Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Once you complete your trek by visiting the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, you will descend to Gorak Shep from where you will fly back to Lukla and after refueling to Kathmandu through a helicopter ride that provides scenic views along the way.

Helicopter returns usually depart from Gorakshep following the completion of the visit to the Everest Base Camp and early morning ascent to the Kala Patthar viewpoint. 

The helicopter ride is commonly conducted on a sharing basis, although private arrangements for the helicopter are also possible at a relatively higher price.

Helicopter returns usually take about 1 to 1.5 hours from Gorakshep to Kathmandu. Flights generally land at Lukla for refueling purposes for around 15 to 30 minutes before returning to Kathmandu.

Absolutely, helicopter rides within the Everest region heavily depend on the weather conditions. Poor visibility, strong winds, rain, and snowfall could cause flight delays or even cancellations. So it is necessary to have one or two buffer days in your schedule.  

Almost all helicopter flights in the Everest area take place through high-altitude helicopters like Airbus H125 (B3e). Such helicopters have been manufactured specifically for efficient operations in mountain areas.

Helicopters usually accommodate 4 to 5 passengers at a low altitude. But in the case of high altitudes such as Gorakshep, the weight limit is more stringent, and helicopters can fly in shuttle mode carrying 2 to 3 passengers at once. 

Views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, glaciers, deep valleys and Sherpa villages are among the attractions that can be seen from above in a helicopter ride. This journey is regarded as one of the most breathtaking helicopter rides in the world.

This adventure doesn’t have a specific age limit. Travelers must simply be in good physical shape. Participants of different ages successfully make this trip every year.

Yes, under favorable weather conditions, the helicopters can directly transport you from Gorakshep to Kathmandu. However, in most instances, it becomes necessary to take a brief stop at Lukla for refueling purposes. 

The Lukla flights can be canceled due to bad weather conditions. However, the flights can be planned at the first suitable opportunity. Helicopters prove to be the best alternative when regular flights are affected which costs slightly more than the standard flights.

Absolutely, solo travelers can undertake the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return easily. You will get an opportunity either to travel in the group or take a private guided trip. In both cases, the itinerary and the helicopter return from the Everest region are arranged accordingly based on your preference.

The Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return can be completed within 7 days. Though the actual duration highly depends upon the walking pace and itinerary, the general time frame for the trek is 9 days. 

This itinerary includes 8 trekking days, including 2 acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, with a helicopter return on the final day from the serene Gorakshep. 

Yes, many trekkers opt for the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return to Lukla itinerary. We can arrange that. After completing the exploration of the Everest Base Camp you can take the helicopter flight, land in Lukla and continue with your other plans.

Beginners with good physical fitness levels and appropriate preparation can join this trip/ The package incorporates several acclimatization days and a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu which makes it more comfortable for the beginners. Nonetheless, previous experience may make it easier and more enjoyable. 

Yes, the helicopter return makes this trek easier since you won't spend several days going down from Lukla on foot. But the treks to base camp will require good physical endurance anyway.

During most days of the EBC trek, you will walk for around 5 to 7 hours every day. This time depends upon the type of terrain, altitude, weather conditions and your own pace. There may be shorter days set aside for acclimatization, or some days may involve difficult terrain or higher elevation, regardless of how long you walk.

The EBC trek with helicopter return is best suited for people with moderate to good fitness levels. While on the trek, you have to walk on rocky paths and stone steps at high altitudes. So, having good stamina and fitness is necessary for traversing the varied terrains. 

You don’t need any experience of climbing mountains but good fitness will help you to really enjoy your trek, and capture wonderful photos without feeling tired.

Absolutely, the flight between Kathmandu and Lukla for the journey is included in the Everest Base Camp Trek with heli return package. An exciting mountain flight at the opening of the trip gives you the most stunning bird’s eye view of the Himalayan peaks and sets a tone for your Everest adventure. 

Yes, normally the helicopter lands at the helicopter terminal inside the Kathmandu Airport after its return from the Everest Base Camp.

The permits you require are the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Both permits are necessary, and we make sure that these permits are issued in your name before you embark on your trekking trip.

It is necessary to show permits at different checkpoints along the trail which will be handled by your trekking guide.

Yes. The package comes with an efficient English speaking licensed guide and sturdy porters, one for every two trekkers. Everything regarding their payment, insurance, meals, accommodation, and logistics will be sorted out by us. Furthermore, if the number of trekkers exceeds 6, we provide you with an assistant guide as well. 

Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, extra snacks, desserts, hot showers, device charging, wifi charges higher up and gratuity to the guides and porters are excluded from the tour package.

No, airport pickup and drops for international flights in Kathmandu are not covered in the package. However, all internal transports are well arranged throughout.

There are no hidden costs associated with the helicopter return package. Any other service that will be requested other than what is stated in the itinerary could cost extra.

Teahouse accommodation is usually offered to trekkers during this trail. There are communal rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Some teahouses in the lower regions also come with private rooms with attached bathrooms.

Yes, the beds and blankets are offered by the teahouse. However, the cold climate becomes more extreme with elevation, so a good sleeping bag should be considered.

Yes, the teahouses usually offer the facility to recharge the camera and other devices batteries for the trekkers with extra charges. It is advised to carry an extra battery as the extreme climate tends to deplete the power quickly. 

Yes, all three meals such as breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the package. Clean, fresh and nutritious meals are provided during the treks at the teahouse. You can enjoy both the flavorful local and some international food items.

In addition, you are served with either tea or coffee as well as fresh seasonal fruits every evening right after the meal to boost your nutrition levels.

Yes. All of the teahouses along the route provide vegetarian food such as Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, rice and potato items. It is advisable to inform your guide regarding your preferences for vegetarian, gluten free or any other special meal beforehand.

It is possible to charge your electronic devices at the teahouses on the way for a small extra fee. To make things more convenient, you can carry a fully charged power bank or solar charger with you so that your phone, camera, etc., remain charged on days when electricity is not available.

Yes, safe drinking water is accessible on the trail. You can take water from natural sources. But you need to treat it before consumption. You can use water purification tablets to treat the water. You may also purchase boiled water from teahouses and refill your bottles. The hot water refill will usually cost you USD 1-4.

Hot showers are available at many teahouses especially in villages at lower elevations. But these are usually at an additional cost. Hot shower charges usually vary between USD 2 and 10 based on altitude.

Laundry services are offered at some teahouses along the trail for an additional fee. However, the clothes may not dry at same day. So, you have to bring enough clothes based on the trek length.

Yes, many teahouses offer internet services. Many teahouses have installed Wi Fi. However, the internet quality can vary, and in remote areas, it may not be reliable. So, we recommend you buy a local SIM card and use internet data packs during your trek.

Yes, the helicopters operate safely in the Everest region under trained mountain helicopter pilots. The flights are carried out only if the weather conditions are favorable.

Travel insurance is highly recommended during this trip. Your insurance policy should cover high altitude trekking up to 6000 meters and also emergency helicopter rescue in case of altitude sickness. 

The weight restrictions on helicopter trips over the Everest region can be quite strict because of the high-altitude flight requirements. Typically, each passenger gets around 15 kilograms (both luggage and hand carry) of baggage space, depending upon altitude, weather conditions and passenger weights. In case there are any extra loads, we can carry those in shuttle rotations.

In case you feel sick on the trek because of altitude sickness or tiredness, the guide will assess the situation and take appropriate action. You may also be evacuated by a helicopter in case it is needed.

The provision of a window seat can be made, but it is a matter of even weight distribution rather than a choice. The final decision on the seating arrangement rests with the pilot to ensure the safety and balance of the Helicopter.

The majority of helicopters used in the Everest region have onboard oxygen facilities in case of emergencies. But because the flight time is quite short, oxygen supply is not necessary under usual circumstances.

Yes, you will be monitored periodically via oximeter for oxygen saturation and pulse measurement at least twice daily.

Helicopter evacuation is Not included in the package as an option in case of any serious medical illness or sudden events. However, the cost involved would have to be borne by the insurance company you are using during the trip.

The best time for the trek to Everest Base Camp and return by a helicopter is during spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November. These are periods of clear weather, stable atmosphere, and amazing mountain views. Spring presents rhododendrons in full bloom while autumn features fresh air after rains.

All our guides are licensed guides. In addition, they can speak English fluently. So, you can ensure effective communication with them throughout your trek. With their experience, you can successfully trek through the varied trails.

In addition, our guides have gone through training on how to handle high-altitude emergencies. They have first aid knowledge. They can handle day-to-day challenges and manage any unexpected situation that may occur at high altitudes.

Yes, all our trekking staff (guides and porters) are insured. All our staff are also financially protected while supporting you on the trail. They will give you the best support during the trek.

With our insured staff, you can enjoy the Everest region exploration knowing that expert support and safety measures are always in place.

Our guides will monitor your health during the trek. They will keep constant communication with our head office keeping them informed of your condition at the time.

In case you are in an area where there is no mobile signal, our guides will use a satellite phone to keep us informed of important details. They will coordinate with us and arrange for evacuation in emergencies.

Mobile network coverage exists in many of the villages along the way on the Everest trail. But the connectivity becomes poor as you progress towards higher altitudes. The use of local SIMs such as NTC and Ncell is possible along certain sections of the trail.

Drones are permitted only if you get a permit issued by the Nepalese authorities. Drones are not permitted without a permit in the Everest region, specifically within the national park.

The basic necessities include layered clothes, a down jacket, trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunblock, gloves, a sleeping bag, water bottles, personal medication and trekking poles.

Yes, almost all hotels in Kathmandu offer free or a small fee luggage storage services for their clients. Besides, you can also store your excess belongings at our place at no cost. Thus, you can leave all your unnecessary baggage in Kathmandu and travel only with trekking equipment.  

The porters are capable of carrying up to 25 killograms of luggage (usually for two trekkers). So, you should carry only essentials and make sure to include your personal things such as food and water, in a separate daypack.

Yes, we provide the basic trekking equipment for rent like sleeping bag, down jacket anhd trekking poles for your trekking journey. These items are available for rent and you have to return them after the completion of your adventure in the mountains. You can rent or buy other required gear conveniently in Kathmandu (Thamel) prior to the start of your trek.  

Yes, a visa on arrival is possible for nationals of the majority of countries. Just check if your country is eligible. You may also apply for it online in advance through the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions in your home country. 

The tourist visas in Nepal are available for 15, 30 and 90 days. You can choose to issue the visa for the duration that is suitable for the length of your stay.

Yes, a visa extension is possible while trekking in Nepal. Along with the trekking destinations, Nepal offers various kinds of adventurous activities like paragliding, zip lining and also the scenic sightseeing tours. 

So, after the completion of your EBC trekking adventure, you may opt for any of these activities. The visa can be extended at the Department of Immigration in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

A booking period of at least a couple of weeks prior to the start date is advised when it comes to the peak seasons of the year, spring and fall. 

But we can accomadate same week trips.

Booking the trek early guarantees easy access to flights, lodge rooms and helicopters, especially during the high season of spring and autumn. In addition, this helps prepare adequately for the journey and organize everything accordingly.

Yes, late bookings can be considered, but they are contingent upon the availability of flights to Lukla, helicopter seats, and lodges. During the peak period, availability becomes difficult due to many bookings, thus making early booking advisable.

You can make your booking of the trek directly through our website or enquire through: email, phone, or even WhatsApp.

Yes, an advance payment or deposit will be necessary to confirm your booking and make the trek arrangements. Usually, a 20 % deposit is required.

Your trek booking will be confirmed once you provide your travel information and make the deposit payment for the trek as required. The moment you pay, you will have booked your trek.

No. The payment that you will make is non-refundable. However, it is transferable to another booking within one year, given that it is available. In case you pay extra money above the payment, it can also be refunded depending on the time at which you cancel your booking.

Booking payments can be done through bank transfers or any other acceptable international payment method. 

Tipping guides and porters is highly recommended. It is valued by trekking staff. The trekking team works hard to make your trekking experience safe and joyful. Tipping them is the best way of showing your appreciation for their dedication.

Although tipping is not compulsory, it is a sign of respect for their effort. It is extra income for them and the best way to motivate them.

We advice 10-15% of total trip price as the total tip which will be split among guides and porters.

Generally, the trekker offer 10% to 20% of the trekking cost. However, the amount that you tip is entirely your choice. You can tip any amount that you like based on your experience while trekking with staffs on the trail.

The best time to tip is at the end of the trek. You may offer a tip personally to your guide and porters. This way, they get the tip directly from you and can appreciate it fully. Giving it to them in person is also a good opportunity to thank them personally for their hard work.

The ATMs are available at villages like Lukla and Namche. At most tea houses or eateries, cash is the most reliable mode of payment for purchases, extra meal orders and other additional services. So, for safety, you should withdraw cash from Kathmandu.

The highest point that trekkers can reach on the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is Kala Patthar (5,644.5 m). Hiking to Kala Patthar side trip will provide you an opportunity to explore the Himalayas which is definitely a highlight of the trek that many people consider to be unmissable.

Altitude sickness can be controlled by an expertly planned itinerary which sets aside days for proper acclimatization. Besides, ascending gradually, staying hydrated and regular monitoring of your health conditions by a guide help prevent possible threats.