Everest Heli Trek

Include / Exclude

Trip Cost Includes

• Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle.
• Helicopter flights (Kathmandu to Lukla and Namche to Kathmandu).
• Accommodation (twin-share lodges and comfy hotel in Kathmandu)
• Meals (full board during the trek).
• Guides and porters (licensed trek leader and porter service).
• Permits (Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Rural Permit).
• Medical kit (group medical kit box).
• Emergency services (arrangement for helicopter evacuation if you have proper travel insurance).

Trip Cost Excludes

• Travel insurance.
• International flights (to and from Nepal).
• Visa fees.
• Personal expenses (snacks, beverages, hot showers, internet).
• Extra meals in Kathmandu.
• Tips for guides and porters.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Unexpected costs due to unforeseen circumstances.

Useful Info

Best Time to do Everest Heli Trek

The best seasons for doing the Everest Heli Trek are the autumn, September, October, and November; the spring, March, April, and May.

Autumn Season

Autumn is considered one of the best periods of the year to go on an Everest Heli Trek, from September to November. Because of the clarity after the monsoon period, the Himalayas are visible in all their glory, and due to the mild temperatures, trekking feels nice and easy.

Spring Season

Spring also starts from March to May and is suitable for the trek. It has mild temperatures, lows at 10°C and highs at 20°C at lower elevations. The skies are clear, and rhododendrons bloom, adding beauty to the landscape. It is a favourite time for the weather and view. Thus, it’s a time worth exploring.

Winter Season

Winter conditions make conditions tough for the trek from December through February. It gets cold with temperatures dropping substantially at times, although it never usually gets really cold, and snowfall is often possible. But visibility is sometimes poor, and helicopter flights may be delayed.

Summer/Monsoon Season

Summer starts from June till August, which means that it is a monsoon season. Heavy rain makes the route very muddy, and visibility may also be poor. Helicopter flights are not regular since weather conditions are worse, making this period less favourable for taking this trek. The only advantage of this season is that the region looks very green and lush.

Everest Heli Trek Experience

This Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is special because it has adventurers who both trek and travel by helicopter.

On average, trekkers hike around 5 to 7 hours daily through rugged terrain, observing the rich Sherpa culture in their wake. This trek ends at the Everest Base Camp, a point from which the view of the highest peak in the world is superbly possible.

The helicopter ride while returning is extremely exciting as the majestic mountains are now seen right from above.

Weather Information

Autumn, from September to November, and springtime, from March to May, presents the Everest Region weather. During these periods, trekkers can expect fairly moderate temperatures and clear skies, providing the clearest view of surrounding peaks.

On the other hand, during winter, in December, January, and February, the trekking is very cold with heavy snowfall. Heavy rains in the summer/monsoon from June to August make the trails slippery and challenging.

EBC Heli Trek Difficulty

Everest Helicopter Trek Difficulty is categorized as moderately easy due to the heli return and daily hiking involved. Trekkers are supposed to be ready to hike about 5 to 7 hours daily.

Though prior experience in trekking is not needed, an excellent physical fitness level is required because you will be hiking for several hours daily.

It would help to acclimate adequately since you may experience high altitude sickness, and hydration is paramount for a successful trek.

Roads on the Trek & How to Avoid

The trek route comprises well-marked trails that lead through Sagarmatha National Park. However, some parts can be steep and rocky. In all such cases, trekkers should ensure their shoes are adequately fitted for the occasion and take more time to be on schedule without any problem.

Distance From Famous Places

• Distance From Kathmandu to Lukla: Approximately 138 kilometres via air.
• Distance From Namche Bazaar to Gorakshep: About 22 km.
• Distance From Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp: Approximately 3 km.
• Distance from Pokhara to Lukla: Around 275 km via air.

Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, & Health

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek requires a moderately fit level of fitness. The trekkers must be able to walk 5 to 7 hours each day on rough terrain, steep ascents, and descents.

Your cardiovascular endurance is essential; running, cycling, or swimming is recommended during training. Strength training, focusing on the legs and core, such as squats and lunges, will be beneficial in handling the demands of the trek.

Specific Training

A general workout program would involve a cardiovascular workout like running, cycling, swimming three to four times a week, weight training, and flexibility or yoga exercises.

Pre-training in high-altitude areas or with the help of altitude chambers prepares your body for low oxygen levels. This preparation helps not only physically but also mentally to meet the challenges that one may face during high-altitude trekking.

Altitude Sickness During the Trek

Altitude sickness is a key concern during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek because of the rapid climb to higher altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and dizziness. As you trek around 4,000 meters and then fly over 5000 meters, you have a high chance of getting altitude sickness.

Emergencies can always happen with regard to trekking. Every trekker is always supposed to inform guides about health problems and follow the guide’s judgment in terms of pace and rest.

Travel Insurance

Choose Everest Base Camp Trek insurance policy, which covers all risks, including medical emergencies, altitude sickness, and trip cancellations. These usually include medical evacuation coverage, which is necessary in these remote areas.

Trekkers have to check if their policy is valid above 5,000 meters of altitude to be valid on the trek. Another important thing is that insurance protects lost or stolen luggage and even non-refundable expenses, too.

Everest Heli Trek Cost

The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek costs $3150 per person. It includes accommodation and meals en route, guide service, and a helicopter flight.

Other expenses will include your personal expenses, guides’, and porters’ tips, which are considered pretty substantial, as well as extra activities or excursions.

Additional Expenses

Besides the basic price for the trek package, trekkers must provide additional costs in their budget. Like travel insurance, guides, porter tips, and gear rental. In the case of trekking equipment, hire

ATM on the Trek Route

There are very limited ATMs on the Everest Base Camp Trek route. The most reliable access to cash is at Namche Bazaar, which has some ATMs. However, it is worth advising to withdraw sufficient cash at the beginning of the trek since not all ATMs in remote areas work every time.

Money Exchange

Money exchange services are available in Kathmandu, where travellers can change into Nepali Rupees. It is better to exchange an adequate amount in Kathmandu before you go on the trek because there are limited options available in remoter parts.

EBC Heli Permits

For trekking to EBC, you need two types of permits: one is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and the other is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. You can get these from Kathmandu at the office of the Nepal Tourism Board and also from Lukla and Monjo checkpoints.

Packing List

While preparing for the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek packing wisely means not forgetting important things. Here’s a suggested packing list:

Clothing

• Thermal base layers
• Trekking pants
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat and sunglasses

Footwear

• Sturdy trekking boots
• Lightweight shoes or sandals for camp

Gear

• Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
• Trekking poles
• Daypack for daily essentials

Personal Items

• Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• First aid kit (including altitude sickness medication)

Electronics

• Camera or smartphone
• Power bank for charging devices

Documents

• Copies of permits and passport
• Travel insurance details

Things to Avoid/Not Packed/Store at Hotel/Office

You can store your luggage and other extra items in the Himalayan Masters office located at Thamel. It helps to reduce the extra costs of baggage charges at the hotel. We ensure your luggage and baggage safety.

Accommodation and Food

Teahouses in Everest

Teahouses are essential for the Everest Base Camp Trek and provide both accommodation and food stops along the route. The small lodges, usually operated by local Sherpa families, provide a cozy atmosphere to rest and be social with the locals.

Those teahouses in Everest vary in quality and amenities, depending on the altitude. You may get more comfortable lodges with an attached bathroom and hot shower facility in the lower regions, but such a facility may be lacking in high altitudes.

Most trekkers would like to stay in teahouses to travel lighter because meals are provided, and there is no need to carry tents or cooking equipment.

Most of the lodges have large dining rooms where trekkers can sit, rest, and share their views. The ambience is also further enhanced by wood-burning stoves that keep things warm on cold nights.

Food During Everest Heli Trek

Breakfast

The standard breakfast fare is boiled eggs, omelettes, toast, pancakes, or porridge. Some teahouses can also whip out Tibetan bread or muesli with yogurt. These are the kinds of meals that get you through the day.

Lunch

Whereas lunch is lighter but adequate and comprises noodle soup, rice items or sandwiches. During midday lunchtime, most trekkers are seen having hot dal bhat or vegetable fried rice.

Dinner

Dinner is the heaviest meal of the day. Trekkers can get dal bhat, pasta, vegetable curries, etc. Some teahouses offer meat items; however, it recommends avoiding meat beyond Namche Bazaar, as keeping meat fresh at higher altitudes is difficult due to the lack of refrigeration facilities.

Electricity & Battery Recharge

You will get reliable electricity at Lukla and Namche Bazaar, generally via hydroelectric sources. Similarly, many teahouses and lodges offer facilities to charge electronic devices.

This becomes less frequent higher up, for example, at Gorakshep. It is highly recommended that you bring a portable power bank on this trek to keep your devices running on the go.

Water on the Trek

Most teahouses have clean drinking water, either boiled or filtered, generally for a small fee. As there are certain waterborne illness possibilities, we ask that you not drink tap or stream water.

If you prefer, you can bring along some water purification tablets or a portable filtration system to obtain safe drinking water.

Communication

Sim card

You can easily get a pay-as-you-go SIM card from major operators like Ncell and Nepal Telecom upon your arrival in Nepal. A local SIM is highly inexpensive for data and calls, hence ideal for your trek.

Landline

In urban areas and a few teahouses along the trekking routes, landline services are available. Tourists can use public telephone booths or hotel lines to make local and international calls; however, international calls may be pricey.

Postal Services

The Nepal post office can arrange mailing and courier services to domestic and international destinations. But it is very unreliable for the trek routes.

Walkie-Talkies

Every trekking guide uses a walkie-talkie in case some remote places do not have a good mobile signal. This helps coordinate between groups for safety and convenience during the trek.

Wi-Fi/Internet

Many of the teahouses and lodges at higher points, including larger towns like Namche Bazaar, had access to Wi-Fi. It would be slow and not quite consistent because of bandwidth issues.

Some service providers have even started selling Wi-Fi cards targeted at trekkers, such as Everest Link, which offers Wi-Fi access at various routes, costing around $4-$5 for 24 hours of internet use.

Safety and Security

On any given Everest Base Camp trek, one should first consider safety and security paramount. Because of the unpredictable terrain and high altitude, trekkers must seriously choose whether to trek with a guide or on their own.

Guide Vs Solo Trekking

The guides know the terrain well, and problems with navigation are avoided. They also know much about the local culture and history, making the trek more enjoyable.

On the other hand, solo trekking allows for independence and flexibility when planning one’s route. However, new regulations have made it compulsory for every trekker to have a licensed guide accompanying them.

Hiring Porters Versus Without Porter

Trekking with the hiring of a porter will add much value to your trek as the load of heavy gear would be taken off your shoulders. They are trained to handle loads in a managed manner, as this would leave you free and give you more time to enjoy the trek rather than show concern about your backpack.

Trekking Without Porter

If you decide not to hire the services of a porter, you must be prepared to bear the brunt of physical activity as you have to carry everything you need. In this way, you will face the test of your stamina with full force.

It would be a good option for those wanting a more challenging experience, but travelling long distances may be exhausting.

How to Hire a Porter for the Trek?

• It would be best to search out the authentic trekking agencies offering professional services regarding porters.
• Clearly outline what you expect from your porter, including load limits and daily tasks.
• Agree on a wage that can be described as fair according to the local context.
• Ensure your porter has appropriate gear: strong shoes and sufficient warm clothes.
• Give respect to your porter and offer gratitude for all the hard work through the trek.

Tipping Culture for Guides and Porters

Tipping is a common culture in Nepal, especially for guides and porters who work hard to make your trekking experience pleasurable. As a general guide, tipping goes to about ten per cent of the total cost of your trek.

Alternative Trek Routes

Himalayan Masters have several alternative routes to Everest Base Camp for those who do not want to confine themselves to just one option. Some popular options include the Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit, and Gokyo Lakes Trek routes.

Extending Trip

You can always customize your itinerary to make an extension trip with Himalayan Masters. Additional trekking routes include Three Passes trek options or take in the sights and sounds of nearby cities like Pokhara and Chitwan.

How to Book with Himalayan Masters

It is relatively easy to book a tour in Himalayan Masters: log on to their website, complete the booking form, or even contact them directly by email or telephone.

Once the interest is given, detailed itineraries, costs, and other arrangements will be provided. Normally, a deposit has to be paid to confirm your booking.

How Can I Book a Trip at the Last Minute with Himalayan Masters?

It is always better to contact them directly through their website or at their office in Kathmandu at the last minute. They accept last-minute reservations.

However, they still recommend making the call at least a day before the journey so that the necessary number of guides and porters is readily available. Full payment is usually expected before the commencement of the trek.

Why Choose Himalayan Masters

Himalayan Masters is a reputed, government-registered trekking company. The treks safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction are of foremost importance to the guiding principles of Himalayan Masters.

Cancellation Policy

In the event of a trip cancellation, the amount you paid will not be refunded. However, you can use that amount to book a trek or trip with us anytime. If you’re unable to trek with us yourself, you also have the option to refer friends, family, or relatives to use the same amount for their trip.

Feedback/Review

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