Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Best Time

To really appreciate the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, a good time of year must be chosen.  Among the greatest seasons are March through May and September through November (spring and fall).  Before arriving in the heart of the Himalayas, this trip leads you through verdant woods, quaint Sherpa communities, and breathtaking scenery.

Spring is known as the blooming paradise because of the fresh flowers and greenery, and for the autumn season, it’s known as the crimson canopy because of the beautiful red, orange, and golden leaves. During these months, the temperature is mild. The skies are clear with the crisp air.

Spring offers vibrant rhododendron blooms and majestic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks within the Himalayas and Sagarmatha National Park; autumn, on the other hand, offers a tranquil experience. The temperatures are comfortable for trekking because the post-monsoon clarity is exceptional, with golden light illuminating the peaks.

Apart from spring and autumn, which provide excellent visibility for pilots for safe flights in a helicopter ride, ensuring a smooth, scenic, and comfortable ride over the Khumbu Glacier, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and other breathtaking landscapes. There would not be any weather risks during these seasons.

Similarly, the months of December to February may be an alternative for individuals who don’t mind the cold, as the skies stay clear, but the temperature drops dramatically.

Only a few teahouses will be open during the winter, which is the least ideal time of year because of the numerous disadvantages brought on by the bitter cold. You need to have layered clothes and compatible gear with extra preparation for this season.

However, the monsoon season is the least favorable due to heavy rainfall, poor visibility, and frequent flight cancellations. Since the trek involves a return, optimal weather is crucial for smooth operations.

Morning flights are preferable to afternoon flights because of unpredictable weather and the chances of delays. Despite all these, the monsoon also brings lush greenery and peaceful routes on this Everest Base Camp Heli Trek 8-day adventure.

Elevation and Distance

This adventurous Everest Base Camp Heli Trek 8-day itinerary trip takes you to an altitude of less than 4000 meters in the Khumbu region.  On the second day, after landing at Tenzing Hillary airport, you will reach an altitude of 2860 meters in Lukla.  From here, you will hike to Phakding Village at 2610 meters, then to Namche Bazaar at 3440 meters to acclimate.

Similarly, the last village you will visit on this journey is Thame Village, which sits at an altitude of 3610 meters. Moreover, the helicopter flies at a close range of 5500 to 6000 meters over the Everest Base Camp (5364 meters) to offer the best panoramic views.

In the same way, you are walking approximately 35 kilometers on this short Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter flight excursion. From Lukla, you will cover 8 km to walk to Phakding Village, 10 km to trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding, roughly 5 km to go on a short hike to Hotel Everest View in a round trip from Namche, and finally 12 km to trek to Thame and return to Namche.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

This Everest Base Camp Heli Trek package journey is relatively easier than the classic EBC trek because you don’t have to trek for longer days in higher altitudes. However, basic fitness is required to walk on steep trails for long hours. One of the main hurdles of this journey is altitude sickness.

As you ascend, the air pressure decreases, making it harder to breathe if not acclimated properly. Our 8-day Everest Base Camp Heli Trek journey includes acclimatization, which will help you overcome the risk of acute mountain sickness.

However, one should not ignore any symptoms like muscle pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, etc., when trekking at higher altitudes for early prevention.

Minimum and Maximum walk per day

On this Everest Base Camp Heli Trek excursion, you will trek for about four days out of the total eight days of the trip. The average number of hikes required for this journey is five hours. So, basic fitness is fine for visitors to enjoy this journey to the fullest and have a ton of memorable moments.

Similarly, the most extended house of trek you will walk will be on day 5 when you trek to Thame Village from Namche Bazaar in a round trip. Likewise, the shortest hours of the trek you will walk will be on day 2, when you trek to Phakding from Lukla town.

Accommodation, Food and Drink

Food and accommodation expenses will be added to our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek package. You will transfer to twin-sharing accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu offering standard facilities during your stay. Likewise, while you are in the Khumbu region, you will be accommodated in a twin-sharing guesthouse for 5 nights continuously.

You will be provided with a comfortable cushion, blanket, and bedsheets to sleep on. Bathrooms are typically shared, and showers are available in the lower regions like Phakding, Lukla, and Namche Bazaar. These guesthouses serve everyday breakfast dishes like pancakes, noodles, fruit, porridge, etc.

As for lunch and dinner, they serve dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), pizza, thukpas, noodles, momos, etc., and some Western dishes too. When it comes to drinks, you will be served regular tea or coffee with breakfast. However, you will need to pay extra money for other drinks like cappuccino, soft beverages, and hard beverages on the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek excursion.

Extra Expenses

Please be aware that various expenses are considered extra costs for the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek and are not included in the package. You need to pay for meals like lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu, as well as any beverages, such as boiled and bottled water.

Good advice is to get travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation from high altitudes. Insurance will also cover the risks of flying in a helicopter. You need to buy the best insurance policy by yourself, which is an extra cost that is not included in our package.

In addition, guests are also responsible for tips for trekking staff and drivers and Nepal entry visa costs, which start at USD 30 for a 15-day visa to USD 125 for a 90-day visa. Personal trekking gear and other incidental expenses in the form of traveler’s costs are to be paid, thereby ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.

Transportation

Pick-up and drop-off service from and to the airport will already be included in our Everest Base Camp Heli Trek package. So, upon arrival in Nepal, you don’t have to worry about finding a taxi and a hotel. We will take a plane to Lukla from Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of breathtaking snow-blanketed peaks.

Similarly, on Day 6, we will ride in a shared helicopter over Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Khumbu Valley, and the surrounding scenery.  The Everest Base Camp Heli Trek will conclude with a return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

What to expect from this trip?

This 8-day short Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter flight is an exciting trip that includes both trekking and a stunning helicopter ride. Be ready for an easy and smooth trip from Kathmandu to Lukla, where you will take a flight and then a slow hike through picturesque Sherpa villages, including Phakding and Namche Bazaar.

Among the activities, the day in Namche is dedicated to acclimatization. It comes with an opportunity to absorb the native people’s customs and encounter the mountains right before you. The Everest View Hotel serves as a vantage point for getting the best view of the mountains, including Kongde Ri, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Everest.

More fantastic discoveries can be made in this heavenly region, including a hike to the Tibetan-Nepalese Thame Village and monastery. You will have the chance to barely believe your own eyes as the helicopter you will be in takes you high over Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Valley, and Kala Patthar on the sixth day.

Hiking, cultural enlightenment, and fantastic sky views are just some of the things to look forward to on this unforgettable journey. So, this 8-day Everest Base Camp Heli Trek will surpass all your expectations while traveling that you have thought of in your home. You just enjoy the ride of the journey and create memorable moments.