Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return: Complete Guide

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a 9-day long tour. It starts with a flight to Lukla (Tenzing Hilary airport) from Kathmandu, then a trek to the Base Camp on your foot. While returning back, you take a helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu.

The trail of the Everest Base camp is one of the most visually appealing among all the treks of Nepal. From Lulka, it spreads to Base camp through stunning villages like Phakding, Tengboche, Namche Bazar, Lobuche, etc. It is decked up with mountain ranges, lakes, glaciers, monasteries, temples, floras, faunas, and many more. 

These places and villages you pass by get you face-to-face with remote Nepal’s lifestyle. One can have a chance to be a part of various unique traditions and cultures mainly, of Sherpas since they are the major inhabitants of the Himalayas. However, different villages, ethnic groups, and locals have beliefs that lead to their own customs and traditions. These practices reflect the roots of their civilization. Therefore, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is an opportunity to swoon you with these never seen nature’s presence,  lifestyles, cultures, and festivals.

The Helicopter ride back definitely adds the cherry on top. It feeds your craving for adventures as you fly above the most mesmerizing scenic view of villages, forests, mountains, etc. It saves the time that would take to just trek back on foot. Hence, it is an ideal option for those who want to be close to Everest in a short time division. 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Lukla then Trek to Phakding

Through domestic airlines, one takes a flight to Lukla. Lukla is 40 minutes away from Kathmandu by air. Make sure your luggage is at most 40 kg/ 88.1849 pounds. If it does exceed the mark then you have to pay an extra amount to take it through or just leave it at the airport. From Lukla being surrounded by breathtaking views, one walks to Phakding. Phakding lies at an altitude of 2610 m / 8562.992 ft.

The trail from Lukla to Phakding is an easy one. It traverses through small settlements, forests, and different animals and birds. You will also get a glimpse of mountain peaks like Kusum Kangaru from afar. Crossing suspension bridges, and walking through terrific green landscapes, beside the Dudh Koshi River day one ends at Phakding.

Day 2: Trek form Phakding to Namche Bazar

Today you trek to Namche Bazar. Namche is popularly known as Portal to the majestic Himalayas to trekking enthusiasts. One needs two permits to move to Namche Bazar and cross the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. 

The trek to Namche Bazar is approximately 6 hours to 7 hours long. The trail is neither too easy nor too hard. You pass through beautiful stone-paved paths, suspension bridges above fast-flowing rivers, panoramic views, and colorful prayer flags. If luck is on your side, while passing through the Sagarmatha National Park, you may catch a glimpse of rare animals like musk deer, red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, etc.

Since Namche is elevated to a height of 3440 m / 11286 ft the trail starts moving upward, it has long stairs and a few risky steep paths too. Be careful walking through these! Namche Bazar is the most hustling and bustling place of the trek so make sure to have fun here.

Day 3: Acclimatization and hike around Namche

Acclimatization is very much needed for altitude increases, making it hard for our body to adapt. So to avoid complications the day will be spent visiting places nearby like the Local museum and Hillary school, Khumjung village, and Khunde village. These villages reflect the beauty of the Sherpa lifestyle.

You will also get to see views of mountains like Ama Dablam (6912 m / 22349 ft), Mount Nuptse (7861 m / 25791 ft), Mount Lhotse(8516 m/ 27940 ft), etc. These small hikes will keep us active and help in acclimatize. After that, you rest and get prepared to advance forward.

Day 4:  Namche Bazar to Tengboche

Tengboche is 9.6 km / 6 miles away from Namche Bazar. Today’s trek will be one of the most difficult ones. With all these difficulties it also flaunts the most rewarding view of the entire trek. Mountains, panoramic views, monasteries, faunas, exotic animals, etc., make the trek worth all the hard climb.

First, the track moves downhill. As you get near the midpoint the elevation starts to get higher. It reaches up to 3876 m / 12687 ft. Since the trail goes downhill first and then moves upward it is very hard to get your body adjusted. So, have your first aid kit with you in case something bad happens.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche

Trek from Tengboche to Dengboche is around 6 hours long and fairly challenging. You need to walk past the upslope landscapes. The trail passes through villages like Deboche and Pangboche.

It will be even more difficult to get your body adjusted as the altitude rises to 4410 m / 14470 ft. One gets a close view of Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam along with a sneak peek of the majestic Everest. 

Day 6: Day for acclimatization at Dingboche

Dingboche is filled with beautiful places for you to discover. Today as an acclimatization hike you visit Nagarjun Peak also known as Nangkartshang peak. It is situated at an altitude of 5083 m / 16676.51 ft. The hike will be approximately 4 hours to 5 hours long. It flaunts the terrific vistas and mountain peaks: Lobuche east (6119 m / 20075.46 ft), Kangtega 6782 m / 22251 ft), Taboche (6495 m / 21309 ft), Thamserku (6608 m / 21680 ft), Ama Dablam  (6912 m / 22349 ft), Lhotse (8516 m/ 27940 ft), Cho Oyu (8188 m / 26864 ft), etc. after completing the acclimatization hike you return back to Dingboche and rest in a teahouse.

Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche

The elevation keeps increasing and gets to 16,109 feet / 4,910 meters. Today on the Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return you will behold the first-ever sight of the Khumbu glacier. Trek to Lobuche doesn’t comprise rocky, steep paths or has any notable obstacle however, one needs to be aware of the risks of gained elevation. 

The total distance from Dingboche to Lobuche is 11 km / 6.83508 miles. To complete one needs approximately 4 hours to 5 hours. Lobuche is sparsely populated and has a handful of teahouses. Upon arriving at Lobuche village mountains like Lobuche, Nuptse, and the stunning Everest region comes into sight.

Day 8: Lobuche to Gorakshep, Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp then return back to Gorakshep

This day of the Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return will be the longest and most tiring. First, you leave Lobuche and head for Gorakshep. The trail followed is rocky so be careful while you walk through it. To overshadow all the difficulties the trail also has views of the Mount Nuptse and Khumbu glacier. It will take around 3 hours to get here.

Resting for a while and admiring Lobuche the trek further goes to Everest Base camp. The trail to Everest Base Camp is a difficult one but can be completed in about 2 hours. You will return back to Gorakshep and rest for the night.

Day 9: Gorakshep to Kalapatthar, Kalapatthar to Gorakshep then a Helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu

Kalapatthar is one of the best viewpoints of the Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return. It boasts the most magical sunrise and sunset. It has the best and up-close view of Mt. Everest along with other snow-capped mountains like Mt.Lhotse (8516 m /27940 ft), Mt.Nuptse (7861 m / 25791 ft), Mt.Changtse (7543 m / 24747 ft), Mt.Pumori (7161 m/ 23494  ft), etc to stun you.

Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar is 1 hour to 2 hours long. The trail to Kalapatthar has a high possibility of avalanches, so leave prepared.

After enjoying the magical view from Kalapatthar, you trek back to Gorakshep and take the thrilling Helicopter ride to Kathmandu. The feeling of flying above the Everest region, glaciers, lakes, and small villages is surreal. The helicopter ride will be 60 minutes to 70 minutes long.

Also Read: Best time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Estimated total cost and details of Helicopter ride

The trek to Everest base camp costs around $2500 to $3000. The helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu ranges from $1050 to $2000. But the combination of these two that is Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return costs a little less. It is approximately $2700 to $3000.

Gorakshep is 151 km /93.8271 miles. The Helicopter ride lasts 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending upon weather conditions. For a Helicopter ride, one does not need any special equipment. Make sure you wear proper clothes according to the weather. Wear windproof down jackets, comfortable trousers, goggles, gloves, and hats. 

Why Swotah?

Embarking on the Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter Return is not merely about reaching the pinnacle; it's about the journey, the stories, the connections, and the memories. At Swotah Travel, we don't just offer tours; we curate experiences. 

As a proud local Nepalese travel agency, our roots run deep within these mountains, giving us an edge in crafting authentic, enriching experiences. We prioritize your safety, ensuring that each trek is facilitated by experts who know these trails like the back of their hand. Plus, our intimate knowledge of local customs, traditions, and hidden gems ensures that you see Nepal through the eyes of a local. Opt for Swotah, and you're choosing a journey steeped in genuine Nepalese hospitality, cultural depth, and unmatched expertise. 

Join us, and let's create Himalayan tales together.