Overview

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek combines the adventure of trekking to the world’s most iconic base camp with the luxury and thrill of a helicopter return. This 11-day journey is perfect for those who want to experience the Everest Base Camp Trek without retracing the same trail back. Along the way, you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Makalu (8,463m), and the graceful Ama Dablam (6,856m).

The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a walk through lush forests and charming Sherpa villages like Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Namche, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region, offers a mix of local culture, mountain hospitality, and mesmerizing views. Continuing onward, you’ll pass through Tengboche, where you can visit the historic Tengboche Monastery — set against the backdrop of Everest and Ama Dablam.

From there, the route leads to Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, before finally reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp (5,364m) — standing face-to-face with the world’s highest peak. After soaking in the once-in-a-lifetime views and atmosphere of EBC, you’ll board a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the mighty Himalayas and glaciers below.

This trek is ideal for adventurers seeking both challenge and comfort — offering the best of both worlds: the thrill of trekking to Everest Base Camp and the convenience of a scenic heli return. With Eternal Himalaya, your journey is guided safely and comfortably, ensuring an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

Highlights

  • Explore the Everest Base Camp and admire the view of Khumbu Glacier from the base camp
  • Enjoy a delightful helicopter ride from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu
  • Witness a number of the majestic Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Nuptse (7861m)
  • Relish the bio-diversity of the Sagarmatha National Park
  • Visit many Sherpa villages on the way to the Everest Base Camp

Itinerary

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Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

The snow-capped Himalayas will welcome you as you arrive in Nepal. A company representative will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Then, a short drive through the busy streets in the capital city leads you to the hotel. Next, you can freshen up at the hotel and explore the nearby areas around the hotel.

  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,300m

Today we shall indulge in some sightseeing of the major UNESCO world heritage sites of the Kathmandu valley which include Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. These sites are of great religious and cultural importance to the people following Hinduism and Buddhism. After lunch, we shall head out to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. These Squares were built in the ancient Malla period and have a great deal of history associated with it. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,300m

In the morning, get on an airplane and fly all the way to Lukla. The flight shows you the amazing glimpses of the mountains of the Khumbu region like Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), and Ama Dablam (6856m). Upon arrival at the Lukla airport, gather your stuff and begin the trek to Phakding. The trail goes along the Chheplung village and sees a stunning display of Thamserku (6608m). Overnight in Phakding.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,610m

The trail today leads us to the biggest Sherpa settlement of the Everest region, Namche Bazaar. The trail to Namche involves going through the Bengkar valley and admiring the surreal views of the Dudh Koshi River. We shall have our permits checked in Jorsalle and after ascending the barren landscape for a while, we reach Namche Bazaar. This is a lively settlement with many cafes and restaurants. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,440m

Today we won't be doing any sort of hiking but rather we shall spend the day exploring the Namche Bazaar. Head towards the Khumjung village to observe the Khumjung Monastery. This monastery houses the scalp of a Yeti. Later, head to the Hotel Everest View which is the hotel located at the highest altitude in the world. Spend the day resting and recuperating. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner

From Namche Bazaar, we need to initially trek towards Phunke Tenga and is comparatively easier. Later, we shall cross the Dudh Koshi River. The destination for today is Tengboche which is a small Buddhist village. It houses the Tengboche Monastery which is the biggest monastery in the Everest region. From the monastery, we can see views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), and Ama Dablam (6856m). Overnight in Tengboche.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,860m

The road goes along lush forests of birch, pine, and rhododendron. As we walk along the Imja River, we can see the upper Pangboche trail. We can take a quick break and visit the Pangboche Monastery. As we head down the Imja River, we arrive at Dingboche. It is a village mostly dependent on agriculture. Overnight in Dingboche.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410 m

Today is another day of acclimatization which shall be spent on exploring the Dingboche village. We shall interact with the locals residing here and learn about their culture and way of life. Alternatively, we can also hike to the top of the Dingboche hill. Here, we can even admire the picturesque view of Makalu (8463m), Lobuche (6119m), and Mt. Everest (8848m) from here. Overnight in Dingboche.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410 m

The road to Lobuche initially leads us to Dughla. Mt. Pumo Ri (7165m) will keep us company throughout the trek. We will pass through the campsite where the first Everest expedition team set their camp. From here, we walk along the steep moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We go through Chupki Lahara and observe many memorial shrines. We finally arrive at Lobuche which is a small campsite before the Everest base camp. Overnight in Lobuche.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4910 m

From Lobuche, we shall make our way to Gorakshep. The road is pretty steep and involves plenty of walking. We shall reach the Everest base camp during the day and there, we can see the close-up views of Nuptse (7861m), Lingtren (6749m), and Khumbutse (6665m) along with other peaks in the Everest range. The surreal views of the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall are also mesmerizing from the base camp. After spending some time on the base camp, we shall head back to Kathmandu on a helicopter. The Heli-fight also offers an enchanting panorama of some of the highest mountains in the world including Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), and Cho Oyu (8201m). In the evening, the company will host you a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude5364 m

Today is the final day of your stay in Nepal. You can make the necessary plans to explore the valley according to your flight schedule. Later, our representative will accompany you to the airport for the flight to your next destination. We hope that we have served you well and wish you all the luck in your future endeavors.

  • MealsBreakfast

Cost Details

IncludedExcluded
  • Airport picks up and drop by private vehicle.
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis.
  • Kathmandu sightseeing by Private guide and private transportation
  • Kathmandu – Lukla flight fare.
  • Lukla – Kathmandu Heli fare.
  • All ground transportation by private vehicle.
  • Your standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trekking.
  • All necessary paper works, conservation area, and restricted area entry permits.
  • All accommodations in hotels, lodges/tea houses during the trek.
  • An experienced Government licensed guide and porters.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Farewell dinner with typical Nepali restaurant
  • All government taxes.
  • International Airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Extra accommodation and food charges in Kathmandu
  • Tips and gratitude to the guide, porters and drivers

Useful Info

The EBC Heli Trek can be done by anyone with an average physical condition. However, there are many difficult parts on the trek so, trekkers should have plenty. Autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) are the best seasons for the EBC Heli Trek.

Eternal Himalaya organizes numerous trips around Nepal. We also provide skilled guides and porters for the trek. Likewise, there are many other quality services that we offer to our clients on trips.

FAQs

  • Q1. What alternatives are available if adverse weather cancels the helicopter return for an Everest Base Camp flight?

    The sole alternative is to extend your stay if the flight is cancelled due to bad
    weather, and you will be in charge of the lodging costs. Helicopter companies may
    offer charter flights at times when regular air flights are cancelled. You can decide
    to take a helicopter, but you will need to cover the extra expenses added.

  • Certainly not instead, you'll follow a trail back to Gorakshep, where you'll be treated to captivating vistas. Subsequently, you can embark on a picturesque helicopter journey back to Lukla, capturing breathtaking views of the towering mountains and enchanting landscapes during this thrilling adventure. And connecting flight back to Kathmandu.

  • Individuals with strong stamina and good physical fitness can adapt to higher altitudes and lower oxygen density. Therefore, prior experience is not necessary to successfully complete this trek.

  • Your safety is our topmost concern, each of our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek groups is equipped with a supplementary oxygen system, oximeter, and a medical kit. We have carefully crafted an improved itinerary to ensure adequate rest and acclimatisation. Furthermore, we maintain a high staff-to-client ratio for increased support and safety. 

  • Typically, the daily walking duration ranges from 3 to 6 hours. However, this can vary based on your personalized itinerary, trail conditions, and prevailing weather situations.

  • It’s compulsory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before
    commencing any adventurous trips in Nepal. We counsel you to get travel
    insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in
    case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in
    high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is
    preferable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the
    final decision.

  • The Everest Heli Return Trek is 11 days long, including 8 days of trekking and return by a helicopter ride back to Lukla and a connecting flight to Kathmandu.

  • Yes, setting foot at the world's highest Mt. Everest (8848m) is just as staggering an experience as you have ever imagined to be. As you traverse through the diversified landscapes, charming villages, and culture of locals and witness glimmering stunned mountain views, and the highest Khumbu glacier, this adventurous journey is truly worthwhile. Alongside the Heli, the ride sets a great impression and adds more beauty, thrill, and excitement to these 11-day voyages. This trek stands unparalleled, offering an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your lifetime memories.