Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Flight
- 11
days
Everest Base Camp Luxury Heli Trek is an incredible opportunity to explore the Everest Base Camp (EBC) and return on a helicopter to Kathmandu embracing stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Stay at the best luxury lodges in the Everest region and experience unparalleled services. If you prefer the luxury option, this is definitely a great deal for you. In just a little over a week, you will be able to trek to the base camp of Everest, stand at the popular viewpoint of Kala Patthar, fly back to Kathmandu, and be homeward bound. Moreover, during your Everest Base Camp Luxury Helicopter Trek, you will be staying overnight at comfortable luxury lodges. After walking up to Everest Base Camp you return to Lukla by helicopter. Get an aerial perspective of the Everest Region and hover close to some of the tallest peaks in the world.
After a delightful helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you start your EBC Luxury Heli Trek. Starting from Lukla, a mountaintop Sherpa settlement with an airport, you make your way past several Sherpa settlements. Head to Namche through the pretty Dudh Koshi Valley crossing swaying suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. Spend a day at the Sherpa capital of Namche getting acclimatized. Pay your respects at Tengboche Monastery, an important spiritual center in the Khumbu region.
Trek to EBC and stand beneath the tallest mountain on earth, Mount Everest. In addition, visit Kala Patthar and surround yourself with an amazing panorama of 7000 and 8000-meter peaks. After taking in the views, next you board a helicopter. Enjoy a helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and savor aerial views of Mount Everest, Sherpa settlements, and glacial rivers. The helicopter flight to Lukla and then onto Kathmandu marks the end of your memorable Everest Base Camp Luxury trekking.
While we have kept aside two rest days for acclimatization, an experienced trek leader will be there to guide you. You are in safe hands as our guide has led several groups to EBC and back safely.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Adam Dixey
|
June 04, 2024
Sly 666
|
April 19, 2024
Chase Parker
|
October 18, 2023
Matthew Hayes
|
October 18, 2023
Ethan Martin
|
May 24, 2023
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation |
| Day 2 | Fly to Lukla by helicopter and trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,561ft) - 45 minutes flight and 3 to 4 hours (8 km) trek |
| Day 3 | Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft) - 6 to 7 hours (10.5 km) trek |
| Day 4 | First Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazar (3,440m/11,284ft) - 4 to 5 hours (6 km) trek |
| Day 5 | Trek to Deboche (3,820m/12,530ft) via Tengboche (3,860m/12,661ft) - 5 to 6 hours (11 km) trek |
| Day 6 | Trek to Dingboche (4,410m/14,465ft) via Pangboche - 5 to 6 hours (10 km) trek |
| Day 7 | Second Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (4,410m/14,465ft) - Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) - 4 to 5 hours (4.5 km) trek |
| Day 8 | Trek to Lobuche (4,910m/16,105ft) - 6 to 7 hours (8 km) trek |
| Day 9 | Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m/16,860ft) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594ft) - 7 to 8 hours (12 km) trek |
| Day 10 | Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m/18,204ft) and board a helicopter from Gorak Shep to Lukla and onward to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 1 hour flight, 2 to 3 hours (3 km) trek |
| Day 11 | Final Departure |
Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return
Our representative will receive you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. After a brief rest, attend a pre-trek briefing and meet your trek leader. Get answers for queries regarding the trek, if you have any. Check your gear for the final time and if you have missed out on any item you can buy or hire one at one of the shops selling trekking gear in Thamel. Ask your trek leader for suggestions. Lined with restaurants, shops, pubs, and hotels Thamel is usually the ‘go-to’ address for tourists in Kathmandu. Have an early night as you need to make an early start tomorrow.
We recommend you schedule your arrival to Kathmandu in the morning or daytime so as to let you attend the pre-trek briefing and get over the jetlag before the start of your Everest luxury lodge trek.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Start your epic Everest Base Camp luxury lodge trek by boarding a helicopter from Tribhuvan International Airport and head east. As you fly above the mountains look down and view the jagged summits of the Himalayan range. It is a memorable flight filled with astounding views of Kathmandu valley, hilltop villages, and towering Himalayan peaks. At the airport in Lukla, you will meet the other crew members.
Pack your stuff and head to Phakding walking by the lively Lukla bazaar. Crossing a metal suspension bridge brings you to the riverside settlement of Phakding. Make your way to Yeti Mountain Home, a luxury lodge. Later stroll around the village and head down to the riverside and watch the Dudh Koshi, a glacial river surging down the valley. Take pictures and spend some quiet time soaking in the mountain views. Later head back to the lodge and take a rest.
Overnight in Phakding.
Namche Bazaar - Namche is a tourist hub in the Khumbu region
Walk along a scenic trail filled with mani stones (stones engraved with sacred Buddhist mantras), Buddhist shrines and colourful prayer flags. The path goes through a forest of pine and rhododendron. Cross metal suspension bridges built over fast flowing glacial rivers. You cross the famous Hillary Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the Everest region.
As you gain elevation during your Everest luxury trek you are surrounded on all sides by the broad walls of mountains. The triangular summits reach up towards the sky. After the tiring walk a sense of relief wash over you at the first sight of Namche. Cut along the side of a mountain, the settlement of Namche fans out like an amphitheatre. Enjoy your first view of Mount Everest(8,848m), Lhotse(8,516m) and a host of other peaks from here.
Known as the Sherpa capital Namche offers a range of high end and budget mountain lodges. On reaching the town head to Yeti Mountain Home and rest your aching limbs.
Overnight in Namche.
Spend a day in Namche getting acclimatized. Filled with cafes, bakeries, mountain lodges, shops and internet cafes, the town is the economic heart of Khumbu region. There is even an ATM booth. Every Saturday traders from the whole of Khumbu, the Terai lowlands and Tibet converge at the Saturday Market trying to sell their wares. If you happen to be in Namche on a saturday don’t forget to visit the ‘Saturday Market’.
As an acclimatization hike visit the neighbouring Sherpa village of Khumjung or trek to Hotel Everest View that lies right above Namche. From the hotel’s terrace enjoy magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Tawache, Khumbu Himal, Mount Everest and many more peaks.
At Khumjung you can visit the first school in Khumbu region established by Sir Edmund Hillary. The ancient Khumjung Monastery which houses a scalp, believed to be that of a Yeti(abominable snowman), is also worth a visit. Later hike back to Namche.
Overnight in Namche.
Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. View from near Everest View Hotel.
Today you will walk along one of the most beautiful part of the trail. Head to Tengboche crossing an alpine meadow filled with pine trees and rhododendron bushes. Pause time and again to take in the breathtaking mountain views. Ama Dablam rises right above Tengboche. Capture incredible views of this beautiful mountain in your camera.
The imposing Tengboche Monastery looms over the settlement of Tengboche. It is one of the oldest and the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Everest Region. Inside ancient statues are placed at the altar while colourful Buddhist murals adorn the monastery’s walls. Attend a prayer meeting and observe the monks chanting the sutras.
Later walk down ( around 25 minutes) to Deboche, a monastic settlement with a nunnery. Your overnight stay is at another luxury lodge, Rivendell Lodge.
Overnight in Deboche.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the mountains. Watch in awe as the sun lights up Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. After breakfast, head out towards Dingboche.
Ascend up a path that passes through a forest. The pyramid of Ama Dablam looms directly overhead. Stop for awhile to soak in this once in a lifetime view. En route you walk past the Sherpa village of Pangboche. As you approach Dingboche the treeline disappears and the landscape turn barren and stony.
Dingboche is surrounded by farms with stone fences. Once you reach the settlement, head to the teahouse where rooms have been booked for you and take rest.
Overnight in Dingboche.
Dingboche
You are at an altitude of above 4,000 meters and you feel the difference in the air. The air is thinner and moving around needs effort, especially climbing. To get your body into that comfortable zone take an acclimatization hike to the surrounding hills.
Head to Nangkartshang Peak or Chukkung Valley. Allow your guide to making the decision for you as he will take into account your physical state before choosing the destination for the hike. The non-technical ascent to the Nangkartshang peak (5,083m) offers an inspiring panorama of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and many other peaks, while from Chukkung Valley you can enjoy incredible sights of glaciers tumbling down the mountainsides.
Or if you want to conserve your energy for tomorrow’s trek you can ascend any of the small hills surrounding Dingboche.
Overnight in Dingboche.
On the way to Gorekshep
Leave Dingboche and make your way towards Lobuche. Walk on a barren wide valley till you reach Thukla. Get close-up views of Mount Pumori, Khumbila, Lingtren, etc. At the top of Thukla Pass, you will come across stone memorials of mountaineers and trekkers who have perished in these mountains.
The most notable memorials are those dedicated to Rob Hall, Scott Fischer, and the super sherpa, Late Babu Chiri Sherpa (climbed Everest without supplementary oxygen and stayed at the summit for 22 hours). Rob Hall and Scott Fischer's Everest ordeals have been immortalized in Jon Krakauer's best-selling book "Into Thin Air" and the movie "Everest".
A steep climb later reaches Lobuche, a tiny settlement with just a handful of teahouses. If you are not too tired you can explore the surrounding area. A small hill located nearby offers wonderful views of the Khumbu Glacier. Have an early night as you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.
Overnight in Lobuche.
Wake up early and head towards Gorak Shep. You walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier making your way slowly and steadily. The treeline has long vanished and you hike up a barren rocky desert. Watch your feet while stepping on the loose rocks and pebbles. The landscape is stark and beautiful. Upon reaching Gorak Shep head to a teahouse and have lunch. Later take a hike up to Everest Base Camp.
The route to Everest Base Camp follows the Khumbu Glacier. Walk along a steep trail filled with loose rocks and gravel. Huge boulders lay strewn on the way. Everest Base Camp lies in an open field at the foot of Mount Everest right below the Khumbu Icefall.
If you make this trek during the climbing season you will find colourful little tents propped up filling the grey landscape. Meet climbers who are preparing to scale the world’s tallest mountain and take pictures.
You have accomplished your goal and it feels amazing to stand beneath some of the tallest mountains on earth.
If the weather is clear you can visit Kala Patthar today and hike to EBC tomorrow. Sunset views are better from Kala Patthar. However, the final decision will be taken by your guide.
Overnight in Gorak Shep.
Helicopter landing at Kala Patthar
Wake up early and hike to Kala Patthar. One of the highest and most popular viewpoints in the Everest Region, Kala Patthar offers 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks including Mount Everest.
The view is spectacular and not to be missed. Stand close to Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, and Mount Everest, some of the tallest peaks in the world, and watch this incredible spectacle. This site is one of those precious views that will remain with you forever! Take pictures and head down to Gorak Shep again.
From Gorak Shep, board a helicopter and fly to Lukla. You thank your support crew and bid farewell to them. Once aboard, enjoy aerial views of some of the most beautiful sights on the planet. Hover above the mighty peaks and the rolling Khumbu and Nzogumpa glaciers.
There will be a brief stopover at Lukla before you fly onward to Kathmandu. This is the final leg of your journey and you bid adieu to the beautiful Khumbu mountains. Before you land in Kathmandu you will be able to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Kathmandu valley. From the airport, you will be driven to your hotel. Check-in and take a rest or explore Thamel.
Evening attends farewell dinner hosted by us. Celebrate the completion of your amazing luxury trip with good food and wine.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Bid goodbye to your new found friends and Kathmandu. One of our staff will drive you to the international airport three hours before your flight departs. Do let us know if you want to visit more places in Nepal.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons for Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return. The weather stays dry and clear during these times, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying unobstructed views of mountains. The days are warm and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons, and the trails get crowded and busy.
During spring, the hillsides are verdant and covered with wildflowers, including rhododendron blooms. The climbing season and the Everest Base Camp are also transformed into a tented city filled with climbers and Sherpa guides.
Autumn is the most popular season for trekking to Everest Base Camp. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, you can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your trek around October will allow you to experience the most important festival in the Everest region, Mani Rimdu. This festival is held in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame.
All flight transfers will be via helicopter to save you time and energy, plus the disappointment of flight delays or cancellations. You will trek to Everest Base Camp but skip the tedious return trek and fly to Lukla by helicopter. The helicopter flights could be the best and the most memorable aerial experience in your life as you fly close to some of the highest peaks and glaciers in the world.
The 45 minutes flight to Lukla (2,840m) on Day 2 of your trip takes you from the bustling capital city of Kathmandu to the highest trekking destination in the world, Everest Region. Your flight lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the highest and most extreme airports in the world. The airport is built on a narrow plateau, over a cliff.
Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, the weather here is unpredictable and changes frequently. It would be clear and sunny one minute, and the next moment the clouds will appear, and everything will turn hazy. Flights operate only when the weather is stable and visibility clear. After your hike to Kala Patthar on Day 10, you descend to Gorak Shep and board a helicopter. You will be flown to Lukla first for a brief stopover and then continue to Kathmandu.
If the wind gets choppy and the weather turns too extreme for flying, the chances of your flight getting canceled cannot be ruled out. If this happens, your trip may get extended by a day or two. So come prepared and keep buffer days so that you may not miss your international flight.
The permits you need for the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return are –
Unlike other treks in the Nepal Himalaya, you won’t be needing a TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or at the park’s entrance gate in Monjo by paying NRS 3000. For citizens of SAARC countries, the fee is NRS 1500. You need to fill out the permit form and show your passport or a copy of your passport.
To get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, you need to be in Lukla. You have to pay NRS 2000 for the permit at the rural municipality counter, which lies at the edge of the village.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company, or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
Remember, you will be trekking to the world’s highest trekking destination, Everest Region. The highest elevation you will reach is 5550m above sea level. In this environment, there is less oxygen which will make breathing a bit difficult.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly and steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2000 meters. Usually, these symptoms occur once you reach Namche or beyond Namche.
Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.
There are clinics at Lukla, Namche, and Pheriche which offer basic care for minor ailments. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.
On a high-altitude trek like the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return, acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before reaching a higher elevation level.
Our experts have included two days in the itinerary for acclimatization. You will be spending extra days at Namche (3440m) and Dingboche (4410m) to acclimatize successfully before trekking further.
The chart given below will give you a rough idea of the oxygen level in the atmosphere on the trail.
|
|
Altitude |
Oxygen Level |
|
Lukla |
2,840m/9,318ft |
73% |
|
Namche |
3,440m/11,286ft |
64% |
|
Dingboche |
4,410m/14,469ft |
58% |
|
Lobuche |
4,910m/16,109ft |
53% |
|
Gorak Shep |
5,140m/16,864ft |
52% |
|
Everest Base Camp |
5,364m/17,598ft |
50% |
|
Kala Patthar |
5,550m/18,209ft |
50% |
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluids daily.
We dissuade you from buying bottled water as it adds up to the thrashing problem in the mountains. Moreover, like everything else, bottled water is also expensive in the mountains.
We highly recommend you to carry a reusable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water.
You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.
You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled drinking water at an additional cost. It can cost anywhere between 1 USD to 4 USD. Up to Namche, you may have to pay around 1 USD per liter or pot (every teahouse uses a different sized pot). The price increases gradually as you climb higher. You pay the highest for boiled water at Gorak Shep, i.e., 4USD.
Despite being the world’s highest trekking trail, internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Everest Region.
You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. While Yeti Mountain Home offers free Wi-Fi connection, you may have to pay extra for using the Wi-Fi hotspot at other lodges en route.
It will be cheaper and easier to get a sim card (preferably Ncell) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data that could last you for your entire trip. Ncell offers 3G connectivity up to Everest Base Camp (5364m).
Everest Link, another local internet provider, also offers paid internet access on the trail. You can purchase the username and password at any of the teahouses or shops along the trail.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need much-complicated gear and equipment for an Everest adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return:
These are only some of the essential items. Find a more detailed - Packing List For Trekking In Nepal.
Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.
Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return takes you to the highest trekking trail in the world. Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.
When you book a trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
A chief guide or trek leader will lead the trek. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Ensure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
For EBC Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest altitude you reach is 5,550 meters, and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment, and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time.
Walking in a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can possibly face during this trekking adventure.
Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency, as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. This itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have trekked on this route innumerable times.
To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days has been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years of experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.
If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort them and follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client's well-being.
If they feel alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to Lukla or get airlifted to Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountains' views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your luxury lodge or teahouse, check-in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers and sherpas till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average, you may have to walk 6 to 7 hours daily. The trek to Phakding is the shortest and the easiest, while the hike to Everest Base Camp from Lobuche on the 9th day could possibly be your toughest. On Day 10, a hike to Kala Patthar for the sunrise view is scheduled. So you will have to wake up before 4 AM to reach Kala Patthar before sunrise. Your guide will share the details regarding the hike during the after-dinner briefing on Day 9.
Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful of throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We, as a company, support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment. As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environmentally friendly.
Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek with Helicopter Return
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget
These are the best months to do this trek, as the weather is mild and the temperatures range from 12 to 15 degrees. The skies generally remain clear and the days are pleasant and warm. You can expect an occasional spring shower and hazy weather during spring. The mountain views are stunning in September, as there is more snow on the mountains. Nights can be freezing as the temperature dips after sun down.
If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice.
If the flight gets cancelled due to bad weather there is no alternative but to stay an extra day. You will have to bear the cost for the accommodation. Sometimes even when the airlines cancel their flights, helicopter companies offer charters. If you would like, you can take a heli flight. This will incur an extra cost and you have to pay for it.
There is mobile network in the Everest Region. If you get a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) you can use your mobile phone to communicate easily. As this is a mountainous area the network may get erratic at times. At most places the network is good enough for internet use and video calls. Our climbing guides also carry a Satellite Phone for emergencies.
Please do note that if you are traveling in a group, a member falling sick won’t disrupt your trip. While the sick person will be taken care of, the rest of the group will be able to continue with the trip.
If someone becomes ill on the trail your trekking guide will take the sick person’s condition on account and decide he or she shall continue with the trek or return to a lower elevation and wait for the rest of the group. If his or her condition is serious then the person will be flown by air ambulance to Kathmandu or Pokhara for expert medical attention. An assistant will take care of the sick person, while the rest of the group shall proceed onwards and complete the trip as per the itinerary.
You can either buy bottled mineral water or fill up a reusable water bottle with boiled or sterilized water. During the trek, the teahouses or lodges serve you bottled and filtered water which is generally safe and have to be paid for. A liter of water would cost anything between 1 to 4 USD. As you go higher the cost of all commodities, including water, increases. But do note there is no dearth or scarcity of drinking water at teahouses. We encourage our guest to use iodine and other purifying agents to treat the water before drinking. You need to drink at least 3-4 litres of water each day to stay hydrated at higher altitudes. Keeping your body hydrated helps you to keep away the symptoms altitude sickness.
No, the company won’t provide drinking water or any extra drinks or beverages other than the ones that are specified in the trip cost.
If you want to add extra activities and sites to your itinerary it can be done. Our Travel Consultant will help you customize your trip. Just let us know which places you want to visit and what you want to do and we will add these in your itinerary.
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
You need to be in good shape and have an ability to walk 6 – 7 hours uphill and downhill per day. This trek is suitable for passionate trekkers. Positive attitude, excellent health, and strong determination are required for successful finish. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Besides, it is advisable to trek with a highly reputed trek operator like us, with experienced guides who can help you with significant mental preparation with a personal touch.
Regarding the difficulty, the only challenging factor is the altitude. Our Everest Base Camp trek itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. Neither ropes nor ice picks are needed for this trip and no vertical climbs are involved. Novice travelers in a good physical shape, who exercise regularly, has positive attitude and has healthy heart and lungs can easily complete this adventurous trip.
As Everest Base Camp is situated at a high altitude of 5,364 metres, you spend only 1 to 2 hours at the base camp. Since the base camp lies at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain Mount Everest, the hike to EBC is probably the highlight of your trek. Though one cannot view the summit of Mount Everest from the base camp (as the mountain is too huge) you can get close up views of the massive walls of Everest, Khumbutse, Lingtren and Nuptse. The Khumbu Icefall appears spectacular. Though the icefall lies close to the Base Camp, it is not possible explore it as you need proper climbing gear to walk on it. But you get to explore the actual base camp of the Everest expedition groups. During climbing season, it is like a mini city of tents and you get to meet mountaineers (sometimes celebrities too!) from different countries attempting to summit Mount Everest. After taking pictures and soaking in the magnificent views you descend down to Gorak Shep again. Please do note the visibility of mountains depends on the weather. If it’s foggy you may not get good views of the mountains.
No, we do not spend the night at Everest Base Camp as there are no teahouses or lodges there. Moreover it is advisable and more comfortable to spend the night at a lower elevation. After enjoying the views we trek down to Gorak Shep and stay overnight at a local teahouse.
Each day you can expect 5 to 7 hours of walking, covering around 10 to 14 km. However when you reach 3500m, you will be walking around 5 to 7 hours but the distance covered will be less as you will be walking slowly at higher altitudes. We want you to know that all our itineraries are flexible and can be altered by weather, geographical and physical condition of the individual participants.
In all our Everest Treks the teahouses that we use have western toilets. In luxury lodges and teahouses in the lower elevations the rooms come with attached bathrooms and hot showers. At higher elevations the facilities may be a bit basic and you may have to share the bathroom with other travellers. Please do note that in case of extreme cold, the water in the toilet basin may freeze and you may have to use an Asian (also known as ‘squat’) style of toilet that is located outside. Please do carry toilet paper rolls with you at all times. It is important that you carry enough rolls of toilet paper and hand sanitizer while trekking.
We provide sleeping bag and down jacket but you need to bring your own personal gear. We can recommend some good stores where you can hire or buy new ones.
Teahouses offer boiled and filtered drinking water to trekkers for a price. Though you can purchase bottled water, we discourage the use of plastic bottled water on the trail because of the adverse effect on the environment. You can bring along with you a reusable bottle nd fill it up with drinking water.
Your guide will check the condition of the water of the filtered water before you purchase it. Please be assured that our guide will thoroughly check whether the water has been boiled and treated properly before you drink it.
Teahouse trekking is one of the most popular ways of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking has almost replaced old style camping treks in Nepal along the popular trekking routes of Annapurna and Everest regions. Teahouse Trek involves resting or stopping at teahouses or lodges scattered along the trail for the night. The teahouses are locally owned and they provide accommodation and food. While the standard of teahouses varies, most of these establishments usually offer basic services - small rooms (usually on a twin sharing basis with comfortable beds), shared washroom, a heated communal dining area and a menu with a range of dishes. Some may offer wi-fi and hot shower. As these teahouses are located in remote locations, one should not expect the service of a city hotel while staying in one. But in popular trails like Everest Base Camp trail and Annapurna Base Camp trail one can expect luxury standard accommodations too.
You need to have local currency to purchase items on the trail. While Lukla and Namche in the Everest Region may have lodges that would accept payment with cards, we strongly advise to carry enough local cash with you to buy essential items en route. You can exchange your currency at any of the money exchange centres in Kathmandu or use your credit or debit card at the local ATMs to get local currency.
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.
Yes, single supplement will be available in the cities and at lower elevations while trekking. At higher elevations there are very few teahouses. During peak season when there is high demand for rooms, it will be difficult to book single rooms. However if you are travelling during off season a single room can be arranged at all places.
Most of the guides in our adventure company come from the mountainous areas. They are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. We provide guides that are experienced and fluent in English. With the objective of sustaining local communities, we employ guides from different ethnic backgrounds who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora and fauna, geography and history of Nepal.
Our guides have the required government license to guide tourists. They have all gone through intensive training programs like wilderness first aid, trekking guide training, eco training workshop and rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, which are certified and approved by the government of Nepal.
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