Everest Helicopter Trek-7 days Everest Heli Trek is a short trek to Everest base camp Nepal. Everest Heli Trek is perfect to those people who want to trek to Everest Base Camp in 7 days. The trek starts from Kathmandu with a short and scenic flight to Lukla, and trek to Everest base camp and Kalapatthar via Namche bazaar. Once we visit Everest base camp and Kalapatthar, we take helicopter flight back to Kathmandu. Everest Heli trek is an ideal option if you want to avoid the same trail back to Lukla.
This is a challenging trek, and it may not be perfect for everyone. The Everest Trek by Helicopter is surely perfect for physically fit trekkers who have previous hiking experience in the alps and mountains.
Though this is a short trek but you can see everything on this trip what you can see on the normal Everest base camp trek. You will not get any risk of high altitude sickness on the trek as we trek up to Namche Bazaar. You will have an extra day to rest in Namche which is helpful for acclimatization. Then we fly to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar, and return to Kathmandu.
Everest Helicopter Trek is possible throughout the year except rainy season. Autumn -September to November, Winter- December to January and Spring - March to June.
Why Everest Helicopter Trek
- A short trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal
- Spectacular views of Mt.Everest from the helicopter.
- An unforgettable trip of a lifetime with local guide
- Visit Everest Base Camp & land at Kalapatthar offers breathtaking views of the Himalaya range.
- Visit Hillary school and Khumjung village
Trip Itinerary
Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
30 minutes BB Plan-Breakfast Basic Tea house lodge
We will receive you at Airport in Kathmandu. We will be displaying your name outside the airport in front of exit door. Free day in the afternoon and trip meeting in the afternoon.
Day 02 Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 Hours
4 hours AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
The 35-minute flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport usually takes place early in the morning. We suggest you to make all the sorting and packing the day before, so there is no rush on Day 3. Once you reach Lukla, have breakfast. Begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunikharka (2,713 m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), it is a short walk to Phakding.
Day 03Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) – 5 Hours.
6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Of the three days of trekking, today you will walk for the longest hours. After having breakfast, leave Phakding and head towards Namche Bazaar. Continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi and cross the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. During your uphill walk, if weather is clear enough, you will get your first view of Mount Everest. Continue climbing and you will reach Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Capital. It is the biggest town along the Everest trail. The town settled in half-bowl is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries.
Day 04Acclimatization Hike around Namche Bazaar – 3 Hours
6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Trekkers and climbers who have arrived in Khumbu region spend a day in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize to thinning air of the mountains. It’s exciting to be in this Sherpa town, which is a center of both commercial and cultural activities. During the first half of the day, your guide will take you for a hike around the Bazaar. You will have your lunch at Everest View Hotel, which is at the highest altitude in the world. Visit Sherpa Culture Museum and hike up to Syangboche Airstrip. In your walk, if weather is clear, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of mountains such as Kongde, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest
Day 05Everest Heli Tour to the Khumbu region, Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Namche Bazar and Stay at Lukla
4/5 hours AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
This day is the most exciting part of your trekking holiday in Nepal. Have breakfast and the heli sightseeing starts. Climb into a mountain chopper from Namche Bazaar. The chopper takes you for a ride over the majestic Khumbu Valley. The heli sightseeing takes you over Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier and Icefall region, Kalapatthar, Namche Bazar and Lukla, where you will be able to see Ama Dablam peak, Lhotse Peak, Nuptse Peak and many other high Mountains as well. The heli does not land throughout the ride. It stops directly at Lukla and you will have your lunch and stay here tonight.
Day 06Fly to Kathmandu in the morning and rest for whole day
5 hours AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Today you will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. You will have a whole day to rest at your luxury hotel or do some activities that you prefer like walking and shopping in the streets of Thamel. There are no sightseeing activities today.
You might want to stay a little more in Nepal. If you are looking for extending your trip, there are options such as a visit to Chitwan National Park, known for wildlife viewing and to Pokhara, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal. You can also extend your trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan.
And, at the end of this day, we host a farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant with cultural performances.
Day 07Kathmandu Airport
30 minutes
We will drop you to Airport for your flight back to home.
What's included?
- Airport transfer - hotel/airport/hotel
- Twin sharing standard hotel accommodation on BB basis in Kathmandu before and after trek we can book as per your request.
- Round Trip Flight cost of helicopter from Kathmandu/Lukla/Kalapathar/ Kathmandu of client and guide.
- Basic twin sharing tea house accommodation during trek.
- 3 times meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
- English Speaking guide and all his expenses during the trek like flight, insurance, salary, meals and accommodation.
- All Trekking permit - Sagarmatha National Park Fee, Local government tax and TIMS card.
- All government taxes, vat, company service charge.
What's not included?
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel Insurance in case of emergencey for rescue and other medication.
- Nepal visa fee
- All kind of hot and cold drinks - coke, fanta, beer, whisky, bottle of water, hot water, tea, coffee etc.
- All personal trekking equipmenets like down jacket and sleeping bag etc.
- Porter to carry your backpack/luggage.
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal expenses like wifi, hot shower, telephone, battery charge fee
- Upgraded lodge accommodation like room with private toilet and bathroom.
- All the cost not mention on above cost includes.
Trip Information
Accommodation on Everest Helicopter Trekking
Everest Base Camp Trek accommodation will be basic tea houses for boarding/lodging.This is the most popular style of trekking to Everest Base Camp and simply involves trekking from teahouse to teahouse. Teahouses are essentially small hotels find in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. Rooms are typically shared with 2 trekkers in a room. Bathrooms are shared as well and in the Everest Base Camp Trek, the lodges usually have running cold water and western style toilets. Also the hot shower is also available but it need to pay extra cost for it.
In some of the villages on the trek, it may be possible to have a private room with an extra cost and we will do our best to arrange that. However, during busy times of the year there is a limited amount of lodging available in some of the villages so it's generally impossible to arrange private rooms. This is the case even if you're willing to pay extra since the tea house owners will not give out a private room if it means someone else goes without a room.
Meals/Food on Everest Helicopter Trek
Trekkers can choose a meal/food from the menus at the tea houses. Typical meals on EBC trek includes omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, momo, vegetarian curries, pizza or chow mein. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat which consists of rice, lentils, and a vegetable is all you can eat and always a good choice. Meat on the mountain is not hygienic and we suggest trekkers stick with vegetarian options.
There is not a problem for vegetarian food and in fact we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.
Best Season for the Everest Helicopter Trek
Weather/Temperature in Summer Everest Base Camp trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Everest is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Everest during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Everest Base Camp Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Everest. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November.
Weather/Temperature in Winter Everest Base Camp Trek in December, January and February.The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Everest is severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Everest winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Everest. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Everest lovers.The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Equipment list of Everest Helicopter Trek
Proper preparation and equipment will give you a great trekking experience. It is also possible to buy/rent trekking gear at affordable price in Kathmandu Nepal. Below is the recommended trekking equipment list for comfortable everest base camp trek.
Day trek pack
Extra layers, gloves, wind breaker and poncho
Sunscreen
Lip Balm with Sunscreen
Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
Water Bottles or Camel Back
Sunglasses
Headlamp with extra batteries
Favorite Snacks
Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
Toilet Paper
Trekking Poles (optional)
Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
Head/Hands
Wide brimmed hat
Wool hat (Should cover ears)/Balaclava
Lightweight Gloves
Insulated Wool/Down Mittens
Gaiters (optional)
Body/Leg/Bag
Moisture wicking long sleeve T-shirts (2)
Moisture wicking T-shirts (1)
Long underwear pants (2)
Underwear (5 to 7)
Heavy Fleece/Down Jacket
Long sleeve shirts (2)
Sweatshirt (optional)
Fleece Pants
Trekking Pants (2)
Shorts (optional)
Gore Tex Waterproof Jacket with hood
Rain Poncho that covers your day pack
Waterproof Pants
FootWear
Hiking boots with ankle support
Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
Hiking socks (10)
Sock Liners (optional)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag rated to -20° degree centigrade
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Sleeping bag stuff sack
Rucksack(Duffel Bag)/Daypacks
Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (we provide this for the trek)
Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
Small Lock(s) for duffel bag and day pack
Waterproof cover for daypack
Dry Bags in several sizes
Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
First Aid Kit/Toiletries
Advil or Ibuprofen
Diamox (for altitude sickness)
Personal Prescriptions
Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant…)
Wet wipes
Panty Liners and Tampons
Sun/Face lotion
Hair brush
Hair ties
Hand warmers
Ear plugs for sleeping
Money/Paperwork
Passport (needed at entry gate for registration)
Spending Money
One Passport Size Photo (Needed for trekking permit
Other Items
Portable Solar Charger
Journal, pen and paper
FAQs
The rooms/accomodation on Everest Base Camp Trek are all very basic. The room has single/twin beds with mattress and a pillow. No heating and electricity in the room, there will be a small/dim solar light powered not very well. The rooms are small built/partitioned by plywood.The rooms/accommodation in the lower parts of the trek are much better than the higher elevation.
Yes and you can trek as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 6 to 7 hours a day and are able to endure a few uphill climbs of 2 to 3 hours. No doubt and should not have any issue as long as you go slow to adjust with the altitude.No matter who you are and what your background is a bit of training may be necessary but even that is not 100% essenstial for most.
You will have the packing limit of 10 kg per person of checked luggage and 5 Kg per person in hand luggage.
Yes, there are electricity/power in most tea houses at the lower part of the trekking. But no heating in the room. In the higher part of the trekking, there will power only on around from 6pm to 8:30pm by solar panel. The charging is only possible in the main dining room at expensive rates. The battery charging cost range from RS 250 to 450 rupess per hour for cameras and laptop computers even more expensive.
Yes, Insurance is almost needed 100% trekking to Everest Base Camp. Injury and altitude sickness are far too common on EBC trek. So it is best to pick up insurance World.
The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is from mid September to May. October-November is the most popular time for EBC trek since the views are great and the temperature are not too extreme.
Number of trekkers on the trail are lower, and the views are crystal clear if trekking Everest Base Camp in January/February. Also you need to be prepared with the right clothing for a very low temperatures like good quality down jackets, sleeping bags and fleece sleeping bag liners to keep you cosy warm.
Trek Everest Base Camp in March-April, the temperatures are warmer. In April it may be a little more hazy for the views. The closer you get to the rainy season, the more cloud you get. The peaks are clear in the morning, but there might get cloud in the afternoon. In April-May you can see much activity at Everest Base Camp as the big expeditions get ready to summit.
If someone get sick in the group, a fellow trekker in the group has to descend, then a porter/assistant guide would go with them. So the person descending would be well looked after and it would not impact on the rest of the group's experience. Emergencies are dealt with by the guide and depending on the severity. In a serious case evacuation would be by helicopter.
There is no specify training method to recommend that applies to each individual. The training you should do to prepare for Everest Base Camp trek depends on your current level of fitness and any medical conditions. We advise you exercise a minimum of 5 times per week for one hour each time doing activities like hill walking, cycling, running and strength work.
There are between 2 to 12 fellow travellers in the group. The Everest Base Camp trek is a popular trip so most of our groups are fully booked. The groups typically are a mix of individuals, couples or friends travelling together. The ages differ and trekkers can be in thier 20's to 60's. The group comprises of people from all nationalities.
There are no nights at Everest Base Camp on EBC trek. We will stay at Gorak shep from where we walk to Everest Base Camp. To spend night at Everest Base Camp requires special permits which are very expensive. There is no tea houses at Base Camp. So it is better to stay at Gorakshep and trek to Everest Base Camp for a day trip.
The most difficult and underestimated aspect of the EBC trek is the altitude. The trek steadily climbs as the path winds it way upto Base Camp. The key to high altitude trekking is go slow. The EBC trek would be very basic indeed if it was not for the altitude in fact. Please seek and research altitude sickness to make yourself fully aware of the symptoms and treatments available. There is no correlation between altitude sickness and fitness levels gender or age. Everyone is potentially at risk.
This is a wilderness trek. The trail has no paved sections ascends and descends often and you will need to make sure you rest often enough to prevent over-tiredness. 15 km trek a day is often rocky, steep and fairly slow going depending on when you trek, the trails can also be covered in snow trekking EBc in Dec-Jan-Feb.
Everest Base Camp trek is not dangerous at all because trekkers are not going into the danger zones where real climbing is required, and they stay below the most dangerous altitudes - there's little risk involved though on Everest Base Camp Trek.
Weather/Temperature in Summer Everest Base Camp trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Everest is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Everest during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Everest Base Camp Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Everest. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November
Weather/Temperature in Winter Everest Base Camp Trek in December, January and February. The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Everest is severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Everest winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Everest. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Everest lovers.
The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Yes, there is a good mobile phone reception on the Everest Base Camp Trek.There is good internet coverage in all small villages and stations in Everest/Khumbu Valley though it is expensive (but faster than connections at many places in Kathmandu) as it is owned by a private company by the name EverestLink. From them you have to buy volume not time and after activation it is only good for not more than a day.
There are a number of internet cafes along the route. There is one in Lukla and several in Namche Bazaar. After that there are several dotted along the route, including a good one in Gorak Shep. Be warned though, these internet cafes are not always reliable and signal is often poor/lost. Most tea houses will offer wifi, however, this will come at a cost that is usually more expensive than an internet cafe.
At the lower altitude like Lukla, Phakding, Namche the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower. And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower. For all the showers, it costs you extra about USD 3-4 per shower. The higher you go the hot shower is expensive.
Cash transaction is highly recommended during EBC trek. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you trek to everest base camp. The ATM machine is available only in Namche and relying on it is not a better idea as you never know when things stops working. Also if you try to exchange your foreign currency there you would be getting very less exchange rates. So changing money from Kathmandu and taking Nepalese cash is a good idea that is recommended.
The hotel in Kathmandu provides the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel or you can leave in our office too.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.
Yes, most of our departures sell out during the peak seasons but during the off season we generally have smaller groups. We guarantee all departures so once you make the deposit you can be assured we will run the trek for you even if you would be alone there at the same group cost.
It is not really necessary. We get a lot of first time trekkers in our groups so even if you don't have experience you will be in good company. Your fitness level should be such that your comfortable walking all day. Previous, hiking or trekking experience is always a plus.