Trip Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek with a return via helicopter is a thrilling 20-day adventure that combines the challenge of trekking to the base of the world’s highest peak with the luxury of a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. This trek offers trekkers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas, providing breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and the excitement of conquering one of the most iconic destinations on Earth.

Starting in Kathmandu, the trek takes you to Lukla, where the adventure officially begins. From there, you’ll traverse picturesque Sherpa villages, dense forests, and high-altitude terrain, steadily gaining elevation as you trek toward Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you’ll stop in popular destinations like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, where you’ll have the opportunity to acclimatize and experience Sherpa culture. The trek offers stunning panoramic views of iconic peaks such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

The highlight of the journey is reaching Everest Base Camp itself, where you’ll be standing at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain. For an even more awe-inspiring experience, you’ll hike up to Kala Patthar for spectacular, close-up views of Everest and the surrounding peaks.

Instead of retracing your steps back down, the return journey is made more convenient and spectacular with a helicopter ride. From Namche Bazaar, you’ll board a helicopter for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, offering an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the Everest region, with sweeping vistas of glaciers, valleys, and towering peaks.

This 20-day trek is an ideal combination of physical challenge and luxury, offering the best of both worlds. With plenty of time for acclimatization, cultural exploration, and stunning mountain views, the Everest Base Camp Trek with a helicopter return promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’ll remember forever.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Spend the day resting and preparing for the trek. You’ll also meet your guide and attend a briefing. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation

Explore key cultural sites in Kathmandu such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa. Finalize permits and preparation for the trek.

Day 3: Flight to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 meters). From Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,610 meters) in around 3-4 hours. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), the main town of the Khumbu region. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, passing through villages, forests, and crossing suspension bridges.

Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

Spend a day acclimatizing to the altitude. Hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Explore Namche Bazaar in the afternoon.

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 meters). The journey takes around 5-6 hours through beautiful forests, with views of Everest and other peaks. Visit the Tengboche Monastery.

Day 7: Trek to Dingboche

Trek to Dingboche (4,410 meters), a village in the Imja Valley. The trek takes around 5-6 hours. This is another acclimatization stop, as you’re gaining altitude.

Day 8: Acclimatization in Dingboche

Spend the day at Dingboche for acclimatization. You can hike to Nagarjun Hill for views of the surrounding peaks or rest and explore the village.

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 meters), taking around 5-6 hours. The landscape becomes more barren as you approach higher altitudes.

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp

Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 meters), and then to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), the final destination. The trek takes around 7-8 hours. Enjoy the views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks.

Day 11: Early Morning Hike to Kala Patthar

Wake up early to hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) for a stunning sunrise view of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Afterward, trek back to Gorak Shep and begin descending.

Day 12: Trek to Pheriche

Descend from Gorak Shep to Pheriche (4,240 meters), taking around 5-6 hours. Pheriche is a small village with beautiful views and offers a chance to rest.

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Trek back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) in about 7-8 hours. The descent offers a different perspective of the landscapes and peaks you passed earlier.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 meters), taking around 6-7 hours. It’s a long day, and you’ll be retracing your steps through the forests and villages.

Day 15: Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu

From Lukla, board a helicopter for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The helicopter ride offers a breathtaking aerial view of the Everest region and surrounding mountains.

Day 16-17: Kathmandu Exploration

Spend a couple of days exploring Kathmandu, visiting important cultural sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur. Relax and recover from the trek.

Day 18-19: Optional Day Trips

Take optional day trips to nearby attractions, such as the Annapurna Region or the hill station of Nagarkot for mountain views, or simply enjoy the vibrant city of Kathmandu.

Day 20: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you can either explore more of Kathmandu or head to the airport for your return flight home.

This 20-day itinerary balances the trekking challenge with time for acclimatization, exploration, and a scenic return by helicopter, making for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Includes & Excludes

Inclusions:

• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private car.

• Round-trip flight Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu.

• Jeep transportation from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and back.

• 3-star hotel accommodation (2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast).

• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

• Fresh fruit after dinner.

• Tea house accommodation during the trek.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card.

• English-speaking, government-licensed guide.

• Staff wages, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance.

• One Sherpa helper and one porter (for 2 clients).

• Trekking first aid kit and water purification tablets.

• Helicopter service (covered by travel insurance in case of emergency).

• All government taxes and official expenses.

• Trekking equipment: sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and trekking poles (returnable).

• Oximeter for AMS monitoring.

• Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more.

• Trip certificates.

Exclusions:

• International airfare tickets.

• Nepal entry visa fee (obtained upon arrival).

• Extra accommodation, food, drinks, and laundry in Kathmandu.

• Personal medical and travel insurance.

• Desserts, sweet items, and extra drinks during the trek.

• Excess baggage (10-15 kg limit).

• Charges for hot showers, mobile charging, and Wi-Fi during the trek.

• Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fees ($30 USD per person).

• Tips for guide and porter.

Trip Information

Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek Return via Helicopter

Spring (March to May):

• Ideal for clear views of snowy peaks and lush valleys.

• Wildflowers, including rhododendrons, bloom in lower altitudes.

• Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C in lower regions.

• Night temperatures can drop to 0°C to -10°C at higher altitudes.

• A great time for trekking with moderate weather conditions and clear skies.

Autumn (September to November):

• Drier climate with sunny, stable days and minimal rainfall.

• Comfortable temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.

• Nights at higher altitudes can drop to -5°C to -10°C.

• Excellent for trekking with crisp, fresh air and ideal visibility of the Everest range.

Winter (December to February):

• Clear, bright days but colder temperatures.

• Nights at Everest Base Camp can drop to below -15°C, making it a colder time for trekking.

• Early mornings can be very chilly, though the days are often sunny.

• This season is best for experienced trekkers seeking less crowded trails.

Summer (June to August):

• Avoidable due to heavy rainfall, leading to slippery trails and swollen rivers.

• Mosquitoes and leeches become prevalent.

• The trail may be difficult to navigate due to wet conditions.

• The region is prone to landslides and flooding, so this is not recommended for trekking.

Elevation and Distance

• Total Trek Distance: Approximately 130 km round trip.

• Highest Elevation: 5,364 m at Everest Base Camp.

• Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Distance:

  • 130 km from Kathmandu by road to Lukla.

  • Trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is about 65 km one way.

• Trekking Distance per Day:

  • Average 10-12 km per day.

  • Maximum elevation on Day 10, reaching 5,545 m at Kala Patthar.

Walking Duration

• Average Daily Walk: 4 to 8 hours depending on altitude and trail conditions.

• Easiest Day: Day 4 from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (around 5 hours).

• Longest Walking Day: Day 9 from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep (6-8 hours).

Difficulty and Acclimatization

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging – Suitable for trekkers with prior hiking experience.

• No Mountaineering Skills Required: The path is well-trodden, with steps in steeper sections.

• Acclimatization: Adequate time is included to adjust to higher altitudes. Key acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Altitude-related issues may occur, but they are mitigated with gradual ascent.

Can a Beginner Do It?

• Yes, the trek is suitable for beginners with moderate fitness.

• Porters can carry luggage, lightening your load.

• Modern lodges with essential amenities like Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and hot showers are available along the route.

• Helicopter Return provides a more comfortable and quicker way back, minimizing the need for a long return trek.

Preparation and Training

• General Fitness Required: Moderate physical fitness. Cardiovascular exercises like hiking, running, and strength training are beneficial.

• Altitude Training: Being prepared for higher altitudes is essential. Trekkers should be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and be prepared to descend if necessary.

Alternate Routes

• The via Helicopter route offers a quicker return after reaching Everest Base Camp, skipping the return trek down, and flying back to Kathmandu in about 20 minutes.

• Traditional Trek Return requires a trek back through Namche Bazaar, which can take 3-4 days.

Altitude Sickness

• Likelihood: Moderate; acclimatization is crucial to minimize risks. Symptoms such as headaches or mild fatigue may appear, especially on the ascent to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

• Treatment: Diamox can be used to alleviate symptoms. Descend immediately if symptoms persist.

Transportation, Accommodation, Meals, and Drinks

• Transportation:

  • Private car or jeep transfers from Kathmandu to Lukla.

  • Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and return flight by helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu.

• Accommodation:

  • Comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Lukla.

  • Tea house lodges during the trek with basic facilities (private or shared rooms depending on location).

• Meals:

  • All meals included during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

  • A variety of food options available, including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Western dishes.

• Drinks:

  • Bottled water or boiled water is widely available. Tea and coffee are common at lodges.

Communication, Charging, and Internet

• Mobile Coverage: NCELL works well along most of the trek, with mobile reception available in most villages, including Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep.

• Charging: Charging facilities are available at most lodges for a fee (around $2-3). Power banks are recommended for higher altitudes, especially at Everest Base Camp.

• Wi-Fi: Available in major villages, but it is chargeable ($3-$4 per hour).

Permits

• Required Permits:

  • TIMS Permit (Trekkers' Information Management System).

  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit.

  • Khumbu Rural Municipality Fee.

Thank you