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Trekking to the Everest region is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The Everest Base Camp trek is multi-week long and reaches the maximum elevation of 5,545 meters. Additionally, even though the trails are well-established, walking long hours a day causes physical strain. Especially after completing the trek, returning from Namche Bazaar to Lukla adds stress on knees and joints, increases muscle fatigue, and may even cause injuries.
As your body is already tired, physiological adjustments while trekking back to Kathmandu can be difficult. To avoid such conditions, trekkers have started opting for the Everest Trek routes that avoid long descents. They provide adventure and comfort without compromising the experience of high-altitude treks.
One of the most sought-after trips that solves this problem is the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. This option allows trekkers to complete the classic EBC route and then, instead of walking back, they take a scenic flight from Gorak Shep.
Why Avoid Long Descents?
Most of the trekkers focus on reaching the viewpoints during the trek and often underestimate the downhill climb afterwards. However, descending the steep routes is equally demanding and causes significant stress on knees and ankles. At high altitude with low oxygen level and thin air, this results in slower muscle recovery. A continuous downhill walk requires mental focus as well as physical stamina. If you lack any, you may trip or fall or get into minor accidents.
This takes attention to managing exhaustion and returning safely instead of enjoying the trek. Once you reach the lap of Everest, you have accomplished the trek, now you can skip walking on your feet and take a helicopter flight instead. Furthermore, it also bypasses the Lukla flight to Kathmandu, which is weather-dependent and is often delayed or cancelled. Two of the most famous Everest Treks that avoid these long descents are the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return and the Everest Heli tour. Here is a brief description of each.
EBC Trek with Helicopter Return
It is a luxury modification of the classic journey to the lap of the highest mountain in the world. This journey combines the iconic Everest trekking route with a helicopter flight. The main motive of this alternative is to bypass the tiring descent, which holds no major importance once the trek is completed. Once you reach the base camp, you have lived every experience possible, walking back on foot is nothing but added hassle and strain.
It has become popular amongst travelers with limited time and beginners. The trek starts with a 30 minutes flight to Lukla, followed by trekking through the Sherpa villages.
Trekkers pass through the vibrant rhododendron forests and suspension bridges and walk on the riverbeds. Similarly, as the journey stretches to Phakding and Monjo, the trails are decorated with colorful prayer flags. As you move higher, the trekking routes become more rocky, and the landscapes shift to high alpine meadows and mountain valleys. Finally, after completing the ascent, trek from base camp to Gorak Shep and take a helicopter flight.
Highlights of the trek
- Panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, like Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Everest itself.
- Explore the traditional Sherpa villages, observe their culture and tradition and try their meals.
- Walk through the Sagarmatha National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to unique flora and fauna.
- Visit Tengboche monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region, believed to protect the region.
- Reach the base camp of the highest mountain in the world.
- Golden sunrise and sunset view from Kala Patthar.
- Fly over the rocky glacial moraines, glacial valleys, Khumbu glacier, and icefall.
- Witness a bird’s-eye view of the iconic Everest trekking route that appears like a line.
- Unique photography opportunity where you can capture the Khumbu region from the sky.
Everest Helicopter Tour
There are numerous travellers who do not just want to skip the long descent but also the uphill trek to the base camp. Additionally, some people cannot fit even 9 to 10 days of trekking into their schedule. For them, the Everest Helicopter tour is an ideal alternative choice. It allows trekkers to enjoy the views of the Khumbu region in just a few hours.
Additionally, it removes the need to walk on foot completely, reducing the physical and mental pressure. This makes this trip best suited for people with medical conditions that restrict them from trekking. There are two variations of the guided helicopter tour to Everest.
- Everest heli tour with landing
- Everest helicopter flyover
During the landing tour, the first trekkers get about 30 minutes at the viewpoint (typically Kala Patthar). They can soak in the panoramic views and take pictures and videos. First, a helicopter picks you up from Kathmandu and then flies to Lukla and then to Kala Patthar. After spending about half an hour here, the helicopter heads to Hotel Everest View.
On the other hand, the flyover tour provides no time at the viewpoints. It is designed to cater to people who want to witness aerial views only. The helicopter flies over the Everest region, passing over majestic mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Both of these trips are visually rewarding and remove long hours of walking for more than a week. Trekkers can pick the one that suits them based on their budget, schedule, and expectations. Regardless, trekkers get a unique and accessible way to witness Mount Everest in a single day with minimal to no risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.
