Difficulty Level
The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return is designed to remove half of your trip via helicopter flight when returning. However, the trek still requires good physical fitness and is graded as moderately challenging.
The trek demands trekking up to 6-7 hours per day over the challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents. The highest elevation reached during the trek is at Kala Patthar (5,555 meters), walking on the rocky paths, crossing the river crossings, and facing the unpredictable weather conditions.
Permit Requirement
The permits required for the EBC trek with helicopter return are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. The aviation permit will be handled by the helicopter tour operators.
You can obtain the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the Monju checkpoint, while you can obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entry permit in Lukla or Monjo.
The documents that are needed are a valid passport with at least six months' validity, passport-sized photos, a Nepal entry visa (if required), proof of travel insurance (optional), and so on.
If you want to fly the drones in this region, you will need a drone permit. Learn more about the drone laws in Nepal from the link.
Note: the expenses of the permit are included in the Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return cost inclusions.
Best time to go
The best time to go for the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is during the months of March to May and September to November.
The March to May months offer mild temperatures and stable weather conditions. The weather conditions are perfect for the outdoor activities, including trekking. The trails are adorned with the blooming rhododendrons, making the environment worth exploring.
The September to November months come with clear skies and dry conditions. The visibility of the mountains is unobstructed. Also, the months coincide with the popular Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar, offering cultural immersion opportunities.
You can also try the seasons like monsoon season or the winter season for the Everest treks.
Note: During the peak months, the overall Everest base camp trek with helicopter return cost is higher, and you may have to be flexible on several points, like accommodation costs and other costs all included in the package price.
Travel Insurance Requirements
The travel insurance is not legally mandatory for the Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return, but it is highly recommended for the trek by the medical professionals and trekking agencies.
The key coverages of the travel insurance are emergency medical coverage, high-altitude trekking coverage, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage and gear protection, and so on.
The recommendation of the travel insurance is to ensure safety and financial protection against the potential risks associated with the high-altitude trekking.
While buying the insurance policy, make sure that the policy covers all the adventure activities and the altitude levels. It is better to carry full knowledge than to have half knowledge.
Altitude sickness issues and acclimatization
Altitude sickness can be a serious concern for those who are trekking to the Everest base camp and Kala Patthar. Some of the early signs of the altitude sickness issues are headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and insomnia.
The Everest base camp trek helicopter return to Lukla itinerary is designed in such a way to prevent altitude sickness issues. However, some people may develop acute mountain sickness, which may develop into more severe cases like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
So, early recognition of high-altitude sickness issues is necessary. And the prevention measures and acclimatization are equally important. The acclimatization strategies include gradual ascent, incorporating rest days into your itinerary, following the Climb High and Sleep Low principle, and so on.
The preventive measures to avoid altitude sickness are staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and smoking, maintaining a high-calorie diet, and many more.
Accommodations
During the Everest Base Camp Trek return by helicopter, you will get the best teahouse accommodation with twin-sharing rooms. The amenities include beds with blankets, communal dining areas, and sometimes hot showers.
It is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags for added comfort during cold nights. Also, in an added budget in the regular budget, you can opt to stay in the luxurious one as the accommodation option. For this, you can talk to our representative anytime.
Telephone, Internet, and electricity
There are two main telecom providers in the Everest region, NCELL and NTC, that offer varying degrees of connection. The coverage can be unreliable. You can still make international calls in the lower elevations at lukla and some other places.
Some teahouses and cafes along the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return offer internet access for a small fee. The internet speed may be slow in some teahouses. You can also use the mobile data for the connection where network coverage is seen. There is an alternative to the wifi in the Everest region called Everest Link that offers the best speed.
Electricity is available throughout the trek. In lower areas, you can see the hydropower, while in the higher elevation, the solar power is the only option for charging devices. There are common charging stations in the teahouses for device charging for a small fee.
Note: The expenses of the telephone bills, internet connection, and device charging are not included in the Everest Base Camp trek helicopter return to Lukla cost inclusions.
Toilet and shower facilities
Most of the teahouses along the EBC trek with the heli return feature squat toilets. In the lower-elevation teahouses in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Phakding, you may find the western-style toilets.
At the higher elevation, western-style toilets are impossible because of the freezing temperatures affecting plumbing systems. No toilets are available at Kala Patthar.
In terms of showers, most of the guesthouses offer hot showers. However, it comes with extra costs. Several lodges offer gas-powered showers, while other systems include bucket-style showers. Our accommodations offer the bucket style. If you want the better, you can talk to us before the trip or during the time of booking.
Note: The expenses of the hot shower are not included in the Everest base camp trek return by helicopter cost.
Food Options
The meals provided during the Everest base camp trekking with helicopter return give you the energy and nutrition needed for the trek. Most of the teahouses prioritize it. The breakfast options include tsampa (a traditional Tibetan dish made from roasted barley flour), oatmeal, eggs (boiled, fried, or scrambled), pancakes and cornflakes.
The lunch and dinner options include dal bhat, momos, fried rice, noodles and pasta, pizza and burgers, and so on. Most of the dishes are available in the lower region, and options may be limited in the higher regions.
Overall weather and temperature
The overall weather condition and temperature during the Everest base camp trek helicopter return may vary region-wise and season-wise. The lower region is always warmer than the higher regions. The most stable weather conditions are during the spring and autumn seasons.
The general overview of the weather conditions and temperatures is given below.
- During summer, the average daytime temperatures float around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), while the nights get even cooler, often going below 5°C (41°F). The weather conditions are highly unstable, and there is a chance of rainfall.
- The average daytime temperature during the spring season ranges from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), while the nighttime temperature can drop even below around -10°C (14°F). The weather conditions are stable, the skies are clear, and precipitation is also less.
- In the autumn season, the average daytime temperatures float around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), while the nighttime temperatures can go below -5°C(23°F). The weather conditions are stable as the spring season, with unobstructed views and less precipitation.
- During the winter season, the weather conditions become cold and dry with stunning mountain views. The daytime temperature is around 5°C (41°F), with nighttime temperatures going below -15°C. The trails are covered with snow.
For the real-time info, you can also use the weather forecast apps.
Gear and Equipment Recommendation
To make the best Everest base camp trek with helicopter return, you need to pack the essential items. Below is the comprehensive checklist of essential gear and equipment.
- Clothing like a waterproof jacket, a lightweight down jacket, a fleece or warm mid-layer, Thermals (top and bottom), Trekking shirts, waterproof trousers, lightweight trekking trousers, Hiking shorts, fleece pants, waterproof hiking boots, camp shoes or lightweight trainers, and so on.
- Accessories like warm hats or balaclavas, sun hats, gloves, and many more.
- Equipment like a daypack (30–40 liters), rucksack or duffel bag (65 liters), trekking poles, sleeping bag, water bottles or hydration bladder, headlamp with spare batteries, first aid kit, and more.
- Personal items like water purification tablets/systems, travel towels, power banks, cameras with extra batteries and memory cards, and more.
Essential Tips
- Engage yourself in endurance training, including hiking, running, or strength training for the everest treks.
- Be ready to face the challenges of the high altitudes of trekking.
- Choose the itinerary that suits your preferences and capacity.
- Pack all the necessary items important for the conference and safety.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek to avoid the altitude sickness symptoms.
- Walk at a slow and steady pace and follow the guide’s advice.
- Hire a reputable trekking agency like Mystic Adventure Holidays to enhance your experience.
- Enjoy the aerial views of the Himalayas and capture the moments with your friends.
- Stay updated on the local weather forecasts for the safe return to Lukla.
- Be familiar with the itinerary plans and get ready to face the several challenges that come along the way.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and fill it at the lodges or tea shops along the route. It will save you a lot of money and also keep the environment clean.
- Carry enough cash that will be needed during the trek, as there are no ATMs beyond the Namche bazaar.
- Always walk on the mountainside, especially when yaks and mules are passing by.
- Always say namaste to the locals, touching both palms and bending a little.
- If you are satisfied with the service of the staff or guide during the everest region treks, you can tip them. If you are confused about tipping the guide or porter, we recommend USD 100 to the porter & guide, USD 5 to the tour guide, and USD 2 to the driver.
Check Out Last Minute Departure Dates in Mystic Adventure Holidays Official Website.
