Everest base camp trek return by helicopter

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and one of our representatives will receive you and then transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the time is free to explore the city where your hotel is located which is usually at Thamel – the popular tourist hub in Kathmandu where every needs and facilities for the tourist are located like hotels, pubs, restaurants, departmental stores, trek gear shops etc. Or you can simply rest at your hotel if you are jet lagged and get ready for an amazing Himalayan trek.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m/40min) & Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2610 m/3-4 hrs)

Wake up early in the morning and drive to the domestic section of the airport in Kathmandu for a flight to Lukla. After checking the weather it’s flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at Tenzing Hillary Airport. You will have a packed breakfast from the hotel which can be eaten while waiting for the plane at Kathmandu airport.

After 40-45 minutes flight from Kathmandu you will finally land at Lukla then being your trek to Phakding –a small village in Khumbu region. Lukla is also the place where your porters will be waiting for you. The trail goes through a green path crossing several villages like Chauri Kharka and Ghat then finally reaches Phakding for an overnight stay. Overnight at Lodge in Phakding (Breakfast in Kathmandu & Lunch/Dinner on trek)

Note: Flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu to Lukla may be rerouted to Manthali during the peak trekking seasons of March, April, May, September, October, and November due to increased air traffic congestion. Manthali is a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu and we need to start at 12.30am for the Kathmandu/Manthali drive to catch the flight to Lukla from Manthali. During December, January, February, June, July, or August, it's a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/5-6 hrs)

After breakfast, the trek begins with the trail going through forests, traditional villages with plowed fields, and yak pastures then reaches the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park from where Mt. Thamserku can be spotted.

After completing permit formalities and having lunch you will climb up to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Everest region and the biggest Sherpa town in the Khumbu region where many hotels, luxury resorts, restaurants, pubs, trek shops etc are located. You name it, they have it at Namche and if you forget to shop for any trek gear in Kathmandu, Namche is the last point to do so but the price may differ.

Overnight at Lodge in Namche Bazaar (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 04: Rest day in Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization & Hike to Hotel Everest View (3880m/3-4 hrs)

Today is the rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and to cope with the rising elevation. You can go for a side excursion to Hotel Everest View (3880m) which is considered the hotel located at the highest point on earth. From it’s balcony you can have the first glimpse of Mt. Everest and other world’s highest peaks sipping tea/coffee. Then it’s back to your hotel in Namche Bazaar. In the evening, you can explore around Namche, talk with the locals, meeting many other trekkers and mountaineers from around the world.

Overnight at Lodge in Namche Bazaar (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m/5-6 hrs )

Today’s trek involves many steep ascents and descents, and it’s also a good opportunity for nice photography. On the list are Stupas (Buddhist shrines), prayer flags, mani walls (walls with Buddhist prayers carved into them), and mountains, such as Ama Dablam, and Tengboche Monastery which all are worth a good picture.

The trail up to Tengboche from Lukla is a dusty switchback path but it is all worthwhile as you reach Tengboche which offers a spectacular panorama. Tengboche has the largest Buddhist monastery which is the largest and the most important monastery in Khumbu. Pay a visit to the monastery and with a small donation, you can light some butter lamps.

Overnight at Lodge in Tengboche (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/5-6 hrs)

The trail is quite challenging today but with a very scenic route. The trail follows the Imja Khola ‘River’ climbing up to Dingboche and passing along windswept fields (mainly potato). Dingboche is the highest Sherpa village in Khumbu. The view of AmaDablam is spectacular from Dingboche which arrived during lunch time. After lunch at Dingboche, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore watching the surrounding Himalayas or dig into your books.etc

Overnight at Lodge in Dingboche (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 07: Rest Day In Dingboche; Hike to Chhukung (4730m) & back to Dingboche (4410m/3-4 hrs)

As the altitude increases it’s important to get better acclimatization so it’s rest/acclimatization day at Dingboche. You can rest at your lodge or there are several side excursions like a hike to Nangkar Tshang Peak, with its sacred sites and views of Mt Makalu. Or hike to Chhukung (4,730 m) which provides majestic views of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Choyo. You will also notice Imja Khola Valley as well the fields and pastures of Dingboche. Afterward, back to the lodge at Dingboche.

Overnight at Lodge in Dingboche (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/5-6 hrs)

Today you will gently climb to the Pheriche Valley and then trek above the valley floor passing along alpine scrub and yak pastures. En route get a good view of Tawoch and Cholotse, with Ama Dablam behind us. From here you will notice as if AmaDablam is just rising up from the valley floor.

Then you will continue to Thokla Pass, where the ascent is challenging. From here is another good opportunity for the best photos of the peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and a few other 7,000-plus meter peaks. After crossing this pass will finally reach Lobuche. Lobuche isn’t a big town but is surrounded by dramatic and beautiful surroundings.

Overnight at Lodge in Lobuche (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140m) / Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) /Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep (8-9 hrs)

Today is the big day as you will be attending Everest Base Camp, the foot of Mt. Everest. You will start first with 3 hours hike to the small village of Gorekshep passing over boulders and rough terrain.
Then hike to Everest Base Camp and upon arrival feel the majesty of the base camp, walk over the Khumbu Glacier from where Everest summiters start their journey to the top. Celebrate your achievement with your trek guide and other members at the base camp. From the base camp enjoy views of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and a little bit of Everest. Afterward, back to Gorekshep for the overnight stay.

Overnight at lodge in Gorekshep (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 10: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5550m) back to Gorek Shep & fly to Kathmandu

Start early today to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas from Kala patthar which is the most popular Himalayan viewpoint in Khumbu providing 360-degree Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest.

The hike up to Kala Patthar is not that long but steep, rocky, and very challenging. Upon reaching it’s top you will be rewarded with the most spectacular Himalayan panorama of the peaks like Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, and more.

Afterward, retrace your way back to Gorekshep for breakfast where your private chartered helicopter will be waiting for you to fly back to Kathmandu. En route observe the Everest trail which you trek before and finally land at Kathmandu then transfer to hotel.
In the evening is farewell dinner at one of the Nepali authentic restaurant with company staff and later on back to hotel.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu (Breakfast/Farewell Dinner at Nepali Authentic Restaurant)

Day 11: Final Departure

The trip concludes and our office representatives will take you to the international airport in Kathmandu to catch your onward flight to your next destination or fly back home. You need to be at least 3 hours prior to your flight time at the airport.

Thank you for visiting Nepal and we hope your Himalayan Holiday has come true. Have a safe flight back home!

If you plan to extend your holiday then other travel activities like jungle safari, rafting, mountain biking, bungee jumping etc are also up on the list.

EQUIPMENT CHECK-LIST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Is it possible to return from Everest Base Camp via helicopter?

Yes, it is possible to return from Everest Base Camp via helicopter. Helicopter return flights are available as an alternative to trekking back the same route.

2. What is the maximum number of passengers a helicopter can carry from Everest Base Camp?

The maximum number of passengers a helicopter can carry from Everest Base Camp depends on the type and size of the helicopter. Most commonly, helicopters used for this purpose can carry around 4 to 6 passengers.

3. Are there weight restrictions for passengers on the helicopter return flight?

Yes, there are weight restrictions for passengers on the helicopter return flight. Helicopters have a maximum weight limit, and the total weight of passengers and baggage should not exceed that limit for safety reasons

4. Is the helicopter return flight subject to weather conditions?

Yes, helicopter flights in the Everest region are subject to weather conditions. Flights may be delayed or canceled if the weather is unfavorable, especially in the high mountain areas. Safety is a top priority, and flight operators will not take off in unsafe conditions.

5. What is the duration of the Everest base camp trek helicopter return trek?

The trek to Everest Base Camp and back by helicopter in Kathmandu is 8 trek days.

6. Are there any age restrictions for the EBC trek?

While there is no specific age limit, trekkers should generally be physically fit and capable of handling the demands of high altitude trekking.

Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar.

During the trek, you will be accommodated in a Tea House/ Lodge or Trekking Inn. Most of these lodges and teahouses cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.

 

Meals
We never compromise with the quality of food and the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available in the Everest Region. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional food like Sweet Potato, Buck Wheat Barley etc. . This way, you could not only get the real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala Curry etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.

Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitude conditions, are provided with adequate clothing and equipments.

 

Best Months
The periods between the months of January-June & September-December are considered to be the best for Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar Trek.

 

Any Experience Required?
There is nothing hard and fast rule about trekking experience. Any adventure enthusiast, with a generic physical aptitude can definitely relish the thrill of this trek.

 

Difficulties
Difficulty here is actually synonymous to ‘high altitude’. As this trek involves some seriously high altitude climbing above 5000 meters, one is likely to experience some problem in breathing owing to the deteriorating oxygen level. But as this is something which is anticipated, we do have enough precautionary measures to tackle it.

 

Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you could actually connect with the nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides, who are fairly literate, multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the Everest region. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining, but also equally informative.

 

Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you, makes your trip secure and hassle free.

The provided trip plan by Marron Treks is customizable but subject to unpredictable factors like weather, political unrest, and flight disruptions in Nepal. Delays or changes might occur due to various reasons, and Marron Treks will prioritize client safety. However, they are not liable for resulting consequences, striving to maintain the essence of the original trip plan. Since Kathmandu airport cannot handle the high volume of air traffic, all flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa will be operated from Ramechap Airport during the busiest trekking season. From Kathmandu, Ramechap is five hours' journey away.

Cost Inclusion

• Airport pick-up and drop services.
• Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast.
• Kathmandu/Lukla or Ramechap/Lukla airfare.
• All trekking accommodations with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
• Four seasonal sleeping bags and duffel bags (to be returned after trip completion).
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
• Experienced Government licensed English Speaking Guide & Porter (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
• Gorekshep to Kathmandu chartered helicopter flight cost
• Permits for Everest National Park, & TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
• Farewell Dinner at Nepali Authentic Restaurant with cultural program.
• All government and local taxes. 

Cost Exclusion

• International airfares.
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Excess baggage charges (luggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is 15 kgs.)
• Expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.)
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Tips to guide & porters (Tipping is expected).