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Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla

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From$2,160$1,890
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From$2,160$1,890
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34530
11 days
Availability : October - June
Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar
Min Age : 12
Max People : 5

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes


Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla: A Himalayan Adventure Like No Other

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla offers an extraordinary way to experience the majestic beauty of Mount Everest while combining the thrill of trekking with the luxury of a helicopter return journey. This unique adventure allows you to trek to the foot of the world’s highest peak and then fly back from Gorakshep to Lukla, making it an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla

To get the best experience out of this adventure, timing plays a crucial role. The ideal months to embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla are during the spring season (March to May) and autumn season (late September to November). These periods offer clear skies, stable weather, and perfect trekking conditions.

  • Spring Season (March to May): The weather is warm and skies are clear, allowing you to experience spectacular views of the Everest region. Spring also brings wildflowers in bloom, enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
  • Autumn Season (Late September to November): Autumn is another perfect season for this trek, with dry conditions, crisp air, and unobstructed views of the towering peaks.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp: The Journey Begins

Your trek to Everest Base Camp begins as you make your way from Lukla towards the legendary Everest Base Camp. You’ll journey through picturesque Sherpa villages, dense forests, and high-altitude landscapes, passing through landmarks such as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery. Along the way, you will be treated to jaw-dropping views of iconic peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Mount Everest.

Upon reaching Gorakshep, you’ll be at the final point of your trek, standing at the foot of Mount Everest. This is where your trekking journey culminates, and you will get the opportunity to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the world’s tallest peak.

Helicopter Return: A Thrilling Aerial Journey Back

After experiencing the unparalleled views at Gorakshep, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla offers an exhilarating way to return. Instead of trekking back down, you’ll take a helicopter back from Gorakshep to Lukla, offering you a luxurious and efficient way to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Everest region. The helicopter will soar over glaciers, towering peaks, and valleys, providing a completely different perspective of the rugged landscape.

Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla

  • Majestic Views of Everest: Experience Mount Everest up close during both the trek and the helicopter flight, offering a unique combination of high-altitude trekking and aerial views.
  • Cultural Immersion: Gain a deeper understanding of the Sherpa culture as you pass through villages and interact with the locals during your trek.
  • Luxury Helicopter Ride: Enjoy the luxury of a helicopter return from Gorakshep to Lukla, offering comfort and stunning views throughout the journey.
  • Time-Saving: This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Everest without the physically demanding journey back down, thanks to the helicopter return.

Why Choose the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla?

  • Unbeatable Scenic Beauty: Experience two perspectives on the Everest region—trekking through its valleys and flying over its peaks—offering an unmatched combination of beauty.
  • Comfortable Return: Skip the long trek back and enjoy the convenience and luxury of a helicopter ride, reducing physical exertion and maximizing your time in the mountains.
  • Ideal for Limited Time: If you’re short on time or prefer a less physically demanding journey, this tour is perfect for you. You get to experience the best of the Everest region without committing to the long descent.

Conclusion: An Epic Adventure with a Touch of Luxury

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla is the perfect blend of adventure and luxury. It combines the excitement of trekking to Everest Base Camp with the convenience and comfort of a helicopter flight back, making it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or new to high-altitude adventures, this tour offers something special for everyone.

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas, trek through ancient Sherpa villages, and soar above the peaks of the Everest region. The Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return from Gorakshep to Lukla promises to be an experience you’ll cherish forever.

Not interested in hiking to EBC? Why not join a one-day helicopter flight tour to the Everest region instead?

Departure & Return Location

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal

Departure Time

Between 7 – 8 am (flexible)

Service Includes

  • Domestic flight to and from Lukla airport, including Helicopter fly from Gorakshep to Lukla
  • 2 nights accommodation at Kathmandu Suite Home or nearby hotel of similar standard
  • Accommodation at comfortable tea house lodges in the mountain
  • Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • English speaking trek guide and 1 support porter (in the ratio of 2 guests = 1 porter)
  • Trek permit
  • Airport pick up/drop off

Price Excludes

  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping for guide porter (recommended)
  • Trekking equipment including sleeping bag
  • Any beverages including tea/coffee
  • Travel Insurance

Complementaries

  • Trekking duffle bag
  • Company T-Shirt

What to expect on the trek

The hike to Everest Base Camp is a challenging adventure. It starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and a short walk to Phakding, where you will stay overnight before continuing your journey to Namche Bazaar. Next, you will walk to Gorakshep via Tengboche, Pangboche and Dingboche, the gateway to Mount Everest. Finally, you will spend three nights there before flying back to Lukla by helicopter.

During the trek, we will arrange an English-speaking guide and 1 porter, shared among two trekkers. We will provide meals (3 times) a day and accommodation at comfortable tea house lodges. Also, we advise you to carry some energy chocolate, which will boost you to walk in the mountain.

Trip Highlights

  • Hike and Heli fly
  • Accommodation in comfortable lodges
  • All meals during the trek
  • Local English speaking guides
  • Experienced support team
  • Experience the breathtaking views of the Himalayas
  • Get to know the Nepalese people
  • Return by Helicopter from Gorakshep to Lukla
  • All meals, accommodation, guide service, transport and trekking permit fees are included

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 metres)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), you will be met by our Airport Representative or driver and transferred to Hotel Kathmandu Suite Home or a nearby hotel of a similar standard (breakfast included). Your trek organiser at NepalHiking will brief you about the trek plan and introduce you to your guide. If you arrive in Kathmandu by noon, you may do a walking tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square (old palace) and the local market of Asan Bazar (optional).

Overnight at the hotel, inclusive of breakfast.

Day 2Flight Kathmandu to Lukla (2804 meters) and trek to Phakding (2610 meters)

After having an early morning breakfast, you will drive to the Airport (15 minutes) and enjoy a 30-minute exciting flight to Lukla (2804 metres). After meeting your trek crews, you will embark on the first-day trek to Phakding (2610 metres).

After enjoying the view of the landscape and villages and crossing a couple of streams and bridges, you will reach Phakding in 3 hours. A flight delay or cancellation is likely even in the excellent season of October – November or March—April. If the flight is on time, you will reach Phakding at lunchtime. In case of any delay, you will stop for lunch in Lukla or after an hour of walking from Lukla.

Overnight at the Guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 3Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3535 meters)

After breakfast at around 7 am, you will start your 2nd-day trek following Phakding village and the local market; then, you will cross an iron bridge over the Dudh Koshi river. After a couple of hours of easy trail following the river, you will arrive at Manjo and Jorsale, where you will stop for lunch. Jorsale has a Check Post for trek permits (Sagarmatha National Park office). After lunch, you will register your trek permit at the checkpoint and enter the Sagarmatha National Park zone. From here, the trail descends for 10 minutes, crosses the bridge, and continues the trek following the Dudh Koshi River; the trail will gradually ascend until you reach the last high bridge over the Bhote Koshi River. From here, the trail ascent steeply until you reach Namche Bazar. It is an approximately 6-hour trek.

Overnight at the Guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 4Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazar (Day trek / hike of the valley)

As you are already above 3000 metres, spending two nights in Namche Bazar is recommended to avoid any high altitude sickness risk. A side trip to Khumjung village of Thame is also recommended.
After breakfast, you go hiking to Syangboche, Khungde (3840 metres), and even further to Khumjung (3780 metres) or Thame as optional. It is also worth visiting Sagarmatha National Park Museum as a side trip. On this day, you will be thrilled to overlook the fantastic views of the Himalayan ranges, including Amadablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Lhotse, and Mount Everest.

Overnight at the Guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 5Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3850 metres)

Today’s total trek duration will be approximately 5 – 6 hours. After leaving Namche Bazar, you will follow the well-defined curving trail overlooking the mountain views. After 1 hour trek, you will reach Khyangjumpa (3550 metres), where some guest houses and tea shops are located. This place also offers a fantastic view of Mount Ama Dablam. From here, the trail descends to Sanasa and reaches Phunki Tenga (3150 meters) in one hour and 30 minutes. You may stop here for lunch. After crossing the river, the trail ascent follows the delightful pine, rhododendron, and birch forest. In a 2 2-hour trek, you will reach Tengboche on the hillside. This place offers an excellent view of Mount Amadablam and a glimpse of Mount Everest. While you are here in Tengboche, visiting the old “Tengboche Monastery” in the morning or evening, the time of prayers would also be worth visiting.

Overnight at the Guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 6Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 metres)

You will have breakfast at around 7 am and start the trek at 8 am. After leaving the Tengboche Monastery, you will trek down through the pine and rhododendron forest, and in about 20 minutes, you will reach Deboche (3820 metres). For another 20 minutes, you continue your trek through the pine, rhododendron, and birch forest until you reach the bridge and ascent again after crossing the Imja River. After about 1 hour of ascending, you will reach Pangboche (3930 metres). You will stop here for lunch.

As a side trip, visiting the Pangboche monastery, the oldest Gompa in the Khumbu region, would also be worth visiting. After lunch, you will continue the trek following the Imja River with a gradual ascent. After an hour, you will reach a major trail junction (4175 metres). The left trail leads to Pheriche, and the right trail leads to Dingboche. From the junction, you will descend to a bridge by crossing the Imja River and ascend again to reach Dingboche in an hour.

Overnight at the Guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 7Acclimatization day in Dingboche

Now, you are at an elevation of 4400 metres above sea level! Congratulations! You are fit and refined for this altitude. However, you will acclimatise here to avoid any further risk of altitude.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a hiking trip to Chhukung Valley, then return to Dingboche by the evening. Do your best to get as high as possible up to Chhukung Ri (5546 metres), and don’t miss out on witnessing Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest mountain.

Overnight at the Guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 8Trek from Dingboche to Labuje (4950 metres)

After the big days, you are undoubtedly even more vital for Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar. On the way to Labuje, you will be rewarded with an impressive view of the Himalayas. You can reach Labuje within 4 – 5 hours of your trek overnight at the Guesthouse, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 9Trek to Everest Base Camp (5400 metres)

Today is your final goal for Everest Base Camp!!
Today, you will leave early morning (5 am) for Everest Base Camp; it will take approximately 3-4 hours to reach Gorakshep (5160 metres), the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. You will stop at Gorakshep for breakfast, continue the trek to Everest Base camp (3 hours), and return to Gorakshep (2 hours) for an overnight stay.

Overnight at the Guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 10Hike/trek to Kalapathar (5545 metres) and return to Lukla and Kathmandu

Get ready for another exciting day!

Kalapathar is the best vantage point to observe Mount Everest from a closer angle. To reach the top, you should start your hike at 5 a.m. (2 hours) and then return from Gorakshep to Lukla by helicopter and from Lukla to Kathmandu on a regular flight. 

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu, inclusive of breakfast.

Day 11Departure

Transfer to Airport (reporting time for international flights is generally 3 hours before departure).

Map

Route map of Everest Base Camp

Photo Gallery

6 Reviews
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Michael Chen:

Solo Traveller

It was an amazing journey with Pasang. He was great and looked after me to make sure I was okay with the high altitude. The helicopter ride back was the best part, with incredible views that I’ll always remember.

9 March 2024
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Sophia Lee

Family Traveller

I can’t recommend this trek enough! Gaurishankar Rai was our guide, and his helpful and caring nature made our experience extra special. The landscapes are breathtaking, and flying back in the helicopter allowed us to see the terrain we had covered in a whole new light.

27 November 2023
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Alex Johnson

Couple Traveller

The Everest Base Camp trek with a heli return was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Our guide Jiten Rai was incredibly helpful and patient, ensuring everyone felt secure throughout the trek. The helicopter ride back gave us stunning aerial views of the peaks which was an unforgettable way to finish our journey.

25 October 2023
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Olivia Martinez

Couple Traveller

This trek was transformative! Our guide, Raj, was superb, managing our pace perfectly and ensuring our safety. The helicopter ride back was a thrilling end to an adventurous trek. Highly recommend for those who wish to experience Everest’s beauty in a unique way.

20 November 2022
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Emma Wilson

Group Traveller

Guided by Tenzing Tamang, our trek to Everest Base Camp was nothing short of spectacular. The heli return not only saved us time but also offered panoramic views that left us speechless. It was a perfect blend of challenge and reward!

15 November 2022
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