Namche to Everest Trek with Helicopter Transfers In & Out

You will stay mostly in cozy teahouses and mountain lodges along the trail during the Everest Base Camp climb. These basic yet cozy accommodations provide hot meals, hot baths (if available), and a place to relax after a long day of hiking. You will experience the friendly hospitality of local families that own these lodges in villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, providing you with a real understanding of Sherpa culture.

As you ascend higher in altitudes, the accommodation becomes more basic, but the breathtaking mountain views and welcoming environment make it more worth it. You can rest and refresh in cozy hotel rooms in Kathmandu before and after your amazing Himalayan journey.

During the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter in and out, you’ll enjoy a variety of delicious and hearty meals that fuel your body for the challenging journey ahead. The teahouses and lodges along the route serve various traditional Nepalese dishes like dal bhat, a nutritious plate of rice, lentils, and vegetables that’s a favorite among trekkers.

You will also find tasty momos, comforting soups, noodles, fried rice, and sometimes meat dishes like chicken or yak stew. For those craving familiar flavors, many places offer simple Western options such as pasta, pancakes, eggs, and toast. Breakfasts are usually light but filling to start your day strong. Since proper nutrition is vital at high altitude, these meals provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to keep your energy steady.

Staying hydrated is equally important, so it’s best to drink plenty of boiled or filtered water available at the lodges. Drink at least 3-4 litres of water and avoid drinking tap water. You can carry purification tablets or a portable filter to ensure your water is safe. Many teahouses boil the water in a small fee too. Eating well and drinking enough clean water will help you stay healthy, acclimate better, and enjoy every moment of your trek.

Electricity and internet are available during the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter in and out, but they can be limited and more expensive the higher you go. In most villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and even up to Gorakshep, tea houses and lodges offer electricity for charging phones, cameras, and power banks. However, charging usually comes with a small extra cost, especially above Namche. It is smart to bring a fully charged power bank or even a solar charger if you can.

Wi-Fi is available in many lodges, mostly through the Everest Link or Airlink services, which you can buy using a prepaid card. The connection is decent in lower areas like Namche, but it gets weaker and slower as you get closer to Base Camp. In some spots, especially near Everest Base Camp itself, the internet may not work at all due to weather or limited signal. Local mobile networks like Ncell or NTC sometimes offer 3G coverage in certain areas, but it is not always reliable. If you need to stay connected, it’s best to inform family or friends ahead of time and enjoy the break from screens.

The Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter in and out is still a challenge, even though it’s shorter than the full trek. You don’t need to be a professional hiker, but you should be in good shape and ready for long days of walking, often uphill, with less oxygen as you go higher. The trails can be rocky and steep in some parts, and the altitude can make you feel tired more quickly than usual.

Altitude sickness is a real risk, even for fit people, so it’s important to take your time, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body. As taking a helicopter in or out means less walking and less time at high altitude, it can can make the trek easier and safer. With a little preparation and the right mindset, most people can complete this trek and enjoy one of the most incredible experiences in the world.

There is a high risk of altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp trek, even if you’re taking a helicopter in or out. As you climb higher, the air gets thinner and has less oxygen, which can make some people feel sick. You might get a headache, feel dizzy, tired, or lose your appetite. It can happen to anyone, no matter how fit or healthy you are.

That’s why it’s important to walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and take time to rest, especially when you reach places like Namche Bazaar. If you start feeling worse, it’s best to stop, rest, or even go down to a lower place. If you do feel unwell, you can fly down quickly and safely. Listening to your body is the most important thing when trekking at high altitudes.

The group size for the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter in and out can affect your experience. Some people prefer trekking in small groups of 4 to 8 people because it feels more personal, easier to manage, and allows for better connections with guides and fellow trekkers. Smaller groups also move at a more comfortable pace and make it easier to get to know each other.

On the other hand, private treks are perfect if you’re with family, a partner, or just want a quieter and flexible journey. Larger groups can be fun too, with more energy and shared experiences, but they might move slower and feel a bit less personal. You can enjoy the trek to the fullest if you have a friendly guide and a supportive team that makes the whole experience smoother and safer, no matter the size.

Travel insurance is a must for the Everest Base Camp trek, especially since you’re going to high altitudes and remote areas. It protects you if you get sick, injured, or need to be rescued by helicopter, which can be very expensive. It also helps if your flight gets delayed, your bags are lost, or your trip gets canceled for any reason. Make sure your insurance covers trekking up to at least 5,500 meters and includes emergency medical care and evacuation. It’s something you hope you won’t need, but it’s really important to have just in case.

The 6-Day Helicopter Trek to Everest Base Camp requires a few permits in order to help local communities, ensure safety, and save the environment. These permits are useful in controlling the number of hikers and guaranteeing a smooth and safe experience for all. The following is a list of permits needed for the hike:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This permit is needed to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest and many other Himalayan peaks. The area is protected, and the fee helps with conservation efforts and trail maintenance.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: This local permit is required to trek in the Khumbu region, where Everest is located. It supports community projects and helps manage tourism in the villages along the trail.

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: While this card is usually required for most treks in Nepal, it is not needed for the Everest Base Camp trek if you already have the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit.

Required Documents

• 6 months’ valid passport
• Nepal Visa 
• Passport-Sized Photos ( 2 to 4)
• Travel Insurance
• Flight Details 

If you intend to hike to Everest Base Camp and then take a helicopter back, you should pack wisely because you will be walking at high elevations and through changing weather conditions. Due to limited helicopter space, you will need to travel a little and ensure that you are comfortable, dry, and warm throughout the hike. Here is some packing list for the EBC trek:

General Gear

• Backpack (40–50 L with rain cover)
• Small daypack (15–25 L)
• Duffel bag (often provided by the trekking company)
• Sleeping bag (–10 to –15 °C)
• Sleeping bag liner
• Trekking poles (foldable)
• Water bottles (2) + water purification tablets
• Sunglasses (UV-protected)
• Power bank or extra batteries
• Dry bags or plastic bags for packing
• Thermos (optional)
  

Clothing – Upper Body

• 1–2 base layer tops (moisture-wicking)
• Warm fleece or jacket
• Down jacket (for cold weather)
• Waterproof/windproof jacket
• 2–3 light t-shirts
• 1–2 long-sleeve shirts
  

Lower Body

• 1 thermal base layer (bottom)
• 1–2 trekking pants
• Waterproof pants
• Insulated pants (for cold nights)
• Shorts (optional)
  

Accessories

• Warm hat
• Sun hat or cap
• Neck buff or scarf
• Gloves (thin + warm pair)
• Sunglasses
  

Footwear

• Trekking boots (broken-in)
• Sandals or Crocs (for lodges)
• 3–4 pairs of arm socks
• Gaiters (optional)
  

Toiletries & Essentials

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Wet wipes & tissues
• Towel (quick-dry)
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• Menstrual items (if needed)
• Nail clippers & small mirror
  

Medicines & First Aid

• Personal medicines
• Diamox (for altitude) – ask your doctor
• Painkillers (like Ibuprofen)
• Antibiotics (optional)
• Anti-diarrhea tablets
• Blister plasters & band-aids
• ORS (rehydration salts)
• Insect repellent (for lower areas)
  

Optional Items

• Camera or GoPro
• Power bank
• Snacks (nuts, bars, chocolates)
• Earplugs & eye mask
• Book or travel games
  

1. Booking and Deposit

To reserve your spot on this trek, we ask for a 30% deposit of the total cost. If you prefer, you can pay the full amount upfront. The rest can be paid once you arrive in Kathmandu.
To confirm your booking, please send us:

• Proof of your deposit payment
  
• A clear copy or photo of your passport
• Your emergency contact details and travel insurance information
  

2. How to Pay

We want to make paying as easy as possible. You can choose from:

• Online payment through our secure website
• Credit or debit card (Visa and MasterCard accepted; a small 4% fee applies)
• Bank transfer directly to our account (your bank might charge fees)
• Cash payment if you’re already in Kathmandu
  

3. Paying the Balance

You’ll need to pay the remaining 70% before your trek begins. This can be done in Kathmandu by cash, card, or bank transfer, whatever works best for you.

4. Changing Your Dates

If you need to move your trek dates, just let us know at least 30 days before your start date. We’ll do our best to help, but please keep in mind that extra fees may apply.

5. Travel Insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance that covers:

• Emergency helicopter rescue
• Medical care for altitude sickness or other illnesses.
• Lost or damaged luggage
• Trip delays or cancellations
  

6. Last-Minute Bookings

If you decide to book at the last minute, we can usually accept bookings up to 48 hours before the trek starts. But during busy times like spring and autumn, it’s best to book early to guarantee your spot on the helicopter and accommodations.

1. Cancellation by You (the Guest)

• 30 days prior to the expedition, cancel: complete refund (less bank costs)
• 30% of the total fee will be returned if you cancel ten days in advance.
• 50% of the cost will be refunded if you cancel five days or fewer in advance.
• There are no additional fees for last-minute cancellations or postponements.
• There are no refunds for any reason (sickness, injury, early return) after the journey has begun or the helicopter transfer is complete.

2. Cancellation by the Company

In the event of emergencies or natural disasters, we will:

• Give you a complete payment, or
• Let’s put off your hike until later.

3. Cancellations Due to Weather or Flight Delays

• If there are flight delays or bad weather, we will attempt to reschedule at no extra cost.
• Trek routes can alter if necessary.
• If you decide to cancel because of delays, you will receive a 30% refund (not including lodging, permits, or transportation fees).

4. No-Show Policy

You will not receive a refund if you fail to show up on the start date.