Our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek 10 days is an incredible package. It is an appropriate choice for those who want to take the EBC trek but are short on time.
During this trek, you will walk to the Everest Base Camp but take a helicopter ride back from Gorakshep. This trekking package avoids returning from the same trekking route and so, makes the duration shorter.
The Everest Base Camp trekking is the most beautiful trail in the Everest region. It leads you to the tallest mountain in the world i.e the Everest. It is indeed the most famous Himalayan trek.
The journey is full of adventure and offers spectacular panoramic views of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains. This trek is possible all year round but the best time to visit is March to May and September to December.
The trip starts with a 30 minutes scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. Lukla is the starting point of your trek. During this trek, you will get to witness the rich flora and fauna, several Sherpa villages, and Buddhist monasteries.
Moreover, you will experience the legendary Sherpa people lifestyle and pass through the largest Khumbu glacier, Gorakshep. And Kala Patthar from where you will get the best possible view of the Himalayan ranges including Mt Everest.
Overall, this 10 days trekking package will possibly give you the best 10 days of your life. Not only will you get to put your steps on the trails, but you will also get to enjoy the aerial views of the Himalayas.
And although the cost of Helicopter return is little expensive, it is a worth tour option for a different taste of journey to EBC.
To know more about the trip, contact us. If you want to take the normal Everest Base Camp trek, we can plan the trip to match your preference.
What makes the Everest Base Camp Heli trek unique?
Instead of going all the way down to Lukla (same trail) to catch a flight back to Kathmandu, we will take a helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu. Discover the best alternative to the standard Everest Base Camp trek.
This package is designed for those who have a limited time to explore Everest. You can avoid the same returning trek back to Lukla because you will be flying to Kathmandu from Gorakshep on a helicopter. You will be saved from the fear of frequent delays or cancellations in Lukla due to unpredictable weather. Himalaya Discovery takes care of all logistics for a comfortable trip.
Is this trip for me?
The Everest Base Camp Heli trek reaches a maximum altitude of (5,500m/18,195ft])at Kalapathar and an overnight elevation of (5,140m/16,865ft) at Gorakshep. Physically challenging involves daily hiking of about 6-8 hours.
Our itinerary is carefully planned to allow for the best possible acclimatization, but you must be physically and mentally prepared for the trek. There is no prior trekking experience required, but you must be relatively fit, enjoy walking for several days on continuously, and be adaptable to high altitude environments.
Trip Highlights
- Spectacular views of the world’s highest mountain, the Everest.
- Explore the traditional villages, the culture of Sherpa and Buddhist people
- Enjoy the adventure of Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu glacier
- Rest and acclimatization day before conquering EBC
- 360-degree panoramic views of Himalayas and reach the best viewpoint, Kala Patthar
- Experience the helicopter flight over the Himalayan range from Gorakshep
- Comfortable accommodation and hygienic meals every day
Elevation:1400m, Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, one of our representatives will receive you and escort you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will get a briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek. And in the evening you can spend your time exploring the shops and restaurants.
Overnight at a three-star hotel.
Elevation: 2800m, Lukla / 2640m, Phakding
Trekking duration:3-4 hrs
Today you will board a 30-minute scenic flight to Lukla early in the morning. Enjoy the magnificent mountain range as you arrive at Lukla airport.
You will meet your porter at the airport. After having your breakfast at Lukla, your actual trekking begins.
The trek to Phakding is about 3-4 hours walk which is fairly easy. You will pass through the Dudh Kosi valley and head north from the airstrip to Chheplung at 2700m.
Later you will cross the Thado Koshi river on a suspension bridge. After passing the bridge, you will get the view of peaks like Kusum and Kangguru at 6367m which are some of the most difficult peaks to climb.
Beyond the Thado Koshi, the trail climbs towards the Ghat at 2590m and crosses a ridge marked with painted Mani stones. Further, you will continue to ascend where you will reach the beautiful village of Phakding.
Overnight at a lodge in Phakding.
Elevation:3430m, Namche Bazaar
Trekking duration:5-6 hrs
After you enjoy your breakfast, you will start your second day of the trek through the valley of Dudh Kosi river. Today you will cross the Dudh Kosi river five times on the exciting suspension bridges with colorful prayer flags on the way to Namche.
You will continue your ascent after you cross the Hillary Suspension bridge and then gradually head to Jorsale. This is a two and a half hour climb to Namche with two viewpoints on the way.
You will get to enjoy the spectacular view of Mt.Everest on a clear day. At Jorsale, you enter the Sagarmatha National park. Here you need to verify your permits.
After about 5 or 6 hours of tiring walk, you will reach Namche Bazaar. It is the main trading center of the Khumbu region.
It lies on a steep mountain bowl with excellent views of the Himalayas with various facilities like restaurants, pubs, and shops etc.
Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
You will not spend one night but two nights in Namche Bazaar. This is because acclimatization is very important before proceeding higher to ensure proper altitude acclimatization.
This helps to avoid altitude sickness. Hence this day will be a more relaxing day. But this doesn’t mean that you will stay idle. Today you can take a day hike through the villages of Khunde and Khumjung. And come back to Namche through the Everest View Hotel at Khumjung.
You can enjoy the panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and many other mountains. You can also visit the bakery at the world’s highest altitude.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will take a steep one hour climb to the Syangboche airstrip. From here you will then slowly ascend towards Khunde passing through numerous Chorten.
From Khunde, you will follow the trail eastwards to Khumjung, the largest village in the Khumbu region. Here you will enjoy your lunch and later follow a gradual climb to Everest View Hotel where you will enjoy the splendid mountain views.
Then you will descend to Namche where you can take some rest and prepare for the next day.
Overnight stay at a tea house in Namche Bazaar.
Elevation:3867, Tengboche
Trekking duration: 5 hrs
The day begins after breakfast as you start trekking to Tengboche. The route to Tengboche moves in and out of side valleys with small ups and downs to Kenjoma. Soon it joins the trails from Khumjung just before a collection of Mani stones.
The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trek. You will pass Sanasa, a small settlement from where the trail drops towards Phunkithanga.
From here, the trail climbs steeply through pine forests and around Mani stones as it follows the side of a hill to the saddle where the Tengboche monastery sits at 3870m. The magnificent sceneries of Kwangde, Tawachee, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse will leave you spellbound.
Overnight in Tengboche village.
Elevation: 4300, Dingboche
Trekking duration: 6 hrs
Today’s trek begins with a short hike passing through lush green Rhododendron forests to reach the village of Pangboche. Pangboche is the home to many Everest climbers.
As you walk for a while you will reach Orsho. From here the trail to Pheriche and Dingboche separates. After a few hours of hike, you will reach Dingboche, a small village in the Chukhung village.
Dingboche is also known as the gate to the Island peak climbing. From here, the views of Mt.Ama Dablam and Island peak are breathtaking.
Overnight at a tea house in Dingboche.
Today is the second day of acclimatization and this time in Dingboche. You can take a rest day. However, if you wish you can climb to the top of the hill for acclimatization purposes.
The best way to avoid altitude sickness is by climbing high and sleeping low. This is a good way to acclimate your body.
After lunch, you can take a short hike to the gorgeous Chhukung valley. The majestic peaks like Mt. Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Ama Dablam, Island peak etc surround the valley.
You can also witness the Imja Khola valley. Later you are back to Dingboche for rest and to prepare for tomorrow. Overnight stay at a tea house in Dingboche.
Elevation: 4930m, Lobuche
Trekking duration: 5-6 hrs
Today you will gently start your trekking through the Pheriche village. The trek becomes more challenging from this day because of the higher altitude. You get to Dungla at 4600m passing through a tough and steep walk to the top of a high hill.
Here you can explore the memorial stupas dedicated to the climbers and trekkers who lost their lives to the Everest over the years.
From here, you will move over the rough mountain terrain to Lobuche. Lobuche is a small settlement that provides spectacular views of the peaks like Mt.Lobuche, Pumori, and Nuptse.
Be prepared for the chilly night before you go to bed. Overnight at a tea house in Lobuche.
Elevation: 5140m, Gorak Shep / 5360m, Everest Base Camp
Trekking hours: 6-7 hrs
You will start your early morning hike to Gorak Shep which will take about 2 hours. At first, the trail is nice and easy but one hour later the trail gets harder.
However, the nice view of the big walls formed by Everest, Nuptse, and many other mountains will compensate for the difficulty.
Once you climb about 150m then the trail gets better again. Very soon you will get to a moraine and finally to 5140m, the world’s highest settlement at Gorak Shep.
After lunch, you begin your walk to the Everest Base Camp. You will be walking on a side ridge of the Khumbu glacier.
After walking on the ridge for about one and half hours, you cross the glacier and into the Everest Base Camp area.
So today’s trek takes you to the final goal or destination by trekking to EBC at an altitude of 5360m. Here you will meet many other mountain climbers and get to share each other’s experience.
Moreover, you will get a good view of the Khumbu glacier and the Khumbu Icefall. After a quality time by clicking pictures and embracing the moment, you head back to Gorak Shep.
Overnight at a tea house in Gorak Shep.
Elevation:5545m, Kala Patthar
Trekking hours: 2-3 hrs
Before the first daylight breaks, your ascent to Kala Patthar sets off which takes about 2 hours. The short hike to Kala Patthar with clear views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks are magical.
Some of the best pictures of the Everest are from this viewpoint. Upon your return to Gorakshep, you will enjoy your last breakfast in the mountains. After that, you will fly back to Kathmandu by Helicopter which will be fun.
In this helicopter ride, you will get the chance to watch the aerial view of the amazing and beautiful Himalayas.
With this, the journey of a lifetime into the Himalayas comes to an end. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we will escort you to your respective hotel.
