Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Most of our groups consist of around eight trekkers, with a maximum of ten. Your trek will definitely happen on the planned dates, even if you're the only person signed up. We can also set up private solo treks if you want something more personal.

Once you book, we confirm everything right away. The only time we might change plans is during earthquakes, bad storms, or political problems.

Solo trekkers are completely welcome. Even if nobody else books your dates, we'll still run the trek with full guide and porter support at solo prices. The care and service stays exactly the same whether traveling alone or with others.

Yes, we arrange private Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return in 11 days for families, friends, or individuals. For groups of two or more, we offer flexible scheduling and pacing tailored to your needs. You don’t have to worry about group size; we’ll make sure your party stays together. Solo travelers are also welcome on private trips, though an additional cost applies.

The key difference lies in how you return from the trek. The 12-day itinerary follows a helicopter return from Gorak Shep to Lukla. Then, the trekkers rest for a day in Lukla and catch a flight to Kathmandu the following day.

In contrast, the 11-day version includes a helicopter ride back from Gorakshep to Lukla and then to Kathmandu on the same day. There is no stay in Lukla in the Everest Base Camp Trek with a helicopter return in 11 days.

Moreover, in 11-day Everest Base Camp Heli itineraries, trekkers stay in 5-star hotels, whereas in the 12-day package, they stay in 3-star hotels.

Yes, most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. To speed up the process, complete the online application in advance and bring either cash or a card for payment. Make sure your passport is valid for six months from your arrival date and has at least one page for the visa stamp.

For full details, please see our Nepal Visa Information page.

Yes, we pick up and drop off all trekkers doing the 11-day Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return. When your plane lands, a Nepal Hiking Team representative will be waiting outside the airport with our company sign.

At the end of your trip, we'll drive you to the airport about three hours before your flight takes off. If you come early or stay longer in Nepal, we'll change the pickup time to match your plans.

The Everest Base Camp Trek includes two nights at a 5-star hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. These luxury accommodations are part of the full package, ensuring your journey begins and ends in comfort.

At the pre-trek meeting, you meet your guide, pay any money still owed, and give them your passport plus travel insurance copy. Your guide looks through all your gear to make sure nothing important is missing.

We give you important gear like a warm down jacket, sleeping bag, cap, duffel bag, and detailed trek map. This meeting is also a good time to ask questions or talk about anything that worries you as our team is there to help.

Start by filling out the trip and traveler information form. Flight and insurance details can be provided later. Securing your booking requires a 20% deposit, after which your trip will be confirmed.

The remaining balance of Everest Base Camp Helio trek can be settled at arrival using either cash or card for your convenience.

The 20% deposit is non-refundable for cancellation for any reason, including injury, illness, or unforeseen events. However, we offer full credit with no expiry, allowing you to use the amount toward any future trip with us.

You can fly straight to Lukla from Kathmandu during the quiet months. But in busy season (March-May and September-November), flights leave from Ramechhap Airport instead, which means a five-hour drive from Kathmandu.

To catch the early morning Ramechhap flight to Lukla, we leave Kathmandu around 1:00 or 2:00 AM. We'll tell you the exact time during your pre-trek meeting so everything goes smoothly.

If your trek is delayed or canceled, we can arrange a helicopter ride for an additional fee of $450 per person upon departure. If consensus isn’t reached, we will reschedule your flight for the following day.

Yes, helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are available at around USD 450 per person, one-way. Advance notice is required to arrange availability and confirm your booking.

The trek is rated moderate to strenuous because of the high altitude, rugged trails, and daily hikes of around 6 to 7 hours (10 to 11 kilometers per day). No prior trekking experience is required; you just need to be physically fit and active.

A steady pace is maintained to ensure safe acclimatization as you pass through Sagarmatha National Park.

The trek covers approximately 115 kilometers (72 miles). It includes the climb to Kala Patthar, which stands at 5,545 meters and offers breathtaking views of Mt. Everest.

The journey starts and ends in Lukla and passes through spots like Namche Bazaar, Everest View Hotel, Tengboche, Dingboche, Nangkartshang Hill, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Kala Patthar.

Yes, travel insurance is required. Make sure your policy covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters, emergency evacuation, and helicopter rescue.

We suggest choosing insurance from well-known companies like Genki Traveler, AXA, Allianz, or World Nomads.

To help you out, we have put together a list of trusted insurance providers based on what past trekkers have recommended.

Our Sherpa guides have many years of experience trekking at high altitudes. They carry first aid kits and oximeters to check your oxygen levels regularly so they can spot any signs of altitude sickness early.

The itinerary includes two days for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help your body get used to the altitude. If anyone feels unwell, the guide will slow the pace, give extra rest, or help with a descent if needed.

We pick teahouses that are clean and trustworthy to make sure you stay comfortable. In serious emergencies, we arrange helicopter evacuations quickly.

These safety steps are part of every Everest Base Camp Heli Trek we run to keep you safe throughout your trip.

The ideal seasons for the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek are spring and autumn. During these months, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and trekking conditions in the Everest region are at their best.

Yes, you can trek during both summer and winter. In summer, there’s a chance flights may be canceled because of rain. In winter, the trails can be icy, slippery, and sometimes snow can block the path.

The good part is these seasons are less crowded. With the right preparation and gear, we make sure you can complete the trek safely any time of the year.

Vaccines are not mandatory to enter Nepal or take part in the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. However, because stray dogs are common in Sherpa villages, you might want to consider a rabies vaccination. It’s best to speak with your doctor for advice tailored to your health.

We recommend trekking at a steady pace, drinking plenty of water, about 4 to 5 liters a day, and sticking to the acclimatization schedule. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding alcohol will also help your body adjust. Our itinerary includes rest days to support your acclimatization.

If you ever feel unwell, let your guide know immediately. They will regularly check your oxygen levels and watch for signs of altitude sickness. In serious cases, helicopter evacuation is available.

No worries! Our experienced guides are there to support you and help you cross suspension bridges if needed. After a few crossings, you’ll likely feel much more confident and comfortable.

Yes, the itinerary includes two acclimatization days, one in Namche Bazaar and another in Dingboche. These rest days give your body time to adjust to the altitude and help lower the risk of altitude sickness.

Our porter will carry up to 25 kilograms of combined gear for every two trekkers. You only need to carry a personal daypack. Since your porter will usually be ahead, it’s best to keep essentials like your water bottle, phone, camera, and snacks with you until you reach your destination.

The standard luggage allowance for Lukla flights is 15 kilograms per person. If your baggage exceeds this limit, the airline may charge an excess fee or delay your bag to a later flight based on available space.

Yes, you can store your extra luggage in the hotel's safe locker in Kathmandu for free. You can collect your bags once you return from the mountains. This way, you can trek with only the essentials, making your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return 11 days more convenient.

We supply a sleeping bag, a down jacket, and a duffel bag for the trek. Both the sleeping bag and jacket are specially made by Nepal Hiking Team and rated for temperatures as low as -15°C. You’ll also receive a detailed trek map, along with a complimentary Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt and cap.

Yes, upon completing the trek, you will receive a certificate recognizing your achievement and dedication.

We provide twin-sharing lodges that offer basic comforts such as proper beds, mattresses, and clean sheets. In lower villages like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, you’ll find private bathrooms with hot showers. As you go higher, facilities become simpler with shared toilets and more basic rooms.

Yes, local SIM cards from NTC and Ncell are available in Kathmandu. On the trek, you can purchase data cards from Everest Link or Nepal Airlink at teahouses. Prices range from around USD 10–15 for 7–10 GB and USD 15–20 for 20 GB. This helps you connect with your friends, family, and work while on the trail.

Yes, most teahouses offer device charging for NPR 200–500 per device. Since solar power at higher altitudes depends on the weather, it’s a good idea to carry a power bank as a backup.

Overnight stays at Everest Base Camp are possible with a private booking for at least two people, at an additional cost of USD 450 per person. This includes tented accommodation arranged by our team. However, we generally do not recommend staying overnight there due to the high altitude and associated safety risks at 5,364 meters.

Yes, most teahouses in Lukla, Phakding, Namche, and along the trek have Western-style toilets. However, in higher elevations during winter, frozen pipes may require the use of squat toilets.

Our package includes twin-sharing rooms by default. If you prefer a private room, it’s available for an additional $250, subject to availability.

Teahouses offer a range of cuisines including Nepali, Indian, Italian, and Chinese. You’ll also find desserts and cold drinks to suit your taste. All meals are freshly prepared to provide the energy needed for high-altitude trekking. Trekkers can choose food of their preference from the menu.

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available throughout the trek. If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, please inform us in advance. This allows us to coordinate with the lodges and ensure your requirements are met along the way.

Please inform your guide of any food allergies. They will make sure you receive meals that are safe and suitable for your needs.

You have several choices for drinking water on the trek. The best option is using spring water with the purification tablets your guide gives you, or bring a water filter bottle. Tea houses also sell boiled water if you need it.

Try to avoid buying bottled water. It costs much more than other options and creates plastic waste problems in the mountains.

Yes! We offer full customization for private trips, letting you adjust the pace, add rest days, and include sightseeing tours in Kathmandu. However, itinerary customization is not available for group treks.

Yes, we can arrange a day tour of Kathmandu either before or after your trek. You’ll visit some of the city’s holiest and UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you choose to extend your trip by more than a day, we’re happy to offer additional tours to Bhaktapur and Patan as well.

At the end of your trek in Lukla, you'll want to tip your guides and porters. The amount is completely your choice - some people give more, others less, depending on what they can afford and how happy they were with the service. Your guide and porter team will be grateful for whatever you decide to give them after all their hard work on the mountain.

Bring plenty of cash to cover mountain expenses like Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging your phone, and extra snacks. The ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar break down frequently, so grab enough money from Kathmandu banks before heading into the mountains.