Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

11 Days
  • Kalapatthar (5,545m)
  • Spring and Autumn
  • Moderately Challenging

Overview

Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is an unforgettable time in the Himalayas. The breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan ranges provide a wonderful feast for your eyes.

You can choose our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek package if you want to avoid full trek but also want to experience it. You can hike through Sherpa communities, rhododendron forests, and monasteries before arriving at the Everest Base Camp.

Why Choose the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

You can select the Everest Base Camp Trek with a helicopter if you want to explore the Himalayas without having to do a long return journey. This trek is designed to offer you a taste of the epic adventure of the Everest region, all while minimizing the physical exertion involved. Here’s why it's special:

  1. This trek is perfect for those with limited time yet a profound yearning to explore Everest.
  2. Seamlessly blends adventure, comfort, and safety.
  3. It provides a distinctive blend of trekking excitement and helicopter opulence.
  4. This approach eliminates the need to repeat the same path.

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Everest Base Camp Trek Comparison Chart

Comparison starts when confusion occurs. If you're thinking about which tour package is better than Classic EBC trek, then read the following chart carefully and decide thoughtfully.

FeaturesEverest Base Camp Heli TrekClassic Everest Base Camp Trek
Return RouteHelicopter flight from Gorak Shep to KathmanduTrek back via same route
Total Trekking Days7 Days12 Days
Maximum AltitudeKalapatthar (5,545m)Kalapatthar
Start/End PointFly to Lukla / Heli return from Gorak ShepFly to Lukla / Trek back to Lukla
Best ForTime-bound travelers, luxury seekersAdventure trekkers, budget
Fitness Level RequiredModerateModerate to High
Trek DifficultyModerate (less descent days)Moderate to Strenuous
HighlightScenic helicopter ride over EverestClassic full trek experience
Acclimatization Days2 Days2 Days
Cost Range (Per Person)USD 2,500–3,300USD 1,500–2,100
Trek Length (Total Distance)~65 km (Trek only)~130 km (Trek in & out)
Views & SceneryGround & aerial viewsGround-level views only
Experience LevelSuitable for first-time trekkersBetter for trekkers with some experience
Physical StrainLower due to helicopter descentHigher due to continuous hiking
Environmental ImpactHigher (helicopter use)Lower (foot trail only)
Risk of Altitude SicknessLower (shorter high-altitude exposure)Slightly higher (longer duration at altitude)
Comfort LevelHigh (fewer nights at high altitude)Moderate (longer trail exposure)

Read this blog for a detailed travel guide about the helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Tour by Helicopter for Amazing View

What makes this Everest Base Camp Heli Trek special?

  • Exhilarating scenic flight (35 minutes) to Tenzing Hillary Lukla Airport (2642 m), which has been cited as one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
  • The butchery-free mountain society amazes with their friendly, warm hospitality.
  • Tengboche Monastery (3860 m) is the focal point of the colorful Mani Rimdu festival, welcoming visitors with its monks, stunning murals, and incense-scented atmosphere.
  • Trek through a rhododendron, oak, and pine forest to the alpine flat grassland, where you may see pheasants and yaks sometime.
  • From Kalapathar (5545 m/18500 ft), you can enjoy the best panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu (8188 m/26906 ft), Makalu (8485 m/27766 ft), Lhotse (8516 m/27940 ft), and more.
  • Experience the majestic Himalayan vistas, icefalls, glaciers, and moraines while taking a comfortable helicopter ride from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Arrival in Kathmandu(1300m/4265ft)

    We'll receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to the hotel. Use this day to relax or take a short walk around Thamel.

  • Day
    02

    Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

    Have a nice breakfast, then go to the airport early in the morning for an exciting flight to Lukla. The journey begins at Lukla and goes across suspension bridges over rivers, mani walls, rock paintings of Buddha, and chortens before passing the village of Chhuthawa (2591 m) and winding through the forest to Phakding. Overnight at Phakding.

  • Day
    03

    Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11280 ft.)

    Trek through pine forests and rivers on today's climb to Namche Bazaar The route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and you may even encounter a herd of yaks. After clearing the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate, you'll arrive in Namche Bazaar, the Everest region's gateway.

  • Day
    04

    Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar and trek to Everest View Hotel (3900 m / 13000 ft.)

    A rest or acclimatizing day at Namche Bazaar is required to prevent the symptoms of altitude sickness. Though it’s a rest day, short walks keeps your body habitual to walking. You take short hike to the Everest View hotel after a delicious lunch. Following a delightful lunch, you hike a short distance to the Everest View Hotel. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the mountains as well as an insight of Buddhist-influenced civilization in the mountains, where you will frequently see inscribed stones and Buddhist prayer flags. Return back to Namche Bazaar for overnight stay.

  • Day
    05

    Trek to Tengboche (3870 m/12694 ft.)

    Today, you will trek to Tengboche, passing through the forest of rhododendrons and conifers. The Tengboche Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in the Khumbu region, offers a peaceful stop and magnificent views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

  • Day
    06

    Trek to Dingboche (4,360m / 14,300ft)

    Enjoy the fresh mountain air in the morning, and then after breakfast, travel through the lovely rhododendron and conifer forest to Debouche. The trail continues passing the chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and rhododendron forest, often with Monal pheasants, to Pangboche. There is an ancient monastery in the Khumbu region, and Hillary School is the jewel of the village, with a little shrine immediately above it. Proceed further to the Imja Khola, and mountain views tease you time and again as you reach Orsho. The trail leads to a little bridge over the Khumbu River, where Dingboche waits for you after an effortless climb.

  • Day
    07

    Trek to Lobuche (4940 m/16210 ft.)

    After breakfast, you walk via the village of Dusa, and an incredible landscape is visible with Ama Dablam and Mt. Pumori. Keep your foot striding to a glacial stream at Dughla, continuing to Chupi Larka. The magnificent beauty of the real Himalayas keeps you busy as you ascend and descend the trail alternatively. The boulders and the Cliffside trail add excitement, while yaks frequently appear on the path, allowing you to take a short break. Make sure to stand at the upper side of the trail, and your effortful walk to Lobuche will be rewarded with a treat of hundreds of stars at night and a jaw-dropping sunrise view in the mountains. Overnight in Lobuche.

  • Day
    08

    Arriving at Everest Base Camp

    Hike to Everest Base Camp (5364 m / 17594 ft) & return to Gorak Shep (5160 m / 16930 ft)—15 km—8 hrs.

    This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your trek. You will arrive at Everest Base Camp and behold the breathtaking panorama of the world's highest mountain. After spending some time at the base camp, you will return to Gorak Shep for the night.

  • Day
    09

    Trek to Kalapathar (5545 m/18192 ft)

    Kalapathar is the best vantage point of the Everest region. The wide-open view of the mountain ranges is one that no traveler will ever forget. The golden sunrays gently descend the majestic peaks, revealing the breathtaking beauty of the mountain bride. After savoring the breathtaking views, trek back to Gorak Shep and plunge yourself into a helicopter seat for a thrilling flight over the Himalayas.

    Watch the most epic portrait of nature with snow and giant rocks from the sky—Makalu, Nuptse, Pumori, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and other smaller peaks. The helicopter lands in Kathmandu, from where you are transferred to your hotel. You can rest of the day, and we'll treat you

  • Day
    10

    Rest Day in Kathmandu

    Enjoy leisure time, visit local sites, or shop for souvenirs. A farewell dinner awaits in the evening.

  • Day
    11

    Departure

    Transfer to the airport for your onwards flight. You depart from Nepal with memories to last forever.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Includes

  • Kathmandu to Lukla Flight
  • Permits and Entry Fees
  • Teahouse Accommodation
  • Meals (3 per day)
  • Guide and Porter
  • Helicopter from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu Hotel Stay (3-Star)

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Excludes

  • International flights to Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Extra costs due to flight delays

FAQs

What kind of snacks should I carry for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

You should carry Eergy bars, nuts, and chocolates for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek because they are aasy to pack and provides quick energy.

What about drinking water during Everest Base Camp Heli trek?

During an Everest Base Camp helicopter trek, avoid raw tap water and drink boiled and cooled water provided by teahouses.

What kind of meals do we get during the Everest Base Camp trek?

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you'll get Dal Bhat, noodles, eggs, tea, and soup during the trek. Most are vegetarian and hygienic. Here's the more detailed breakdown:

Food option:

  • Dal Bhat (Nepali meal of rice, lentils, vegetables)
  • Noodles, pasta, soups, pancakes
  • Sherpa stew, toast, and eggs

How much does it cost to helicopter rescue from Everest Base Camp?

Helicopter rescue from Everest Base Camp can range between $4000 and $5000, so be sure your insurance covers it.

Where will I stay at night during the trek?

Most trekkers stay in tea houses — small local lodges offering:
⦁ Twin-sharing rooms
⦁ Cozy dining halls
⦁ Hot meals

What to pack for this EBC Heli trek?

Packing essentials for this EBC heli trek are warm clothes and important gears. Here's the detail breakdown:

  • Warm down jacket
  • Thermals (base layers)
  • Waterproof pants/jacket
  • Gloves, hat, sunglasses

Other Must-Haves:

  • ⦁ Trekking poles
  • ⦁ Reusable water bottles
  • ⦁ Headlamp
  • ⦁ Sunscreen and lip balm
  • ⦁ Power bank

Will there be charging options during Everest Heli Trek?

Yes, however at higher altitudes, you'll get charging option. But Tea cottages may charge for electricity during the trek.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

The trek is moderately challenging, with some long uphill climbs. No technical skills are needed, but basic fitness is essential

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Ensure that your insurance includes helicopter rescue and high-altitude trekking

How much is a helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp?

The cost ranges from $950 to $1200, based on the number of people and season.

Which is the best month to book Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

The most favorable time to start the Everest Base Camp hike with helicopter return is in the autumn and spring. During these months, the weather is consistent, and the vistas are clear. During these months, the weather is stable, and the views are clear. You can expect sunny days and cold nights, with minimal rainfall.

While winter and monsoon are also viable options, the weather conditions can be challenging, and the trails may be less crowded.