Accommodation Options During the Everest Helicopter Trek
Accommodation in City
During your Everest Heli trek package, we offer a three night stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin sharing basis. However, if you prefer more privacy, we can arrange a single room for an extra cost.
Accommodation During the Trek
- You will be accommodated within the local teahouses for all nine days of your hike with all meals being taken within these shared dining areas as well. Each room within the teahouse is simply furnished and consists of a mattress, blanket, and pillow.
- As your trek takes place at a very high elevation there will be several nights at elevations above 4000m. The highest point you will reach during the trek is Kala Patthar 5545m; however, you will spend the night at Gorakshep 5164m. Due to being at such an altitude and experiencing extreme weather conditions the temperature at night can drop significantly below freezing. Teahouses do not have heating and you will require a four-season sleeping bag rated to at least -10C. You may rent sleeping bags in Kathmandu for approximately $2-3 per day.
- In the lower villages of Phakding and Namche Bazaar there are typically private or attached bathrooms available. All higher settlements will have communal bathrooms. Most teahouses have hot showers available costing typically between 500-1000 NPR depending upon the altitude.
- During the peak trekking seasons in autumn from September to November and spring from March to May, teahouses along the route fill up quickly. Early booking and flexibility with accommodation arrangements are strongly recommended.
Hotel Upgrade Options
If you prefer more comfort in Kathmandu before or after your trek, you can upgrade to luxury category hotels that offer higher standards of service, better amenities, and a more comfortable stay.
- Upgrade to a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu - 120 USD per night pp in BB
- Upgrade to a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu - 250 USD per night pp in BB
- Single supplement - 300 USD per person
Transportation During the Everest Helicopter Trek
- Within Kathmandu, private vehicles are provided for airport pickups, hotel transfers, and sightseeing. You will be picked up from your hotel and dropped off at your destination. Any luggage you won’t need for the trek can be securely stored at your hotel in Kathmandu.
- During your Everest Heli Trek, you will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla on a Twin Otter aircraft, with a flight time of approximately 25–30 minutes. After completing your trek, instead of hiking all the way back down, you will take a helicopter return flight from Gorakshep to Lukla.
- From Lukla, you will then take a regular flight back to Kathmandu. Please note that flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are highly weather-dependent and can be delayed or rescheduled due to changing mountain weather and high tourist traffic, especially during peak trekking seasons.
- For this reason, it is strongly recommended to allow a few extra buffer days after the trek to avoid any issues with your international departure. In rare situations, if regular flights are unavailable after your trek, a private helicopter transfer may be required to return to Kathmandu.
- Each trekker can bring up to 12 kg (including hand luggage) for the Lukla flight. Porters will assist with carrying your luggage during the trek, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers.
Flight from/to Ramechhap Airport
During the peak season Oct-Nov and April-May, we've to wake up around 2 am and drive to Manthali Airport (5hr) and take a 20min flight from there to reach Lukla. This started in 2019, because of the excessive traffic in the Kathmandu airport. Learn more about the Lukla flights. Permits & Entrance Fees Required for Everest Helicopter Trek
For Everest Helicopter trekking, trekkers are required to obtain three major permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 per person for foreigners and NPR 1,500 per person for SAARC nationals.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2,000 per person for both foreign and SAARC nationals
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 for other foreign nationals.
All permits are mandatory for the Everest Base Camp trek, and we can arrange them for you before the trek begins. While some sources may state the TIMS card is not required for trekking in Everest region, however, it is mandated by law to have it. We also recommend carrying a few photocopies of your passport and permits, as you will need to show them at several checkpoints along the trekking route.
Internet Electricity & Phone Access on Everest Region
- Mobile networks are available along parts of the trail, with NTC being the most reliable service provider on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Ncell works mainly in lower villages up to Namche Bazaar, but does not function well or at all at higher elevations. NTC generally provides better coverage in remote and high-altitude areas, with usable signals in places after Dingboche and Deboche. There is no mobile network at Lobuche and Gorakshep.
- Most teahouses rely on solar power or micro-hydro electricity, so power supply is limited, especially at higher elevations. Charging is usually available in dining areas. From Namche and above, charging costs around NPR 500 per hour, and a full charge can cost up to NPR 700 per device. Due to limited electricity availability in higher villages such as Lobuche and Gorakshep, carrying a power bank or solar charger is strongly recommended.
- Wi-Fi access along the route is provided through Everest Link Wi-Fi cards, which are available all along the trail. Prices range from USD 20 to 30 for 10 to 20 GB with 30 days’ validity. Smaller data packages may be available for USD 2 to 4. Internet speed can be slow at higher altitudes.
Food and Dining During the Everest Helicopter Trek
- During the Everest Helicopter trek, full board meals are included, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and dinner are served at teahouses, while lunch is freshly prepared along the trail. Each day also includes three servings of tea or coffee and one serving of soup to keep you warm at high altitudes.
- Food on Everest Base Camp Trek are mainly based on local Nepali and Sherpa cuisine with some simple Western options. Typical dishes include Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry with free refills), noodles, pasta, soups, vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruits. Breakfast options include porridge, eggs, Tibetan bread, chapati with jam or honey, and pancakes.
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available upon request. Any dietary restrictions or allergies should be informed in advance to ensure proper arrangements throughout the trek.
Safe Drinking Water on Everest Base Camp Trek
- At lower elevations, bottled water is available for around NPR 100–150 per liter, while at higher altitudes above Debuche, it costs about NPR 200–250 per liter. Teahouses also provide boiled water for NPR 600–700 per liter depending on the location.
- At high elevations, bottled water is limited and more expensive, so it is recommended to carry water purification tablets or a filter, or rely on boiled water at teahouses to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
Group Leader and Crew
- You’ll be accompanied throughout the trek by experienced, licensed mountain guides from our team, trained in wilderness skills and first aid.
- For groups of more than 5 people, we provide an additional assistant guide to ensure extra care and support.
- To make your journey easier, we assign one porter (Sherpa) for every two trekkers to help carry your gear.
Trekking Equipment
- You don’t need to spend much on gear before your Everest Base Camp trek, as most items can be bought or rented in Kathmandu. Essentials include layered clothing for cold temperatures, waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, gloves, warm hat, backpack with rain cover, trekking poles, crampons, headlamp, a four-season sleeping bag, sun protection, and water purification. A basic medical kit will be carried by our guide.
- We provide a detailed packing list for Everest Heli trek to ensure you have everything needed for high-altitude conditions along Everest Base Camp trekking route. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about what to pack for this trek.
Trekking Grade
- Despite having fewer days of walking, the Everest Heli Trek is still considered to be a moderately difficult trek due to the high altitude. The highest point of the trek is approximately 5545 m near Kala Patthar, which allows for both trekking and the return via scenic helicopter flight. Each day on the trek typically consists of walking for 4-6 hours per day. Trekkers with an excellent level of physical fitness will find this trek to be suitable, though it would be advantageous to have prior experience trekking at high altitudes.
- The helicopter return flight from Gorakshep makes the hike less strenuous compared to the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek because it eliminates a considerable portion of walking, thus lessening the amount of physical exertion required. There is no requirement for any technical climbing ability to complete this trek.
Weather and Climate
The Everest region experiences a cold, high-altitude mountain climate. The best trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November), when weather conditions are generally stable and skies are clear. Summer (June–August) brings monsoon rains and cloud cover, which can affect visibility and flights, while winter (December–February) is extremely cold, with snowfall common at higher elevations. Daytime temperatures typically range from 0°C to 15°C, but nighttime temperatures can drop well below -10°C, especially at higher points such as Gorakshep and Kala Patthar.
Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek
Travel insurance is essential for the Everest Heli Trek, as the route reaches high altitudes up to 5,545m at Kalapathhar posing high risk for altitude sickness. Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, and medical expenses. Due to the remote areas, extreme weather, and limited medical facilities along the route, comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended.
High Altitude Sickness
- Since this trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5545m at Kalapatthar, the risk of altitude sickness is significantly higher compared to other treks in Nepal. Proper acclimatization and careful preparation are essential for a safe journey.
- Our itinerary is designed with gradual elevation gains where possible, but trekkers should be aware that the high altitude demands both physical and mental readiness.
- It is crucial to understand altitude sickness and take preventive measures seriously. At such elevations, reduced oxygen levels can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or fatigue. These symptoms can escalate if not managed properly.
- The best way to stay safe is to monitor your condition closely, communicate openly with your guide, rest when needed, and descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Following these precautions helps ensure that your Everest Base Camp Trek is both safe and memorable.
Tipping
Although tipping on Everest Helicopter trek is not mandatory, it shows an important way to acknowledge the hard work of your guide and porter, as it forms a significant part of their income. Generally, we recommend tipping 10–12% of the trek package price for your porter and 12–15% for your guide. You can adjust the amount of tips according to the quality of service and your overall experience. Providing tips in Nepalese Rupees or a widely accepted currency like USD is recommended.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
How to Make a Booking
To secure your Everest Helicopter trek package, we will require photocopies of each traveler's passport to make your booking. You should also provide us with a copy of your Nepal arrival flight schedule or an estimated date of arrival so we can arrange your trek package at your convenience. Finally, you can finalize your booking by paying an advance of 20% of the cost of the trek package. You can go through our entire booking process and conditions so that you have a smooth experience from start to finish.
Cancellation Charges & Conditions
- 25 or more days before departure: 20% of the total cost
- 18–24 days before departure: 40% of the total cost
- 10–17 days before departure: 50% of the total cost
- Less than 10 days from trek start date: 70% of the total cost
- Once the trek starts from Kathmandu, no refunds will be provided.
Rescheduling: You can reschedule your trek to a future date without any extra charges, as long as you notify us at least 15 days before your originally scheduled start date.
Customize Trips & Trip Extensions
As per your time schedule if there is not a suitable date for trekking departure from Kathmandu so the place mentions your suitable time and date then we will organize your great trip to Flight. In addition to Everest Base Camp Trek, we can organize a trip to the Annapurna Trekking, Langtang Trekking, Manaslu Trekking, Mustang Trekking, Mountain Flight, Water rafting, Jungle safari, City tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara or Lumbini ), homestay Tour, Nepal Cultural Tour, Tibet tour, Bhutan Tour or India Tour extension as per your time frame.
