Helicopter treks merge the immersive experience of walking with the birds-eye view of helicopter tours. The result is that you will be able to experience more in less time.
So if you are not sure that you will do well at high altitudes or do not have the time for a fourteen-day trek, heli treks can be the best way to travel to Everest for you.
Why are Heli treks getting popular in the Everest Region?
There are some of the reasons why trekkers are increasingly using helicopters for a part of their trek:
- Helicopters are available nine months out of twelve in Lukla. Also, given the number of helicopter companies, prices have become very competitive recently.
- When you do the Everest Base Camp Trek, you return along the same route. Many people hence decide to skip it.
- A lot of older people have knee problems which make downhill sections painful. So, given the option, they take a heli ride down.
- Not everyone has the fitness level to trek above 5,000 meters. Still, everyone wants to see Everest up close from Kala Patthar. So the most obvious solution is to trek to Namche and then take a helicopter to Kala Patthar.
- Most importantly, people are increasingly pressed for time in this modern world. While they want a getaway, they seldom get three weeks of free time.
Here are some of the popular heli treks in the Everest Region:
Everest Base Camp Heli Trek
It takes you at least twelve days to finish the Everest Base Camp Trek. If you want to take some extra days while going up, it will take longer. Further, if you wish to cut out longers days into two days, it gets even longer.
The only way to do the Everest Base Camp Trek within 10 days is to take a helicopter to Lukla from Gorakshep. As you will returning the same way, you don’t really miss much. Additionally, you also skip two of the longest days of the trek and a considerable amount of downhill.
And all that without sacrificing any of the highlights like Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, or the immersive experience that can only come from trekking.
You will also get a lot more time to party at Lukla on the last day!
Outline Itinerary:
DAY 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850 m) (more like a mountain flight) and Trek from Lukla to Monjo (2,820 m)
DAY 2: Trek from Monjo to Namche Bazaar (3,640 m)
DAY 3: Acclimatization Day: Namche Bazaar (3,640 m)
DAY 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Deboche (3,740 m)
DAY 5: Trek from Deboche to Dingboche (4,340 m)
DAY 6: Acclimatization Day: Dingboche (4,340 m)
DAY 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930m)
DAY 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,170 m) and hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and back to Gorak Shep
DAY 9: Early Morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,643 m) -and fly back to Lukla by Heli.
DAY 10: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Please note that it is also possible to skip the night at Lukla and come straight to Kathmandu on Day 9.
Do check out the product page for more information.
Namche Heli Trek
Namche Heli Trek makes the Mount Everest view from Kala Patthar accessible to those who wish to avoid trekking at extreme altitudes but still want a taste of hiking. As a bonus, you also get to skip the long march to Lukla from Namche.
The best part of the tour is, of course, the helicopter tour. The helicopter will pick you up at Namche and do a flyover to Everest Base camp and the Khumbu glacier. After that, it will land at Kala Patthar and/or Gokyo Lakes so you can get in the open to enjoy the majestic vistas.
Outline Itinerary:
DAY 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850 m)
DAY 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,460 m)
DAY 3: Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) and back to Namche.
DAY 4: Heli tour – 1 hour. Drop off at Lukla.
DAY 5: Fly back to Kathmandu.
For more information, check out the product page.
Hotel Everest View Heli Trek
This heli trek is one of the most popular heli treks in the Everest Region. And why wouldn’t it be? It combines a beautiful hike to Namche with a heli tour to Kala Patthar/EBC and a stay at the iconic Hotel Everest View.
Long story short, this is the perfect trip for families and friends looking for an immersive getaway to celebrate special occasions.
Outline Itinerary:
DAY 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850 m) (more like a mountain flight) and Trek from Lukla to Monjo (2,820 m)
DAY 2: Trek from Monjo to Namche Bazaar (3,640 m)
DAY 3: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Syangboche (3,750 m) – Hotel Everest View via Khumjung.
DAY 4: Day hike to Mong (3,950 m). Overnight at Hotel Everest View.
DAY 5: Heli tour to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) and Gokyo (4,750 m). Drop off at Lukla.
DAY 6: Fly back to Kathmandu
Check out the product page for more information.
Heli Trek FAQ
Who can go?
There’s no boundary on our adventures, as long as travelers are healthy and willing! Namche Heli trek and Hotel Everest View Heli trek are favorable for families with young kids and our eldest trekkers. EBC Heli trek is ideal for those who wish to have a little more adventure and are okay with the trek’s difficulties that go above 5,000 meters.
Is previous trekking experience essential?
We get many first-time trekkers in our groups, so you will be in good company even if you don’t have experience. You have to be mentally and physically fit to be comfortable walking.
I am a solo traveler. Can I join?
Yes. Just make sure that you are flexible with dates, and we will create a group for you.
How difficult is trekking in our Heli Treks?
While EBC Heli Trek can be graded moderate to difficult, the two other heli treks are pretty straightforward.
How long does the helicopter touch down at Kala Patthar and Gokyo Lakes?
Usually, the ground time is 10 minutes. However, as with all things mountains, everything is weather-dependent, and your captain will have the final word on this.
