Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek 7 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 7 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Transportation Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight and Helicopter
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season Feb-may and Sept-Dec
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 16 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 5,550m/18,208ft

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek Highlights 

  • The beautiful Everest Himalayan gateway- Lukla
  • Exciting foothill excursion through the Sherpa valleys
  • Experience the elite journey adjoined with the tingling bells of mountain yaks
  • Sagarmatha National Park and its diversity of flora and fauna
  • Namche Bazaar- the commercial hub in the Khumbu region
  • Khumjung and surroundings- spiritually loaded Himalayan towns with cultural tune
  • A luxurious trip to fly over Mount Everest Base Camp
  • Witnessing Mt. Everest, Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Khumbu Glacier and Icefall, lakes, and other high Mountains from the helicopter.
  • Views of hidden Lakes, snowy peaks, woods, and valleys from different angles

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek  Best Price 2024/2025

Experience the thrill of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek in just seven days, complemented by short hikes through Sherpa valleys in the Khumbu region. This exclusive adventure includes an exhilarating helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp (5383m/17660ft) and Kalapatthar (5550m/18,208ft).

Embark on a journey that combines trekking to Namche Bazaar with cultural exploration in Khumjung village. Take time to acclimate while enjoying scenic vistas before indulging in a picturesque helicopter tour over Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar. Capture stunning views of Mount Everest and neighboring peaks during the 40-45 minute flight from Namche to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla.

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trip offers a seamless adventure in the Khumbu region, avoiding steep ascents and descents with a luxurious helicopter ride. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts with time constraints, this trek provides ample opportunities to explore cultural gems like Namche Bazaar and Khumjung before reaching the heart of the Everest Himalayan range at Kalapatthar.

Beginning from Lukla after a scenic flight from Kathmandu, the trek immerses you in the Himalayan landscape, with yaks dotting the terrain and colorful prayer flags adorning bridges and shortens. Arriving at Namche Bazaar, a rest day allows for acclimatization and exploration of nearby attractions like Khunde, Everest View Hotel, and Khumjung Monastery.

The highlight of the 7-day EBC Helicopter Trip is the breathtaking helicopter ride from Namche to Kalapatthar. Flying over Everest Base Camp offers unparalleled views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and more. Adventure Club Trek, a leading organizer of adventure trips in Nepal, offers customized itineraries to suit your preferences and budget, ensuring a memorable experience in the Himalayas. Feel free to reach out with any questions about the trip.

When is the Best Time For The EBC Helicopter Trek?

The best time will be from March to May and mid-September to December when most days are clear for fabulous views of peaks with Mt. Everest. March to May falls during spring to pre-summer times when days are longer with enough sunlight for views and to enjoy mountain panorama. Still, it can be windy in the afternoon and might get cloudy sometimes, and the a chance of snow in higher elevations. Around this time, the hills are lively with wildflowers in full bloom with riots of colors, especially flowering rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal).

Mid-September to December is another best time when most of the days are clear for stunning views of peaks, but short sunlight hours and much cooler freezing temperatures of the arctic zone climate. 

Weather in Everest Base Camp 

Nepal Himalaya for all seasons, however, for clear and nice views all months of the year except the monsoon wet months from mid-June to mid-September; Everest base camp, due to high elevation most of the year clear for fine views of the mountains and lovely scenery of giant peaks.

March to May, where days are mild with a minimum of -05° C to a maximum of 20° Celsius most of the time with clear morning and afternoon time, can be cold in the morning and evening as well in shades.

Mid-September to December is fine from morning till afternoon most days with chances of snow sometimes where temperature can be freezing with a minimum -10° C to a maximum of 15° Celsius without a wind chill factor that brings more cold.

Itinerary

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A representative from the Adventure Club Trek will receive you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After going through your customs formalities (visa and so on), you will be driven to your respective hotel on Adventure Club Trek’s private vehicle. After you take a rest for some time at the hotel suite, you will be called for an orientation session with your trekking guide over a welcome dinner

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,350m/4,429ft

You will be driven to the domestic airport in the early morning to fly to Lukla. The 40-minute flight offers splendid views of mountains till landing at Lukla (2,800m/9,187ft) airport, the gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek. The air route is considered majestic as high peaks are a joy to behold from closer. In Lukla, you will have time for tea while our guide will divide a load of baggage to be carried by porters. Now the trekking starts through the pretty well-off Sherpa village. You will cross several tributaries down the trail. The splendid views will reveal the natural beauty as you make it to the small settlement of Phakding (2,650m). Here, you can take a rest, take a short hike to a nearby monastery, or stroll around to get a feel of the land. Overnight in Phakding.

Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)

During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a 4 hours drive from Kathmandu. On this day, we wake up at 2:30 a.m., take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle, and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)

 The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day, we wake up at 5 to 6 a.m. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu and board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Max. Altitude2652m/8699ft

We start our trek today after having breakfast towards Manjo, and the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park begins. It's time to exhibit the entry permit. Continuing the trek, we take a lunch break at Jorsalle before heading through the straightforward uphill route. We walk steadily, enjoying the initial glimpse of Mount Everest, and reach the densely populated Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Max. Altitude3440m/11283ft

This day we reserve for acclimatization in Namche. For all the trekkers, getting used to the climate and situation is very important to make the journey successful. For the speedy adjustment to the higher altitude, we hike to Syangboche and ascend to the Everest View Hotel, which is considered to be located at the highest place. The hotel offers a splendid view of the Himalayas, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and others. After having a tea or a coffee break, we gradually descend to the Sherpa villages of Khumjung, where we will have lunch. You may also visit the Khumjung Monastery. The legend has it that the monastery houses a Yeti’s scalp.

Returning to Namche, we may choose to relax or enjoy roaming the town. You may visit the Sherpa museum to learn about the Sherpa culture and the history of mountaineering, or nearby Thame, a historic village. It is worth visiting the school established by Sir Edmond Hillary, the first person to climb Mt Everest.

Alternatively, the hike can be done to Thame and explore the cultural fascinations. Acclimatization is fruitful in avoiding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Max. Altitude3440m/11283ft

Today is the most awaited part of the Helicopter Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,599ft). We have a quick breakfast in the morning and embark on the most precious journey from Namche Bazaar. The shared chopper takes you over the delightful Khumbu valley and flies you close to the gems of the 8000-meter peaks' surroundings. The serene setting of the magical Himalayan vistas includes Mount Everest (8848.86 meters), Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, to name some of them. We fly back to Lukla by taking great snaps of this beautiful memory through your lenses. It's an ending point of the trip too. Why not an elegant celebration for this incredible Himalayan trip?

The helicopter tour is on a sharing basis. It only flies over Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Glacier and doesn't land at EBC or anywhere near it. But, if you want a private charter flight and want it to land near EBC, which is usually at Gorakshep (5,180 m), don't hesitate to contact us to find out the additional cost. A private charter with a landing is a great option as you can get out of the helicopter, enjoy the Himalayan scenery, and capture some excellent photographs. Due to the high-altitude range, the helicopter can take a maximum of 3 travelers at once, taking to the region above EBC and Kalapatthar (5,545m/18,193ft) and back. If you are in a group of more than three travelers, the shuttle trip will be made, which often takes off from Pheriche, located at 4500 meters, a picturesque Himalayan settlement at the backdrop of Taboche Peak.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Max. Altitude2804m/9199ft

Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November):

The flight from Lukla to Manthali takes about 20 minutes, followed by a 5 to 6-hour drive to Kathmandu, depending on traffic conditions. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu using a shared tourist vehicle.

Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December):

This flight from Lukla takes around 35 minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, a shared tourist vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please note that flight operations depend on the airline and the number of travelers during these months.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Farewell Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,350m/4,429ft

Our Luxury Everest, Base Camp Helicopter Trek, ends here. A representative from the Adventure Club Trek will accompany you and see you off at Tribhuvan International Airport a few hours before the scheduled flight to your home. Included Meals: Breakfast.

Note: If you still have a few days after the trekking schedule, you might be interested in experiencing other adventurous activities like jungle safari, Rafting, Bungee jumping, and paragliding. You may contact the Adventure Club Trek for the arrangement.

  • MealsBreakfast

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary, but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline, and there can be illness or injury. To avoid dangerous situations, we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Trip Map

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek 7 Days map

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Arrival and departure transfer by private tourist vehicle
  • Standard twin-sharing Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Best available teahouse accommodation during the Everest trek
  • All meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Government-licensed, English-speaking guides trained in wilderness first aid
  • Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla including airport departure tax
  • Shared- Helicopter Ride as per the itinerary
  • Welcome and farewell dinner.
  • Everest National Park permits and TIMS permits for trekking.
  • Assistant trekking guides walk with the group to support as necessary.
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Staff costs include their salary, food, accommodation, domestic airfare, and medicine.
  • Insurance covering all staff and porters as per state law
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
  • Trip T-Sirt, and duffel bag for Trekking
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes.

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days)
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Insurance with helicopter evacuation.
  • International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon request).
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks).
  • Personal travel insurance and medical bills.
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory).

Date & Prices

     
Start DateStart: WednesdayDecember 04, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayDecember 10, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: SaturdayDecember 07, 2024End DateEnd: FridayDecember 13, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: TuesdayDecember 10, 2024End DateEnd: MondayDecember 16, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: FridayDecember 13, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayDecember 19, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: TuesdayDecember 17, 2024End DateEnd: MondayDecember 23, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: FridayDecember 20, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayDecember 26, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: MondayDecember 23, 2024End DateEnd: SundayDecember 29, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: ThursdayDecember 26, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayJanuary 01, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: SundayDecember 29, 2024End DateEnd: SaturdayJanuary 04, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169
Start DateStart: TuesdayDecember 31, 2024End DateEnd: MondayJanuary 06, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2169

The Published dates are guaranteed departures. If the scheduled dates are not suitable for you, we will be happy to create our trips to suit your needs. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for, and our travel experts will help customize your dream destination.

Useful Info

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner — will be provided during the trek, and breakfast will only be provided in Kathmandu. We host welcome and farewell dinners for our guests. During the trek, we have breakfast and dinner at tea houses or lodges where we spend nights while there will be lunch at tea houses on the way. You have the option to choose from Nepali, continental, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines. As we take care of our guests, we ensure that you get healthy food. We prioritize locally produced organic food and provide you with seasonable fruits and hygienically fresh cooked food during the trek.

Note: If you are a vegetarian, let us know in advance so that we can make proper arrangements for food as per your wish during the trek

 

Accommodation

During the trip, you will be accommodated in a three-star standard hotel in Kathmandu and a guesthouse/teahouse while on the trek. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional. Adventure Club Trek will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower altitudes, but it might be complicated to find them at higher altitudes.

 

 

Drinking-Water

Adventure Club provides all the meals on the trek but doesn't provide water. The best option is to treat the local water with chlorine/iodine tablets or a steripen. The tea houses will give you good quality free water and, you can also get along the trail but, you will need to treat it. If you are using the tablets, make sure they dissolve completely (about 30 mins). On most treks, you can buy mineral water along the trail. A liter of mineral water at lower-elevation tea houses costs around USD 1, but higher elevations can cost up to $4, so the cost can add up.

 

Acclimatization And High-Altitude Sickness

The acclimatization planned during the trip helps trekkers adapt to the environment with less oxygen. Our body needs time to adjust to higher altitudes. Rushing to the higher elevation without acclimatization may result in acute mountain sickness (AMS), which could be fatal. The trekkers may suffer from AMS above 2,400m/7,875ft as the amount of oxygen becomes less and less with the increase in elevation.

We can categorize AMS into three categories with its symptoms. The trekker suffering from normal AMS feels giddy, gets headaches, has Nausea, is out of breath, and is suggested not to worry as it disappears after the body gets used to less oxygen. Likewise, trekkers suffering from mild AMS show symptoms of dizziness, muscular pain, insomnia, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Mild AMS can be treated with anti-headache medicines.

A person suffering from serious AMS shows heightened symptoms, including shortness of breath, even while resting. The trekker with serious symptoms can barely walk, and fluids may start building up in the lungs. The trekker having serious AMS has to be taken to a lower altitude immediately.

 

Advanced Cases Of AMS

If AMS is not treated in time, it can be life-threatening and lead to edema, a condition in which fluid is accumulated in the body's tissues. Following are the two serious altitude sicknesses caused at high altitudes.

 

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

In HACE, the brain gets swollen, which can lead to coma and even death. Its symptoms are paralysis on one side of the body, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, bowel dysfunction, loss of coordination, and confusion. Descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible to prevent the worsening of the condition.

 

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Fluid is accumulated in the lungs, which also increases the capillary pressure. Its symptoms include severe shortness of breath at rest, dry cough that later leads to producing frothy pink sputum, and fatigue. Important Note: Severe cases of AMS are rare. All our Adventure Club Trek guides are aware of the symptoms of AMS and can handle it with care. We prioritize acclimatization, talk about the use of Diamox beforehand and counsel all our trekkers on the risk and preventive factors before and during the trip. Your safety is our main concern.

 

First-Aid Kit

Our guides and porters are equipped with a basic first-aid kit during regular treks. A comprehensive first-aid kit is compulsory for expeditions that take on isolated and off-the-beaten trekking paths; the same goes for climbing expeditions.

  • A bandage in case of sprains
  • Plasters/ Band-aids and antiseptic ointments for simple cuts
  • Iodine or water filter (optional) instead of buying bottled mineral water
  • Moleskin/Second skin in case of blisters.
  • Aspirin/Paracetamol -painkiller.
  • Oral rehydration salts-Nava Jeevan or Jeevan Jal (orange-flavored ORS)
  • The broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin).
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic).
  • Diarrheal stopper (Imodium - optional).
  • Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness).
  • Gel hand cleaner/sanitizer.

Note: We can add medical supplies per the trekkers' special needs to the first-aid kit given above.

 

Our Leader And Staff

It needs experienced, highly skilled, courteous, and helpful team members to make any trip successful. Our guides are experienced and licensed professionals chosen based on their knowledge, skills, and high expertise in leading in the Himalayan region. All our guides can speak English fluently, while some have informal learning in additional foreign languages. Our team includes some supporting members, especially local Sherpas who have adequate knowledge about their cultural diversity, ecosystem, history, geography, and regional flora and fauna.

 

Experience Required

Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who can walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. We may need to walk for 7 to 8 hours on some days. Walking at higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking at lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, a positive attitude, and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek. Exercising and jogging regularly is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required for this trip. Before booking the trek, participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Adventure Club Trek. We also recommend you consult your doctor(s) before the trip.

 

Best Time To Travel

Autumn (Sept -Nov) and Spring (March-May) are the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views. Trekking in Summer or Monsoon (June to Aug) will be affected by rain, but a summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.

 

Visa And Entry Procedures

Everyone needs a visa to enter Nepal except Indian nationals. Citizens of the SAARC nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan do not require a visa for 30 days. Fortunately, getting a Nepal visa is an easy process. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the international airport and official overland entry points. However, travelers from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia are not issued visas on arrival. After arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will find electronic kiosks to assist with your visa processing. After taking the completed form and paying the visa fee, you must stay in the long immigration queue for your visa on arrival.

Visitors can now apply for the online visa within 15 days of their arrival date in Nepal. For this, you will need your Nepal hotel address and a digital passport-sized photo to be uploaded to the online application. After submitting the form online, you need to print out the confirmation page, which has to be furnished at the immigration section in Kathmandu airport, along with your passport and the required visa fee. You can apply for your online Nepal visa here.

Tourists can also apply for a Nepali visa at the local Nepali Embassy or Consulate in their respective countries. Or, they can even mail their visa application to the office near their location, but well ahead of time to allow sufficient processing time. Nepal visa information for all categories of travelers and their correspondence cost is very handy, so for more information and contact details of the Nepali Embassies and Consulate worldwide, you can click here.

Whichever way you enter Nepal, you will be given a 15/30/90-day visa per your requirement. The general Nepal tourist visa fee on arrival for multiple entries is:

15 days – US$30, 30 days – US$50, and 90days – US$125

Tourist visas can be extended for 150 days a year, and these extensions are granted only at the department of immigration offices in Pokhara and Kathmandu. For more information on Nepal visas, visit our visa information page.

 

Travel Insurance

To be adequately protected in terms of insurance, you will need specialist travel insurance for participation in hazardous activities. A travel insurance policy that covers helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment, and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities you will undertake during your stay in Nepal, such as trekking and climbing. If you are injured and unable to travel, you can ask for a rescue helicopter from a remote area only if you have definite proof that you can pay for it. Adventure Club Trek has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. They pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect your money once you have been rescued. Be sure your policy specifically covers mountaineering or alpinism, or you may need help settling a claim.

 

Electricity, WIFI, And Battery Recharge

During your trek on the Everest region, electricity is available to recharge your phones, laptop, and iPads from micro-hydropower and solar panels on a paying basis. As for Wi-Fi, there are no hotspots along the trekking trail after Namche. The only two places offering free Wi-Fi are Starbucks coffee in Lukla and Everest Bakery in Namche. At other places upwards, you need to pay for internet services, which increases gradually with the altitude.

 

Communication On Trek 

On the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Trekking for 11 Days in Nepal, the internet service will be available at lodges with some extra service charge. You can contact your family and friends from the guesthouses, but as we reach high altitude, the communication will be through the phone for safety purposes. We communicate with all our valuable clients through the team leader at least once daily to ensure you are fine and enjoying the trip. The Adventure Club Trek office in Kathmandu will constantly touch you for help you may need during the trek. Depending on the network you use, there could be a poor signal to the network before the high altitude. Upon your request, we can provide you with a separate local sim card for a better network. Many places have WIFI service available at an extra cost.

 

Group Size And Team Composition 

We always form a small group of like-minded people to give them a wonderful and perceptive travel experience. It provides opportunities to interact and share in a fun-filled environment when out in the wilderness. Generally, our travel group comprises a maximum of 16 members. We need at least two participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, the number of group members does not apply. We always strive to form a team, ensuring members are comfortable with one another.

 

Tipping 

Tipping is optional in Nepal as most services include a service charge. However, if you want to express gratitude, you are free to tip drivers and hotel staff. People usually welcome such generosity. When tipping your porters or trekking leaders, use your discretion as per the quality of the services. Tip money does not form a part of our employees' wages. However, you can use tipping to show appreciation for excellent service at the end of the trip.

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