Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Places you will see

Kathmandu

Lukla

Phakding

Namche Bazar

Thyangboche Monastery

Dingboche

Lobuche

Gorakshep

Everest Base Camp

Kala Patthar

Trip Overview

Trip at a Glance

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Moderate
Activities: Trekking and Helicopter Tour
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: 9 Breakfast, 9 Lunch, 9 Dinner
Transportation: Private Vehicle, Plane and Helicopter
Maximum altitude: 5416m
Trip Start / End: Kathmandu
Best Season: Spring & Autumn

Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

“Ever thought of reaching the top of the world? Ever attempted to be at Everest? Of course, many have surely thought of it and dreamt about enjoying the view from Mt. Everest and its freezing climate. If you wish, here is your golden chance to get to the top of the world, Mt. Everest by grabbing the Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return package of five days.”

Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return – the dream come true package is a short trekking package that offers you to reach the top of the world in a squeezed vacation. The time limitations and the budget are kept in mind with all the comforts to be arranged without hassling your trekking. Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return particularly focuses on the astonishing views of Mt. Everest along with Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, etc., and enjoy its alpine climate. The feeling of being at the base of Mt. Everest is awesome and heavenly. There is surely no comparable experience to enjoying the moment of spending time beneath Everest. The amazing environment, the friendly local people, and delicious traditional food items cherish your stay in the Khumbu region. You will be stunned by the facilities available at the higher mountains despite the rugged roads and distance from the capital city.

There are banking facilities with ATMs, internet cafes, and coffee shops with quite an expanded menu. Medical facilities are always open with doctors and if required, specialists who deal perfectly with Altitude Mountain Sickness. Hotels, lodges, and guest houses with a variety of meals are there in the Khumbu region. The local people are mostly Sherpas who are quite friendly and helpful in nature. Their local customs and traditions are unique and duly followed by newer generations with great respect. The attires are beautiful and eye-catching. The houses are low-built but warm as it is mostly cold in the higher altitudes.

One of the attractions of the Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is Sagarmatha National Park. Sagarmatha is the Nepali name for Everest. The wilderness of the Sagarmatha National Park lets you explore nature with dense forests of mostly rhododendron and pine. The highlands and meadows add beauty to the surrounding Everest region. There are many monasteries that encourage your spirituality and you can visit any time when you are trekking. The peaceful environment of these monasteries with the humming of the mantras is heart-soothing and mind-cooling.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Highlights

Scenic Flight: The trip starts with a scenic flight from Gorakshep to Lukla, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Trekking through the Himalayas: The trek offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful Himalayan terrain, including the rugged mountains, deep valleys, and glaciers.
Sherpa Culture: The trek offers an opportunity to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa people who inhabit the region.
Sagarmatha National Park: The trek takes you through the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Views of Mt. Everest: The trek offers several stunning viewpoints from where you can catch a glimpse of the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest.
Base Camp Experience: The trek takes you to the base camp of Mt. Everest, which is a unique experience in itself.
Helicopter Return: The trip ends with a thrilling helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, offering a bird's eye view of the Himalayas.

Why is the Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return alluring?

As said, Mt. Everest is at the topmost of the bucket list of every trekker. With all the efforts and training, every trekker would like to go up high to reach the summit of Everest and enjoy the unique, but of course spectacular views from the top of Everest. The route is quite popular among trekkers and some of them return to the Khumbu region to spend quality time at the base of Everest. The view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, etc. is mesmerizing as well as alluring.

What is the best time for Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?

Any time of the year would be suitable to visit Everest but the month of February to March is usually the high peak season for trekkers to Everest. During these months, the sky is crystal clear and the views are astonishing. The weather in the mountains is always unpredictable and challenging. The alpine climate of Everest is crispy and chilling. Monsoon might be disturbing due to rainfall, the trek might be interrupted and lengthened your trek. The autumn season from September to November is also a preferable month for Everest trekking. Despite any time of the year, Step on Himalaya will be glad to tailor a suitable adventurous trekking package to Everest in the best possible way. Also to take note, the domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla possibly might get delayed or canceled due to weather conditions.

The difficulty level of Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a comparatively easier trek than others as the maximum altitude level attained is approximately 3700 meters from sea level. One doesn’t need any previous experience for this Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. If you feel you can go higher, there are other trekking packages such as the 7-day Short Everest Base Camp Trek or 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek or 14-day Gokyo Trek, or 18-day Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake.

Food during Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

It is a blessing when you get awesome food in the mountains. It’s really amazing that you will be served western food items along with traditional foods. Every local tea house provides a considerate menu of breakfast which mainly includes Tibetan breaks, Chapati, Oatmeal, Corn flakes, Muesli, Toast with jam, honey, and butter, boiled or scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, etc. with coffee or tea. As well, the lunch and dinner items usually include dal (lentils), Bhat (rice), achar (pickle), vegetable curry, non-veg curry, and salads.

Accommodation during Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Please do not make your hopes high. There are no Five-star hotels in the Khumbu region. But there are Tea houses, the most preferred accommodations with 2-3 single beds available with warm blankets, pillows, clean linens, and attached bathrooms (depending on tea houses). Sometimes, there are sharing bathrooms. You can go for a single room but it might be a little costly adjustments can be made accordingly. Basic amenities will be provided in all the tea houses.

Why choose Step on Himalaya for your trek to Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?

Step on Himalaya is a team of professionals who are experienced in tailoring varieties of tour and trekking packages. The packages are affordable and organized in such a way as to maintain comfort and satisfaction. In this Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, you will be accompanied by an experienced trekking guide who knows about Everest and its route. He will make sure the trek will be hassle-free and able to manage the trek just in case of any mishaps or emergency evacuations. The trekking guide will always be in contact with the main office of Step on Himalaya so that we will regularly be updated about our guests. The helicopter will be arranged by a prestigious company and flown by an experienced pilot. Any sort of amendments can be made to the package according to your needs if you want to. We should be informed at least a week prior if changes are to be made so that you will have a smooth trip.

Detail Itinerary

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The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is considered to be one of the scariest flights as the runway is the shortest and Lukla airport is one of the world's most dangerous airports in the world too. Kathmandu-Lukla flight is for about 30-35 minutes flight but the experience is thrilling and enjoyable as you can have the eagle view of the Khumbu region and the beautiful scenarios of the Himalayan ranges. You will be transferred to the domestic airport from your hotel in the early morning after breakfast. Then after landing at Lukla airport, you will trek to Phakding which might take about 4/5 hours. You will spend the night at Phakding tea houses and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Today the trek goes up higher and higher. It might take around 6/7 hours to reach Namche Bazar, the entrance to Everest Trekking. You will already be blessed with the Everest view with the adjoining snowy peaks. You will cross the Dudh Koshi river and walk up, ascending to the Khumbu valley until reaching Namche Bazar. Phakding is a beautiful village as well as Namche Bazar but the hotels, restaurants, internet café, banks, ATMs, coffee shops, and other shops are mostly centralized in the Namche Bazar. On the way, there are dense forests of pine and rhododendron flowers. The magnificent views of Everest and adjoining peaks will boost your energy to keep the spirit walking further until you reach your destination. After reaching Namche Bazar, you can recheck your equipment as there are shops where you can buy it if you lack any required equipment. The pool hall in the mountain is one of the ways to entertain yourself for the last chance before trekking to higher elevations. Overnight at a lodge/tea house in Namche Bazar.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namche Bazaar is a popular stopover for trekkers and climbers who are attempting to scale Mount Everest or other peaks in the region. The altitude at Namche Bazaar is over 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), which means that trekkers and climbers need to acclimatize to the thin air to avoid altitude sickness.

An acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar typically involves staying in the village and taking short hikes to nearby viewpoints to get accustomed to the altitude. It is important to rest and hydrate, as well as to monitor for any signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue. Trekkers and climbers may also spend some time exploring the village, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and lodges. During the acclimatization day, trekkers and climbers may also meet with their guides to discuss the itinerary and prepare for the next stage of their journey. This may involve reviewing equipment, supplies, and safety protocols, as well as discussing any concerns or questions. Overall, the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is a crucial step in preparing for the high altitude conditions of the Himalayas. By taking the time to adjust to the altitude and rest properly, trekkers and climbers increase their chances of successfully reaching their destination and avoiding altitude sickness.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The third day of the trek leads to Tengboche which is extraordinary with stunning landscapes and an alpine climate. There is Tengboche monastery which is the oldest and largest monastery and has a serene environment. A short visit to this monastery encourages your spirituality. En route to Tengboche from Namche Bazar, there are many mani walls and colorful chortens with prayer flags. You will cross a suspension bridge and ascend for about 1 and a half hours to reach Tengboche. After reaching Tengboche, you will stay overnight at the Tea house.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you wish to begin with a visit to the Tengboche monastery, it can be done. After having breakfast, you will start packing your bags and ready for the trek to Dingboche. You will follow the route passing through the rhododendron forest and then through the beautiful village of Deboche after crossing a bridge over the Imja river, you will climb up gradually towards Pangboche and then walk the flat lands of Somare village and then you will finally reach Dingboche. Overnight stay at Dingboche.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Dingboche is a small village located at an altitude of 4,410 meters (14,469 feet) in the Khumbu region of Nepal, which is a popular stopover for trekkers and climbers who are attempting to scale Mount Everest or other peaks in the region. As with other high-altitude locations, acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness and to increase the chances of success.

An acclimatization day in Dingboche typically involves staying in the village and taking short hikes to nearby viewpoints or attractions. These hikes help trekkers and climbers to acclimatize to the altitude and to improve their physical condition. It is important to rest and hydrate, as well as to monitor for any signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue.

Trekkers and climbers may also spend some time exploring the village, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and lodges. They may take the opportunity to meet with their guides to review their itinerary and prepare for the next stage of their journey. This may involve discussing equipment, supplies, and safety protocols, as well as any concerns or questions.

Another important aspect of acclimatization in Dingboche is monitoring oxygen levels. Some trekkers and climbers choose to use oxygen supplementation during their ascent, and this can be a good time to test out the equipment and get used to its use.

Overall, the acclimatization day in Dingboche is an essential step in the journey to the top of the Himalayas. By taking the time to adjust to the altitude and rest properly, trekkers and climbers increase their chances of successfully reaching their destination and avoiding altitude sickness.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

After breakfast, you will ascend to the Pheriche and then to Dughla, and finally to Lobuche. This will be around a 4/5 hour trek. The fascinating views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cholatse, etc. will encourage you to walk further to more adorable views with the crispy weather. You will also be able to see the beautiful emerald glaciers. The upward walk from Dughla to Lobuche is a little bit harder than the previous walk, so maintaining the pace you will gradually ascend to Lobuche taking about one and a half hours, and reach Lobuche for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Today is the day your fantasy is fulfilled. You will hike up to the Everest Base Camp, the dream destination. After walking for about an hour from the village, you will reach the Lobuche pass situated at an altitude of 5110 meters, and walking one hour further, you will reach Gorakshep. During the peak season, the route is full of many trekkers. Hence, depending on it, you will have to adjust your pace to Everest Base Camp as you will be returning to Gorakshep for spending a night and catching the helicopter back to Lukla the next day. Walking further, you will reach the Everest Base Camp where you will be blessed with the magical views of Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, and many other gigantic peaks with gorgeous views of glaciers. After spending some time at EBC, you will walk down to the Gorakshep for spending overnight.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the final day of trekking in the Everest Region which aims to go to Kalapatthar for the mind-blowing views of Everest and its surroundings. Kalapatthar is one of the best vintage points in the Everest region, making it a highlight of the Everest trek. Kalapatthar is situated at 5,645m above sea level which lets you enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise behind Mount Everest and makes you feel heavenly. It will take around 2 hours to reach Kalapatthar from Gorakshep and be back to get ready for your heli-return to Lukla. As you walk on, you will pass through a sandy area leading toward Kalapatthar once you are out of the village. The trail is rocky yet, stress-free which lets you enjoy the picturesque views of the Everest region as you trek. En route, there are many ups and downs so be careful of the rocky path. Once you arrive at Kalapathhar, the intriguing point of the Everest Base camp with Heli-return, you will be flattered by the stunning views of the landscapes with emerald glaciers, lakes, and beautiful soaring mountains. This is why Kalapatthar is considered to be one of the best viewpoints. Click as many pictures as you can to save the memories forever. You will then return to Gorakshep following the same route. Collect your belongings from the teahouse and then leave the village after breakfast, enjoying the views of Everest as you are close to the end of the Everest Base Camp tour. The Helicopter may take about 70 minutes to fly from Gorakshep to Lukla, wish the weather is fine and favorable. As you will be hovering over Everest, you can enjoy the eagle's view of the unique Everest region. The helicopter ride to Lukla is quite exciting. After reaching Lukla, you can stay overnight and celebrate the moment of achieving the goal of reaching the base of the top of the world.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is an outstanding end of the adventure to Everest Base Camp with Heli-return once you reach Kathmandu. You will fly to Kathmandu via the thrilling 30-35 minutes flight from Lukla. After having the last breakfast in the mountains, you will catch the plane from Lukla airport. You will be accompanied by the representative of Step on Himalaya and then transferred to the hotel as soon as you land at the domestic airport in Kathmandu. Enjoy the views of Mt. Everest and the stunning landscapes of the Everest region during the flight.

Meal: Breakfast

Is the proposed itinerary suitable for you?

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Cost Details

What is included?

Airport transfers and other required ground transportation in a private tourist vehicle
Accommodation (Twin sharing basis) including breakfast in Kathmandu
All 3 standard meals on board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Best available Lodges/Guesthouses/Teahouses (Twin sharing basis) during the trek
Permits of Sagarmatha National Park with TIMS permit (2 passport-size photos are required)
All the local and government taxes
An English-speaking, well-trained, experienced Trekking Guide
All the expenses, Salary, meals, accommodation, and equipment of the trekking staff
Domestic airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
Step on Himalaya T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate (on request)
Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek (Should be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag for the trekking

What is not included?

International airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee
Travel insurance, Medical insurance, Emergency Evacuation, and Rescue insurance
Meals (Lunch, Snacks, Dinner) in Kathmandu stay
Personal expenses like beverages, internet, confectioneries, etc.
Personal Trekking Gear and Equipment
Porter and other staff (1 porter for 2 guests)
Tips and Perks for the trekking staff
Any other specified expenses that are not included in the “Price Includes” section

Review

Emily Pyke Australia

Great Memory of Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Thanks, Step on Himalaya for organizing the Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return was fantastic and we had a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. the Short Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a popular trekking option for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas in a limited amount of time. Proper preparation and acclimatization are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. It is always recommended to research and choose a reputable tour operator or travel agency to ensure a well-organized and safe trekking experience.

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