Everest Base Camp Trek and Return by Helicopter is one of the Everest trekking packages really helpful for the tourists having limited vacation. Despite having short span to spend in Nepal, this package helps you experience the breathtaking prettiness of the Great Himalayas. This short but sweet trekking in Nepal lets you witness the snowcapped peaks of the Khumbu region including three eight-thousanders. The three 8,000m+ peaks: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Cho Oyu are surrounded by mountains wrapped in silvery coat.
This classic Nepal trekking just requires physical fitness, enough stamina and mental commitment, TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. You will explore through the Sherpa cultural villages keeping the Tibetan Buddhist rites and rituals intact since time immemorial. You relish the incredible Himalayas, ancient monasteries and a good example of biodiversity of the highest altitude national park. The lush valleys, diverse landscapes, glaciers and icefalls are the other important ingredients of this short Everest Base Camp trek.
This Nepalese Himalayan journey begins after a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region trekking. Then gradually you move forward to Namche Bazaar, the largest business hub of the Sherpa region and have an acclimatization day. During the rest day at Namche Bazaar, you will visit Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest altitude hotels. Hotel Everest View is famous for the close stunning view of the mountain giants of the Everest vicinity. Similarly, you watch the cultural, historic and artistic attractions of Tengboche Monastery, the largest and oldest monastery in the region.
In Dingboche, you haver another acclimatization day and you visit Nagerjun Hill (5,100m) by walking through the steep but interesting trail. The stunning view of Lobuche East & West, Tobuche, Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama Dablam really helps you forget the challenging trekking. From Lobuche, you ascend to Gorak Shep and hike to Everest Base Camp that day and Kala Patthar next morning. After enjoying the 360-degree panoramic vistas of Mt. Everest and other neighbouring peaks, you fly back to Kathmandu in a helicopter.
The best alternative of Everest Base Camp trek 14 days’ itinerary, this trek is the lifetime experience you can ever have. There is very less possibility of altitude sickness as you have enough time for acclimatization: full day and half day. You gradually ascend to the higher altitude covering about 12/15 kilometers within 6/7 hours a day. This is completely a teahouse trek, so, you don’t have to worry about many porters, trekking gears and high cost. However, if you want to make camping trekking to Everest Base Camp, Orbit Alpine Adventure is ready to meet its slogan “Clients’ Satisfaction is Our Motto!”
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
Autumn | late-September-November
Autumn is the post-Monsoon season, hence a crystal-clear season to travel in Nepal. The rain takes all of the dust off the landscapes, and you can enjoy a fresh view of the Mahalangur Himalayas. Moreover, spring has clear bluish skies, warm days, better sunlight, and more visibility, making it a perfect time for outings. And the temperature of the higher hills rotates around 15ºC to 24ºC, which is quite good.
However, the first few weeks of Autumn until mid-September (sometimes late) can see rains, as of Monsoon’s aftermath. Autumn takes over from late September only and rules the serenity of Nepal until late November. Therefore, plan your Everest Base Camp helicopter return trek in this specific timeline to have a successful trip. But have in mind that the trail will be dotted with numerous other trekkers like you.
Spring | March-May
Spring, the season of flowers, is another great time of the year when you can plan an Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return. It is the time when temperature and weather in the Himalayas are most stable. A trekker experiences beautiful trekking conditions throughout the season. The temperature of the upper hill areas is around 16ºC to 23ºC during this season.
The bearable temperature is followed by clear skies, green landscapes, and transparent mountains. The time of Spring season is also the busiest period on the trekking trails. Thanks to the weather conditions that drive hundreds of people across the globe to the tracks here.
Also, this is the most preferred time for Mount Everest base camp trekking and others too. Just remember that the first few weeks of Spring are a little colder than the rest. Hence, April will be the suitable month to pick over other Spring months for Everest Base Camp helicopter return trekking.
Summer| June-August
Summer is much about rainfall and the cloudy season in Nepal. This month has the hottest temperature and humid weather. From June to August, there are very high chances of rain outbreaks. The mountains are often behind the clouds but open up nicely after the rainfall, which is such a treat to watch.
During this time, trekking trails in Nepal are not crowded as in other seasons. The routes are slippery, muddy, and wet due to the regular rainfall. There are possibilities of landslides in these months that can block the trails. To trek in Summer is like trekking amidst numerous challenges. The leeches and mosquitos all over the trail can make your trekking hard. However, you can enjoy the peaceful trails.
If you are planning the Everest Base Camp helicopter return during Summer, the plan may not work. As for unstable weather conditions, you have to face uncertainties. The helicopter service is hazardous to operate under challenging conditions.
Nevertheless, if you do not have any other free time than this, go for either late August. By the end of the season, the precipitation level is relatively low compared to the peak time.
Winter| December-February
It is pretty chilly during the Winter season, which lasts from December to February. The country experiences the coldest time of the year during this season. As of the extreme cold, the number of trekkers arriving in Nepal also decreases.
You can expect a temperature of around 9ºC to 12ºC in the daytime and even low in the night hours. The higher areas like Everest Base Camp are the coldest ones. Up there, the temperature is below the freezing level, which is normal during Winter. Yet, this season sees plenty of trekkers walking around the trails of Nepal. They accept the added challenges of the winter season and do these treks.
It is okay to do low-altitude hikes or short excursions in the winter season. Such tours do not get affected by snowfall. If you move to a higher altitude, the region can receive immense snowfall. That snowfall can further increase the challenges of the hike.
Traveling in Nepal in Winter has its perks. You can expect snow-loaded views of the higher areas of the country. The mountains look newly decorated with snow, and everything looks reinvigorated during this season.
Join a helicopter flight from different points on the Everest base camp trail
We offer helicopter pick-up from different points on the Everest base camp trail. Likewise, we can also drop you at different locations, such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Pheriche, Kala Patthar, etc. All you have to do is get in touch with us and share your requirements. We will arrange the best crew for the helicopter flight right away. You can do group joining or charter a private helicopter as per your wish.
Food and Accommodation during the Everest Base Camp trek helicopter return
Finding food and eateries is not a problem while doing the Everest Base Camp helicopter return trek. There are loads of tea houses/lodges along the route, providing a wide range of food items. The tea houses are the most common eating places in the EBC trek. The locals operate them to serve the visitors. They have been selling food items from various cuisines like Chinese, Indian, Continental, and Local (Nepalese).
You can get food items like Noodle Soup, Dumplings, Macaroni, Pizza, Spaghetti, and more. Yet the most popular is “Traditional Dal Bhat.” This dish is known as the trekking food in Nepal. It is available in almost every teahouse. Likewise, the tea houses also serve beverage items like tea, coffee, and energy drinks.
There are some bakeries as well at various stops of the trek. Talking about water facilities, you can get drinkable water from the teahouses. However, you can also drink water from the water taps along the trail. Make sure you use water purification tablets to purify it before drinking.
On the other side, you will get plenty of places to settle for the nights during the trek. Teahouses/lodges offer food and drinks and accommodation facilities as well. Twin-sharing basis rooms are the most common room types in these sorts of teahouses. In there, you can expect two beds, a table, with all the bedclothes.
You will not get an attached bathroom, though. You have to use a shared toilet. The rooms are clean and worth the price you pay for them. However, do not expect luxurious rooms in teahouses. Common facilities like hot showers, WIFI, and electronic charging are accessible in teahouses/lodges for extra charges.
Difficulty Level of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return
The Everest Base Camp trek and return by helicopter is not an easy piece of cake at all. Thanks to the helicopter return, it is just a little easier than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. You have to endure several hurdles while doing this trek.
Trekking Distance and Hours
As the trek starts from Lukla and ends up at Everest Base Camp, you will cover a total distance of around 65 Kms. To cover the distance on time, you will have to walk for about 5 to 8 hours daily. The trail is not as easy as you think. It is full of regular rough ups and downs.
Walking such a distance on such a trail in a single day can be a little difficult for novice trekkers. People with prior trekking experience can endure the distance and trekking hours. This problem is prone to those who are not highly experienced.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude is something that keeps increasing in this trek. The trek you are planning to do is one of the highest-altitude treks. Kala Patthar (5,644m) is the ultimate point where the trek ends. And you will start this trek from Lukla, which stands at an altitude of 2,860 m. You can guess now how much altitude you will gain during the Everest base camp trek.
When you gain a significant amount of altitude, like on this trip, there is always a risk of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is not a good indication for trekkers doing this sort of trek. Trekkers have to go through difficult times due to their condition. Immediate treatment and emergency evacuation can be required for those who get crumbled to the illness.
Novel Weather
The weather in the Everest region is quite different from other regions. Trekkers who are not comfortable with the conditions in the Himalayas can face minor problems here. The temperature up in the mountains is always crisp and chilly. Someone from low altitudes may find it tough to settle with the temperature. Likewise, the weather is pretty unpredictable. It can change anytime in any manner. If you are not open-minded to this fact, then you can face more troubles during the trek.
Difficult Trail
The route of the Everest Base Camp trek gets difficult, demanding, and challenging as the elevation rises. Those who go on this trek have to go through steep and rough trails. If you are not prepared to take on this sort of trail, you will undoubtedly face challenges.
There can be times during the trek when you might want to give up, especially the beginners. If you are not comfortable walking such a trail, you have to do some training and preparation. Or else this difficulty is natural for you.
How to get yourself ready for Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return involves at least 65Km long walks over several days. You have to trek for anywhere around 5 to 8 hours daily. It may sound easy to experienced trekkers, but not for novice ones. It can turn into a problematic piece of cake for those who are not so good at physical fitness.
Cardiovascular Training
Cardiovascular training is all about increasing the oxygen levels in your body. In a trek like Everest Base Camp, your body’s oxygen plays a vital role. If you have a fit cardio level, your body can produce more oxygen, which helps in fighting altitude sickness. Therefore, you should do cardiovascular training like swimming, running, jogging, hiking, stair climbing, and uphill hike.
Doing that will allow you to have an excellent cardiovascular system in yourself. Start this training at least 5 to 6 months before the trek date and be consistent. The more often you do these sorts of activities, the more ready you will become for the trek.
Strength Training
Everest Base Camp Trek asks for high strength from every trekker. If you do not think you have muscular strength, then do strength training as well. In this program, the main focus is to strengthen your body’s various parts, like muscles, shoulders, back, and abdomen. To sum up, it is about strengthening your body to take up challenges during the trek.
You have to keep on walking on rugged trails by carrying a heavy backpack on your back. Therefore, you should consider building up your strength level. For this, you can hit the gym regularly at least 5 to 6 months before the date. Go to the gym and do sit-ups, pullups, crunches, or whatever; just make your body enduring.
Mental Training
Mental training is equally important, if you are daring to Everest Base Camp trek. This trek has its fair share of hurdles that requires a mentally fit mind to keep going. A mentally unprepared trekker may think of giving up quite quickly during the trek.
That is why you have to be aware of the difficulties of the excursions, like rugged trekking trails, walking hours, and altitude factors. Also, you have to be open to the available services and facilities during the trek. That awareness will help you find ways to avoid or endure those challenges.
Altitude Training
Altitude training happens by itself, if you do all of the above training
correctly. Cardiovascular and strength training will make you fit enough for the trek, and so will mental training. You will have to face high altitudes only during the trek. What you can do during this time is follow the precautions. If you are keeping your body hydrated and strolling, you will avoid mountain sickness.
Some Tips for a safe Everest Base Camp trek and return via helicopter
- Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging adventure to do unless you follow helpful tips and are well prepared. We have presented some of the must-follow tips for your Everest Base Camp trek helicopter return. If you follow all of the below-written tips, you will have a safe and memorable experience.
- Plan the trek at the right time- Plan the trek at the right time to have a safe journey. As you know, the correct times have the right weather conditions. You do not have to face any weather challenges at all. Trekking at the right time assures a more effortless experience.
- Prepare Accordingly- You should get involved in training like cardio, strength, mental, and altitude training. Moreover, you have to start arranging all things for treks, like visas, equipment, insurance, and gear. If you are up to all of the required preparation, you will not face any difficulties during the trek.
- Pack the Essentials Wisely- If you have packed your backpack for the trek wisely, you will thank yourself later on. Most of the trekkers do not take this thing seriously and pack everything they see. They also choose quality-less gear, and as a result, they have to face various problems. To avoid such challenges, you have to pack your backpack wisely. Put the things that are useful and durable during the trek.
- Choose a licensed Agency- A licensed agency has various perks when it comes to trekking in Nepal. Agencies like us plan your trip thoroughly and safely. From the arrival to the departure of guests, we stay with you altogether. Everything becomes hassle-free and safe if you trek with us in Nepal.
- Hire a trekking guide or porter- You surely need someone to guide you in the right direction and someone to carry your heavy backpack. By doing that, you explore the beauty and happenings of the trek freely. The guide and porter will look after all the other things for you. If you choose to make this trip with us, we will assign an experienced porter and guide for your comfort.
- Take Altitude Sickness Seriously- You cannot take altitude sickness lightly. Every trekker on the trail to Everest Base Camp can get exposed to this sickness. If you get caught by it, you have to face any sort of circumstances. Thus, you need to follow the precautions like trekking slowly, drinking enough water, and not smoking and drinking alcohol. If you follow all of them, then only you can remain on the safe side.
Note:- For a private Everest base camp trek and return by helicopter, please contact us at 9851144521 WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram 24 Hours & 7 Days in a week.
FAQs:
1. What is the highest point to reach during Everest Base Camp trek?
The highest point to reach during Everest Base Camp trek is Kala Patthar which is at the elevation of 5,550m. You hike to Kala Patthar from Gorak Shep early in the morning to have the sunrise view of the Everest.
2. Can I do EBC trek solo?
Yes, you can also do EBC trek solo as there is not any region restricted for the international tourists. If you can manage to get the required permits: TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit yourself, you can do it. However, we recommend you to do either an organized trekking or consulting with a trekking agency in Kathmandu. It may not be easy for you to book the hotels during the trekking and may get confused on right trail. If you hire a professional guide, he will manage everything for your successful trip to Everest.
3. How frequent is the flights from Everest region to Kathmandu?
Although there is frequent flight services to Lukla from Kathmandu, flight to other parts is available only if chartered solo or in a group. However, if you book the Everest region trekking package with helicopter return flight, Orbit Alpine Adventure manages for it. If you trek down to Lukla by following the same trail to EBC, the cost is low. In case you want to experience Chopper return to Kathmandu, the cost is comparatively high. For more detail, you can contact Orbit Alpine Adventure either via email, phone calls, WhatsApp or online reserve services.
4. What is the best season for Everest Base Camp trek?
Truly speaking, you can do Everest Base Camp trek all the times of the year depending on your choice and vacation. If you want to walk through the less crowded trail, EBC trek in winter is the best option. You can get the verdant landscapes covered with colourful rhododendron flowers all around, you can trek to EBC in summer. Spring and autumn seasons are the best for Everest Base Camp trek to have the clear vistas of the snowcapped peaks. Since the days are warm and mornings-nights cold, spring is the most favourable time for experiencing the highest peak region in the world.
5. Which is the vantage point EBC trek?
Kala Patthar, the highest point at 5,550m is the vantage point of EBC trek. To have a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Pumori, it is the best place. You must reach to this vantage point from Gorak Shep as soon as possible in the morning to have the sunrise view of the entire Everest region. Mt. Everest is not clearly seen from the base camp as Mt. Lhotse blocks it from sight. Therefore, you must reach Kala Patthar to have the complete panorama of the eight-thousanders and other snowy peaks.
6. Can I fly from Kala Patthar to Kathmandu?
For sure, you can also fly from Kala Patthar to Kathamndu as a helicopter can land on there as well. During Everest Base Camp helicopter tour, the helicopter flies to Kala Patthar from Lukla or Everest View Hotel. Flight over Everest lets you have more interesting sight of the Khumbu region than trekking through the trails. To get more knowledge about flight to Kathmandu from Kala Patthar, contact Orbit Alpine Adventure.
7. What is the benefit of flying Kathmandu from Everest region?
There are a lot of benefits of flying Kathamdu from Everest region rather than walking down along the same trail. First of all, you can have the complete aerial view of the Everest region which is not possible by walking. Next, you arrive Kathmandu within very short time that you can save four days time which you can use to visit other tourist destinations. This service gives you experience the world’s highest peak although you have short period of time to spend in Nepal. The in-flight view of the glaciers, icefalls, amazing snowy peaks, Sherpa settlement areas and ancient monasteries is superb lifelong experience!
8. What are the check lists to have a general idea about Everest helicopter tour packing?
At the time of booking, our team will help you carefully with the preparations and packing all the necessary gears.
- Comfortable underwear
- Insulated down jacket
- Windproof upper body layer and trouser
- Hiking boots
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Sunglasses that protects from UV-A & UV-B
- Day pack
- Reusable water bottle
- Small toiletry bag (sunscreen, lip balm, tissue paper, band-aids, etc.)
- Camera & spare batteries (optional)
- Some amount of money if you fell to drink tea, coffe at the helicopter refulling and view point.