Everest base camp trek return by helicopter
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Nepal
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Trip grade: Strenuous
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Destination: Everest region
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Activities: Trekking/Hiking
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Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
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Meals: Full-board on trek
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Transportation: Private vehicle/Plane/Helicopter
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Maximum altitude: Kala Patthar (5550m)
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Group size: 2 pax min
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Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Everest base camp trek return by helicopter is just the right trekking holiday for those who have limited time for vacation but still wish to set foot on the world’s highest peak’s base camp. The whole idea of this trek is to hike up to the Everest Base Camp and then return to Kathmandu by taking a helicopter flight cutting back almost half of the trekking days of the regular Everest Base Camp trek.
The trek is short and sweet with plenty of opportunity to witness the great Himalayan panorama of some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, experience the unique and rich Sherpa culture and traditions, trek in the Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The helicopter flight provides a bird's-eye view of the vast green valleys and snow-capped mountains that lie on the way back to Kathmandu.
Everest base camp trek return by helicopter gets a head start from the small town of Lukla where you will fly from Kathmandu by plane. The trail then follows the Everest Base Camp trek route passing along several stopovers like Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and finally Gorekshep. After attending the base camp you will hike to Kalapathar, the popular Himalayan viewpoint and eventually take a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.
Everest base camp trek return by helicopter is a convenient and exciting way to end your trekking adventure in Khumbu and is sure to leave you with lasting memories of trekking at the world’s best trekking trail.
Everest base camp trek helicopter return Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla with stunning mountain views.
- Varied flora & fauna of Sagarmatha National Park, – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Witness the lifestyle of people living in the high Himalayas, especially Sherpas.
- Visit the biggest & Important monastery in Khumbu - Tengboche Monastery.
- Everest Base Camp & Khumbu Glacier.
- Embark on an exhilarating hike to Kala Patthar with a 360-degree Himalayan panorama.
- Witness the stunning views of Mount Amadablam, Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Pumori, Island Peak, Lobuche Peak including Mount Everest.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the Everest region on board an exciting flight by Helicopter.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m/40min) & Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2610 m/3-4 hrs)
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/5-6 hrs)
Day 04: Rest day in Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization & Hike to Hotel Everest View (3880m/3-4 hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m/5-6 hrs )
Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/5-6 hrs)
Day 07: Rest Day In Dingboche; Hike to Chhukung (4730m) & back to Dingboche (4410m/3-4 hrs)
Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/5-6 hrs)
Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140m) / Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) /Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep (8-9 hrs)
Day 10: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5550m) back to Gorek Shep & fly to Kathmandu
Day 11: Final Departure
Arrive in Kathmandu and one of our representatives will receive you and then transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the time is free to explore the city where your hotel is located which is usually at Thamel – the popular tourist hub in Kathmandu where every needs and facilities for the tourist are located like hotels, pubs, restaurants, departmental stores, trek gear shops etc. Or you can simply rest at your hotel if you are jet lagged and get ready for an amazing Himalayan trek.
Wake up early in the morning and drive to the domestic section of the airport in Kathmandu for a flight to Lukla. After checking the weather it’s flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at Tenzing Hillary Airport. You will have a packed breakfast from the hotel which can be eaten while waiting for the plane at Kathmandu airport.
After 40-45 minutes flight from Kathmandu you will finally land at Lukla then being your trek to Phakding –a small village in Khumbu region. Lukla is also the place where your porters will be waiting for you. The trail goes through a green path crossing several villages like Chauri Kharka and Ghat then finally reaches Phakding for an overnight stay.
Note: Flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu to Lukla may be rerouted to Manthali during the peak trekking seasons of March, April, May, September, October, and November due to increased air traffic congestion. Manthali is a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu and we need to start at 12.30am for the Kathmandu/Manthali drive to catch the flight to Lukla from Manthali. During December, January, February, June, July, or August, it's a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
After breakfast, the trek begins with the trail going through forests, traditional villages with plowed fields, and yak pastures then reaches the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park from where Mt. Thamserku can be spotted.
After completing permit formalities and having lunch you will climb up to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Everest region and the biggest Sherpa town in the Khumbu region where many hotels, luxury resorts, restaurants, pubs, trek shops etc are located. You name it, they have it at Namche and if you forget to shop for any trek gear in Kathmandu, Namche is the last point to do so but the price may differ.
Today is the rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and to cope with the rising elevation. You can go for a side excursion to Hotel Everest View (3880m) which is considered the hotel located at the highest point on earth. From it’s balcony you can have the first glimpse of Mt. Everest and other world’s highest peaks sipping tea/coffee. Then it’s back to your hotel in Namche Bazaar. In the evening, you can explore around Namche, talk with the locals, meeting many other trekkers and mountaineers from around the world.
Today’s trek involves many steep ascents and descents, and it’s also a good opportunity for nice photography. On the list are Stupas (Buddhist shrines), prayer flags, mani walls (walls with Buddhist prayers carved into them), and mountains, such as Ama Dablam, and Tengboche Monastery which all are worth a good picture.
The trail up to Tengboche from Lukla is a dusty switchback path but it is all worthwhile as you reach Tengboche which offers a spectacular panorama. Tengboche has the largest Buddhist monastery which is the largest and the most important monastery in Khumbu. Pay a visit to the monastery and with a small donation, you can light some butter lamps.
The trail is quite challenging today but with a very scenic route. The trail follows the Imja Khola ‘River’ climbing up to Dingboche and passing along windswept fields (mainly potato). Dingboche is the highest Sherpa village in Khumbu. The view of AmaDablam is spectacular from Dingboche which arrived during lunch time. After lunch at Dingboche, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore watching the surrounding Himalayas or dig into your books.etc
As the altitude increases it’s important to get better acclimatization so it’s rest/acclimatization day at Dingboche. You can rest at your lodge or there are several side excursions like a hike to Nangkar Tshang Peak, with its sacred sites and views of Mt Makalu. Or hike to Chhukung (4,730 m) which provides majestic views of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Choyo. You will also notice Imja Khola Valley as well the fields and pastures of Dingboche. Afterward, back to the lodge at Dingboche.
Today you will gently climb to the Pheriche Valley and then trek above the valley floor passing along alpine scrub and yak pastures. En route get a good view of Tawoch and Cholotse, with Ama Dablam behind us. From here you will notice as if AmaDablam is just rising up from the valley floor.
Then you will continue to Thokla Pass, where the ascent is challenging. From here is another good opportunity for the best photos of the peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and a few other 7,000-plus meter peaks. After crossing this pass will finally reach Lobuche. Lobuche isn’t a big town but is surrounded by dramatic and beautiful surroundings.
Today is the big day as you will be attending Everest Base Camp, the foot of Mt. Everest. You will start first with 3 hours hike to the small village of Gorekshep passing over boulders and rough terrain.
Then hike to Everest Base Camp and upon arrival feel the majesty of the base camp, walk over the Khumbu Glacier from where Everest summiters start their journey to the top. Celebrate your achievement with your trek guide and other members at the base camp. From the base camp enjoy views of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and a little bit of Everest. Afterward, back to Gorekshep for the overnight stay.
Start early today to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas from Kala patthar which is the most popular Himalayan viewpoint in Khumbu providing 360-degree Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest.
The hike up to Kala Patthar is not that long but steep, rocky, and very challenging. Upon reaching it’s top you will be rewarded with the most spectacular Himalayan panorama of the peaks like Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, and more.
Afterward, retrace your way back to Gorekshep for breakfast where your private chartered helicopter will be waiting for you to fly back to Kathmandu. En route observe the Everest trail which you trek before and finally land at Kathmandu then transfer to hotel.
In the evening is farewell dinner at one of the Nepali authentic restaurant with company staff and later on back to hotel.
The trip concludes and our office representatives will take you to the international airport in Kathmandu to catch your onward flight to your next destination or fly back home. You need to be at least 3 hours prior to your flight time at the airport.
Thank you for visiting Nepal and we hope your Himalayan Holiday has come true. Have a safe flight back home!
If you plan to extend your holiday then other travel activities like jungle safari, rafting, mountain biking, bungee jumping etc are also up on the list.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Kathmandu/Lukla or Ramechap/Lukla airfare.
- All trekking accommodations with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
- Four seasonal sleeping bags and duffel bags (to be returned after trip completion).
- A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
- Experienced Government licensed English Speaking Guide & Porter (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
- Gorekshep to Kathmandu chartered helicopter flight cost
- Permits for Everest National Park, & TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
- Farewell Dinner at Nepali Authentic Restaurant with cultural program.
- All government and local taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfares.
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
- Excess baggage charges (luggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is 15 kgs.)
- Expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.)
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tips to guide & porters (Tipping is expected).
Route Map
Group Departure
| Trip Date | Status | Price | Book Now |
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Sep 2024 | |||
Oct 2024 |
Trip Info
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 4- or 5-star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (4-star), Hotel Manaslu (4-star), Radisson (5-star), Yak & Yeti (5-star), or similar. During the trek, you will be accommodated in a local mountain lodge, better known as Tea House. These lodges and teahouses provide good services and are equipped with basic amenities. We will endeavor to provide you with the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise the quality of food or the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional foods like Sweet potatoes, buckwheat barley, etc. This way, you could not only get a real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala curry, etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a serious risk while trekking in the Himalayas. It's important to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at lower altitudes before heading higher. By spending time at lower altitudes before pushing higher, your body has time to adjust. Our trekking packages have enough acclimatization days planned where you'll be spending a day or two at lower altitudes, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Electricity & drinking water
For an additional cost, you can use the electricity in all tea houses and lodges to recharge your batteries. The lodges have packaged mineral water for sale, or you can fill your bottle with boiling water. To make water drinkable, you can use water purification tablets too. But, due to hygienic issues, you should avoid drinking water from taps, rivers, or wells in trekking areas.
Communication
At lodges, restaurants, and hotels, Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee in the most popular trek regions, like Everest, and Annapurna. However, at high elevations, phone calls are the only means of connection. Our office in Kathmandu is in constant communication with your trek guide. In Kathmandu, you can purchase a local sim card for communication purposes. At high elevations, the mobile signal might not be as strong, though.
Luggage
Our porters are paired with one trekker for every two hikers, and one porter can safely carry 30 kg maximum weight. Therefore, we advise you to fill your duffle bag not more than 15 kg with your belongings. You may carry a small backpack with your valuables and informational documents. The things you are not taking along on the trek can be stored in a hotel in Kathmandu free of cost.
Typical Trek Day
Mostly your trek day starts with breakfast at 7-8 am, followed by a 3-4 hour morning trek. Lunch break is around an hour, then you continue trekking to your destination for the day. After reaching the teahouse lodge, you can relax, explore nearby areas, and enjoy dinner at 6-7 pm. Evenings involve socializing, a trek briefing, and leisure activities before bed.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical and evacuation costs. Having travel insurance with you makes your trip secure and hassle-free.
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you can actually connect with nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides who are very well-versed in the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the trek region you are traveling in. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining but also equally informative.
Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high-altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitudes are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our field staff are covered by insurance.
