The Best Way to See Everest: A Blend of Trekking and Helicopter Tours

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is one of the most iconic journeys in the world. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, reaching the base camp of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, is a dream come true. However, the journey doesn't have to be grueling and entirely on foot. A perfect blend of trekking and helicopter tours can offer a unique and luxurious way to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. This article will dive into why combining trekking with a helicopter return is the best way to see Everest. Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp trek itself is a journey through breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural experience. Starting in Kathmandu, you’ll travel to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, and trek through charming Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and dense rhododendron forests. The trek allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Khumbu region and get a close-up view of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest.
The Highlights of the Trekking Portion
Scenic Villages and Monasteries: Along the trail, you’ll pass through picturesque villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. These villages are rich in culture and offer insight into the traditional life of the Sherpas. Tengboche Monastery, a major highlight, provides a peaceful atmosphere with panoramic views of the mountains.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar: The ultimate goal of the trek is to reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). However, to get the best views of Mount Everest, trekkers usually continue to Kala Patthar, a hilltop at 5,550 meters (18,204 feet), offering a magnificent 360-degree view of Everest and neighboring peaks.
Acclimatization Days: Due to the high altitude, the trek includes acclimatization days to help prevent altitude sickness. These days allow trekkers to adjust to the thinner air before continuing to higher elevations.
The Himalayan Flora and Fauna: The region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including unique species like the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and the endangered snow leopard. The flora includes alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and ancient juniper trees.
The Helicopter Return: A Luxurious Touch to Your Adventure
While trekking to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable experience, returning on foot can be physically demanding and time-consuming. This is where the helicopter return comes in, offering a thrilling aerial journey back to Kathmandu.
Benefits of a Helicopter Return
Time-Saving: One of the main advantages of the helicopter return is that it significantly cuts down the time spent on the return journey. The helicopter ride from Gorak Shep (near Everest Base Camp) to Lukla takes only about 15-20 minutes, compared to the 2-3 days it would take to trek back.
Unbeatable Views: The helicopter ride provides a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayan range, offering a unique perspective of the mountains, valleys, glaciers, and villages. You’ll get to fly over the same majestic peaks that you trekked past, but from a completely new vantage point.
Comfort: After a physically demanding trek, flying back by helicopter is a comfortable and relaxing way to complete the journey. It allows you to take in the panoramic views without the physical strain of a long descent.
Avoid Altitude Issues: Descending quickly by helicopter helps minimize any potential risks associated with altitude sickness that can occur when trekking back down from high altitudes.
Why Combine Trekking and Helicopter Tours?
For many trekkers, the Everest Base Camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By combining the traditional trekking adventure with a helicopter return, you get the best of both worlds – a challenging and immersive trek with the luxury and comfort of a helicopter ride back.
A Balanced Adventure
Combining trekking with a helicopter flight allows you to experience the rugged terrain and the physical challenge of reaching Everest Base Camp, while also offering a unique and thrilling return journey. The trek provides opportunities to explore the culture and history of the region, while the helicopter ride gives you an exhilarating bird's-eye view of the majestic Himalayas.
Cost Considerations
While this hybrid adventure may come with a higher price tag compared to a standard trek, the added comfort, time-saving, and unique experience make it a worthwhile investment. Many trekkers feel that the cost is justified for the luxury of the helicopter ride back, especially after several days of challenging trekking.
The Best Time to Do the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
The best seasons for trekking in the Everest region are the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these seasons, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and the views are spectacular. These seasons also provide optimal conditions for helicopter flights, ensuring smooth and safe returns.
Why Spring and Autumn?
Stable Weather: These seasons offer the clearest skies, making for ideal trekking and flying conditions.
Mild Temperatures: The temperatures are moderate, making it easier to trek without extreme cold or heat.
Clear Views: These seasons provide some of the best mountain views, with Mount Everest and surrounding peaks visible in all their glory.
FAQs
1. How difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return?
The trek itself is challenging, especially at higher altitudes, but the addition of the helicopter return makes the journey easier by saving time and reducing physical strain. With proper acclimatization and preparation, most people can complete the trek.
2. Is the helicopter ride safe?
Yes, the helicopter ride is safe. The helicopters used for this trek are operated by experienced pilots and are specifically designed for high-altitude flying. The weather conditions are carefully monitored to ensure safe flights.
3. How long does the entire trek and helicopter return take?
The total duration of the trek with a helicopter return is typically 11 days. The trekking portion takes about 7-8 days, while the helicopter return is completed on Day 10, followed by a flight back to Kathmandu.
4. What is the cost of the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return?
The cost varies depending on the package (group or private), but on average, it ranges from $2,350 to $3,500 per person. This includes trekking permits, accommodation, meals, helicopter ride, and other services.
In conclusion, the Everest Base Camp trek combined with a helicopter return offers an unforgettable way to explore the Himalayas. It blends the adventure of trekking with the luxury and convenience of a helicopter flight back, making it the best way to see Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time adventurer, this experience will be one you’ll never forget.