10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla is ideal for people wishing to trek and experience riding a helicopter at once. You will trek to Everest Base Camp and later return to Lukla using a helicopter with this package.

The trek is also great for travelers with limited holidays or wishing to save time. You do not return following the same path; instead, make it more interesting by flying over the region.

The trip begins with a plane ride from Kathmandu to Lukla and then a trek to Phakding. From there, you head towards Namche and rest there. Then following the trails, you hike to Tengboche and visit its ancient monastery.

The next day, you trek to Dingboche and hold your second acclimatization there. From here, you continue the journey to Lobuche, then to Gorak Shep, and finally, hike up to Everest Base Camp.

Reaching the base camp, you enjoy some time there and retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep. The next day, you wake up early and hike to Kala Patthar for a sunrise view and return to Gorak Shep.

Then you board the helicopter back to Lukla and catch the flight to Kathmandu, ending the trek the next day. 10 Days Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return to Lukla brought to you by Exciting Nepal is a lifetime experience you should not miss.

Note: If you want to fly direct to Kathmandu by Helicopter; refer to our package: 9 days Everest base camp trek with Helicopter return.

Highlights

• Do two activities (trekking and flying in a helicopter) in a single trip.
• View scenic aerial sights of the Khumbu region
• Trek through beautiful dense forests and pass several traditional villages
• Enjoy the helicopter ride to Lukla
• Visit the most extensive Sherpa Town of this region, Namche Bazaar
• Reach the foot of the world’s higest Himalaya
• Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view from Kala Patthar
• View several snowy peaks like Everest, Lobuche, Nuptse, Lhotse, and more
• Pass through the dense forest of Sagarmatha National Park

Best time for 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return to Lukla

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is a mix-up of walking and helicopter ride, so you need to travel in months when both are suitable. Thus, according to many travelers, spring and autumn is the best time for 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter return to Lukla.

Spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are the peak seasons in the year. These seasons have the best months with stable weather and temperature.

Spring is the beginning of a new era that brings nature greenery, flower buds, and warmth. The winter cold slowly dies and increases the temperature with each passing day. The sky is clear, sunny, bright, and the heat ranges from 26 degrees to 11 degrees.

Autumn is the season after the monsoon, so the months have a fresh start. The rainfall washes away all pollution and dirt, giving nature an unmistakable look. It is sunny, warm, and bright, making the trek cozy. The temperature ranges from 18 degrees to 7 degrees.

Both seasons are perfect for Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla. Similarly, winter (December, January, and February) is also suitable for this trip if you can handle the cold. The daytime is bright, but snowfall in higher altitudes can cause disappointment. The temperature ranges between 5 degrees to -8 degrees.

However, monsoon (June, July, and August) is the least preferred season for Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return to Lukla. Its months have heavy rainfall with dark clouds that obstruct the view. The temperature ranges from 15 degrees to 9 degrees.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Plane from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then walk to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep.
Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar, then back to Gorak Shep and Helicopter ride down to Lukla
Day 10: Catch a flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Plane from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

Lukla altitude: 2860 m above sea level

Flight time: 30 minutes

Phakding height: 2610 m above sea level

Trek time: 3 to 4 hours

Overnight at Phakding

The 10 Days Everest Base Camp Heli tour begins with an exciting flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. There are no other transportation choices for travelers who wish to start their journey from Lukla.

So, you need to wake up before dawn, get ready and wait for your guide in the lobby. They will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport to board the flight.

The drive is fast and smooth due to less traffic in the mornings. Arriving at the entrance, you proceed ahead to complete the entry procedure and board the plane to Lukla.

Taking off, the flight soars into the sky, showing you many beautiful views of nature. The scenic sight of mountains, valleys, and landscapes excites you for the trip ahead.

Seeing the beauty of nature, you land at Lukla airport, famous for its narrow and short runway. You meet up with the rest of the crew and introduce each other over breakfast.

After a full tummy, you begin the 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return to Lukla. You head north of the town and descend the narrow path to the rural municipality office using the stone stairs.

You purchase your entry pass and continue through the dense forest, leaving Lukla behind. You pass several small villages and cross the first suspension bridge now and then.

From here, you keep moving downhill, passing several prayer flags, entering dense forests, and crossing bridges. After walking for a couple of hours, you slightly climb and reach Phakding.

You settle into your guesthouse and rest for the afternoon. Later in the evening, you roam around the town and visit nearby viewpoints.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Namche altitude: 3440 m above sea level

Trek time: 5 to 6 hours

Overnight at Namche

You leave right after breakfast and make your way to Namche Bazaar from Phakding. Today, the trails are a bit longer and more demanding as you gain a sudden 800 m in these trails.

After leaving the town, you cross over the Dudh Koshi river and steadily follow the undulating west side path. You walk the dusty trail along the streaming Dudh Koshi river through the rhododendron forest route.

The trail leads you through forests and passes several small villages like Tok Tok. Continuing further, you walk past the big waterfall and do several ascents plus descent through stone stairs and some dusty routes to Benkar.

From here, you pass back over the Dudh Koshi River and head towards Choma. Then, entering dense forests and crossing suspension bridges, you reach Monjo and stop for lunch.

After a delicious meal, you pass the village and reach the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint. You verify and show your permits here, then enter the park's gates.

You begin to get more glimpses of snowy mountains on the trails from here onwards. The paths make you cross several suspension bridges and pass dense wild flora and fauna forests.

As you continue walking forward, you cross the famous Hilary suspension bridge and head to Jorsale. The path gets steep and zigzagged from here, but the view of Taboche keeps you on your feet.

Slowly making your way through the steep trail, you are offered the first glimpse of Everest before you arrive at Namche Bazaar. This beautiful place is the largest Sherpa town in the Khumbu region.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

Everest View Hotel altitude: 3962 m above sea level

Overnight at Namche Bazaar

Today is your first acclimatization here at Namche to let your body naturally adjust to the lower oxygen level. It is necessary before you climb to higher altitudes.

On this day, you do not rest but hike to nearby hill points or high-altitude villages. Many people walk to Khumjung or Syangboche town to visit the famous museum, monastery, or the world's highest hotel.

After breakfast, you carry your day bag and start hiking uphill from the town and reach the aerial viewpoint of Namche. As you keep climbing gradually, the tree size reduces, offering more views of the Himalayas.

After a few hours, you reach the Syangboche airstrip and head north through the barren meadows towards Everest View Hotel. This beautiful place offers a close-up view of Mount Everest and other peaks.

You can enjoy the view while sipping your coffee and having your lunch. After spending some time in the hotel, you retrace your steps back to the town and explore it.

Namche also offers a fantastic time in its wifi cafes and restaurants. This is the last place with modern technology on the trails, so enjoy your time here.

Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Tengboche altitude: 3860 m above sea level

Trek time: 5 to 6 hours

Overnight at Tengboche

After two beautiful nights at Namche Bazaar, you head towards Tengboche from there. You have your breakfast, then ascend the hill using the stone steps.

The route from Namche to Tengboche has some of the most scenic sights. After climbing for half an hour, you reach a flat trail and walk along the unending ridgeline viewing a panoramic vista.

Then you descend the trail through a dense forest of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines. You reach a river and cross over it using the suspension bridge to continue the walk.

From here, you begin to make a steep ascent, passing prayer flags, and reach a viewpoint offering an incredible vista of the mountains. Then, moving ahead, you make a slight descent and get to Sansa.

You have your lunch here and later walk out of the village and take the uphill trails that lead to Everest Base Camp. You continue to walk uphill via the dusty trail and reach the entrance of Tengboche.

Tengboche is a beautiful village in a vast pastoral land with an ancient monastery. You get to enjoy the beauty of mountains and landscapes in the backdrop.

Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Dingboche altitude: 4410 m above sea level

Trek time: 6 to 7 hours

Overnight at Dingboche

Today, you wake up early and visit the Tengboche monastery to pray for a successful trek to Everest Base Camp. After prayer, you return to the village and have your breakfast.

Then fill your tummy; you descend the dusty trail through the colorful forest and reach Pangboche. From here, you begin to climb uphill, seeing the mesmerizing scenarios and crossing over a river.

Then followed by another steep climb, you pass through the rocky section to a vantage point, where the exotic sight of Mt. Ama Dablam refreshes you. Now gently ascending the trails for another 30 minutes and more, you arrive at Dingboche village.

Dingboche is a beautiful village with a vast settlement located above 4000 m altitude. It also has an ancient monastery like Tengboche.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche

Nagarjuna Hill altitude: 5050 m above sea level

Overnight at Dingboche

It's your second acclimatization in the 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return to Lukla. You will be hiking up to Nagarjuna Hill on this day to let your body adjust to a higher altitude.

You wake up early this morning, eat your breakfast, and begin your hike to Nagarjuna hill. It is a 3 to 4 hours walk from Dingboche to this point. You start by walking the steep slope along the dense forest.

As you climb higher in the elevation, you are projected with amazing views of the landscapes. Gradually climbing the trails, you walk, enjoying the mesmerizing view of Pheriche valley, and reach the top of Nagarjuna Hill.

Reaching the summit,, you are welcomed with the impressive view of Lobuche West, Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Lobuche East, and Taboche. Enjoying your time up there, you have your lunch and later descend back to Dingboche.

Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

Lobuche altitude: 4940 m above sea level

Trek time: 4 to 5 hours

Overnight at Lobuche

After breakfast, you start the trek towards Lobuche from Dingboche. You head out of the village and get the view of two gigantic peaks, Arakam Tse and Tabuchi, on your left.

Viewing the breathtaking sight, you slowly walk the trails for about two hours and arrive at Thukla. Then, you have your lunch there and head out to climb the steep paths to Dugla Pass (4830 m).

Reaching the summit, you see a memorial park and continue ascending the trails until you reach the Khumbu glacial moraine and get the first glimpse of Kala Patthar.

You walk for about half an hour and reach Lobuche by viewing the scene. You check in to your hotel and head out to explore the area.

Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then walk to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep.

Gorak Shep altitude: 5164 m above sea level

Trek time: 4 to 5 hours

Everest Base Camp altitude: 5364 m above sea level

Hike time: 2 to 3 hours

Overnight at Gorak Shep

Finally, your most awaited day has arrived after several challenging walks. Today, you head towards Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep. The excitement of reaching the base camp will keep you on your feet.

After breakfast, you begin the trek by walking through flat land and gradually climbing the Khumbu Glacier trail. While moving ahead, you cross over the mass of glacier rugged sediment and reach a rough path.

You climb the trials for several hours following the dusty, rugged path and reach Gorakshep. Arriving here, you leave your bag in the tea house and consume your lunch.

After lunch, you prepare to make the hike up to Everest Base Camp. Slowly walking the paths, you gradually ascend the steep trail and reach your destination.

Reaching the top fills you with an overwhelming feeling of excitement. Arriving at the base of the world's highest mountain, you are welcomed with a breathtaking view of magnificent peaks.

You get the view of Lobuche, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks from the top. After enjoying the view and taking some pictures, you descend the trails, returning to Gorak Shep.

Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar, then back to Gorak Shep and Helicopter ride down to Lukla

Kala Patthar altitude: 5644 m above sea level

Hike time: 2 hours

Helicopter flight time: 15 to 20 minutes

Overnight at Lukla

Today, you wake with a bit of disappointment as the trip is nearly coming to its end. You will first hike to Kala Patthar, so you wake up before dawn and begin to climb uphill the trails.

Walking the steep slope, you climb slowly and steadily to the top. After one hour or so, you reach the summit of Kala Patthar to view the sunrise. The sight of the sun rising behind the mountains and shining its golden rays towards the valley mesmerizes you.

You get to see the close-up view of Mount Everest along with Lobuche, Nuptse, and more from this viewpoint. Spending some time here, you take pictures and enjoy the scenarios before descending back to Gorak Shep.

Arriving at Gorak Shep, you have your breakfast and later get ready to fly back to Lukla via Helicopter. Seeing the beautiful aerial view of Khumbu valley, you arrive at your destination.

You spend the remaining day resting and exploring the village. Take your time and enjoy your moments in the Everest region.

Day 10: Catch a flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla

Kathmandu altitude: 1400 m above sea level

Overnight at Kathmandu

Today, you wake up early, have your breakfast, and get ready to catch your flight back to Kathmandu. You return to viewing the beautiful scenarios of mountains, valleys, and landscapes.

Viewing the same scenarios, you arrive at Kathmandu, ending your 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter return to Lukla.

How complex is 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return to Lukla?

EBC trek is arduous because reaching above 5000 m is not easy but somewhat nerve-racking. The trip has several steep up, down, sharp twists, and turns that make any trekker hopeless.

But, it doesn't make the trek impossible, as you can complete it with proper physical training and the right mindset. The walk is graded moderate level making it suitable for all trekkers.

Overall, the trip has mild challenges, and everyone in their proper health can do it with ease.

Food and Accommodation During the Trip

Everest Base Camp is a tea house trek, so your accommodation will be in simple inns having basic amenities. There are no five-star hotels on the trails, but you will find three-star hotels till Namche Bazaar.

The tea houses are managed and built by locals, so it has a cozy and warm feeling to it. The rooms are twin sharing with no attached bathroom at a higher altitude.

In each room, you will find a wooden bed with a simple mattress or foam pad, blankets, and pillows. The accommodation services are essential but very comfortable.

Similarly, the tea houses in lower regions have attached bathrooms and common ones in higher areas. All places provide hot showers in a tap or bucket but with an extra charge.

Likewise, you won't find many western cuisines options on the trails; instead, you get to try different breakfast and lunch meals each day. Moreover, for dinner, you only eat traditional Nepali khana sets.

During breakfast, you eat toast, bread with jam, pancakes, parathas, roti, curry, scrambled egg, boiled egg, oats, cornflakes, and more. Similarly, during lunch, you have fried rice, chowmein, momo, pasta, macaroni, spaghetti, sandwich, etc.

The dinner menu has carbohydrate khana sets consisting of rice, dal, egg curry, pickles, spinach, curd, ghee, and other side dishes.

Difficulties You Might Faced During the Trek

Weather and temperature

The Everest Base Camp Trek is doable but not due to bad weather and temperature throughout the year. Spring and autumn have the best climatic conditions, while winter and monsoon are terrible.

You will come across heaps of snow and freezing temperatures during winter. Similarly, the heavy rainfall, landslides, and floods will disturb you during the monsoon.

The chances of flight cancellation and delays are also high in these seasons. You should know that weather and temperature can change the outcome of your trip. So, traveling during bad conditions can disappoint you because of route or view blockage.

It is non-viable to predict the weather, but you can learn about the best month beforehand to have a memorable trip.

Accommodation

Many trekkers do not know that accommodation can also cause difficulty during the EBC trek. If you are traveling in peak seasons, then finding rooms on the spot is a significant hassle.

During peak seasons, all rooms are packed and booked in advance. So, without booking, you might have to sleep on the dining or lobby floor. Sometimes, the floors are also packed, leaving you no choice but to tent outside.

Plus, if you manage to find accommodation, you have to share it with other trekkers, so there will be no privacy in rooms. Thus, finding accommodation on the spot during peak seasons will be harsh.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is by far the most common difficulty in the 10 days Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla. Trekkers get altitude sickness when traveling above 3500 m, and you reach above 5000 m on this trip.

So, the chances of suffering from acute mountain sickness are high during the trek. However, not every trekker suffers from it, only those with weak health or lack of acclimatization.

When suffering from AMS, people notice symptoms like headache, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, shortness of breath, and more. Altitude sickness can happen regardless of gender, age, or fitness.

So, if you notice any signs, inform your guide and listen to their instructions and follow them.

Khumbu Cough

Khumbu Cough is another difficulty faced during the Everest Heli Trek. It is a respiratory infection that is dry, non-productive, and can last up to weeks. The cough is caused due to cold temperatures in high altitudes.

Dry, persistent cough, running nose, and the expulsion of clear mucus are some of its early symptoms. If you suffer from Khumbu cough, consult your guide, as consuming typical cold medicine can cause a reaction.

Length of the trek

The typical trekking days to Everest Base Camp and back are 11 to 14 days with 5 to 6 walking hours. So, you need to cover 10 to 15 km each day on this journey.

However, you can shorten or lengthen the duration according to your requirement. But, we recommend not to, as shorter days with no acclimatization can increase the chances of AMS.

The trek will be harsher for first-timers as with fewer trekking days, the walking hour and covering distance increase. Instead of 6 hours, you will walk 8 to 9 hours and cover 30 to 35 km.

So, while selecting your itinerary, choose those with long walking days unless you are a professional.

Tips to Overcome difficulties

• Train your body with cardiovascular exercises like swimming, cycling, hiking, long hour walk, etc., to strengthen your leg and core muscles.
• Do not rush. Instead, take your time and keep enough days for acclimatization.
• Choose an itinerary that has longer days and more acclimatization.
• Keep drinking 3 to 4-liter water every day to prevent dehydration and altitude sickness as well.
• Don't drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.
• Bring extra calorie food like a nutrition bar.
• Do not eat meat as they are not fresh; instead, consume vegetables as they are organic.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Coverage is critical when going on a 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return to Lukla. Traveling without insurance will be expensive during mishaps.

Insurance covers your health problems, injuries, theft, and emergency evacuation. However, before settling for a company, make sure it covers a trek above 5000 m.

You can travel with more safety and security with insurance as it covers your hospital bills. Also, if you get injured, helicopter evacuation is available to the nearby medical institution.

Final Words

Exciting Nepal presents you with 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter return to Lukla suitable for all trekkers. You get to experience trekking and helicopter ride in the same package. So, do not miss out on this adventurous journey in the mountains.

Trip Cost US$ 2100 Per person

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes:

Start Date - End Data	Status	Cost	Book This Trip