Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return

Our Sherpa guides, born and raised in Khumbu village, bring years of experience and deep local knowledge to your Everest adventure.

We focus on your safety every step of the way. With carefully planned itineraries, well-managed tea house stays, and small group sizes, you get a more personal and enjoyable experience.

Our support team is available around the clock, so you're never alone on your journey.

With over 2,300 five-star reviews, travelers consistently trust us to guide them safely to Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return.

Our Heli Everest Trek typically welcomes small groups, with an average of eight trekkers and a maximum of ten. Following Nepal Hiking Team’s commitment, we operate all scheduled departures on time, no matter the group size.

For those seeking a more personal journey, we also offer a solo trekking option designed for maximum flexibility and focus.

All bookings are fully guaranteed, and every Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek package comes with confirmed arrangements. In rare situations such as political unrest or natural disasters, we’ll promptly suggest safe and suitable alternatives.

Absolutely, we’re happy to welcome solo trekkers on any of our group departures. If you happen to be the only one booked on your selected date, we’ll still operate the EBC Heli Trek just for you, at solo rates and with full support every step of the way.

Yes, we organize private EBC Heli Treks tailored for families, friends, and solo travelers. For groups of two or more, we offer flexible departure dates and a pace that suits your preferences. There's no need to worry about group size, we’ll make sure everyone in your group stays together.

If you're traveling solo, private treks are still available, though an additional cost applies to cover the personalized arrangements.

The 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek provides the traditional mountain journey. You hike to base camp and walk back down completely on foot. This longer schedule gives you more time to visit authentic Sherpa villages and build real relationships with local people. The gradual return helps you enjoy the amazing culture and beautiful scenery without feeling rushed.

The 12-day Heli Return trip follows the same route going up. But instead of walking back, you fly by helicopter from Gorakshep to Lukla. This saves days of hiking while adding comfort and convenience to your return trip.

The main difference comes down to your return journey and where you spend your nights. The 12-day Heli Shuttle Trek has you staying overnight in Lukla after your helicopter ride from Gorakshep, then catching a regular flight back to Kathmandu the following morning.

The 11-day Everest Base Camp Heli Trek takes a more comfortable approach with two nights at a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu plus a direct helicopter ride from Gorakshep straight to Lukla and to  Kathmandu. This means you skip the Lukla overnight stay completely and save time on your way back.

Our friendly recommendation: Both trips don't include backup days before or after your trek. We really suggest adding one extra day in Kathmandu after your adventure, just to be safe with any potential delays.

Most nationalities from the world can get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. To prepare, complete the online application form ahead of time and have cash or a card ready for payment. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and has at least one page for the visa stamp.

For more detailed information, please visit our Nepal Visa Information page.

Yes, we offer both airport pickup and drop-off for all 12-day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek bookings. When you arrive, a team representative will be there waiting for you outside the airport holding a “Nepal Hiking Team” sign.

At the end of your trip, we’ll arrange your transport to the airport about three hours before your flight. If you arrive early or choose to extend your stay, we’re happy to adjust the schedule to suit your plans.

Our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek package includes two nights’ accommodation at 3-star hotels in Thamel, such as the Woodapple Hotel & Spa.

As per your preference, we can upgrade your stay to 4- or 5-star hotels upon request. Please note that upgrades come with an additional cost based on your choice of hotel.

Accommodation costs USD 45 per night for a single room or USD 50 for a twin or double room. This price includes breakfast and all taxes.

If you choose to arrive early or extend your stay after the trek, our team will be happy to assist with your reservation.

During the pre-trek briefing, you'll meet your guide, submit your passport and a copy of your travel insurance, and settle any remaining balance for the trek, if applicable. Our guide will also check your gear to ensure you're fully prepared for the journey.

We’ll provide essential items, including a down jacket, sleeping bag, cap, sun hat, a detailed map of the 12-day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek itinerary, and a duffel bag. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with our team, we’re here to help.

You can book our EBC Heli Trek by filling out your trip information along with traveler details. Flight and insurance information can be provided later. A 20% deposit is required to secure your booking, and once that’s completed, your trip will be officially confirmed.

Upon arrival, you’re welcome to settle the remaining balance using either cash or card, whichever is most convenient for you.

The 20% deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your trip for any reason, including illness, injury, or unexpected events. However, we deeply value our clients and are happy to offer full credit valid with no expiry for any future trips you choose to take with us.

Direct flights to Lukla are available only during the low season. During peak months March to May and September to November flights operate through Ramechhap Airport, which is about a five-hour drive from Kathmandu.

To catch the morning flight from Ramechhap, we usually depart Kathmandu between 1:00 and 2:00 AM. Exact timing will be shared with you during the pre-trek briefing for your convenience.

The flight from Gorakshep to Lukla takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, while returning by helicopter.

We can arrange a helicopter ride for an additional charge of $450 per person in case of a cancellation or delay, all group members must agree to it together. If even one member chooses not to take the helicopter, we will simply reschedule the flight for the following day.

Yes, helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are available at around USD 450 per person for a one-way trip. It’s important to request this service in advance so we can secure the booking and ensure availability.

The Everest Base Camp Heli Shuttle Trek is considered moderate to strenuous due to the high altitudes, rugged terrain, and daily walks of about 6 to 7 hours, covering 10 to 11 kilometers each day. No prior experience is required, but being physically fit and active will help you enjoy the trek comfortably. The helicopter return option makes the journey less tiring by replacing the long and challenging walk back with a quick, scenic flight.

No official age restrictions exist for this trek. Our guides have successfully led adventurers ranging from 4-year-olds to those over 70 years old.

Physical condition and overall health prove more crucial than age when tackling this high-elevation journey. For this reason, we provide a complete Everest Base Camp Heli Tour designed specifically for older travelers and young children. Safety protocols require children under 16 to trek alongside their parents throughout the expedition.

Begin training 4 to 6 weeks before your EBC Heli Trek. Focus on cardio workouts like stair climbing and jogging, along with weekly hikes lasting 5 to 6 hours while carrying a loaded pack.

Be sure to break in your hiking boots to help prevent blisters. Equally important is mental preparation, building strong willpower will support you throughout the trek.

All participants of the EBC Heli Trek must have travel insurance. Your policy needs to cover trekking at high altitudes up to 6,000 meters, as well as emergency evacuation and helicopter rescue.

We suggest selecting insurance from well-known international companies like Genki Traveler, AXA, Allianz, and World Nomads.

To help you choose, we’ve put together a list of recommended insurance providers based on reviews from our previous trekkers.

Our licensed Sherpa guides bring decades of experience in high-altitude trekking. They carry first aid kits and oximeters to regularly monitor your oxygen levels. This allows us to keep a close eye on your health and act quickly if signs of altitude sickness appear.

We provide a detailed itinerary that includes two acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help your body adjust safely. If any trekker feels unwell, we adjust the pace, allowing extra rest or arranging a descent if necessary.

All our guides are highly trained to make decisions that prioritize your safety and well-being. We also carefully choose teahouses known for their cleanliness and reliability.

In serious emergencies, we coordinate helicopter evacuations. These safety measures are standard in every Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return we offer.

The ideal seasons for this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). You can expect stable weather, clear Himalayan views, and perfect trekking conditions in the Everest region.

Yes, trekking during summer and winter is possible, but each season brings its own challenges. In summer, flights may be delayed or canceled due to rain. Winter trails can be icy, and sometimes snow may block the path.

On the plus side, these seasons offer a quieter experience with fewer crowds. With proper preparation and the right gear, our team ensures you can safely enjoy the Everest Base Camp trek any time of the year.

Vaccinations are not mandatory to enter Nepal or to take part in the Everest Base Camp Heli Shuttle Trek. However, because stray dogs are common in Sherpa villages, you might want to consider getting a rabies vaccine. It’s best for you to consult with your doctor for personalized advice.

We recommend trekking at a steady pace, staying well hydrated, following the acclimatization schedule, and eating a balanced diet. Drinking 4 to 5 liters of water daily and avoiding alcohol are also important. Our Heli Everest Trek itinerary includes planned rest days to help your body adjust. If you ever feel unwell, don’t hesitate to inform our guides.

They will regularly check your oxygen levels and watch for signs of altitude sickness. In case of emergencies, we provide helicopter evacuation to ensure your safety.

No worries at all, our friendly guides have got your back when crossing those suspension bridges! After the first few shaky steps, you’ll be crossing like a pro and might even enjoy the little adrenaline rush.

In our trekking plan, you’ll have two rest days, one in Namche Bazaar and another in Dingboche. These acclimatization days give your body time to adjust to the higher altitude and help prevent altitude sickness.

Our experienced porter will carry shared gear for two trekkers, with a maximum weight of 25 kilograms. You only need to carry a personal daypack during the trek. Since your porter will usually be ahead, we recommend keeping essentials like your water bottle, phone, camera, and energy bar with you until you reach your destination.

For Lukla flights during the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return, the standard luggage allowance is 15 kilograms per person. If your baggage exceeds this limit, the airline might charge extra fees or send your bag on a later flight, depending on available space.

Yes, you can store your extra luggage for free in the hotel’s safe locker in Kathmandu. You’ll be able to pick up your bags when you return from the trek. This allows you to travel light and makes your journey much more convenient.

Yes, for the EBC Heli Trek, we provide a sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag. Our sleeping bags and jackets are specially made by Nepal Hiking Team and rated for temperatures down to -15°C. You’ll also receive a detailed trek map, plus a complimentary Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt and cap.

Yes, we proudly present you with a certificate to recognize your incredible dedication in completing the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek.

We provide twin-sharing lodges that include basic comforts such as proper beds, mattresses, and clean sheets. In lower villages like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, you’ll enjoy private bathrooms with hot showers. However, as you trek higher beyond Namche Bazaar, facilities become simpler, with shared toilets and more basic rooms.

Yes! You can buy local NTC and Ncell SIM cards in Kathmandu or get data cards from Everest Link or Nepal Airlink at teahouses along the trek. Prices range from USD 10 to 15 for 7–10 GB and USD 15 to 20 for 20 GB. This ensures you stay connected with your friends, family, and important contacts throughout your journey.

Yes, you can charge your devices at most teahouses for NPR 200 to 500 per device. Since solar power at high altitudes can be affected by weather, it’s a good idea to bring a power bank as a backup.

Yes, overnight stays at Everest Base Camp can be arranged through private bookings for groups of two or more, with an extra fee of USD 450 per person. This package includes tent accommodation provided by our expedition crew.

We discourage this option, though, given the serious altitude risks at the 5,364-meter elevation.

Yes, most teahouses in Lukla, Phakding, Namche, and along the trek have Western-style toilets. However, during winter, higher elevations may have squat toilets because pipes can freeze.

Our package includes twin-sharing rooms by default. If you prefer a private room, it’s available for an additional $250, depending on availability.

Teahouse menus offer a variety of cuisines, including Nepali, Indian, Italian, and Chinese. You can also enjoy desserts and cold drinks to suit your taste. All meals are prepared in real time and designed to keep you energized during high-altitude trekking.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available throughout your mountain journey. Should you have allergies or particular food requirements, please notify us in advance. This advance notice allows us to coordinate with mountain lodges for proper meal preparation during your trek.

Important: Inform your guides about any food allergies upon meeting them. They will ensure your meals remain safe and appropriate for your dietary restrictions.

You have several options for drinking water during the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return. We highly recommend using spring water treated with the purification tablets provided by our guide, or bringing a filtered water bottle for convenience. Boiled water can also be purchased at mountain teahouses during your trek.

Though bottled water remains available for purchase, we discourage this choice because of increased expenses and negative environmental effects on the pristine mountain region.

Absolutely! We provide full customization options, letting you modify the trek pace, insert additional rest days, and incorporate Kathmandu city exploration. We shape each journey according to your personal wishes. This flexibility applies exclusively to private expeditions, while group trekkers follow our standard schedule.

Yes, we can arrange a Kathmandu day tour for $120, either before or after your EBC trek. This tour includes visits to some of the city’s most sacred and UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you choose to extend your stay beyond a day, we’d be happy to offer additional day tours to Bhaktapur and Patan, also priced at $120 each.

We suggest tipping your guides and porters at Gorakshep during your farewell. The amount remains completely your choice and should match your budget, experience satisfaction, and service quality received. Gratuities serve as a heartfelt way to recognize their commitment and hard work in ensuring your trek stays safe and enjoyable throughout the journey.

We recommend carrying around NPR 25,000 for mountain expenses like Wi-Fi, hot showers, device charging, and snacks. ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar are often unreliable or offline, so it’s best to withdraw the necessary cash from an ATM in Kathmandu before your trek begins.