This Horse Riding Trek is a less sustainable and unique way to travel to the Base of Everest. Sustainable, because the trip would employ the local horsemen, porters, and guides. The EBC Horse Riding Trek with Heli Return provides you with a spectacular glimpse of the mountains and glaciers. Ride through the rugged terrains and witness the amazing beauty of the Himalayas. Engage yourself in the local Sherpa culture, and visit monasteries and local communities. While this trek is exciting in itself, this adventure offers a different angle on this traditional trek. You can tick off your adventure bucket list with The Everest Base Camp Horse Riding Trek.
From landing at the most amazing airport, Lukla to trekking to Dingboche and riding to EBC, this adventure on a horse is for you. Beyond the thrill of horseback riding, this journey offers a gateway to the captivating wonders of the Khumbu Region. It also caters to those who desire to explore its beauty but may not have the stamina for extended trekking. Overall, the EBC Horse Riding Trek is a unique and thrilling experience combining horse riding, trekking, and the opportunity to witness the stunning Himalayas.
Who is suitable for Horseback with Helicopter Return Trek
This Everest Base Camp Horse Riding Trek is for trekkers of all ages and every level of experience. From solo travelers to family trekking holidays, this can be done by everybody. This trek is also for those who have a weak lower limb and are not able to walk for long distances.
But you do need to be physically fit, as you’ll still have to trek to an elevation of 5100 meters or 16728 ft. Because of the elevation, you need to have strong lungs and a good heart to endure the low oxygen level. You will have to trek up to Dingboche from Lukla and ride on a horse to the EBC and return to Lukla via an amazing heli ride.
Highlights of the Horseback with Helicopter Return Trek
- Fly to one of the most adventurous airports in the world, Tenzing-Hillary Airport.
- Roam around Namche Bazaar, and visit the streets of this charming little village. Also visit the shops, restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
- Visit the world’s highest-placed hotel, Hotel Everest View, and watch the panoramic views of Everest.
- Visit the Sherpa Museum to learn more about the lifestyle and the culture of the native Sherpas of the region.
- Trail through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Trek along the forested trails and witness some rare wildlife of the region.
- Get a close-up view of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Kantega, and Kusum Kanguru.
- Witness the Buddhist monks meditating and observing their rituals at the sacred Tengboche Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Khumbu Region.
- Take a glimpse of the early sunrise overlooking Everest, Pumori, Ama Dablam, etc.
- Ride on a horse or a pony through the Khumbu region and gaze at the magnificent Khumbu glaciers and valleys.
- Ride to the base of the World’s Tallest Mountain, Mount Everest, and be awed by the magnificence of the mountain.
About the Horses
The horses used during the Everest Base Camp Horse Riding Trek are an indigenous breed of Himalayan mountain horses. These horses are known for their hardiness and obedient nature with resilient nature. They are agile, rider-friendly, and can walk easily in difficult terrain and snow.
The horse minders or groomers will be guiding these horses throughout the trek. They take special care of these majestic animals by grooming them, feeding them, and making sure they’re in top shape.
The Best time to go for the Everest Base Camp Horse Riding Trek and Heli Return
The Nepal Hiking Team highly recommends autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (Mar-May), as these are the best periods for trekking to Everest Base Camp. It is possible, however, to trek throughout the year. Each season offers unique experiences, so choose a time that suits your schedule and preference.
Autumn offers nice weather with clear views and is a popular trekking time. It also coincides with the Nepali festivals, and you can experience them during this time. Springtime has its charm with flowers in bloom, moderate temperatures, and also a favorite time for trekkers.
Note that the summer season (Jun, Jul, and Aug) attracts fewer trekkers due to heat and rain, especially at lower levels. But the trails are more peaceful, with favorable temperatures, and plenty of greenery.
Early winter provides a quieter trekking experience, but it is cold with potential snowfall. It's not advisable to go trekking in mid to late winter because of the severe cold and the danger of avalanches.
Journey Summary
Once you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), one of our members will receive you at the arrival gate. They will then transport you straight to the hotel and brief you about your itinerary once you check in. No activity is planned for the day, so you can roam around your surroundings.
The next day, you’ll get on a flight to Lukla. Either you’ll take a flight from Kathmandu Domestic Airport or Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. You’ll be able to glimpse at the snow-covered mountains while on flight. After you land at Lukla, you start your trek to Phakding, crossing the Dudh Koshi River.
You’ll now trek to Namche Bazar through the Sagarmatha National Park and cross the Hillary Bridge, the highest suspension in Khumbu Region. Namche is also known as the Capital of the Sherpa of this region. You’ll acclimatize here at Namche, you can roam around the streets and visit shops, cafes, and restaurants. Also, visit the Highest Placed Hotel, Hotel Everest View, and watch the panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, and many more.
Then you move towards Tengboche, famous for its massive Buddhist monastery, which is the largest in the Khumbu Region. After Tengboche, you go towards Dingboche. Passing through lush forests, trek past the village of Pangboche. You’ll acclimatize for the second time by climbing to Nagarjun Hill.
From here, you’ll start your horse ride to EBC. You continue through a barren trail and you’ll just see mountains as far as your eyes can see. Once you arrive at Lobuche, you’ll be presented with a splendid panorama of the Himalayas. From Lobuche, you ride towards Everest Base Camp (EBC) alongside the Khumbu Glacier. After reaching Gorak Shep after riding for a while, you finally reach Everest base Camp. You take in the achievement and the view of the Mighty Everest. Your horse ride ends when you reach Gorak Shep and rest after a tiring day.
The next day, you hike up to Kala Patthar before the sunrise. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Changtse, Ama Dablam, and other mountains. After viewing the glorious view, you return to Gorak Shep and fly back to Lukla via a Helicopter.
After you land at Lukla, you take a rest there and wait for your flight the next day. Early morning, you catch your flight back to Kathmandu where our member will be waiting for you to transfer you to the hotel. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can spend the day either roaming around Kathmandu or visiting the local surrounding market. You’ll be transferred to the airport by our representative from the hotel and bid you farewell.
We are dedicated to ensuring that your trip becomes an unforgettable memory. So feel free to contact Nepal Hiking Team with your needs and we’ll handle all the details to make your journey stress-free.
