Happy Yak Tours
Happy Yak Tours
Everest Region Treks · Nepal
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Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return compresses the classic EBC journey into nine days by replacing the long walk back to Lukla with a scenic helicopter flight from Gorakshep. You still earn every step of the approach through Sherpa villages, monastery ridges, and high glacial terrain, but the helicopter descent gives you an unforgettable aerial perspective on the landscape you trekked through and saves several days of retracing your steps.

9 Days Moderate Max 5,550m Spring & Autumn (Mar–May · Sep–Nov) From $2,200

Day by day

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return itinerary

Each day is structured for a steady pace, strong acclimatization, and memorable moments on trail.

  1. Day 1

    Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding

    2,610 m

    Morning mountain flight to Lukla followed by a relaxed descent through pine forest and past prayer wheels to the riverside village of Phakding.

  2. Day 2

    Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar

    3,440 m

    Cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi and climb steadily through forest to the bustling Sherpa trading town of Namche.

  3. Day 3

    Acclimatization day in Namche

    3,880 m

    Hike up to the Everest View Hotel viewpoint for a stunning first panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, then return to Namche for rest and hydration.

  4. Day 4

    Trek Namche to Tengboche

    3,867 m

    Traverse high above the valley on a scenic contour trail before descending to the monastery village of Tengboche, set against a dramatic Himalayan backdrop.

  5. Day 5

    Trek Tengboche to Dingboche

    4,410 m

    Drop through rhododendron forest, cross the Imja Khola, and climb into the broad alpine valley of Dingboche.

  6. Day 6

    Acclimatization day in Dingboche

    5,083 m

    Hike to Nagarjun Hill for commanding views of Makalu, Island Peak, and the upper Imja valley, then descend to Dingboche for a second night at altitude.

  7. Day 7

    Trek Dingboche to Lobuche

    4,910 m

    Follow the glacial valley northward past the climbers' memorial cairns and settle into Lobuche beneath the Khumbu icefall.

  8. Day 8

    Trek Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp

    5,364 m

    Push across rocky moraine to Gorakshep, drop your pack, and continue to Everest Base Camp on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier before returning to Gorakshep for the night.

  9. Day 9

    Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar, helicopter to Lukla, fly to Kathmandu

    5,550 m

    Rise before dawn for the iconic climb to Kala Patthar and watch sunrise light up Everest. Descend to Gorakshep and board a helicopter for a spectacular flight over the Khumbu back to Lukla, then catch your scheduled flight to Kathmandu.