Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return is a beautiful combination of adventure and luxury on the Himalayas of Nepal.
The Everest base camp trek return by helicopter is an Everest base camp trekking experience with a flyback via a helicopter from Gorakhshep to Lukla. On this trek, you can also experience the thrilling mountain flight, Kathmandu to Lukla and Back.
This trek is made especially for those who want to have the trekking experience to Everest base camp while escaping the same trekking trail back to Lukla. Flying from Gorakshep to Lukla will save your time and will also provide you an opportunity to get an aerial view of the entire Everest region. You will see the Himalayas next to you from the helicopter. You will also see the top view of the Tengboche monastery.
During this trip, you will see the best panoramas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Island Peak, Kwangde, and many others. Within 9 days, you can grab all the amazing experiences in Everest. Hiking to Kalapatharis a breathtaking experience.
If you want to go on this short Everest base camp trek with helicopter return, contact Halesi Treks is a renowned trekking agency in Nepal. We organize the best treks and tours in different parts of Nepal.
Highlights of EBC Trek with Return by Helicopter to Lukla
- Kalapathar, the best viewpoint of Mt. Everest.
- A thrilling scenic flight to the Lukla airport from Kathmandu.
- Experiencing the Everest base camp trekking.
- Stunning panoramas of soaring peaks including Mt. Everest 8848m, World’s 5th highest Mt. Lhotse 8516m, world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu 8481m, world’s 6th highest Mt. Cho Oyu 8201m, and others.
- Several high suspension bridges including the highest Hillary suspension bridge.
- Namche Bazaar, the major Sherpa hub in the Everest region.
- Fly over the highest peak in the world, including Mount Everest.
- Flying over the entire Everest region on the flight back to Kathmandu via a Helicopter.
- Witnessing the unique Sherpa traditions and culture in Khumbu.
- Interacting with the hospitable local Sherpa people.
Outline Itinerary: Everest Base Camp Trek Return by Helicopter
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. (1300m)
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860m) Then trek to Monzo. (2804m)
Day 03: Trek from Monzo to Namche Bazaar. (3445m).
Day 04: Rest Day in Namche Bazaar, Trek to Khumjung
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3850m)
Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m) 11 KM Approx.
Day 07: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4950m).
Day 08: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5160m). Trek to Everest Base camp (5,364m) and down to Gorakshep
Day 09: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kalapathar (5545m). Trek down to Gorekshep, pick up by Helicopter, Fly back to Lukla. Lukla to Kathmandu by Airplane.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek Return by Helicopter
For the Everest base camp trek, Autumn (September, October, and November) and Spring (March, April, and May) are the most popular time. However, the helicopter tours are operable at any time of the year when the weather is favorable.
The Everest base camp trek with flyback by Helicopter to Lukla combines both the Everest base camp trekking and Everest base camp helicopter tour. Thus, the best time for this trek is during autumn and spring. However, this trek is doable at any time of the year with best plans and preparations.
Difficulties During Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Altitude
Everest Base Camp trek is the highest placed trek in the world. The major difficulty faced by trekkers trekking to the base camp of Everest is due to altitude. The highest altitude that you will reach during Everest base camp trek is 5365 meters at Kalapathar. During Everest base camp trek, there are many trekkers who suffer from altitude sickness.
Mostly to the trekkers who come from the sea level, they are more prone to altitude sickness. You must be very careful and cautious while walking towards higher altitudes and when sleeping at higher altitudes.
Tips for Altitude Sickness
Walk Slow
During high altitude treks like EBC, if you want to reach to your destination safe and sound, you must walk slow. Walking in a slow pace is a key to successful Everest base camp trek. Even if you are trekking in a group, you shouldn’t push your limits to walk with other partners. Walk slow, maintain your continuous pace of the walk.
Drink plenty of water.
Your body dehydrates sooner while trekking in the higher altitudes. As your body dehydrates, there are higher chances of getting the signs of altitude sickness. Thus, you must remember to drink plenty of water at intervals. It is better to carry your own hydration bladder. It is easier to carry than carrying water bottles. Also, it has a higher capacity.
Take an Oximeter with you.
Carrying an oximeter will be beneficial as it will help you measure the oxygen level in your blood. You can measure it whenever you feel like the symptoms of altitude sickness shows.
Descend down to lower altitudes when you start getting the symptoms.
Once you suffer from altitude sickness, there is no cure of it other than taking medicines and descending down to altitudes less in 2-300 meters from the place. Do not ignore the symptoms. The sickness gets worse and may result in worse conditions like HAPE that can even be fatal.
Note: Trekkers believe that having garlic soup will also help against altitude sickness. You can also have it as you reach the higher altitude. There is no compulsion, but trust me, garlic soup tastes super in Everest.
Difficulties due to weather
The weather in Everest is an extreme one. This is because of the high altitude. During an EBC trek and flyback by Helicopter, weather can be a major difficulty factor. Trekking to the base camp is very hard in cases of bad weather. The EBC trails aren’t so easy and if the weather worsens, the trails can be even harder. Also, since this trek includes flyback with a helicopter, the weather has a big impact.
In cases of poor weather conditions, the helicopter trips are not operated in Everest. So, sometimes due to bad weather conditions, you might have to stay for some more days in Everest. Such weather happens mostly during offseasons but can happen even in peak seasons.
Tips for EBC Trek Difficulty Due to Weather
Trek in peak seasons
There are fewer possibilities of weather at Everest getting worsen during the peak seasons (Autumn and Spring). So, if you are trekking in these seasons, there are fewer chances that you might have to encounter difficulties due to harsh weather.
Keep updated about the weather
While trekking in the Everest region, you should always keep updated about prevailing weather conditions. It will help you keep out of any hazards if they are happening.
Physical Fitness
Trekking to the base camp of tallest Himalaya in the world demands a certain level of physical fitness. There are some trekkers who return back from the trail after having difficulty in walking. So, you should make sure that you have a strong body and a boosted stamina before you set off on the trekking trail.
Tips for EBC Trek Difficulty Due to Physical Fitness
Practice some exercise before you go.
We advise you to do some aerobic exercises starting one or two months before your trek starts. You can go to the gym. Practicing the aerobic exercises will not only help you maintain a good shape but will help for altitude sickness as well.
Eat good diets on the trek.
You must eat filling meals that will supply your adequate energy for trekking. Else, you might feel less in energy in the middle of the trek. You will not be able to trek in the rugged trails of Everest without fueling yourself with a healthy diet.
Length of the trail
You will have to walk for at least 4 to 5 hours a day during your Everest base camp trek. The trails are long, rugged, windy, and dusty at places. Also, on the trails where the herds of animals walk porting the goods, you will see lots of dungs. They smell really bad. Also, suspension bridges on the way are something that some trekkers don’t want to go over again.
There are some trekkers who feel exhausted in the middle of the trail due to long and uphill trails. Some of them decide to halt their trek and get back to Lukla on a helicopter. You will also see some who return riding the mules.
Tips: Prepare a strong mindset to go. But remember, you should not go to higher altitudes if you are not sure about you to want to go. Do what you want to. The Everest journey is beautiful, wherever you reach, you’ll see enough.
Accidents on the Trail
Some major or minor accidents can happen on the Everest trail. Sometimes, they happen because of your ignorance. Sometimes, it can happen because of no particular reasons, can be an unexpected weather stroke.
There are some trekkers who hurt their legs, some who get strains. There are cases where the mule/yak herds push the trekkers and they get injured. So, you must be extra cautious when they are near. As you heard the bells ringing, (they have bells hung in their neck), stand on the safe side of the trail. Some angry animals do not mind pushing you off the cliffs.
Some Tips on Helicopter During Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
- Do not stand from your allocated seat on the helicopter.
- Avoid smoking inside the chopper. If you want to smoke, ask for the permission of the pilot. Smoke only after s/he indicates it is safe to.
- Do not throw any objects off the helicopter during the flight.
Packing list for Everest Base Camp trek return By Helicopter
Clothing
- Quick drying shirts with a full sleeve
- Dry fitting short sleeve trekking shirts
- 2 pair of Thermal Innerwear
- Liner socks and trekking socks (5 to 6 pairs)
- Windproof trekking pants preferably convertible (2 pairs)
- Warm trekking trousers with fleece (2 pairs)
- A down jacket for evenings and nights
- A pair of Sandals
- Windproof jacket
- A winter hats
- A pair of trekking gloves
- A pair of comfortable trekking boots
Others
- A Headlamp or torch with extra batteries
- A good quality sleeping bag
- A pair of Sunglasses with UV protection
- 1 camera with, extra batteries.
- 2-3 portable chargers.
First Aid
- Diamox for altitude sickness
- Medicines for cold, cough, and allergies
- Vicks vapor rub
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- chapstick
- anti nauseant
- Medicines for diarrhea
- Bandaids or moleskin for blisters
- nasal moisturizer
- Bandages and pain relief spray or ointment
Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Soap and Shampoo
- Antibacterial Handwash or Sanitizer Gel
- Lightweight towel
- Perfumes and body sprays
- Body powders and moisturizer lotions
