Heli trek: Everest Base Camp
Everest at Your Feet: Trek to Base Camp and Return by Helicopter for an Exceptional Himalayan Adventure.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,926/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
The Himalayas seen from the sky, a unique view of the world's highest mountain range. A true discovery of the mountain world. On a trek lasting around ten days, brush past the jagged slopes of snow-capped peaks: Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8501 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Pumori (7165 m) and Nuptse (7861 m). After your arrival at Lukla airport, progress through picturesque villages with unique traditions, and let yourself be carried away by the song of birds along the steep valleys, where an unsuspected wild beauty unfolds. Discover the capital of the Sherpas, Namche Bazaar, and continue your journey to reach the viewpoint of Kala Pattar at 5545 meters altitude. End your expedition behind the cockpit of our helicopter, and relax while admiring this view of Népal's mountains. This package combines the authenticity of high-altitude trekking with the comfort of a helicopter return, offering an experience that is both sporty and spectacular. Nights in mountain lodges allow you to share the daily life of the Sherpas, while each stage reveals ever more impressive panoramas.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight to Lukla and start of our trek.
The day starts early with a short flight offering many panoramic views of the mountains, before reaching the starting point of your trek. From the air, observe the Langtang and Jugal Himal ranges, as well as the Rolwaling, Gaurisankar and Menlungtse, before your first glimpse of the Himalaya landscapes.
Your trek begins at the gateway to the Khumbu, at the entrance to the village of Lukla. Throughout the day, several stops allow you to meet the locals, take photos and enjoy landscapes dotted with snow-capped peaks reaching 6,000 meters. Along the way, pass near the imposing Thado Kosi mani stone, carved with prayers, then navigate around the many chortens and prayer wheels of Sano. The afternoon is free. Those who wish can continue to a small gompa, a Buddhist temple overlooking the village. At the end of the day, gather around an aperitif by the fireside, before sharing dinner.
From Phakding to Namche Bazaar, in the heart of Sherpa country
After breakfast, head on foot towards the Village of Monjo. The trail winds along the right bank of the Dudh Koshi, crosses the village of Phakding and uses several suspension bridges over the river. You continue through a pine forest and several small villages, with a pause to admire the Thamserku, which peaks at 6,623 meters. After more suspension bridge crossings, you reach the village of Monjo. After lunch in Monjo, descend a few stone steps, cross a suspension bridge then reach Jorshale, at the entrance to the national park. The trek continues along the river, through wooded then rocky areas. After several more suspension bridges, climb towards Top Danda, where you can catch your first glimpse of Everest. A gradual ascent then leads you to Namche, capital of the Sherpa country. A short walk is planned to help with your acclimatization to altitude. Then enjoy your free time discovering the shops and cafés of Namche. Accompanied by your guide, reach various viewpoints over the surrounding peaks: Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest and Ama Dablam dominate the deep Himalayan valleys.
If you feel fit enough, you can extend the walk to the villages of Khumjung and Kunde, where a clinic and school were able to be opened thanks to the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Trek to Phortse via Mong village
After a steeper section, reach the village of Mong, from where you enjoy a clear view of Thamserku, to the southeast. Then begin a sustained descent to the Dudh Kosi Nadi river, which you cross on a metal footbridge at 3,680 meters altitude. A steady climb then leads you to the village of Phortse, situated at 3,800 meters.
Set on a completely cultivated plateau, Phortse is distinguished by its numerous plots of land delimited by dry stone walls.
Trek to Dingboche
Continue your trek with a slow and steady climb in the Khumbu valley up to Pangboche. You gradually enter the heart of the upper Khumbu, following a trail that steadily gains altitude. To promote your acclimatization, progress slowly throughout this stage. Upon your arrival in Pangboche, enjoy lunch.
Continue your ascent with a steady climb, punctuated by a few short steeper sections. Along the way, enjoy views of Kangtenga, Thamserku and Ama Dablam, nicknamed the "White Lady" and the "Mother of the Sherpas". You then reach the hamlet of Dingboche, located at 4,400 meters altitude.
Trek to Lobuche
Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp
From Lobuche, follow the trail towards the Khumbu Glacier moraine, which you climb in a zigzag manner. The ascent is demanding until the appearance of the conical summit of Pumori to the north. The slope then gradually softens before opening onto the vast plateau of Gorak Shep, where there are a few lodges and camping sites.
From Gorakshep, follow a trail that runs along the Khumbu Glacier moraine ridge for a long stretch, before descending onto the glacier to reach the Everest Base Camp. Along the way, facing the imposing wall of the Nuptse and just above the Khumbu Glacier, discover a monument erected in memory of climbers and Sherpas who died on Everest.
From the Everest Base Camp, enjoy a view of the Khumbu Icefall. The summit of Everest, on the other hand, is not visible from the base camp. After this discovery, head back in the direction of Gorakshep.
The Ascent of Kalapatthar (5550 m) and Helicopter Return to Lukla from Gorakshep
The Kalapathar is the highest point of the Everest trek. The ascent is not technical but the last part is difficult. Set off for the ascent of Kala Patthar, the culminating point of this Everest trek. The route presents no particular technical difficulty, but the last part of the ascent is more demanding due to the altitude. From the summit, enjoy a vast panorama over Everest and several peaks of the Khumbu: Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and Cholatse, as well as the Khumbu Glacier. The view of Everest is closer there than from Gokyo Ri.
Return to Kathmandu
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Porter Service - 8€ per day per person
- Travel insurance: cancellation / repatriation / trip interruption / luggage loss
- International flights
- Visa fees 25 USD for 15 Days - plan for 2 photos (Visa available upon arrival at Katmandou airport)
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, beverages, spa, telephone, etc.
- Tips left to your appreciation but strongly recommended, this practice being very widespread in Nepal
- Supplement for nights in the comfortable lodge "Yeti Mountain Home"
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
Included
- Land movements described in the program
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu - Lukla Round trip
- Helicopter: Between Gorakshep and Lukla via Pheriche
- Accommodation in local lodges during the trek without meals
- Accompaniment by an English-speaking Nepalese guide during the trek
- Entrance fees in Everest National Park and trekking permit: TIMS
- Daily fees and insurance for Nepalese local teams
- Your travel advisor's 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Everest and Khumbu
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
