Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

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Trip Duration

13 Days

Country

Nepal

Region

Everest

Activities

Trekking and Heli ride

Grade

Moderate

Max Altitude

5,644 meters

Best Season

Spring season (March to May)

Accomodation

Hotel/Teahouse

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Start-End Point

Kathmandu - Kathmandu

Group Size

1-49

Transportation

Car/ Jeep/ Bus/ Helicopter

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Overview

Everest base camp Heli Trek is a fundamentally unique tour, involving both the ever-fascinating Everest base camp trekking and a scenic helicopter ride from Lukla back to Kathmandu in 13 days.

On this journey, you will visit the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain and return from Gorekshep to Kathmandu by helicopter instead of walking to Lukla. Thus, we need to maintain the safety priority and the service as EBC Heli Trek is designed for those having limited time only.

This trek also enables you to get an insight into Nepal firsthand. If you are planning to go for the Everest base camp trek, follow the below itinerary and enjoy the helicopter tour ride back to Kathmandu from Gorekshep.

Also known as Sagarmatha (8848.86 meters), this gigantic mountain is the highest in the world, and because of that, it is one of the most famous trekking destinations in the world. Perhaps, this wonderful mountain welcomes thousands of trekkers every year.

You can finish this tour in less than a two-week with sufficient buffer days in between so you will never be a victim of high altitude sickness.

⁠Trek Highlights

Enjoy a scenic 30-minute mountain flight to Lukla.
Explore the naturally blessed city of Namche Bazaar.
Visit the Sherpa museum and discover their amazing culture and traditions.
Beautiful View point from Everest View Hotel.
Stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Amadablam, among many others.
Reach Everest base camp and observe the 360-degree views, including Everest, within 10 days (arrival to departure).
Scenic helicopter flight from Kalapathar/Gorkashep to Kathmandu with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.

Brief ⁠Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 5: Namche Bazar Acclimatization

Day 6: Trek to the Village of Debuche

Day 7: Trek to the Village of Dingboche

Day 8: Dingboche Acclimatization

Day 9: Trek to the Village of Lobuche

Day 10: Travel to Everest Base Camp and Accommodation at Gorakshep

Day 11: Hike to Kalapatthar and Back to Gorakshep, Then Take a Helicopter Flight Back to Lukla

Day 12: Return to Kathmandu by Plane

Day 13: Day of Departure

⁠Detailed Itinerary

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You will arrive in Nepal today, the starting point for treks. After your arrival, our representatives will welcome you and take you to the hotel. The hotel is in Thamel, Kathmandu’s most popular tourist area.

You can spend your time in the evening strolling around the streets of Thamel and visit the local market where you can grab your trekking permits and other essentials needed for the trek.

You can also try some of the Nepali cuisines at nearby eateries. After that, you will return to your hotel and get well-rested.

Trek Distance:

6km

Max Altitude:

1350m

Duration:

30-40 minutes

Accommodation:

3 star category hotel

Meals:

It’s the second day of your journey and early in the morning you will be served breakfast by the Hotel and you can have lunch anywhere else you like to have in touring time.

Today’s day is very special as you will be touring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. You will visit Syayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Squar with Museum and Bouddha which is a cultural place for the Buddhist and Tibetan community.

Later, you will visit Pashupatinath Temple, which holds a strong threshold for the Hindu community.

After a full day stroll around the Heritage Sites, you will get back to our Hotel and have your dinner. Make sure that you get enough rest after a delicious meal and get all your belongings ready in your carrier.

Trek Distance:

26km

Max Altitude:

1400m

Duration:

5-7 hours

Accommodation:

3 star category hotel

Meals:

Breakfast

Today, you will fly to Lukla on a flight from the Tribhuvan International Airport or Manthali Airport. Lukla is at an elevation of 9400 feet (2,860m) which is a hub of trekking activities.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is short yet it will serve your eyes with beautiful areal scenarios of the peaks throughout the flight. It will take only 30 to 45 minutes to reach Lukla by airplane.

Upon reaching Lukla you will stroll around a bit and have some lunch. After spending a bit of time in Lukla, you will head towards Chablung (2700 meters) and cross the Tharo Koshi River on a suspension bridge. You can see the peak of Kusum Kangru which stands 6,367 meters tall.

Then you will see painted mani stones and Tibetan prayer flags and where you will reach Phakding crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi river. You will stay overnight in Phakding and be ready for the beautiful Namche Bazar tomorrow.

Max Altitude:

2804m

Duration:

35 minutes flight - 3 hours hike

Accommodation:

Tea House / Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will trek from Phakding by following the valley of the Dudh Koshi River. You will hike through ridges that will direct us towards Benkar. Along the whole way, you can see forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and firs. The flowers bloom through early autumn and late spring.

You will cross Kyashar Khola River and reach Monjo from where you are officially inside Everest National Park which has over 11149 sq km area. After crossing several valleys you will reach Namche Bazar which is at a height of 3420 meters.

Ending the long day trek, you will enjoy delicious Tibetan and local cuisines there. After dinner, you will rest in a teahouse in Namche Bazar.

Max Altitude:

3420m

Duration:

5-6 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Proceeding toward a higher altitude quickly can result in Altitude sickness and other health challenges thus acclimatization is an important factor. You will have an acclimatization day in the beautiful Namche Bazar.

Visit the Everest Museum and explore more about the trekking culture in Nepal and how it has impacted the life of Sherpa Climbers. In the night time if you like to enjoy a bit more, you can visit the highest Iris Pub in the world and have a drink or two.

After spending the day roaming around the Namche Bazar, you will get back to your lodge and rest for the day.

Max Altitude:

3500m

Duration:

1-2 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a day in Namche Bazar, your body will adapt to the high altitudes by now. After breakfast, you will head towards Debuche which is your destination for the day.

Hike through the dramatic panoramas and vistas of Macchapucchhre and Everest. Today, you will hike for 6-7 hours, reach a teahouse at the end of the day, and rest for the day.

Max Altitude:

3,820 meters (12,532 ft)

Duration:

6-7 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From Debuche the route will take you through alpine meadows as you cross across the Khumbu Khola then head towards the Chukkung Valley.

You will arrive in Dingboche, where there are numerous local bakeries and cafes. Dingboche is a beautiful village. You will end your seventh day at Dingboche and have dinner here.

Max Altitude:

4,410 m (14,470 ft)

Duration:

5-7 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you will have an acclimatization day and will not hike further for the day. Enjoy the day and roam around Dinboche, which will help you get familiar with the high altitude.

Dingboche is full of Mani walls which reads “Om Mane Padme Hum” which means Hails to the Jewels in Lotus. You will also visit the Dingboche Monastery.

Don’t stress yourself too much this day as you will spend the day staying in the beautiful Dingboche and will be ascending much more in the remaining days of the trek.

Max Altitude:

4,410 m (14,470 ft)

Duration:

1-2 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will go up overlooking the deep valley of Periche. After a few hours, you will reach Chikpilhara. The place was built in memory of six Sherpas who died in the 1970 skiing expedition on Everest due to a huge avalanche.

From here you will descend towards the valley of Lobuche. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset on Nuptse. You will have dinner after 5-6 hours of trek and rest for the day at Lobuche as you will be visiting Everest Base Camp tomorrow.

Max Altitude:

4,940 m (16,210 ft)

Duration:

5-7 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Soup

Today, you will be trekking to the popular Everest Base Camp which is at a height of 5364 meters. After crossing the moraines of Khumbu Glacier you will arrive at Gorak Shep which is fully surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

One can leave belongings at Gorakshep before hiking to the Base Camp. You will have unrealistic views from the Base Camp, enjoy your time roaming around and taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings. The Everest Base Camp will take you to the closest view of the highest mountain in the world.

After enjoying your time in the EBC, you will then head back to Gorak Shep and stay there.

Max Altitude:

5,364 m (17,598 ft)

Duration:

5-6 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Soup

You will hike to Kalapatthar which is at a height of 5,644 metres. Kalapatthar is a beautiful peak beside the Everest. Visit local monasteries and also participate in the local people’s festivals if you are among the lucky ones.

After strolling around Kalapatthar, you will get back to Gorakshep where our chopper will arrive. The scenic helicopter Flight is one thing you will never forget as it will take you to the breathtaking areal vistas of the Himalayas.

You will be taken back to the Lukla airport and rest for the day there. But before resting, make sure you roam around the Lukla valley and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Enjoy every bit of your last moments in this beautiful region.

Max Altitude:

5,644 m (18,519 ft)

Duration:

7-8 hours

Accommodation:

Tea House or Local Guest House

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you will finally say goodbye to this region and get on a flight to Kathmandu.

You can enjoy aerial scenarios through your 40-minute flight. After you reach Kathmandu, our hosts will take you back to your hotel. Make sure you enjoy Kathmandu a bit before getting back to your homelands.

Max Altitude:

2,845 m (9,334 ft)

Duration:

40 minutes flight

Accommodation:

3 star category hotel

Meals:

Breakfast

This day marks the end of your beautiful journey. Hope you enjoyed the trek. You know goodbyes aren’t forever. So if you need any help or if you are planning to explore Nepal more in the trekking sector do contact us.

Our representatives will take you to the airport as we bid goodbyes to each other

Trek Distance:

6km

Max Altitude:

1350m

Duration:

30-40minutes drive

Accommodation:

Meals:

Breakfast

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Includes/Exclude

Cost Include

Airport pickup by private vehicle from an International/ domestic flight.
All the transportation is as per the itinerary.
Kathmandu hotel accommodation with breakfast on a B/B basis.
Tea house accommodation during the trek.
Three times meal in the trek.
Hot soup in high places 3 days.
Two-way flight: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu.
A professional guide for treks and tours.
Gorekshep to Lukla sharing helicopter flight back.
An assistant guide for more than 10 pax.
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
Insurance for guides and porters.
Food and accommodation for guides and porters.
All necessary documents (Permits and TIMS).
All government and local government taxes.
Airport taxes of Kathmandu and Lukla.
Necessary medical kit for staff.
Trekking map as itinerary.
Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant Kathmandu.
Trip completion certificate.
Airport drop by private vehicle from an International/ domestic flight.

Cost Exclude

Visa for Nepal.
International flight to and from Kathmandu.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu days.
Entry fees in UNESCO Tour in Kathmandu.
Travel and rescue (if needed) insurance of clients.
Personal expenses: Hot shower, battery charge during the trek, Internet, bar bills, laundry service, and mineral water.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, except for the itinerary.
Tips for your guide and porters.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Gallery/Video

Best Time of the Trek

Ideally, it is recommended to book the helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp in March and April. During this time, visibility will be at its highest, and wind speed will be at its lowest. January and February are the months when the snowy climate is very familiar in the case of the Everest region.

While May to August can often be very windy. If you can fly during March or April, you will have a good and almost no chance of getting turbulence and be lucky to see the view of Mt. Everest and its neighboring mountains.

Spring Season

Particularly, sunny days are also beneficial since they allow for great visibility and clear skies, which are suitable for taking great photos during the flight. In case you are interested in the best time to catch more of Everest through helicopters, then you should visit in the spring season.

The climate is quite warm in the last part of March, the first half of April, and the first fifteen days of May, so it would only be logical to assume that the visibility from the Himalayan peaks is ideal for such a type of touring.

There is also little snow on the ground during this time, which means that the flying conditions are good to provide safer and better, free from snow, takeoffs, and landings. The naturally bloomed views of the Himalayas, vibrant colors on the terrain, and trekkers flow towards the Everest base camp are something awesome from the bird’s eye.

Autumn Season

The weather is quite fine without strong winds and rainy showers. Furthermore, the view of the sky is clearer during autumn, and therefore it would be a perfect time to have a helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp.

From September to November, the climate is moderate in terms of rain and warm during the day with more sunshine. These beautiful valleys and hills look fresh green after the monsoon season has arrived.

You will have a clear view of the mountains and certainly have a brilliant view of the Himalayas in the flight. Thus, autumn is one of the most ideal seasons for any type of trekking in Nepal.

Winter Season

During this time, the Himalayan peaks will be fully covered with snow, which will make you feel that it is a holiday when you get to the base camp. The temperature drops below 0 degrees Celsius.

Due to extreme weather conditions, it is not advisable to embark on this journey during the winter season. However, you can plan your trips based on weather conditions.

Summer Season

There is a distinction between the rainy season and the monsoon season, which starts from May up to early August. Traveling by air is risky during these months due to unpredictable weather.

The mountains are covered with thick fog and rain during this season. You might not get the best view of the mountain range as expected during this season.

Trek Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Helicopter Trek is an easier way to visit Everest Base Camp than the usual trekking. In the most commonly offered trail and helicopter flight combination, this trek lasts from 12-14 days.

This means that the trek will be slightly easier than the full trek in terms of distance and elevation to be covered. While on the trek, you will be enjoying the various seasons at high altitudes that reach up to 5,364 meters.

This is because, despite the helicopter ride that shortens the duration spent at high altitude to combat the effects of altitude sickness, a trekker might begin to feel symptoms such as shortness of breath or headaches.

Physically getting up in good health is advisable, as it assists in coming to terms with the altitude as well as viewing the fantastic scenery in the best way possible. The helicopter ride that gives a bird’s-eye view of the great Himalayas is also a weather permission basis.

Tenants also need to be aware of extreme weather conditions. It may disrupt flights or, worse, cancel them, which may interfere with their itinerary.

In general, the entire EBC helicopter trek is easier than the full trek and provides an awesome chance to enjoy the views of the Everest Base Camp. It is preferable for those who do not have much time and, most importantly, those who do not want to face the great physical challenge of the full trek.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek FAQS

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There is no upper or lower age limit as such, but it is not advisable to undertake the trek with small kids. Younger trekkers should be healthy, while older trekkers need a certificate from a medic. The trek is moderate, so it should be taken by anyone regardless of age as long as the person has good health and fitness.

The EBC trek with helicopter return sets a tone from the high end by providing better lodges, private transport, extra attention, and a helicopter trip down from Base Camp or Kala Patthar, making it even better value.

The ideal times to embark on this trek are during the spring season, which is from March up to May, and the autumn season, from September up to November. This is to enjoy the good weather for the hike and also clear skies for the helicopter tours.

Yes, the helicopter back from Base Camp is a safe and practical means of descending, performed by experienced pilots of the terrain and weather conditions of the area.

Yes, it can be done by first-time trekkers, but one needs to be relatively fit and have done a bit of trekking before. The trek entails challenges like altitude sickness. One must be able to walk for 6-7 hours on a daily average. So, it is advisable if you are in good shape both physically and mentally.

Prominent aspects involve appreciating mountain views, including the Everest and Mountain Ranges, learning about the Sherpa culture and tradition, visiting monasteries like Tengboche Monastery, and doing the thrilling helicopter evacuation from the base camp with a scenic view of the entire Himalayas.

Some of the attractions in Kathmandu are Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Traveler Reviews

Explore authentic feedback from our past adventurers with Best Treks and Adventure, sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

Robin Lee (Spain)

(5/5) Rating

Great Experience with Best Trek to Mardi Himal Trek
It was great experience with Best Trek and Adventure company to Mardi Himal Trek. This trek is short and perfect trek to beginner to real hikers. This company is one of the renounce tour company based in Kathmandu. Their team is an excellent, well managed from every corner. We (me and my wife) were fully satisfied through their services. Our guide Pradip and assistant Raju were also excellent and knowledgeable. They help and encourage us to do this trip easily. So we would highly recommend to all for your best experience trip to Nepal with Best Trek and Adventure. No need to spend your time to search others then Best Trek.

Robin Lee (Spain)

(5/5) Rating

Great Experience with Best Trek to Mardi Himal Trek
It was great experience with Best Trek and Adventure company to Mardi Himal Trek. This trek is short and perfect trek to beginner to real hikers. This company is one of the renounce tour company based in Kathmandu. Their team is an excellent, well managed from every corner. We (me and my wife) were fully satisfied through their services. Our guide Pradip and assistant Raju were also excellent and knowledgeable. They help and encourage us to do this trip easily. So we would highly recommend to all for your best experience trip to Nepal with Best Trek and Adventure. No need to spend your time to search others then Best Trek.

Emma Johansson (USA)

(5/5) Rating

I cannot speak highly enough about Best Treks and Adventure and the Annapurna Base Camp trek they organized for me and my friends. From the initial planning to the final farewell, everything was seamless. Our guide, Bishnu, was fantastic—his expertise and sense of humor made the trek so much more enjoyable. The trail itself was stunning, with diverse landscapes and amazing mountain views. The team ensured we were well-fed, safe, and motivated throughout the journey. This was hands down one of the best adventures of my life. I’ll definitely be trekking with them again!

Liam Carter

(5/5) Rating

Australia
I had an unforgettable experience trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with Best Treks and Adventure. The team was professional, friendly, and made us feel at ease the entire time. Our guide, Dinesh, was outstanding—he shared fascinating stories about the local culture and ensured we were acclimatized and comfortable every step of the way. The views along the trail were spectacular, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching Base Camp was overwhelming. This trek wouldn’t have been the same without such an incredible team. Thank you for the memories of a lifetime!

Olivia Martinez (UK)

(5/5) Rating

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with Best Treks and Adventure was one of the most magical experiences of my life. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, from lush green forests to towering snow-capped peaks. The team was incredibly organized, ensuring everything went smoothly. Our guide, Rajendra, was amazing—always cheerful, knowledgeable, and attentive to everyone’s needs. The tea houses were cozy, and the meals were hearty, which kept us energized throughout the trek. Reaching ABC felt like a dream come true. I highly recommend Best Treks and Adventure to anyone planning this trek!

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