Mount Everest Helicopter Tour - 10 Days

Free Airport Pick-Up

We provide free airport to hotel pick-up during your arrival and vice-versa during your return to your country. You just need to share your flight details with us. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name. After greeting you, they will present you with a marigold garland as a welcome gesture and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. We provide this service to ensure you do not feel lonely in a new country or face navigation problems.

Journey Start

You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at least before 3 pm, one day earlier than your trek departure date for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person trip briefing. During the trip briefing, we will provide important information about the trek, check your luggage to ensure you are adequately prepared, and motivate you to complete your trek. You will require at least one day of a hotel stay in Kathmandu before the trip, but this package does not include accommodations and meals in Kathmandu. On your trip departure date, we will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for a flight to Lukla. Your flight will last for about 40 minutes. 

Accommodations during the trek

You will be spending nine nights in the trek region. You will spend four nights in rooms with attached bathrooms at Phakding, Namche (2N), and Lukla. Similarly, you will stay in standard rooms at Dingboche (2n), Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. All rooms are on twin shared basis.

You will require at least two days of hotel stays in Kathmandu - one before the trek and the other at the end - but this package does not cover these accommodations. You can find a wide range of hotels that fit all tastes and budgets. 

Meals

You will need plenty of nutrient-rich food for this high-altitude trek. We will provide you with three nutritious and delicious meals a day and a total of ten breakfasts, nine lunches, and nine dinners in the trek regions. 

The food is either traditional, Asian, or Western, but your choices start to get limited as you reach higher regions. For high-altitude treks, it is always a good idea to take plenty of liquids - green, lemon, ginger tea, garlic soup(must), and fresh vegetables. Though non-veg items will be available, we suggest you avoid them for hygiene regions.  

Here are your meal options.

Breakfast - Local Tsampa porridge, Tibetan bread or Chapati, Fruits and Vegetables, Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli Breads, Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, Honey, Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)

Lunch - Dhal, Bhat, & Tarkari, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potatoes, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc

Dinner - Tenduk Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Macaroni, Potatoes items, Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts items (Rice pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks, Steaks, etc

We also suggest you avoid alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, dairy, and hot chocolates during the trek.

Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek

You must consider the weather when you decide to trek to the Everest Base Camp (EBC). Though people trek to Everest Base Camp throughout the year, trekking to EBC is easier in some seasons. Nevertheless, trekking during different seasons will provide you with unique experiences.

Most trekkers make it to the EBC during spring and autumn when the skies are clear, there are minimum chances of rain, and the temperature is just right. Clear skies allow you to enjoy breathtaking views while avoiding winter snow or wet and slippery paths during the summer monsoon season. Here is a brief weather condition at the high trek regions. 

January - February

Early January to early February is the coldest period, with heavy snowfalls in high elevations plummeting the temperature. The daytime is still warm with clear skies, but the nights get frigid. The treks get challenging but not impossible. Hence, we conduct safe winter EBC treks during these months.

Temperatures: 15°C to -15°C.

March - April

These are some of the best months to hike to the Everest Base Camp. Temperatures rise from the mid of March, and with clear skies, the Himalayas and glaciers look stunning. March marks the beginning of the spring season, marked by rising temperatures, and the plants and animals dormant throughout the winter become alive, feeding, and breeding in the sun-kissed temperatures. 

Temperatures: 18°C to -12°C.

May - June

These two months are also perfect for trekking, mainly before the monsoon arrives. The monsoons become active in Nepal from June end and last till mid-August. The mix of spring and summer seasons provides a very great time to trek during these months.

Temperatures: 25°C to -5°C.

July - August

Due to heavy monsoon rain in regions below 3,500m, your flights to and from Lukla may be postponed or canceled. Still, the treks to Everest Base Camp are possible, and we conduct safe and fulling hikes during these months. The rain allows you to enjoy the spectacular views of waterfalls.

Temperatures: 27°C to 5°C.

September - October

This is one more perfect season for EBC treks that brings flocks of tourists to the trekking trails. The monsoon ends, ushering in a perfect trekking season. The day temperature goes up to 20°C and falls to around 5°C at night. This is the favorite season for most trekkers to reach EBC, as the skies clear up, providing stunning views of snow peaks. We recommend most trekkers trek to EBC during September and October months. Many Nepali festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Chhat - are also celebrated during these months, adding a festive mood to the trek regions.

Temperatures: 20°C to 5°C.

November - December

The winter begins and brings snowfall in the Himalayas, and eventually, it gets tough to trek. Nights are frigid. However, November treks are enjoyable - providing great views of high mountains. From December, the temperature dips, and heavy snowfalls begin.

Temperatures: 10°C to -17°C.

Acclimatization during the trek

Altitude sickness is a common condition among trekkers who try to ascend the Everest Base Camp in haste. To prevent altitude sickness, you will be acclimatizing in two locations, Namche Bazaar, and Dingboche. Trekkers can spend their time exploring the famous Sherpa town of Namche while getting used to the thinner air. We will also have the second day of acclimatization in Dingboche, where you will hike up the ridge behind the village to enjoy breathtaking views of the towering Himalayas.

Our crew members come from the high Himalayas. Hence, they are perfectly at ease at high altitudes. Moreover, our guides have completed extensive first-aid training. Your health and well-being are our priority. Altitude sickness can strike anyone. Hence, we encourage you to tell your guide when you realize you are uncomfortable. Though altitude sickness is common, severe altitude sickness can be fatal. In serious cases, your trek lead may decide to descend immediately. In emergencies, we will deploy a helicopter (funded by insurance) to bring you back to safety. We request you listen to your guide at all times. 

Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and Health

Though the Everest Base Camp trek is challenging, it is equally rewarding. On average, you will walk for about five to seven hours, depending on the length of the trails to cover and the nature of the trails. Your path will be mostly uphill on rocky and stone-paved trails. 

However, you will have frequent breaks to soak in the scenery and rest. A normal person with average fitness can complete the trek, but the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your trip. If you have past trekking experience, it will help but not necessary. However, if you suffer from heart, lung, or blood diseases, you must consult your doctor and inform us before booking the trek. 

Trekking group/single

This is a private tour designed for your group. However, we can manage all group sizes. 

A typical day on the trek

Each trekking day brings a unique hiking experience, climbing, tasting local food, enjoying the scenery, taking pictures, and exploring the local villages. Throughout your hike, our friendly and qualified Sherpa/guide will share information about the places as you visit them. 

We assign porters to carry your luggage, but per trekker weight limit is 9 kg. One porter will carry luggage for two persons - at a maximum of 18 kg. We never overload our porters. You will also need to carry a regular backpack to keep your valuables and essential documents safe and secure. 

Your day starts early morning with a hot cup of tea/coffee. After breakfast, at around 7 to 8 am, depending on the length and condition of the trails to cover, we will start the trek. We will serve you lunch around noon, often mid-way between the next destination. Then, you will walk for about two or three hours. After reaching the destination, set for that day, you can snack on your extra-dietary supplements. You are then free to explore the nearby regions.

We serve dinner at around six. After dinner, your guide will let you know about the next day’s plan. Then you will have time for yourself. You can engage in friendly conversations or play board games like chess, cards, and Monopoly. If you have brought a book alongside, you can enjoy the reading. Most trekkers also learn fun and light Nepali words before going to bed. 

Communication

Wi-Fi service is available at all the tea houses/lodges you will be staying. However, you might need to pay for it. You can contact your friends and families from these tea houses/lodges. At high altitudes, we will be using mobile phones. If you wish, you can surely buy a local SIM in Kathmandu. However, the signals may not be strong enough. Discovery World Trekking office remains in contact with all its team at least once a day via the trek lead to ensure the trip is going as planned. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory. We require all trekkers to provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy to us before starting the trek. Your policy must cover helicopter medical evacuation up to the highest trek point (5,500m) in addition to treatment costs.

If you require, we can suggest insurance companies for you based on our previous clients’ experience, but we are not engaged in selling any insurance policy in any shape or form. In emergencies, we will use your insurance details to arrange an effective rescue plan. 

Passport and visa

All foreigners, except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. However, fortunately, an on-arrival visa is available for citizens from most countries at the Tribhuvan International Airport and immigration points at Nepal-India and Nepal-China borders. To apply for the visa you will need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-size photo, and visa fees. The current rate is USD 50 for a 30-day stay.

Citizens of China and the SAARC (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan) countries are eligible for free visas. However, citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Palestine, and Afghanistan - may not receive on-arrival visas. So citizens from these countries should contact their local Nepalese embassy. Similarly, most children under the age of 10 will get free visas.

Nepal Government has the authority to change visa rules without prior notice. So, for the latest visa info, visit https://www.immigration.gov.np/. 

Money Exchange

Nepali Rupees (NPR) is the local currency.
(1 USD = ~ Rs.130 NPR)

You can exchange all major foreign currencies through banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Legal money exchanges display ongoing exchange rates visibly. 

If you have Indian Rupees, please make sure you have Indian Rupee notes of 100 and 2000 only. Other Indian Rupee notes are illegal in Nepal. 

Despite the security advantage of traveler's cheques, we recommend you bring cash and change them for Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu. Cash exchanges will help you avoid lengthy processes and high bank commissions. 

You have the option to withdraw cash (in Rupees only) from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu and Thamel itself. Most of these ATMs are open 24/7. However, the maximum withdrawal limit for a foreign card is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing fee.

If you choose to exchange your money at banks and financial institutions, they will charge a service fee of 4% or more, depending upon the bank.

Since trek regions have no banks and money exchange services, you should exchange your money in Kathmandu, depending on your personal estimates. Trek regions only accept Nepalese currency. We estimate that you will need USD 10 to 20 per trekking day.

How much luggage can I bring to Everest Base Camp Trek?

We assign one porter for every two trekkers, and our porters will not carry more than 18 kg of luggage. So your personal luggage weight limit is 9 kg. We also expect you to bring a regular backpack to keep your valuables and important documents safe. We advise you to pack only the most essential things for the trek. You can store extra luggage at your hotel or Discovery World Trekking store. Before starting the trip, we will recheck your luggage to ensure you have packed all required clothing, equipment, and gear. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Safety

We guarantee the client's safety, security, and satisfaction. We carry all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits, ready to face any situation. If a trekker catches altitude sickness, the trek leader decides whether to continue the trek or descend immediately based on the circumstances. In emergencies, a rescue helicopter will bring you back to safety. Your insurance will fund helicopter evacuation. For group safety, we will travel together.

Tipping

Nepali culture accepts tipping. Tipping is a way to appreciate the service provided. However, tipping is at the trekker's discretion and should reflect the quality of service obtained, the length of the trek, and the cost of the trip. We encourage you to tip collectively and at the end of the trek.

Discovery World Trekking Crew

Throughout your trek, our well-experienced guides/Sherpas will accompany you. They are licensed and have been leading trek teams into deep, remote Himalayas for decades. Porters will carry luggage for every two trekkers, but they will only carry more than 18 kg. It means your luggage weight limit is 9 kg.

Our crew members are locals, born and raised in the remote Himalayas. So they can easily endure high altitude Himalayas as they are accustomed to high elevations. 

All our staff members are precious to us. We pay them well and cover their insurance, clothing, food, and lodging throughout the expedition. All our guides and porters receive medical care when ill or injured. 

We try hard to keep our staff members happy as we believe only a happy person can keep others happy. All of our trek leads:

• are intensive wilderness first aid trained
• have completed conservation and biodiversity training
• have trekking guide training certificates
• are fluent in English and another major language
• have rock climbing experience

Responsible travel

We strongly believe in environmental sustainability and try hard to leave only footprints behind in the trek regions. If we do not protect the trek regions in pristine condition, no trekkers will come to these areas in the future. Hence, we work with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly trips.  Our focus is on meeting the expectation of travelers as well as the communities in trek regions.

Booking and payment process

Discovery world trekking is a Nepal government-authorized and bonded trekking and touring operator in service for more than a decade. We are also members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). 

Therefore, you can book Discovery World Trekking trips with confidence. We require 10% of the trip cost as an advance to confirm the booking. You can pay using bank transfer, Wise, or through our website. You can pay the remaining trek cost in cash, using a bank transfer or Wise, after arriving in Nepal. We will also email you payment details, including the modes of payment. 

We request you to send necessary documents like passport copy, passport size photos, travel insurance policy, and arrival and departure flights within a week of booking the trek. Please note that the number of domestic flights to Lukla is limited, and the airport gets extremely busy during trekking seasons.

Last-minute booking

Even though we expect you to book your trips in advance, we have a special provision for a last-minute bookings. To take advantage of this provision, we require you to pay 100% of the trip cost 24 hours before the trek departure date. 

Even though we try our best to organize treks at all times, in the case of last-minute booking, there is a minimal chance of trek delay due to circumstances beyond our control, like the unavailability of air tickets and accommodations, unfavorable weather, etc.

Trip Extensions

If you have a couple of days extra in Nepal after the trek completion, we can organize activities for you. There are several options - exploring places in and around Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan jungle safari, rafting, canoeing, paragliding, etc. 

Feedback

After completing the Everest Base Camp trek, Discovery World Trekking will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After the dinner, we will present you with the Discovery World Trekking trek achievement certificate. This is also a great time to give us trek feedback so that we can improve our services in the future.