Trip Highlights
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
- Thrilling mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport)
- Trek through the iconic Everest region, home to the legendary Sherpa community
- Visit Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest and Sherpa capital
- Short hike to Syangboche and view the world’s highest-altitude airstrip
- Experience authentic Sherpa culture and lifestyle
- Reach the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m) on foot
- Enjoy a breathtaking helicopter flight back, passing over glaciers, river valleys, and towering peaks
The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is one of the most thrilling trekking adventures in Nepal. It combines the excitement of trekking to the world-famous Everest Base Camp with a scenic helicopter return flight, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas. Perfect for those short on time but not on ambition, this trek delivers all the highlights of the classic route in a shorter time frame — with added luxury.
From your first scenic flight into Lukla Airport, to stepping into the heart of Sagarmatha National Park, and exploring vibrant Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, every moment is filled with awe. You'll walk through pristine landscapes, visit sacred sites like Tengboche Monastery, and get close-up views of towering Himalayan peaks — including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and more. The sunrise from Kala Patthar will stay etched in your memory forever.
What makes this trip even more special is the helicopter flight back from Everest Base Camp, giving you a new perspective of the region as you soar over glaciers, deep valleys, rivers, and forested hills.
Everest Base Camp Heli Trek – Complete Itinerary Overview
The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek itinerary is carefully designed to offer both adventure and comfort. Starting with cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, the journey quickly transitions into the Himalayas with a thrilling flight to Lukla. Over the course of 13 days, trekkers pass through iconic Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Syangboche, explore ancient monasteries, and gradually acclimatize to the high altitude. The trek reaches its peak at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,550m)—the best viewpoints for Mt. Everest. Instead of retracing steps, the return is made unforgettable with a scenic helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, offering a bird’s-eye view of the majestic mountains and valleys below.
Why Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is the Best Trekking Option in Nepal?
The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek stands out as one of the best trekking options in Nepal due to its perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and comfort. The journey begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla, one of the most scenic and exciting airstrips in the world, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. As you trek through the heart of the Everest region, you'll be surrounded by majestic 8,000+ meter peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, providing world-class mountain panoramas at every turn. Along the way, you'll immerse yourself in authentic Sherpa culture, visiting remote villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries like Tengboche. The trail also leads through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in biodiversity, where you might spot rare species like the snow leopard, red panda, or musk deer. What makes this trek even more special is the helicopter return from Everest Base Camp, allowing you to skip the long descent and instead enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayas—making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure lovers.
As one of Nepal’s most trusted trekking agencies, we provide:
- Professional, licensed guides and porters
- Comfortable lodging and hygienic meals
- All-inclusive permits and transportation
- 24/7 communication and support
- Customizable tour and trek packages
Itinerary
One of the representatives will pick you up and escort you to the hotel.
The day starts with a short tour of the city of Kathmandu where we visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Durbar Square; an ancient palace, Boudhanath Stupa, an important Tibetan Buddhist site, Pashupatinath Temple in the evening for the Aarati and Swayambhunath where monkeys play among the trees and watch from the tops of the stupa. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.
The third day starts with a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu; one of the most incredible airstrips in the world. The flight lasts around half an hour with the eye-catching the view of the Himalayas on one end, and lovely agricultural landscapes on the other. Afterwards, we trek towards the small town of Phakding (2,610m), where we will encounter many animals such as oxen, mule, and donkey along the way. The trail then winds its way to the Dudh Koshi River. We walk across suspension bridges over this glacially fed river while Buddhist prayer flags flutter in the breeze. Also notice the Tibetan scriptures carved into stones and that are scattered along the trail at various points, usually around stupas or near monasteries. Once we arrive in Phakding we will get settle and spend the night.
Today the trek heads to Namche Bazar (3,440m). Considered a tourist hub and the real beginning point for expeditions to Mt. Everest. This is where we also enter into the Sagarmatha National Park where our guide will facilitate our entry. Namche Bazaar is a trade area for people, offering Saturday morning markets. It is also the first acclimatization point to facilitate adjustment to the altitude. We can see the snow- capped mountains from here such as Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,414m), and Thamserku (6,623m). Stay overnight at Namche Bazar.
The fifth day starts with the hike to Syangboche (3,720m), a village near Namche Bazar. There is an airport at Syangboche; the highest altitude airport. It is a home of Sherpa people where we can experience the Sherpas lifestyle. Also, we can view Mt. Ama Dablam (6,856m). Stay overnight at Syangboche.
This day we will pass through more idyllic villages like Khunde, Khumjung, Phunke Tenga, and Tengboche. The Khunde Hillary Gompa of Khunde village and Khumjung Gompa of Khumjung village will be placed to visit along the way. Also, the Tengboche Monastery which is the largest in the whole Khumbu Region is another important. We will overnight in Tengboche.
Passing the villages such as Pangboche, Somare and Jamdang and crossing rivers above small bridges we arrive at Pheriche. Pheriche lies above Tsola River and a small town where we can see yaks passing the way. This place is also a popular stop for trekkers and climbers. Stay at Pheriche.
This will be another acclimatization day to allow the body to adjust to the increase in elevation. Instead of gaining more elevation we will continue to stay in town, yet enjoy some activity. Enjoy having tea and speaking with the locals during your stay.
From Pheriche, we will trek to Lobuche (4,910m). The trail goes through rocky ridges, monasteries, and wonderful views of the Himalayas such as Lobuche (6,145m), Pumo Ri (7,165m), Cholatse (6,335m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Ama Dablam (6,856m). Along the way, we will also start to view the Khumbu Glacier. Stay at Lobuche.
The tenth day begins with trekking to Gorakshep (5,140m) the highest year around an inhabited settlement. We trek uphill and reach the end of the glacier. This place is the closest stop to Everest Base Camp. We then hike to Kala Patthar above Gorakshep; the closest viewpoint to watch Mt. Everest (8,848m). The hike up to the knoll of Kala Patthar is surprisingly steep, but keeping a slow and steady pace allows us to reach the summit with success. Then we will return back and stay at Gorakshep.
This is the final day of the trek and a visit to the Everest Base Camp (5,364m), we reach the base camp and enjoy views of Everest that feel so close you could reach out and touch its slopes. Also enjoy views of other peaks such as Pumori (7,161m), Lingtren (6,749m), Khumbutse (6,665m), Lhotse (8,414m), Nuptse (7,861m), Cho Oyo (8,188m), and Ama Dablam (6,856m) We fly back to Kathmandu by Heli, This beautiful Heli tour is saving time and energy as well which also provides you the best scenery that can’t be forgotten.
This day is a rest day with some strolling around the streets of Thamel, and an evening walk around Boudhanath Stupa with the evening lights? Relax and enjoy your last evening in Kathmandu.