EBC Trek with Helicopter Return

Trekking to Everest Base Camp and Helicopter fly to Kathmandu from Gorakshep

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Group Size: Minimum 2 to 10 People in Group
  • Trip Type: EBC Lodge Trek
  • Best Season: March - May | Sept - Dece
  • Trip Starting & Ending: Kathmandu
  • View Point: Syangbuche & Kalapatthar
  • Transport: Airlines & Helicopter
  • Food: As Per Itinerary
  • Max Elevation: 5,545m | 18,193ft

Highlights

  • A scenic mountain flight to Lukla kicks off your adventure with breathtaking views.
  • Experience the wilderness of Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture by visiting villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.
  • Explore the Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region.
  • Walk to the base of the world’s tallest peak at Everest Base Camp.
  • Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) to witness stunning sunrise views of Everest.
  • Get a glimpse of the Khumbu glacier and Khumbu icefall.
  • Enjoy luxury helicopter rides from Gorakshep to Kathmandu,
  • Enough rest and acclimatization with proper safety backup.
  • Trek with an experienced Sherpa guide and a stronger porter.

About EBC Trek with Helicopter Return

The Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter Return to Kathmandu from Gorakshep is one of the most popular walking trails in the Everest Trekking Region. This adventure combines the best of the Everest experience, the ultimate convenience on your Everest Base Camp trek, with our thoughtfully designed itinerary for 2025 and 2026, which includes an option for a helicopter return.

This plan is ideal for those who want to maximize their time and avoid the challenging hike back to Lukla. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the popular Everest Base Camp trail on foot and then conclude your adventure with an exciting helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla to Kathmandu.

The Everest Base Camp Trek with a helicopter Return offers the perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, cultural immersion, and luxury. The trek takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region, where you'll pass through iconic Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, and witness breathtaking Himalayan landscapes before reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 meters. After achieving this incredible milestone, a helicopter ride will whisk you back from Gorakshep to Kathmandu, providing stunning aerial views of Everest and the surrounding peaks.

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return begins with a breathtaking 15-minute flight from Ramechhap/Manthali to Lukla during peak season, which includes March, April, May, September, October, and November. In contrast, there are 35-minute flights from Kathmandu available in January, February, June, July, August, and December.

The trek starts and ends in Kathmandu. The journey follows the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and passes through Sagarmatha National Park on the way to Namche,  Namche Bazaar, the main trading point in the Everest region and a significant acclimatization destination.

This trek is challenging, but the stunning scenery of lush forests, rolling hills, and majestic mountains will inspire you to keep moving. After a day of acclimatization in Namche Bazaar, we will depart and continue our trek to Tengboche. Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. From there, we will proceed to Dingboche and eventually reach Lobuche. Along the hike, you will have the opportunity to see peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and many others.

Continuing our journey, we will hike to Gorak Shep and walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier until we reach Everest Base Camp. The Khumbu Glacier, known as the world's deepest glacier, can be seen from Everest Base Camp. We will then return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

The following day, we will hike up Kala Patthar (5,545 m), where we can witness a stunning sunrise over Mt. Everest and other surrounding peaks. After enjoying the view for a while, we will return to Gorak Shep for a shared helicopter flight back to Kathmandu through Lukla.

Nepal Spirit Adventure offers you an incredible opportunity to trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain and return by helicopter. This package features a detailed itinerary of fewer than two weeks, including ample rest days to ensure you won't have to face high-altitude sickness.

Why Choose the EBC Trek with Helicopter Return?

The Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter Return is the perfect option for a short holiday and an incredible adventure for those with limited time in Nepal, for the adventurous trip. It is an ideal journey for trekkers who want to experience the Everest Base Camp trek in just a week, comprising a comfortable journey of 9 nights and 10 days to reach Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 5,364 meters.

The Nepal Spirit Adventure team has expertly designed this remarkable EBC Trek with a helicopter ride for experienced travelers and trekkers who are accustomed to high-altitude treks in the Himalayan region. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest (8,848 meters), along with stunning mountain scenery. You'll also encounter impressive Buddhist monuments, rich Sherpa heritage, and traditional culture that has endured for centuries, long before the first summit of Mt. Everest.

Why Choose Nepal Spirit Adventure for the EBC Trek?

We are a locally-based trek company registered with the Nepal government and fully authorized by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Culture to organize treks in the Everest region and peak climbing in the Himalayas. Our staff is friendly and well-trained in various aspects, including food safety, high-altitude sickness management, and proficient English communication.

We provide high-quality equipment for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek, prioritize excellent customer service, and offer comprehensive trek insurance for our staff, along with competitive daily wages that reflect top salaries in the industry.

Our specially designed Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the world's highest mountains while immersing yourself in the rich Buddhist culture of Solukhumbu and the Sherpa community of Everest. Here, you can witness traditional customs that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Everest Trekking

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, please complete the visa formalities and collect your luggage. After that, proceed to the exit of the arrival hall, where you will find our representative holding a placard for Nepal Spirit Adventure in the waiting area just outside the arrival lounge.

Once you meet the representative, they will assist you in boarding a private tourist vehicle for a 30-minute drive to your hotel.

A pre-trip meeting will be organized where you will have the opportunity to meet your trek guide. Please use this time to ask any questions you may have regarding trekking in the mountains.

Your hotel is conveniently located in the Thamel area, making it easy for you to make final purchases, exchange currency, get a SIM card, and more.

Standard services include airport pickup and accommodation in Kathmandu.

  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315 m | 4,314 feet

Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, September, October, and November)

During peak seasons (March, April, May, September,October, and November), flights to Lukla are operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to increased air traffic. Manthali/Ramechhap Airport is approximately a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. On this day, we will wake up between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM. An escorted shuttle will take you to Manthali Airport in a shared tourist vehicle, where you will board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, and December)

During non-peak seasons (January,February, June,July, August, and December), flights to Lukla are typically operated from Kathmandu. Please note that the airline's decision regarding flight operations depends on the number of travelers during a specific month. On this day, we will wake up between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu, where you will board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.

Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before your flight, as you will be arriving at Tenzing-Hillary Airport early in the morning. Enjoy breakfast in Lukla, where porters will meet the group and be assigned to carry your luggage. There will be one porter for every two clients.

Today, we will trek to Phakding. The trail is straightforward; we will head out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m). As we continue, we will pass through the small village of Ghat. After a brisk hike, we will arrive in Phakding

Standard services include a flight to Lukla or a flight from Ramechhap/Manthali airport, sharing a tourist vehicle to Ramechha, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a teahouse (lodge).

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: Phakding
  • Altitude: 2,640 m | 8,690 feet

After breakfast, we set off on the trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges along the way. After hiking for a while, we enter Sagarmatha National Park, where we complete the required entry permit verification for the Everest region.

As the trek continues, we tackle a steep climb that offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, glistening glacial rivers, colorful prayer flags, and sacred mani stones. We arrive in the charming Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar in the early evening.

Standard services include lunch, dinner, and a teahouse (lodge).

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Namche
  • Altitude: 3,440 m | 11,287 feet

Trekking at higher elevations can lead to altitude sickness and other serious conditions. Therefore, acclimatization to the increasing elevation is essential. Our first acclimatization day on the Everest Base Camp Trek is scheduled in Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar serves as the main trading center in the Everest region, managed by the Sherpa people. Here, you can purchase a variety of items, including trekking equipment, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.

On this day, we will acclimate at Namche Bazaar by hiking to nearby destinations. First, we will visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Sherpa community.

Afterward, we'll hike up to Syangboche Airport, known as the highest airport in Nepal, and the Hotel Everest View, which is recognized as the highest hotel in the world. From this vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other majestic peaks.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Namche Bazzr
  • Altitude: 3,440 m | 11,287 feet

The trail to Tengboche is rocky and presents an exciting journey. The route begins with a descent early in the day before climbing up to Tengboche.

Start the trek by moving along the Dudh Koshi River, where you can enjoy the captivating views of the surrounding mountains. As you continue on the trail, you'll reach Phungi Thenga, passing through a beautiful rhododendron forest.

Further along, you will arrive in Tengboche, where you will be greeted by breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Kangtenga, Thamserku, and Kwande. The stunning vistas of lush rhododendron forests, glaciers, rivers, and monasteries throughout the trek make the experience truly rewarding.

Once in Tengboche, you can visit the Tengboche Monastery and witness Lamas conducting a prayer ceremony, which may take place either in the morning or evening.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Location: Tengboche
  • Altitude: 3,867 m | 12,684 feet

It's a wonderful morning with breathtaking views of Everest and the magnificent Ama Dablam. The walk begins downhill for a few hours until we reach the bridge over the Imja Tse River. After crossing the bridge, we walk in the open country where the tree line disappears, leaving behind sparse vegetation and juniper bushes.

We then encounter a gentle uphill trail that leads us to Pangboche village, situated at 3,900 meters – the last permanent village before reaching Dingboche and beyond. From Pangboche, we take a slow climb to Somara for lunch, then continue walking on pleasant terrain. Eventually, we face the final ascent to Dingboche village, our overnight stop, which is nestled in the Imja Tse Valley.

Dingboche offers a picturesque panorama of snow-capped mountains, including the North Face of Ama Dablam. We will spend the night in a comfortable standard lodge that provides stunning views of the mountains and a cozy, warm environment, along with a lovely dining area.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Location: Dingboche
  • Altitude: 4,410 m | 14,469 ft

Today marks an important second acclimatization day in Dingboche, which is crucial for ensuring that every group member is healthy and prepared for the journey ahead to Everest Base Camp.

We will acclimatize by hiking to Nangkartshang Hill, where we can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Imja Tse Valley. This viewpoint offers spectacular views of Island Peak, Taboche, and even the world’s fifth-highest mountain, Mt. Makalu, located to the east.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Huesthouse
  • Location: Dingboche
  • Altitude: 4,410 m | 14,469 ft

After a pleasant rest in Dingboche, we begin our morning walk with an uphill trek that lasts about an hour, providing excellent views along the way. The path then transitions to a gentle incline that continues for most of the journey to Thugla, where we will stop for lunch. Here, the Khumbu Glacier flows into a raging river, and the route from Pheriche converges.

After a refreshing break, we will tackle a steep ascent for about an hour to reach Thulga Pass. This pass is marked by memorials honoring climbers who lost their lives during expeditions to Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and other high mountains.

From Thulga Pass, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk down to Lobuche, where we will spend the night. The village offers stunning views of the towering peaks, including Numtse, Lobuche, and Pumori.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Location: Lobuche
  • Altitude: 4,910 m | 16,109 ft

Today, we have two sections of our trek. First, we will follow the trail to Gorak Shep and then continue to Everest Base Camp.

After enjoying breakfast, we will leave Lobuche and hike along the Khumbu Glacier, taking in the magnificent view of Mt. Nuptse. Soon, we will arrive at the village of Gorak Shep.

From Gorak Shep, we will continue our trek to Everest Base Camp. The trail ahead will be challenging due to the rugged terrain, but we’ll be rewarded with captivating views of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall along the way.

Once we reach Base Camp, you will be amazed by the panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and the surrounding peaks. It’s an incredible feeling to be at the base of the world’s highest mountain. During peak seasons, we may also encounter expedition teams and climbers.

After taking in the sights, we will retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: Gorak Shep
  • Altitude: 5,140 m

Today, we hike to the highest point of the Everest Base Camp Trek, Kala Patthar. The hike begins early in the morning, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise over the towering mountains. Kala Patthar provides an excellent vantage point for incredible views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Mount Everest.

After our hike, we will descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Following breakfast, it's time for our helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, with a stop in Lukla. The flight typically departs between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. We will first fly from Gorak Shep to Lukla, and then from Lukla to Kathmandu. Please be prepared for some waiting time in Lukla.

The helicopter flight operates on a shared basis and is not a private charter. If you prefer a private ride, please contact us for pricing information.

Please note that at altitudes above 4,500 meters, helicopters can land but cannot take off with more than three passengers. If there are more than three people, the helicopter will first take three passengers in the initial shuttle and drop them off at a designated point below 4,500 meters, typically in the village of Pheriche.

In the second shuttle, the helicopter will transfer the remaining passengers from Gorakshep. It will stop at the designated point to pick up the first three passengers and then take everyone to Lukla. The flight from Gorakshep to Lukla lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the number of passengers.

The helicopter ride from Gorakshep provides stunning views of the trail you’ve just walked and the surrounding mountains, making it a highlight of the trek. After arriving in Lukla, there will be another shared helicopter flight to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Once we land at the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315 m | 4,314 feet
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Cost Details

  • Private transfers from the airport to the hotel for arrival and departure.
  • Two nights' hotel (twin shared rooms) in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
  • Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu by air per the trip itinerary, including departure airport taxes.
  • Helicopter flight (sharing) from Gorakhshep to Lukla to Kathmandu.
  • Tea house (lodge) accommodation along the EBC trek.
  • Trekking meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner with a cup of tea/coffee.
  • Sherpa trek guide, including his salary, meals, accommodation, equipment, airfare, and insurance
  • Trek porter: One (1:2 trekkers) porter for two guests, including his salary, accommodation, meals, and insurance.
  • Applicable Everest trekking route permit.
  • Trekking equipment: Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (return after trip).
  • Comprehensive medical kit.
  • Government and company service charges.
  • Nepal visa.
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or earlier return from the mountain (for any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu ( in case of an earlier return from the mountain than planned).
  • Personal drinks, alcoholic/nonalcoholic, and all the table drinks.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Tips.

Dates & Prices

Departure note

Online published departure dates are guaranteed we're more than happy to create the date that you want if the dates don't match your travel plans. Let us know the type of trip you're looking for and our travel experts will help you plan a customized trip to your dream destination.

 

Departure DateStatusPriceNote  
06 Jun, 2025 - 15 Jun, 2025AvailableUS$2599Confirm
10 Jun, 2025 - 19 Jun, 2025AvailableUS$2599Confirm
13 Jun, 2025 - 22 Jun, 2025AvailableUS$2599Confirm
16 Jun, 2025 - 25 Jun, 2025AvailableUS$2599Confirm
20 Jun, 2025 - 29 Jun, 2025AvailableUS$2599Confirm
23 Jun, 2025 - 02 Jul, 2025AvailableUS$2599Confirm

Useful Information

Is ground transportation included for Kathmandu's arrival and departure?

Your international arrival airport pickup is included in the EBC helicopter trek package: On arrival in Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will receive you with a warm welcome and then transfer you to your respective hotel. Afternoon or evening time we will review and discuss much information regarding your trip itinerary and included/excluded services as per the trip itinerary chosen, At the same time introduce your guide who will help you with the final preparation for your trek.

What types of accommodations are included in the trek package?

We provide 3*** stars tourist standard hotels in Kathmandu, with accommodation based on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast. If you are trekking in groups joining basis, you will share a room with someone of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single room supplement in Kathmandu and on-route trekking, you can request the single supplement (which will be at an extra cost besides the tour price stated).

EBC Helicopter Trek: We provide accommodation in a tea house (mountain lodge). A Tea House is a combination of a guest house, restaurant, and social hang-out. The rooms are with twin beds and little additional furniture like small tables or chairs. Blankets are generally provided (we recommend that you carry your sleeping bags). Most bathrooms are common with squatting (Asian) toilets or of Western comfort with sitting toilets. Most Tea Houses/lodges have running water facilities. Most of the lodges have hot water for showers but with an extra charge for using a hot shower.

Are Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner (meals) Inclusive in Trip Price?

Yes, All meals are included. Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek includes full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We provide food from these local lodges/tea houses as per the choices on the menu. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the same teahouse/lodge, while lunch will be on the trail. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, seasonable vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soups. Some lodge serves Western foods such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast.

What is the possibility of drinking water?

Drinking water is very important while we are on the trek in the Nepal Himalayas. Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 liters per person per day.

Along the trek, every teahouse sells boiled water for approximately Rs 150-300 per liter (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.

We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on the trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal. The teahouses sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per liter (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.

Alternatively, all teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with you and use an effective form of water treatment.

There is a wide range of products available these days that are more effective than the traditional purification tablets - we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).

HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS

High altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally at altitudes of over 3,000 m. Most people will feel some effects of altitude, shortness of breath, and possibly light-headedness, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness, and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action. When symptoms of altitude sickness develop, please tell your trekking guide. He will advise you to deal with your problem.

Generally, exertion and dehydration contribute to altitude sickness. So drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day besides tea and coffee which act as diuretics. For your general information please review Nepal Spirit Adventure's acute mountain sickness-AMS.

IMPORTANT NOTE

We also advise allowing a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip should your return flights from Lukla be delayed due to weather conditions. As we know the world's weather has been changing due to global warming.

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