Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek – 12 Days

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek – Best Season

The best season for the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During this period, the weather is mild, and there are fewer chances of rain or snowfall, making it an ideal trekking time. This time of year offers a perfect combination of good weather and visibility, as well as vibrant landscapes that make this trek an unforgettable experience.

At this time, clear skies and pleasant temperatures make it more comfortable for trekking. It is also a good time to appreciate the beauty of nature and witness the stunning views at higher elevations. The Everest trekking doesn’t require any previous trekking experience, but we recommend a good level of physical fitness. However, winter is also an option if you want to experience cold weather with pouring snow.

Permits For EBC Helicopter Trek

The Khumbu Rural Muncipality Permits and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permits are required for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek.  You don’t need a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card to trek in the Everest region. The cost of a Khumbu Rural Muncipality Permit will cost you NPR 2000 for everyone. The payment should be made in NPR, and the permit can only be available at the entrance point.

Likewise, the cost of the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit differs according to the nation you’re from. It will cost you NPR 3000 if you’re a foreigner, but it will cost you only NPR 1000 if you’re a visitor from SAARC nations. Moreover, it will cost NPR 100 if you’re a Nepali citizen. The permit is not required for children who are below 10 years of age. You can get the Sagarmatha National Park permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the national park’s entry point.

Food and Accommodation on EBC Trek

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek, provides travelers with delicious food and drinking water suitable to their preferences throughout their trek. Upon arrival at hotels, travelers can expect to feast on authentic Nepalese cuisine and many continental foods and enjoy complimentary refreshments. All the meals, snacks, and drinks provided are fresh and organic. Food will be served three times a day as per Itinerary(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Your food options for breakfast include items such as Tibetan Bread,

Tea Houses, Lodges, Guest Houses, etc., are the common accommodation options available while trekking to Mount Everest. The locals often run these places and provide you with basic amenities during your stay. The rooms usually consist of a bed, blankets, pillows, etc. Your rooms will be shared, and the bathrooms will be attached in the lower regions, but as you ascend higher, you will be using shared bathrooms. Moreover, there might be a few tea houses or lodges that have hot showers, but they will charge you an extra few dollars for it.

Why Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is one of the most exciting adventures you can ever opt for. Many convincing reasons validate the context and are discussed below:

• If you’re on a short vacation but want to experience trekking in the Everest region, this everest base camp helicopter trek should be your first option.
• The Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek will allow you to experience the aerial view of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks.
• The helicopter return trek reduces the chances of altitude sickness as you quickly descend from the base camp to a lower altitude.
• Opting for the helicopter return adds an element of exclusivity and comfort.
• The helicopter return eliminates the need to worry about delays or potential hazards caused by sudden weather changes, ensuring a safe and smooth journey back.
• Whether you’re a first-time trekker, a senior traveler, or someone with limited physical stamina, the helicopter return makes the Everest Base Camp experience accessible to a wider audience.

Altitude sickness

It is possible that you will be experiencing altitude sickness when undertaking a helicopter trek to Everest Base Camp. Altitude sickness occurs when ascending to higher altitudes too quickly, causing symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath. You will be trekking to an altitude of 5,364 meters from sea level during this trek, which increases the chances of catching acute mountain sickness. Therefore, it is important to acclimate correctly to shorter treks and prepare for the ascent in order to avoid altitude sickness. Upon need, we also provide medications to trekkers. Hence, with our Proper Itinerary and Guidance, we assure you of your safety.

Preparations for Everest Helicopter Return Trek

You need to be aware of a few things while trekking to the Everest region. You should be well aware of your current fitness level as hiking to the Everest Base Camp has many challenging aspects and descents. You should start your training at least 2 months prior to your trek. You should focus on your cardio training and your stamina to ensure a successful trekking experience. Your cardiovascular endurance determines how easily you can trek to the Everest region.

Besides your physical preparation, your mentality plays a vital role while trekking. You will encounter several challenging paths while trekking. Anyone with a strong willpower can successfully complete the iconic Everest region treks. Acclimatization is another important thing to be considered while trekking to Everest. Proper acclimatization reduces the chances of suffering from altitude sickness and helps your body adapt to the Himalayan weather conditions. Finally, choosing the right time for the trek is also one of the crucial preparations for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Weather and Temperatures

During this trek, you will be able to witness stunning views during the day and in clear weather but keep in mind that the climate can be unpredictable at high altitudes. The temperature while hiking can range from -10°C to 22°C even during peak season (March-May), and night temperatures drop significantly lower than that. Winds and storms can also occur during different times of the year, making severe weather conditions a factor to consider when planning your trip.

The weather and temperature during an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek in autumn (Sep-Nov) are typically quite mild. The days are usually sunny and pleasant, though temperatures can drop quickly at night due to the high altitude. On average, daytime temperatures generally range from 17 – 22°C (63-72°F), while nights may experience freezing point temperatures of zero. However, be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions and chilly nights.

Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty

Your trek to Everest Base Camp will present you with several challenges. This trek is rated moderately challenging, with several challenging ascents and descents on the trails. Firstly, reaching an altitude of 5,364 meters from the sea level increases the chances of acute mountain sickness. Hiking up on a steep, slippery path and carrying a bag on your back won’t be easy. The unpredictable weather in the Himalayas makes it more difficult to trek. The total distance to be covered during the iconic Everest Base Camp trek route is around 110 km. Trekking 5-7 hours daily requires a lot of physical strength and strong willpower.

Moreover, you may feel monotonous and mentally drained as you walk continuously for 10 days. Tea Houses and lodges run by the locals are the common accommodation options in the Everest region treks. Your stay at these places might not be as comfortable as you look for. It will be challenging if you’re a beginner trekking for the first time in the Everest region.

Lack of proper training is another major difficulty that a trekker will face while trekking to Everest Base Camp. To ensure a safe, worry-free, and easy trekking journey, a trekker must be mentally and physically prepared to overcome the abovementioned challenges. However, this trek is not as challenging as the Everest Three High Pass Trek or the adventurous Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

A typical day while Trekking in the Everest Region

Your day in the Everest Base Camp Trek begins in a tea house or the hotel you’re staying in. Your first meal of the day will be at your accommodation before heading towards your next destination for the day. After having breakfast, there will be a short briefing session from the guide about your today’s hike. Your hike begins shortly after this, and you will be trekking in the Everest region, encountering the diverse flora and fauna. Your guide will brief you about the different historic or naturally beautiful places that come your way.

Your lunch for the day will be at the tea houses or guest houses on the way. Generally, your lunch will be once you cover the halfway mark for today’s hike. You may get a few minutes to rest after today’s hike, but it depends on the time that is left to be covered that day. Finally, your dinner will be at the place where you will be staying. Once you reach your accommodation, you can be fresh and rest sometime in your room waiting for your dinner, or you can sit in the hall if available, interacting with the locals.

Acclimatization on Everest Base Camp Trek

Acclimatization is one of the most important things to be considered while trekking in the Himalayas. The Mt Everest Trek will take you to an altitude of 5,364 meters from sea level, which increases the chances of getting altitude sickness. There are generally two acclimatization days included in trekking in the Everest region. The bustling town of Namche Bazaar and the small village of Dingboche is a common acclimatization stops for trekkers. These two days of acclimatization will help your body adapt to the Himalayan weather. Proper acclimatization ensures safe, risk-free trekking conditions.

With the increase in altitude, the chances of altitude sickness increase. If you’re someone with no prior trekking experience, acclimatization is a must for you. Including at least two days of rest while trekking ensures that your body adapts well to the high altitude and allows your body to rest properly. Moreover, these days will provide you the opportunity to explore the nearby tourist spots and learn more about the unique Sherpa culture and traditions.