Everest Base Camp Trek Return Back by Helicopter

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Style: Trekking
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Meals: BLD (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation: Hotel & Lodges
  • Max Altitude: 5,550m/18,209ft

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek Return Back by Helicopter

  • Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Sherpa cultural villages like Phakding, Dingboche, Pangboche, Lobuche, etc.
  • The main trade center if the region, Namche Bazaar
  • Hike to Everest View Hotel, the highest altitude hotel in the world
  • Sherpa Museum, ‘Hall of Fame’ for the photos of ‘Sherpas and Tenzing Hillary’ during their expeditions
  • The largest and oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, Tenboche Monastery
  • Well-defined trail passing through dense rhododendron and pine forests
  • Sagarmatha National Park, the highest mountain conservation area in the world
  • Reaching the base camp of the world’s highest peak
  • 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan Giants of the Everest region from Kala Patthar
  • The helicopter flight from Gorak Shep showing the 100 percent of the Khumbu region

9-Day Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the Everest trekking packages really helpful for the tourists having limited vacation. Despite having short span to spend in Nepal, this package helps you experience the breathtaking prettiness of the Great Himalayas. This short but sweet trekking in Nepal lets you witness the snowcapped peaks of the Khumbu region including three eight-thousanders. The three 8,000m+ peaks: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Cho Oyu are surrounded by mountains wrapped in silvery coat.

This classic Nepal trekking just requires physical fitness, enough stamina and mental commitment, TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. You will explore through the Sherpa cultural villages keeping the Tibetan Buddhist rites and rituals intact since time immemorial. You relish the incredible Himalayas, ancient monasteries and a good example of biodiversity of the highest altitude national park. The lush valleys, diverse landscapes, glaciers and icefalls are the other important ingredients of this short Everest Base Camp trek.

This Nepalese Himalayan journey begins after a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region trekking. Then gradually you move forward to Namche Bazaar, the largest business hub of the Sherpa region and have an acclimatization day. During the rest day at Namche Bazaar, you will visit Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest altitude hotels. Hotel Everest View is famous for the close stunning view of the mountain giants of the Everest vicinity. Similarly, you watch the cultural, historic and artistic attractions of Tengboche Monastery, the largest and oldest monastery in the region.

In Dingboche, you haver another acclimatization day and you visit Nagerjun Hill (5,100m) by walking through the steep but interesting trail. The stunning view of Lobuche East & West, Tobuche, Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama Dablam really helps you forget the challenging trekking. From Lobuche, you ascend to Gorak Shep and hike to Everest Base Camp that day and Kala Patthar next morning. After enjoying the 360-degree panoramic vistas of Mt. Everest and other neighbouring peaks, you fly back to Kathmandu in a helicopter.

The best alternative of Everest Base Camp trek 14 days’ itinerary, this trek is the lifetime experience you can ever have. There is very less possibility of altitude sickness as you have enough time for acclimatization: full day and half day. You gradually ascend to the higher altitude covering about 12/15 kilometers within 6/7 hours a day. This is completely a teahouse trek, so, you don’t have to worry about many porters, trekking gears and high cost. However, if you want to make camping trekking to Everest Base Camp, Orbit Alpine Adventure is ready to meet its slogan “Clients’ Satisfaction is Our Motto!”

Everest Base Camp Trek throughout the Year:

The best time for Everest Base Camp trek is spring (March, April & May) and autumn (September, October & November). During these seasons, the temperature is mild and the weather clear so that you can enjoy the mesmerizing Himalayan vistas. The snowcapped peaks of Everest region unveil their beauty at the fullest which look superb during the sunrise and sunset. Therefore, there is a huge flow of trekkers to witness the enthralling view of snowy peaks, landscapes, glaciers and icefalls.

However, Everest trekking in summer and winter is not less amazing due to the rewards you get in return of your walking. If you want to walk through the quiet and less crowded trekking trail of Everest region, choose this package in winter. Although the mornings and nights are cold, the days are cozy and pleasant for the splendid mountain view and cultural sites.

Trekking Everest Base Camp in summer is exciting to have tranquil trail and stunning sights of the Himalayas during mornings. The landscapes of this region look live and colourful due to the alpine forests which are decorated with colourful rhododendron flowers. The chirping birds in the early morning environment and yaks grazing in the lush green meadows also makes your Everest hiking more memorable.

FAQs:

1. What is the highest point to reach during Everest Base Camp trek?

The highest point to reach during Everest Base Camp trek is Kala Patthar which is at the elevation of 5,550m. You hike to Kala Patthar from Gorak Shep early in the morning to have the sunrise view of the Everest.

2. Can I do EBC trek solo?

Yes, you can also do EBC trek solo as there is not any region restricted for the international tourists. If you can manage to get the required permits: TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit yourself, you can do it. However, we recommend you to do either an organized trekking or consulting with a trekking agency in Kathmandu. It may not be easy for you to book the hotels during the trekking and may get confused on right trail. If you hire a professional guide, he will manage everything for your successful trip to Everest.

3. How frequent is the flights from Everest region to Kathmandu?

Although there is frequent flight services to Lukla from Kathmandu, flight to other parts is available only if chartered solo or in a group. However, if you book the Everest region trekking package with helicopter return flight, Orbit Alpine Adventure manages for it. If you trek down to Lukla by following the same trail to EBC, the cost is low. In case you want to experience Chopper return to Kathmandu, the cost is comparatively high. For more detail, you can contact Orbit Alpine Adventure either via email, phone calls, WhatsApp or online reserve services.

4. What is the best season for Everest Base Camp trek?

Truly speaking, you can do Everest Base Camp trek all the times of the year depending on your choice and vacation. If you want to walk through the less crowded trail, EBC trek in winter is the best option. You can get the verdant landscapes covered with colourful rhododendron flowers all around, you can trek to EBC in summer. Spring and autumn seasons are the best for Everest Base Camp trek to have the clear vistas of the snowcapped peaks. Since the days are warm and mornings-nights cold, spring is the most favourable time for experiencing the highest peak region in the world.

5. Which is the vantage point EBC trek?

Kala Patthar, the highest point at 5,550m is the vantage point of EBC trek. To have a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Pumori, it is the best place. You must reach to this vantage point from Gorak Shep as soon as possible in the morning to have the sunrise view of the entire Everest region. Mt. Everest is not clearly seen from the base camp as Mt. Lhotse blocks it from sight. Therefore, you must reach Kala Patthar to have the complete panorama of the eight-thousanders and other snowy peaks.

6. Can I fly from Kala Patthar to Kathmandu?

For sure, you can also fly from Kala Patthar to Kathamndu as a helicopter can land on there as well. During Everest Base Camp helicopter tour, the helicopter flies to Kala Patthar from Lukla or Everest View Hotel. Flight over Everest lets you have more interesting sight of the Khumbu region than trekking through the trails. To get more knowledge about flight to Kathmandu from Kala Patthar, contact Orbit Alpine Adventure.

7. What is the benefit of flying Kathmandu from Everest region?

There are a lot of benefits of flying Kathamdu from Everest region rather than walking down along the same trail. First of all, you can have the complete aerial view of the Everest region which is not possible by walking. Next, you arrive Kathmandu within very short time that you can save four days time which you can use to visit other tourist destinations. This service gives you experience the world’s highest peak although you have short period of time to spend in Nepal. The in-flight view of the glaciers, icefalls, amazing snowy peaks, Sherpa settlement areas and ancient monasteries is superb lifelong experience!

 

Day to Day Itinerary

OPEN ALL DAYS Outline Itinerary

You take a scenic flight from Kathmandu International Airport to Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airstrip) in the morning. If the weather is fine with crystal clear morning, you enjoy the aerial view of the lush valleys, and great Himalayas. After landing at Lukla, the gateway to Everest region trekking, you meet other trekkers from different countries come to visit the Everest. Then, you formally begin your trekking to Everest Base Camp from here beginning to ascend towards Phakding. On the way, you will cross few suspension bridges, rhododendron forests occupied by varieties of birds to reach tonight’s destination. Overnight stay at a guesthouse by enjoying the first dinner served with great hospitality in the Sherpa village.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Phakding
  • Altitude: 2,610m/8,563f
  • Time: 4 Hours

After having breakfast at Phakding, you move further towards Namche Bazaar, the main marketplace of the entire Khumbu region. The trekking trail to Namche Bazaar follows the Dudh Koshi River banks and passes through lush pine forests. You have to cross Hillary Suspension Bridge, named after one of the first Everest Summiteers, Sir Edmund Hillary. The trail then enters into Sagarmatha National Park, the natural site of Nepal enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the highest altitude national parks in the world, this national park is the home for many mountain animals and plants. In the course of the journey, you may see the endangered species of animals like Himalayan thar, red panda and Himalayan bear. You end today’s trekking in Everest region at Namche Bazaar which consists banks, good hotels, shopping malls, ATM booths including other modern amenities. You spend the night at a comfortable hotel by enjoying the delicious food items according to your choice.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3,440m/10,958f
  • Time: 6 Hours

This is the first acclimatization day in the Khumbu region so that you can well adjust into the high elevation. The rest day at Namche Bazaar enables you to make the further journey towards higher elevation stopovers en route. You don’t have to wake up early but sleep till late morning to take a complete physical and mental rest. You can take a hike to Everest View Hotel which is just about one hour’s walk from Namchhe Bazaar. Situated at the elevation of 3,880m, Everest View Hotel is one of the hotels situated in the highest altitude in the world. This hotel serves as the vantage point to see Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Thamserku.

Another attraction of Namche Bazaar rest day is the Sherpa Museum (also called Hillary Museum) which gives information about the Everest expeditions. You can find the information about various expeditions made in the past years by Sherpas, their lifecycles and artifacts. The central attraction of this museum is the “Hall of Fame” which displays the photos of Sherpas and rare pictures of Tenzing Hillary who were the first to reach the Everest Summit.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3,440m/10,958f

Now, you are ready to ascend further towards higher elevation stopover as you spent the rest day at Namche Bazaar. After breakfast, you start the journey along the stone paved trails going past dense forests of pine and rhododendron trees. If you are fortunate, you may have a sudden view of the Himalayan pheasant (Lophophorus, the national bird of Nepal). You can also enjoy the mesmerizing view of the snowcapped peaks Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Khumbila during the ascent. Finally, you reach Tengboche village which is one of the major stopovers during Everest region trekking.

Tenboche village is named after the largest and oldest monastery of the entire Khumbu region, Tenboche Monastery. It is said to be one of the most picturesque village in the world, which offers the rarest view of the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest. You can hear a truly interesting story behind Tenboche Monastery about Tenzing Norgay, one of the two pioneer to reach the top of Everest. As they say, Tenzing was born in Thami village, one of the most important Sherpa cultural villages of the region, and went to this shrine to become a monk! Whatever the truth behind this anecdote, this monastery is really peaceful place to visit to. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Tengboche
  • Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Today, you make your trip up to Dingboche, one of the major Sherpa settlement areas of the Everest region. As soon as you have your breakfast, you begin the voyage following the trail that moves ahead along the Imja River banks. The Imja River originates from the Imja Lake which has Island Peak famous for peak climbing in Nepal. Then, it moves further crossing a suspension bridge and thick rhododendron forests of Sagarmatha National Park housing diverse wildlife and vegetation. On the way, you go past some other Sherpa settlement areas like Pangboche, Milingo and Somare which reflect the Sherpa culture and tradition. Cherishing the welcoming sight of Mt. Nuptse, Cholatse Peak, Tobache Peak and Mt. Lhotse, finally you reach Dingboche for the night station.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Dingboche
  • Altitude: 4,410m/14,469ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Today is the second day for the acclimatization to measure the trail leading to the base camp of Mount Everest. Actually, rest day during the ascent to the Himalayas is a good idea to prepare yourself to move uphill without any problems. This break in the middle of the trekking prepares you to avoid the altitude sickness in the days to come. Take a complete rest by sleeping until late in the morning as you are not going to move any further. For acclimatization purpose, you take a hike to Nagarjun Hill which is situated at 5,100m which takes about four hours. Although the path to the top of the hill is steep, the alluring vistas of the snowcapped peaks are the rewards. You can enjoy the miraculous outlook of the snowy peaks like Lobuche East and West, Taboche Peak, Ama Dablam, etc. The view of Periche Valley where you spend a night while returning from EBC on foot, is also equally captivating.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Dingboche
  • Altitude: 4,410m/14,469ft

After having breakfast, you move forward along the trail that goes past the crevice deposited by the Khumbu Glacier. By leaving the world’s largest glacier behind, you move ahead to the area housing memorials of the mountaineers and trekkers. These memorials are of those great climbers who tried to summit the Everest but lost their lives while going upwards or downwards. You feel really high-spirited seeing these memorials which bless you to successfully complete the journey to base camp of the highest peak. Moving ahead through the rugged trail, you reach Lobuche village which is very beautiful due to well managed trail. The people of this village are very helpful, co-operative and friendly that you can find the best hospitality over there. You can also relish the astonishing vistas of Lobuche East and Lobuche West which are important climbing peaks of Nepal. Overnight stay at a hotel by cherishing the hygienic food items prepared by the Sherpa woman.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Lobuche
  • Altitude: 4,910m/16,109ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Today is most important of Everest Base Camp trekking 9 days itinerary as you will have the most awaited moment! Waking up early in the morning, you begin the journey towards Gorak Shep by following the rugged trail. Gorak Shep used to be the original base camp until 1953 expedition led by Tenzing Hillary before the current Everest Base Camp. Although the trail is steep and rough, the splendid panorama of the Khumbu Glacier and other snow-clad peaks inspires you to keep ascending. Gorak Shep is a small Himalayan village inside Sagarmatha National Park and the final rest point to make reach to the base camp.

After reaching Gorak Shep, you keep your things at the hotel booked for the night accommodation and hike to Everest Base Camp. Don’t forget to walk slowly but steadily to prevent altitude sickness at the eleventh hour of the journey! By enjoying the sight of the Khumbu Icefall, it takes nearly two hours to cross the 3.5-km steep trail from Gorak Shep to EBC. Reaching the highest point of Everest Base Camp trek gives you the sense of victory over the most talked topic of adventure tourism. You can capture the glimpses of the snowcapped peaks of the Everest region although Mt. Everest is hidden behind Mt. Lhotse. After storing the memories of the base camp of the highest peak of the world in the camera and the mind, you retreat towards Gorak Shep.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Gorak Shep
  • Altitude: 5,140m/16,864ft
  • Time: 8 Hours

Today’s journey is also very very important as you are going to have the 360-degree panoramic view of the Everest region. Rising around 3 o’clock, you set up the journey towards Kala Patthar, the vantage point of the entire Everest vicinity. If you can manage to reach the vantage point before the sunrise, you can have the rarest view of lifetime. The view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Ama Dablam and other peaks including Mt. Pumori is incredible. You can take the snaps by keeping the Sacred Mountain Giants on the background as a lifelong memory that you can share with your grandchildren!

After fulfilling your desire for close-up view of the world’s highest peaks, you descend down to Gorak Shep. You can relish the amazing vistas of the glittering Himalayas due to the sunrays while having breakfast l in Gorak Shep. After you are finished with the breakfast, you take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu in a helicopter. You can enjoy the aerial view of the silvery mountains, icefalls, glaciers, dense forests and lush valleys during the return flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 5,550m/18,209ft
  • Time: 60 Minutes