EBC Trek with Helicopter Return

Please note there is a minimum of two participants required per departure date as the price is quoted based on minimum 2 customer due to the helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla. If you are the only person booked for a particular departure, you have the option to either pay a supplement fee of USD 550 to maintain your solo departure or postpone the trip to a different date at no additional charge. We assure you that you will have the private helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla upon the extra payment.

Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!

Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Fully immunized travelers are welcome in Nepal without restriction. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well. Please visit Covid-19 travel protocols 2022 for up-to-date information.

• A vaccination card or certificate showing verification of receiving the entire COVID-19 vaccine is recommended to carry before traveling to Nepal.
• A PCR test isn’t mandatory. However, check with your airlines and any country you are traveling through to see if it’s a requirement.

We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.

• Two passport-sized photos (2×2 inch) to give to our office staff
• A copy of your international flight ticket to give to our office staff
• A copy of travel insurance to give to our office staff

The best course of action is to add a day or two before and after your intended trek days in case of flight delays or cancellations. It also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required before your trip. Please be aware that Ace the Himalaya is not responsible for any inconveniences or missed international flights resulting from unforeseen events like airport changes, flight delays or cancellations, etc.

You can hike without a guide. A guide is there to assist you in going forward and making alternative plans and arrangements when unanticipated occurrences happen or when things get difficult. Our hiking leaders are qualified experts. When talking about their trip, our guests frequently remark on how much fun they had and how crucial their guide was to make it successful.

Our guides are fluent in English. All the guides that we assign speak and understand English. They’ll share with you the fascinating stories, traditions, and folklore of the mountains. The guides will also help you communicate with the locals since many shopkeepers and hosts of teahouses don’t speak English.

The best seasons to hike the Everest region are autumn (Mid-September to November) and spring (March to early June). This trek is possible year-round, and we can organize it when it suits your schedule. However, we generally suggest doing this trek in the favorable seasons to keep away from the rainstorm season (July and August). In the cold months of January and February, the temperature can be a little harsh in the mountains. However, some prefer to travel during these months as it is less crowded given that you are well prepared with appropriate winter wear and other gear.

Due to its tendency to be localized, the weather in the Everest region is challenging to forecast. You could see rain, fog, cold, or hot and sunny weather while trekking. It is best to be equipped to handle various weather situations. In the Everest region, nighttime temperatures are significantly lower than midday temperatures. In less than a day, the temperature can change from a high of 25°C (77°F) to a low of – 20°C (-4°F). The weather and temperature ranges are typically predictable based on the month and season, even though it might be challenging to predict what each day in the mountains will bring.

Spring – March/April/May/June

Despite being the busiest season, spring is perhaps the best time to visit the Everest region. Activities assisting the expedition teams take place in Everest Base Camp. The many varieties of blossoming trees should be visible, and the sky should be clear with stunning vistas. During springtime, the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) during clear days and a low of – 15°C (5°F) overnight above 4000 meters.

Monsoon season – July/August through Mid-September

Since it rains heavily at elevations below 3500 meters, this season isn’t exactly ideal for travel in the Everest region. While it can occasionally be dry in areas above 4000 meters, it frequently rains so therefore not many people travel during this season. Trekking during the monsoon season has some advantages, such as a greater possibility of seeing waterfalls and the best opportunity to escape crowds. During the monsoon, the average temperature is 22°C (71.6°F), with a high of 30°C (86°F) during clear days and a low of- 5°C (23°F) overnight above 4000 meters.

Autumn – End of September/October/November

In the Everest region, autumn is equally as busy as spring. It is one of the best times to go, too. While the plants and trees are not in bloom, the sky is often clear, offering breathtaking vistas from almost every viewpoint. The average temperature in autumn is 17°C (62.6°F), with a high of 20°C (68°F) during clear days and a low of – 15°C (5°F) overnight above 4000 meters.

Winter – December/January/February

Due to fewer tourists, some people like winter travel. Even while the views are still beautiful, it can be cloudy, thus adding extra days is highly advised during this time. The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with a high of 17°C (62.6°F) during clear days and a low of – 20°C (- 4°F) overnight above 4000 meters. The teahouses provide extra blankets for warmth at night.

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we rent to trekkers is about -10°C (14°F). Also, our guides can obtain extra blankets if needed at the teahouses.

Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms.  The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.

Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

Typically, USD 15 to 20 per person per day will be sufficient. This is to purchase water, tea/espresso, snacks, and hot showers in the mountains and for lunch or dinner in Kathmandu. Additionally, if you want to buy souvenirs or native Nepali goods, you can bring extra cash with you.

Nepalese Rupees cash is preferred to a credit card while trekking in the mountain region. Exchanging your cash into Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu before the beginning of the trek is ideal. This can be accomplished at the airport, at banks, or at your hotel. Please note the hotels will exchange up to about USD 100 for each transaction only. There are ATMs up to Namche Bazaar but can be unreliable. The currency exchange rate is better in Kathmandu.

When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.

You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu. We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100).  Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.

There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.

Previous trekking experience is not required if you are physically healthy and have enough enthusiasm for the trek.

Our treks have no age restrictions if members are healthy and willing. We have had families with kids as young as 5 years do the treks along this region, and our oldest adventurers have been in their late 70s.

It is safe for a female to trek alone in Nepal. Nepal is usually regarded as a safe nation for female visitors traveling alone. It is entirely safe for a solo woman to trek with Ace the Himalaya on any of our treks.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is somewhat challenging due to the altitude and long duration of the trek. It is a strenuous journey that comprises walking 5 to 8 hours a day. Find more details here: How difficult is EBC Trek?

The average walking speed for a reasonably fit person is 4 kilometers per hour. At higher elevations, it is highly recommended that you walk slowly to help with acclimatization.

For trekking, you must prepare your body to walk over uneven, hilly landscapes while carrying a backpack. Walking at an incline, jogging, cycling, and going for long-distance hikes are all good ways to exercise. You should work out for at least one hour four to five times a week for at least two months before trekking.

The weight limit for the Lukla flight is 15 kg (33 pounds), including your duffel bag and daypack. If your daypack weighs more than the allowed weight, you can pay an extra USD 2 to USD 5 per kilogram. Despite the extra pay, the baggage allowance is occasionally withheld. Therefore, we recommend you pack within the 15 kg weight limit.

After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.

Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary.  Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling. Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.

You can find the necessary items to pack for the trek here on the Equipment section. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.

Yes, we do provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rental costs of USD 35 each. Do let us know before initiating the trek and we shall provide items.

We provide you with a free duffel bag of 70 to 80-liter capacity that our porters will carry.  The maximum weight that porters can safely carry is 30kg, and each porter is assigned to two people.

We suggest a 30 to 40-liter capacity daypack. Wider straps and hip belts are recommended to assist you in carrying weight evenly and reduce pain.

Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions.  You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, we use three-star hotels including breakfast. We use Hotel Thamel House, Gaju Suite Hotel, Hotel Jampa, or comparable-class lodging in Kathmandu. Teahouses with clean rooms are used during the trek. For further information see  Teahouses in the Everest region trek

A private room in the teahouses and in Kathmandu can be guaranteed for an additional cost.

Yes, we provide you with attached toilets in the teahouse in some places like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche only. You will have a shared toilet available in the teahouse for the rest of the places.

In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, your health, or for any reason you decide to discontinue the trip and arrive early in Kathmandu then you will need extra accommodations in Kathmandu. The cost of the teahouses in the mountains is not equivalent to the cost of a hotel in Kathmandu. In such cases, we will arrange your accommodations, but you will need to pay a supplemental charge.

You can buy toilet paper in the guesthouses during the trek, but it can be expensive, so we suggest you bring some with you. You also need to bring personal items such as towels, soap, hand sanitizers, and so on.

There are toilet facilities in the teahouses/lodges during the trek. Trekkers can also find private areas along the trail for emergencies.

Multiple food choices are available in the guesthouses. Options include daal bhat (rice and lentil), bread, eggs, potatoes, noodles, soup, pasta, and pastries. We suggest eating vegetarian during the trip. You will find a great deal of garlic on the menu since it helps with acclimatization. Each meal includes one hot drink.  Hot drinks include coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks. You can purchase an additional hot drink or sometimes soda at your own expense. You can also purchase candy or cookies (crisps) at your own expense.

Indeed, the guesthouses follow international guidelines while setting up the food and serve you clean, protected, and warm meals.

Most of the teahouses in the mountains offer vegetarian meals. So, being a vegetarian is not a problem. Vegetarian meals are preferable to avoid food poisoning and indigestion.

Natural spring water or tap water can be found along the trek and in guesthouses but must be treated. We use Katadyn filters to purify the natural water sources to make them safe to drink. This way, it is sustainable and pocket friendly as you need not buy bottled mineral water. You must carry a water bottle that can hold both hot and cold water and a hydration pack.

If the temperature drops too low for the Katadyn filter to function properly or if any technical issues occur, it is recommended to buy boiled water from the teahouse to ensure safe drinking water as an alternative.

Yes, teahouses do provide hot boiled water for an extra charge of USD 2 to 5 per liter. The cost varies and increases at higher altitudes.

Yes, hot showers are available from Lukla upto Namche Bazaar for an additional cost. Some villages at higher elevation too might have shower availability. However, you can purchase a pail of warm water at higher elevations to bathe with. It is not recommended to take showers above the village of Dingboche to avoid sickness. Depending on the location, it will cost an additional USD 5 to USD 8 for each shower during the trip.

Some teahouses provide laundry services in the Everest region for an extra charge. However, it’s not guaranteed that your clothes will dry on the same day. There is a possibility that you can wash your clothes yourself during acclimatization days in Namche and Dingboche. However, we recommend you pack enough clothes for your trek and do not rely on laundry services.

Yes, you can charge your equipment during the trek for an additional cost. The cost will vary but is around USD 1-5 per charge. Two pins (type C) and three pins (type D) adaptors are highly recommended. Bring these adaptors or purchase them while you are in Kathmandu.

We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).

Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.

We allocate one guide for groups of up to 8 participants. For groups of over 8 participants, we allot an associate guide. As per the size of the group, we may add more guides or divide them into sub-groups.

We provide one porter for every two clients. Two clients’ duffel bags will be carried by one porter. The weight limit is 30kg or 15kg for each client. For an additional cost, we can arrange for one porter to carry one participant’s duffel.

Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.

• COVID-19 vaccination (Negative PCR report in case of unvaccinated travelers.)
• Typhoid vaccination is recommended but not required

We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.

Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

Yes, we have access to a portable altitude chamber in case of an emergency. It is not essential to carry during the trek. Though, we can use arrange it upon request for an extra cost of USD 200.

Yes. Guesthouses at higher elevations such as Lobuche and Gorak Shep offer oxygen at an extra cost if needed. The cost of oxygen can be high so we recommend having travel insurance so they can reimburse you.

We can also provide pre-booked oxygen for an extra cost of USD 150 for 1 tank that can be carried along with you during the trek starting from Namche to higher elevations.

Altitude sickness is a possibility during the trek. Air at higher elevations has less oxygen available. To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatization days and slow climbs are recommended at higher elevations. Along the trek, you’ll be assisted by our professional guides in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness.

An important piece of equipment is your trekking boots. Invest in a durable and comfortable pair, preferably with water-proof lining. Boots that provide ankle support on rough ground and have stiff soles are recommended.

Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.

Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.

However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.

More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.

Tipping is expected and appreciated. You can tip your trekking guides and porters based on your satisfaction and enjoyment. We suggest you spend at least 10% of your total trek cost for tipping staff. You’ll learn more about how much to tip your group’s guides and porters during our pre-trip briefing in Kathmandu.

Yes. The guides carry local cell phones, so you can use their cell phones if necessary and reimburse them. Assuming you have brought your cell phone, you can obtain a local SIM card and use it. Our guides or representatives can help you get a local SIM card after your arrival. There is the availability of Wi-Fi at most teahouses for an additional cost.  We utilize satellite telephones for emergencies.

For internet usage, the Everest region has a network “Everest Link” which can be bought for around NPR 600-800(USD 5-7) for 6GB that can be used at one destination, or you can pay NPR 2500(USD 21) for 10GB data that can be used in the regions that have access to Everest link.

The purchase is valid for one device only. Some teahouses will have internet access and offer Wi-Fi hotspots for a charge. These are usually unreliable and not all teahouses will have connections, so it is recommended you purchase Everest Link or a 3G/4G SIM card to use for the duration of your trek.

If you are a solo traveler and book one of our published dates, there is no additional fee. If you sign up for a private trip or change the trip date from one of our published trip dates, you will be charged an additional fee.

Trekkers occasionally fail to complete the journey for medical or personal reasons. In this situation, be aware that we do not issue any refunds for products purchased or unused trek days. We must pay our administration staffs, guides, and porters, purchase trekking permits, and all other booked accommodations in advance, so our expenses remain the same.

If there are any, you will be allocated to one of the trekking groups. As this trek mandates at least 2 people, you will most probably be paired or be in a group with others. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed. However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other trekkers in the group and we shall give you a general idea on age, nationality and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be trekking with others unless you have booked a private trip.

You can extend your trekking trip for an additional cost. Potential arrangements will be made if we get a request from your guide. This is applicable for private or solo trips as the itinerary can be easily adjusted. The addition of extra days is bound by time when you are in a group. Therefore, discuss with your group and guide, what changes can possibly be made.

Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.

Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.

We utilize private tourist vehicles for touring, city visits, and airport pickups. Based on the group size, we use cars, minibuses, or vans. We use 4WD when necessary.

The flight to Lukla depends on the trekking season. During peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, October and November), the traffic in Kathmandu airport is congested so, the flight to Lukla may be from Manthali airport in the Ramechhap district. However, during the off-season, you can take a flight to Lukla directly from Kathmandu airport.

You can reach Manthali airport by traveling in a vehicle. The journey is about 4 to 5 hours (depending upon traffic) by road.

Usually, the airline companies provide shuttle services at 3 am to get to Manthali airport, Ramechhap from Kathmandu (depending upon flight time). If airlines’ shuttle services are not available, Ace the Himalaya will arrange for a vehicle to Manthali airport.

To catch your Lukla flights, you will travel to Manthali early in the morning around 2 to 3 am from Kathmandu. If your departure time is early in the morning, you must arrive in Manthali the day before and spend the night there. More information will be shared 2 to 3 weeks before you arrive in Kathmandu.

The return journey from Manthali to Kathmandu will remain like your outward journey.

Generally, vehicles such as Toyota HiAce, Mahindra Scorpio, etc. are used for shuttle services between Kathmandu and Manthali. Even though the roads leading to Manthali are bumpy, sloping, and winding, the transportation options offered will be comfortable during the trip.

The flight to Kathmandu from Lukla depends on the trekking season. Direct flight may not be possible during peak trekking season (March, April, May, October, and November) due to heavy air traffic in Kathmandu. Therefore, the flight arrives at the Manthali airport, Ramechhap.

Bad weather conditions are the major reason for Lukla flight delay and cancellation. Other reasons can include congested air traffic at the Kathmandu Airport, staffing shortages, and other difficulties cause flight delays/cancellations.

For an additional cost, a helicopter flight is an option in the event of delay or cancellation. This assists with getting you to your planned international flight.

Yes, you have the option to book a seat on a helicopter between Kathmandu and Lukla for an extra charge of USD 380 per person for a one-way flight. This price is quoted on a 5-people sharing basis.

A private helicopter can be reserved for an additional cost of USD 2,500 for one way in addition to the flight cost between Kathmandu and Lukla. Similarly, a helicopter charter from Manthali to Lukla costs an extra USD 1,800 for a one-way flight. The seat limit is five. Meaning you will be sharing the cost with your fellow passengers. Sometimes, if you are lucky, the cost can get cheaper if there are passengers from Ace the Himalaya sharing the cost for both ways. We can give more information at the time of booking.

Assuming the five-passenger weight limit of 80kg and a baggage limit of 15kg each, with a captain on board, the helicopter carries 475 to 575 kg on a single flight. Please note that in altitudes above 4,500 meters, the helicopters can land but can’t take off with more than 3 passengers. This includes Gorakshep being at an altitude of 5,180 m.

If there are more than 3 people, the helicopter will take 3 people in the first shuttle and drop them off at a designated point below 4,500 meters. The point is usually the village of Pheriche. Then, in the second shuttle, the helicopter will transfer the remaining passengers from Gorakshep; it will stop at the designated point to pick up the first three passengers and take all of them to Lukla.

The helicopter flight is on a sharing basis. It’s not a private charter flight. Thus, it would cost you an extra USD 550 if you are solo or want a private ride. This is also why we run this trip upon two or more bookings to help you save the extra charge.

The helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the weather and the number of passengers.