Everest Base Camp Heli Trek - 8 Days

Arrival and Visas

• Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

  Yes, our airport representative will pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Our team member will be waiting outside the airport terminal, displaying “Trekking to Nepal” signboard. After meeting up, you will be taken to your respective hotel in our private vehicle.

• How do I get Visas to Nepal?

  You can obtain the Nepalese visa from Nepalese consulate in your country easily or upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. There are electronic registration machines in Kathmandu airport which read your passport, take your photo and print out visa form for immigration purposes. Further, we suggest you bring 2 copies of passport size photos (not necessary at Kathmandu airport), but it might be needed for documentation.

  You can also apply online within 15 days of your date of arrival in Nepal. For that, you require a valid passport, your hotel address and a recent digital version of passport size photo (size 1.5”x 1.5”). You can print out the confirmation receipt and show it to the Immigration officer along with visa fee in Kathmandu airport.

  A 15/30/90 day multiple entries Nepalese visa can be obtained by paying USD 30/50/125 or equivalent foreign currency respectively. For more information, please read this link about Tourist Visa.

  Also, you can follow this link- Department of Immigration to fill up online Tourist Visa form.

• Do I need special travel insurance for trekking in Nepal?

  Yes. Our company only covers insurance for our team members. We recommend you buy a travel insurance in your country. Make sure your travel insurance covers adventure activities over a certain altitude (4000 m) and covers emergency medical as well as helicopter rescue and evacuation.

  Most importantly, if you are trekking in the mountainous region of Nepal, then you should plan ahead about possible challenges, especially altitude sickness, ill related health issues, accidents, flight delays etc. In such cases, the only possible way out of the mountains is helicopter rescue. So, we recommend you to have a travel insurance policy that covers the helicopter evacuation cost and medical services in hospitals while trekking in Nepal.

• Do I need any extra documents?

  All you need is a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 2 passport size photos while travelling in Nepal. You are required to bring photos for trek permits.

Expenditures and Travel

• How much spending money do I need for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  Well, our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek 8 days cost is all inclusive of your accommodation, breakfast, permits and other official expenses. (see price includes and not includes for more detail). Besides, other expenses depend on your spending habits. In general, you can spend USD 10-15 per person for lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. A USD 15-25 is sufficient to buy bottled water, snacks, lunch and dinner meals, chocolate bars, hot and cold drinks, and showers during the trek. Please note: Everest region is comparatively more expensive than any other regions of Nepal. Everest region is a mountainous region of Nepal without access to road transport in many parts. Especially in higher altitude regions, consumer goods are transported by helicopter, airplanes, horses, mules and porters leading to high cost at these places.

• Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?

  You are required to pay 30% deposit at the time of booking and rest of the amount prior to the trip departure date. For this trip, you need to complete an online booking form along with 30% non-refundable deposit. You can pay the remaining amount in cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express Card) upon your arrival in Kathmandu, at our office in Thamel. Note that a 3.5% levy will be added as card processing fee by banks. (We are not liable for those 3.5% bank transaction fee).

  Read more details in “terms and conditions”.

• What is your Cancellation Policy?

  Cancellation notice is required, a minimum of 20 days prior to trip departure. If the reason is valid the trip shall then be termed as cancelled and a cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

  If you do not cancel your trip prior to 20 days due to whatever reasons, you must be aware that the trip you’ve already bought is completely non-refundable as per our terms and conditions. If you cancel the trip and need to submit a claim to your insurance company, we can help with the supporting documentation such as a receipt for monies paid. If your trip is cut short due to weather/illness/personal reasons, there is no refund for unused accommodations.

  Moreover, you can postpone or transfer your booking to another person, if you have genuine reasons for not taking the trip. For instance: serious illness, death of a close relative or friend etc. In such cases, if all the requirements are met, you can postpone or change on another date, but an extra fee of $200 is required.

  For more details please read “terms and conditions”.

• Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

  Most places on the trekking route don't accept credit cards. Though there are few ATM booths in Namche Bazaar, they are highly unreliable. So we highly recommend you to convert currencies into Nepalese Rupees or withdraw money from ATMs in Kathmandu before going on a trek. Also, note that money exchangers do not accept credit cards in Nepal. Besides, few shops in Kathmandu accept credit cards for your purchases.

Preparation and Fitness level

• What should be my preparation and fitness level for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  You don’t need any special kind of technical skill or training for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. If you are fit, healthy and can walk upto 5-7 hours a day, then you can trek to the Everest region. So, we suggest you do regular physical exercise, running or jogging activities to enhance your fitness level and keep yourself in good health. During the trek, you hike in the trail up to Thame village at a higher elevation of 3800 m. Likewise, trekking in higher altitude is more strenuous than lower altitude due to lower oxygen level, decreased air pressure and density in these regions. Your body needs some time to adapt to the new climate and cope with decreased oxygen level at higher altitude, which is called acclimatization. For Everest Base Camp Heli trek, we spend two days at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. In addition, we fly to Everest Base Camp and fly back to Lukla in helicopter instead of trekking. This means this trek is comparatively easier than Everest Base Camp Trek 14 days. Furthermore, you can easily accomplish this trek even if your fitness level is average. Note: For aspiring trekkers with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease, we highly encourage you to inform us when booking or consult a doctor before the trip.

Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty

• How difficult is Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  It’s all relative. Depends on your preparation and fitness levels. If you frequently hike long distances and have prior experience of trekking in hills with backpacks, you will find Everest Base Camp Heli Trek easier. On the other side, if you are not used to trekking, any outdoor adventurous activities or physical exercises, then you will find this trek difficult. Trekking in the Everest Region is challenging, yet rewarding. Only when you accept and overcome challenges, you will find growth, build your strength and character in life. Depending on your route, usually the trek consists of 5- 8 hours of hiking each day with a professional guide. The main highlight of this trek is helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp from Namche and fly back to Lukla. This means you don’t need to trek the challenging trails at higher elevations. So, Everest Heli trek is not so difficult and can be achievable for most people of all ages but you need some preparation and obsession with the mountains.

• Are there any age limits for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  There's no age limit for Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. If you are physically and mentally fit, age is just a number. Until now, we have had a 7 year young kid with his family as well as an eldest trekker in his late 70’s who conquered this adventurous trek with us. If you are too young or elder or come with families, we highly recommend scheduling private trek with a few extra days and make necessary arrangements for your convenience.

Accommodation and Communication

• What kind of Hotel can I expect in Kathmandu?

  We use Nepali standard three star hotel accommodations in Kathmandu. You will be accommodated in standard room on a twin-sharing basis including breakfast during your stay.

  Furthermore, if you need to stay extra nights in the hotel or need upgraded to 4 stars and 5 star hotel accommodations, we can arrange it as you wish for a reasonable price.

• What sort of accommodation conveniences is available during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  Enroute Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, we use tea houses/lodges for our meals and accommodation. Usually, local families run the teahouses of Everest region. The accommodation can be very basic, and functional. The rooms are clean, single/double rooms or a dormitory occasionally, that include mattress, quilt or blanket for your convenient stay. Having your own sleeping bag is a good alternative to sleep comfortably as well. Sleeping bags are available for renting ( USD 35) on a returnable basis in our office, Thamel.

• Is camping allowed during Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  No, there is no need for camping as we can find many tea houses for food and lodging.

• Are there any means of communication and internet access while trekking to Everest?

  Yes. There are telephone services and 3G coverage available in the Everest region. Most trekking routes have been equipped with internet access and telephone services. 

  However, being a remote mountainous region, there may be poor internet connection and uninterrupted coverage cannot be guaranteed. Likewise, our trekking guide has a cell phone from which you can make a phone call. Also, we recommend you to buy a local sim card, Ncell, in Kathmandu and use it for communication and internet access while trekking to Everest.
  

• What type of toilet/bathroom facilities are available during the Everest Base Camp Heli trek?

  Mostly, you will find western style flushing toilet in the tea houses. At higher altitude regions, most tea houses have adjacent squat toilets.

• Where do we go toilet along the trail?

  You can use the toilet facilities provided by guest houses along the trail. Otherwise, if you arrive in places without guesthouses or public toilet in those regions during the trek, then you need to find some privacy and experience outdoor toilet adventure.

• Do I need to bring toilet paper for the trek?

  Yes, we suggest you bring toilet paper along with hand sanitizer and towel for your conveniences. Indeed, toilet papers are available to buy on the guesthouses. So, no need to worry about it a lot.

• Are hot showers/wash facilities available during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  Well, it depends on where you stay. Most tea houses in lower mountain regions such as Lukla, Phakding and Namche provide hot showers at considerable cost. Also, you can get bucket showers at a price USD 2-5 for each bucket.

• Are there any laundry services available on Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  Some tea houses provide laundry services in the Everest region. There is a possibility that you can wash your clothes during acclimatization days in Namche at considerable cost. However, we recommend you to pack enough clothes for your Everest trek and wash them after returning back to Kathmandu.

• Can I charge my electronic gadgets during the trek?

  Yes. There are tea houses and lodges that provide charging facility for electronic gadgets upon paying extra fee.

  Note: The power plugs and sockets used in Nepal are type C, D and M. The standard voltage and frequency of electricity in Nepal is 230 V and 50 Hz respectively. This means if your electronic appliances state ‘INPUT: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz’, you can used to recharge in every country all over the world. Otherwise, make sure you bring universal travel adapter that is compatible for all kinds of devices in the trek.

Foods and Drinking Water

• What kind of food can I expect during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  We provide breakfast during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. Most importantly, it is mandatory for all trekkers to take breakfast and dinner at the tea house where you stay overnight. In addition, lunch will be served at tea houses enroute where you can order food as per your choice. Usually, they provide you typical Nepali food: dal (lentils), bhat (rice) and tarkari (vegetable curry). These foods are highly nutritious and give you sufficient energy for the trek. Besides, other typical meals include delicious vegetarian foods such as pasta, noodles, french fries, boiled eggs, pancakes, omelets, toast, momo, garlic soup and many more dishes. In addition, you can have tea, coffee, hot lemon, hot chocolate and cold drinks too. Also, you can find meat dishes, but we suggest you choose vegetable dishes for health reasons.

• Is the food in the mountain region prepared to international standard in terms of safety?

  Yes. The food provided at tea houses during the trek are very safe and hygienic. We recommend you to eat local food, vegetarian meal and avoid meat for your health reasons. Please follow the suggestions of our trekking guide when ordering food in the tea houses.

• Is there any problem regarding foods for vegetarian/vegan during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  This is not a problem at all because mostly the mountain tea houses serve vegetarian/vegan meals. In addition, all the meals we serve during the trek include vegetarian and vegan dishes. Moreover, we highly suggest our trekkers to avoid meat dishes during the Everest trek as they take a long time to digest. Also, the meat in mountain regions are not hygienic and may cause you food poisoning or health problems.

Transportation

• Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?

  Yes. You should book your own international flights to and from Nepal.

• What mode of transportation do you use?

  For Kathmandu airport pick up and drop off, we use our own private vehicle. Moreover, it depends on group size,and we mostly use cars, minibus, vans or 4WD SUV as means of transportation for reaching domestic airport and city sightseeing tours. In addition, we use domestic airways for round trip flights from Manthali or Kathmandu to Lukla Airport. Moreover, Everest Base Camp Heli Trek includes helicopter flight from Namche to Everest Base Camp and fly back to Lukla. In case the helicopter can’t be operated due to extreme weather conditions or technical reasons, we will refund the helicopter flight cost per individual and trek back to Lukla. Note: Since March 2019, the domestic flight has been shifted to nearby Manthali airport temporarily due to increased congestion in Kathmandu Airport. This means Lukla flight will operate from Manthali airport during peak trekking season, spring (March, April, May, October and November). Besides, peak trekking season, all the Lukla flights will operate from Kathmandu airport as usual.

• What is the alternative option if my flight to and from Lukla is cancelled or delayed?

  The primary modes of air transport in the mountain region are Twin Otter and Dornier. Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions or other technical issues, flights may get cancelled or delayed to and from Lukla. In this case, we can re book your flight for the next day. We highly recommend you to prepare ahead for unforeseen circumstances (flight delay, bad weather) and schedule a couple of extra days for the trek.

  Another possible option is to charter a private helicopter to ensure you don’t miss the deadline for the trek or your international flight. This option is available only if the clients agree to share the cost of helicopter charter among each other. The helicopter takes 5 passengers at a time, and the cost of trekking guide should be shared by trekkers respectively. The helicopter charter from Kathmandu to Lukla costs you extra $2500 in addition to domestic airfare. Similarly, the helicopter charter flight from Manthali to Lukla costs you extra $1800 in addition to domestic airfare.

• What is the weight limit for Lukla Flight?

  The weight limit is 15 kg/ 33 lbs for Lukla flight including both your duffel bag (10kg/22 lbs) and backpack (5kg/11lbs). For exceeding weight limit, you need to pay an additional $2-$5 per kg in the airport. So, we suggest you to pack your bag carefully considering the weight limits for Lukla flight.

Season, Weather and Temperatures

• What is the best time to do Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?

  The following months are the best time to do Everest Base Camp Heli Trek: February, March, April, May, June, October, November, and December.

• What is the weather and temperature like in the Everest Region?

  One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest region is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything.
  Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the Everest region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 C (77 F), only to dip down as low as -20 C (-4 F) in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.

  Spring – March / April / May / June

  Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and many different species of flowers are visible in the lower altitude. During springtime, the average temperature is 20 C (68 F), with a maximum of 25 C (77 F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 C (5 F) in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

  Monsoon – July/August Through Mid-September

  This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it’s rainy as well as dry, that’s why very few people travel during this season.
  There are positive sides of trekking during the monsoon months as the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds. During springtime, the average temperature is 22 C (71.6 F), with a maximum of 30 C (86 F) during sunny days and a minimum of -5 C (23 F) in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

  Autumn – End of September / October / November

  Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest region is also a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible mountain views from every angle. The average temperature during the fall is 17 C (62.6 F), with a maximum temperature of 20 C (68 F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 C (5 F) in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters altitude.

  Winter – December/ January/ February

  Winter starts from mid-December till mid-February. People still like to trek this month due to fewer crowds. View is still good but foggy so having extra days is highly recommended during this period. The average temperature during the winter is 10 C (50 F), with a maximum temperature of 17 C (62.6 F), during sunny days and a minimum of -20 C (-4 F) in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters altitude. The above temperature is based on the outside of the guesthouse temperature. No need to worry about the cold temperature as we provide sleeping bag and extra blanket to make sure our clients are warm enough during the time of need.

• What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend to trekkers?

  The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we provide to trekkers are about -10 degree Celsius (14 degree Fahrenheit). Also, our guides can provide you liners or extra blankets if needed.

Health and Safety

• What safety measures are in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry with them on trek to deal with sickness/accidents?

  Our trekking guides are highly experienced, professional and well trained for higher altitude first aid training and related problems. They can measure your oxygen level in blood using oximeters and provide first aid if needed. Our guide carries medicine and a first aid kit during the trek. Besides, our guides carry a cell phone and keep on updating about the trek in our head office Kathmandu every day. If you deal with sickness or accidents, our guide will accompany you throughout the trek and ensure your safety and wellness. In case of emergency, our guide will manage helicopter rescue for your medical treatment in Kathmandu. However, the cost of helicopter charter is solely borne by trekkers.

  Make sure that your insurance policy covered medical expenses and emergency helicopter rescue in high altitude regions above 4,000 m; otherwise the cost is expensive in the mountain region. Only if you have purchased a valid travel insurance policy that covers helicopter charter and medical evacuation, then you can claim for reimbursement with your travel insurance company. In that case, we can help you with providing money receipts for your claim.

• What immunizations will I need?

  Vaccinations are not mandatory for this trip. Still, we recommend you are vaccinated against diphtheria TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus for your safety. We suggest a dental check up prior to the trek and be aware of your blood group type. Likewise, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions we recommend you to inform us while booking the trip.

• Do you guys have a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)?

  Yes, we do have PAC. Everest Base Camp trek is around 5000m level, so it may not always be required. Surely, we can provide PAC if necessary with additional fees on payment. Besides, you can hire oxygen cylinders from guest houses if needed. Please note: if you are using an oxygen cylinder in the Everest region, it can be expensive. So, make sure that you have travel insurance that covers your emergency medical expenses at higher altitude.

Trekking Guides

• Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?

  Yes, all our guides have received a 45 day training from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management. Also, they have received Intensive Wilderness First aid Course from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP). Furthermore, they are highly experienced, skillful and speak English fluently.

• Are Trekking to Nepal staff insured?

  Yes, all Trekking to Nepal staff are insured that includes trekking guides, cooks, Sherpa and porters.

Trip Departure and Extension

• All your departure is guaranteed to run?

  Yes, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants. Also, we make arrangements for one person and a private trip as well. You can make inquiries while booking the trip.

• I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

  Yes. There are so many options and choices available to extend your holiday before or after the trek. Please visit our website for more information about treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet.

• Can I add extra days to my Everest trekking trip?

  Certainly, you can add extra days during the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. You need to pay extra cost that includes additional cost to cover food, accommodation, guides and porters. This option is more convenient and feasible for an individual or a private trip. On the other hand, if you are in a group, this option is limited, and often should be arranged properly. So, we highly encourage you to ask us in advance or talk with your guide or trekking group members so that we will manage it accordingly.