we offer optional sightseeing tours, adventure activities, and day trips before or after the trek.
Please be aware that flight schedules to Lukla are subject to change due to weather conditions and increased air traffic.
Flights to Lukla operate from Ramechhap/Manthali airport. Expect a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap/Manthali.
Flights operate directly from Kathmandu airport.
Note: The airline operates flights from Kathmandu or Ramechhap/Manthali based on passenger volume.
Due to unpredictable weather and high airport traffic in Kathmandu, Lukla flights often experience delays or cancellations. We strongly recommend building extra days into your itinerary to account for potential disruptions and ensure you can make your international flight.
Please note: For up-to-date flight information, please contact us.
The Everest Base Camp trek is considered moderately challenging. Walking for several hours daily over varied terrain and at high altitudes. While no technical climbing is required, trekkers should be prepared for steep ascents, rocky trails, and changes in weather conditions.
The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to December. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
While a good fitness level is recommended, trekkers of varying fitness levels can undertake the Everest Base Camp trek. Regular cardio exercise and hiking preparation are advisable to ensure physical fitness for the trek’s demands.
Sufficient acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is recommended that rest days be included in the itinerary for acclimatization and to descend if symptoms become severe.
Accommodation along the trek route ranges from basic tea houses to more comfortable lodges with amenities such as hot showers and WiFi, especially in the lower elevations, but higher up, accommodation is more essential. Most trekkers find delicious food along the trail, with different meal options. As the Everest base camp trek is more commercial now, food and accommodation facilities are getting better day by day to serve their guest in the mountains.
While it’s possible to trek independently, many trekkers hire a guide or porter for added support, safety, and convenience. Guides can provide valuable insights and assistance, while porters can help carry trekking gear and luggage, reducing physical strain.
Essential items to pack include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. It’s essential to pack light, but ensure you have all the necessary gear for the trek.
The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek helicopter return can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trek, accommodation preferences, and whether you choose to hire guides or porters. On average, trekkers can expect to budget between $2,000 to $3,000 for the entire trek, including permits, accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.
The helicopter cost varies; if you are single, it is USD 750 per person ( minimum of two people in the group). If more people are sharing, the cost will come down slightly. Talk to your guide or company about organizing your trip; they will give you a better idea.
EBC Trek – Misson Accomplished!
The EBC trek done with Sali Trekking in Apr/ May 2024 was a wonderful journey from start to finish. Sali and his team were professionals who not only ensured that the trek was an enjoyable and fun experience, but the well-being and safety of every team member were also duly looked after. There was no problem with our air flights, accommodation, meals, horse hires and helicopter rides; everything was carefully planned, arranged and well executed by Sali. I would definitely place my trust in Sali Trekking for my next adventure in Nepal.
EBC Trek
We had an amazing experience with Sali and his team.We were a group of 12 people and achieved 100% success rate with our EBC hike. Sali and his team were always there supported us with everything needed during the hike and especially during unexpected flight cancellation, we needed to get impromptu hotel stay and heli ride. I’ll definitely reach out to Sali for my next Nepal trek and be my guide.
Great company
We’ve used this company for our 17-day Three High Pass & EBC hike from 14-31 March. Sali was very responsive to our queries and provided great services even before our trip.
Everything went smoothly until Day 9 of our trek at Lobuche when my wife fell sick and oxygen level dropped below 40%. Sali and our guide, Dinesh, were quick to arrange for helicopter evacuation to take her down to Lukla hospital to get treatment. Thanks to their quick response to arrange the helicopter evacuation, my wife has fully recovered after receiving treatment in Lukla and Kathmandu hospital.
Upon returning to Kathmandu, I’ve decided to do the Mardi Himal Trek alone, and Sali helped to arrange everything again. The 4D3N trek (27-30 March) was an excellent short hike to see the breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Manaslu mountain ranges.
Would definitely recommend others to use them for their tours in Nepal.
An experience of a lifetime with brilliant, energetic hikers and very supportive and helpful guides .
It’s an adventure of a lifetime with a bunch of like minded adventurous hikers. We hired Sali Trekking for our adventurous journey at Everest Base Camp. It was my first ever hiking experience in Nepal. So glad that we hired Sali Trekking as they did everything their level best to take care of each and every hiker . We were briefed of what to expect and how to prepare ourself for the journey by Mr. Saligram Aryal a week prior to our hiking at Everest Base Camp. During our journey, Mr. Sudeep , the chief guide accompanied by his assistant Tek did a great job guiding us along the trail. They monitored our health everyday and advised us on what we should and avoid eating to prepare ourself for the hiking experience. Some of us almost gave up just a few days after hiking as the weather was extremely cold for us who are from a warm climate in Malaysia. The altitude sickness was another reason many doubted our own capability to conquer the EBC peak. Nevertheless with much guidance, moral support and motivation from Mr. Sudeep, Mr. Tek and all the porters , all of us successfully reached the peak and returned Kathmandu safely using Helicopter. Everest Base Camp promises extremely beautiful view with lovely and warm Nepali friends to meet and greet along the trail. Choose the best , experienced guide like Sali Trekking to make your experience worthwhile.
Great Team Sali
Great support team from Sali. Sali has great problem skills so we are in safe hands with him. Sali and his team members are warm and friendly always