EBC Trek with Heli Return - 12 days

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Things to Know
  • Duration12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Altitude 5,555 m/18,225 ft
  • Trip Type Trekking/Hiking
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Mar-May, Sep-Nov
What You’ll Do
  • Scenic Mountain Flights: Begin your adventure with a thrilling flight to Lukla, offering spectacular Himalayan views.
  • Sherpa Villages Exploration: Trek through iconic Sherpa settlements such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, experiencing authentic local culture and hospitality.
  • Sagarmatha National Park: Enter the UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and pristine mountain landscapes.
  • Everest Base Camp: Stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, a lifetime achievement for every trekker.
  • Kala Patthar Sunrise: Optional climb for panoramic 360° views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and the Khumbu Glacier.
  • Helicopter Return: Fly back from Gorakshep to Lukla, saving time and energy while enjoying stunning aerial views of the Himalayas.
  • Cultural Immersion: Discover Buddhist monasteries, traditional Sherpa lifestyle, and spiritual landmarks along the trek.
  • Hassle-Free Trekking: Designed for comfort and safety, with expert guides and flexible itineraries, perfect even for those concerned about altitude or physical strain.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking mountain panoramas, sunrise and sunset views, and vibrant Sherpa culture.
  • Time-Saving Adventure: Complete the Everest Base Camp experience in a short yet fulfilling itinerary with helicopter convenience.

Experience the ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, a perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and safety in the heart of the Himalayas. This trek is ideal for those who want to explore the Everest region without worrying about the long, strenuous descent—especially if you face altitude challenges, health concerns, or limited time. With the helicopter return, you can enjoy the journey without compromise, making it one of the most convenient and unforgettable Himalayan treks. Your adventure begins with a thrilling scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, the trek winds through traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, offering a rare glimpse into the warm hospitality, culture, and way of life of high-altitude mountain communities. Along the way, you’ll enter the magnificent Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and suspension bridges that make every step an adventure. Reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll experience the ultimate sense of achievement standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak. For the best view of Mount Everest, an optional trek to Kala Patthar rewards you with a panoramic 360° vista of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and the Khumbu Glacier—an iconic Himalayan sunrise experience you’ll never forget. After soaking in the spectacular views, you’ll return to Gorakshep and board a helicopter flight back to Lukla, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the Everest region, deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and remote villages. From Lukla, a short flight brings you back to Kathmandu, making this a luxury, time-saving, and hassle-free Everest trek.

This Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return also allows you to immerse yourself in Sherpa culture, witness Buddhist monasteries, and explore the spiritual and natural beauty of the Himalayas. Every step of the journey highlights the resilience, warmth, and tradition of the Everest region communities. At Iconic Holiday Nepal, we specialize in creating unforgettable Everest experiences. Our expert guides, carefully planned itineraries, and focus on safety ensure that your trek is not only adventurous but also comfortable and memorable.

Lukla Flight Information 

During the peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights to Lukla operate from Manthali (Ramechhap) Airport, which is a scenic 5–6 hour drive from Kathmandu. Travelers typically start early in the morning between 1:00 and 3:00 AM to catch the approximately 20-minute flight.

In contrast, during the off-peak months (January, February, June, July, August, and December), flights to Lukla depart directly from Kathmandu, allowing for a more relaxed morning start between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, with a slightly longer 35-minute scenic flight to the Everest region.

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1400m
  • AccommodationHotel

Our team will receive you at the airport on your arrival day. Using a private four-wheeler, we'll escort you to the hotel and help you settle in. You can spend the remaining day exploring Thamel. In the late evening, there we'll be a welcome dinner.

  • Altitude2845m
  • AccommodationTeahouse

Manthali to Lukla Flight: (March, April, May, October, and November)
Kathmandu to Lukla Flight: (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
Duration: 35 mins flight from Kathmandu, 5-6 hrs drive & 20 mins flights from Manthali, & 3-4 hrs trek

During non-peak seasons such as January, February, June, July, August, September and December day 02 of this tour features a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

However, the peak season calls for the drive to Manthali from Kathmandu and a 20 minutes flight to Lukla. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours. And the option has to be implemented during the season due to air traffic expansion. As soon as you continue the journey to the naturally rich Khumbu district, you will feel blessed. In contrast to the city, Nepal's eastern region offers you the pristine and breathtakingly gorgeous Khumbu area. Your eyes are treated to breathtaking mountain vistas, verdant hills, and raging rivers before you even get at Lukla.

As soon as you arrive at Lukla Airport, our hiking guide will give you instructions for your first trekking expedition in eastern Nepal. After descending to a location called Chaurikharka and then ascending to the town of Phakding, the trek officially begins. Acclimatization is really important for the trek ahead. The trail will follow Dudhkoshi River throughout. Therefore, the minimal hike will be undertaken with the 2800 m above sea level in mind. It will get your body ready for forthcoming hikes and high-altitude experiences.

You'll spend Overnight at a Guesthouse

  • Altitude3440m
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • Time5-6 hours

A comforting breakfast will help you get your day started. We next proceed on our trip toward the settlement of Benkar. You will undoubtedly be amazed by the panoramic vista of Mount Thamserku there. The trekkers must climb an elevated suspension bridge before they can cross the milky white Dudh Koshi River.

The town of Jorsale is the following stop, followed by Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. In order to get ready for Namche Bazaar, you must have your hiking permits inspected. Before arriving in Namche Bazaar, you can take in the picturesque views of the snow-covered peak from Chautara.

You will arrive in Namche Bazaar, a bustling city in the shape of a crescent. We’ll rest overnight at Namche.

 

  • Altitude3440m
  • AccommodationTeahouse

The day will be all about acclimatization and adjustment. It can be also termed as Saving for a rainy day because the following days will be all about higher elevations. You will be the part of witnessing the overwhelming view of the mighty mountains like Everest, Thamserku, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc. Namche Bazaar is a bustling city and a hub where we can shop some souvenirs and trekking gears. Also, this can be a great place to explore Sherpa culture. Conversations with the local people is always rewarding. We can hover around the highest airport of Nepal i.e.Syanboche. This can be a good practice for our upcoming day. On the other hand, we can sit at the world’s highest hotel i.e Everest View Hotel. The trekkers always admire the beauty of several mighty mountains from here. We will get down and enjoy our stay at Namche.

  • Altitude3860m
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • Time5-6 hours

On this day, we will depart from Namche Bazaar. After spending some time on the summit, we descend to the Dudh Koshi River at Phungi Thenga. We will climb an exhausting route up to Tengboche after crossing the bridge and the trail is rough.

During the hike, we will pass by Buddhist monuments and mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. We arrive at Tengboche after a little stroll along the picturesque path through the rhododendron bushes. In Tengboche, we visit the Tengboche monastery and observe Lamas performing a prayer ceremony either in the morning or evening.

  • Altitude4410m
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • Time5-6 hours

The day offers you trips to numerous Himalayan tiny towns. As you walk through the villages, you will get a chance to observe the locals' way of life. As we make our way down through the lush rhododendron trees, the adventure will officially begin. Once you've passed the descent, the ascent continues in that direction. You can see the Birch, Conifer, and Rhododendron trees as well as the lovely Khumbila Khola valley before we reach the summit. You will be greeted by mountains like Mt. Taboche, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cholatse, and others in this landscape. Before moving downhill to Debuche at Pangboche, we must pass the Pangboche path and the Imja Khola. The Imja Valley, Lobuche River, and Pangboche Monastery are all the next locations accessible after further walking. The final climb of the day is to Dingboche. The place will give you a completely different vibe as the landscape here has small shrubs and no leaves. Dingboche is the destination of today's final ascent. Due to the little shrubs and lack of leaves in the landscape, the location will offer you an entirely different vibe.A well-known summer town in Dingboche where you will find several yaks wandering around the muddy cliffs. The town is quite small, and the farms nearby contain barley, potatoes, and buckwheat. The fields' stone fences shield the crops from breeze and beasts. From here, Lhotse, Amadablam, and Taboche look to be remarkably beautiful.

Here the day comes to a conclusion, and we'll rest at Dingboche.

  • Altitude5083m
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • Time3-4 hours

The second phase of acclimatization will be at Dingboche. You will enjoy a lovely hike to Nangkartsangpeak on this day. The hike will help your body acclimatize so that altitude sickness can be prevented. The stunning views of the Himalayas will follow you. The peak of the hill is a renowned tourist spot. Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft) looks stunning from the peak. After the 3/4 hour of acclimatization hike, we'll return to Dingboche and spend the rest of the day.

  • Altitude4,930m
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • Time5-6 hours

We begin the day with a trek, and the Himalayas will surround us the entire time. We move past the campsite on the first Everest Expedition. Mt. Pumori will stick around with us as we continue walking till the route dips and twists. The stunning view of the mountains will make you fall in love. This area contains a river. It is passed by as we ascend to Duglha/Thukla city. There are prayer flags flying all across the valley in the town of Dughla. We are travelling from the metropolis to Lobuche.

This term for the moraine is well-known. Look it up! A route that leads to a glacial till, or Khumbu moraine, and stone memorials are located atop a ridge called ChukpiLhara.The vibrant prayer flags enhance the grandeur offered by the snow-capped summits.HimalMahalangur, Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, etc. are all featured in the picturesque vista. The view also features Mt. Nuptse. We will eventually arrive in Lobuche, a tiny Sherpa village at the base of the mountain. Stay the night at Lobuche.

 

  • Altitude5364m
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • Time6-7 hours

The journey to Everest Base Camp on foot. Early in the morning is when the trek starts. We move to Gorak Shep. The Gorak Shep trek offers vistas of the Khumbu Glacier. At a distance, you will also see the Khumbu Icefall (5,486m). The route slowly rises and falls. Even when we get to Gorak Shep, situations get tougher. When we reach there, we'll take a short break because climbing up and down the large rock is exhausting.

From this point, we continue our trek all the way to Everest Base Camp. The trail ahead is challenging as it is rugged terrain. The captivating view of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall is visible along the way. You are at the base of the tallest mountain in the world, which you might find hard to grasp. It is fair to feel overwhelmed emotions right now. After all, the EBC journey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At the EBC, you will find yourself surrounded by high snow-capped mountains all around. As you enjoy the scenery, you might feel overwhelmed with happiness. After enjoying the views to the heart’s content and taking tons of pictures, you will return to Gorakshep and rest. 

  • Altitude5555m
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • Time4-5 hrs trek & 15-20 mins flight

Today's hike will be accompanied by an icy breeze. On our climb, we'll reach Kala Patthar, popularly known as Black Rock. In terms of physical effort, the climb to Kalapatthar is exceedingly challenging. Kala Patthar is an excellent vantage point for the incredible view of Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Mount Everest. We descend to Gorak Shep to have breakfast and then fly down to Lukla on a helicopter.

Helicopter transportation will be used to return from Gorak Shep to Lukla. It will take 15 to 20 minutes and the flight will be on sharing basis. Every minute you spend up in the air will be worth your sweat and tough trek. Along with the clouds and the birds, you'll be hovering over the stunning mountains. Every minute of your trip will be recalled, including the trails you followed, the glacial rivers, the hills, the hilltops, and many more.

  • Altitude2850m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time30 min

Today we will fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali. If the flight taken is to Manthali, we will be driving back to Kathmandu on the same day. Otherwise, 30 minutes flight from Lukla to Kathmandu will be taken.

Throughout the journey, the lovely sight of hills and valleys will be an amusement to your eyes. You will be delivered to your hotel room by our airport representative. In your cosy room, you may unwind and sleep. After all, you have just returned from an 11-day, extremely strenuous journey. Alternatively, you can browse the Thamel area's local gift shops. You can pack your bags at the hotel. It's finally here! This is your final night in Nepal. So, You will be served a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant.

 

    Some popular destinations are open for early visits. You are now prepared to travel back to Tribhuvan International Airport with our agent in order to catch your flight out. We are convinced that the trek was enjoyable and pleasant for you. The land of the Himalayas will always welcome you and hope to see you again in Nepal soon.

     

    Trip Map
    EBC Trek with Heli Return - 12 days map
    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • Pickup from Kathmandu International Airport by private vehicle
    • 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 nights with breakfa
    • Sharing accommodation in mountain teahouses
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek with one hot tea
    • Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor—water purification tablet)
    • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
    • Regular Flight tickets to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap
    • An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek guide
    • Helicopter/Chopper from Gorakshep to Kathmandu (sharing flight) 
    • Iconic Holiday Nepal duffel bag and trekking map
    • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
    • Medical kit (carried by your trek guide)
    • All government and local taxes
    • Airport transportation for your departure as your flight time 
    Excluded
    • Nepalese visa fee, International flight ticket, and travel insurance 
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
    • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, etc.)
    • Tips for guide(s), porter(s), and driver(s)
    Useful Info

    Accommodation and Meals

    During the Everest Base Camp Trek, accommodation and meals are simple but comfortable. In the lower regions, such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, you’ll usually stay in lodges with rooms that have attached bathrooms. In the higher-altitude regions, rooms are generally shared with common bathrooms, though all tea houses are clean and welcoming. For extra comfort, especially at higher altitudes, we strongly recommend bringing a sleeping bag. The trek package includes three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find a variety of options, including Dal Bhat, Nepali, Tibetan, and Continental dishes, ensuring nutritious and satisfying meals during your journey.

    Important Note: Due to the high-altitude terrain and the large number of trekkers visiting every day, facilities can sometimes be limited. Staying hydrated is essential, and bringing a sleeping bag and personal essentials will make your trek more comfortable and enjoyable.

    Altitude Sickness

    Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is inevitable during the trek in Nepal. You will be spending many days above 3,000 meters and go above 5,000 meters multiple times too. What makes three passes trekking safe with us is our itinerary. We have a perfect balance of elevation rise and sleeping low with ample acclimatization days. Likewise, our experienced and trained mountain guide will keep an eye on your health while trekking. We use an oximeter and other devices to monitor your blood sugar level. The group will be equipped with all the necessary medicines and first aid kits to provide an immediate response in case of any medical emergency. In case, the trekker gets altitude sickness symptoms such as vomiting, headache, nausea, difficulty in breathing, insomnia etc., the mountain guide takes the necessary actions to subside the symptoms before gaining any further altitude.

    Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is essential for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Due to the risks of altitude sickness and other unforeseen events, having travel insurance ensures that you have access to instant medical assistance or emergency evacuation if needed. While the likelihood of using it is low, it provides extra peace of mind throughout your journey. Make sure your policy covers emergency air evacuation up to 6,000 meters and medical expenses in case of illness or injury.

    Best Season

    The spring and autumn seasons are the best time to hike to Everest base camp. These two are the trekking seasons in Nepal and carry the most suitable weather for any Himalayan excursion. Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) have stable weather and mild climate conditions. There is no rainfall or snowfall to do any kind of delays. The mountain panoramas are crystal clear, and the bright & breezy days make everything magical. Likewise, the beginning of these two seasons also decorates the trails with seasonal flowers and colourful leaves. The beauty of the Khumbu region is on another level if you trek in spring & autumn.

    Extra Tips

    A Nepali telecommunication company called Ncell has a network up to Everest base camp. So, you can get their sim and use cellular data throughout the trek. It is also an economic option and also lets you use the internet while walking. Do know that the network might not be stable all the time, and there are blind areas where you may not get any signal. Wifi is available most of tea houses. You can use it by paying a few extra bucks. To charge your devices, lodges offer separate charging stations. It cost you some money though. Carry spare batteries and a power bank for more convenience. Drinking water, a vital element of the journey requires mindful consideration. To maintain hydration levels and prevent altitude sickness, a daily fluid intake of 3 to 4 Liters is recommended. This includes tea, soup, and plain water. Trekkers can purchase bottled water from mountain shops or utilize water-purifying tablets. Given that tap water in the mountains is unsuitable for direct consumption, water-purifying tablets or pumps ensure safe drinking water. Opting for purifying tablets minimizes complications and environmental pollution compared to bottled water. Bottled water prices vary by location but generally cost around NRs 200 Per Liter

    Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List (Helicopter Return)

    Clothing:

    • Fleece or down jacket, waterproof & windproof jacket
    • Trekking pants/shorts, thermal underwear
    • Warm hat, gloves, sun hat, and sunglasses

    Footwear:

    • Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
    • Trekking socks

    Gear:

    • Backpack with rain cover
    • Sleeping bag (provided by Himalayan Masters)
    • Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
    • Water purification tablets (provided)
    • Snacks & energy bars
    • Personal first-aid kit
    • Camera or smartphone
    • Portable charger/power bank
    • Trekking map or guidebook
    • Toiletries & Hygiene:
    • Biodegradable soap, toothbrush & toothpaste
    • Toilet paper & hand sanitizer
    • Wet wipes or baby wipes
    • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

    Miscellaneous:

    • Passport & permits
    • Cash (Nepali rupees)
    • Travel insurance with emergency evacuation
    • Waterproof dry bags or plastic bags
    • Lightweight towel

     

    FAQs
    • You will need the following documents:

      • Citizenship certificate(photocopy) for Nepali Citizens
      • Certificate of Origin for International Citizens
      • 2 pp sized photos
      • A copy of the International Flight Ticket
      • A copy of the travel insurance policy
    • A guide is there to assist you in going forward and making alternative plans and arrangements when unanticipated occurrences happen.Our hiking leaders are experts in this field. Regarding the trip, you will have the most amazing trek experience with our leaders. There is no need to hire an extra guide.

    • The ideal times to trek the Everest Base Camp with Heli Return are in the spring (March to early June) and the autumn (Mid-September to November). The trek is possible any time of the year and we can customize it as per your preference. But we normally advise avoiding the rainy months of July and August and undertaking this walk during the favoured times of the year. The weather in the mountains can be slightly chilly in January and February. However, you can be well prepared with gears and necessities if you want less crowd on the trail during winter.

       

    • It is very difficult to predict the weather in the Everest region. The best idea is to be prepared for every rainy, snowy, sunny or foggy day. The temperature may range from 25 degrees to -20 degrees. It differs from season to season. We can’t predict what the Himalayas have to offer. We may have to postpone our plan because of the weather sometimes. Winter and monsoon may be extremely challenging; thus spring and autumn are the best seasons for this trek.

    • You can easily obtain your visa for Nepal upon arrival after paying the visa fees at different counters in airport. You can carry USD for visa fees and the fees vary according to the days for which you will be staying. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa.

    • Our airport agent will pick you up and transfer safely to your hotel.

    • Credit cards may not be the best option as it includes transaction cost. You can carry 20-30USD per day which will be enough. This is for water, souvenir shopping and some extra.

    • A certain percentage of deposit must be made at the time of booking so that your itinerary is secured. The rest amount can be paid upon arrival or before arriving.

    • Trekking demands your body to be capable of handling inconsistent mountainous terrain while holding a backpack. Long-distance treks, bicycle riding, running, and uphill hiking are all effective forms of exercise. Before going on a trek, you should exercise for not less than an hour, four to five times per week.

    • Your daypack plus duffel bag are counted in the 15 kg (33 lb) luggage restriction for the Lukla flight. You may be charged an extra amount per kilogram if your daypack exceeds more than the permitted load. We advise you to pack no more than 15 kilograms.

    • Natural spring or tap water can be found along the trek and in guesthouses but must be treated. To save money, you can also carry a purification tablet or reusable bottle with built-in filtration so that the water from local taps can be filled and filtered for drinking. It is recommended to buy boiled water from the teahouse to ensure safe drinking water as an alternative. You need to carry a water bottle that can carry both hot and cold water.

    • Our tour guides undergo thorough training and possess first aid certification. Our guides will monitor your condition and level of oxygen using an oximeter during the trip. Through the guides, our main office continually receives information on your health and whereabouts. If an emergency occurs you must evacuate the patient by either land, or at times of a life-threatening emergency, by rescue helicopter.

    • Anti-allergic and typhoid vaccines are also recommended but not compulsory. You need to have your whole body check up and know blood group. This information will help us hep you during emergency situations.

    Client Reviews
    • shainee
      shaineeUnited Arab EmiratesApr 18, 2025

      Memorable trek to EBC

      Very well organized trip by Iconic holidays - from pick up at the airport to drop off Good tea houses with facilities and food that kept us going, huge motivation and encouragement from the guide and amazing organization by the team in view of changing weather conditions and flight changes I’m looking forward to my next one with Iconic holiday Nepal

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