Small deposit in India. Balance in Nepal.

12 Day Luxury EBC Heli Trek

  • 12 Days
  • Everest, Nepal
  • Customizable
  • Small deposit to book
  • Local licensed guides
This Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return offers the perfect balance of rugged adventure and high-end comfort. By replacing the multi-day descent with a spectacular helicopter flight, we've condensed the iconic Everest journey into a 12-day experience without sacrificing acclimatization or the thrill of reaching Base Camp. The Luxury upgrade gives you choice hotels in Kathmandu and the best tea houses on the mountain while you trek.

The journey culminates in a breathtaking morning hike to the summit of Kalapathar for the ultimate view of Mt. Everest, followed by a private helicopter flight back to Lukla. Instead of retracing your steps on foot, you'll soar over the Khumbu Glacier and the winding mountain trails you conquered earlier in the week. This premium itinerary is designed for those who want to experience the majesty of the Himalayas with a time-efficient, luxurious finale that provides a bird's-eye view of the world's highest peaks.

    What's Included?

  • 12 day adventure, 9 of which include 3 meals a day
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu, breakfast included
  • One way helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla
  • Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Ramecchap and Lukla
    *
  • Accommodation while trekking
  • Airport transfers
  • Everest trekking permit and TIMS (traveler security) Card
  • Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
  • Porter service
  • Local and government taxes
  • Farewell dinner
 
* Lukla Flight Delays (read more)
* Travel Insurance is required on all Treks (read more)
* No Extra Fees for Solo Travelers (read more)
* Off Season Supplement Applies from Nov 15th to March 1st and between May 15th and Sept 15th.
During the off season shared helicopter availability is uncertain and we may need to charter a private helicopter for guests. In this case a supplement of $1300 will be charged to solo travelers and $300 per/person for groups less than 3 people. If a shared helicopter is available this fee will be waived.

Everest Base Camp Route Profile

Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We'll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.

Accommodation: Yak and Yeti Hotel or Dalai la

Day 2 - Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Phakding

Altitude: 2,800m/9184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding)
Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours)
*

Flight time: 15 min from Ramecchap
Drive time: 4 hours & 30mins (Kathmandu to Ramecchap)

After a short morning flight to Lukla, you'll be introduced to your guide and porter. Kick off your trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descent towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we will be staying for the night to acclimatize. Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a popular stopping point.

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home Phakding

Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 hour drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu so we will get started for the airport around 2 am. The return drive at the end of the trek is between 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

Day 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
Walking Distance: 10-12km (5-6 hours)

We'll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it's uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It's a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you'll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home Namche

Day 4 - Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft

At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There's an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals' marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home Namche

Day 5 - Namche Bazaar to Debouche/Melingo

Altitude: 3,700m/12,139ft
Walking Distance: 10km (6 hours)

Breakfast in Namche Bazaar fuels us for another day of trekking towards Everest Base Camp today! Breathtaking views of the Himalayas - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde - are some of the highlights not to be missed. Our destination, Phortse, is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. Its views, which include Ama Dablam, are legendary.

Accommodation: Local Tea House

Day 6 - Debouche/Melingo to Dingboche

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft
Walking Distance: 11km (6 hours)

The trail today parallels the canyon of the raging Imja Khol River with its glacial blue waters. It's a gradual climb up to the village of Pangboche, the biggest settlement of Sherpas in the region. Enjoy a great opportunity to observe a typical Sherpa village and have lunch with the locals! The intrepid can brave a brief hike to the Pangboche monastery, one of the oldest in the area. Our afternoon trek will be a difficult one, as the landscape gives way to dry, deserted mountains and we hike towards Dingboche.

Accommodation: Local Tea House

Note: Depending on trail conditions and tea house availability we may take the route on the other side of the river through Phortse. This trail diverges after Namche on Day 5 and basically parallels the trail to Debouche but on the opposite side of the river. The two trails merge back together in Pangboche.

Day 7 - Dingboche: Rest and Acclimatization Day

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft

This is your chance to rest up before the last leg of our adventure! Savor a full day of exploring Dingboche and the surrounding valleys of Chhukung and Imja, the latter of which links with Island Peak, the high passes of Amphu Laptsa, and Makalu Barun National Park. Taking an optional trek to the valleys will pay off in rewarding views, but taking it easy is the most important thing today. You'll need your rest for the penultimate day of ascent tomorrow.

Accommodation: Local Tea House

Day 8 - Dingboche to Lobuche

Altitude: 4,900m/16,076ft
Walking Distance: 11-12 km (6-7 hours)

From here on forth, the trek will move more gradually be more challenging, due to the higher altitude. We'll pass Dungla, but not before a tough, steep walk to the top of a high hill. Here are the memorial stupas dedicated to the climbers and trekkers who lost their lives to Everest over the years. The next part of our adventure brings over craggy mountain terrain to Lobuche, a small settlement with amazing views of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumari and the Nuptse. Prepare to snuggle up for a cold night, as we are now almost three miles above sea level and the evenings can be downright chilly!

Accommodation: Local Tea House

Day 9 - Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, EBC to Gorekshep

Altitude: 5180m/16,994ft (Gorekshep) & 5364m/17598 (EBC)
Walking Distance: 15km (6-8 hours)

This is it! Our big day kicks off with an initial, relatively easy trek from Lobuche to Gorekshep. The subsequent, straight trail to Everest Base Camp is harder, involving rocky dunes and moraine, formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris. On the way to our destination, we'll approach the famed Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Everest. At the Base Camp, our goal, you'll have the chance (during the spring climbing season) to meet climbers attempting to scale the mountain's summit. Break out your cameras for unbelievable views of breathtaking beauty. As the afternoon sun starts to wane, we'll head back to Gorekshep for some much-needed rest and relaxation after a grueling and busy day.

Accommodation: Local Tea House

Day 10 - Gorekshep to Kalapathar to Lukla

Altitude: 5,545m/18,192ft (Kalapathar)
Walking Distance: 5km (2-3 hours)

We'll wake before dawn today to trek towards Kalapathar (which means "black rock") for a fiery, glorious sunrise over Mt. Everest. The day's first light will illuminate your spectacular view of Nuptse Nup, Changtse and Lhotse.This may be, of the whole journey, your most opportune moment to snap amazing pictures of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Afterwards, it's back to Gorekshep for breakfast and a quick helicopter ride back to Lukla. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in our last Tea House and, traditionally, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you?ve accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet.

Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home Lukla

Day 11 - Lukla to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Flight Time: 35 min

In the morning, you'll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (See Note), where your journey both began and ends. You'll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We'll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we'll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.

Accommodation: Yak and Yeti Hotel or Dalai la

Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 to 6 hour drive from Ramechhap back to Kathmandu depending on traffic.

Day 12 - Kathmandu: Departure Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

It's your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We'll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we'll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Off Season Supplement: Applies from Nov 15th to March 1st and between May 15th and Sept 15th.
During the off season shared helicopter availability is uncertain and we may need to charter a private helicopter for guests. In this case a supplement of $1300 will be charged to solo travelers and $300 per/person for groups less than 3 people. If a shared helicopter is available this fee will be waived.

Our latest terms and conditions can be found here - "Terms and Conditions."

For details on the following please check:
Travel Insurance - (click here)
Extra Costs - (click here)
Schedule Delays - (click here)
Cancellations - (click here)

Please review the "Terms and Conditions" carefully before booking and don't hesitate to ask us if any questions.
Start your adventure here with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Luxury EBC Heli trek

What is the 12-day Luxury EBC Heli trek?

A walk up to Base Camp and Kala Patthar, with a helicopter flight from Gorakshep back to Lukla on Day 10 instead of the descent. You stay in luxury hotels and lodges where they exist.

Where does the helicopter fly?

Only one way: Gorakshep to Lukla on the morning of Day 10 after Kala Patthar sunrise. The walk up takes nine days.

How is it different from the 14-day luxury trek?

That listing walks both ways. This one saves about two days of descent, and the helicopter seat depends on weather and the operator.

How does it compare with the Everest Heli Trek listing?

Both fly down. This listing adds Yeti Mountain Home lodges at Phakding, Namche and Lukla and a five-star Kathmandu hotel.

Helicopter and weather

Is the helicopter flight guaranteed?

No. Mountain weather can ground it, and the pilot decides. If it cannot fly, you walk down and may need extra days. Keep two to four spare days.

What if a shared seat is unavailable?

The page mentions an off-season supplement in that case. Ask us for the current charge before you book.

Can the helicopter be used for emergencies?

Emergency flights are separate and arranged through your insurer. This scheduled flight is not a rescue.

When does the supplement apply?

Off-season surcharges apply from 15 November to 1 March and 15 May to 15 September. The best months are September to December and March to May.

Trek and altitude

How is acclimatisation handled?

Rest days at Namche and Dingboche, a night at Gorakshep and a gradual rise. The helicopter does not remove the need for these days.

Where do we sleep?

Yeti Mountain Home at Phakding, Namche and Lukla, and the best local teahouses at Debuche or Melingo, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep. Rooms above Namche are simpler.

How high do I go?

Gorakshep is about 5,160m, Base Camp 5,364m and Kala Patthar 5,545m. You then fly down to Lukla.

Is the flight bad for altitude sickness?

A rapid descent usually helps, but it can be uncomfortable for ears and sinuses. Tell the pilot and guide if you feel unwell.

Costs and logistics

What is included?

Two Kathmandu nights with breakfast, Lukla flights from Ramechhap, the helicopter leg, permits, TIMS, a guide, a porter, taxes, meals on nine days and a farewell dinner.

What does the page say about 11 or 12 days?

The fact box lists 11 days and the itinerary lists 12. Follow the 12-day itinerary, which includes the departure day.

How much extra cash is needed?

Around INR 1,000 per day for water, snacks and tips.

Insurance, safety and team

Is travel insurance compulsory, and what must it cover?

Yes. Your policy must cover trekking to at least 5,545m, emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation, and you send us a copy before you travel. See the insurance section of our terms.

What happens if there is an emergency on the trail?

Your guide contacts our Nepal operator, Himalayan Wonders Adventure Pvt. Ltd., which coordinates with your insurer and a helicopter service. Evacuation can cost USD 5,000 or more and is your responsibility, so keep every hospital report for your claim.

Who looks after me in Nepal?

Your guide and porter, and our Kathmandu office staff, are all employed by Himalayan Wonders Adventure Pvt. Ltd., the Nepal operator that runs your trip. Read about them on the team page.

Money, booking and changes

How do I pay for the luxury EBC Heli trek?

Pay a deposit to book. Indian guests pay by bank transfer or UPI, since we do not take credit cards in India. Guests elsewhere can use transfer or an online card (4.5% processing fee). The balance is paid at our Kathmandu office on arrival in INR, USD, EUR, GBP or another major currency. Cards used in Nepal add 13%, so cash is cheaper.

Is my deposit refundable?

50% is refundable for 30 days after you book, and after that it is not. The deposit stays valid for 365 days and can be moved to any trek or climb we offer. If you do not contact us and do not arrive, it is forfeited.

Can I change my dates?

Yes. Rescheduling is free as many times as you need with at least 6 weeks' notice, and any change needs at least 14 days' notice. You pay any price difference between the old and new date.

What if I leave early?

We cannot refund unused days or services, because guides, porters and hotels are paid for the full period. We help you return, but extra nights, meals and transport are your cost. Some insurers reimburse unused days, so check your policy.

Do I pay extra if I travel alone?

There is no single supplement when you join a group. If you are the only booking on a fixed departure, a Solo Support Fee of INR 1,500 per day covers a dedicated porter, and it is waived if other guests join. We tell you at booking or as soon as it arises.

Tailor-made
Your trek, your way

Tell us your group, your dates and your budget. We will shape this trek around you.

  • Any group, any size. Families, friends, corporate teams and school groups.
  • Your pace. Add rest days for acclimatization, extend your trek or combine it with another route.
  • Your budget. Share it with us and we will plan around it.
  • Your dates. Reschedule free, as often as you need, with 6 weeks’ notice.
Customise this trek
Why book with us
  • One local team. Your guide, porters and driver are all employed by Himalayan Wonders Adventure Pvt. Ltd., our licensed operator in Nepal.
  • Led by experienced specialists. Our guides know the route, its teahouses and its high passes well.
  • Safety first. Guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid, and they check your oxygen levels every day. Your guide decides whether you continue, rest or descend, and that decision is final.
  • Clear pricing. Our Terms list the extras up front, so there are no surprises on the trail.
  • A deposit that stays flexible. It is 50% refundable for 30 days and valid on any trek or climb for a year.
  • Real people, quick replies. We answer every email within 24 hours. You can also call us on +91 932 595 1234, 9am to 7pm IST.
  • Big group? We can help. We arrange custom group treks at every level.
Trekking Facts
Trek Name:
Everest Heli Trek
Best Season:
September to December & March to May.
Trek Grade:
Strenuous
Accommodation:
Tea House
Highest Point:
5545m
Trail Access:
Flight
(Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu)
Helicopter
(Gorekshep / Lukla)
Highlights:
Mt. Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and more.
Trek Duration:
12 Days
Group Size:
Min.1 to Max 10 Pax
All inclusiveRs. 300,000 INR
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