Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return 9 Days | Best Cost

The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is a great way to enjoy this world-class trekking expedition. Unlike the conventional Everest Base Camp trek, you can complete the EBC helicopter return trek in just 9 days while walking only 65 kilometers.

The helicopter flight to Kathmandu after the Kala Patthar excursion lets you skip three days of descending to Lukla, which is an additional 65 kilometers of walking.

If you can not do the regular 14-day or 15-day EBC trek, then the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return 9 days is a fantastic package for you. The thrill of a helicopter flight at the end of the trek has made this package very special.

In 2025, the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return has become one of the most famous ways to trek to EBC and is quite trending among all ages of travelers.

If you are thinking about some other alternative trekking packages related to the Everest Trek then Discover Altitude has numerous other related packages related to the Everest Trek which include: Everest Base Camp Trek-15 Days,  Budget Everest Base Camp Trekking, Everest Base Camp for Senior Citizen, Kalapatthar Trek, and many more.

Why choose the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return?

Have you ever desired to see Mount Everest closely? Have you ever dreamed of standing at the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world? Have you ever thought about how Sherpas live their life in the Himalayas or what life is like in the Himalayas?

Then you must trek to Everest Base Camp, and by combining a helicopter return from Gorak Shep, this adventurous trek becomes even more grand. On this multi-day hike through high-altitude, rugged terrain and diverse climatic zones, you set yourself up for a lifetime adventure.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an adventure that will change you for real. You will feel confident, and your body will feel light. Reaching Everest Base Camp is a huge achievement bound to make you emotional, but the journey you will have to reach here will shape you.

We love the Everest Base Camp hike not only because of the adventure, thrill, and mountain vistas it offers but also because it brings the world together, motivating one another and striving for the same goal.

We love it because we do not hesitate to say hello to fellow trekkers and the locals while passing by them, which we do not do in our day-to-day lives. The journey rewires your mind, connects you to nature, and allows you to be your true self, where you only compete with your limits.

What to expect during the Everest Base Camp trekking with helicopter return?

The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return combines hiking and a helicopter tour/flight. The trip balances adventure and comfort, and makes this trek doable for all ages of trekkers. Likewise, the short 9-day itinerary makes trekking to EBC possible for travelers on a short vacation.

You can expect the following things during the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return:

• Less walking: The helicopter flight shortens the standard 11-day EBC hike to a 9-day walk (excluding arrival and departure from Nepal). Just 2 to 3 fewer days remove 65 kilometers of distance from the trek.
• Experience the famous commercial Lukla flight: You will start the Everest Base Camp helicopter return trek with the famous commercial Lukla flight. The flight either takes off from Kathmandu Airport or Ramechhap Airport. Flying in a tiny propeller aircraft and landing at an airport located 2,860 meters above sea level will be an experience of a lifetime in itself.
• Discover majestic Himalayan mountains: The main highlight of the EBC trek is the stunning mountains. During trekking, you will see an uncountable number of mountains, peaks, and hills. Some famous ones are Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Thamserku, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Cholatse, Taboche, Khumbutse, and Pumori.
• Explore the diverse climatic zones of the Sagarmatha National Park: The Everest Base Camp trail enters the Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo village onwards on the second day of the trek. The national park goes up to Mount Everest and protects and preserves every living being, natural wonders, and local heritage. You will trek through lush rhododendron forests, gradually ascend to alpine terraced fields, and enter the glacial zone.
• Cross many suspension bridges on the way: From day one of the trek, you will follow the Dudh Koshi River and hike to the upper elevation. The trail is connected through many suspension bridges, especially at lower elevations. The Tenzing-Hillary Suspension Bridge is one of the longest and most popular bridges.
• Comfortable lodge accommodation and delicious meals: The EBC trail is dotted with lodges and tea houses for trekkers where they can rest and have food. You can choose an affordable, basic, but comfortable lodge or a luxury lodge with great amenities and services, as per your budget.
• Observe the lifestyle of Sherpas and other mountain communities and get to know them closely: Sherpas are the natives of the Everest region. Apart from them, Rai, Lama, Limbu, and Bhotiya are other ethnic groups that live in the Everest region. During trekking, you will see their lifestyle and traditions and interact with them.
• Visit ancient monasteries on the way: Not many trekkers realize this, but during the EBC trek, they also have excellent cultural exploration. From the myths and legends to ancient monasteries and stupas, you will get a great opportunity to learn about local culture and beliefs. Tengboche and Pangboche monasteries are the two major religious sites you will visit during the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return.
• Exciting acclimatization hikes: We have two acclimatization days in our 9-day EBC helicopter return trek. We have strategically placed acclimatization breaks in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche village, which is best for avoiding altitude sickness. For the hike, you will visit Hotel Everest View and Nangkartshang Hill.
• Glacier and moraine walking: After Dingboche village, glacier and moraine walking is inevitable because you are above the treeline.
• Diverse landscapes: Varying altitudes and changing climatic zones mean you will see diverse landscapes throughout the trek. Lush Valleys and rhododendron forested hills change to glacier fields and rocky peaks.
• Helicopter flight back to Kathmandu: After enjoying a gorgeous sunrise and Mount Everest view from Kala Patthar, you will return to Gorak Shep and prepare to take a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu. It will be an incredible feeling to see the trail that you used to hike up during the flight. Likewise, the aerial views of the villages and mountains are also excellent.
• Trek with a local guide and porter: You will be accompanied by one of our local guides and porters during the trek. It ensures your safety in the remote mountains and makes the trek enlightening and fun.

Scenic View of the High Himalayas from a Helicopter

One of the best deals with Everest Base Camp Trek Heli Return will be to explore the panoramic view of the Himalayas during the trek, and also while returning from the Helicopter.

While returning by helicopter, you will enjoy mesmerizing views of Khumbu Glacier, Namche Bazaar, Sherpa Villages, and above all, the views of the high Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. These are the Himalayas above 8000 meters.

Bidding farewell to the Himalayas, you will fly through the hills into the metropolitan city of Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Cost/ Price for 2025

The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return to Kathmandu depends on various factors such as the travel agency, trek duration, number of people in the group, package inclusions (accommodations, meals, permits, etc.), and additional services like a helicopter flight to Lukla and return are included. On average, the Everest Base Camp Trek helicopter return cost starts from $2,350 to $2,850 or more.

If you have any questions regarding the trip or want to CUSTOMIZE TRIP please feel free to contact us through WhatsApp at +977 9851149890, Email: [email protected] 

Outline Itinerary

Day 01:   Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610M)

• Include: Transport to Airport + Flight Ticket + Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 02:  Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440M)

• Include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 03:  Acclimatization Day, Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880M)

• Include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 04:  Trek to Tengbuche (3,840M)

• Include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 05:  Trek to Dingbuche (4,410M)

• Include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 06:  Acclimatization Day, Day Hike to Nagtsang Hill (5,091M)

• Include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 07:  Trek to Lobuche (4,910M)

• Include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 08:  Trek to Gorakshep (5140M) and Day Tour to Everest Base Camp (5,364M)

• Include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accommodation
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Day 09:  Morning Hike (Optional) to Kalapatthar (5545M) and Helicopter Back to Kathmandu

• Include: Helicopter Ride to Kathmandu, Breakfast + 3 Star accommodation on a BB basis
• Exclude: Bottle Mineral Water + Personal Expenses

Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return difficulty

The Everest Base Camp trek, with or without a helicopter return flight, is a difficult endeavor, especially for those who are not physically active and in great shape.

One thing that trekkers really underestimate is the terrain, which we call Nepali Flat. This means it is not like Kilimanjaro, where you spend the first four days walking uphill and then turn around and come back downhill again.

On the Everest Base Camp trek, there is a lot of uphill and downhill walking on both sides. Reaching Everest Base Camp is not the end of the trek. You still have almost four days of walking back to Lukla.

Though the altitude drops, you will still constantly ascend and descend. The best part of the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is that you get to skip the return walking.

So, following the helicopter return itinerary, you will end the trek after hiking to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Of course, it makes the trek a little bit less challenging and more achievable for beginner trekkers.

Below, we have shared different factors that make the Everest Base Camp trek challenging:

• Rugged terrain: The Everest Base Camp trekking route is not flat. The terrain is uneven, rocky, and even steep in a few sections. Throughout the journey, you have to do many uphill and downhill walks, which demand good stamina and strength.
• High-altitude: The Everest Base Camp trek starts at 2,860 meters and ascends to 5,545 meters above sea level. You gain around 500 meters every day. As the altitude changes, the terrain, climate, and vegetation also change. Once you go above 3,000 meters, you will start to see the effects of high altitude. Walking becomes difficult because of thin air and low oxygen levels.
• Trek duration and distance: You will walk nine days from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. The Everest Base Camp trek distance is approximately 120 kilometers (65 kilometers each way), but you will only walk 65 kilometers on this trek. Every day, you will trek 9 to 11 km, which takes 6 to 7 hours. You have to be in good health and shape to walk nine days and almost 7 hours daily.
• Remote location: Trekkers have to understand that the Everest Base Camp trek is not a comfortable, luxury gateway. It is an adventure trek in a remote location. Once you go above Dingboche village, the services become even more limited. You have to make peace with not getting modern conveniences and even basic amenities. Trekkers must be ready to adjust to basic facilities on the EBC trek route.
• Khumbu cough: Khumbu cough is one of the most underrated challenges on the Everest Base Camp trek. It is a nuance that trekkers face at higher altitudes because of cold and dry air. The best way to avoid it is by covering your neck and mouth with a buff. Likewise, keep yourself hydrated and acclimatized. Note that Khumbu cough can last several weeks, so please be cautious.

Preparation for the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return

You do not need any special skills to get up to the Everest Base Camp. You can literally just hike, but the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek.

Walking 9 to 11 kilometers a day for several days is easier said than done, especially at high altitudes. So, try to be in your peak physical condition as you can be while starting the trek.

• Physical preparation: Start with activities like cycling, jogging, swimming, and running. These activities are great for improving stamina and endurance. Likewise, take long walks 3 to 4 times a week with a backpack weighing at least 5 kg. You can go on day hikes or a short high-altitude trek before EBC. It will help you acclimate well during EBC. Weight training is also good for making your core strong.
• Mental preparation: Learn about the EBC trek. Watch videos on YouTube and TikTok. It will give you an idea of what to expect during the trek and clear your perspective. Practice yoga and deep breathing. You have to push yourself mentally a lot during the trek.

Some helpful tips for the Everest Base Camp helicopter return trek

• Start your Everest Base Camp trek preparations early. Book the trek early. You can keep 4 to 8 weeks or more on hand depending on your fitness. Get your body accustomed to walking long hours during this duration and start arranging trekking clothes, gear, and essentials.
• For the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, you do not have to be extremely strong or possess previous high-altitude experience. But what you need is decent stamina and endurance to walk 6 hours a day. So, if you are new to trekking or not physically fit, plan a training regime to help you improve your strength, stamina, and endurance, and train for 6 to 8 weeks before the trek starts.
• Consult your doctor and get the necessary vaccinations. Also, talk about high altitude and ways you can deal with it.
• Get your trekking gear early if you plan to buy new ones and get used to them. Especially buy your trekking boots early and break them in. Trust us, you do not want to bring a brand new pair of trekking boots to the mountains. They will give you blisters and make walking very challenging.
• Please follow our EBC trek packing list at the end of the page to pack for the trek.
• Some essentials that no trekker should forget to bring on an EBC trek are UV sunglasses, moisturizer, SPF, lip balm, toilet paper, water bladder, touch-screen compatible gloves, fuzzy socks, electrolyte powder, buff, protein bars and snacks, solar power bank, and some travelers games or pre-downloaded music/audiobook/podcasts.
• Keep yourself hydrated during trekking and eat well. You need energy to walk for 6 hours a day.
• During trekking, take it slow and enjoy nature. You do not have to hike fast. Maintain your pace and acclimatize properly.
• Please be careful while walking along the hillsides. If you happen to share the trail with mules or yaks, stand on the cliffside, not the edge, and let the animals pass before you move. Please do not disturb them.
• Select the right season to trek. It should fit your physical conditions and likings.
• Do not trek to Everest Base Camp alone. The Himalayas are no place to be alone. The first 1-2 days of the journey will be easy to manage; however, once you leave the lower trails and enter the alpine zone, loneliness will affect your journey a lot.
• If you feel any discomfort, communicate with your guide. Listen to your body and only push yourself when necessary. You have to be patient in the mountains; otherwise, you will risk your life and experience.

Why do the Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter return with Discover Altitude?

At Discover Altitude, we offer more than a decade of expertise and professionalism. We are an authorized Nepali trekking agency. With us, you will get the best Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return cost and no hidden charges.

We are transparent about our prices and policies. There is nothing hidden in our trips. Likewise, our treks are sustainable and eco-friendly. We make sure to reduce our impact as much as possible during treks in the Himalayas.

Our friendly team handles logistics and permits for the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return. You can travel freely with us without any hassle. Likewise, we also customize special treks for our guests searching for something different in Nepal.

• Complimentary airport pick up and drop off.
• Best price and international-level service.
• Professional guide and porter.
• There are no hidden fees or policies.
• Free duffel bag to use during the trek.
• Customizable itineraries.
• Sustainable trips, 24/7 support, and a friendly city team.

Luxury Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return

We can also organize a luxury Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return for you. It will take your trip to the next level and allow you to experience the exclusive side of the Everest region that very few trekkers get to experience.

During the luxury trek, you will spend the night in premium lodges that offer spacious rooms with en-suite washrooms and hot showers. There is no additional charge for services such as WiFi and charging.

Bookings for the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return 2025/2026 departures are open. Likewise, you can also opt for a luxury EBC helicopter trek. Contact us for more information.