Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return (9 Days) is a unique and amazing way to explore the beauty of the Himalayan region. This trekking package with helicopter return is an ideal package for enthusiasts who want to explore the Mt. Everest (8,849 meters) region in a short span.

Although Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is a unique short expedition to explore the beauty of alluring mountain ranges that concludes at the foothills of Everest, it doesn’t miss out on any adventures compared to its longer variations. The route of the Everest Base Camp trek is approximately 65 km (40 miles), thus in the regular return trail trekkers cover approximately 130 km to get back to starting point. Thus, regular trekking in the Everest region lasts around 14 to 16 days.

However, in the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, you will be picked up directly from Gorakshep (5,160 meters), cutting off the expedition duration by almost half. It is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalayas which significantly reduces the strains of one of the hardest trek in the world. Plus, the bird-eye view of the magnificent massifs, moving across high-altitude civilizations to the deep valleys and green hills from the helicopter on the return flight, is a perfect way to conclude the high Himalayan expedition.

Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return Highlights

• Scenic flyover to the high-altitude Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla
• Expedition in one the most popular trekking route in the world towards Mt. Everest
• The base camp of the world’s tallest snow-capped wonder, Everest Base Camp (5,360 meters)
• Unspoiled beauty of the Himalayan region, their immersive culture, and traditions
• Namche Bazaar, one of the major Sherpa community settlements and the highest trade center in the world
• World’s highest national park, Sagarmatha National Park which also been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tengboche Monastery, the world’s oldest and biggest Buddhist monastery
• Spending quality time at the famous high-altitude villages like Tenngboche, Phakding, Dingboche, and Lubuche
• Rewarding view of mountain ranges of the Himalayas like Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, Island Peak including Mt. Everest, and many more
• Exploration of the up-close magnificence of Mt. Everest, Everest Base Camp (5,360 meters), and Kalapatthar (5,545 meters)
• Khumbu glaciers, the biggest and longest glaciers in Nepal
• Hillary Museum, that highlights the Sherpa culture, traditions, arts, and architecture
• Flight back straight from Gorekshep without the need of retracing steps back to the starting point
• Flight over the massifs of the Himalayas and scenic views of the diverse landscapes, green hills, bustling valleys, soaring rivers, and streams on the way back home

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Best Time For Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return

There are generally two best seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, the first being the Spring Season (March to May) and the second, Autumn Season (September to November). Both of these seasons are the peak climbing and trekking season in Nepal, so expect a little bit of traffic and crowd along the trail.

Trekking in both Spring and Autumn seasons has its own perks and downside. The spring season offers great visibility and warm and sunny days on average. The Everest region itself comes alive in this season, treating you with spring flowers, canopies of red and pink rhododendrons mixing well with the green lush terrain.

And, the light scent of the Himalayan magnificence makes an expedition in this season an immersive unforgettable experience. The only downfall in this season is the heat haze during late April and May which can be more challenging than the cool breeze in autumn. And, during cloudy days, there are high chances for the hidden mountain peaks.

Similarly, autumn, another peak season for trekking in Nepal, is famous for the pleasant daytime temperatures and cool-chilly morning & night. The stable weather also provides greater visibility of the mountain region than any other season. Known as the post-monsoon season, around this time there is very less probability of rainfall, the maximum temperature in the region during the daytime is around 14°C and -10°C during the night time.

In addition, it is also possible for trekking at Everest Base Camp during off-seasons for trekking like Monsoon (June to August) and Winter (December to February) seasons. But, the expedition on the high altitude region in these off-seasons has several risks and complications. Generally, in the monsoon, continuous rainfall can be a mood killer, and the risk of sudden landslides and blockages en route won’t be a fond memory either. Still, if you don’t mind getting drenched in the rain and the muddy trails, this season will reward you with spectacular views of the Himalayas and peaceful less crowded routes.

On the other, the Winter season sees some of the coldest days in the region where the temperature can drop as low as -17⁰C. Although it is one of the most difficult seasons to explore the Himalayan region, it is not completely impossible. Winter is when the mountain region is at its pinnacle, there are very few enthusiasts who take up challenges to the mountain in this season. With the right gear and preparation to deal with the cold and snow, the Everest Base Camp trek is still doable.

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Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp has been graded as moderately difficult, although the segments of the trek don't demand any technical or mountaineering expertise. However, the diverse rugged landscapes and significant altitude gain can be a bit too much if you are not well prepared for the expedition.

Most people, who have previous trekking experience generalize the expedition as the ‘Trek to the base camp, not the summit of Mt. Everest’, however, if not well prepared, even the foothills of Everest can push your body to its limit. The trails to the highest mountain in the world needs to be respected and given considerable time to prepare for. With the right amount of physical training and determination, reaching the foothills of the magnificent Everest isn’t a far-fetched dream.

Some Helpful Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek

• To prepare for the trek walk 4km- 7km per day or at least a few hours carrying a backpack or rucksacks in the hiking boot (will be best if you can do it in natural inclining structures)
• Start your preparation early, not just a week before the flight (at least 8-12 weeks of preparation will get your body customed to hike carrying weight)
• Get your gear early and do a throughout inspection before heading out on the expedition, check the comfort level it is very crucial
• Make sure to pack the right clothes and essentials for the adventure
• Eat right and keep yourself hydrated, it is very important to fuel yourself with nutritious food and stay hydrated in the high altitude region to avoid altitude sickness and regular illness
• Get your vaccinations beforehand (optional), you can look up the recommended vaccination for your trek
• Take it slow, don’t rush or exert yourself, the trekking expeditions are designed for slow-paced hiking and have enough days for the acclimatization process
• Always put your safety first, don’t risk yourself at the edges of cliffs and hills or set out on self-exploration without consulting the guide
• Check your oxygen saturation regularly (we provide an oximeter to check the oxygen saturation level and pulse of trekkers throughout the journey, twice a day)
• Learn about the emergency helicopter evacuation and get travel insurance (just in case)
• Decide the right season to trek in the Everest region, if you have any medical conditions consult your physician’s recommendation for the trek
• Always hire a professional team from a Government registered agency to avoid any further complications in the adventure
• You can take breaks during the trekking, however, be mindful of the itineraries and trek end points of the day (trekking in the dark on the rugged landscapes of the high Himalayas can be both difficult and risky)
• Take deep breaths, experienced mountaineers recommend taking deep breathes through the nose and exhaling from the mouth
• In case of any issues or discomfort, communicate with the expedition team guide and leaders immediately
• Check out mountaineers and trekkers groups and forums for their recommendations, tips, and experience in the region
• And, enjoy the adventure to the foothills of the greatest snowy peak in the world

Everest Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return Equipment Checklists

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is one of the most amazing and unique expeditions on the lap of the Himalayas. Although it is a relatively shorter trek compared to other variations, you still need to pack your equipment and luggage carefully.

Here we have listed some of the basic essentials you can cross-reference in your check-list:

Clothing

• Sun hat, wool hat, and neckband or bandana
• Extra pairs of undergarments
• Trekking shirts
• Fleece jacket, light down jacket, and waterproof jacket
• Heavy down jacket and heave-weight trousers for higher altitudes
• Hiking socks, thermal socks, and gaiters
• Full hiking boots (break them during preparation)\
• Lightweight sports shoes and camp shoes (for acclimatization days and camp)
• Inner and outer gloves

Personal Supplies

• Toothbrush, paste, and small mirror
• Quick dry towels
• Lotion, moisturizers, and lip balms
• Hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and toilet paper
• Bio-degradable soaps and shampoo
• Dust masks
• Nail clippers
• Light healthy snacks
• Any personal medications

Accessories

• Backpack or travel bags
• Sleeping bag (fours-season sleeping bag)
• UV protection sunglasses
• Headlamp with extra pair of batteries
• Waterbottle and thermos to keep yourself hydrated
• Solar chargers or portable power banks
• Extra battery backup (carry a few for your equipment, just in case)
• Trekking poles
• Laundry, ziplock, and plastic bags
• Earplug and eyemask for light sleepers
• Games, journals, pens, and reading materials
• Duct tape and sewing kit
• Small First-Aid box

If you are looking for adventures in the Everest Region, you can check out our custom-tailored packages designed to meet the needs of every adventurous enthusiast.