Adventure Hike to Everest and Return by Helicopter

Overview

Everest base camp trek and return by helicopter is also known as the Everest flyout trek. This trek is a unique adventure that combines trekking to base camp and a helicopter ride back. This trek offers a convenient and faster way to reach the base camp of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world (8848.86m). It's an excellent opportunity for mountain and nature lovers who want to experience both trekking and a helicopter ride in Nepal.

The 11-day fly-out trekis designed as a complete package, providing a one-way helicopter experience for hikers. Instead of completing the entire trekking route, this trek allows you to enjoy the new and emerging experience of flying out from base camp (Gorakshep). The helicopter ride includes a thrilling landing at the challenging Lukla Airport, making it an exciting yet safe adventure.

Trip Details:

• Total trip duration: 11 days
• Trekking duration: 9 days
• Starting point: Kathmandu
• Ending point: Kathmandu
• Maximum altitude: 5,380 meters (Everest base camp)
• Minimum altitude: 1,400 meters (Kathmandu)
• Helicopter flights: Kathmandu to Lukla (45 minutes) and Gorak Shep to Kathmandu (65 minutes)
• Helicopter weight allowance: 400 kilograms (including passengers and luggage)
• Accommodation: Lodges, hotels, and tea houses
• Average walking hours per day: 3 to 7 hours
• Major attractions: mountain ranges and peaks, hills, rivers, lakes, cascades, icefalls, local settlement and culture, flowers and wilderness, monasteries, shrines, chortens, memorials, etc.

Route

Everest base camp trek and return back by helicopter start in Kathmandu and involve various stages. We begin with a 45-minute helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, we trek to Phakding, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. The next leg of the journey takes us from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a 6- to 7-hour trek. We spend a day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.

After our rest day, we continue from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, which takes around 5 to 6 hours. From Tengboche, we trek to Dingboche, which takes another 5 to 6 hours. We spend the night in Dingboche before heading to Lobuche the next day, which is a 4 to 5-hour trek.

The following day, we make our way to Everest base camp through Gorakshep. After spending some time at the base camp, we return to Gorakshep, which takes about 3 to 5 hours.

On the final day, a helicopter will pick us up from Gorakshep and transport us back to Kathmandu. The helicopter flight offers breathtaking views of the Everest region and the surrounding natural beauty. The journey from Gorakshep to Kathmandu by helicopter takes approximately 65 minutes.

Why choose the trek?

Everest base camp is situated at an elevation of 5,380 meters (17,600 feet) in the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. It serves as the starting point for climbers attempting to conquer Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world at 8,848.86 meters (29,029 feet).

Climbing to base camp is a challenging endeavor that requires thorough preparation, physical fitness, and strong determination. To enhance the trekking experience, many people now opt for a return helicopter ride. This option simplifies the journey by providing easy access to Lukla, the starting point of the trek, and Gorakshep, the endpoint.

Flying to the base camp via helicopter is considered a safer alternative compared to regular flights. Helicopters are smaller in size and require less landing space, making them suitable for rugged terrain.

They do not need a long runway or extensive safety precautions like airplanes do. Additionally, helicopters have better visibility and can fly in adverse weather conditions with reduced visibility.

The 11 days helicopter return trek offers breathtaking views of majestic mountain peaks, verdant hills, snow-covered landscapes, rivers, lakes, glaciers, icefalls, cascades, and diverse flora and fauna.

Along the trek, you can explore memorials dedicated to Everest climbers and Sherpas, engage in conversations with local residents to learn about their culture, traditions, lifestyle, and values, visit prayer walls, monasteries, and Chortens, and wander through lush forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak.

Not to be missed are the renowned Hotel Everest View and the magnificent Sagarmatha National Park, both of which add to the allure of this trek with a helicopter flight. Numerous trekking and tour companies in Nepal offer one-way helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Everest base camp or Kala Patthar, the highest viewpoint in the Everest region.

However, NTA stands out by providing a comprehensive itinerary that includes an Everest base camp two-way helicopter ride trek, catering to the needs of their valued customers. This trek is suitable for adventure enthusiasts of all levels, and the package and itinerary can be customized based on individual preferences and feasibility.

It is a cost-effective trip that covers all the highlights of the Everest region in Nepal. If you're dreaming of an extraordinary adventure in the Khumbu region, why not team up with Nepal Trek Adventure & Expedition?

We will take you on an incredible journey where you can explore the mesmerizing beauty of Nepal's Everest region. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you embark on this remarkable trek and create lifelong memories. So, join hands with us and let the magic of Everest unfold before your eyes.

Itinerary

Kathmandu -> Lukla -> Phakding -> Namche Bazaar -> Tengboche -> Dingboche -> Lobuche -> Gorakshep -> Everest Base Camp -> Gorakshep -> Kathmandu

Time taken to cover distance

• Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter flight: 45 minutes
• Lukla to Phakding trekking: 3 to 4 hours
• Phakding to Namche Bazaar trekking: 6 to 7 hours
• Namche Bazaar to Tengboche trekking: 5 to 6 hours
• Tengboche to Dingboche trekking: 5 to 6 hours
• Dingboche to Lobuche trekking: 4 to 5 hours
• Lobuche to Gorak Shep trekking: 3 to 4 hours
• Gorakshep to Everest base camp hiking: 1 to 2 hours
• Gorakshep to Kathmandu by helicopter flight: 65 minutes