Everest Helicopter Trek Difficulty
The Everest Helicopter Trek is quite challenging compared to other significant treks in Nepal. It becomes increasingly difficult for travelers as they ascend above 4000 meters, particularly beyond Tengboche. As trekkers progress, the air at higher altitudes becomes thinner, resulting in slower movement.
This Trek involves traversing through semi-arid terrain high up in the Himalayas, culminating at one of Nepal’s most prominent trekking points, Kalapathhar Peak (5555m), which can be strenuous and challenging for those with limited high-altitude trekking experience.
Optimal physical fitness and endurance are required for this Trek. Additionally, the Everest region is one of the most isolated regions of Nepal, with narrow, rocky, and uneven trails leading to EBC, making it challenging to walk on.
Best Time For a Trip to Everest by Helicopter
The weather pattern inside the Nepalese territory has been classified into four different seasons: Autumn(September- November), Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), and Winter ( December – February).
Nepalese highland sits on a climatic belt providing various climatic patterns, including Sub-Alpine, Tropical, Sub-Tropical, and Tundra. The overall climatic context is mildly temperate, while occasional rain showers occur across the boundary.
As considered by many, the autumn and spring months are the best periods for Everest Helicopter Trekking. The weather window from September to November and March to May is transparent with undisturbed sightings of the Himalayan Mountains.
High Himalayas’ temperature ranges from 19.5°C upper limit to -14°C lower limit throughout the autumn; spring months’ temperature ranges from 24°C UL to -13°C LL. This moderate temperature variation makes these months the best time for trekking to Everest.
Besides spring and autumn, summer may be a suitable time for trekking to Everest Base camp. Everest region lies in a rain-shadow area, making it dry even during the Monsoon period. The stretch above Namche Bazaar receives little to no rain during the summer. However, the monsoon clouds may repeatedly disrupt the view of Everest Vista. Also, due to the weather conditions, several flight delays and postponements have occurred during the summer.
Physical Conditions
The trip to Everest Base Camp is a one-of-a-kind trek with lots of adventurous travel along the foothills of the Nepalese Himalayan Belt. The EBC Trek requires you to walk on a rugged, uneven terrain and remote landscape that reaches the elevation of Kalapatthar, 5555 meters from sea level. Similarly, a height beyond 3000 meters is considered an AMS-prone zone for the lowered oxygen level in the air.
However, the journey has been undertaken by people with varied characteristics, from age, physical fitness, and experience. While there might be some difficulty, especially after your traverse beyond Tengboche, with proper acclimatization and a steady walking pace, this adventure is perfectly doable for beginners, too.
We advise you to properly break into your gear (Shoes, Rucksack, and other Apparel) before embarking on the Trek. You should also check with your doctor for any issues before high altitude traverses to Everest. Also, being in perfect fitness condition is an additional advantage for the Trek.
Lodging at the Trek to Everest by Helicopter
The EBC Helicopter Trekking route passes via charming hamlets in the Sagarmatha region. Sherpa communities reside permanently in these villages, offering rooms and other amenities in their teahouses. The accommodation services on the Trek are superficial and need more modern amenities.
When you traverse higher than Tengboche, finding an attached bathroom becomes challenging in your mountain lodge. Instead, the guests in the mountain lodges share the same bathroom in the areas beyond Tengboche. That being said, several lodges provide an attached bathroom with their rooms, but such accommodation options are provided to our luxury clients who opt for Everest Luxury Trek.
The mountain lodges in EBC Trek have basic amenities, and every room has two twin beds with foam pads, pillows, and blankets. If the provided bedding is not warm enough, you may ask for additional blankets with your guide, and they will happily help you out. We recommend renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu for your Everest Trek in case it gets colder at night.
During your journey to Everest Base Camp, the mountain lodges are equipped with a traditional heating system to keep the guests warm. A stove, usually called Bukhara Stove, is a conventional Tibetan-type stove set up in the hotel’s dining area.
Most mountain lodges will have a power source from solar panels, and you can charge your electronic devices. Please note that hot showers and charging your electrical devices require additional payments not included in the package. Also, Type C adapters are incompatible with power sockets in the Everest area, so make sure to buy compatible ones before your Trek.
Meals in EBC Trek by Helicopter
While undertaking the EBC Helicopter Trip, you will find limited food options as you reside in teahouses. The areas at higher elevations lack road access, and all essentials are transported by Yaks or helicopters. On your Trek, there are various food options on the menu for you to choose from, but we suggest you take the local dishes available for hygiene reasons. Similarly, We’ll provide you with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the Trek.
Popularly savored food while trekking Everest Himalaya is traditional Nepali local cuisines, a mixture of high-calorie diet items alongside taste and spices. Similarly, Alternative food items you can opt to have are potatoes, noodles, soup, pasta, french fries, and even other Western dishes like pizza, steak, and burgers. As you ascend higher, your food options will be limited. Everest Region trekking is filled with small German bakeries that you can try out. These small eateries provide a range of bakery items to eat.
Drinking Water
For most of your Trek, teahouses in the route can supply drinking water. We advise you to drink at least 3000-4000 ml water daily to hydrate yourself along the journey. Mineral water is available in shops along the journey, too. Also, you can choose from multiple alternatives for your hydration needs during the Trek.
Boiling water: Ask your teahouse owner for hot boiled water before you depart from the stopover. The tea houses will provide boiled and drinkable water from nearby streams.
Filtration System Bottle
There are filtration system-enabled bottles available in the market these days. Filtration straws effectively remove more than 90% of bacteria from the water. You can’t get such bottles in Nepal, but must bring them.
Fill your bottle with any nearby sources and get going, as this filtration system can filter out bacteria of up to 5 microns.
Chlorine or Iodine Tablets
Bacteria or Medical tablets are another effective way to sanitize water to make it drink worthy of bacteria. Such tablets dissolve with natural water and are left to dissolve for half an hour. It is an easy method to ensure that you have safe drinking water. Similarly, You can get such tablets and drops in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Equipment required for the Trek
- Clothing for the Trek
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
- Fleece Jackets
- A down jacket
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- Hiking trouser
- Hiking shirts
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- A pair of gloves
Footwear:
- Five pairs of socks
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Comfortable walking shoes
Backpack
- 40-50 liter backpack
- Rain cover for backpack
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (rated for 0°C to -20°C) depending on when you travel.
Personal Hygiene:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
- Quick-drying towel
- Sunscreen (SPF + 30 to 50)
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
Miscellaneous:
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Trekking poles
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Sunglasses (with UV protection)
- Camera or smartphone (with extra batteries / Charging Cable)
- Trekking map
- First-aid kit
- Snacks and energy bars
- Cash (for tips and purchases along the way)
Automated System of the Organization
We are a professional trekking company catering to the travel needs of tourists in Nepal. Stationed in the heart of Nepal, Kathmandu City, we are committed to delivering swift travel services with our professional service staff.
Our website has an automated booking system enabling users to navigate and book their trips with us quickly. Our tailor-made feature lets you design your itinerary based on differentiated tastes and preferences. Our over three decades of experience are a proven-worthy testament to our long-bearing legacy in the Nepalese Himalayas. Don’t hesitate to contact us on WhatsApp at +977 9851033819 or email us with any queries; we are available 24/7.
The standard arrangement of the trip and the expert guidance of the guide and crew members were highly confident and experienced, which made my journey safe and joyful. It is the most recommended trip to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the gracefulness of the Everest region from close view. Whether an adventure seeker or nature lover, take advantage of experiencing Everest Helicopter trekking. And for the trip, choose Boundless Adventure. I assure you that you won’t regret it.
