Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return (12 Days)
The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is a 12-day package: walk up from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then fly back from Gorakshep to Kathmandu, saving three to four days of descent.
- Pick-up
- Kathmandu
- Drop-off
- Gorakshep
- Flight option
- Group Sharing Helicopter Flight
- One-way price
- US$ 2280
- Fleet
- Airbus and Bell
- Flight type
- Sharing Heli Flight
Questions and answers
How much time does the helicopter return save?
The walk from Gorakshep back to Lukla takes about three to four days. The helicopter replaces it with a flight of under an hour.
Is the helicopter guaranteed?
No. Flights depend on weather and visibility. Keep a spare day and carry insurance that covers helicopter use.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No technical skills are needed, but you should be fit enough to walk 5-7 hours a day at altitude.
Can I fly out earlier from Lobuche or Pheriche?
Yes. We run flights from Lobuche, Pheriche and Dingboche for trekkers with altitude problems or time constraints.
The classic Everest Base Camp trek takes about 14 days. The hardest part for many trekkers is the long walk down. Replacing it with a helicopter flight from Gorakshep cuts the trip to 12 days and removes most of the knee-pounding descent.
You walk the full ascent through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche, reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), and then fly out as soon as weather allows. The flight is also a good insurance policy against Lukla weather delays.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return (12 Days) at a glance
| Route | Kathmandu to Gorakshep |
| Duration | 12 days |
| Highest point | 5,545 m (Kala Patthar) |
| Group sharing price | From US$2,280 per person |
| Best season | March to May and September to November for stable weather and clear views. |
| Suits | Trekkers who want the full ascent experience but not the long descent, or who are short on time. |
Highlights
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) on foot
- Tenzing-Hillary suspension bridge, Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery
- Two acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche
- Helicopter return from Gorakshep, saving 3-4 days
- Licensed guide, porters and permits
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, briefing and hotel.
- Day 2: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding.
- Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
- Day 4: Acclimatisation day with a hike towards Hotel Everest View.
- Day 5: Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m).
- Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m).
- Day 7: Acclimatisation day at Dingboche.
- Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m).
- Day 9: Lobuche to Gorakshep, then Everest Base Camp and back.
- Day 10: Sunrise at Kala Patthar, then helicopter flight to Kathmandu.
- Day 11: Spare day for weather or free time in Kathmandu.
- Day 12: Departure.
What is included
- Airport transfers and hotel nights in Kathmandu
- Domestic flight Kathmandu-Lukla and shared helicopter return from Gorakshep
- Tea-house lodging and meals during the trek
- Licensed guide, porters, permits and TIMS card
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag loan
What is not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
- Personal gear, tips, laundry and snacks
- Costs from weather delays
Best time to go
March to May and September to November for stable weather and clear views.
How to book
Send the request form on this page or call or WhatsApp +977 9841868910 with your dates, group size and passenger weights. We confirm availability and the final price before you pay. If weather prevents flying, we reschedule to the next suitable window, so keep a spare day in your plans and carry travel insurance that covers helicopter use and evacuation.
Related helicopter trips
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Flight Option |
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| 1 |
Group Sharing Helicopter Flight in Nepal |
US$ 2280 |
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