Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Walk up, fly back
- 12 days
- Challenging
- From $6,800
- Duration
- 12 days
- Walking grade
- Challenging
- Highest point
- 5,545 m
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
- Starts and ends
- Kathmandu
For trekkers who want to walk every step up, and have less time to come down.
- Walk every step to Everest Base Camp
- Sunrise on Everest from Kala Patthar
- A private helicopter back to Kathmandu
- Four days shorter than walking out
This is our Everest Base Camp Trek with one change: after sunrise on Kala Patthar, a private helicopter flies you back to Kathmandu, instead of three days walking down the valley.
You walk every step of the way up, along the Dudh Koshi and the Khumbu Glacier, with two full acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche. Low in the valley you sleep in the region’s best lodges; higher up, where every lodge is simple, we book the best rooms early. On the ninth day you reach Gorak Shep and walk on to Everest Base Camp.
The next morning you climb Kala Patthar in the dark for the view of Everest at first light, and the helicopter collects you close by. By late morning you are back at your hotel in Kathmandu, with a spare day held for weather.
It suits trekkers who want the full ascent but have less time, and those who would rather not walk the long descent on tired knees. The helicopter is private, so it waits for your group and nobody else’s.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return: the route
10 places · starts and ends in Kathmandu
Your journey at a glance
Choose a day
Highest night 5,164 m at Gorak Shep · highest point 5,545 m
Way upWay backPositions are approximate; peaks are shown for orientation.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, day by day
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Day 1 Kathmandu Luxury hotel Arrival 1,400 m
Your host meets you at arrivals and drives you to your heritage hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening your guide joins you for a briefing and a careful gear check, because the Lukla flight leaves early the next morning.
- Getting there
- Arrival
- Sleeping altitude
- 1,400 m
- Where you stay
- Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 Lukla · Phakding Premium lodge 3–4 h · 8 km 2,610 m
An early start for the thirty-five-minute flight to Lukla (in the busiest months it leaves from Ramechhap, four to five hours' drive from Kathmandu, and we confirm which a few days ahead), the plane tracking along the Himalaya before landing on the short, sloping runway at 2,860 metres. After tea you meet your porters and walk gently downhill, past prayer wheels and mani stones, to the Dudh Koshi river. Phakding is lower than Lukla, which helps your first night. You arrive in the early afternoon to a heated room.
- Walking
- About 3–4 h, 8 km
- Getting there
- Flight 35 min
- Sleeping altitude
- 2,610 m (+1,210 m)
- Where you stay
- Premium Khumbu lodge with heated rooms and en-suite bathroom (Yeti Mountain Home or similar)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Days 3–4 Namche Bazaar Premium lodge 5–6 h · 11 km 3,440 m
The first day follows the river north, crossing it several times on high suspension bridges, and enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Then comes the long climb to Namche Bazaar, with a first glimpse of Everest on the way up if the sky is clear. Take it slowly. The second day is for acclimatisation: the walk up to the Everest View terrace and back, climbing high and sleeping low, then a quiet afternoon in the Sherpa capital.
- Walking
- About 5–6 h, 11 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 3,440 m (+830 m)
- Where you stay
- Premium Khumbu lodge with heated rooms and en-suite bathroom (Yeti Mountain Home or similar)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 Deboche Premium lodge 5–6 h · 10 km 3,820 m
A balcony trail around the hillside gives you the classic view of Everest and Ama Dablam, before dropping to the river at Phunki Tenga. Then a steady climb through pine and rhododendron to Tengboche monastery, where you can sit in on the afternoon prayers if the timing works. Deboche is a short walk further, a few lodges in the forest, and much quieter than Tengboche itself.
- Walking
- About 5–6 h, 10 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 3,820 m (+380 m)
- Where you stay
- Premium Khumbu lodge with heated rooms and en-suite bathroom (Yeti Mountain Home or similar)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Days 6–7 Dingboche Best teahouse 4–5 h · 10 km 4,410 m
You cross the Imja Khola and climb past Pangboche, the oldest monastery village in the Khumbu, above the treeline into wide yak pastures. Dingboche is a village of stone-walled fields below Ama Dablam. The second day is for acclimatisation: a slow climb of Nangkartshang, the ridge above the village, for views of Makalu and Lhotse, then back down to rest. Lodges here are simple; we book the best rooms.
- Walking
- About 4–5 h, 10 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 4,410 m (+590 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 Lobuche Best teahouse 5 h · 9 km 4,940 m
A gradual climb across the open valley to Dughla, then a short steep pull up the end of the Khumbu Glacier to Thukla. Here stone memorials remember climbers and Sherpas who died on Everest, a quiet place to stop. Beyond it the trail eases along the valley to Lobuche, a cluster of teahouses below the glacier. Walk slowly, drink plenty, and rest in the afternoon.
- Walking
- About 5 h, 9 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 4,940 m (+530 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 Gorak Shep · Base Camp Best teahouse 7–8 h · 13 km 5,164 m
The trail follows the edge of the Khumbu Glacier over rocky moraine to Gorak Shep, the last lodges before Everest. After an early lunch you continue along the glacier to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres, among the ice towers of the Khumbu Icefall. It is a long, cold day at real altitude. You walk back to Gorak Shep for the night and an early sleep.
- Walking
- About 7–8 h, 13 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 5,164 m (+224 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 Kala Patthar · Kathmandu Luxury hotel 2–3 h · 4 km 1,400 m
A pre-dawn start up Kala Patthar, the dark hill above Gorak Shep, to 5,545 metres. First light catches Pumori and Nuptse while Everest stands dark against the brightening sky, then the sun clears the ridge. Back at Gorak Shep for breakfast, your private helicopter collects you, weather permitting, and flies you down the valley you walked, past Ama Dablam and Namche, to Kathmandu by late morning. The afternoon is for a long bath and rest.
- Walking
- About 2–3 h, 4 km
- Getting there
- Private helicopter, about 1 h
- Sleeping altitude
- 1,400 m (−3,764 m)
- Where you stay
- Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 11 Kathmandu Luxury hotel 1,400 m
This day is held in reserve. If cloud delayed the helicopter, it absorbs the delay; if not, it is a free day for Patan or Bhaktapur, a massage, or simply rest, with a guide if you would like one.
- Sleeping altitude
- 1,400 m
- Where you stay
- Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 12 Departure Departure
A last breakfast in Kathmandu and a private transfer to the airport, timed around your flight. If you are flying late, your guide can fill the hours with a last walk in the city.
- Getting there
- Departure
- Meals
- Breakfast
Walking times are typical at an unhurried pace and include rests; your guide adjusts each day to the group and the weather.
Is this journey for you?
- Walking
- Five to eight hours a day, sleeping near 5,000 metres for several nights.
- Fitness
- Good fitness and ideally a previous multi-day trek.
- Altitude
- You sleep as high as 5,164 m, with acclimatisation built into the route. We send a health questionnaire and talk it through before you book.
- Terrain
- Well-made trails with long stone staircases, then rocky moraine above Lobuche; no high passes.
The practical details
Where you stay
Named lodges or similar, confirmed in your proposal.
- 3 nights
Luxury hotel
Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)
Kathmandu
- 4 nights
Premium lodge
Premium Khumbu lodge with heated rooms and en-suite bathroom (Yeti Mountain Home or similar)
Phakding · Namche Bazaar · Deboche
- 4 nights
Best teahouse
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
Dingboche · Lobuche · Gorak Shep
Best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
- JanJanuary: Possible. Cold and clear; snow can close high passes.
- FebFebruary: Possible. Cold and clear; snow can close high passes.
- MarMarch: Best. Spring begins: clear mornings, rhododendrons in bloom lower down.
- AprApril: Best. Peak spring season: warm days, flowers, busier trails.
- MayMay: Good. Warmer and hazier, with afternoon cloud as the monsoon nears.
- JunJune: Not recommended. Monsoon: rain most afternoons, leeches low down, mountains often hidden.
- JulJuly: Not recommended. Monsoon: heavy rain and frequent flight cancellations.
- AugAugust: Not recommended. Monsoon: heavy rain and frequent flight cancellations.
- SepSeptember: Good. Monsoon clears late in the month; lush valleys, some cloud.
- OctOctober: Best. Peak autumn season: clear views, festivals, busier trails.
- NovNovember: Best. Clear, stable and cooler; quieter after mid-month.
- DecDecember: Good. Cold, clear and quiet; short days at altitude.
Seasons for this journey: Spring, Autumn. Choose a month for what to expect.
Comparing prices for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?
Cheaper treks are usually group departures. Ask any operator:
- Is the guide yours alone?
- Yes. Only your own party travels together, never a group departure.
- How many guides and porters?
- A senior guide and a porter for every two guests.
- Are altitude checks written down?
- Twice a day above 3,000 m, with bottled oxygen on every high route.
- What if someone needs evacuating?
- A standing helicopter agreement, and insurance confirmed before you travel.
Included
- Himkora Host, plus a senior guide and a porter for every two guests
- All hotels and lodges as described
- All meals, including dinners in the cities
- Kathmandu–Lukla flight, The private helicopter morning
- Permits: Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu fees
- Porters, private vehicles and every transfer
- Down jacket, sleeping bag and a Himkora duffel on loan
- Treated drinking water every day on the trail
- Twice-daily oxygen and pulse checks, and a full first-aid kit
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu as described
- The Himkora Care Standard, in full
Not included
6 items
- International flights
- Nepal visa (US$50 on arrival for 30 days)
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
- Gratuities and drinks
- Wi-Fi, charging and hot showers where lodges charge for them
- Extra nights or helicopters caused by weather delays (often covered by insurance)
Before you go
Permits we arrange for you
- Sagarmatha National Park entry and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee
We need a scan of your passport photo page and one passport photo about six weeks before travel. Permit fees are included in your price.
Visa and insurance
- Most nationalities get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or online in advance. Check the Department of Immigration before you travel.
- Travel insurance is required. It must cover trekking to at least 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation; we check your policy before departure.
How we manage altitude
- Above 3,000 m, sleeping altitude rises by about 500 m a night (never more than 700 m, and then next to a rest day), with acclimatisation days built in.
- Your guide checks blood oxygen and pulse twice a day and carries bottled oxygen and a full medical kit.
- Guides always have the authority to descend, and we hold a standing helicopter-evacuation agreement in Kathmandu.
Getting ready
- Walking grade: Challenging. We send a training plan with your proposal.
- Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about altitude medication and vaccinations at least six weeks before you travel.
- We send a health questionnaire before booking and talk it through with you.
Mountain flights
- Lukla flights depend on clear weather. In busy months they may leave from Ramechhap, four to five hours' drive from Kathmandu; we arrange the transfer.
- Your itinerary ends with a spare day in Kathmandu, held in case weather delays the Lukla flight. If delays run on, we can arrange a helicopter (at cost).
- Domestic baggage is usually limited to about 15 kg including your cabin bag; extra can stay at your Kathmandu hotel.
Weather
- Days are usually bright and mild in season; nights drop below freezing above about 4,000 m.
- Afternoon cloud is normal; mornings bring the clearest views.
We provide
- A Himkora duffel for your porter to carry (up to 12 kg per guest)
- Down jacket and sleeping bag rated to −20°C, on loan
- Water purification, first-aid and the Care Standard kit
You bring
- Broken-in walking boots and four pairs of trekking socks
- Layers: base layers, fleece, waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, sunglasses (category 3 or 4) and sunscreen
- Daypack (25–30 litres), refillable bottles, headtorch
- Personal medicines, and a copy of your insurance policy
A full packing list comes with your proposal.
Money
- Your journey is paid in advance, so you only need cash for drinks, souvenirs and tips.
- Nepali rupees are best on the trail; there are ATMs in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lukla and Namche.
Connectivity and tipping
- Most lodges have Wi-Fi, often slow and sometimes paid; mobile data works in many villages. Your guide carries a satellite messenger.
- Gratuities are not included and are always your choice. We send guidance for guides, porters and drivers with your pre-departure notes.
Similar journeys
All journeys
Everest Luxury Lodge Trek
Everest, hosted: the Khumbu's best lodges every night, Tengboche at dawn, and the option of a private helicopter up to the foot of the mountain.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The full walk to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, with the best lodges low down, the best rooms higher up, and two acclimatisation days.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Turquoise lakes, the Ngozumpa Glacier and a wide Everest view from Gokyo Ri, away from the main Base Camp trail.
Questions guests ask
More answers on our questions page, or write to hello@himkora.com.
How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return cost?
From $6,800 per person, for two travelling privately, $6,500 per person for four and $11,850 if you travel alone. The price includes guiding, porters, accommodation, meals and permits as listed. Your proposal gives one clear price for your dates.
How many days is the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?
12 days as we have planned it, from your arrival in Nepal to your departure. Because it is private, we can add rest days or extra nights, or shorten it if you have less time.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?
We grade it challenging. Five to eight hours a day, sleeping near 5,000 metres for several nights. Good fitness and ideally a previous multi-day trek.
How high does the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return go?
The highest point is 5,545 m, and the highest night is at 5,164 m. The itinerary includes acclimatisation days, and your guide checks your oxygen levels every morning and evening.
When is the best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?
The best months are March, April, October and November. See the month-by-month guide above for the rest of the year.
Which permits do I need for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?
You will need: Sagarmatha National Park entry and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee. We arrange all of them for you and include the fees in your price.
Is every journey private?
Yes. You travel only with the people you choose, on your dates. Your guide, porters and vehicles are yours alone, and the route can be adjusted before or during the journey.
What is included in the price?
Your Himkora Host and senior guide, porters, every hotel and lodge named in the itinerary, meals as listed, domestic flights, permits, park fees and private transfers. International flights, your Nepal visa, travel insurance, drinks and gratuities are not included.
How do deposits and payment work?
A 30% deposit confirms your journey, and the balance is due 90 days before travel. Your proposal sets out the full price and the cancellation terms before you pay anything. Our full booking terms are on the Booking terms page.
How fit do I need to be?
Each journey has a walking grade, explained on its page. Before you book, we send a short health questionnaire and talk through your walking history. If a route isn't right, we will say so and suggest one that is.
How do you manage altitude?
Above 3,000 metres our itineraries raise sleeping altitude by about 500 metres a night, never more than 700 metres and then only next to a rest day, with acclimatisation days built in. Guides check blood oxygen and pulse twice a day, carry bottled oxygen on high routes, and always have the authority to turn back.
Do I need special travel insurance?
Yes. Your policy must cover trekking to the highest altitude on your route (up to 6,000 metres on our high journeys), emergency medical treatment, helicopter rescue and repatriation. We check it before you travel.
What if flights to Lukla are delayed?
Mountain flights depend on the weather, and in busy months they may leave from Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. Every Everest itinerary keeps a spare day in Kathmandu after the Lukla flight, so a weather delay doesn't cost you any of the trek. If delays run on longer, a helicopter can be arranged at cost.
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