EBC with Helicopter Return Trek

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Everest Base Camp
                                    
                                        duration
                                        10 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Moderate Difficult
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        5,545m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Available
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        Tea house & lodge
                                    
                                        season
                                        Spring season (March to May) and Autumn season (September to November)

Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return is considered one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to get a chance to see the base camp of the world's highest peak. The culture of this trek is connected to the famous Sherpas who are known for their rich traditions, mountainous way of life, and history as early Everest climbing guides, including Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Along with the beautiful Himalayan scenery, you can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes, glaciers views, and close encounter with mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori. This trek is associated with high altitude areas and viewing of the huge Khumbu Icefall located at the base camp of Everest. One of the major attractions of this trek is ascent to Kala Patthar (5,545m), which provides trekkers with the closest view of Mount Everest. After completing the adventure, you can also enjoy scenic helicopter flight back to Kathmandu; which makes the journey faster, smoother, and unforgettable.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

On your first arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our representatives will be there to receive you. After being introduced to the staff, your baggage will be loaded in a car, coach or bus as per group size. Then after a short drive to the heart of Kathmandu City, where your hotel is located. Check-in to your nice rooms, refresh from the jet lag, then after prepare for a group briefing to meet other trekkers of the Everest Base Camp trek. In case if you arrive early in the afternoon or even before a few days, then you can tour some UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley and even short day hikes near Kathmandu Valley.

Max Elevation: 1,320 meters
Travel Distance: 6 to 8 kilometers
Travel Hours: 30 to 45 minutes
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Meal Included: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Kathmandu to Lukla (flight) and then Phakding

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche

Day 6: Acclimatization day in Dingboche

Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche

Day 8: Lobuche to Gorakshep

Day 9: Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp – Gorakshep

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar and Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Pick up and Drop at Kathmandu Airport from private Car/jeep
All Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Fruits served fresh in the evening after dinner time
Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
Required Permits including Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Domestic Flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu) including transfers and taxes
Experienced and Licensed English Speaking Trekking Guide (Salaries, Food, Accommodation and Transport)
Excellent Porter service (1 Porter per 2 trekkers, Salaries, Food, Accommodation and Insurance)
Basic Medical Kit for emergency purposes
Assistance with emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by the client's travel insurance policy)
Trekking Equipment Support (Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Duffel Bag and Walking Poles if needed, returnable at the end of trek)
T-Shirt of the company as souvenir
Government Taxes and Official Charges
Certificate of Trip completion upon successful completion of trek
Oxygen Meter for daily Health Check
Assistant Guide for Group Size of 8 trekkers onwards

Exclusion

Breakfasts and lunches in Kathmandu
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
Nepal visa cost (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days)
Round-trip international airfares
Personal travel and health insurance
Personal spending during trekking
Beverages and snack foods (tea, coffee, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, water, etc.)
Sweets such as chocolate, cakes, puddings, etc.
Hot showers and charger for your devices at teahouses
Tips to guide, porter, and driver
Entry costs of monuments for sightseeing in Kathmandu (around USD 30 per person)
Additional weight above 10 kg for Lukla flight

Check List

The following packing list will help you in understanding what to take on the trek and what not to. Proper packing plays a vital role in making your trip enjoyable, safe and convenient. Do not pack extra things as they can make the trekking more difficult.

General

All season sleeping bag
Down jacket
Duffle bag
Light windproof and waterproof jacket
Day pack

Head, Ears and Eyes

Warm hat covering ears
Sunglasses (Ultraviolet protection)
Buff or neck warmer
Sunscreen lotion (SPF 35-60)
Headlamp with extra batteries

Hands

Gloves for walking (lightweight)
Winter warm gloves (waterproof)
Inner liner gloves (optional but recommended)

Upper Body Clothes

Long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
Warm fleece or wool jacket
Sports bra (for women)
Windproof and waterproof jacket

Bottom Clothes

Thermal underwear (trousers)
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Trekking pants (warm)
Hiking pants
Causal sporty pants

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots (very important)
Sandals for comfortable evenings
Woolen socks (4-5 pair)
Sock liners
Shoes or sneakers (light)

First Aid and Medicines

Adhesive dressings (plasters)
Blister cream
Anti-itch or insect repellent cream
Pain relief such as ibuprofen
Acetazolamide for altitude sickness (125 to 250 mg)
Bandages, gauze and bandage materials
Water purification tablets

Other Important Documentation and Miscellaneous

4 passport sized photos
Passport original
Water bottle and water purifier
Printout of flight information
Toiletries (toilet paper, soap, wet wipes, towels)

Extra Useful Items

Trekking poles
High energy foods/dry foods
Power bank and charging cable
Camera and spare batteries/extra memory cards
Entertainment devices/Music player

Trip FAQs

What is the EBC with Helicopter Return Trek?

The EBC with Helicopter Return Trek is a 10 days adventurous journey that takes you through trekking to EBC (5,364 meters) starting from Lukla, Namche, and Gorakshep to come back to Kathmandu by helicopter. It offers both trekking experience and helicopter ride during your Everest trip.
How difficult is Everest Base Camp with helicopter return trek?

Everest Base Camp with helicopter return trek is a moderate to challenging trip depending upon the altitude and walking day of this trail. It has steep uphill trail, rocky path, and low oxygen level above 3,500 meters. But helicopter return makes it easy by avoiding 4 to 5 days downhill trekking to Lukla.
What is the maximum altitude that can be attained in this expedition?

The highest point in the expedition is Kala Patthar, which is 5,545 meters above sea level and gives the best views of Mount Everest. On the other hand, the Everest Base Camp is at an elevation of 5,364 meters. It is recommended to be properly acclimatized before moving up to Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
Is there any chance of getting altitude sickness during this trek?

Yes, there is a high probability of suffering from altitude sickness since the altitude of the trek will exceed 3,000 meters soon after Lukla. The symptoms of altitude sickness may include headaches, nausea, and tiredness. There are acclimatization days and slow ascending in the itinerary that reduces the risk of altitude sickness; especially in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
What is the best time for the helicopter return trek from EBC?

The best seasons are the spring season (March to May) and the autumn season (September to November). At these times, you will have clear sky and stable weather as well as great mountain views. It is much safer to travel in a helicopter at these times, as you may have problems traveling in winter and during the monsoon season due to the weather.
How safe is the helicopter return from Everest Base Camp?

Helicopter trips back to Everest Base Camp are safe and handled by certified pilots who are skilled at flying in high altitudes. Trips will depend on the weather situation and level of visibility. If the conditions are not safe for flight, trips are postponed.
Do I need prior trekking experience for this trek?

No previous trekking experience is mandatory, but having good physical fitness is compulsory. Those starting for the first time and able to hike for 5 to 7 hours a day along with climbing altitudes can do this trek. Training before the trip, such as hiking or cardio workouts, is highly recommended.