About EVEREST BASE CAMP (EBC) WITH HELICOPTER RIDE

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek with Helicopter Return combines the adventure of trekking with the thrill of flying. If you don't feel like returning via the same route and would prefer to take a direct flight (for whatever reason), this trek is tailor-made for you. Besides offering you a shortcut, it allows you to experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, while also giving you a chance to soar above the Himalayas, the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest itself.

Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, where you set off for Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. After a brief flight (25 minutes) from the capital, you arrive in Lukla, from where your trek begins. The path is gentle, allowing you to adjust to the pace of trekking in the mountains, and giving you a first glimpse into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people as well as the stunning views of the Himalayas, beginning with a grand view of the sacred Khumbila (God of Khumbu).

Your first destination is Phakding, a quiet settlement by the Dudh Koshi River. The trail up to Phakding is relatively easy. You will pass through quiet jungles and villages along the Dukh Koshi river. From Phakding, the journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the central village of the Everest region. It is a short journey but the path is steep. By the time you reach Namche, the altitude begins to make its presence felt, which will only get significantly higher from there on. Therefore, the next day is set aside for rest and acclimatization. While in Namche, you will take a short hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, from where you get a great view of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and several other mountains. You will also visit small villages around Namche, particularly Khumjung, a charming, little village popular among the locals for its school.

The following day you make your way to Tengboche, where you will get to visit the legendary Tengboche Monastery. Continuing on, the path leads you toward Dingboche, situated at over 4400 meters. The environment begins to shift quite dramatically as you move from dense forests to a more barren landscapes and rocky hills. The next day at Dingboche is set aside for acclimatization. You will hike to the top of Nangkartshang Peak (5083 meters), which takes about 3 hours. The hike is great not just for acclimatizing but also for the spectacular views it offers. You can see Ama Dablam up close, along with Lhotse, Pumori, Mt. Tawache, Island Peak, and Everest. If time permits, you can also hike to the villages and mani walls nearby to explore the local culture.

After Dingboche, you will trek to Lobuche. The accommodations in these areas are very basic. From Lobuche, you will pass through various glaciers and icy streams via Gorakshep, until you finally arrive at the base of Mount Everest. After spending some time at the Everest Base Camp, you’ll head back to Gorakshep. The next morning, you’ll ascend to Kalapatthar, from where you can again get a good view of Everest. This is the furthest point in your journey.

But the adventure does not end there. After soaking in the grandeur of Everest Base Camp, you embark on a thrilling helicopter ride back to Lukla (or Kathmandu). As you lift off, the landscape transforms once again, this time from a bird’s-eye view. The sheer scale of the mountains is even more breathtaking from above, with the helicopter soaring over the rugged terrain, glaciers, and towering peaks of the Khumbu region. You’ll get a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other mighty peaks, offering a sense of perspective that is impossible to capture on foot, no matter how high you walk.

The helicopter flight back is not just a convenient escape, but a final highlight of the journey, allowing you to see the grandeur of the Himalayas in its entirety.