Everest Base Camp Heli Trek - 09 Days

based on 1 review

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is the fastest and most scenic way to reach the base of the world’s highest peak. This route lets you trek to Everest Base Camp and return by helicopter from Gorakshep or Kala Patthar, offering a safe and time-saving journey ideal for travellers with limited schedules. The trek follows the classic EBC route through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, while the helicopter return provides sweeping aerial views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Glacier. The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is moderately difficult, suitable for beginners and families, and perfect for those seeking a comfortable adventure.

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Challenging
  • Max. Altitude5545 meters
  • Starts/EndsLukla/Lukla
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonAutumn, Spring, and Winter
Highlights
  • Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla right from the start of the trek.
  • Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar following the standard EBC Trek itinerary.
  • Golden sunrise view above Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many others.
  • Helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla and back to Kathmandu.
  • An inclusive EBC Trek package with an experienced trekking guide from the Everest Region.
  • Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Experience the Sherpa community hospitality and visit Tengboche Monastery.

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is an exciting adventure that combines the EBC Trek and Heli Tour. This journey follows the standard Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary up to Gorakshep and concludes with a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu. It involves trekking through the Everest Region, experiencing every detail along the route, and enjoying aerial views of the majestic Himalayas from a helicopter. This journey provides a sense of accomplishment for both trekking and the tour in the Everest.

Everest Base Camp heli trek for a limited time for travellers

Are you short on time but still want to do the Everest Base Camp Trek? If so, this trekking and helicopter tour is ideal for you. On this journey, you will trek for 7-8 days and then return by helicopter, completing the entire trip in less than 10 days.

Those who have sufficient time to complete the 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek will return via the same route to Lukla. Meanwhile, those with limited time will fly back to Lukla by helicopter from Gorakshep and then return to Kathmandu on the same day. The Everest Base Camp heli-return trek saves around 4-5 days.

Do you know, the Everest Heli Tour is the quickest way to reach the Everest Base Camp within 3-4 hours?

Route Overview – Trekking to Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return

The trip to EBC with Heli Return begins in Kathmandu, flying to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport). When you see the views from the plane, you will know what to expect. Often, the starting point of the EBC Trek is the Lukla Airport.

From Lukla, follow the Dudh Koshi River Valley and enter the Sagarmatha National Park to arrive at Phakding Village. From this Village, the trek continues to Namche, a major trading centre and tourist hub of the Everest Region. Spend 2 nights at Namche Bazaar for acclimatisation. Furthermore, from Namche, pass through villages such as Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, and arrive at Gorakshep. You will spend your last night at Gorakshep Village before flying back to Kathmandu by helicopter.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Distance, Elevation & Altitude Profile

Section / Stop

Altitude (m)

Approx. Trek Distance

Lukla

2,860 m

Phakding

2,610 m

8 km / 5 miles

Namche Bazaar

3,440 m

10 km / 6.2 miles

Debuche

3,860 m

9.5 km / 5.9 miles

Dingboche

4,410 m

11 km / 6.8 miles

Lobuche

4,940 m

8 km / 5 miles

Gorakshep

5,164 m

3.5 km / 2.1 miles

Everest Base Camp

5,364 m

3 km / 1.8 miles (round trip from Gorakshep)

Kala Patthar (Optional)

5,545 m

1.5 km / 0.9 miles (round trip)

Helicopter Return

Varies

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Cost, Updated Price 2026, 2027

The Everest Base Camp Hei Trek cost package starts from USD 2799 per person. The package includes Sagarmatha National Park permits, licensed guides, meals, lodges, and a guaranteed Heli flight on a sharing basis. The price of the EBC Trek Heli Return depends on the group size and the level of accommodation along the trek. Also, the price varies based on group size. If you are in a group of more than 3 pax, then you will get a significant discount.

Book your Everest Heli Trek now and get a special discount. WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.

Why choose Mountain Eco Trails for the Everest Base Heli Trek?

Choosing the right trekking company can make a huge difference in your experience. Mountain Eco Trails specialises in Everest Base Camp Trekking and Everest Heli Tour, providing a balance of safety, professionalism, and local expertise. Here are a few reasons to trek with Mountain Eco Trails:

  • Experienced crew members and official team. 
  • Flexible and customised Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Itinerary with personalised service. 
  • Complimentary Services like Duffel Bag, Trekking Poles, SIM Card, and an hour trekker's massage 
  • Safe Helicopter Charter with a professional Pilot.
  • First Aid Kit with basic medication. 
  • Hassle-free last-minute booking and trip arrangements. 
  • Competitive and Fair price that matches the services and has no hidden costs. 
  • Special Discount for a group of trekkers of more than 5 Pax.

With Mountain Eco Trails, you trek with a trusted local company that prioritises your experience, safety, and the environment. We strive to turn your Everest journey into an incredible memory you’ll cherish for life.

Itinerary

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Itinerary starts from Kathmandu to Lukla in a Helicopter flight. You will fly for 45 minutes to reach Lukla from Kathmandu. At Lukla, you will stop for a while or maybe have a cup of tea or coffee to begin the trek.

You will already see a glimpse of the Himalayas once you are in Lukla. From Lukla, follow the route of the Dudh Koshi River Valley. Several ascents and descents will bring you at Phakding Village for an overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude:2860 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at Phakding, the trail continues through the Dudhkoshi River and pine forests. Moreover, you will cross several suspension bridges and cross the Sherpa settlements like Zapute, Toktok, and Chumoa. Next, obtain your permit card at Monjo Village to enter the Sagarmatha National Park.

After getting permit cards, descend to the river to cross the suspension bridge again. After crossing the Hillary Bridge, a steep uphill climb will take you to the Namche Bazaar. If the weather is clear, then you will get to see the mountains around Namche. Overnight stay at Namche.

  • Max Altitude:3440 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will spend an extra night at Namche to acclimatise yourself. After breakfast, you will hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village. If you want to see the first sight of Mount Everest, then we recommend doing the Everest View Hike. However, Khumjung Village is the best place to experience the Sherpa Culture and Buddhism. The choice is yours.

After the hike, return to Namche and explore the area. The town of Namche is popular among the trekkers. You can find good restaurants, café, bakery, and even a pool house to hang out.

  • Max Altitude:3440 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 hours Hike
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After two amazing days at Namche Bazaar, we move ahead with our journey. Trek along the Dudh Koshi River again and enjoy the amazing views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku in the distance. Walking for some time, arrive at the Sansa village, which splits the EBC Trek and the Gokyo Valley Trek.

From Sansa, ascend to Tengboche Monastery, a largest Buddhist Monastery in Khumbu Region. Have quick visit inside the monastery and continue the trek through the rhododendron forest to reach Debuche. Overnight stay at Debuche.

  • Max Altitude:3860 meter
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After having breakfast at Debuche, you will descend to cross the bridge over the Imja River. After crossing the river, hike towards Pheriche Village. Likewise, pass the small settlements such as Orsho and Shomare. Enjoy the views of Ama Dablam along the route. Dingboche Village is a popular spot for acclimatisation while doing the Everest Base Camp Trek. Overnight stay at Dingboche.

  • Max Altitude:4410 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This will be another acclimatisation day on this journey. After breakfast, hike to Nagarjuna Hill. The climb offers stunning views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Island Peak. It takes around 4-5 hours to hike to the top of the hill. After admiring the views of the surrounding peaks, climb down to Dingboche. Rest of the day you can just explore around the village or relax in your teahouse.

  • Max Altitude:4380 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 Hours hike
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As you approach from Dingboche, the trail becomes more alpine because you will now in a tree line. A gradual climb will take you to Dughla Pass, from where you will witness the amazing Pheriche Valley. Moreover, several stone memorials will be along the way who lost their lives on Everest. From here, trekking on a steep trail will take you to the Lobuche Village for an Overnight Stay.

  • Max Altitude:4910 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Finally, the day arrives to visit the Everest Base Camp. Hiking from Lobuche for 3 hours will take you to Gorakshep village. You have to pass through the Khumbu Glaciers to arrive here. Take a short break to have a light lunch and be ready to hike to EBC.

From Gorakshep, it will take around 2-3 hours to reach EBC. On this Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Itinerary, you will visit EBC today and tomorrow fly back to Kathmandu. The trail from Gorakshep to EBC is rugged terrain, which can be challenging. Once you arrive at EBC, take your time to cherish the moment and click some photos as a memory.

After spending time at EBC, time to return to Gorakshep.

  • Max Altitude:5364 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is the last day of your Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. Wake up early around 4 in the morning, to catch the sunrise view from Kala Patthar. Be prepared for the cold and challenging morning hike. It is a 3-hour hike through the rugged trail. This viewpoint delivers magical views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lhotse, and other peaks.

After witnessing the moments of magic from Kala Patthar, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. Next, be prepared to fly back to Kathmandu in a helicopter. Remember, this is a shared helicopter charter, so you may need to wait occasionally. Once inside the helicopter, enjoy the views from above. From Gorakshep, you will land at Lukla briefly to refuel. Then, fly to Kathmandu Airport. Our staff will be waiting for you at the airport to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

Note: If you arrive early and have sufficient time, we will have dinner together with the team official on this day.

  • Max Altitude:5545 meters
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At Mountain Eco Trails, we understand that every traveller has unique schedules and preferences. That’s why we offer flexible departure dates for all our trekking and tour packages. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, we can customise your trekking departure date to best fit your itinerary.

  • Customised Departures for Your Convenience
  • Tailor-made departure dates: You are not limited to fixed schedules; we arrange treks based on your preferred dates.
  • Private & group treks available: Join an existing group or plan a private trek at your convenience.
  • Seasonal recommendations: We can suggest the best departure dates based on weather, trekking conditions, and your availability.
  • Short-notice departures: Need a last-minute trek? We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Feel free to contact us with your preferred dates, and we’ll craft the perfect trekking experience for you!

Cost Includes
  • Arrival and Departure in a private vehicle.
  • Domestic flight arrival and departure in a private Vehicle. 
  • Gorakshep to Kathmandu Helicopter Charter Costs. 
  • Kathmandu to Lukla by Helicopter Charter.
  • Khumbu Region Municipality entry permit card
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit card
  • Experience an English-speaking trekking Guide 
  • Expenses of the guide, including his Meals, Accommodation, Salary and Insurance. 
  • First aid kit with oximeter carried by the guide.
  • Accommodation during the trek in tea houses on a sharing basis
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek.
  • Seasonal Fruits every day during the trek after dinner. 
  • Rescue Arrangement assistance if needed. 
  • Farewell dinner after the trek with team officials.
  • All government and local taxes. 
Cost Excludes
  • Meals and Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Personal Expenses during the trek, like a hot shower, extra meals, drinks wifi, laundry, etc. 
  • Drinks and Beverages during the trek.
  • Travel insurance and rescue operation cost
  • Porter (if you need it, costs USD 22 per day)
  • Tips for guides and porters.
Availability

At Mountain Eco Trails, we understand that every traveller has unique schedules and preferences. That’s why we offer flexible departure dates for all our trekking and tour packages. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, we can customise your trekking departure date to best fit your itinerary.

  • Customised Departures for Your Convenience
  • Tailor-made departure dates: You are not limited to fixed schedules; we arrange treks based on your preferred dates.
  • Private & group treks available: Join an existing group or plan a private trek at your convenience.
  • Seasonal recommendations: We can suggest the best departure dates based on weather, trekking conditions, and your availability.
  • Short-notice departures: Need a last-minute trek? We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Feel free to contact us with your preferred dates, and we’ll craft the perfect trekking experience for you!

Select a Departure Month
Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: SundayDec 21, 2025End DateEnds: MondayDec 29, 2025PricePriceUS$2799StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SundayDec 28, 2025End DateEnds: MondayJan 05, 2026PricePriceUS$2799StatusStatusAvailable
Good to Know

Best Time for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek (Spring & Autumn Guide)

For the best trekking and Helicopter experience in the Everest, Spring and Autumn seasons are highly recommended.

Everest Heli Trek in Spring

  • The spring season is the best time to do the EBC Trek with a Heli return. It delivers a perfect balance of weather, temperature, visibility, and crowd along the trek.
  • The temperature remains between 12-20 degrees during the day.
  • Visibility is clear with some afternoon clouds.
  • Blooming rhododendrons and other vegetation
  • Moderate traffic, but expect the crowd.

Everest Heli Trek in Autumn

Perhaps the best time to trek and go peak climbing in Nepal is the Autumn Season. The season starts right after the monsoon that clears the haze and dust. Perfect mountain visibility, warm temperature, and festival vibes make this time an ideal time for all trekkers.

  • The temperature during the daytime is around 15-20 degrees.
  • Excellent visibility with no haze and clouds.
  • Festival environments like Dashain and Tihar.
  • Expect more crowds than in Spring
  • Perfect time if you are a photographer.

Regular EBC Trek vs Everest Trek with Heli Return

Category

Normal Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Total Duration

12–14 days

8–12 days

Return Method

Trek back to Lukla

Helicopter return from Gorakshep / Kala Patthar

Difficulty Level

Moderate to challenging

Moderate, less physical strain

Total Walking Distance

120–130 km

65–70 km

Best For

Trekkers wanting a full experience

Time-bound trekkers, beginners, seniors

Maximum Altitude

5,545 m at Kala Patthar

Same – 5,545 m at Kala Patthar

Ideal For

Budget trekkers, adventure seekers

Luxury travellers, families, and limited-time travellers

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Permits

To do the EBC Heli Trek, you must get trekking permits. No trekkers are allowed to enter the Everest Region without trekking permits.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

This Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is required to enter the National Park. Also, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can get this permit at Monjo, which costs around USD 25 per person.

Khumbu Region Municipality Permit

This permit is issued by the local authority and replaced by the TIMS. You can get this permit at Lukla or even at Monjo. The cost of the Khumbu Region Entry permit is USD 25 per person.

Note: Our Guide from Mountain Eco Trails will assist you in getting these permits.

Essential Packing List for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Please make sure you have all the required trekking gear for this Everest Heli Trek. Either you can bring your own or buy it here in Kathmandu. If you are hiring a porter for the trek, then you will also get a duffel bag as a complimentary item to keep your gear. Here is the packing list for the Everest Heli Trek:

Upper Body Clothing:

  • Sunhat, Woollen Cap, and Buffs.
  • Thermal or Fleece base layers
  • Short and long sleeve t-shirts
  • Fleece Jacket or soft-shell jackets
  • Down jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Wollen gloves

Lower Body Clothing:

  • Thermal layers bottoms
  • Hiking Shorts
  • Trekking Pants
  • Waterproof pants
  • Undergarments
  • Wollen Socks and an Ankle support sturdy boot.
  • Camp flipflops

Trekking Gear and other accessories:

  • Trekking Poles and Trekking Backpack 60-70L.
  • First Aid Kit and personal medication
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Water bottle and water purification tablet
  • Toiletries and skin care items.
  • Camera and battery chargers.
  • Nepalese currencies and passports

For more details, feel free to go through our Common Trekking Gear for Nepal.

Accommodation for the trek

Accommodation during the Everest Heli Trek is in basic teahouses. Your guide will help you book the accommodation along the trek. In teahouses, the rooms are basic with just beds, pillows, mattresses, and blankets. However, do not rely on the warm blankets of teahouses. Carrying a sleeping bag with you is always recommended.

Moreover, every teahouse has a dining room where trekkers enjoy their meals. Surprisingly, you may get facilities like Wi-Fi and a hot shower as well at an extra cost. Additionally, bathrooms in most of the teahouses above Namche Bazaar are shared ones.

Meals during the Heli Trek to Everest Base Camp

Meals are included in this Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Package. You will be provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose one main course from the menu and enjoy the meal. You will take breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse where you spent an overnight. While lunch will be taken along the Everest Base Camp Trek Route. Here are the most common meal items you can find in Everest:

Breakfast: Eggs, Oats, Corn Flakes, Muesli, Bread, Pancakes, Chapati, Potato dishes, Tibetan Bread, and hot drinks.

Lunch & Dinner: Daal Bhaat, Plain rice, Vegetable Curry, Thenduk, Thukpa, Pasta, Macaroni, Pizza, Burger, Spring Roll, Chowmein, Momo, Roti, etc.

Fitness Requirement for the 9-Day EBC Trek with Heli Return

Well, fitness condition is very important for trekking at high altitude. Trekkers must be in good physical condition to hike up to 5545 meters at Kala Patthar. You will walk for 7-8 days straight for 6-7 hours a day. Hence, trekkers must possess good endurance and stamina. Here are the ways to meet your fitness requirements for the EBC Trek with a Heli return:

  • High altitude trek at least 4000 meters with a backpack of 4-5 Kgs.
  • Regular cardio and endurance training.
  • Work on your leg muscles and flexibility.
  • Do your health check-up before departing for the trip.

How to Book the 9-Day Everest Base Camp Heli Trek (Private & Group Options)

This 9-Day Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is waiting for you, and Mountain Eco Trail is here to make it happen smoothly and affordably. Either you want to dp Private Heli Trek to Everest or want to join in the group, we organise both types of trips smoothly.

Contact us today to start planning your 9 Day Everest Heli Trek. Send us an email or reach out via WhatsApp/Viber at +9779849790153 for a quick response. Our experts will answer any queries and help you every step of the way, from packing to touchdown in Kathmandu. Once you contact us, we will customise the trip according to your requirements and provide you with the details. Also, to book the trek, you have to pay at least 20% of the total cost in advance to reserve the seat for the trek. The rest of the payment you can do after you arrive in Nepal. 

FAQs
  • Yes, the EBC Heli Trek is beginner-friendly because it reduces physical stress and avoids the long descent. With acclimatisation days, it is safe for first-timers, seniors, and travellers with limited vacation time.

  • The Everest Base Camp heli return trek is moderately difficult. You still follow the classic EBC trail, but skipping the return walk reduces overall physical strain, making it easier than the normal EBC trek.

  • You can fly back to Kathmandu from Gorakshep only. Nowadays, commercial landing at Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar is not allowed.

  • Yes, the helicopter return from Everest Base Camp is operated by licensed pilots with high-altitude flying expertise. All flights depend on stable weather and follow strict weight limits for safety.

  • Most Everest Base Camp helicopter flights follow a weight limit of 400–500 kg per helicopter, depending on altitude and weather. Groups may be divided to ensure safe takeoff from Gorakshep or Kala Patthar.

  • The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek cost varies depending on group size, season, and services, but most packages include permits, meals, a guide, accommodation, and a guaranteed helicopter return. Rates are higher than the normal EBC trek due to the heli flight. The price ranges from USD 2799 to USd 2999 per person.

Clients Reviews
  • Wonderful Time

    The agency was top notch, the manager picked us up at our hotel and drove us to the airport. The flight is fantastic. Each person has a porthole and a hostess comes to explain to us the mountains that we see until the explore Everest.

    A
    AnikaAustralia,June 2023
    TripAdvisor
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