Everest Base Camp Heli Trek - 12 Days

EBC Trek with Helicopter Return
based on 3 reviews
Everest base camp Heli trek
Trekkers on EBC Heli Trek
Journey to the base camp of everest
Trip Photos
At a Glance
Duration12 Days
Trip GradeModerate Plus
i
Maximum AltitudeApprox. 5,644 m at Kala Patthar
Best TimeSept - May

Trip Overview

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is an extraordinary adventure. It offers the shortest yet most thrilling way to stand in the shadow of the tallest peak in the world. This 12-day Everest base camp trek with a helicopter return journey combines the challenge of trekking through the heart of the Himalayas. It has a crafted luxury itinerary of a spectacular helicopter return, soaring over the majestic peaks and valleys you have just conquered.

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, also called the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek and Helicopter Return to Kathmandu, is a journey to the base of the highest mountain in the world that strikes the balance of adventure and luxury in a single trip. This 12-day Everest Base Camp Heli Trek itinerary offers you a unique perspective of the legendary Everest Region.

Typically commencing with a thrilling flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, you will not miss out on hiking through the classic Everest Base Camp Trekking route. But as per returning, instead of downhill walking for several days, you will board a helicopter back to Kathmandu. For those short on time, this Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking with a return helicopter is just the perfect option.

Through Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery, followed by a hike to Kala Patthar (approx. 5,644 m), a popular Everest viewpoint and also the highest point of the journey, trekking to Everest Base Camp and a chopper return to Kathmandu assure you a surreal experience of the astounding peaks and valleys. With professionals like Mountain Monarch, a safe, eco-friendly, and more immersive journey is guaranteed.

Our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek cost, including for the years 2025 and 2026, includes all essentials required for successful Himalayan hiking, trekking, and climbing. Our Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking cost covers meals, accommodation, permits, experienced guides, porters, and necessary trekking gear and equipment. In addition, our staff carries an extra oxygen cylinder to provide immediate assistance in case of need.

What to expect during the Heli Trek to Everest Base Camp?

This Everest Base Camp Heli Trek offers you a unique experience within one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, the Sagarmatha National Park. Spread over an area of 1,148 square kilometers, hosting at least three of the majestic mountain peaks above 8,000 m: Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Cho Oyu (8,201 m), it is a haven for mountaineers, trekkers, and all sorts of individuals seeking pure adventure.

While there are several Everest trekking routes, such as the standard Everest Base Camp Trek of 16 days, the Everest Three High Passes Trek, the Gokyo Lakes Trek, and the Everest Circuit Trek, this Everest Base Camp Trekking and Heli back to Kathmandu is tailored for individuals seeking comfort and adventure at the same time. Here’s a brief on what makes it special:

Why is Lukla airport considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world?

As usual, the Everest Base Camp Heli Trip also begins with around a 30-40 minute flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest Himalayas of Nepal. Reserved for intrepid adventurers at an altitude of 2,860 m/9,383 ft above sea level, this features the traditional airport name, the Tenzing Hillary Airport. Due to its short runway and dramatic location amidst the sky-towering hillside and mountains, it is among some of the world’s most dangerous airports. 

The flyover offers you stunning aerial views of deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and traditional villages, providing you just the right amount of motivation and inspiration required to reach EBC (5,364 m), making a flight here an adventure in itself and later on unveiling the magic of the Himalayas to the fullest. Through the charming villages of Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pangboche, and Dingboche, finally to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp.

How is the cultural experience during the Everest Base Camp hike and heli return?

The Everest Base Camp Trek and chopper ride to Kathmandu are welcoming ways to enter the culture of the Himalayas. This implies trekking through small but beautiful villages of Sherpa who often decorate their villages with colorful prayer flags, while villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Thame, Khumjung, and Pangoche have monasteries that are centuries old. Therefore, soon you will be amazed by the life shaped by majestic mountains and hills.

The Tengboche Monastery at 3,860 m above sea level is the largest monastery of the Everest Trekking Region and also a prominent cultural landmark where you can witness the daily rites and rituals, meditate with monks, and gain an insight into the customary lifestyle of monks wishing for world peace and non-violence. If you are trekking in the autumn season, you may also get to participate in the grand festival and celebration of Mani Ridum. Despite the region’s harsh environment, the genuine connection to culture is heartwarming.

Can you see wildlife during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trip?

Yes, absolutely. As you know, the Everest Base Camp Heli Hiking includes several days of trekking through the Khumbu region, which again falls within the Sagarmatha National Park, one of the world’s UNESCO Heritage Sites. Covering an area of 1,148 square kilometers, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some rare species of wildlife such as the Himalayan black bear, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and snow leopard. If you get lucky, you may encounter them on your way to Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Especially in and around the dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, and later on juniper to the alpine meadows, the Sagarmatha National Park is a stunning natural haven, making the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek also an opportunity to observe a wide array of Himalayan wildlife. Therefore, whether you are a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, mountain aspirant, or true Himalayan adventure seeker, a heli trip to Everest Base Camp suits all.

Why is the side hike to Kala Patthar popular during the trek to Everest Base Camp?

Whether you are on the regular Everest Base Camp hiking route or the customized Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, a side trip to Kala Patthar is a must. Located at an elevation of approximately 5,644 m above sea level, if you are looking for the closest view of Mount Everest, Sagarmatha in Nepal, and Chomolungma in Tibet without reaching the Everest summit itself, Kala Patthar is the place to be.

People in the old days used to climb the peak to check the weather for the Everest expedition, which is now an iconic destination to catch breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. Specifically during sunrise and sunset, the snow-capped peaks covered in golden hues offer you postcard-like views, making everything worth a hike. The deep emotional connection with the Himalayas above and the green valleys below is unparalleled.

How does the helicopter return from Everest Base Camp enhance the experience?

As per the classic Everest Base Camp Trekking route, once you make it to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), where you can meet the brave mountaineers in the spring and autumn seasons preparing for the final summit, you will retrace the route back to Lukla and board a flight to Kathmandu, which is otherwise during your Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. After you get back to Pheriche, instead of continuing to retrace the trail, you will board a chopper directly to Kathmandu. The flyover time, though, is short; the scenery is amazing.

You get to sit comfortably, relax, and savor the majestic Himalayan vistas in a style that only a few get. It is time-saving and is also a great way to ditch the altitude-related issues like acute mountain sickness (AMS), fatigue, and injuries. The bird's-eye perspective of the diverse landscape with an unforgettable touch of elegance, Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, is one of the best Everest Base Camp luxury treks. A fantastic choice for adventurers short on time or individuals seeking to experience the iconic Everest Himalayas with minimal physical strain.

Best 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trip Itinerary and Cost for 2025 and 2026

The 12-day trip to the base camp of Mt. Everest with a helicopter ride out by Mountain Monarch is the best itinerary for a balanced adventure and comfort. It is with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dinboche that you are properly acclimatized to the high altitude and mitigate the potential risks of acute mountain sickness (AMS), accidents, and injuries.

Though it spans less than two weeks, this Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking covers all of the major highlights of Everest Base Camp hiking. Blending style, comfort, and thrill, any physically fit and mentally determined individuals can join this adventure. Our Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking cost, including for the years 2025 and 2026, is comprehensive and includes free airport transfer for drop off.

From meals, lodging, permits, guides, and porters to helicopter rides back, extra sleeping bags, trekking gear, equipment, and spare oxygen cylinders are provided to ensure you have a hassle-free experience. Every moment is worth it: full of epic mountain views and remarkable achievements as you stand at the base of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m).

Our Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking itinerary of 12 days is so that you make it safe, sound, and enjoyably to one of the world’s iconic destinations and also return comfortably to the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, and set out on yet another thrilling Himalayan voyage such as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek

We strive to provide you with an extraordinary and exclusive journey of a lifetime. Contact us now, book early for 2025 and 2026, and get nice discounts on the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek cost. Remember us for the amazing adventure that comes once in a lifetime. Enjoy our customizable itineraries as per your preferences, requirements, and needs. We believe in your journey, your way, and plan accordingly for the unbeatable personalized experience.

Everest Base Camp Trek and Heli Back to Kathmandu - Booking open for 2025 and 2026 - Join now!

Mountain Monarch is a local-based travel and trek company in the capital city of Nepal. We are here with more than a decade of experience in organizing and operating epic Himalayan voyages, from short to long, high-altitude, and mid- and low-altitude tours. You will love our expertise. In prime trekking seasons in Nepal, spring and autumn, we are offering fixedly departing expeditions such as the Everest Expedition, the Manaslu Expedition, Island Peak Climbing, and Mera Peak Climbing, including the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek.

Feel free to join our groups in 2025 and 2026 or make it private, family-oriented, or solo with a professional guide. We have it all. Your safety and satisfaction are our commitment, while our Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking Cost includes a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu. We strive to provide you with the best services, such as a private room with an attached bathroom. A medically trained guide accompanies you with oxygen and a medical kit to ensure safety on the trek.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek - 12 Days Itinerary

Expand all
Day 01
  • Max. altitude: Approx 1,400m 
  • Meal: Welcome-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Standard Hotel

Welcome to Nepal, a landlocked country that is now home to fourteen peaks above 8,000 m. Our airport representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. In the evening, there is a briefing session, trip preparation planning, and a welcome dinner from the company. 

 

Day 02
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 2,860 m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trip officially begins this day with an early morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu that is often redirected from Ramchechap, Manthali, in the peak trekking seasons of spring and autumn. A short break and walk from there onwards to reach Phakding for the night.

Day 3-4
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 3,400m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

From Phakding, the Everest Base Camp trekking route continues and passes through dense forests, suspension bridges, and mountain villages. It is in the Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar. An extra day here is for proper acclimatization and exploration.

Day 05
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 3,860m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

Tengboche is one of the popular stopping places and your destination of the day. Home to the largest monastery in the Everest Trekking Region, Tengboche Monastery, it is gently ascended from Namche Bazaar, and soon colorful prayer flags, Mani walls, and chortens welcome you heartily.

Day 6-7
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 4,360m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

The ascending Everest Base Camp Trekking trail continues, and now you are to reach Dingboche. The gain in altitude is significant; hence, it calls for another rest day to hike up, sleep low, or explore the surrounding areas to get used to low oxygen levels in the upper Himalayas and not see AMS on the journey to further high-altitude landmarks.

Day 8-9
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 5,364m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

After an extra day in Dingboche, you will move forth from here to reach Lobuche and prepare for the big day coming tomorrow, when you will finally stand at the base of the tallest mountain in the world, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Before that, you will hike up to Gorak Shep and leave your belongings, carrying only those that are necessary.

Day 10
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 5,644m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

The sense of achievement multiplies as you hike to Kala Patthar, named so for its appearance like a black rock, after conquering the Everest Base Camp. At a greater height from EBC, the sunrise mountain views craft you an ethereal postcard-like sight to witness, the experience is indescribable in words. Later on, descend to Pheriche for the night.

Day 11
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 4,371m
  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Three-Star Hotel

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking concludes this day. Early in the morning, after breakfast, savoring all the majestic views of the Everest Himalayas from Pheriche today, you will bid your final farewell and fly over to Kathmandu on a helicopter. In your free time, take a cultural tour to enhance the experience for sure, and take a good rest at a standard hotel.

Day 12

Meal: Breakfast

Based on the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek itinerary for 12 days, today you will leave for your home country or extend your Nepal holiday experience with the Annapurna Sanctuary Treks. Otherwise, three hours before your flight, a team member from Mountain Monarch helps you with packing and drops you off at TIA. Safe Journey! 

Route Map

Heli Trek map of Everest base camp

Altitude Chart

elevation of Helicopter Everest base camp trip

Cost Details

Included

  • Customize airport pickups and drops.
  • Deluxe hotel on Twin share in Kathmandu as in trek plan
  • Stay at the Lodge with an attached bathroom on the trek beside Lobuche and Goreakshep.
  • Kathmandu Lukla on regular Flight
  • Pheriche Kathmandu Helicopter ride out via Lukla
  • Full board meals on the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Reliable and medically trained trek guide with the support crew
  • Proper Safety on Trek: Oxygen cylinder and medical kit
  • Free use of company gear like a sleeping bag and warm jackets
  • Complementary trek Duffle bag, T-shirts, and trek map
  • Khumbu VDC entry permit, Everest National Park fees, and Government taxes.

Excluded

  • Nepal Visa fees,
  • Your travel insurance of any kind.
  • International Airfare
  • All Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Beverage Drinks
  • Tips to the trek crew
  • Items of personal expenses like the hot shower, battery charge, Wi-Fi, etc.

Dates & Availability

Select a Departure Month
Oct 2025
Nov 2025
Apr 2026
May 2026
Oct 2026
Nov 2026
Start DateOctober 18, 2025
End DateOctober 29, 2025
StatusGuaranteed
PriceUS$3250

Additional Info

When is the best time for the Everest Base Camp trip and helicopter back to Kathmandu?

Spring and autumn in Nepal, from March to May and September to November, when the Himalayan weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and temperatures are moderate, are regarded as the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. Stable Himalayan weather means even the Lukla flight, known for frequent cancellations, is also low, including helicopter flyovers. These seasons bring an extra pleasing high-altitude environment.

In spring, the fresh bloom of rhododendron and other wild flowers lights up the mood. The full roar of streams and the chirps of birds are in symphony, providing a serene ambience. Though it can get cold at night and at higher altitudes, the temperature is moderate enough to dress comfortably. In autumn, some of the major festivals celebrated in Nepal are Dashain and Tihar, and in the Tengboche Monastery, Mani Rimdu offers a better insight into Nepalese culture and traditions.

Food, accommodation, and drinking water during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

The Everest Himalayas of Nepal is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world and features well-established routes dotted with several teahouses, lodges, and guest houses opened and managed by Himalayan locals. Primarily teahouses, they take care of daily necessities like food, accommodation, and drinking water, and also other amenities like internet services, charging of devices, and hot showers, including during your trek to Everest Base Camp and heli returns. 

With the increased altitude and remoteness, the choices may get limited to basic teahouses providing shared rooms and traditional Nepalese and Tibetan cuisines on the menu, and boiled water at some price. They are enough for comfortable sleepovers and filled stomachs rich in carbohydrates and protein. Toilets and bathrooms are located outside of the teahouses and are on a shared basis. 

Wifi, hot showers, and charging services are usually at some additional cost, and at higher altitudes, they are extremely privileged. So it is wise to purchase local SIM cards like Ncell or NTC and data packages, and carry high-voltage power banks. In larger villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, private rooms with attached bathrooms, though costlier than the standard ones, are available. Let us know your requirements; we can arrange it for you.

Do you need permits for the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

Yes, while you are on an outdoor adventure in Nepal’s national park, conservation, and restricted areas of Nepal, it is a must that you get the relative permits, and since the Everest Base Camp trip with a helicopter back to Kathmandu is within the Sagarmatha National Park, you will need at least two of the permits, which are the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entry permit.

Our comprehensive Everest Base Camp Heli Trekking package includes all the necessary government taxes, so you have a hassle-free experience. On booking with us, our experienced guides take care of essential logistics, permits, and transportation (flight to Lukla and helicopter back to Kathmandu). Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN), managing all by yourself can be hectic, so choosing a local service provider is the best.

What are the chances of altitude sickness during the heli return trek to Everest Base Camp?

In comparison to a regular trek to the Everest Base Camp, the chances of altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp Heli Tour are lower. Especially when you are following the itinerary for 12 days, including one day of acclimation in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, it is instead a luxurious journey that allows you a comfortable experience as you ditch several days of trekking back to lower altitudes.

However, reaching the highest altitude of 5,644 m at Kala Patthar, it is never zero; therefore, it is a must that you listen to your body, walk at a pace, acclimatize properly before hiking to high altitude, and do not rush your step. If you see any symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, do not let it get severe; if possible, descend immediately; otherwise, stop ascending, rest for a while, recover, and descend to lower altitude areas.

Why hire guides and porters for the Everest Base Camp Trek and then fly back to Kathmandu?

Yes, although the trek to Everest Base Camp and helicopter back to Kathmandu from Pheriche means reduced hiking days as compared to the standard Everest Base Camp trip, there are still at least weeks of ascending trekking trails that are relatively unfamiliar to you in the rugged and remote Himalayas. Where professional guides local to the Himalayan region trained for high altitude not only navigate the tough routes for you but also break the language and cultural barrier.

It allows a more immersive journey, and in the meantime, porters lift a heavy weight from your shoulder, so you save energy and time to fully invest yourself in enjoying the journey from start to end. However, there is a limitation on how much they can carry at once, and it does not exceed more than 25 kg combined and shared between two trekkers. Smart packing is light packing, including only those items that are an absolute necessity. 

To sum it up, guides and porters' familiarity with high-altitude environments is essential for a smoother and enhanced experience, including during trekking to Everest Base Camp and a helicopter return to Kathmandu. With them, immediate assistance in emergencies is guaranteed, including managing the best place to stay and menu, even during the peak trekking seasons when booking is mandatory.