Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Flight landing at Lukla Airport
Helicopter landing at Kalapathar
- Instant Online Booking
- Privacy Protected
- Guranteed Departure
- Group Discount Available
- Best Price Guaranteed
- Options Available (Accommodation, meals, permit fees, ground transportation, government tax, guide, airport picks up & drop off)
Group Discounts |
|
| 1 Pax. | US$ 2500 P/P |
|---|---|
| 2-4 Pax. | US$ 2200 P/P |
| 5-7 Pax. | US$ 2000 P/P |
| 8-10 Pax. | US$ 2000 P/P |
| 11-14 Pax. | US$ 2000 P/P |
| Over 15 Pax. | US$ 1800 P/P |
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
- Undertake a spectacular journey through the rural villages of Sagarmatha National Park
- Fly over the Himalayan Vista of the Everest Region
- Hike to the famous Kalapathar peak for astounding views of Everest Panorama.
- Set foot on the base of the highest mountain on earth, Mt. Everest(8848.86m)
- Take an adventuresome Helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu
Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
The Chopper return trip from Gorakshep traverses through small Sherpa settlements. The elevation ranges from a mere 2840 meters to 5555 meters. The terrain you will pass across will vary from Sub-tropical in the lower height to Semi-Arid as you traverse past Namche Bazaar at 3440 meters.
We return by Helicopter directly to Lukla/Kathmandu; three days of the journey are shortened with the given Itinerary.
Consult our team of experts, who can craft the Itinerary based on your requirements. This is just a standard itinerary and may be modified based on your need and necessity.
01
Day:01 Flight to Lukla (2840 m ft), Trek to Phakding (2,652m Overnight)
You will be transferred to the domestic terminal for your flight to Lukla in the morning. It’s a 40-minute flight alongside the Nepalese Himalayan belt, which flies eastbound to reach Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla, sitting on the lap of gigantic hills all across.
The name “Lukla” translates to “place of sheep ” in the Tibetan language owing to Sheep grazing land which it was once.
From Lukla, we follow through the small Sherpa settlements of Chhuplung and Ghat and walk alongside the Dudhkoshi River to reach Phakding, which sits in the Dudh Koshi River Valley.
Note: Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit is to be shown at Lukla.
Breakfast at Lukla, Lunch at Thado Koshi. Along the way, a small sherpa settlement. Views of Kusum Kangkaru (6367m). Night Stopover at Phakding. Lukla -Phakding 3 Hrs. Local villages explore upon reaching Phakding.
02
Day:02 Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m Overnight)
The trail starts easy from Phadking, with the first stretch of the trek being smooth sailing that follows through the River basin of Dudh Koshi River.
We take a short foot trail until we reach a narrow suspension bridge to reach Monjo. Monjo is the entry point for Sagarmatha National Park, and you must show or purchase your National Park Entry permit after getting to Jorsalle.
You will have your lunch at Jorsalle and start the trek’s last stretch, which lasts 3 hours until you reach Namche. During the journey, you will cross the Dudh Koshi River several times. Jorsalle to Namche is a switchback ascent with a steep climb.
The trail from Jorsalle towards Namche Bazaar is strenuous, with a steep ascent that leaves you gasping for more air.
We traverse the famous Hillary suspension bridge, an iconic landmark of the area. After 5 hours, you will reach Namche Bazaar, which portrays an amphitheater typed Sherpa village that overlooks Mt.Thamserkhu (6608m).
Namche Bazaar is a crossroad for various Everest region treks, including Gokyo Lake Trek, Everest Base Camp trek, and 3 Passes Trek.
03
Day:03 Acclimatization day Overnight
Namche portrays a typical village shaped in a horseshoe silhouette resembling a Roman Amphitheatre from centuries ago.
As you have now crossed the elevation of 3000 meters, it is paramount to acclimatize correctly before ascending higher on your trek.
Namche Bazaar is a vibrant village as a commercial hub with tons of pubs, confectioneries, souvenir shops, bars, and other entertaining amenities.
After your breakfast at the hotel, we start our day hike towards Syangboche Airport (3780m), which is one of the highest operating airports in Nepal.
It’s a switchback ascent to the Syangboche Airport. From here on, we hike up to Everest view hotel, known as the highest-placed hotel in the world at an elevation of 3962 meters.
The view from Everest View Hotel is spectacular, with Phortse village visible. It also offers a fantastic Everest panorama view.
You then descend towards another fascinating village of the Everest region, Khumung, where you will have lunch. Stationed is a terraced slope.
Khumjung is popular for its fame as the Sherpa village with the most Everest Summiteers. It’s been claimed that every house in Khumjung village has one individual that has summitted Everest.
Another exciting part of this village is the mysterious-looking skull which is said to have been of the “Yeti” in the Khumjung monastery.
Also, there is a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary decades before, which still operates to this day. On your return journey to Namche Bazaar, you will visit the famous Yak Farm and descend to Namche.
04
Day:04 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche(3870m/12,696ft) Overnight
The first stretch of the trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche is smooth sailing, with an occasional ascent through the semi-arid landscape.
The trail diverges with a steep descent from Phunki Tenga to Dudhkoshi River until you cross a suspension bridge to start your climb towards Tengboche.
This stretch of the trek is gratifying, with the first gaze of the Everest views appearing before your eyes upon reaching Tengboche.
Tengboche is a small village sitting at the top of dense rhododendron and juniper forest and is home to the largest monastery in the Everest region, Tengboche Monastery.
To your south of Tengboche sits the prettiest mountain, Mt. Amadablam(6812m), and to the far east sits the Everest massifs partially blocked by Mt.Nuptse(7861m) and its neighboring friend Mt.Lhotse (8516m).
05
Day:05 Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche(4410m/14,468ft) Overnight
After beholding the fantastic Everest panorama from Tengboche, we take another step close to the Everest Base Camp with this trek stretch.
The trek from Tengboche towards Dingboche first descends through dense birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron forest until you reach the village of Debouche (3650m).
The trail passes through a giant Mani wall from Debouche and gradually ascent towards Pangboche. Before reaching Pangboche, you will cross a bridge over the Imjatse River from the famous trekking peak Island Peak (6189m).
From Pangboche, your route still ascends for 2-3 hours until you reach your overnight stop, Dingboche.
06
Day:06 Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
As a day hike, you will be guided to a peak nearby Nangkartshang Peak, but your backpack will be down at Dingboche, making the climb relatively easier. It’s a 5-hour round-trip hike to the top of the peak.
Nangkartshang Peak offers spectacular views of Mount Amadablam and Mout Makalu. There one two pinnacles of Nangkartshang Peak, with one elevating above 5000 meters and another that scales below 5000m.
It is 3 hours of total ascent to the top of the peak; if you are willing, you may hike to the highest point or descend from the lower peak towards Dingboche. It’s 1-hour descent from the top to reach Dingboche. Stay at Dingboche for the night.
07
Day:07 Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft)
The stretch of Dingboche towards Lobuche first heads steeply uphill through the rocky and rugged trail. After 1 hour of ascent through the Himalayan pastureland, you reach Dughlaphedi(4620m), a small settlement of the Sherpas.
There is a huge glacial moraine that you will cross through before reaching Dughlaphedi. At Dughla, we have a tea break before heading further towards Lobuche.
The stretch of Lobuche is a gentle climb for about 45 minutes. As you reach Lobuche, a vast ice wall of Mount Nuptse appears before you.
At this elevation point, your surroundings will be semi-arid with alpine vegetation.
The area is dry, with merely small shrubs growing around. You will be accommodated in a teahouse at Lobuche.
08
Day:08 Trek to Gorakshep (5,160m Evening hike to Kalapathar(5,555m
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, a short hike with approximately 3-4 hours of traverse.
However, as you ascend higher from Lobuche, you will be crossing the elevation mark of 5000 meters, making it prone for people to suffer Acute Mountain Sickness.
The first scratch of the trek is almost flat, with the occasional uphill ascent to reach Lobuche Pass. You must be careful with the Yaks walking across the trail for logistics.
The Lobuche to Gorakshep section of the trek follows through the massive glacial moraines of Khumbu Glacier.
You traverse through narrow paths but rocky glaciers towards Gorakshep through uneven paths. Once you reach Gorak Shep, you will be bestowed with an amphitheater view of the Everest mountain ranges.
You will have your lunch at Gorakshep and prepare for your hike to Kalapathhar. The hike from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar begins with a gradual climb at first.
The second stretch of the hike is on a flattened surface. The final stretch right below the top is a switch-back ascent with a steep climb. It’s a total of 1.5 hours of hike to the top.
Kalapatthar is one of the best vantage points to gaze at the Everest Panorama. It is a worthwhile hike to the top for its Sunset and sunrise view.
The next phase of the day’s adventure is the hike to Kalapathhar. It’s a steep uphill climb from Gorakshep to Kalapathhar. The trail first navigates to the base of Kalapathhar and traverses through a rocky, uneven trail toward the summit.
Kalapatthar bestows an enigmatic view of Everest Vista. Descend to Gorakshep and overnight stay. After a 30-minute stay at the top, we return from the peak to Gorakshep for your night stopover.
09
Day:09 Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) Gorakshep
The stretch from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp traverses on a flat surface through the blend of huge rock boulders, glacial moraines, and sand.
We walk along the debris brought about by Khumbu Glacier and follow the trail toward the base camp. There are numerous memorials of deceased climbers that you will pass through on this stretch of the trek.
The sight of Everest Base Camp is impressive with its spread-out glacial area.
You will step right on the base of Khumbu Glacier, the first step toward the top of Mt. Everest’s summit. After exploring the base camp, we return to Gorakshep for our overnight stay.
After your breakfast- Gear up warmly since the trail is windy. There are two different Base Camps. One is the old base camp, and another is new, but both are closer to watching each other.
Similarly, many tents will be set for climbers ( Climbing seasons only). Explore the Icy stretch originating from Khumbu Glacier. Return to Goreakshep overnight after exploring the highest Base Camp In the world.
10
Day:10 Take a Helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu
An early morning breakfast will be served after you wake up at your teahouse. Afterward, you will be taken to the take-off point of our Chopper at Gorakshep.
The usual duration of the Heli flight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu is 2 hours, depending on the weather window.
The flight takes a scenic route that follows through the narrow gorges of the Khumbu region.
On your way to the base camp, you will fly over the small villages, which were your stopovers.
Your chopper will stop at Lukla for refueling and then continue your journey toward Kathmandu.
You will land at Kathmandu Airport before lunch hour and be escorted back to your hotel by our representative.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
Everest Base Camp is situated in the northeastern vicinity of Nepalese territory.
It is estimated that Everest Base Camp lies at a distance of about 200 km eastbound from Kathmandu. It is a shared porch to the towering peaks of Mt.Everest, Mt.Nuptse, and Mt.Lhotse.
Of course, Mount Everest borders the Nepalese and Chinese territories.
Yes, the helicopter will drop you off at Kathmandu Airport.
The Helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, headed westbound.
If required, your Heli will have a stopover at Lukla for refueling, or it’s a direct flight to Kathmandu Airport.
Your pickup point for this trip is Gorakshep. Since the elevation of Gorakshep is higher than 5000 meters, the thin air limits the Helicopter’s carrying capacity.
3 of the five passengers in the Heli will first be descended to Pheriche, and the Heli will be back to Gorakshep to pick up the rest of the passengers.
Then again, the Heli will take off from Pheriche with full occupancy of 5 people for the flight to Kathmandu.
Definitely not, your Helicopter can’t fly you over to the summit of Mount Everest.
It is not permitted by the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal to fly on top of the mountain.
The price of this trip may vary depending upon availability, number of travelers, and season time. Please contact us with your requirements for further detailed information.
Yes, you have the alternative to fly to Lukla and take a scheduled flight to Kathmandu the following day instead of taking the Heli directly to Kathmandu.
However, please note that the Heli trip begins from Gorakshep, not Everest Base Camp. The terrain of Everest Base Camp is uneven and filled with huge ice boulders and glacial moraines, making it difficult for the Chopper to land.
Spring and autumn are the peak season for Helicopter rides to the Everest region.
The weather window is clear, and you get a picturesque view of the enigmatic geography of the Everest region during spring and autumn.
However, due to Global Warming, we can organize such trips during the Monsoons (May-July) too.
Yes, our full board package includes all ground transportation, including airport transfers, until your departure and picks you up at the end of the trip.
Yes, you require two different permits for Everest Base Camp Trek: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit.
Yes, your bags will fly in the Helicopter on your flight to Kathmandu.
The basic trekking gear will suffice for this trek. All along the trek, you will be walking on foot trails with uneven surfaces.
A good trekking boot is a must for this trek. You can check our Essential Equipments for detailed insight into the gear requisites for such treks.
Boundless Adventures is a local tour operator based in Nepal. Our website has an automated built-in booking system with integrated online payment services.
First, fill out the booking form, and our representatives will address you shortly to guide you.
A total of 5 people can be accommodated in a Chopper. Generally, an Airbus B350 helicopter is used for the flight for its high altitude traversing capability beyond 5000 meters.
Yes, of course, get the front seat. But the seat is provided based on the weight of the passenger.
Front seats must be allotted to the lighter weight passenger owing to the flying aerodynamics.
The Helicopter you board on this trip has a maximum carrying capacity of 500 kg, except for the pilot.
Everest Base Camp lies in the innermost vicinity between the gigantic snowy mountains and is cold for most of the year.
The temperature varies from (Day)-4.8°C to -15.2°C(Night) in the winter and (Day)22°C to 4°C(Night) in the summer.
Yes, you can take a shared ride on a Helicopter to Kathmandu from Gorakshep. However, it is subject to availability during your time.
It is advised to consult your trekking agent for the matter beforehand.
The pilots and crew that operate in the Everest region are specially trained to fly in higher elevations and technical terrains.
The Government has mandated timely maintenance and repairs of such choppers.
Thus, rest assured; it is safe to fly on a Helicopter trip from Gorakshep to Kathmandu.
Yes, solo females can trek to Everest Base camp and return. We get many solo female trekkers yearly and have successfully served their adventure needs safely without any instances.
We also have female trekking guides if you are a female solo trekker and would love to have company during your trek.
- Instant Online Booking
- Privacy Protected
- Guranteed Departure
- Best Price Guaranteed
- Options Available (Accommodation, meals, permit fees, ground transportation, government tax, guide, airport picks up & drop off)
