Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla

Best Time Frame for the Everest trek with Helicopter return to Lukla

The Khumbu region has its own distinct beauty all year round, from fresh spring, lush summer, and splendid autumn to peaceful winter. However, the most impeccable time for the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla will be Spring commencing from March and lasting till May, and autumn starting from September and spanning till November.

In spring, the climate is mild and pleasant with many flowers such as rhododendrons blooming, very suitable for hiking and exploring the nature of the National Park of Everest.

Autumn, on the other hand, brings a cool, green show, the ideal time to participate in the Mani Rimdu Festival in Tengboche. It also creates a different picture with the yellow and red of fallen willows, bringing with it the quiet atmosphere of the monasteries.

Plus, both spring and autumn give the most stable and consistent weather pattern with moderate wind and clearest visuals, perfect for a helicopter ride back and forth.

The summer that begins from June and lasts till August is the monsoon season as well in Khumbu, with more rainfall and frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon, resulting in flight delays and rerouting.

Although the weather is not as favorable as other seasons, the natural landscape becomes green and brilliant.

Now, if you love peace and few tourists, winter (December to February ) is a great choice. Winter in Khumbu is quite cold but dry, with strong sunlight during the day. This is also the time when delightful snow covers the entire highland route, creating a unique and poetic scene on our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter return journey.

Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla: Level of Difficulty

Taking you to the ultimate height of 5364 m of Everest Base Camp and 5644 m of Kala Patthar, our Heli return trek from Everest base camp can be accounted as a medium difficult journey in the heart of the Khumbu Valley.

Over the course of 12 days, the hiking portion of this remarkable journey calls for a fair amount of stamina, endurance, and strength. On average, the engaging trekkers have to walk about 8 to 10 km each day, which means roughly 6 to 7 hours of hiking with time included for breaks in between.

We also have to consider the terrain that we will be traversing which features paths following the rivers, forests, and then the alpine valleys. The trail also includes sharp and steep sections, which need vigilance when crossing.

There will also be glacial moraines to be crossed and the sandy, rough terrain resembling that of the dry, barren desert. However, in our Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return trip, the most demanding challenge will be of altitude as each day will take you to a higher elevation than the last which means journeying to the highland where oxygen will be lesser and lesser.

Additionally, the Himalayan weather is notoriously known for its uncertainty. You may begin with a bright, cloudless sunny da,y which can suddenly end in heavy clouds and windy air.

However, the route to the Everest Base Camp now contains several accommodating options so refuge can be taken anywhere whenever needed. Likewise, there are not any difficult technical sections along the way, so it is a fairly manageable route.

Similarly, the trekking days will also be shortened on the way back, making the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla journey less demanding and more enjoyable. Plus, we will always have our guides and porters available to assist whenever necessary.

Who should engage with us in our journey to the Everest Trek Base Camp with helicopter return to Lukla?

Our EBC Heli trek has been designed to accommodate everyone from a new hiker taking their first step in high high-altitude hiking journey to experienced adventurers who have already tackled this journey before.

All we ask from our participating trekkers is to have a deep passion for walking and be able to handle the pressure of 5 to 6 hours of hiking each day for straight nine days with a light pack on the shoulder.

Plus, you should also be able to handle the stress that can come with uncertainties and be able to follow the guide’s instructions while cooperating with the group.

Please remember, in all the high-altitude journeys, more than strength, endurance is the best resource along with optimal health, and a positive mindset, which will set you up for success.

In addition, the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla trip is a complete tea house or lodge hiking journey where you will enjoy the constant company of our guide and porters throughout.

While our guide will help you to navigate the tricky sections, our porters will carry your load to lighten your journey so you can only focus on your destination.

So all in all, our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla will be a fantastic event for going on a short family vacation with children or older adults.

However, if you already have any adverse health issues mainly related to the lungs, kidneys, and heart, we do suggest you for the medical guidance from qualified medical personnel before undertaking this legendary expedition. And if flying makes you uneasy, it may be best to think it over.

Why should you choose the Heli return trek from Everest base camp over the traditional Everest Base Camp trek?

The Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla is more than just a trekking expedition. Rather, it is a comprehensive journey that mixes the excitement of hiking with the luxury of a helicopter return.

You can appreciate the splendor of the Himalayas from various vantage points, adding exclusivity to your Himalayan adventure. On the other hand, the standard Everest Base Camp trek is a demanding yet fulfilling journey, but the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return gives you a unique aspect.

The main standout point of this trip is of course, the heli ride back from Gorakhsep to Lukla, which conserves your time and energy during the descent.

On the other hand, the conventional Everest base camp trek will make you travel the same path that can take several days to reach Lukla, from where our trek mainly begins.

Flying above the rugged landscape, iconic Everest, Khumbu Icefall, and many more Himalayan titans will grant you the unforgettable experience that elevates your adventure to new heights, both literally and figuratively.

Additionally, the Everest Base Camp trek with a full-fledged hiking journey can be physically tiring, while the heli return will save you from extensive fatigue associated with the return journey. So this trip is especially beneficial for those who have time limitations or any fitness and health concerns.

You will also have flexibility in your itinerary planning with our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla, which can save you from flight cancellations or delays.

With a heli return to Lukla, you will have more adaptability in adjusting travel plans based on the prevailing weather.

Altitude Sickness or AMS in the Heli return trek from Everest base camp

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), often known as altitude sickness, is one of the serious challenges during our Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return journey.

By day three of our travel program, you will already surpass 3000 m altitude, and you will continue journeying to even greater heights reaching ultimately 5,364 meters at Everest Base Camp and 5,644 meters at Kala Patthar.

Here, the oxygen in the air will only be one-third of what we breathe at sea level. In addition, our maximum sleeping elevation will be at Gorekshep which is elevated to 5160 m.

Therefore, it is common that you encounter breathing difficulties due to the reduced oxygen levels. If you are not an experienced trekker, your personal limits can cross quickly lading to the conditions of AMS.

Such as fatigue, nose bleeding, nausea, vertigo, and headache. If you have any of these manifestations, please we advise you to stop your travel, move to a low altitude zone, allow your body to recover, and maintain good hydration.

If necessary, our guide may also provide you with supplemental oxygen and medication like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Diamox. Please understand that no physical training can help you with complete adaptation to the new high air.

However, by following effective acclimatization techniques, ensuring sufficient rest, and ascending gradually can to some extent stop AMS. That’s why we have distributed the acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche during the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla trip.

Right Preparation for the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla

Our Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla will not take you to the ultimate height of Everest but sure, it will take you along the Himalayan terrain and weather which can be tough and unforgiving sometimes.

Therefore, to make your journey pleasant, successful, and enjoyable, we suggest you to prepare your health and fitness thoroughly may be 2 months before the trip.

You should concentrate on boosting your cardio health through cycling, swimming, running, and walking. However, the best will be to gear up with a light backpack and go on a hiking adventure in your town.

Strength is also one of the crucial factors for this journey which you should improve through pull-ups, squats, and push-ups. Just remember not to overdo the training too hard.

We also request you to gain some first-aid knowledge so you can yourself address minor infections, illnesses, and injuries. It will also be helpful if you gather information about the terrain, and weather and consult those who have already undertaken this experience in Nepal.

Lodging and Dining Options

You will have two categories of lodging options during our 12 days EBC Heli trek journey. Your two nights at Kathmandu will take place in the delightful atmosphere of a recognized three-star hotel and the rest of the nights will occur in the reputable and comfortable mountain shelters known as tea houses or lodges in the overnight settlements.

While in Kathmandu, you will have en suite toilets in your room but en route, you may have to share the laundry and toilet facilities with other hikers.

Please note that all the lodging options will be on a sharing arrangement where each of you will be paired with another individual of the same gender. For added convenience, please do check out our add-on options as well.

Regarding the dining options, we offer breakfast and last night farewell dinner in Kathmandu and three times meals (dinner, lunch, and breakfast) during the trekking portion.

Nourish yourself with Nepali ethnic cuisine as well as international menus including Indian, Italian, Continental, and Tibetan. Please note that all the beverages and snacks have to be self-catered.

Transportation

During our 12-day-long Heli return trek from Everest base camp, you will have the advantage of our exclusive private pick-up and drop-off service between your hotel and TIA.

For this service, we will be using a bus, car, or van to give you the convenience of effortless travel on your first and final day in Kathmandu.

We will also look after your flights between Lukla and the capital and if the diversion to Manthali occurs, again a private transfer will be used for travel to Ramechhap. We will also be arranging a modern chopper for our flight from Gorakshep to Lukla.

Cellular Communication and WiFi/Internet Access

Everest region now boasts a good reliable WiFi service in its entire area. There is even live streaming on YouTube from various locations now such as Lukla, Namche, Dingboche, and Pheriche.

For your personal use, you can simply buy the prepaid WiFi card of either Airlink or Everest Link that gives you 10 GB of data for a month. While, at Namche, Phakding, and Lukla, you can just pay 500 NPR to get unlimited WiFi usage.

There are also certain points where you can use the open and free Wii such as at Everest View Hotel.

If you don’t have WiFi on hand, simply opt for NTC or NCELL Nepal networks. Once you activate the SIM, your APN will be set automatically and you can enjoy their 4G internet data packages.

The most easiest option will be though to get the virtual eSIM of Ncell or NTC when you are still in our home town which gives you the same service as their physical SIMs.

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla

Getting travel insurance for our Everest trek with helicopter return to Lukla is not just a requirement but also very essential step that will ensure your security and peace while getting to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

Remember, Everest is not a joke, and is still one of the remote corners of Nepal where there is still no access to high medical care. In situations of illness or injuries, therefore, medical care costs can skyrocket if you don’t have the support of your insurance.

With insurance by your side, you won’t have to worry about these expenses so you can fully enjoy your adventure with open heart. Additionally, if your belongings, such as luggage or electronics, are lost or stolen, or your trip gets canceled or postponed, requiring you to stay for a few extra days, your insurance will help cover those losses.

Similarly, the Khumbu region is known for its challenging terrain, and if you face an emergency like an accident or sudden illness, your insurance will provide essential emergency assistance.

Remember, your travel insurance should cover medical needs and emergency evacuations, including helicopter rescues at elevations up to 6000 meters.

When confirming your Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla, ensure you provide us with a copy of your insurance certificate, as it is required for your journey to EBC.

Necessary permits for the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla

Please remember that trekking alone to Everest Base Camp is now not allowed in Nepal. Plus, your Everest base camp trek with helicopter return to Lukla must be arranged through government-recognized licensed travel and trekking agencies, such as ours.

As for the permits, we need to pay a fee to the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality and enter the restricted zone of the Everest National Park.

The allocated fees are 2000 NPR for the municipality and 3000 NPR for the park. We will take care of these expenses and the necessary steps to secure your needed permits in Kathmandu and Lukla.