Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Useful Information

Itinerary Disclaimer

Everest base camp trek with helicopter return begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. We will be following the itinerary shown in this package. You can also customize the package as per your requirements by signing up for a private trek with us. Unless there is no disturbance, such as political riots, natural disasters, and bad weather, the itinerary will remain as it is. However, in an occurrence like that, we may have to make changes as per the situation.

Airport Pickup and Drop

On your arrival and during your departure, our team will make sure you have a safe and smooth commute between the international airport and the hotel. Any additional airport requests will add up extra charge. You can find our team with your nameplate or our company's banner. They will be around the terminal gate waiting for you as per your flight arrival time. Likewise, at the time of leaving, our team will drop you at the airport three hours before your flight leaves.

Safety and Security

Nepal is quite a safe country to travel to, whether you are traveling alone or with your loved ones. With us, Adventure Mountain Ram, your journey in Nepal couldn't be any safer and hassle-free as we pre-arrange everything for our guests. You do not have to worry about transportation, accommodation, meals, permits, etc. Our expert team will help you with everything.

Follow the below guidelines to have a safe travel experience in Nepal:

1. Do not roam alone late at night, and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Make sure to have a photocopy of all the important documents such as passport, visa, trip confirmation mail, travel insurance, etc, and always keep them with you.
3. Make sure to double-check photography limitations in monuments and open your shoes before entering any temple or monastery.
4. In the mountains, always be on the cliffside, especially if you are sharing the trail with mules.
5. Follow the advice of your guide, and do not wander alone. You may get lost as the trails can get very confusing in the secluded areas.
6. Keep aside some Nepali cash to use in an emergency.

Minimum Age

Travelers of all ages can join us on the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. Travelers below 16 years old can trek with an identified guardian. Whether you are young or old, we can help you reach Everest base camp.

Solo Travelers

Because of the current lost cases of solo travelers in the mountains, trekking alone in Nepal is banned for foreign travelers. However, the Everest region is an exception. You can trek in the Everest region solo or do a private trek with us. By joining our private trek, you can still enjoy solo trekking to some extent. There will be a guide and porter with you who will keep you company and make sure you are trekking safely.

How much Money do I need for Everest Base Camp Trek with a helicopter return?

The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return price ranges from USD 2,500 to USD 4,500 per person. The price can go above if you upgrade to luxury night stays. We offer the best cost for this trek in Nepal with all services like accommodation, permits, meals, guide and porters, transportation, taxes, etc included in the package cost. Likewise, we can also design a budget-friendly EBC trek with helicopter return for travelers who have a tight budget.

*Note: Our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return cost does not cover international flight, travel insurance, shopping, tips, and personal expenses. Check out the cost includes and excludes section for more clarity.

Accommodation

The accommodation during the Everest base camp heli trek is the lodge. In Kathmandu, you will stay overnight in a nice three-star hotel. The lodges we will book along the trekking route will be simple but clean. In major villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, we will book a room with an attached washroom for you. Above Dingboche, accommodation gets scarce & washrooms can be common.

The rooms usually have twin shared beds, clean bedding, and a couple of other furniture. For solo travelers, we book single rooms. The facilities in the lodges are not much, and any other service like charging, hot shower, WiFi, etc will cost you a few extra bucks, which is not covered in our package cost.

Meals

The meal options are nice along the Everest trekking route. There are a good variety of dishes available, including steak, pizza, burger, pasta, etc. Dal bhat, thukpa, chapati and curry, porridge, soup, and momos will be our staples. These are the best foods to have during the trek, especially dal bhat because it provides ample energy and nutrients to walk long hours.

You can carry your favorite snacks and bars to munch while trekking. As there is no proper road access, everything costs high in the mountains, so better to pack ample snacks to last throughout the trek in Kathmandu.

D rinking water is also readily available along the route. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it every time it gets empty. If you have sensitive digestion, use a water purification tablet to double purify the water before drinking.

Flights to Lukla, the start of the Everest Base Camp heli trek

The Lukla flights are known for their delays and cancellation. Lukla airport is situated at 2,846 meters (9,337 ft) and has a small runway. For a safe flight, the weather has to be favorable, and the slightest change in weather can delay the flight.

In spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) seasons, the weather is stable, making most of the flights on time. Likewise, winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August) have the most delays and cancellations.

Kathmandu airport to Lukla flight or Manthali airport, Ramechap to Lukla flight

The Lukla flight may be operated from Kathmandu airport or Ramechhap airport as per the air traffic. If the Lukla flight is from Kathmandu airport, you can drive to the airport half an hour before the flight departure time. However, if the flight is from Ramechhap airport, you have to leave your hotel around 1:00 to 2:00 AM and drive for 4 to 5 hours to reach the airport.

Hiking to Lukla from Kathmandu

If you wish to escape the commercial Lukla flight, which is known as a very overwhelming landing, you can either drive to Jiri and trek to Lukla or take a 45 minutes helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. If you wish to make these changes in our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return itinerary, feel free to contact us anytime.

Everest Base Camp Trek Permits

You will need a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit to do EBC trek with helicopter return in 2023 and 2024. Both permits are included in our package cost, and our team obtains them on your behalf. If you are a solo traveler, you can get these permits in Kathmandu, Lukla, and Monjo.

The cost of permits is like this:
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit cost: NRP 2000 per person
Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit cost: NRP 3000 per person

Do you need a TIMS permit to trek to Everest Base Camp?
No, you do not need a TIMS card for Everest base camp trekking in Nepal.

Everest trek difficulty

When it comes to the Everest Base Camp trek, many people wonder about its difficulty level and the required fitness level. It is a moderate-level trek that can be accomplished by individuals with an average level of fitness. If you are properly prepared for the trek, it is an achievable and immensely rewarding adventurous trip.

Even though we say the EBC trek is doable for any individual with good health, the journey is more than a leisurely stroll. This Everest base camp trek package involves 9 days of rigorous walking, encompassing various terrains such as dense forests, steep cliff sides, moraines, and challenging climbs.

The trekkers do not need any specialized mountaineering skills or technical expertise. However, as it is a long hike at high altitudes, there are inherent risks of altitude sickness. You have to be aware of the trail and walk carefully because the terrain is trodden, and a misstep can lead to a sprained ankle.

You will cover around 65 kilometers (40.3 miles) during the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. Each day covers approximately 8 to 11 kilometers (4.9 to 6.8 miles). The trekking time varies from 5 to 6 hours a day on average. As you fly from Kala Patthar to Kathmandu, you will be ditching the return walk of another 65 kilometers.

Elevation gain and altitude sickness

The trek commences with a nerve-wracking flight to Lukla, situated just below 3,000 meters (9,842 ft). From there, it gradually ascends to Everest Base Camp, located at approximately 5,400 meters (17,716 ft). At the highest point, Kala Patthar, you will reach a little over 5,500 meters (18,045 ft).

Given the drastic altitude gain during the Everest base camp trekking, travelers can feel its effect on their bodies right away. From heavy breathing to loss of sleep, vomiting, and headaches are some common symptoms of altitude sickness. If you see any of these symptoms, inform your guide and take the necessary steps to subside it.

We have two acclimatization days in our EBC trek with helicopter return itinerary, so the trekkers get ample chance to adjust to the elevation. Likewise, we maintain a gradual pace and do not rush, so you will have a better chance of acclimatization following us. Keep yourself hydrated, choose healthy meals, and get plenty of sleep.

Everest base camp trek easy preparation

The most effective way to prepare for your Everest Base Camp trek is to engage in regular hiking activities. Explore local trails, traverse through your town, or simply go for long walks. Familiarize yourself with the experience of undertaking lengthy hikes and identify areas where your body may encounter challenges.

Start your preparation with shorter hikes and gradually increase the duration and difficulty level. Focus on building your endurance. Strive to walk for 5 or 6 hours with minimal breaks once you have developed a solid foundation.

Considering that you will be trekking for several hours each day, ascending in elevation, it is also beneficial to focus on strengthening your legs in advance. Running tracks, swimming, and cycling will help you strengthen your legs and core and build endurance.

Remember, the key is to simulate the trekking experience as closely as possible, incorporating activities that enhance your cardiovascular endurance and leg strength!

Best time to trek Everest Base Camp

The best time to do Everest base camp trekking and enjoy helicopter flights is in the spring and autumn seasons. These seasons have the perfect weather conditions to trek. You are less likely to face any Lukla flight delays as well. These two are the peak trekking seasons, so the trail is crowded. Trekking at the start of the season or in the off-season is recommended if you want to experience a tranquil trail.

Spring (March to May)

During the spring season in the Everest region, the weather gradually warms up, and the landscape starts to bloom with colorful rhododendron forests. The temperatures in lower elevations, such as Lukla, range from 7°C (45°F) to 17°C (63°F) during the day. As you ascend higher, the temperature gradually decreases.

In the Everest Base Camp area, temperatures can range from about -5°C (23°F) to 12°C (54°F) during the day. Nights can be colder, dropping to around -10°C (14°F) or lower.

The weather is generally clear and stable, with occasional clouds and light rain showers possible towards the end of May. It is a popular season for trekking, with moderate temperatures and stunning views.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

The summer season in the Everest region coincides with the monsoon period. This period experiences frequent rainfall, making it the wettest and least popular time for trekking. The rainfall can vary from light drizzles to heavy showers, and the cloud cover can obscure the mountain views.

The temperatures in the lower regions remain relatively mild, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the day. However, the higher elevations, including the Everest Base Camp area, experience cooler temperatures, ranging from -5°C (23°F) to 10°C (50°F).

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is widely regarded as the best season for trekking in the Everest region. The weather is generally stable, and the skies are clear, offering excellent visibility of the majestic mountain peaks. Temperatures in the lower elevations range from around 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F) during the day.

In the Everest Base Camp area, daytime temperatures can vary between -10°C (14°F) and 10°C (50°F). Nights are colder, with temperatures dropping to around -15°C (5°F) or lower. This season is characterized by dry weather with minimal rainfall. It is a popular time for trekkers, so the trails can be relatively crowded.

Winter (December to February)

The winter season brings colder temperatures and less predictable weather conditions. Daytime temperatures in the lower elevations range from around -5°C (23°F) to 10°C (50°F). In the Everest Base Camp area, temperatures during the day can range from about -10°C (14°F) to 5°C (41°F). Nights are extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing.

Winter is the driest season, with very little rainfall or snowfall. Occasional snow showers can occur, especially in higher elevations. The weather can be harsh and unpredictable, with irregular strong winds. Trekking in the winter season requires adequate cold-weather gear and preparation for challenging conditions.

Facilities on the EBC trekking route

1. Internet: Paid WiFi is available in most of the lodges up to Dingboche village. The network may not be stable all the time. The best way to use the internet during the Everest trek is a tourist sim. Get ample data and a better connection with Ncell up to Everest base camp.
2. Hot Shower: You can take a hot shower by paying a few extra bucks. Hot showers may not be available in lodges at high elevations, so you can carry wet tissue and use it to clean yourself.
3. Charging: Charging is another paid service in lodges. There is a separate charging station where travelers can charge their devices. It may cost around USD 2 to 3. A solar charger & spare batteries or a power bank will be very useful.
4. ATM: There is an ATM in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You can withdraw Nepali cash to use during the trek in these villages or in Kathmandu. Sometimes the ATM in Dingboche gets out of service, so it is better not to rely on that one.
5. Luggage: We provide a 10 kg weight limit for a duffel bag and a 5 kg weight limit for a day pack to each trekker. Porter carries the duffel bags during the trek. As they walk ahead of the group, we recommend you pack your essentials in the day pack.

Guides and porters

Our team of guides and porters for the Everest base camp trek are the natives of the Khumbu region. They possess extensive knowledge about the trail and the surrounding area. Likewise, they are not only familiar with the routes and landmarks but also hold a deep understanding of the local culture, traditions, and natural wonders that you will encounter along the way.

Our guides possess exceptional trekking and remote survival skills and are well-versed in safety protocols, ensuring that your journey is adventurous and safe. With their friendly and approachable nature, our guides create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of fellowship and making you feel at ease throughout the trek.

So, you do not have to worry about anything during the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return with us. Joining us means you are traveling in the Himalayas of Nepal with a strong team who will be always there to assist you.

Tip your driver, guides, and porters

We have to make sure our on-field crew, like drivers, tour guides, mountain guides, and porters, get well paid from our side. But to make their life and hard work a bit more meaningful, we ask our guests to tip them as a thank-you gesture. Our package costs do not cover tips, so you are free to tip them as much as you wish.

Everest Base Camp trek travel insurance

Travel insurance is an essential aspect of any trekking expedition in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp trek. At our travel company, we highly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers trekking activities at high altitudes.

The Everest Base Camp trek 11 days involves trekking through challenging terrain and at high elevations, which can pose certain risks and uncertainties. Travel insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events such as trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, evacuation, or lost luggage.

When choosing travel insurance make sure to add coverage for medical expenses related to altitude sickness, emergency evacuation by helicopter, and repatriation. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand coverage and any requirements or documentation needed in case of a claim.

Risks during the Everest Base Camp trek

The Everest base camp trek explores the remote area where everything is scarce, and the trail is trodden. Even with our best effort, you can experience minor discomfort. The three most common issues related to the EBC trek are mentioned below:

Stomach problems on the EBC trek

Stomach problems, such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort, can be a common concern for trekkers. The change in diet, unfamiliar foods, and water sources along the trail can contribute to these issues.

To minimize the risk, follow hygienic practices such as washing hands regularly, using purified water for drinking and brushing teeth, and opting for well-cooked meals. Carry water purification tablets and avoid consuming raw or uncooked foods.

Preventing altitude sickness (AMS) during the hike

To avoid altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), acclimatize properly and allow your body time to adjust to the increasing elevation. This involves taking rest days at designated acclimatization points, staying hydrated, and maintaining a gradual pace while trekking. Listen to your body, recognize early symptoms, and communicate any concerns to your trekking guide.

Khumbu cough

Khumbu cough is a dry and persistent cough that some trekkers may experience during or after the trek. It is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including the dry mountain air, cold temperatures, and exertion during trekking. To alleviate or prevent Khumbu cough, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Using a scarf or a mask to cover your mouth and nose can help warm and humidify the air before you breathe it in.

Personal expenses

Do not forget to budget personal expenses for international flights, shopping, tips, etc. This may also include additional snacks and drinks, souvenirs, trekking gear or equipment, and any optional activities or side trips. Having a clear idea of your personal spending limits and managing your expenses wisely will ensure a more organized and enjoyable trekking experience.

Arrival complications

Arriving in Kathmandu can sometimes involve complications, such as flight delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Add an extra buffer day in your itinerary, and maintaining good communication with your travel company or guide can help manage any arrival complications. You can also have travel insurance that covers trip delays or disruptions in case of any unexpected changes to your arrival plans.

Emergency contact

You may or may not need an emergency contact, but we think it is necessary that you have at least one or two of them for communication. You can contact us at +977 9851074270 or email your queries at info@mountainramadventures.com any time for any support. Our Whatsapp and Viber are also at +977 9851074270 this number.

Visas and entry requirements

Ensure that you have the necessary travel visa for Nepal and entry requirements. Most travelers will require a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or through a Nepalese embassy or consulate prior to travel. Make sure to check the current visa regulations, passport validity requirements, and any specific documentation needed for your nationality.

Laundry

While during the Everest Base Camp trekking, it is possible to find laundry services at some of the tea houses or lodges along the trail. However, note that the availability of laundry facilities can be limited and may vary depending on the specific location and altitude. Laundry services usually involve handwashing and line drying, so we advise you to pack quick-drying clothes or carry spare sets of clothing to manage your laundry needs.

Money exchange

The local currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Exchange your currency into Nepalese Rupees before starting the trek or upon arrival in Kathmandu. There are many money exchange facilities available in Kathmandu where you can exchange your money. Carrying enough cash in Nepalese Rupees during trekking is recommended for personal expenses, as credit cards and ATMs may have limited acceptance along the trail.

Emergency fund

Having an emergency fund is crucial for any trek. Set aside a portion of your budget as an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, or changes in travel plans. This fund should be easily accessible in cash, as credit card payment options may be limited along the trekking route. Carrying a sufficient emergency fund provides you with financial security and peace of mind.

Learn useful Nepali phrases & etiquette

Namaste! Now is the time to learn a few useful phrases that will help you immensely to break a conversation with a local. We’ll keep it short and sweet.

1. Hello/Goodbye – Namaste
2. Is everything okay? – Sabae thik cha?
3. I’m okay– Ma thik chu

(yes, the only difference is the way you say it!)

1. My name is ‘XYZ’ – Mero naam ‘XYZ’ ho
2. Good morning – Shubha-prabhat (we say good morning in general!)
3. Good night – Shubha-ratri
4. Thank you – Dhanyabad
5. You’re welcome – Swagatum
6. Please – Kripiya
7. Pardon? – Hajur?
8. Can I take your photo? – Photo khichnu huncha?
9. Beautiful – Ramro

Newsletter

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Packing tips

When you are packing for trekking, you want to make sure that you are not missing out on anything and keeping all the important stuff with you, which includes your essentials, non-essentials, edible items, gear & equipment, necessary documents, insurance, daypack, backpack, clothing, personal kit, medical kit, electronic gadgets, etc.

*Note: You can rent most of the trekking clothes and gear in Thamel.

We have arranged a refined list of all the items that fall under each category:

1. Essentials: Water bottle, water filter, sleeping bag & liner, daypack and rain cover, backpack and rain cover, duffle bag (provided by the company), trekking poles, stuff sack, raincoat, rain pants, clothing (4-5 pairs of each item), dry tees, trekking shirt and pants, hiking shoes or boots, cotton socks, woolen socks, underwear, down jacket, fleece jacket, windbreaker, thermal wear, woolen cap, hat sun cap, scarf, gloves
2. Personal kit: Toothbrush & paste, hand wash, toilet paper, sanitizer, wet wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, cold cream, face cream, Soap, shampoo, comb, sunglasses
3. Personal Medical kit: Antifungal cream, antiseptic cream, insect repellent, band-aid, cotton, ORS or electoral powder, bandage and spray for sprained joint, paracetamol, Vomistop, necessary medications
4. Electronic Gadget: Spare batteries, camera, headlamp/LED torch, power bank, charger
5. Documents: Identity card, passport, visa, travel insurance, permits, photo