Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter 5 Days

Trek Difficulty, and Fitness Tips

The Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter is considered easy to moderate. Trekking times range from 2 to 6 hours a day, with hills that get steeper over time. We will climb slowly each day, so the challenge is still achievable for people who are in good shape.

Before your trek, we suggest doing regular cardio workouts (like hiking, running, or cycling) and leg strengthening exercises (like stair climbing and squats) for at least two to three months. The trail will be nice if you have comfortable trekking boots and good stamina. For example, one of the longer days (from Phakding to Namche) is about 12 km long and has some steep parts. To fully enjoy this special luxury Everest trek adventure, you should stay active every day.

Acclimatization & Altitude Strategy

The Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter carefully controls how high you go. On Day 2, we will fly up to 2,840 m, and then you go down to 2,610 m at Phakding. It gives time to our body to adjust to the altitude. On Day 3, we will climb to Namche Bazaar, which is 3,440 m high, and spend the night there to get used to the altitude.
Every day, the climb is moderate, reaching 3,880 m at the Hotel Everest View. We recommend keeping it easy by consuming a lot of water (3–4 litres per day), and eating a lot of carbohydrates. Avoid alcoholic beverages or smoke. Our guide keep a close eye on your health. If you feel sick at a high altitude (headache, nausea, dizziness), let our guide know right away.

We will carry emergency oxygen and can assist you in using Diamox if it has been prescribed to you. The itinerary includes an acclimatization night at Namche (3,440 m) to help adaptation. It is important to eat small meals and rest at Namche. If needed, we can arrange a helicopter evacuation to a lower altitude (weather permitting and subject to aviation safety rules). These steps make it much less likely that you will have any problems with altitude and make sure that your acclimatisation plan is safe.

Accommodation and Meals

We have also chosen luxury lodges every night of the trek. We will be staying in Yeti Mountain Home lodge in Phakding and Namche that have comfortable beds, cozy common spaces and hot showers. We will spend the night at the Hotel Everest View (3,880 m), a beautiful high altitude boutique hotel with panoramic Everest views and warm Sherpa hospitality.

This includes all the trek meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Nepali and western cuisines are available in menus: dal bhat, soups, noodles, pasta, eggs and local specialties. All food is prepared fresh. They serve both vegetable and meat options and special diets can be also provided with prior notice. Meals are taken at shared lodges where you get to rest with other trekkers. There are also tea, coffee and snacks served daily. Quality meals and accommodation will be offered each night so you can concentrate on the trek.

A typical day in the Trek

This trek has a similar routine every day. We will get up early (around 6:00 AM) and have a hearty breakfast at the teahouse. Once we have packed our stuff, our guide will inform the group of the trail to follow today. Then we will trek 3-6 hours on forests, villages and mountain trails. As a part of the way, we will take scenic stops and lunch (served in a tea house or lodge). During midday, the sunshine is usually clear with nice mountain views.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the next teahouse destination and get into warm clothes. Evenings are to relax: take a hot shower, tea, and dine with your group. Dining halls at teahouses are pleasant areas to share stories of our adventures. We will go to bed early to get rest. You will have a small backpack with you all day long, as our porters manage your large baggage. This rhythm of trekking by day and resting by night makes the Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter very comfortable.

Altitude Sickness

Even though we will not go above 3,880 m during our trek, it is possible to face altitude sickness. Headache, nausea, dizziness or fatigue may be the results of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Gradually increasing the height is recommended to reduce risk; we recommend that you drink sufficient water (3-4 liters in a day), have frequent resting periods.

Avoid alcohol and sedatives. Our guides observe the situation of every traveler. In case of symptoms, there is a need to contact as soon as possible. We have oxygen and we can give out Diamox (only to a doctor). To aid the acclimatization, the itinerary allows an acclimatization night at Namche (3,440 m).

If anyone is unable to acclimatize, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged to a lower altitude (weather and air safety permitting). A mild headache can be helped by taking aspirin or ibuprofen. These precautions significantly minimize any altitude inconveniences.

Mountain Views and Wildlife

Everest region contains some of the greatest mountainous landscape in the world. The trail will give us a view of high mountains including Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and lots of others. The Hotel Everest View terrace also offers a 360 panorama of Khumbu range. During a clear day it is possible to observe nearly all the main peaks that rise above 6,000 m. The sunrise and sunset behind the mountains are particularly beautiful.

Watch out Himalayan wildlife on the path. We might see Himalayan tahr (mountain goats) or musk deer on rocky slopes. The forests will be full of colorful birds such as Himalayan monal (Danphe, the national bird of Nepal) and eagles circling around. Snow leopards and red pandas are extremely rare here, but we may see langur monkeys around villages. Our guides highlight sightseeing places and wildlife. These are natural sights that enhance the lovely Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter.

Permit & Cost

To do this trek we will require the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee. We will arrange these permits for you. These charges normally come with the package in case of booking via a trekking firm. All the permits (you will need passport photos and cash to cover any charges) will be organized.

The biggest cost is usually the helicopter flight that takes you from the Everest region back to Kathmandu. The helicopter, domestic flights, guides, accommodation, and meals are normally all included in package prices. When booking alone, estimate permits to cost around $50 and the helicopter from the Everest region can cost several hundred USD per person, depending on group size, weight, and routing. Always check current rates. Permits and the helicopter flight are the extra items to plan for in your budget on this Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter.

Best Season

This luxury Everest trek can be done best in the spring (March to May) and in the autumn (late September to November). In spring, it is generally clear and mild and rhododendron forests are also in bloom. In autumn the monsoon also subsides and leaves clear skies and beautiful views of the mountains. The daytime is good with trekking and the nights are cold in the teahouses. Avoid monsoon season (June to August) as the trails at that time are wet and the views are in most cases obscured by the clouds.

The winter (December-February) is colder with short days; some lodges can be closed down but the trek can still be carried out by well prepared trekkers with warm attires. Many trekkers plan around October and November for the clearest skies and stable weather in this Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter.

Alternative Route

In case you have additional time, there are other paths that cover the Everest area. The complete trek to the Everest Base Camp (12-14 days) is through the Khumbu Valley along Namche to Gorak Shep. Gokyo Lakes trek (12-14 days) is a westward trek into the glacial lakes to have different scenery.

The Three Passes trek is a difficult route (18+ days) across Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La passes. To cover a shorter journey without using a helicopter, the Pikey Peak trek (3-5 days) provides views of the sunrise over Everest in eastern Nepal. Every path offers an individual Himalayan experience, and our team can design routes to meet your interests and schedule.

Health and Travel Insurance

We highly encourage inclusive travel insurance, which includes high altitude trekking. Make sure that in your policy, there is emergency evacuation (by helicopter), medical treatment and repatriation. Most plans do not cover helicopter flights or adventure activities, and so they need to be checked.

We recommend at least US$50,000 of emergency medical and evacuation cover that is valid for Nepal. Carry a copy of your insurance and contact numbers with you. All trekkers are required to buy travel insurance. Our guide will deal with the insurance companies in case of sickness or accident.

Transportation

This journey is made by airplane and helicopter. Day 2 will be spent in Kathmandu, flying a 35–40 minutes up to Lukla (2,840 m) on a Twin Otter plane. In case Kathmandu flights are not available then we can drive 4-6 hours to Ramechhap Airport to take an alternative flight to Lukla. The Lukla airport is high and small hence the flights are weather dependent. Kindly bring limited baggage (approximately 10–15 kg total per person) to fit into the small planes.

Trekking in Lukla and Hotel Everest View is all on foot. We will spend the final day flying by helicopter from Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) back toward Kathmandu. The itinerary includes the helicopter ride. Once we land in Kathmandu, you will be transferred privately to the hotel or airport. All bookings and logistics are done by the guide and staff, allowing you to relax.

Fitness and Preparation

Train well before the trek. Do aerobic exercises (running, hiking, biking) for 2–3 months before departure. Train by loading a daypack (5-10 kg) and hiking up a hill or stair to develop stamina, and leg strength. Do some strength training and stretching to minimize chances of injury. If you have time, go on a multiday trek in the area so that you can test your stamina. In case you can comfortably walk 10-12km at a moderate pace on flat landscape you will be in good shape to do the daily distances.

High altitude travel should be done only after consultation with your doctor. Make sure that vaccinations are up-to-date and receive any prescribed medicines. We will carry a first aid kit (pain relievers, altitude medicine, sunscreen, blister care, etc.). Break in your trekking shoes much earlier. Create a packing list: pack warm clothes, rainwear, and personal medicines. Training and the support from Nature Explore Treks make this Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter accessible even for beginners.

Guide and Staff

Our trekking group is led by the knowledgeable English speaking Sherpa guides. Both groups have leaders that are trained on mountain first aid. Guides have oxygen and medical kit. We also include local porters to carry the luggage (they usually carry one porter per two trekkers).

We have local guides who are familiar with the ground. They set the slow pace of the trek, give information on the Sherpa culture and the mountains and do all the logistics. The lodge kitchens prepare fresh meals every night. This professional team manages every detail on the Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter, letting you relax and enjoy the adventure.

Is it a beginner friendly trip?

Yes. This Everest View Luxury Trek Return by Helicopter is suitable for beginners who have moderate fitness. The tour does not require any technical climbing; it entails mostly walking and shorter distances per day. Each night, comfortable lodges or teahouses enable one to rest fully. Even with a first time trekker, porters to haul your heavy equipment and Sherpa guides to lead the way, you will be able to do it.

We suggest a bit of preparation in advance (see Fitness section) and taking the advice and schedule of the guide on acclimatization. The most significant thing is the positive attitude and body listening. In other words, if you can trek about 10 km with some hills while carrying a light daypack, you will be alright on this route. Numerous beginners have successfully completed this trail without any injuries or incidents.

Devices charging and Internet

The trail has limited charging and internet access. The majority of teahouses have charging stations that can be powered either by solar or generators, typically at a minimal fee (between $2 and $3 per device). Carry a universal electric power adaptor. A portable battery pack is also to be taken, because power is scarce in high altitude. The electric stations are typically located in common places; it is also important to turn the devices off when not in use.

Hotel Everest View and Namche Bazaar lodges usually offer paid Wi-Fi. Lukla and Phakding lodges often have paid Wi-Fi, but it can be slow or unreliable. Cellphone signal (3G/4G) is only to be expected occasionally on the Ncell network mostly around Lukla and Namche. You might consider purchasing a Nepali SIM card in Kathmandu to use the phone or to use data. Arrange trekking primarily offline, this luxury Everest trek tempts you to be offline and just admire the view.

Visa and Permit

Every tourist will require a Nepal entry visa and the necessary trekking permits. A visa is granted to most nationalities in Kathmandu airport (15 days visa cost is approximately 30 USD and 30 days cost is approximately 50 USD). Carry passport photos, cash (USD) to pay the visa fee, or pre apply online visa.

Trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee) are different. We will sort these out, but you should bring two passport photos and about 50 dollars in cash to cover the fees. Make sure that your passport is also valid within 6 months. Carry copies of your visa and permits on the trek. Our guide will carry the original permits during the trek, so you can focus on enjoying your journey without any visa concerns.

Your Extra Expenses

Carry some cash for certain personal expenses that are not included on the trek package. Lodges have hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa) and snacks that tend to cost a few dollars each. Extra (alcoholic beverages (beer or wine)) and bottled soda or water. The lodges charge some money for charging, Wi-Fi, laundry or hot shower charges.
It is customary to tip your guide and porter. You will also pay for your Nepal visa on arrival and meals or tours in Kathmandu. Any additional snacks and drinks during the trail, as well as souvenirs, are not included. All in all, you should budget approximately 200–300 USD (or the equivalent in Nepali rupees) in additional cash.

Photography Hotspots & Best Views

There are lots of photographic moments in this Trek. The first is the Hotel Everest View terrace, where one can have a clear view of Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and so on. The sunset and sunrise are amazing here. On Day 3, at Namche Bazaar, you will see a famous panorama of Everest and Ama Dablam. The Benkar Village and the Hillary Suspension Bridge region (Day 2) can be seen with beautiful mountainous backgrounds.

The helicopter tour will be a photography destination: we will see Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier and the mountains in a new angle. The flight to Lukla is also amazing from the plane window which gives it amazing views. The mountains are framed by cultural shots through small Sherpa villages such as Khumjung or the monastery locally. Always have your camera close by because every single turn of this high end Everest trek has a wonderful view.