17 Days
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The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek is a strenuous journey through several distinct landscapes of the Khumbu. The first part follows the classic Everest Base Camp route, passing through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, river valleys, and alpine terrain before reaching Everest Base Camp.
As you climb higher, the landscape changes into open alpine valleys, rocky moraines, glaciers, and snow-covered peaks. Trekkers can catch a glimpse of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Thamserku, and Cho Oyu from different points of the trail.
After EBC, the itinerary takes a different route through Dzongla and Cho La rather than simply retracing the trail. The trek becomes more demanding above 4,000 meters, and the views change considerably between Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri.
This Himalayan journey is suitable for trekkers who are comfortable walking for several hours a day at high altitude, as you spend multiple days hiking in the Himalayas.
The trek begins with a flight to Lukla, followed by the first walk to Phakding. From there, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley through Monjo and Sagarmatha National Park before climbing to Namche Bazaar. An acclimatization day in Namche includes a hike toward Everest View Hotel or another nearby viewpoint before the route continues toward Tengboche.
From Tengboche, the trail passes through Pangboche and climbs toward Dingboche. Another acclimatization day is spent here, with a higher hike toward Nagarjuna/Nangkartshang viewpoint. The route then enters increasingly rugged terrain as it climbs through Lobuche toward Gorak Shep.
From Gorak Shep, you make the round trip to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, returning to Gorak Shep for the night. The following morning begins with the climb to Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters, followed by a descent and continuation toward Dzongla.
At Dzongla, the route leaves the main EBC trail and crosses Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters to enter the Gokyo Valley. After descending to Thangnak/Dragnag, you continue across the Ngozumpa Glacier toward Gokyo village, located beside Dudh Pokhari, the third Gokyo Lake.
The final trekking highlight is the climb to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters. After returning to Gokyo, you take the helicopter to Lukla. The following day, you fly from Lukla toward Kathmandu, with a reserve day included in case weather or flight conditions affect the flight schedule.
Who doesn’t love more options to explore, right? Here are some of the alternative treks:
Skips Everest Base Camp and Cho La Pass, focusing on Gokyo Lakes with a scenic helicopter experience over the Himalayas.
Classic Everest Base Camp journey through the Khumbu region with Kala Patthar viewpoint and cultural Sherpa villages along the route.
Direct trek to Everest Base Camp with helicopter return from Gorakshep to Lukla, offering a fast and scenic Himalayan exit.
In any case, we assure you that we will provide the best service. Even if you want to customize your trip, no worries; we are here to help you in any way we can.
For the 17-day EBC with Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek, Nepal Hiking Team handles all the permits, flights, accommodation, meals, guide, porter support, and necessary logistics. With almost two decades of experience leading treks through the Khumbu region, we prioritise guest safety, comfort, and overall experience.
Our team of local licensed guides safely guides you through varied terrain, monitoring your health and keeping you accompanied throughout the journey. Booking your next EBC with Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle with NHT ensures flexibility, reliability, and an immersive trekking experience in the Khumbu region.
During the peak seasons for the trip-name (March to May and September to November), all the Lukla flights will be operated from the Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuvan Airport.
On your arrival day, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for rest and preparation. You can use the time to recover from your international journey or stroll around the neighborhood.
Day two is a preparation day where trekkers can check their trekking gear and purchase any last-minute items for the journey ahead. After breakfast, we will have a short trek briefing covering the route, altitude considerations, itinerary, and clear any queries. We will also provide essential trekking gear during the meeting.
During peak trekking seasons, direct flights to Lukla are diverted to Ramechhap/Manthali to avoid air traffic. The transportation schedule will be arranged accordingly, with a 4 to 5-hour drive to Ramechhap and then a flight to Lukla.
The mountain journey begins with one of the most thrilling flights to Lukla at 2,860 m (9,383 ft). The Tenzing-Hillary Airport itself is located at the edge of a hill and has a single runway that drops off to the deep, gaping valley below.
After meeting with our porter crew, we will start our trek towards the Cheplung Village, a small Sherpa settlement from where you can get a clear view of Mount Khumbila, Thamserku, and Kantega.
From Cheplung, a gradual walk downwards leads us to the village of Phakding that lies in the Dudh Koshi River Valley, north of Lukla. The walk to Phakding is relatively short, passing through pine, fir, and rhododendron forests. The village has many guesthouses and lodges and is mostly used as an overnight stop by trekkers, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude.
After breakfast, we will follow the Dudh Koshi Valley trail to reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. En route to Namche, we will pass several traditional villages like Jorsale and Monjo. Monjo lies north of Phakding and is the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park before continuing through forests and suspension bridges.
The trail traverses dense alpine woods, small brooks, and evergreen-deciduous forests covered with pine and cedar. In addition, the Sagarmatha National Park is home to many endangered species of animals like Himalayan Tahr, Langur Monkeys, the Musk Deer, and Himalayan Black Bears.
Overall, Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m is the commercial hub of the Khumbu region acting as the main trading and service center. It is located on almost the edge of a mountainside, and offers views of the Thamserku Peak, Kangtega, Khumbila, and Kongde Ri Himal.
For acclimatization day, trekkers are advised to take a higher-elevation walk rather than remaining inactive. After breakfast at Namche, we will hike to Everest View Hotel at 3,780 meters, gaining approximately 400 meters, and returning to Namche.
The hike toward Everest View Hotel is steep uphill, followed by traditional Nepali flat terrain before arriving at the Everest View Hotel. From here, guests can enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
In addition, trekkers can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum and the Sherpa Culture Museum & Mt Everest Documentation Center. After returning to the hotel, guests are free to rest and relax at the teahouse or explore the Namche village.
The journey from Namche to Tengboche is along gorgeous rivers, hills, and Himalayan peaks, passing rhododendron groves before descending toward Phungki Tenga and climbing again to Tengboche. The village is located at 3,867 m, the meeting point of the Dudh Koshi and the Imja Khola rivers.
Tengboche is also popular as the home to the Tengboche Monastery, aka Dawa Choling Gompa, the largest monastery of the Khumbu region. The monastery is regarded as the spiritual hub of the Khumbu region by Buddhists and is surrounded by well-known peaks such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Thamserku.
After breakfast, we begin the trek towards Dingboche, our overnight stop for the day. The trail first descends through a forest area, crosses the Imja River via a suspension bridge, and continues towards Pangboche. From here, the landscape gradually becomes more open and alpine as we climb toward Dingboche.
Dingboche is called the “Summer Valley” of the Khumbu and contains a kilometer-long wall built to protect the village’s crops from the cold winds that descend the Imja Valley. Trekkers can enjoy majestic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak from Dingboche.
We will spend another day acclimatizing in Dingboche before moving to the higher elevations. The day's hike climbs above the village toward Nagarjuna/Nangkartshang viewpoint that is located on a hill at the edges of the Chhukung valley.
The hike is uphill, steep, windy, and requires a steady pace. After hiking for approximately 3-4 hours, we will reach Nagarjuna Peak and enjoy views of Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Kangtega (6685m), Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) on all sides.
If you are lucky, you can also spot stunning sights of Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-tallest peak on a clear day. The broad view at the top also provides a glimpse of the Pheriche Valley. We will retrace our steps back to Dingboche, explore the village, and spend the night there.
The trail leaves Dingboche and continues through increasingly barren terrain toward Lobuche. You pass through the Thukla, where the trail passes the well-known memorial area dedicated to climbers and mountaineers who lost their lives in the Himalayas. From here, the route climbs steadily toward the Khumbu Glacier before continuing to Lobuche.
As you gain elevation, the surrounding peaks become more prominent, with views of Nuptse, Lobuche East, Pumori, Cholatse, and Taboche along the way. The combination of sparse alpine terrain, glacial surroundings, and towering peaks gives this section of the trek a distinctly high-altitude character.
Today is one of the longest days of the trek as we walk from Lobuche to Gorakshep and hike to the base camp. The trekking trail goes through rugged glacial terrain toward Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. Upon arriving in Gorakshep, we will leave our heavier belongings at the teahouse and hike toward Base Camp, following the rocky moraine along the Khumbu Glacier.
At Everest Base Camp, you can enjoy views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks before retracing the trail to Gorak Shep for the night. Everest itself is not directly visible from Base Camp, so the following day’s hike to Kala Patthar offers a clearer view of the mountain.
After spending some time at the base camp, we will retrace our steps to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.
The day begins early with a hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m), the highest point of the trek and one of the best viewpoints for Mount Everest. Reaching the summit around sunrise offers panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and other surrounding peaks as the morning light spreads across the mountains.
After spending some time at Kala Patthar, you return to Gorak Shep for breakfast before continuing toward Dzongla (4,830m). The trail gradually moves away from the main Everest Base Camp route, passing through rugged alpine terrain and quieter sections of the valley. You spend the night in Dzongla, preparing for the Cho La Pass crossing the following day.
The trek from Dzongla to Dragnag (Thangnak) takes you across the challenging Cho La Pass at around 5,420 meters. The trail begins with a gradual ascent for the first hour before becoming steeper as you approach the pass. After crossing Cho La, the trail descends steeply for about 45 minutes before easing as you continue toward Dragnag.
The climb can be demanding at this altitude, but the experience of crossing the pass and the mountain views along the way make this one of the more memorable sections of the trek. You’ll spend the night at Dragnag, preparing for the next day’s journey toward Gokyo.
From Thangnak, the trail begins with a gradual ascent before descending through the rugged glacial landscape. You then pass the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, before descending again toward Gokyo town.
Gokyo village sits beside the Ngozumpa Glacier and along the shores of the third Gokyo Lake, also known as Dudh Pokhari. After reaching Gokyo, you can explore the village and lake or, if you are interested, hike up Gokyo Ri for sunset views over the surrounding mountains.
The day starts with an early hike to Gokyo Ri at around 5,483 meters. The trail climbs steadily from Gokyo, with some steeper sections near the top, and the round trip generally takes around 4–5 hours. From the summit, you get wide views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other surrounding peaks, along with Gokyo village, the third lake, and the Ngozumpa Glacier below.
After returning to Gokyo, we will have breakfast and some time to rest while waiting for the helicopter. The flight from Gokyo to Lukla gives you an aerial view of the valleys, glaciers, and mountain landscapes you have crossed during the trek before reaching Lukla for the night.
After breakfast, we will take a short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, usually taking around 30–40 minutes depending on weather and flight conditions. As you leave the mountains behind, the scenery gradually changes from the rugged Himalayan landscape to the hills and valleys around Kathmandu.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after the trek, explore the neighborhood, get a massage, or simply take some time to rest.
This day is usually included in the itinerary to account for possible flight delays or cancellations from Lukla to Kathmandu. Mountain flights are weather-dependent, especially in the Everest region, so keeping an extra day provides us flexibility in case of flight cancellation.
On the other hand, if your flight operates as scheduled, you can use this day to rest and recover after the trek. You can also explore Kathmandu with an optional city tour at an additional cost, or spend the day strolling through local markets, picking up souvenirs, and enjoying some relaxed time in the city.
On your departure day, one of our representatives will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight. The transfer will be arranged according to your flight time, allowing enough time for check-in, security, and other airport formalities.
This marks the end of your Nepal adventure with us. We hope you leave with good memories of the trek, the mountains, and your time in Nepal, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
The main trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months generally provide more suitable conditions for the high sections of the route, which is particularly relevant because the itinerary includes Cho La and weather-sensitive flights.
Spring brings milder conditions at lower elevations and rhododendron flowering. Autumn follows the monsoon and generally offers drier trail conditions and clearer mountain visibility.
On the other hand, while winter trekking is possible, the higher sections become colder with snow and icy trails, and shorter daylight hours. Similarly, trekking in the Everest region during monsoon can bring poor visibility, slippery trails, heavy rain, and muddy routes.
Cho La is the most demanding trekking section of this itinerary as the pass reaches 5,420 meters, and the crossing can involve steep, uneven, and exposed terrain. Likewise, snow and ice conditions vary considerably. A trail that is relatively straightforward in dry conditions can become more difficult after snowfall or freezing temperatures.
You do not need technical mountaineering skills for the standard crossing, but you do need good fitness, appropriate footwear, and the ability to walk carefully on uneven terrain. Also, trekkers are advised to maintain a steady pace, stay hydrated, and follow the guide’s instructions.
The Gokyo Lakes are a group of six high-altitude glacial lakes located between roughly 4,700 and 5,000 meters. Similarly, Gokyo village is situated beside Dudh Pokhari, one of the lakes in the system. The lakes have religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. The surrounding wetland also provides habitat for birds such as ruddy shelducks, particularly during suitable seasons.
Gokyo Ri is reached from Gokyo village after crossing Cho La. The two climbs are separated by several days of trekking, making them distinct parts of the journey rather than two versions of the same viewpoint.
Accommodation during the trekking section is mainly in teahouses and mountain guesthouses. Rooms are generally simple, with twin-sharing arrangements and shared bathrooms becoming more common as you move higher.
Under the current NHT package, accommodation with attached bathrooms and hot showers is provided at Lukla, Phakding and Namche. At higher settlements, facilities are more basic and hot showers, where available, may cost extra.
Wi-Fi and charging facilities are available at many teahouses, but neither should be considered completely reliable throughout the trek. Services tend to become more expensive and less convenient at higher elevations.
A power bank is useful, particularly because cold temperatures can reduce battery performance. Keeping the power bank and spare batteries protected from the cold can help preserve their charge.
The EBC with Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle trek package includes private ground transportation, accommodation, full-board trekking meals, round-trip Lukla flights, permits, guide and porter services.
The current Nepal Hiking Team pricing is:
Besides this, trekkers can budget around NPR 25,000 to NPR 30,000 for personal expenses like hot showers, boiled drinking water, snacks, drinks, internet, and charging services.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
This was my second time in a row trek with the Nepal Hiking Team. My first experience was the EBC trek in April 2023.
This time was an incredible and demanding trek to Gokyo Ri and Renjo La pass. Fortunately, I enjoyed favorable weather conditions for most of the trip, and the views were absolutely stunning!
What an incredible experience! It’s not always about the destination but who you travel with. Rajesh, my guide, and Pradip, my porter, were truly exceptional. They were fantastic, ensuring my journey was both memorable and enjoyable. Their expertise, support, and cheerful nature made all the difference—they were incredibly friendly and took excellent care of me throughout the trek. We shared countless laughs, making the adventure even more delightful. I owe a big thank you to them!
Ganga, the CEO of the company, proved to be an excellent manager. My trip was seamlessly organized, thanks to him. The food, the tea houses, and my stay at the comfortable Hotel Everest View in Namche were all meticulously arranged. He also played a crucial role in securing the helicopter rides, which were possible only because of his intervention.
From landing in Kathmandu until leaving Nepal, I had the most fabulous trip of my lifetime!! Special thanks to Hari (trekking guide) for road assistance, as well as other remarkable staff members of the Nepal Hiking Team. Thank you very much to all of you for providing me the best services for the journey.
If you’re considering a Himalayan trek and want a trustworthy and highly recommended service, I wholeheartedly suggest the Nepal Hiking Team. They are reliable and truly the best in Nepal.
Overall, this trip has gifted me countless wonderful memories and a strong desire to return someday!
Thank you! Michelle Robanske
- Guided by Rajesh Gurung
I highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team for any trip in Nepal! The guides and porters were fantastic, and every detail was arranged flawlessly.
If you’re planning a trek in the Everest region, consider skipping the crowded and overrated EBC trek. Instead, try the Gokyo Ri and Ama Dablam base camp treks!
The Everest views from Gokyo Ri are on par as stunning as those from Kalapatthar!
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I had an amazing journey with guide Surya on the Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass track.
The views were absolutely stunning, and the trail was wonderfully uncrowded. It was truly the best experience!
Surya, my guide, was incredibly knowledgeable and made the entire trip feel effortless. I can’t thank him enough.
I highly recommend this trek—100%!
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The EBC trek was my first multi-day trek, far longer than any of my previous Himalayan adventures, which had never exceeded five days. It would have been a 12-day journey, but I ended up taking a helicopter back from Gorakshep after experiencing eye irritation and losing my appetite at Thukla. Despite these challenges, the trek was incredibly thrilling—I had always dreamed of seeing Mount Everest in person, and finally witnessing it from Kala Patthar near Gorakshep was unforgettable. Trekking with Nepal Hiking Team (NHT) made the whole experience even better!
One of the best parts of the trek was staying in hotels at the end of each day—no tent stays required. Plus, the hotels offered a variety of food options, which was a welcome comfort after long trekking days.
From Dingboche onwards, however, the hotels only provided shared toilets. This was true for the places where I stayed, so it’s a good idea to pack plenty of essentials like hand sanitizer and toilet paper to stay healthy.
We chose September for our trek, expecting dry weather without rain or snow. But to our surprise, we encountered rain starting from Namche, and by Tengboche, snow had arrived! On the bright side, the snow-capped mountains were breathtaking, and we didn’t have to deal with sweat. However, the rain managed to soak our shoes and socks, even with rain gear—waterproof shoes, jackets, and pants. Proper gear helps, but drying wet shoes and socks around the restaurant heaters only worked to a limited extent.
While some trekkers fell ill on the way to Gorakshep, I was lucky not to experience any major symptoms, apart from my loss of appetite and the minor eye irritation. I believe staying well-hydrated with warm water in the mornings and evenings, along with the stretching and pranayama exercises I did before and after trekking each day, helped me stay healthy.
From the moment I was picked up at the Kathmandu airport to the time I was dropped off at the end of the trek, NHT’s service was outstanding. My trekking guide, Mr. Ram Krishna Pauwa, another guide, Mr. Arun, and my sales contact, Mr. Ganga Raj Thapa, went above and beyond to make my journey comfortable and enjoyable.
I just finished my Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Hiking Team, and it was truly the trek of a lifetime. Our main guide, Ram, was an exceptional leader, demonstrating unwavering patience and expertise every step of the way.
Accompanying him were assistant guides Vikas and Sabin, who were equally remarkable in their care and support throughout the journey. The porters provided were super helpful and kind, too.
The accommodations and meals provided exceeded our expectations, making for a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.
Without a doubt, Nepal Hiking Team has set the standard for trekking in Nepal. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas.
If you're considering a trek, book with Nepal Hiking Team for an extraordinary and well-organized experience.
Nepal Hiking Team handles the main logistics of the 17-day itinerary, including accommodation, trekking meals, permits, guide and porter support, Lukla flights, and the helicopter shuttle from Gokyo to Lukla. The trek is also supported by a Kathmandu-based team throughout the journey.
NHT uses government-licensed local trekking guides who are familiar with the Everest region and its high-altitude trails. Guides accompany you throughout the trek, manage the daily route, and help assess conditions, pace, and altitude-related concerns.
This itinerary combines Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La, the Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri in one trip. The helicopter from Gokyo to Lukla also removes several days of walking that would normally be needed to return through the valley.
Nepal Hiking Team has been operating trekking trips in Nepal for many years and has a large base of traveler reviews. Its current EBC with Gokyo package also includes reviews from trekkers who have traveled with the company in the Everest region.
NHT maintains 24-hour emergency support through its Kathmandu team, which can be contacted during the trek when assistance is needed. The company also coordinates transportation and emergency arrangements when circumstances such as illness, flight disruption, or changing mountain conditions affect the itinerary.
One of the Nepal Hiking Team representatives will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. You can then rest after your international flight, with the trek briefing and preparation taking place before the mountain journey begins.
Most foreign visitors need a tourist visa to enter Nepal. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or in advance through a Nepali diplomatic mission. The current Department of Immigration fees are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days.
Arriving at least one day before the trekking departure gives you some time to recover from the flight and prepare your equipment. Arriving earlier is useful if you have a long international journey, want extra time in Kathmandu, or prefer to have a buffer before the Lukla flight.
March to May and September to November are generally the preferred trekking seasons. These months usually offer more suitable conditions for the high-altitude sections and better chances of stable weather for Lukla flights and the helicopter return.
You can book through Nepal Hiking Team's online reservation form or contact the company directly. A 20% deposit is required to confirm the booking, with the remaining balance payable after arrival in Kathmandu.
The current package is priced at USD 3,100 for one traveler, USD 2,500 per person for 2–4 travelers, USD 2,250 per person for 5–6 travelers, and USD 2,100 per person for 7–10 travelers. Rates can change, so the current price should be confirmed when booking.
The 20% booking deposit is non-refundable if you cancel outright. However, NHT's current Risk-Free Booking Policy allows you to postpone a Nepal trip and retain the deposit as lifetime trip credit with no expiry, provided you contact the company in advance.
NHT accepts payment by bank transfer and major credit cards, with a card-processing fee applying to card payments. The balance can also be settled after arriving in Kathmandu. For the trek itself, keep extra cash for snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers where not included, and tips.
The current package includes round-trip Lukla flights. Flight times can change according to weather and operational conditions, so the final schedule is confirmed closer to departure.
During busy trekking periods, Lukla flights may operate from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport instead of Kathmandu. In that case, you need a road transfer from Kathmandu to Manthali before the flight to Lukla. The exact arrangement depends on current flight operations.
After completing the Gokyo Ri hike, you return to Gokyo and take a helicopter to Lukla. This replaces the several-day trekking return through the Gokyo Valley, Dole, and Namche before the flight to Kathmandu.
Mountain flights and helicopter operations depend heavily on visibility and weather. NHT includes a reserve day in the itinerary, but significant delays can still require schedule changes or additional expenses. Its terms also advise travelers to carry extra money for food and accommodation if flights are delayed.
It is rated strenuous due to the combination of long walking days, high altitude, the climbs to Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, and the Cho La crossing at 5,420 meters. Trekkers should prepare physically with cardio exercises and leg strength training.
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not strictly required. You should, however, be physically fit, comfortable walking for several hours on consecutive days, and prepared for the effects of high altitude.
It can be possible for a well-prepared first-time high-altitude trekker, but it is not an easy introductory trek. The Cho La crossing and the number of days spent above 4,000 meters make it more demanding than a standard lower-altitude trek.
The route combines the classic approach to Everest Base Camp with a less direct continuation through Dzongla and Cho La into the Gokyo Valley. You also get two separate high viewpoints, Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, before using the helicopter to return to Lukla.
The itinerary includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, with higher daytime hikes before returning to sleep at the lower elevation. Guides also monitor trekkers during the route and can recommend slowing down, resting, or descending if altitude symptoms become concerning.
Yes. NHT's current terms state that comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. The policy should cover high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, emergency evacuation including helicopter rescue, trip cancellation or interruption, and personal accidents.
The main challenges are altitude, steep and uneven terrain, loose rock, and possible snow or ice. Conditions can change quickly, so the difficulty of the crossing depends partly on recent weather and trail conditions.
Tell your guide as soon as possible rather than trying to push through significant symptoms. Depending on the situation, the team may recommend rest, slowing the itinerary, descending to a lower elevation, or arranging evacuation if there is a serious medical concern.
The current package provides a trekking duffel bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag where required, along with a trekking map and NHT T-shirt. A first-aid kit is also carried by the trekking team.
You should bring suitable trekking boots, warm layers, base layers, gloves, sun protection, a headlamp, water bottles or a hydration system, personal medication, and other essential trekking equipment. Because Cho La can have snow or ice, your guide can advise you about any additional traction equipment required for your departure.
Build endurance gradually through hiking, uphill walking, stair climbing, or other cardiovascular exercise. It is also useful to strengthen your legs and get used to walking for several hours at a time, preferably on uneven or inclined terrain.
The current package includes the Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS fee. Nepal Hiking Team arranges these permits as part of the trekking service.
The package includes four nights in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu and best-available twin-sharing lodge accommodation during the trek. Mountain accommodation becomes simpler as you gain elevation, with shared facilities common in the higher settlements.
Higher-altitude teahouses are basic but designed around the needs of trekkers. Rooms generally have twin beds, while bathrooms are often shared. Dining rooms are usually the main communal space and may be heated around a central stove.
Wi-Fi is available at many teahouses, but the connection is not consistent throughout the route. It generally becomes slower, less reliable, and more expensive as you move farther into the mountains.
Charging is available at many teahouses, usually for an additional fee. Availability can vary, particularly at higher elevations, so carrying a power bank is a practical backup.
During the 17-day trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the trekking portion of the current package. Kathmandu hotel stays include breakfast, while international flights and personal snacks or drinks are not part of the package.
Menus usually include practical trekking meals such as dal bhat, rice, noodles, pasta, soups, eggs, potatoes, and simple Tibetan or Western-style dishes. Choices become more limited at higher elevations, but staple meals are generally available.
Drink regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Carry enough water capacity for longer sections and use treated, filtered, or boiled water rather than drinking untreated stream water.
Food choices become simpler, and supplies can cost more above Dingboche because everything has to be transported into the high mountains. Eat regular meals even when your appetite decreases, and plan for water because refill points become more limited.
The current NHT package is offered as a private trek, with a minimum group size of two. Your group travels with its own guide, porter arrangement, and logistics rather than being combined with unrelated trekkers.
Yes. NHT offers customised trekking arrangements, although changes need to take altitude, accommodation availability, flight schedules, and the condition of Cho La into account. Extra rest days or adjustments to the walking schedule can be discussed before departure.
If you want EBC without Cho La, NHT offers the Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp trek without Cho La. If you want a shorter EBC experience with helicopter support, an EBC Heli Trek is another option. For trekkers looking for more high passes, the Everest Three Passes Trek adds Kongma La and Renjo La to the route.
Trekkers are advised to budget around NPR 25,000 to 30,000 for the EBC with Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle. Your personal budget depends on how much you use Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, snacks and drinks, as well as how much you plan to tip the trekking staff.
It is also wise to keep some extra money available in case flight delays require additional meals or accommodation, as these costs are not covered by NHT when caused by operational or weather-related disruptions.
