The shortest plan we consider sensible keeps the climb slow and removes the slow descent. You walk up with the usual acclimatisation, then a helicopter takes you back down, usually in a morning, instead of three days of walking. This keeps the part of the trip that protects your health and shortens the part that does not.
Outline of the plan
Altitudes and walking times on this page are approximate and differ a little between maps, GPS devices and lodges. Treat them as planning figures, not survey data.
- Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (about 2,860 m) and walk to Phakding (about 2,610 m).
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m).
- Rest day at Namche, with a short acclimatisation hike.
- Namche to Tengboche (about 3,860 m).
- Tengboche to Dingboche (about 4,410 m).
- Dingboche to Lobuche (about 4,910 m), or add a rest day at Dingboche if you feel any symptoms.
- Lobuche to Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m), then base camp (about 5,364 m).
- Helicopter back to Lukla or Kathmandu, weather permitting, usually after an early morning at Gorak Shep or Kala Patthar.
What this saves
Roughly three days compared with walking down, and the long, hard knee-testing descent. It also reduces your exposure to the lower-valley weather that disrupts return flights.
What it does not change
The ascent is the same. You still sleep at the same altitudes, on the same days. If you add the rest day at Dingboche, the plan is 8 trekking days up; without it, it is 7. Read why acclimatisation days matter.
Weather and the helicopter
Helicopters fly only in suitable weather and visibility. Morning is usually best; cloud tends to build later in the day. Have a plan B: if the helicopter cannot fly, you walk down, which takes about two to three days. Keep spare days after the trek and read our helicopter return page.
Costs and insurance
A helicopter flight is a significant extra cost. Check that your travel insurance covers trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation, and ask how a scheduled helicopter return differs from an emergency flight. See insurance and evacuation.
A realistic morning at Gorak Shep
Helicopter pick-ups are usually early. You may wake at 4 or 5 a.m. in a cold room, eat a light breakfast and wait for the call that the aircraft is on its way. Keep your pack ready the night before, wear your warm layers and do not plan anything else for the morning. If cloud sits in the valley, the flight can slip by hours or by a day.
Who this plan suits
- Trekkers with limited holiday time but good health.
- Anyone worried about the long descent on tired knees.
- People who want the base camp walk but not three more days of the same trail.
Common questions
How many days does the walk-up, fly-down plan take?
About 8 to 9 days from the Lukla flight to the helicopter, plus Kathmandu days either side.
Where does the helicopter pick up?
Usually at Gorak Shep, Pheriche or Lukla, depending on weather and the operator. Confirm with your trek planner.
What if the helicopter cannot fly?
You walk down. Plan two to three spare days so a delay does not cost you your international flight.
