Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return - 11 days

Best Time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek Helicopter Return 

Well, weather plays a crucial role when a trek and a chopper both thrilling adventure are combined, and just like any other expeditions here in Nepal, the ideal times to trek to Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return are during Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) as the temperature blends perfectly with the climatic condition, contributing to the success of journey with the best views of landscapes and mountains at the same time.

Whereas, one can do this EBC Heli Return Trek in winter as well, if you have some prior experience of high-altitude treks, but you must be careful about the weather conditions at the trailhead beforehand, as returning via helicopter might be a bit challenging and get delayed due to high snowfall. The only season that must be highly avoided is during monsoon and summer, as the route becomes completely hazardous to navigate due to high precipitation (rainfall in the lower region and extreme snowfall in the higher section), and the availability of tea houses and heli rides to return to Kathmandu is limited.

Spring (March to May)

Spring stands out to be one of the best seasons to venture out for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, due to the mild temperature, allowing you to hike without any troublesome high humidity. In between mid-March to late May, the trails are fully thrived in the colorful blooming red rhododendrons, white oaks, and pines along other wild flowers that make the route insanely captivating with the backdrop of clear views of the Himalayas, to relish in. 

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn tends to be another ideal time for the Everest Base Camp Trekking due to the pleasant weather and the clear surroundings, as it comes right after the monsoon, the end of the high level of precipitation, the sky becomes clear with no fogginess, providing unhindered views of the mountains. One of the major perks about this particular season is that the climatic conditions won't be an issue for the disruption to flights and helicopters, making the expedition pass by smoother with no challenges.

By late September, the green hills and forested woodlands leaves are painted in dusty brown, and the agricultural farms are adorned with the grown millets, mustards, adding a distinct insight. Out of all, the main festival, Dashain and Tihar, falls in between October and November, where you can thrive in the boisterous culture of the Khumbu region, making the trip even prosperous and meaningful.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Difficulty

While in comparison to the standard regular EBC Trek package, this trek to Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return to Kathmandu only covers half the trekking trail, which avoids the return pathway to Lukla, making this expedition a moderate trek that anyone having a basic level of physical fitness. The daily hiking distance covers approximately 8 to 12 kilometers, demanding 5-6 hours of walking duration per day through several terrains from easy, well-maintained sections to rugged, steep, and multiple ascents and descents; hence, make sure to be prepared accordingly to pass through such a trailhead. 

Besides that, the only challenging section would be ascending to Kalapatthar and Everest Base Camp through Gorakshep, as there are several slippery pathways, including the Thukla pass. If you have never hiked before, then it might be strenous, but thanks to the chopper facility included here, after you take an uphill walk, at elevation over 4000 meters, this trek doesn't include a 4-5 day retracement back to Lukla, which is even more difficult than the hike you covered before, as soon as you reach Kala Patthar - 5545 meters and attain back to Gorakshep, you will be transported through helicopter to Kathmandu, which makes it a beginner friendly trek.

Risk of Altitude Sickness and Preventive Guidelines

There's simply no doubt, while we venture out at such a high elevation over 5000 meters, the only main concerning factor is the altitude sickness, which no one can guarantee in the mountain areas. Honestly speaking, there is a certain risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) as you will be ascending each day over 3000 meters, where the air is extremely thin, totally unusual from your daily surroundings. However, you can surely avoid such risks if you are at a safe company like ours, where we prioritize safety in each step during the Everest Base Camp with Helicopter return tour, with professional expert teams from crafting your packages to the assistance on the route, being medically equipped.

Keeping in mind that not everyone is used to the high-altitude treks, our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return itinerary is carefully customized with a gradual ascent of 400 to 500 meters per day and not going beyond that. That highly contributes to a safe climb, with slowly adopting rising elevation, without rushing out things which can lead to severe altitude sickness. 1 acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar and another one at Dengboche is set, so before you take an ascent, your body gets familiar with the increasing height.

Apart from that, our trekking guides are highly experienced who has assisted almost hundreds of hikers to Everest region being medically equipped, hence firstly they follow safety protocols, secondly they are medically equipped and trained- tracking your health and oxygen level daily and thirdly, if in case of emergency they become your immediate rescue and follow the quick recovery operation.

Nonetheless, the risk of altitude sickness is a mere case with properly tailored itineraries and the guidance of experts; however, here are some of the preventive guidelines that we highly suggest you follow right from the beginning of this expedition:

• Please make sure that you are regularly monitoring your pulse rate and oxygen level through an oximeter (provided by us) at every stopping point, every day. In case, the oxygen goes lower than the normal as it should be then, then take immediate action by informing the guide.
• Do not ignore the fact that symptoms of AMS can hit you anytime, whether it's a mild or a severe case, like if you feel a headache, a bit of difficulty in breathing while ascending, rapid heartbeat (breathless condition), skin turning pale, or even vomiting blood then inform the guide as soon as possible! Likewise, the mild symptoms, such as mild headaches, insomnia (losing sleep and appetite), are expected in the trailhead, so just make sure that you are hydrated enough, with 3-4 litres per day.
• If hydrating and quenching the thirst with 3 to 4 litres per day sounds too much, then substitute it with soupy food items like ginger hot soups, lemon hot water, any kind of soups, or any kind of teas. What it does is, this helps in nourishing the body, ignoring chest pain while ascending, and mouth dryness that could sometimes lead to AMS.
• If you are a beginner and have never been to the mountains, then it is highly recommended to take "DIAMOX" with the precaution of a doctor, as it helps to avoid AMS, making the trip pass by smoothly.
• Maintain your regular diet, but yes! filled with protein, fiber, and most importantly carbohydrates, that strengthens the body and keeps your energy in persisitence level. If you are not used to some foods, then it is better to ignore them as your body might take them as completely new, and can cause diarrhoea (just in case); however, you are safe to have local foods.
• Even if you are a caffeine freak, do not consume more than 3-4 cups per day, as it might cause some health issues at higher elevations, and yes! alcoholic beverages should be avoided soon after you cross 2500 meters from Namche Bazaar onwards.

Training for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return 

Getting yourself fully prepped before venturing out on any expedition is crucial, and while we are making our way to the Himalayas, the first and foremost thing to take care of is how we can be mentally and physically fit to overcome challenges. To train your body and mindset for the Everest Base Camp Trek, you must get yourself ready prior to a few weeks or even a month, especially if you are a newbie and have never been to the mountain areas. While we might perceive that training means being fully bulked up and building abs, there's more to it, and to make sure you complete this Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek, here are the key points that you should look up and be prepared accordingly:

Physical Fitness: Get your Muscles Tight and Calves Ready

As already mentioned that this trek to EBC with Heli Return does demand a few hours of hiking, estimated in between 5-6 hours, you need to build up your energy level, which can be done in many ways. If you are a beginner, then, before 1 month, make yourself engage in cardiovascular activities like walking on the treadmill, cycling, running on the treadmill at an incline of 4 to 8, 100 skipping rope per day, just so your calf muscles get stretched out, and also helps to control the breathing while ascending.

If you are a gym freak, then you can do some sit-ups, pull-ups, weight lifting, just regular exercises that you are used to. Whereas, gym might not be anyone's forte; for that, you can just do ups and downs through the staircase carrying a hiking backpack of a few kgs, and stroll by near parks or engage in short hikes, completing 10,000 steps.

Emotional and Mindset Preparation

While many of us are often fully physically prepared, the major aspect that is often neglected plays a crucial role in mountain areas, which is mental readiness. Well! Hiking simply doesn't only refer to physical obstacles, but several challenges are lining up as we are not dining in Paris or strolling around the Taj Mahal, we are in the mountains, as there is a popular line that is often used by hikers, "EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED"! En route, there might occur weather challenges, uncertain climatic change, avalanches (not dangerous), or landslides that could lead to delays of flights, so make a mindset that certain changes are expected and set contingency days of 3-4 days accordingly. 

Engage in Yoga to calm the mind, and conduct research at home on various social media like YOUTUBE, WIKIPEDIA, and also by our expert teams, so an optimistic mindset is made beforehand.

Accommodations during the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return 

Through this 11-day EBC with Heli Return Trek, you will be settled at comfortable tea houses, keeping in mind that your safety, privacy, and hygiene are genuinely taken care of. On arrival and before departure, 3-star lodging will be provided in Kathmandu (Thamel) as per your choice, if you have a certain preference in mind.

While being in the trailhead, you will be placed at tea houses which are run by the locals, so expect the lodging to be basic and simple, unlike the Kathmandu city area. Even though tea houses are traditional, they stand out being cozy, well-maintained, and clean, with the warm hospitality of locals, which gives you an authentic experience of Himalayan style. In the route, at the higher sections, mostly rooms must be shared by 2 pac (2 hikers) having twin beddings due to the limited lodges, however if you are a couple or solo or a female hiker then, we can surely arrange a private single rooms for you but make sure to pre book the trip before a month or even if possible few months, so that we can make the arrangements accordingly.

Also, please take a note while you are on the lower sections, then there an attached washrooms and electric sockets available in rooms, but do not expect private bathrooms after crossing Namche or Dengboche, and also the charging station is only available at the beginning point of the odyssey, whereas in some point it is only available in dining area. 

Our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return package covers all the lodging through the 11 days of the journey, however, you might need to bear personal expenses for extra services like laundry, hot showers (En route), charging, and Wifi facilities, as it is charged by the lodges. Also, if you aren't comfortable with sharing washrooms, then you can upgrade to luxury options as well, let us know beforehand!

Travel Insurance

As this Everest Heli Return Trek takes you to such a high elevation above sea level, where you have to spend more than a week in the mountain areas, and also reach 5545 meters - the highest point, it is highly suggested to get travel insurance and it is crucial to get one for immediate purposes. Making your way to the remote territory isn't a joke; there is always some kind of risk going around, whether it is a minor injury, or any uncertanties that are occured due to the sudden climatic change or severe issues like altitude sickness, you must get yourself a back up and make arrangements accordingly.

If possible, then it is suggested that you obtain the trip insurance from your own home country, so the procedure gets easier. When signing up for the insurance, make sure that the policy covers all the important aspects like emergency medical assistance, minor insurance, and most notably, the helicopter evacuation. YES! While you are on the trail, there is limited medical assistance, and the only immediate service for severe conditions, such as altitude sickness or health issues, is helicopter rescue, so it must be included.

Permits and Costs for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Before accessing the Everest region, the first and foremost thing to consider is the required permits issued by the Government of Nepal. Without these, the expedition is impossible as it must be shown at many checkpoints on the trailhead, and must be approved by the Nepal Tourism Board. The pricing of both passes differs, however, it is included in the package, so you do not have to pay extra. Nonetheless, here is a brief overview mentioned below regarding the fees and the two required permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Costing around NPR 3000, this permit grants access to hikers to get into the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In simple words, it is a ticket that lets you enter this protected region, and is checked at many stopping points like Monjo, before arriving at Phakding. 

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: This pass is replaced by the TIMS CARD, costing around USD 2000 per person, and highly contributes to supporting the local community and infrastructure in maintaining the trailhead in good shape. Unlike the first one, this permit cannot be obtained in Kathmandu; instead, you must acquire it either in Monjo or Lukla, the beginning point of the expedition. 

Please note that after your booking is made with us, the required permits will be managed soon after, before you arrive here in Kathmandu, all the paperwork will be prepared, so it is highly suggested to pre-book so the arrangements can be done as soon as possible. We always look forward to making you travel with a free mind, without any fuss. If you have any queries or require anything, just let us know!

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Kathmandu

As this trek to Everest Base Camp with Chopper Return leads you to such an unusual area with higher elevation each day, the first and foremost thing that you should consider is packing correctly. Well! The packing simply depends on you; however, here are some of the recommendations that will make sure to tackle weather challenges and navigate through thin air (high altitude) with ease:

• Day Bagback (of minimum 20 to max 30 Litres), to stuff all the essential gear and rainproof cover
• Dry Fit T-shirts that are breathable and easy to get soaked in after sweaty situations - happens after a long hike
• Fleece inside T-shirts, pants, and other clothing
• Dry hiking pants or shorts that are comfortable
• Hiking Boots that are used on your feet, and if you don't have any, then you can hike with sports shoes with a nice and strong grip
• Windproof light jackets for a day hike
• Down jackets to wear at night and higher elevations - compulsory or any jackets having fur inside
• Cotton socks and underwear, at least 5-6 pairs 
• Other essentials like Head Lamp, cap, sunglasses, sun screen SPF 40+, gloves, toilet paper, and wet wipes
• Travel Documents, including permits, travel insurance, and passports
• Power banks - to charge the phone immediately, as the electric sockets are only available in dining areas.

Hence, these are the only packing recommendations that we highly suggest, please check it thoroughly and include or exclude as you want, as it differs from person to person.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek Solo/Group/Private

Whether you are looking forward to a private or team/group expedition for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, then you can join us. A private, elusive trip or solo journey always ensures that you are covering every aspect of the Everest region at your own pace without worrying about meeting another pace level. Not only that, but it also lets you customize your itineraries as you want, setting your acclimatization days in the trailhead, and you do not have to share a helicopter ride while returning to Kathmandu from Gorakshep with the assistance of an experienced guide, making the trekking experience even more meaningful yet fascinating.

However, if you are a free mind and love to get immersed in the mountains with a group cracking jokes, sharing stories, but you do not have any travel partner to hike with, then do not settle back. We at Destination Himalaya Treks, every year, have fixed departures for those willing to hike with groups. We only include 3-5 pax in a group matching free-minded companions like you, who complement your journey. Even though you hike with a group, we ensure that you get your privacy and safety at peak; however, you have to share a chopper with your group and accommodation while hiking with a group, otherwise, if that's not your forte! Then, a private lodging facility will be managed if pre-booking is made.

Willing to sign up with us? Booking Procedure?

To secure your EBC Heli Return Trek, the booking process is as simple as it sounds, being all secured and safe, which can be done in a minute. Being affiliated with TAAN (Trekkers Assosiation Agency of Nepal) and NMA - Nepal Mountainnering Association since more than 15+ years, we always look forward for hassle free adevnture for you from visualizing your manifestation, crafting the itineraries, safe bookings, to safe assistance of guidance, along the route, hence, you can book with us in ease.

To make the bookings secure, you just have to pay 10% of the total trip cost that you see after entering the number of your group, also, the payment can be done through credit card, web transfer and if you are already in Kathmand then, you can do it In person via cash. Whereas, if you are already late, and just a before few days and a week to this expedition, then, Everest Base Camp Heli Return Trek last minute booking can be done, but you have to pay 100% the total cost, as we had to pay the logsitics immediately, as they do not take the advance. If you have any more confusions and queries, then feel free to whats app or give a call directly at +977 9851016814 or just mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com anytime.