Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Himalayan Spirit Trek
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return indeed sounds like an exhilarating adventure, blending the thrill of trekking through the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes with the convenience of a helicopter return. This condensed version of the traditional trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the majesty of Mt. Everest and its surroundings in a shorter timeframe, making it accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts. By cutting the trekking duration almost in half and providing a helicopter return from Gorakshep, trekkers can enjoy the highlights of the Everest region without the extended time commitment required for the standard trek. This allows adventurers to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas while minimizing the physical strain associated with longer treks. Moreover, the helicopter flight back offers an unforgettable bird's-eye view of the towering peaks, rugged terrain, and remote settlements of the Everest region. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the journey, providing a panoramic perspective of the landscapes traversed during the trek and leaving trekkers with lasting memories of their high-altitude adventure. Overall, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return presents a fantastic opportunity for travelers to experience the essence of the Himalayas in a condensed yet unforgettable manner.
The memorable moments
The itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is packed with unforgettable experiences and highlights. Here's a breakdown of what trekkers can expect: Scenic Flyover to Lukla: The adventure kicks off with a thrilling scenic flight to Lukla, home to the renowned Tenzing-Hillary Airport 2840meter, situated amidst the high-altitude Himalayas. Trekking towards Everest Base Camp: Embark on a trek along one of the world's most popular routes towards the iconic Mt. Everest, passing through awe-inspiring landscapes and immersing in the rich culture and traditions of the Himalayan region. Everest Base Camp (5,360 meters): Reach the base camp of the world's tallest snow-capped wonder, Mt. Everest, and soak in the unparalleled beauty of the surrounding Himalayan vistas. Namche Bazaar: Explore Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa community settlement and the highest trade center in the world, offering insights into the local way of life. Sagarmatha National Park: Traverse through the world's highest national park, Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Tengboche Monastery: Visit the historic Tengboche Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the region, and experience its spiritual ambiance. High-Altitude Villages: Spend quality time in picturesque high-altitude villages like Tenngboche, Phakding, Dingboche, and Lubuche, immersing in their serene surroundings and unique culture. Panoramic Mountain Views: Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Himalayan mountain ranges including Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, Island Peak, and of course, the majestic Mt. Everest. Kalapatthar (5,545 meters): Ascend to Kalapatthar for a spectacular up-close view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks, offering a truly unforgettable experience. Khumbu Glaciers: Witness the impressive Khumbu glaciers, among the largest and longest glaciers in Nepal, showcasing the raw power of nature. Hillary Museum: Visit the Hillary Museum, dedicated to Sherpa culture, traditions, arts, and architecture, providing insights into the local heritage and history. Helicopter Return: Conclude the expedition with a scenic helicopter flight directly from Gorekshep, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan massifs and diverse landscapes, providing a fitting finale to the adventure. With its blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas.
Journey at a glance
Day 1: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610 meters) — After breakfast, embark on a scenic flight to Lukla, providing picturesque views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan mountains. - Meet the expedition team upon arrival in Lukla and make any necessary gear or supplies purchases. - Begin the trek to Phakding village, a relatively short journey of about 3 hours covering approximately 6.5 km. - Along the trail, admire views of sacred mountains like Khumbila and Mt. Kusum Kangraru, and cross the Dudh Koshi River via suspension bridge. - Arrive in Phakding, a charming village with quality lodges and hotels, and enjoy the hospitality as you prepare for the next day's trek. Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,445 meters) — - Start the day with a nutritious breakfast before setting off for Namche Bazaar, one of the longer days of the expedition. - Cross the Hillary suspension bridge and trek alongside the Bhote Koshi River, enjoying panoramic views of mountain ranges including Mt. Everest. - Stop for lunch in one of the villages along the way and continue towards Namche Bazaar, also known as the 'Sherpa Capital.' - Pass through Monjo and explore Sagarmatha National Park to verify trekking permits. - Trek uphill facing views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Kongde Peaks before reaching Namche Bazaar after 4-6 hours of trekking. - Spend the evening exploring the bustling city and soaking in the high-altitude atmosphere. Day 3: Phungithenga 3300 metre. — Acclimatization day going to high sleep into the low altitude - Take a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude, with options to explore the vibrant trading region. - Visit monasteries, museums, or coffee houses, or browse the 'Saturday Market' for local products. - Hike to the Syangboche viewpoint for panoramic views of the bazaar or visit the Everest View Hotel for a glimpse of Mt. Everest and other peaks. - Explore Sherpa villages like Khumjung and Khunde to learn about the local culture and traditions. - Enjoy unobstructed views of Himalayan peaks like Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Everest along the way. -arrive in Phungithenga after 4 hours of trekking known for river junction from Everest valley and gokyo valley. These first three days provide a perfect introduction to the Everest Base Camp trek, combining scenic flights, trekking through picturesque landscapes, and immersing in the rich culture of the region. Here's a summary of the trekking itinerary for days 4 to 8 of the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return: Day 4: Phungithenga to Pangboche(3,995 meters)** — Trek through beautiful alpine meadows with lush green pine trees and rhododendron bushes towards Tengboche. - Arrive in Tengboche after 1hour and 25 minutes of trekking, known for its famous Tengboche Monastery, this is the best destination for the people who love panoramic view of mountain including TOP OF THE WORLD. -Enjoy picturesque views of Mt. Ama Dablam and other Himalayan massifs along the trail. -Arrive in pangboche another 1 hour 40 minutes from tengboche. Day 5: Pangboche to Dingboche (4,360 meters) — Pass Buddhist pilgrim sites, chortens, and monasteries, and ascend uphill to Somare -Enjoying the view of world 4th highest mountain Lhotse in front of you. - Reach Dingboche, also known as the 'Summer Valley,' surrounded by farms with stone fences, after about 4 hours of trekking. Day 6: Acclimatization in Dingboche — Rest and acclimatize to the altitude, with options to hike to Nagarjun Hill or Chukkung Valley for panoramic mountain views. - Explore the lifestyle, culture, and beauty of Dingboche and its surroundings. Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 meters) — - Trek towards Lobuche, passing through Chorten trail towards Pheriche and gaining significant altitude. - Enjoy views of Himalayan massifs like Cholatse, Tawache, Khumutse, Mahalangur Himal, Pumori, and Nuptse. - Visit Thukla, also known as the 'Everest Memorial,' dedicated to those who lost their lives on Mt. Everest. - Arrive in Lobuche after 4.5-6 hours of trekking and rest for the night. Day 8: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360 meters) and back to Gorakshep — - Trek to Gorakshep, the last human settlement before Everest Base Camp, and have lunch. - Continue trekking to Everest Base Camp, where you'll enjoy stunning views of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. - Return to Gorakshep for the night after spending time at Everest Base Camp. Day 9: Early Morning Hike to Kalapatthar (5,545 meters) and Helicopter Return — Start early for a hike to Kalapatthar, the highest point of the expedition, to witness a spectacular sunrise over Mt. Everest and panoramic views of the Himalayas. - Trek back to Gorakshep for breakfast and board a helicopter for the return flight to Lukla. - Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic aerial views of the region on the way back. These final days offer trekkers the chance to experience the high-altitude beauty of the Everest region, culminating in a breathtaking sunrise view from Kalapatthar before concluding the adventure with a helicopter return to Lukla and onward flight to Kathmandu.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610 meters) — After breakfast, embark on a scenic flight to Lukla, providing picturesque views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan mountains.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,445 meters) —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3Phungithenga 3300 metre. — Acclimatization day going to high sleep into the low altitude
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4Phungithenga to Pangboche(3,995 meters)** — Trek through beautiful alpine meadows with lush green pine trees and rhododendron bushes towards Tengboche.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5Pangboche to Dingboche (4,360 meters) — Pass Buddhist pilgrim sites, chortens, and monasteries, and ascend uphill to Somare
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 6Acclimatization in Dingboche — Rest and acclimatize to the altitude, with options to hike to Nagarjun Hill or Chukkung Valley for panoramic mountain views.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 7Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 meters) —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 8Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360 meters) and back to Gorakshep —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 9Early Morning Hike to Kalapatthar (5,545 meters) and Helicopter Return — Start early for a hike to Kalapatthar, the highest point of the expedition, to witness a spectacular sunrise over Mt. Everest and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- It sounds like the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return package includes comprehensive services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and safe trekking experience. Here's a breakdown of what's included in the package:
- Three Nutritious Meals a Day: Enjoy clean, fresh, and nutritious meals three times a day during the trek, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee with each meal.
- Fresh Delicious Fruits: Indulge in fresh and delicious fruits every night after dinner to rejuvenate and replenish energy levels.
- Twin Sharing Accommodation: Stay in twin-sharing accommodation facilities in trekking lodges throughout the trek, ensuring comfort and convenience.
- Permits and Entrance Fees: All necessary permits for the expedition, including entrance fees to Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, are included.
- Flight Costs: The package covers the cost of flights from Kathmandu to Lukla airport. Note that during high season, flights to and from Lukla may be operated from Ramechhap airport, which is located 4-5 hours east of Kathmandu.
- Helicopter Flight: Enjoy a helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla and onward to Kathmandu, with hotel transfer included upon landing in Kathmandu.
- Experienced English-Speaking Guide: Benefit from the expertise of an experienced and trained Government Licensed English-speaking guide, whose expenses, including salary, food, drinks, insurance, and transportation costs, are covered by the trekking company.
- Porter Services: Each trekker is provided with a strong and helpful porter to carry luggage and equipment, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers. Porter expenses and insurance are covered by the trekking company.
- Emergency Helicopter Services: In case of unforeseen circumstances or medical emergencies, arrangements for emergency helicopter services will be made (expenses to be covered by the traveler's travel insurance company).
- Equipment Rental: Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, and walking poles is provided. If you don't have your own, there's a nominal charge of $10 USD each for maintenance and washing.
- Token of Appreciation: Receive a token of love from HST, including , cap and duffel bag.
- Oximeter Monitoring: Throughout the journey, oximeter checks will be conducted twice a day to monitor oxygen saturation levels and pulse, helping to identify symptoms of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- No Hidden Costs: The package cost includes all government expenses and official service charges, with no hidden costs.
- Assistant Guide: For group expeditions with 6 or more members, an assistant guide will be provided to enhance support and assistance.
- With these inclusions, trekkers can embark on the Everest Base Camp trek with peace of mind, knowing that their needs are taken care of, from accommodation and meals to safety measures and emergency support.
Not included
- Here's a breakdown of additional expenses that are not included in the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return package:
- International Flights and Airport Costs: Trekkers are responsible for booking their own international flights and covering any associated airport taxes or fees.
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off: Expenses for transportation to and from the airport for international flights are not included in the package and are the responsibility of the trekkers.
- Nepali Tourist Visa: The cost of obtaining a Nepali Tourist Visa upon arrival (approximately US$30 for a 15-day visa) is not included in the package.
- Travel and Medical Insurance: It is recommended that trekkers obtain travel and medical insurance, and the expenses for this are not included in the package.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses incurred during the trek that are not included in the package cost, such as souvenirs, additional snacks, or other personal items, are the responsibility of the trekkers.
- Additional Food and Beverage Services: The cost of any additional food and beverage services not included in the itinerary, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, is not covered by the package.
- Extra Baggage: Expenses for any extra baggage beyond the 15kg weight limit for the Lukla flight are not included in the package.
- Charging Phones and Hot Showers: Trekkers may incur costs for charging phones and using hot showers during the trek, which are not included in the package.
- Tips: While tipping for guides, porters, and drivers is expected, the actual amount is not included in the package cost.
- Employment of Extra Crew Members: If trekkers choose to employ additional crew members during the trek, such as additional porters or guides, the expenses for this are not included in the package.
- These additional expenses should be budgeted for separately to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trekking experience.
Essential trip information
Before you go
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Fitness & eligibility
3
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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