Everest Base Camp Trek Return by Helicopter Cost 11 Days

Weather and Best Time for Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter

Subtropical and temperate climates are vastly present in the Everest region thus the area is most affected by the heavy monsoon rains spanning from June to the early days of September. There is a constant wind leading to frequent thunderstorms and heavy cloud cover.

Likewise, January is the coldest month while December and February heat are also not easy to bear and winter storms are also common.

What these facts tell us is you should avoid the four months of the year when thinking of participating in our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter. These are June, July, August, and the early days of September when the TIA and Lukla Airport can be frequently closed.

Other days of March, April, May (Spring), mid days of September, October, and November (Autumn) have no rain, no clouds, no fog, charming dense vegetation, and tracks lighted with the pink fairies of rhododendrons. These clear days offer the perfect time for flawless internal flight and helicopter ride.

Terrain and length of Everest Base Camp

The Everest region is not only the source of imagination for the universe of its high peaks but also for its dazzling variety. The 65 km trekking pathway reveals the full spectrum of Mother Nature.

The initial villages and forests are fed by the marvelous Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi, and Imja Rivers which give the terrain its richness in vegetation and dense jungles.

The towering high zones have an alpine environment which decorates the area with tall and brown shrubs and green pastureland for the yaks. While the highlands of the Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar have an arctic influence with huge rock boulders and glaciated valleys.

The Kala Patthar will be the crowning height of our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter trip while Gorakshep will make us sleep at the highest elevation of 5180 m.

How challenging is the Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter trip?

Our 11 days long Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter trip involves a moderately challenging experience. However, we have implemented numerous measures to ensure that it is reachable and doable by all participants.

You will walk on the same scenic pathways as other trekkers, but with a significantly shortened hiking schedule, at least four days less, thanks to the added luxury of a helicopter ride on your return.

However, not to forget the remarkable height you will reach which will exceed 5500 m with daily hikes between 4 to 6 hours. But we have devised the travel program keeping in mind the steady acclimatization of each of our clients.

You can progress at your own speed, take periodic breaks, and capture beautiful moments along the way. There are also several comfortable lodges where you can relax in the evenings when trekking feels too demanding.

Who is this trip suitable for?

Our travel program of Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter trip has been thoughtfully devised with a focus on acclimatization and comfort for all our clients. With an average daily walking time of 4 to 6 hours, the availability of comfortable tea houses, and a simple well-marked route that includes a helicopter return flight, this tour is accessible to everyone.

In fact, this journey provides an ideal opportunity to tear oneself from the daily hassle of life. Whether you are a child, a family, a newly married couple, a senior, or a new traveler, you can engage on this trip without hesitation.

Additionally, our skilled guide will be present throughout the trek to assist you in any situation, while our porters take care of your luggage.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

Even though our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter trip will be concluded with helicopter flight, the initial journey to the Everest Base Camp still requires trekking.

As a result, altitude sickness can potentially develop right after you arrive in Lukla and start your ascent. This condition can happen either gradually or abruptly which is why everything will be done gradually.

Because the oxygen lack in the higher air causes the effect of altitude sickness, you need to give your body time to get used to the new air and new height.

Thus, we have planned eight days to slowly reach the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with two days off at Namche and Dingboche.

However, some of us may still feel the symptoms very similar to a severe hangover. This is the weakness of the body, nausea, sometimes even vomiting, and headache.

If you start to experience any one of these symptoms, it is vital to communicate with our guide traveling with you. He will evaluate your physical condition and determine the best course of action, whether that involves continuing, postponing the trip, or descending to a lower altitude.

In order to speed up the adaptation process of your body, taking Diamox will help which is a diuretic drug that necessitates you to increase your water intake to at least 3 or 4 liters a day.

Trip Preparation, Health, and Safety

Although the itinerary of our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter is short, you will still find yourself in a high alpine environment where any existing health issues could potentially get worse.

Therefore, we want to ensure that each of our clients is in good health and free from any illnesses or infections. If you have a history of circulatory, lung, or kidney conditions, we strongly advise you to seek guidance from your physician.

As for the right physical preparation, the best training for any mountain trekking is running or any other cardio exercises (cycling, jogging, swimming, etc) where you can train your heart and endurance. These two are the most important quality in the mountains as the average transition lasts up to 6 or 7 hours.

Accommodation Food and Drink

In Kathmandu, participants of our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter will find themselves in a three-star hotel, sharing double rooms.

During the trekking phase, the group will stay in lodges, a traditional type of guesthouse. These lodges do not have heating in the rooms, so a sleeping bag is essential for overnight comfort. Toilets are typically found on the same floor.

The dining room, which also acts as a common space for guests, is the only consistently heated area. For an additional fee, you can enjoy a hot shower, recharge your phone or camera, and use the Internet facilities available in the lodges.

Our package cost covers breakfast in Kathmandu, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the hiking program along with tea or coffee and a variety of fresh seasonal fruits.

All participants will eat in lodges which is quite diverse and introduces travelers to national cuisine. In addition to main dishes, you can order various types of beverages, desserts and soups.

Transportation, Communication, Electricity, and Internet Facilities

All ground transfers mentioned in our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter itinerary will be facilitated through private transport, which may include a car, bus, jeep, or van, depending on the number of participants.

The service also includes airport transfers and the travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla will take place by small plane and return journey to Kathmandu will be conducted via a shared helicopter.

You can easily get the local SIM card from Ncell or Namaste when you are in Kathmandu to stay connected on your cell phone. The virtual SIM from these networks can also be used while you are in your home country so you can avoid the hassle of hunting for stores that sell SIM cards.

All you need to do is visit the NTC or NCELL website, scan the QR code, and activate your SIM. Please remember that local SIMs are often more affordable than activating roaming services with your home network.

WiFi in Kathmandu is not a concern at all, as it is commonly offered for free in numerous hotels, cafes, restaurants, and retail stores. When trekking though, WiFi may not be available on the track. In such case, you can take advantage of the 4G data plans available from Ncell or NTC or buy the prepaid cards of Everest Link or Nepal Airlink.

When resting at the lodges, for an additional fee from 3 to 5 US Dollars, you can charge your phone or camera, and use the WiFi in the lodges. You can also recharge and use the Internet for free in the bars of Lukla and Namche Bazaar.

Travel Insurance

Obtaining travel insurance is also one of the essential preparations for our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter trip. Remember, this is a high-altitude and remote hiking journey for which securing the permit is a must.

Without proof of insurance, we will not be able to secure a trekking permit on your behalf. Your insurance should adequately cover high mountain trekking up to 6000 meters, direct payments to medical facilities, and air ambulance/helicopter rescue.

Additionally, we highly recommend you integrate coverage for canceled trips, burglary, postponed flight departure, prolonged visits, missing luggage, and any injuries that may occur during your adventure.

Permit, Rules, and Regulation

The NTB (Nepal Tourism Board) declared that foreign trekkers either in group or alone will no longer be able to hike in Nepal without a licensed guide. Nepal’s ban on solo trekking applies to most Himalayan hiking routes with Everest Base Camp route as well.

In terms of permits, the Sagarmatha/Everest National Park entrance fee along with Khumbu – Pasang Lhamu village municipality fee will be mandatory for our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter trip.

For every hiker, the park permit comes at a cost of Rs 3000 (around $26), and a municipality fee of 2000 rupees ( around $ 17) per individual. We take care of all the fees and the necessary processes to obtain these permits as part of our services.

What to take with you for our Everest Base Camp trek return by helicopter journey?

• Trekking boots – semi-high, stiff, well-worn
• Trekking sneakers – optional (they will be more comfortable on easy sections)
• Trekking sandals for easy transitions and rest
• A warm hat
• Fleece gloves
• A warm down jacket
• Weatherproof jacket and pants
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Shorts
• A warm flash
• Light fleece
• Fleece suit for sleeping
• A set of thermal clothing for movement
• T-shirts – 2-3 pieces
• Trekking socks – 5 pairs
• Woolen socks – 1 pair for sleep
• Flashlight
• Changeable underwear
• Raincoat
• Backpack for 30-40 liters.
• Sleeping Bag for temperature -5 to -7 °С
• Sunglasses
• Microfiber towel
• Trekking sticks
• Personal first aid kit
• Sun cream
• Hygiene items – soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper
• Camera
• Mobile phone
• Chargers and spare batteries

Note

You will receive a duffle bag from us to hold your goods during the trek (which should be refunded after the trek), along with a basic medical kit, a trekking map, and a complimentary Nature Explore Trek T-shirt and hat.