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12 Days Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek

By Mount Elegance Treks and Expedition
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$2,471 per adult* *Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 12d
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

The Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek is a thrilling 12-day adventure designed for those who want to experience the challenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and return in comfort via a scenic helicopter ride from Gorak Shep to Lukla. The journey takes you through iconic Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes, culminating in a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. This trek is ideal for those with limited time who want to maximise their Himalayan experience. However, the package excludes international airfare, Nepal visa fees, travel and rescue insurance, and tips for guides, porters, and drivers. With the perfect blend of adventure and convenience, this trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the majesty of the Everest region while skipping the strenuous return trek.

Activity location

  • Kathmandu
    • Kathmandu, Nepal

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Thamel
    • 44600, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal

Check availability


12 Days Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek in English
  • Activity duration is 12 days12d
    12d
  • Opening hours: Wed 12:00 am-11:59 pm
  • English

Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
AU$4,790.43 x 1 AdultAU$4,790.43

Total
Price is AU$4,790.43

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedFarewell dinner at the end of the trek.
  • What's includedWhat's includedAccommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (including Breakfast)
  • What's includedWhat's includedSagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS card.
  • What's includedWhat's includedDomestic flight (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu).
  • What's includedWhat's includedAirport transfers in Kathmandu.
  • What's includedWhat's includedAll government taxes and service charges.
  • What's includedWhat's includedFirst aid medical kit.
  • What's includedWhat's includedPorter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • What's includedWhat's includedTeahouse accommodation during the trek.
  • What's includedWhat's includedFull board Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
  • What's includedWhat's includedDuffel bag and sleeping bag for trekking (Should be returned after trek completion).
  • What's includedWhat's includedAn experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide.
  • What's includedWhat's includedHelicopter return from Gorak Shep to Lukla.
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedPersonal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.).
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedAlcoholic drinks, bottled water, and drinks.
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedInternational airfare and Nepal visa fees.
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedTravel and rescue insurance.
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedLunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedTips for guides, porters, and drivers.
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedAny other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions.

Know before you book

  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Specialised infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu
  • 1d
Drive Duration: 30-45 minutes Meal: Breakfast Highest Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft) Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a friendly representative and transferred to your hotel, typically located in the vibrant Thamel area, known for its shops, restaurants, and bustling streets. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities, as rest is crucial after your flight. In the evening, you will meet your tour leader and other trekkers during a briefing session where you'll be given detailed information about the upcoming journey. This is an excellent time to ensure you have all the necessary gear and paperwork for the trek. Since you’ll be flying to Lukla early the next morning, it’s essential to get a good night’s rest. Kathmandu’s altitude is 1,350 metres, which shouldn’t pose any acclimatisation issues for most people, but be sure to stay hydrated and take things easy to help your body adjust. You’ll receive information about altitude sickness.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) and trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a teahouse in Phakding.
Phakding
  • 12h
Flight Distance: 138 km (86 miles) Flight Duration/ Trek Duration: 25-30 minutes / 3-4 hours Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner Highest Altitude: Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) & Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft) The day begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the most thrilling and scenic flights you will experience. The flight offers an incredible view of the Himalayan range, and as you approach Lukla, the dramatic Tenzing-Hillary Airport perched on a cliffside becomes a memorable sight. Start your trek towards Phakding, a small village situated at 2,652 metres. The trek on the first day is a relatively easy one, with a gentle descent or mostly flat terrain, which allows you to gradually adjust to the altitude. The path takes you through beautiful Sherpa villages and dense forests of pine and rhododendron. Phakding is a small yet scenic village, and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay a hotel in Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar
  • 1d
Trek Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Highest Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft) Today’s trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is one of the more challenging sections of the journey but incredibly rewarding. You will also cross several suspension bridges, one of which is particularly famous for offering magnificent views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The scenery becomes more dramatic as you gain elevation, and you will begin to feel the effects of the altitude as you approach the steep Namche Hill, the final stretch to Namche Bazaar. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you will be greeted by the bustling town, which serves as the gateway to the Everest region. The vibrant atmosphere of the town, combined with stunning views of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest, provides an excellent introduction to the beauty and culture of the Khumbu region.
Day 4: Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazaar
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar
  • 1d
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Highest Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft) On this day, you will have a well-deserved acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar. Altitude sickness can affect trekkers above 3,000 metres, so it’s important to take this day to rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Namche Bazaar is a prime location for acclimatisation because it’s situated at an elevation of 3,440 metres. You can spend the day exploring the town, visiting the Sherpa Culture Museum, or enjoying a walk to the Everest View Hotel, located at a higher elevation. The short hike to the hotel provides amazing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Namche Bazaar is a great place to relax and enjoy the local culture. The lodges in Namche Bazaar serve delicious meals, including Sherpa specialities like dal bhat, Rigi Kur, Thukpa and Nak Cheese.
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a teahouse in Tengboche.
Tengboche
  • 12h
Trek Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Highest Altitude: Tengboche (3,870m /12,694ft) Today, the trail ascends gradually as you make your way to Tengboche, a beautiful village located at 3,870 metres. The path follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through the forested areas of pine and rhododendron trees. you can see the towering peaks of Ama Dablam and Lhotse. After a steady ascent, the village of Tengboche comes into view, where you’ll find the Tengboche Monastery, one of the most significant religious sites in the region. Tengboche is famous for its spiritual ambiance and magnificent views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan peaks. The monastery here plays an important role in the local Sherpa community, and you may have the chance to witness a prayer ceremony or explore the monastery. After reaching Tengboche, take time to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a teahouse in Dingboche.
Dingboche
  • 1d
Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) Trek Duration: 6-7 hours Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Highest Altitude: Dingboche (4,410m /14,470ft) After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey to Dingboche, located at 4,360 metres. The trail from Tengboche to Dingboche takes you through the Imja Khola Valley and offers amazing views of Ama Dablam and Island Peak. The landscape becomes more barren as you ascend, with a mix of small villages and scattered settlements along the way. As you move further into the Khumbu region, the terrain becomes rocky, with fewer trees and more alpine vegetation. Dingboche is situated in a high-altitude valley, and the scenery here is awe-inspiring, with massive peaks surrounding the area. Upon arriving at Dingboche, you’ll notice the thinner air at this higher altitude, so it’s important to take it easy and stay hydrated. As with previous acclimatisation days, it is essential to take it slow and allow your body to adjust before continuing with the trek.
Day 7: Acclimatisation Day at Dingboche
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a teahouse in Dingboche.
Dingboche
  • 1d
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Highest Altitude: Dingboche (4,410m /14,470ft) Today’s acclimatisation day in Dingboche is vital for preparing your body for the higher altitudes ahead. Dingboche, located at 4,410 metres, is surrounded by breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and the mighty Lhotse. The focus of the day is on allowing your body to adjust to the thinning air while still staying active. You can take a short hike to Nangkartshang Hill for a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This gentle ascent will help you further acclimatise while offering magnificent photo opportunities. Remember, the key to acclimatisation is to go slow and drink plenty of water. Dingboche is a small yet peaceful Sherpa village that provides ample time for rest and reflection.There are also some monasteries and stupas in the area, adding a cultural aspect to your exploration. In the evening, enjoy a warm meal and relax in your lodge.
Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a teahouse in Lobuche .
Lobuche
  • 12h
Trek Distance: 8 km (5 miles) Trek Duration: 4-5 hours Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Highest Altitude: Lobuche (4,940m /16,207ft) The trek from Dingboche to Lobuche is a gradual ascent through rugged landscapes and alpine terrain, taking you to an altitude of 4,940 metres. As you trek, the valley opens up, revealing a panoramic view of the towering peaks around you, including Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse. The air becomes increasingly thinner as you ascend, so it’s important to pace yourself and take regular breaks. Upon reaching Lobuche, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and acclimatise to the high altitude. The views of Lobuche East and Lobuche West peaks are stunning, and the surrounding Khumbu Glacier adds to the beauty of the area. Altitude will start to become more noticeable here, so it’s essential to take the time to rest and ensure you’re well-prepared for the final leg of the journey to Everest Base Camp.
Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) and return to Gorak Shep
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a teahouse in Gorak Shep.
Everest Base Camp
  • 12h
Trek Distance:8 km(5 miles) Trek Duration:4-5 hours Meal: Breakfast,Lunch&Dinner Highest Altitude:Everest Base Camp(5,364m /17,598ft) Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek,the journey to Everest Base Camp! The trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp takes you along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. As you get closer to base camp, the views become more dramatic, with towering peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in full view. The final stretch is both physically demanding and exhilarating, as you make your way towards the iconic Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 metres. Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the world’s tallest mountain. The sense of achievement is overwhelming, as you stand at the foot of Mount Everest, surrounded by the grandeur of the Khumbu icefall and towering peaks. After soaking in the moment, you’ll retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep for the night. In Gorak Shep, you can celebrate your arrival at Base Camp.
Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) and fly back to Lukla by helicopter
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a teahouse in Lukla.
Kala Pattar
  • 12h
Trek Distance: 2.5 km (1.5 miles) Trek Duration/ Flight Duration: 3-4 hours / 15-30 minutes Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Highest Altitude: Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) This day begins with a very early hike to Kala Patthar, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Everest region. The Kala Patthar hike takes you to an elevation of 5,545 metres. From the summit of Kala Patthar, you get an unparalleled panoramic view of Mount Everest, as well as Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and many other towering peaks. Bask in the majesty of the world’s highest mountains before descending back to Gorak Shep for a quick rest and breakfast. After returning to Gorak Shep, Make your way back to Lukla in style. Instead of trekking down, you will take a helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla, which offers a unique and thrilling way to see the Himalayas from above. Upon landing in Lukla, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest before flying back to Kathmandu the next day.
Day 11: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (or Manthali/Ramechhap)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu
  • 1d
Flight Distance: 138 km (86 miles) Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft) Today, you will fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu after an unforgettable trek. Depending on the weather conditions and flight availability, the flight depart from Lukla to Kathmandu or Manthali (a secondary airport located in Ramechhap). The flight duration is typically around 30 minutes, and upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. Once in Kathmandu, you can rest, shower, and relax after the thrilling journey. Enjoy a Farewell dinner with your trekking team. This final evening in Kathmandu is an opportunity to reflect on your journey and the incredible accomplishment of completing the Everest trek. The memories of standing at Everest Base Camp and seeing the stunning views from Kala Patthar will stay with you forever.The evening offers a chance to relax and plan for your departure the following day.
Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: breakfast
  • Accommodation: Not included
Kathmandu
  • 1d
Drive Duration: 30-45 minutes Meal: Breakfast Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft) On your final day in Nepal, you will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to explore Kathmandu one last time or relax in the hotel before your journey home. You’ll leave Nepal with a sense of fulfillment and pride, having completed one of the most iconic treks in the world. The memories of Everest Base Camp, the breathtaking views from Kala Patthar, and the thrill of the helicopter ride will remain etched in your mind for years to come. This marks the end of your Everest Base Camp trek, and the journey back home is filled with reflection on the experiences you’ve had, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the friendships you’ve made along the way.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESKathmandu
    • Kathmandu, Nepal

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEThamel
    • 44600, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal

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