Everest Base Camp Trekking with Helicopter Return: 11 Days

Introduction: Everest Base Camp Trekking with Helicopter Return

Everest Base Camp Trekking with Helicopter Return is a trip that involves trekking to the Base Camp of Everest and a heli return back to Kathmandu. This trip begins and concludes in Kathmandu, letting visitors see the grandeur and majesty of the Himalayas without completing the whole walk to Everest Base Camp. 

During the trek to base camp, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Everest Region and learn about Mount Everest's history. Trekkers may also get the opportunity to interact with local Sherpas and learn about their culture and way of life. After spending some time at the Everest Base Camp, trekkers will return back to Gorakshep, spend the night there. Next day, visitors fly back to kathmandu via Lukla.

The Everest Base Camp's high altitude might also be an issue to consider since some people may suffer from altitude sickness. Before scheduling this sort of journey, it is best to speak with a doctor and travel operator.

Why to book Everest Base CampTrek with heli return?

There are several reasons why someone might want to join a trip that involves a helicopter return from Everest Base Camp:

• Time Constraints: The average trip is 11 days, but when trekkers take a Heli back, it involves a different way of seeing the mountain with a bird's-eye view and a chance to avoid the walk back. Taking a helicopter trip back to Kathmandu saves valuable time if you’re in a hurry and have a limited number of days.
• Physical limitations: The trek to the Everest Base Camp takes several hours of daily trekking and climbing across rugged terrain. This may be difficult for those who are in poor physical condition or have mobility issues. You can bypass the physical challenges of the trip by booking a helicopter return.
• Luxury Lodges: This package includes luxury lodges with electric blankets. In case of unstable electricity, hot bags are provided, and rooms with attached bathrooms are available.
• Comfort: The Everest Base Camp Trek with a helicopter return allows you to travel in comfort, avoiding the physical demands of the trek. The entire journey to Everest Base Camp provides beautiful aerial views of the mountains and valleys below, as well as extra time to tour the base camp and interact with local Sherpas.

For whom is the EBC trek with heli return?

The Everest Base Camp Trek is perfect for seniors and if you lack physical abilities and want comfort want to save time.

If you want a Luxury Trek in Everest that involves good accommodation with attached bathrooms and electric blankets, and if you want to avoid unfavorable conditions and don’t want to trek back down the same way you walked for 8 days in 3 days then you need to select this package. 

If you are interested in experiencing the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas but do not want to complete the walk back, a helicopter return might be a good option for you. These tours are typically more expensive than normal trekking, which involves completing the full trek on foot, but they may be a more affordable option for people who do not have the time or physical ability to complete the full trek.

When is the best time for trekking at Everest Base Camp with a helicopter return?

The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is based on your individual interests and the type of excitement you prefer. In general, the perfect months to trek to the Everest Base Camp are September to November and March to May, when the weather is dry and sunny. Autumn and spring are the best trekking seasons, and the routes are normally in good shape.

Temperatures at the Everest Base Camp Gorakshep and Lobuche are also moderate, with highs around 0–15 degrees Celsius (32–59 degrees Fahrenheit) and lows around -8 to 5 degrees Celsius (17.6–41 degrees Fahrenheit).

What about the monsoon and winter seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp?

The winter weather can be particularly cold and dry throughout the winter (December to February), with temperatures dropping well below freezing at night. At higher elevations, snow is widespread, and the trails can be slippery and difficult to cross. This is a fantastic time to trek if you want a more challenging and less crowded experience.

There may be fewer teahouses and lodges opened during the winter season, especially at higher elevations like Gorakshep Lobuche and Dingboche, which may be a problem during the winter season.

The monsoon season in Nepal lasts from June to August, and the region is prone to severe rainfall and thunderstorms. The trails may be muddy and slippery, and there is a greater risk of landslides. The trails may be less busy because it is considered the off-season for trekking. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and the routes may be in poor shape, making the walk more difficult.

Ultimately, the best season for trekking to Everest Base Camp depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are looking for, but have flexible dates for flights and keep at least a week extra in case things go sideways.

How do I prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return?

The trek to Everest Base Camp is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that requires a detailed plan. You can prepare for the trek by doing the following things:

• Get in Shape: The trek to Everest Base Camp entails trekking for several hours each day and climbing across steep terrain, so physical fitness is required. Begin a training program that involves both cardiovascular (running or cycling) and strength training (such as squats and lunges).
• Acclimatize: The Everest Base Camp is located at an elevation of around 5,380 meters (17,600 feet), which is far higher than most people are accustomed to. Allowing your body time to acclimate to the high altitude can help reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Before beginning the trek, consider spending a few days in Kathmandu (1,400 meters/4,600 feet) or Lukla (2,800 meters/9,200 feet).
• Pack wisely: The weather in the Himalayas may be inconsistent, with temperatures varying from pleasant during the day to bitterly cold at night. Bring layers of clothing that you can easily add and remove, as well as a warm cap, gloves, and a sturdy pair of hiking boots.
• Get Vaccinated: Some vaccines, such as those for hepatitis A, COVID-19, and typhoid, are advised for visitors to Nepal. To establish whether medicines are appropriate for you, speak with a healthcare provider or a travel clinic.
• Travel insurance: It is important to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations, as these can be costly in the event of an emergency on the trek.
• Hire a trustworthy trekking agency: Holiday Tours Nepal is a trust worth providing employment opportunities to the local guide for the journey to the Everest Base Camp. Local guides can provide useful information about the route, local culture, and safety, as well as assist you in adjusting to the high altitude. Holiday Tours Nepal provides a reliable guide with prior experience leading treks in the area.

Climate and weather conditions during the trek to Everest Base Camp.

The weather can be particularly cold and dry during the winter (December to February), with temperatures plunging well below freezing at night. At higher elevations, snow is frequent, and the trails can be slick and difficult to walk.

The summer (June to August) is the monsoon season in Nepal, and the region is prone to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The trails may be muddy and slippery, and the risk of landslides is higher.

At the Everest Base Camp (5,380 meters/17,600 feet), the weather is cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -10 to 10 degrees Celsius (14 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and dropping well below freezing at night. It is important to bring layers of warm clothing and be prepared for changes in the weather.

Accommodation facilities at Everest

Holiday Tours Nepal provides the best tea houses that have private attached bathrooms, electric blankets, warm rooms, and hot water bags to place inside the sleeping bag in case of electricity unavailability.

The accommodation facilities on the trek to Everest Base Camp are basic and may not be the same as what you are used to at home. It is important to remember that you will be in a remote and rugged environment, and the facilities will reflect this.

We have the option of providing rooms with electric blankets and attached bathrooms at an additional cost of $400 per person. These types of lodges are not luxurious lodges, but they are comfortable lodges compared to normal and basic lodges and are warm and comfortable. Places like Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Debouche, and Dingboche offer these facilities. For the last two days at Gorakshep and Lobuche, attached bathrooms have not been available, but electric blankets are available, which work through solar panels. In case the blankets are not working, we provide hot water bags to all the clients and trekkers.

Washing and toilet facilities at Everest

In the lodges, you have access to private attached bathrooms. These amenities may be simple and straightforward, lacking hot water and toilet paper. Some lodges offer hot showers for which the tea houses charge extra. 

It is important to remember that the facilities on the trek may be basic and may not be the same as what you are used to at home. It is a good idea to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer and to be prepared for the possibility of taking cold water showers.

Note in Lobuche and Gorakshep due to lack of availability there may be limited room and sometimes a place in higher elevation may be packed due to which attached rooms may not be available.

Culture and religion seen at the Everest Base Camp.

Sherpa people, a Tibetan Buddhist minority renowned for their strong mountaineering history, live in the Everest Region. The sherpas have a strong cultural and spiritual connection to the mountains, and they play an important part in the region's tourism economy.

You will have the opportunity to learn about Sherpa culture and their way of life during your climb to Everest Base Camp. Along the walk, you may witness prayer flags, Mani walls (walls adorned with stone tablets inscribed with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"), and chortens (stupas), all of which are key parts of Tibetan Buddhist culture. In the villages, you may also come across monasteries and thakhangs (little temples), which are frequently utilized for prayer and meditation.

The Sherpas are polite and welcoming people who will be delighted to share their culture and customs with you. When visiting temples and monasteries, it is important to be respectful of their culture and religion, as well as to follow local customs and traditions.

Why is travel insurance necessary for Everest trekking?

Travel insurance is necessary for your Everest Base Camp trek to protect against unforeseen situations such as medical emergencies, evacuations, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen luggage.

When choosing a travel insurance policy, be sure it includes coverage for high-altitude treks as well as emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Consider obtaining trip cancellation and interruption coverage in case you need to cancel or shorten your vacation due to unforeseen circumstances.

Some points to look for in a travel insurance policy for Everest Base Camp Trekking with Helicopter Return include:

• Medical Coverage: Choose a policy that provides coverage for medical emergencies, including altitude sickness and other illnesses that may occur during the trek.
• Evacuation coverage: Choose a policy that provides coverage for evacuations by helicopter or other means in case of a medical emergency or other unforeseen event.
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage: Choose a policy that provides coverage in case you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a natural disaster.
• Baggage coverage: Choose a policy that provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.

It is important to read a copy of your travel insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered. It is also a good idea to consult with a travel agent or a travel insurance specialist to determine the best policy for your needs.

How is the rescue done in the Everest region?

There are two types of policies. The first one is in which the trekkers pay first and get paid back by the insurance company, and the other is in which the insurance company pays up all the amount upfront.

For rescue, the helicopter charges $5500 for chartering it from Everest Region to Kathmandu. Then, from the airport, the trekkers are taken to the hospital in an ambulance, and the doctors and nurses take over from there. The patient is kept in the hospital for observation and treatment and is discharged when the hospital gives discharge clearance.

Altitude Sickness during the Everest Base Camp Trek

Altitude sickness, commonly known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a common disease caused by rapidly ascending to high altitudes. Headache, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping are all symptoms of AMS. In severe circumstances, AMS can develop into life-threatening diseases such as High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

As you ascend higher in altitude, the danger of altitude sickness grows, and it is a concern for trekkers and climbers on the Everest Base Camp journey, as the base camp is located at a height of roughly 5,380 meters (17,600 feet). To lessen the risk of AMS, allow your body time to acclimate to the high altitude by gradually ascending and taking rest days as needed. While at high elevations, it is also important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking.

If you have AMS symptoms, you should descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible and seek medical assistance if they do not improve. Medications may be used to help prevent or treat AMS in some circumstances.

If you have a history of AMS or other medical issues, you should visit a doctor before embarking on a Journey to Everest Base Camp. Your doctor can advise you on whether the trek is safe for you and give tips for preventing or managing AMS.