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The Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return is an adventure that takes trekkers into Nepal’s legendary Khumbu Valley. One can see the Himalayas rise dramatically in every direction. It’s the kind of journey that includes towering peaks, ever-changing landscapes, and the warm spirit of the Sherpa people. You’ll be walking the same trails once taken by mountaineering legends like Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Just like all treks in Everest region, it all begins with a thrilling flight into Lukla, an unforgettable landing on a narrow runway.
Starting from Lukla, the path goes through thick pine forests and beautiful Sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. These mountain towns sit safely inside Sagarmatha National Park. Each day brings new sights as colorful prayer flags wave in the wind and hanging bridges cross fast-moving rivers. When you reach the Khumbu Glacier and climb up Kala Patthar, something special happens. Watching the morning sunlight up Everest and the nearby peaks in golden colors creates memories you'll never forget. The Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return spans roughly 115 kilometers (72 miles) of trekking distance. This adventure unfolds over 8–9 walking days, with daily hikes averaging 6–7 hours each. Spring and autumn months offer ideal weather conditions for this Himalayan expedition.
The helicopter return, combined with the rugged trail, makes this trek truly special and different from others. After taking in the magnificence of Everest Base Camp, followed by Kalapatthar, travelers board a helicopter and fly high above the same valleys. Seeing those deep gorges, sparkling ice formations, and towering peaks from above takes anyone's breath away. This thrilling ending saves tired legs while adding serious excitement to the adventure. EBC Trek with Heli Return mixes the rush of trekking through the Himalayas with an amazing helicopter flight over the peaks. It's something that gives you memories you'll never forget.
Adventure starts the second you land at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. One of our Nepal Hiking Team representatives will be there to meet you and take you straight to your hotel. The markets, local food spots, and all the cultural sites are a short walk away. It's the perfect time to get a feel for Kathmandu before heading into the mountains.
After spending the night in Nepal's capital, you'll catch a mountain flight to Lukla Airport. Depending on the season, this flight leaves from either Kathmandu Domestic Airport or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. Once you're on that plane, you know the real adventure is about to begin. Lukla is where it all starts for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp.
The trek kicks off from Lukla's famous mountain runway, following the Dudh Koshi River valley before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The first stop is Phakding village, where you'll get to spend the night with Sherpa families. The hospitality here is incredible, and you'll fall asleep to the sound of waterfalls with massive peaks all around you.
Next up is Namche Bazaar, this place is buzzing with activity and serves as the main trading center for the region. You'll stay here for two nights, which is essential for getting used to the altitude. After that, you can check out Hotel Everest View on acclimatization day, visit some Sherpa museums, and see the memorial stones and Buddhist stupas.
From Namche Bazaar, you head up to Tengboche Village, where monks have been looking at these mountains for generations. Everest dominates the skyline, with Nuptse and Lhotse flanking it on either side, while Thamserku rises up like a giant pyramid.
Further up the mountain, Dingboche village gives a good look at Ama Dablam, the Matterhorn of the Himalayas, and you'll see why. You might do a day hike toward Nangkartshang Peak here to help with acclimatization before pushing on to Lobuche. The landscape starts getting really wild at this point.
The final stretch to Everest Base Camp takes you right alongside the Khumbu Glacier. You'll stop at Gorak Shep first, then make that last push to Everest Base Camp itself. Standing there at the foot of Everest, looking up at the Khumbu Icefall, it's something you'll never forget.
Early morning on Kala Patthar gives you the ultimate Everest sunrise experience. All those giant peaks bathed in golden light. After soaking it all in, you'll head back to Gorak Shep, where a helicopter picks you up for an amazing flight back to Lukla, then it's back to Kathmandu the following day.
We've presented the different Everest Base Camp options. Each trekking route has its own timeline and unique highlights, making it easier to pick what works best for your schedule and trekking experience.
Our 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek follows the traditional path through Nepal's Khumbu Valley.
The timeline works out to 11 actual trekking days with two well-placed rest stops. Your journey begins with that famous flight into Lukla (departing from Ramechhap during busy seasons).
This 11-day trek gets you to the Everest region and back efficiently. You'll still earn every step to Base Camp on foot. However, instead of retracing your route, a helicopter picks you up at Gorakshep, and you’ll have a layover in Lukla. After that, you’ll have a thrilling flight back to Kathmandu.
The 12-day trek requires an overnight stay in Lukla before your flight to Kathmandu, while the 11-day version flies you straight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu by helicopter. The 11-day choice also includes two nights at a 5-star Kathmandu hotel for extra comfort.
For serious mountain enthusiasts, the Everest Chola Pass Trek is the ultimate Himalayan challenge. This 19-day expedition connects the classic Everest Base Camp route and the pristine Gokyo Valley.
Rather than visiting just one valley, you'll explore multiple glacier systems, climb several high passes, and experience everything the Everest region has to offer.
We at Nepal Hiking Team offer Everest Base Camp with Heli Return treks, led by experienced guides, accompanied by reliable porters, and supported by our dedicated logistics team.
This 12-day trek is designed with altitude safety as top priority. We adjust our pacing to match your comfort level and acclimatization needs throughout the journey. We handle the trekking portion and coordinate seamlessly with our helicopter partners to ensure a safe flight.
Trekkers can either join one of our group trips or set up their own private 12-day trek. Meanwhile, we'll make sure everything runs smoothly and safely. The helicopter pickup needs some extra planning behind the scenes, but we take care of all that so you can focus on the hike and that incredible ride back down.
You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. He will also help you get transferred to the Hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
You will have an early morning transfer to the airport for your Lukla flight. Depending on the season, you will fly either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. The flight to Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield of Lukla is at a high elevation, and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about an exceptional 60 meters only.
The atmosphere is different from Kathmandu, and you can feel the difference in the air immediately as you land at Lukla. From there, you will trek to Phakding, with an arresting, green landscape with a view of the Kusum Kanguru Himal.
From Phakding, we will follow the Dudh Koshi River. Ascending through Himalayan pine and cedar forests, we will reach the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchanged salt, dried meat, and textiles in ancient trading times.
Besides being a splendid destination to shop for traditional crafts, Namche also remains the central trading post in the Khumbu that attracts many Himalayan and lowland merchants. Namche Bazaar is located on a hillside and is structured like a natural amphitheater. The views of the Kongdi RI, Mount Everest, Thamserku, and many other peaks from here are quite fascinating. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse at Namche Bazaar.
This day is especially sectioned for acclimatization. Today, we will hike to the Syangboche Airport (3700m), supposed to be the highest located airstrip in the world. The view of Namche Bazaar from Syangboche is utterly amazing.
Then, we will continue climbing to the Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, and many other mountain peaks. The Everest View Hotel is also entered into the Guinness Book of World records as the highest located hotel in the world. It boasts views of Mount Everest from all of its windows. On the way back, we can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery.
We will continue the trek to Tengboche today. The uniform and easy trail lead us towards the view of Mount Everest, descending deep into the Dudh Koshi Valley at Pungki Thanka. From this point, it ascends the right flank of the Dudh Koshi valley to the Tengboche Monastery (3860m). The village of Tengboche is considered the spiritual center of the Khumbu.
The climb is lengthy but is more than adequately compensated by gorgeous views of Mount Ama Dablam and on a clear day, views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks as well. The views of the mountain peaks from Tengboche’s ridges are out of this world. The village is also surrounded by rhododendron and pine forests and we can catch glimpses of the Danphe bird as well in the woods.
Descending through a beautiful forest, we will cross the Imja Khola and trek through the village of Pangboche (3900m). Today is the most interesting trekking day because you will not lose altitude like on other days. You can also enjoy views of Mount Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, and many other peaks along the trail as well.
The route continues through pastures to Dingboche, known as the “Summer Valley”. It has a kilometer-long wall built on the outskirts of the village that serves as a protection for the agricultural crops against the cold winds of the region. It receives more sunlight as well. The crops planted in the village roll serenely against the mountain air.
This would be your second acclimatization day that requires about 6 hours of trekking to an altitude of 5100 meters. After breakfast, you will ascend to Nagerjun (5100m), a hill located on the flanks of the Chhukung valley directly above Dingboche.
The main aim is to climb high and sleep low. The footpath to Nagerjun becomes steep at times, resulting in a physically strenuous day. Ascending the hill could take up to 5 hours at altitude. From this altitude, there are good views of the Lobuche East (6119m), the Lobuche West (6145m), the Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), the Kangtega Himal (6685m) and the Ama Dablam (6856m). On a clear day, you can even see Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, including great views of the Pheriche Valley.
After a short rest, you will start the descent back to Dingboche. The walk back at altitude takes about 2 hours. After lunch, you can take a well-deserved rest, as afternoon temperatures could drop rapidly as the sun sets over the mountain tops.
Trekking along a broad valley floor to Dughla, we will be passing the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche (4240 m). This trek is staffed by Western volunteer doctors and supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association, which offers treatment and consultation to trekkers. Continuing up the valley, we will be gaining altitude. We will come out of the valley to descend to the yak pastures of Lobuche.
After a short climb through meadows, you can look down at the Khumbu glacier. Straight ahead lies Kalapatthar – the best vantage point to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks.
After a couple of hours, we will get to Gorakshep and continue our journey to the Everest Base Camp. There is not much elevation gain, but there are a lot of ups and downs and, combined with altitude, this can be an exhausting trek. But the journey is worth it. After approximately 3 hrs of hiking, you will arrive at the base camp. You can also enjoy a magnificent view of the Khumbu glacier and icefall, where the Everest expeditions first began.
The day starts with a hike up to Kalapatthar (5545m), the best viewpoint to witness Mount Everest in all its glory and the spectacular Himalayan range. After spending time looking at the magnificent views of the mountains from Kalapatthar, we will trek back to Gorakshep for breakfast. Then the most thrilling part of the journey commences- the helicopter ride! From Gorakshep, you will get a helicopter ride to Lukla.
The view of the mountains from the helicopter is quite amazing! Looking at the landscape below also presents splendid sights. The terrain below looks like a colorful green and white carpet laid out in the landscape. It is a matter of amazing Himalayan views and rolling hills. The helicopter view of the Himalayan Rivers is like watching a silver ribbon cutting across the land. The experience is quite enriching and full of marvelous and gorgeous sights.
You will say goodbye to the mountains and take a flight back to Ramechhap or Kathmandu from Lukla today, depending on the trekking season. The return flight to Ramechhap or Kathmandu from Lukla takes about 20/30 minutes.
Note: From March to May and September to November, all Lukla flights will be from Ramechhap, which involves a 4-hour drive.
Breakfast at the hotel, and approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport for your departure.
We've designed our Everest Heli Trek itinerary with careful altitude progression to prioritize your safety throughout the journey. Trekkers worldwide trust Nepal Hiking Team for our deep local knowledge, government authorization, and countless satisfied client recommendations.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
We accomplished the trek to Everest Base Camp with our guide Deepak Dhakal, and porter Prem. For more adventure and an incredible experience, we added a night of camping at base camp, and it was an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend adding the camping option—it was absolutely worth the extra cost. Trekking in mid-September meant we had the entire base camp all to ourselves, making the experience even more special.
Deepak was a fantastic guide – friendly, funny, fluent in English, and someone we are now friends with. If we ever come back, we would love to work with him and Nepal Hiking Team again. Deepak's talent for photography gave us some stunning photos to cherish these incredible memories. Prem, our porter, was also wonderful. He always had a smile on his face and helped us all the way.
Ganga and the Nepal Hiking Team made the entire trip easy and seamless, they organized everything, including a stay at a lovely hotel during our time in Kathmandu.
- Guided by Deepak Dhakal
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An experience that truly changed my life! There’s something about the Himalayas—so magical and spiritual—that it leaves a lasting mark on your soul. Santosh, our guide, was amazing. He took care of everything and everyone, always going the extra mile, including for me when I needed it most.
saNepal Hiking Team does an incredible job, and I’ll definitely be reaching out to them if I get the chance to return for another adventure!
An amazing experience to EBC! We were fortunate to have Vishna as our guide.
He adjusted the trek to our pace, always offering support and ensuring it was tailored to our needs and skill level.
Thank you, Vishna!
My husband and I completed the EBC trek with Island Peak, followed by a helicopter ride back to Lukla.
Nepal Hiking Team has been amazing in every aspect, from communication before the trip to our time in Nepal. Every detail exceeded our expectations.
We would like to take this opportunity to specially compliment and express our heartfelt gratitude to our guide, Netra. Beyond providing explanations about the trail, he ensured our well-being at every step. On the third day at Namche Bazaar, we fell sick, and Netra supported us in every possible way, ensuring we had proper nutrition and hydration to recover. He even carried our day packs to help us sustain our pace to the next location. Coming from a lifetime at sea level, acclimatization was another challenge for us. Netra offered essential support to manage our symptoms, especially headaches, and constantly checked in on us.
What touched us most was during the Island Peak hike. As a trekking guide, he could have handed us over to the mountain guide at that point and stayed back. Instead, he chose to accompany us to the base camp to ensure our well-being, health, and comfort. This meant sleeping in a smaller tent, more exposed to the cold weather and strong winds. The Island Peak hike was extremely challenging. By then, on the ninth day of trekking, we were physically drained. Carrying heavy mountaineering equipment uphill was an additional struggle. Netra volunteered to carry our equipment up to the crampon point, roughly 4.5 hours uphill, beyond which he couldn’t proceed without proper mountaineering gear. This act was especially touching and played a crucial role in our successful ascent of Island Peak.
On our return to Kathmandu, bad weather at Lukla grounded most flights, causing a two-day backlog for helicopter rides. Netra tried everything possible to get us onto a helicopter, even if it meant sacrificing his own seat. He had to make a two-day walking and land transfer back to Kathmandu instead.
Every action Netra took touched our hearts. To us, Netra is like a big brother. He said, “I’m not only your guide; I am your friend and guardian.” He put our well-being above everything else and constantly gave us positive encouragement and empowerment whenever we had self-doubt. He reminded us that we were like family and that we would always help one another.
Our porter, Dakman, was equally fantastic. Seeing that we were exhausted and unwell, he quickly carried our duffel bags to the tea houses and then returned to help with our day bags so that we could keep going.
In every way, we are beyond pleased with Nepal Hiking Team and will absolutely choose them again for future treks in Nepal. When we return, we will undoubtedly request Netra to be part of our journey again.
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I cannot commend Nepal Hiking Team enough for the remarkable experience they delivered on my Everest Base Camp trek. From the initial stage to the journey’s end, everything was carefully planned, professionally managed, and expertly guided. Our guide - Ram, was the heart and soul of this journey, leaving an indelible mark on the experience.
Ram – An Exceptional Guide
Ram’s profound knowledge of the region, its culture, and his deep respect for the mountain and its people enriched our journey beyond measure. His expertise was unrivaled, but it was his personal touch that transformed the trek into more than just a physical endeavor. Ram ensured that every member of our group felt supported, comfortable, and secure throughout, sharing insightful knowledge about the area's history, culture, and geography. His warmth and attentiveness made us feel less like tourists and more like honored guests in his homeland. Because of Ram, this trek became a memory I will cherish for life. His professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail made the experience genuinely exceptional.
Initially, I had reservations about booking directly with a Nepalese company rather than a Western one. Many tours, whether Western-operated or locally managed, follow similar routes and use the same or even inferior tea houses. However, Western companies often impose significant markups while still relying on local guides and Sherpas. Choosing Nepal Hiking Team meant embracing an authentic Nepalese experience with the advantage of local expertise, strong connections, and a commitment to top-notch service.
Exemplary Customer Service
From my first inquiry to the booking process and even meeting us at the hotel, Ganga, the CEO of Nepal Hiking Team, exemplified responsiveness and support. Whenever I had a question or concern, he responded promptly, often within hours or even minutes. This high level of communication and customer care provided complete peace of mind. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, I was greeted with a Nepal Hiking Team sign, and from that point, every detail—transfers, and accommodations—was seamlessly managed. Our hotel in Kathmandu was outstanding, with five-star facilities and a rooftop bar that provided breathtaking city views.
A standout moment was Nepal Hiking Team’s adept handling of the unpredictable nature of mountain travel. While many travelers faced days of delays in Lukla due to adverse weather, Nepal Hiking Team’s extensive local connections allowed us to avoid disruption. Within 30 minutes, they arranged for us to fly to Lukla by helicopter, ensuring that our journey remained smooth and stress-free.
In every aspect, Nepal Hiking Team exceeded my expectations. As a genuinely local company, they offer authentic experiences without compromising on service excellence. Ram, Ganga, and the entire team transformed this trek into an unforgettable adventure, and I wholeheartedly recommend them. For those seeking a seamless adventure with guides who genuinely care, Nepal Hiking Team is unmatched.
Well worth the every cost – 5 stars
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.
