Max Elevation
5550m
Group Size
min.2 Pax
Duration
12 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Accomodation
Hotels/Lodges
Meals
L.D.B
Best Seasons
March-May & Sept-Dec
Transportation
Vehicle/Flight/Heli
Region
Everest Region
The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return is the ultimate adventure for those seeking to experience the Himalayas’ stunning beauty while embracing the Sherpa people’s culture. This trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike through the breathtaking Khumbu Valley and return via an exhilarating helicopter ride, giving you the best of both worlds – an immersive trekking experience and a thrilling aerial view of Everest and the surrounding peaks.
Helicopter Ride from Gorakshep to Lukla
After reaching Everest Base Camp and experiencing the beauty of Kala Patthar, the adventure concludes with an exhilarating helicopter ride back to Lukla. From the air, you’ll relive the trek, flying over the dramatic landscapes of the Khumbu Valley, the icy rivers of the Khumbu Glacier, and the towering peaks you trekked past. The helicopter return not only saves time but offers an entirely new perspective on the majestic Everest region – a true thrill for any adventure seeker.
Upon arriving in Kathmandu, Save Mountain Treks & Expedition team will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. You have the rest of the day free to relax and explore at your leisure.
After an early morning transfer to the airport, you’ll take a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), one of the world’s most thrilling airfields. After landing, you’ll begin your trek with a gentle descent towards Phakding (2,610m) through picturesque alpine terrain. The route offers views of Kusum Kangraru Peak and lush green landscapes.
From Phakding, you’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River, passing through forests of Himalayan pine and cedar. The trail takes you across high suspension bridges and climbs steeply before reaching the bustling Namche Bazaar. Namche, the largest village in the Khumbu region, offers stunning views of Kongdi RI, Thamserku, and Mount Everest.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization, crucial for adjusting to the high altitude. You’ll hike to Syangboche Airport (3,700m), the world’s highest airstrip, followed by a visit to the famous Everest View Hotel. The hotel offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. On the way back, you can visit the Sherpa Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery.
The trail continues along the valley, offering magnificent views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. You’ll descend to the Dudh Koshi Valley and cross the river before a challenging ascent to the spiritual hub of Tengboche. The village is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, set against a backdrop of some of the world’s most impressive mountain scenery.
Leaving Tengboche, the trail descends through rhododendron forests to the Imja Khola River and ascends to Pangboche village (3,900m). The journey offers stunning views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse before reaching the high-altitude summer valley of Dingboche. Dingboche is famous for its kilometers of stone walls that protect crops from the harsh winds of the region.
Your second acclimatization day involves a challenging hike to Nangkartshang Peak, located above Dingboche. The steep climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Lobuche East, Lobuche West, Taboche, and Thamserku. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak. After a short rest, you’ll descend to Dingboche.
Today, you’ll trek along a broad valley floor to Dughla and pass the Trekkers Aid Post in Pheriche, staffed by volunteer doctors. The route follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, offering expansive views of Pumori and other peaks before reaching Lobuche, a small settlement perched below Mount Lobuche.
This is one of the most exciting days of the trek. You’ll begin with a gradual ascent along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep (5,164m). After a rest, continue on to Everest Base Camp, where you’ll experience the iconic views of the Khumbu Icefall. The base camp offers an incredible sense of achievement and close-up views of the highest mountain in the world.
Start early for a hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. The sunrise from Kala Patthar is an unforgettable experience. After descending to Gorak Shep, you’ll board a helicopter for an exhilarating flight back to Lukla, offering aerial views of the Himalayas and Khumbu Valley.
After breakfast, board your return flight from Lukla to either Kathmandu or Ramechhap, depending on the season. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible Everest Base Camp journey.
The Everest Base Camp Heli Shuttle Trek is a 12-day adventure that combines trekking to Everest Base Camp with an exciting helicopter ride back from Gorak Shep to Lukla. This trek provides an immersive trekking experience through the Khumbu Valley and Sagarmatha National Park, along with a time-saving and thrilling helicopter ride offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar, located at 5,550 meters , which offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
The Everest Base Camp Heli Shuttle Trek is considered moderately difficult. It involves trekking at high altitudes, which can be physically demanding, but with proper acclimatization, most trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness can complete the trek successfully. The helicopter return reduces some of the physical strain by eliminating the need for a long descent.
On average, you will trek between 5 to 7 hours each day, depending on the day’s distance, terrain, and altitude. Some days may require longer walks, such as the trek to Everest Base Camp (7-8 hours), while acclimatization hikes are shorter (3-4 hours).
Yes, the helicopter ride from Gorak Shep to Lukla is included in the trek package. This service provides a convenient and exhilarating end to your Everest Base Camp journey, allowing you to avoid the long return trek.
The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is generally safe and operated by experienced pilots familiar with the challenging terrain. However, weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and flights may be delayed or rescheduled due to poor visibility or high winds.
Wi-Fi is available at some teahouses and guesthouses along the trek, although it may be slow and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data, which works in most villages. Electricity is available at most teahouses for a small fee, but it’s advisable to carry a portable power bank.
In the event of bad weather, the helicopter flight may be delayed or postponed. Your safety is the top priority, and flights only operate when conditions are safe. If the flight is canceled, your guide will make arrangements for an alternative return trek to Lukla.
Yes, Save Mountain Treks & Expedition offers customization options based on your preferences. You can choose to extend the trek, add additional sightseeing, or opt for more comfortable accommodation.
Booking Form