# Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return > The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return gives you the full walk up the Khumbu valley to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), then saves three days of downhill walking with a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep back to Kathmandu. You still acclimatise properly in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, visit Tengboche Monastery, and see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam up close.At 11 days it suits travellers short on time, or anyone who likes the idea of finishing with the Himalaya from the air. It is graded challenging and best from March–May and September–December. Our package includes the Lukla flight, the helicopter return, permits, a licensed guide, porters, lodges and all meals on the trek. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 11 days - **Difficulty:** Challenging - **Activity:** Trekking and helicopter flight - **Max altitude:** 5,545 m / 18,192 ft (Kala Patthar) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Dec - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$2,650 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/everest-base-camp-trek-helicopter-return - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=everest-base-camp-trek-helicopter-return ## Overview The classic Everest Base Camp trek takes about 12–14 days, and the last three are spent walking back down the same trail to Lukla and waiting for a flight. On this itinerary you walk up the whole route, with the same careful acclimatisation, then board a **helicopter at Gorak Shep** the morning after Kala Patthar. The flight follows the Khumbu Glacier past Pumori and Ama Dablam before dropping down to Kathmandu, turning the end of the trek into one of its highlights. The helicopter return also avoids the risk of Lukla flight delays at the end of the trek, which are common in cloudy weather. Most helicopters stop in Lukla to refuel or re-balance passengers, and flights from Gorak Shep may be shared with other trekkers to keep the cost down. ### EBC trek with helicopter return at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration11 days from Kathmandu (8 days of trekking)Highest pointKala Patthar, 5,545 mEverest Base Camp5,364 mGradeChallengingFlightsKathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla; helicopter Gorak Shep – KathmanduAcclimatisationNamche Bazaar and DingbochePermitsSagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural MunicipalityBest timeMarch–May and September–December### Why choose the helicopter return? - **Save 3 days** without cutting acclimatisation. - **Aerial views** of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the Khumbu Glacier. - **Avoid Lukla flight delays** at the end of the trek. - **Easier on the knees**: no long descent to Lukla. ### How difficult is it? The walking is the same as the classic EBC trek: 5–7 hours a day on rocky trails, with two acclimatisation days and nights above 4,000 m. The days from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar are the hardest. Good fitness and a slow pace are essential; no climbing experience is needed. ### Shared or private helicopter The price includes a **shared seat** on the helicopter from Gorak Shep. A **private helicopter** can be arranged for your group, with the option of landing at Kala Patthar or flying over Everest Base Camp for photographs, weather permitting. ### Best time for the trek **October–November** and **April–May** offer the most reliable weather for both trekking and flying. December is colder but clear; the monsoon (June–August) brings cloud that can delay flights. ## Highlights - Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m) - Helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu over the Khumbu - Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery and Sherpa villages - Proper acclimatisation in Namche and Dingboche - Only 11 days, three fewer than the classic trek ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Trek briefing and gear check. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) Early flight to Lukla (from Ramechhap in peak season) and an easy walk along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,840 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Cross suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and climb to Namche, with a first view of Everest on the way. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar Hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village and return to Namche for the night. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,880 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m) A panoramic trail above the Dudh Koshi to Tengboche Monastery, with Ama Dablam ahead. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m) Descend to Deboche, cross the river and climb past Pangboche into the Imja valley. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,410 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 7: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche Hike up Nangkartshang Peak (about 5,080 m) for views of Makalu, Lhotse and Island Peak. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 5,080 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m) Climb to Thukla and the climbers' memorials, then follow the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Lobuche. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,940 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) Walk to Gorak Shep, have lunch and continue along the glacier to Everest Base Camp. Return to Gorak Shep for the night. _Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 5,364 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 10: Kala Patthar (5,545 m) at sunrise, helicopter to Kathmandu Climb Kala Patthar before dawn for sunrise on Everest. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and fly by helicopter over the Khumbu back to Kathmandu (usually via Lukla). _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 5,545 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or extend your stay in Nepal. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Flight Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla with airport transfers - Shared helicopter flight Gorak Shep – Kathmandu - Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (8 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Porter's return to Lukla on foot and flight to Kathmandu - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,600 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation If you can walk 15 km with a few hundred metres of climbing and do it again the next day, you are in good shape for this trek. Start training two to three months ahead, and break in your boots before you fly. ### Altitude sickness This trek reaches 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, with nights at 4,940 m in Lobuche and 5,164 m in Gorak Shep. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you. ### Weather and temperatures Days are often clear and sunny, but nights at Lobuche and Gorak Shep drop to −10°C to −15°C in autumn and colder in winter. Wind picks up in the afternoon. ### Domestic flights and baggage The Lukla flight and the helicopter have a baggage limit of about 15 kg per person in total, including hand luggage. Leave extra luggage at our office or your hotel. Weather can delay both flights, so keep a spare day at the end of your trip if possible. ### Permits The Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee are included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money. ### Drinking water Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water. ### Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 5,600 m, including helicopter flights, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure. ### Visa Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Microspikes in winter and early spring ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return? **11 days** from Kathmandu, compared with 12–14 days for the classic trek. ### Where does the helicopter pick us up? From **Gorak Shep**, the morning after Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. ### Is the helicopter shared? The price includes a shared seat. A private helicopter can be arranged at extra cost. ### Does shortening the trek increase altitude risk? No. The ascent and acclimatisation days are the same as the classic trek; only the descent is replaced by the flight. ### Does the helicopter fly straight to Kathmandu? It usually stops in Lukla to refuel or change passengers, then continues to Kathmandu. ### What if the weather is bad on the flight day? You wait at Gorak Shep, Lobuche or Pheriche until it is safe to fly; walking down is the fallback in long spells of bad weather. ### What is the baggage limit? About **15 kg** per person, including hand luggage. ### How hard is it? It is **challenging** because of the altitude and daily walking of 5–7 hours. No climbing experience is needed. ### When is the best time? **March–May** and **September–December**. ### Do I need a guide? Foreign trekkers in the Everest region must walk with a licensed guide, which is included. ### What does insurance need to cover? Trekking to 5,600 m, helicopter flights and emergency evacuation. ### How much does the EBC trek with helicopter return cost? The price box shows the per-person cost, which goes down as your group gets bigger. It includes the Lukla flight, the shared helicopter, permits, guide, porters, lodges and meals on the trek.