Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Back blends the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter charter around Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. This trek is for you if you have a tight schedule but want to go on an Everest expedition. The trek takes you across swaying suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags, a lush jungle of pines, oaks rhododendron, ferns, and orchids. Raging glacier rivers, moraine, and folds. Apart from the natural beauty learn about the wonderful legends and lifestyle of the indigenous mountain people.
Starting from Kathmandu
The trek starts with a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Upon landing at Lukla airstrip head towards the trail, descending past the various settlement of Dudh Koshi valley. Following the Dudh Koshi river’s bank, you’ll reach a tiny Sherpa village hidden settlement of Phakding at an elevation of 2,610 meters. From Phakding the trail traverses across the verdant heart of the Dudh Koshi Valley to the settlement of Namche Bazaar, also known as the Sherpa capital.
Lukla to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the powerhouse of the Khumbu region. The area has various bakeries, cafés, restaurants, shops from basic to grandeur ones, and the only ATM in Everest region. The region falls under Sagarmatha National Park. UNESCO listed Sagarmatha National Park in the Mahalangur section of the great Himalaya Range as a World Heritage site in 1979 A.D. The park borders Tibet on the Northern side, Makalu Braun National Park on the east, and Dudh Koshi on the south.
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
From, Namche Bazaar head towards Tengboche. The trail is covered with thick, dense, and deep wilderness with views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the mighty Mt. Everest. Explore the largest monastery in the Khumbu region, the Tengboche Monastery. Discover the old scriptures, sculptures, artwork, and wood carvings. Attend monks chant sacred text and prayers and get a perspective of Tibetan Lamaism perched on the Himalayan mountain chain.
Head towards Dingboche
Next, head towards the settlement of Dingboche, following the trail of Imja Valley and the Lobuche River. On the trail witness the grand Pangboche Monastery on the backdrop of rugged mountain terrain. From, Dingboche ascend towards the Khumbu Glacier’s steep terminal ridge to the settlement of Lobuche. On the trail witness views of Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal, Mt. Nuptse.
Everest Base Camp
Head towards the Everest Base Camp. Traverse on a glacier trail, rugged sections where there is often a lot of meandering. Follow this high trail and reach the Base of the world’s highest mountain. From the base camp witness the grand views of Nuptse, Khumbuste, Pumori, and endless other mountains peaks with glaciers and frozen lakes. After exploring the base camp head back to Gorak Shep. From where you’ll be heading on a helicopter ride towards Lukla which marks the end of your trek. The next day catch an early morning flight towards Kathmandu.
Explore on this exclusive journey with The Alpine Club of Himalaya and be a part of this memorial experience capturing your imagination.
Private Vehicle
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
1-30
Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft)
3 Star Hotel
Full Board during Trek and Breakfasts, Welcome and Farewell meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
Wake up early in the morning, and head towards the domestic airport. Your Everest journey begins with an exhilarating flight to Lukla, a scenic highland Sherpa hamlet. Once you land at the Lukla airstrip, you'll meet the rest of the crew and your trekking guide. Sort through your belongings, pack your rucksacks and start on your trekking.
Follow the trail and descend past Chauri Kharka settlement to the Dudh Koshi River. A lovely trail that follows the river's bank leads to Phakding at an elevation of 2,610 meters, a tiny Sherpa village hidden in the verdant heart of the Dudh Koshi Valley. On the route, you'll pass through Khumbila, a sacred peak worshipped by Sherpas, no one is allowed to climb this sacred mountain, making it one of the Khumbu's few unclimbed peaks.
Once you reach Phakding, take a stroll through the village and interact with the inhabitants sharing culture and traditions, or swing by one of the cafés for a hot beverage.
Overnight in Phakding.
Today you’ll be heading towards Namche Bazaar, also known as the "Sherpa capital". The trail today follows the bank of the milky glacial river Dudh Koshi, up to Monjo. In this section, you’ll be crossing across several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.
Following the trail, you’ll reach the Sagarmatha National Park entry, where get your permits inspected. A UNESCO world heritage site on the Mahalangur section of the great Himalaya Range. On the Northern side lies Tibet and on the east is Makalu Braun National Park and the southern boundary extends to the Dudh Koshi river. Trekking along the Dudh Koshi River you’ll reach the village of Jorsale. Next, ascend on an uphill section towards Namche Bazar. As you gain altitude brace yourself as you see Mount Everest in all its glory for the first time from Tope Danda.
Namche Bazar is the powerhouse of the Khumbu region. Some of the finest bakeries, cafés, restaurants, shops and the only ATM in the Everest Region can be found here. The 'Saturday Market' at Namche is well-known throughout all of Khumbu. Traders from all over the Everest region travel to Namche on Saturdays to exhibit their items at the Saturday Market. Interact with the friendly locals or hike up to any of the vantage points for stunning views of the Himalayas.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
After breakfast head into the trail, follow the rugged trail, and start ascending through a series of stone-paved stairs. Today’s trail is filled with mesmerizing vistas of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Mt. Everest. Following the path leads you through a mysterious and impenetrable jungle. As you progress on the trail cross the Phunki Tenga River on a suspension bridge from here the road turns zig-zag as the path increases in height following the trail, you’ll reach the settlement of Tengboche. As soon as you arrive in the village, check into your tea house.
Tengboche hamlet is located at the intersection of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola rivers. The village is recognized as the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, the first person to ascend Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. The area is largely populated by Buddhist Sherpas and has the region's oldest monastery.
After checking in head towards the Tengboche Monastery, which is located at an elevation of 3,860m/12,661ft. The Tengboche Monastery, also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, is well-known among locals, it is the largest monastery in Nepal's whole Khumbu area. It was built in the 1916s and is currently part of the Sagarmatha National Park's Sacred Sites Trail project.
Discover the old scriptures, sculptures, artwork, and wood carvings where virtually every square inch of the building is covered with beautiful designs. Where monks chant sacred text and prayers invoking gods and with scents of aromatic plants, pines with their anesthetizing powers. Explore the monastery rotted in Tibetan Lamaism perched on the Himalayan mountain chain.
Overnight in Tengboche.
Today’s trail ascends and takes you through a deep wilderness of birch, conifer, and rhododendron forests with magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam on the backdrop. Follow the trail and reach the settlement of Debuche and then cross the Imja River, then take the upper Pangboche trail. On route witness the grand beauty of the Pangboche Monastery on the backdrop of rugged mountain terrain. Continue your journey to the Imja Valley and the Lobuche River before ascending towards Dingboche.
The settlement of Dingboche has various vantage points offering majestic views of mountain ranges and Imja Khola Valley. Once you reach Dingboche head towards your accommodation and rest.
Overnight in Dingboche
Today, you’ll begin the trek surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. As you get closer to Dusa, the valley begins to shrink, you'll walk past the site of the first successful Everest Expedition, which took place in 1953. As you continue on the trek, you can see Mt. Pumori, wave your goodbyes to Mt. Pumori as the route lowers and curves, cross a stream and continue to Duglha, a little settlement with a long strand of prayer flags spanning the valley.
Next, ascend towards the Khumbu Glacier's steep terminal ridge, as you reach Chupki Lhara, a ridge with amazing mountain vistas, the route traverse through rock wall slopes. The ridge's peak is covered in prayer flags and stones that serve as memorial shrines for climbers who perished on Mt. Everest. As you proceed towards the trail you’ll come face to face with numerous huge peaks and the route descends towards the Khumbu Glacier moraine. With views of Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal, Mt. Nuptse as you pass the Khumbu Glacier. Following the trail, you’ll reach the village of Lobuche.
Overnight in Lobuche.
Today is the day you have been waiting for. The hike to Everest Base Camp is not extremely challenging, you do, however, have to traverse a glacier trail, rugged sections where there is often a lot of meandering. Observe the beautifully rounded ice towers on the top half of the Khumbu glacier as you approach base camp and gasp at the amazing melt patterns of the glacier.
The Everest Base Camp is a sight to see, from the base camp, you get spectacular views of the Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori mountains, after basking in the mountains retrace your steps back towards Gorak Shep.
After a brief rest at Gorak Shep, you’ll be heading on a helicopter ride to Lukla. Soaring high and getting a different perspective of the world's highest mountain ranges. Once you land at Lukla head towards your tea house and celebrate the last day in the mountains.
Overnight in Lukla.
Today you'll board an early morning flight to Kathmandu. You may rest or do souvenir shopping after you arrive in Kathmandu. In the evening, join in for a special farewell dinner to mark the successful conclusion of your adventure with your trekking guide and our representative.
Overnight in Kathmandu NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.
Cost Include
Airport pickups and drops by private vehicle
1 Night Acommodation in Kathmandu, Twin sharing 3*
Teahouse accommodation during the Everest trek
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights from a regular Twin Otter plane (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader
Porter service (2 trekkers = 1 Porter )
Helicopter/Chopper from EBC to Lukla
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation
Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
Alpine Club of Himalaya t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes
Ncell Sim Card (Nepalese Sim Card including 20 GB data pack) - Only 1 for a group.
Cost Exclude
Nepal entry visa fees
Excess baggage charge(s)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
International flights and helicopter rides from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (if requested by guests)
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Back is a great trip for everyone. A perfect trek, you have limited time, yet want to experience the wonders of Everest Base Camp Trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Back combines an awesome experience of trekking and a luxurious helicopter tour of the Khumbu region. In just over a week, get to Everest’s base camp, standing among the world’s highest peaks. Experience the true culture and lifestyle of Himalayan people and spend your nights in comfortable premium accommodations.
Fly above Everest Base Camp, hovering around Mount Everest and other summits at elevations of 8,000 and 7,000 meters. Getting a different perspective of the gorgeous landscape and emerald lakes. Be a part of this unique trekking and helicopter tour of the Everest region with The Alpine Club of Himalaya.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek requires two permits:
1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and
2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
The Nepal Tourism Boards office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo can provide you with Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for NRS 3000.
The fee for citizens of SAARC nations is NRS 1500.
You must complete the permit application and present your passport or a copy of your passport. You must be in Lukla to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. The permission costs NRS 2000 and may be acquired at the rural municipality counter on the outskirts of the settlement.
You won’t have to worry about waiting for permits since the Alpine Club of Himalaya or our guides will take care of everything.
Everest Region Trek is one of the most facilitatedtrekking destinations in the country, providing basic to luxury ones.
In this trial, you’ll be provided with a variety of cuisine to choose from. Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, western as well as continental meals. As the region has small tea houses to luxury hotels the facilities, they provide are basic to grandeur according to your budget. Try various traditional cuisine and popular snacks and delicacies renowned in the region.
Similarly, drinking water is accessible with natural water supplies which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses. However, if you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.
Accommodations are available in trekking lodges, teahouses as well several hotels all along the trail, providing basic well-maintained, and reasonably luxury 5-star ones with additional needs according to your budget. Tea houses on the trail vary in quality and price, depending on the amenities they feature.
The tea houses room has sharing bed and some basic furniture like a small table or a chair. Normally, beds contain pillows and sheets and almost all tea houses provide extra blankets as it will be freezing at night. Usually, hot showers are available throughout the trek.
For trekkers who want to Camp, various campsites are available along the.
The best season for trekking in the Everest region is during the season of autumn and spring, the months of September, October, November, March, April, and May.
During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November the weather is clear with warm temperatures and the visibility is great. As the weather is mild it’s very easy to get around the region.
The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Everest region, marking the end of the winter, the spring season brings a change in the topography of the region and the destination comes to life with endless rows of different colored rhododendron, moss and orchid draped trees, colorful undergrowth stretching for miles and the snowy white mountains peaks on the backdrop of clear blue skies.
Monsoon season is not favorable for trekking as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country with frequent landslides and floods. So usually, monsoon season is avoided by trekkers.
In the winter season, the area receives a high amount of snowfall, covering most of the trail, and access is denied to most of the regions of Everest, making it impossible to trek.
Common Breakfast During the trek:
During the trek, various tea houses provide a wide range of breakfasts. The most common breakfast includes Tibetan Bread (fried bread), Chapati (unleavened flatbread). The bread is provided with jam, butter or peanut butter, Scrambles, or boiled eggs, and vegetable curry.
Corn Flakes, Pancakes, Oats, and Muesli are also available. In some of the tea houses, American breakfast is available. Hot drinks including black tea and coffee are available for breakfast. Also, you may find various freshly baked items.
Common Lunch during the trek:
Dhal Bhat (Nepalese traditional food) is the most common meal found along trekking houses. But various varieties of meals are also available. Thukpa (Noodles) soups, Momos ( dumplings), Macaroni, Fried rice, Pizza, Spaghetti, a variety of soups, steaks, potatoes items, Sandwiches, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers. Plenty of dessert items are also available.
Common Dinner during the trek:
Dhal Bhat (Nepalese traditional food) is the most common dinner. But you can choose from a wide variety. Momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle) soups, Macaroni, Pizza, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, steaks, potatoes items, fried rice with curry, Raman soups, burgers, and are available along the tea houses.
Most of the tea houses’ menus offer desserts. Rice pudding, Apple pie, fruit snicker, cake, pastries, etc.
Extra personal expenses for trekking
During the period of trekking meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) are provided according to your package. Any other personal expenses are not bearded by the company. So, we recommended carrying extra cash just in case of personal expenses.
Responsible Tourism
As responsible for tourism we believe in respecting local communities, their culture, and rules. So, for that region, we would like you to follow some local rules and regulations during the trek.
Always ask your guides for permission before doing something in the local community.
Keep environment clean .
Help the local community to encourage the positive sides of tourism.
All the necessary transportation for your trip will be managed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya upon your request. Transportation is provided on private as well as sharing basis.
Last-minute booking is available for interested travelers. Though travelers need to inform a day before the trip gets started. If you are making last-minute bookings, you should pay the total amount for the activity. Booking can be made through an online form, email, WhatsApp, or by direct call.
Last-minute bookings for Bhutan and Tibet trips are not available.
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