11 days Everest Helicopter Trekking

The 11-day Everest Helicopter Trekking adventure starts from Kathmandu, Nepal. It offers a unique combination of trekking through the Sherpa villages of the Everest region and returning to Kathmandu on an exhilarating helicopter ride in an AS350 B3 Helicopter. This journey promises excitement and breathtaking scenery as you ascend through the classic trekking route, ultimately reaching Mount Everest’s base camp, and then returning via a scenic helicopter flight.

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is renowned as one of the best treks in Nepal, presenting a diverse array of experiences for trekkers. The route meanders through sparsely populated Sherpa villages such as Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. Each village is characterized by typical wooden houses inhabited mainly by Sherpas, who are known worldwide for their remarkable mountain-climbing prowess and unique blend of Tibetan-Buddhist culture.

The EBC Helicopter Trek offers exceptional geographical features. The region falls within the Sagarmatha National Park, home to an abundance of flora and fauna and some of the world’s mightiest peaks, including Mount Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Lhotse Shar (8383m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6812m), Mt. Nuptse (7861m), and Mt. Khumbutse (6665m). The national park also provides opportunities to spot wildlife like the Mountain Tahr, Snow Leopards, and Himalayan Black Bears.

The detailed itinerary for the 11-day adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, where a representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. The following day, you’ll fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, and start your trek to Phakding, passing through beautiful barley and buckwheat fields along the Dudh Kosi River.

From Phakding, the trail leads you to Namche Bazaar, a bustling town and the primary hub for trekkers in the Khumbu region. This day marks the entry into Sagarmatha National Park. The following day is reserved for acclimatization, with opportunities to explore Namche Bazaar and its surrounding areas, including the Khumjung monastery and panoramic views of Mount Everest and other peaks.

Continuing the trek, you will head to Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest gompa in the Khumbu region. The trail from Namche to Tengboche offers impressive views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega, and Thamserku. The following day, you will trek to Dingboche, a charming village with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. An acclimatization day is also planned in Dingboche to ensure you are well-prepared for the higher altitudes ahead.

Next, you will trek to Lobuche, passing by memorials of climbers who lost their lives on Everest and enjoying views of Khumbutse, Pumori, and Cholatse. The following day, you will reach Gorak Shep and then proceed to Everest Base Camp, where you can marvel at the breathtaking surroundings of the world’s highest peak. After exploring the base camp, you will return to Gorak Shep for the night.

The highlight of the trip comes on the penultimate day when you hike to Kala Patthar early in the morning for a dramatic sunrise view over Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. Afterward, you will fly back to Lukla by helicopter, providing a thrilling and scenic end to your trekking adventure. The final day includes a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Throughout the trek, you will be accommodated in various lodges and hotels, with three-star accommodations in Kathmandu and standard hotels in the mountains. The itinerary is designed to provide a comfortable and enriching experience, with attached bathrooms available at Phakding, Lukla, and Namche Bazaar.

This trip includes several services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. These include airport transfers by private vehicle, a complete board package with three meals a day during the trek, experienced English-speaking guides, helicopter transportation from Gorak Shep to Lukla, and necessary permits and entrance fees. Additionally, all food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance for the trekking crew are covered, as well as domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.

However, certain expenses are not included in the package. These exclusions consist of hard and soft drinks, hot showers along the trek, and tips and donations. Any other expenses not mentioned in the included items are also excluded.

The 11-day Everest Helicopter Trekking adventure offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the Everest region. From trekking through picturesque Sherpa villages and experiencing their rich culture to enjoying breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks and wildlife, this journey promises to be a memorable adventure. The combination of trekking and helicopter flight ensures that you get the best of both worlds – the challenge and beauty of trekking to Everest Base Camp and the comfort and thrill of a scenic helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. This trek is suitable for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas, offering a perfect blend of excitement, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.