Luxury Everest Heli Trek

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is undoubtedly the most notable achievement for any adventurer. But to make your adventure the most memorable experience of your life, you need to be well informed about the destination, its weather, available options of accommodation, and many more.

How high is Everest Base Camp?

Being the base to the highest peak in the world, the elevation is 5364 meters (17,598 feet) from the sea level. This point offers a very mesmerizing sight of Mount Everest as well as the surrounding peaks of the region.

However, if you decide to trek to Kalapathar, the highest point you can reach is 5,555 meters (18,225 feet). From here, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Amadablam, Mount Pumori, and others.

Accommodation for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Depending on your location, the accommodation for your EBC trek ranges from 3-star hotels to teahouses. As you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a three-star accommodation, primarily at Kathmandu Business Hotel or similar properties. You will have an option of twin-sharing or double accommodation with breakfast. It is a standard room with all basic amenities like a private bathroom, ample storage, a comfy bed, and more.

Additionally, you can request a five-star accommodation with all amenities, but it does come with an additional cost. While on the trekking trail, you will have standard accommodation in tea houses. Usually, these rooms are shared and have a common washroom. However, here also, you will have an option to get a private room with a personal bathroom, but for an additional cost.

Washroom Facilities on the Trek

Since you will be staying in standard lodges and tea houses, the washroom facilities are reasonable. Stops like Lukla, Namche, and Phakding have standard rooms with private attached bathrooms. However, the washroom services at other stops without settlements or at the base camp will not be that good.

While on the trail, the washroom facilities might be limited until you reach a village settlement or your destination for the day. And often, you need to carry a pee bag to release yourself in places that lack washrooms. It is necessary to know that comfort on the trek to the mountains is modest, and often, you might have to adjust with limited choices available.

Trek Essentials

Trekking in the Everest region is indeed challenging and involves some risks. For these reasons, you will have to check off all the boxes of your trekking essentials, as mentioned below.

Permits

You will require two main passes to trek to the Everest base camp. The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is essential for trekking through the trail that falls onto the territory of this conservation area. Similarly, you will require another permit when you enter the Khumbu region by crossing the Edmund Hillary Bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry permit is required throughout the trek through the Everest region.

Travel Insurance

The trek to Everest base camp requires you to cross an elevation of 5000 meters from sea level, and there is always a risk of natural disasters like glacial flooding, avalanches, and landslides. Thus, it is mandatory to have insurance. Besides, the lower temperature and scarce oxygen at higher elevations often cause altitude sickness, frostbites, and other medical emergencies. Having trekking insurance helps a lot in such scenarios.

Trekking insurance usually covers possible events like accidents, emergency evacuations, natural disasters, and flight disruptions. These insurances can be bought from several providers depending on your location. Here are some of the suggestions for you:

• USA and Canada: Blue Criss, United Healthcare, Tugo, World Nomad
• Europe: Austrian Alpine Club, Europe Assistance, Allianz Europe
• New Zealand and Australia: Allianz Australia, Fast Cover
• Singapore: World Nomad, Ergo
• India: ICICI Lombard

Trek Difficulty

Trekking to Everest base camp is definitely a difficult task. You will have to trek continuously for 6 to 7 hours a day. It is physically demanding, as the trek takes you to an elevation above 5000 meters, where the temperature is low, oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rough and risky. You must be physically fit and mentally composed to complete the trek successfully.

Besides, the weather can be quite unpredictable. The temperature is lower and can often drop to freezing at night. The higher-elevation areas can usually have snow storms, soft rains, and chilled breezes.

Since it is a Heli trek, your descent will be a little easier with a 20 to 30-minute ride to Lukla. And it is followed by a flight from Lukla Airport to Kathmandu Airport in 45 minutes.

Trekking Distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Starting from Lukla, the total trekking distance to Everest’s base camp is 65 kilometers, or approximately 40 miles one way. Ascending this distance usually takes 7 to 8 days, whereas descending takes 4 to 5 days.

Since our trek also includes resting and acclimatization days, and it usually takes about 13 days for the round trip, covering a total distance of 130 kilometers. However, we will be covering the descend distance on a Heli-ride, the EBC Heli trek can be accomplished in just 8 days.

Best Time to Trek to Everest

It is possible to trek to Everest base camp throughout the year, each with different experiences. However, the cold, freezing winters or the heavy rains of monsoon season might not be for beginners. There is nice snow during winter, but it also comes with a risk of altitude sickness, yet proficient summiteers also choose this time to avoid the crowd of peak season.

Fall and Spring are the best seasons to trek to the Annapurna region. Since the climate is suitable, the trails are dry, and the skies are clear during these two seasons, it is also the best season for climbing to the Himalayan regions of Nepal. Usually, during September-November and April-May, most visitors ascend through different trekking routes of the Annapurna region.

Safety on EBC Trekking

Traveling to the highest peak in the world, situated above 5000 meters from sea level, obviously comes with some risks and challenges. However, these risks can be mitigated with proper trekking, preparation, and adaptation of the necessary safety measures. Plan your trip in favorable climbing seasons to get off safely from your adventure.

Before travel, you must train and prepare your body to trek rough terrain for up to 7 hours daily. You will also need to be ready to tackle altitude sickness and other health conditions that might appear when traveling to high altitudes. You can buy trekking insurance to prepare for additional security, as you will be trekking above 5000 meters in an area with high avalanches and unpredictable climate risks.

Preventing Sickness during Everest Base Camp Trek

While trekking to higher elevations, such as the Everest base camp trek, altitude sickness is inevitable and often carries fatal risks. Since medical facilities are limited en route, you need to prepare well to avoid any symptoms of altitude sickness. Ensure you bring proper layers of clothes and warmers to protect yourself well.

You should also opt for a gradual ascent, as this helps you adapt to the harsh climate and low temperatures.

However, if you get altitude sickness on your way to the EBC, let your trekking guide know about the situation. The guides are prepared with first aid required for such a situation.

Rest for a while at the same spot and take the anti-sickness medications. After you feel a little better, you can descend to a lower altitude. If the situation worsens, request the guide contact the head office in Kathmandu for a helicopter rescue.

Wi-Fi and Internet Facilities on EBC Trek

In comparison to most of the trekking routes, the Everest region has good facilities of internet and Wi-Fi facilities. Most of the tea houses en route to Everest base camp have internet services, which are often free of cost. However, you might need to buy internet packages from the service providers for the trekking trail.

You will primarily get internet service from Airlink through an Everest link or Airlink card. The unlimited internet package usually costs about US 7 for a 24-hour and US dollar 10 for a 48-hour package. These packages are suitable for higher elevations or trekking trails that do not have access to standard teahouses.

How to Get to the Everest Region?

Getting to the Everest region is indeed a challenging and tiring yet exciting journey in itself, too. Usually, you fly to the Lukla Airport from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, then hike up from Lukla to Namche Bazaar to explore more of the Everest region. You can also opt for a Heli-ride to Lukla, which continues to explore the Everest region through a Heli-sightseeing tour.

However, if you are acrophobic, you can drive to Phaplu and Tham Dada and then begin the trek to the Everest region. There is also an alternative route through Jiri that leads you to the Everest region via road.

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla is the most obvious way to reach Lukla, the gateway to the Everest base camp trek. However, during peak trekking seasons like spring and fall, the airports are too crowded and often lead to flight delays. To avoid such cancellations, flights to Lukla take an alternative route during these peak seasons.

Commuting in Peak Season

As peak climbing seasons (March-May and October-November) often have extended air traffic, the flight to Lukla will take off from Ramechhap/Manthali airport instead of Kathmandu airport. This alternative airport is approximately a six-hour drive from Kathmandu.

The Lukla flight from Ramechhap takes just 20 minutes, as the distance is comparatively shorter. Thus, many flights are redirected here during the peak trek seasons.

Lukla Flight from Kathmandu Airport

When the air traffic is under control, the flight to Lukla takes off from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. You can catch these flights in months like January, February, June, July, August, September, and December.

In contrast to Ramechhap Manthali Airport, this flight takes just 35 minutes to reach but may be delayed. Factors like unfavorable weather, runway issues, the challenging geography of Lukla airport, and air traffic often cause such delays. Thus, we recommend you keep a few extra days to cope with such delays in commute.

Bag Allowances in Lukla Flight

On the flight to Lukla airport, a traveler is allowed to have a maximum of 15kg (approx. 33 pounds) of baggage. This weight includes both the duffle bag and your bag pack. Hence, we suggest you pack light and carry only the essential trekking requirements.

If your bag exceeds the given weight limit, you will have to pay an extra fee of US dollar 2 to 5 for each kilogram of extra weight.

Extending Your Trips

It is possible to extend your trek to the Everest Base Camp trek even after you get on the adventure as long as you have a few extra days in hand. However, adding a few additional days to your trek involves some additional costs.

Charging Your Gadgets

Electricity is available in standard guesthouses and teahouses on the route to the Everest base camp trek. However, these cost around 1-5 US dollars per charge, specifically in higher altitudes without proper electricity facilities.

It is advisable to carry your own solar-powered charges or batteries to keep the devices charged. It would be helpful while camping on the base of Everest, where there are no guesthouse facilities.

Similarly, remember to bring the two-pin and three-pin types of adapters to help charge your devices. In case you forget, you can buy these C-type and D-type adapters in Kathmandu.

Food in the Everest Region

Sherpa and Tibetan traditions highly influence food in the Everest region. While in Namche Bazaar, you are likely to get different cuisines, including Italian, Chinese, European, and American cuisine, food during the trek has limited options. Tea houses will serve primarily Tibetan and Sherpa cuisine, which includes food like lentil soup, Rice, Bread, Noodles, Potato, etc.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Cost

A standard 8-day EBC Heli Trek package costs approximately $31000 per person. However, the cost may vary depending on how food and accommodation are customized, the variation of the trekking package, and the routes you choose.

The cost might increase with added amenities like personalized guides, private rooms with attached bathrooms, additional acclimatization days, and rest days. This trekking cost doesn’t include any personal expenses or charges for services made upon request. Please check the packages for the price and find the amenities/services offered.

Everest Trek Packages

For an exclusive experience of the Everest region, you need to find the right package for just your requirements. Choosing the right package not only ensures a smooth experience but also makes the experience memorable for you. From luxurious to budget itineraries, there are multiple packages to choose from:

Standard EBC Trek

The standard Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is a 15-day adventure that starts with an exhilarating flight to Lukla, which offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and personal challenge. This exciting journey takes you through the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, past ancient monasteries, and into the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Luxury Everest Heli Trek

A luxurious Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is a nine-day adventure that starts with a scenic flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport of Lukla. Your journey to the perfect fusion of natural beauty and unique cultural exposure begins with a hike from the Lukla airport. Unlike the standard EBC trek, this luxury trek allows you to rest those etched muscles by offering a Helicopter Ride on your way back. Besides, it is the best trip to go for if you have time constraints yet want to cover all the major highlights of Everest.

EBC with Gokyo Ri

The EBC trek via Gokyo Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, perfectly curated for those looking to immerse themselves in the majesty of the Himalayas, rich natural wonders, and vibrant Sherpa culture. As you ascend through rugged terrain, you will witness the savage Khumbu glacier and breathtaking Himalayan views. On continuing the trek to Gokyo Ri, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other neighboring peaks of the Everest region.

Everest Heli-Sightseeing Tour

The Everest Heli Sightseeing Tour is a luxurious way to experience the majestic view of the world’s highest peak. This trip doesn’t just fly you over to check the mountains from your window seat; you also get an experience of the ambiance of the Everest base camp and other key locations.

Everest Three-Pass Trek

The Everest Three Pass trek is one of the most thrilling experiences for polished trekkers who visit Nepal for challenging adventures. This 17-day trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla and takes you through mainstream attractions of the Everest region before finally leading to the three higher passes of Everest. The three high passes of the world’s highest peak, Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, are situated at an elevation of 5360 meters, 5420 meters, and 5535 meters from ground level and present a breathtaking view of the high mountain peaks.

Everest or Annapurna: Which is the correct base camp trek for you?

If you always dreamt of seeing the peak of the world with your naked eyes, then the Everest base camp trek is definitely the best choice for you. However, if you are a beginner in trekking or have never hiked to the Himalayan region, then it might be difficult for you on the first attempt. Instead of EBC, try climbing the Annapurna Base Camp to collect the experience and prepare your body for the trek.

Training for Everest Base Camp Trek

The trekking route to Everest base camp consists of rough, rocky terrain, steep hills, and narrow trails. You need to train well to build your core strength, as this adventure requires you to trek continuously for 7 to 8 hours every day. It will also take you above an elevation of 5000 meters, where the temperature is low, oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rough and risky. You must be physically fit and mentally composed to complete the trek successfully. You will also require good cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength to ascend easily through rough terrain.

If you aren’t somebody who doesn’t perform physical training regularly, it is better to start training at least ¾ months in advance. Ensure you include cardio, flexibility exercises, and strength training in your workout to prepare your body for the trek.

Some of the best ways to train for the trek are through regular cardio, focusing on breathing exercises, strength training, lifting weights, hamstring sketching exercises, and so on. You can switch to climbing stairs instead of lifts, walking, or jogging instead of driving to smaller distances to prepare your body. Additionally, going on regular hikes or climbing up the hills can be the best way to train for the trek.

Beginners Guide to the Everest Region

If you are a beginner to adventure trekking, aiming for an Everest Base Camo trek is a daring task. Along with physical strength, you also need a calm and well-prepared mind to face the challenges that may come across. You need to train well with cardio and strength exercises, gradual acclimatization, and adequate gear to succeed on this trek. In addition, you need to rest well and let your body recover while using your mindfulness for success.