How to Plan Your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla in Kathmandu

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a must-do adventure that should be on your bucket list. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is the gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek, the world’s highest mountain. If you’re looking to plan your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla, this guide covers everything you need to know to have a successful, memorable and exciting adventure experience!

Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla is a 13-day journey, covering an altitude of 18,066 ft (5,500 m). You will have the opportunity to hike up to the base camp of the highest peak in the world — Mount Everest — and be surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery of the Himalayas.

What’s Included

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle
• Twin sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included (2 nights)
• Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation in the trek with attached toilets in Lukla Phakding & Namche
• Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation
• International airfare and airport departure tax
• First aid kit
• Trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, down jackets etc. (to be returned after the trek)
• Experienced trekking guide, porterage service (2 trekkers: 1 porter) & their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation
• Helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup Points

You will be picked up from your hotel or the airport.

Start Time

The tour starts at 8:00 AM.

Pickup Details

You will be picked up from the airport even if you arrive earlier. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it.

What to Expect

The Everest Base Camp trek with Helicopter Return is a challenging adventure that requires good physical fitness. You’ll be walking for about 6-7 hours per day on rocky terrain, uphill and downhill. You need to be in good physical condition before attempting this trek.

During the trek, you’ll be staying in guesthouses located in the villages along the trail. These guesthouses provide basic amenities such as clean beds, shared toilets and hot showers.

The trek culminates in a helicopter ride back from Gorakshep to Lukla with an opportunity to view Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• A minimum two people booking is required

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 7 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

How to Plan Your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla in Kathmandu

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step to planning your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla is to book the tour through the Viator website. Click on this link to book the tour here.

Step 2: Purchase Travel Insurance

Purchase travel insurance that covers emergency rescue and evacuation. This is recommended as the trek is a challenging adventure, and it’s important to have proper insurance coverage in case of an emergency.

Step 3: Acquire Trekking Permits

To trek in the Everest region, you need to acquire two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit (SNPP) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. These can be acquired in Kathmandu before the trek.

Step 4: Pack and Prepare for the Trek

Pack appropriately for the trek. The temperature in the region can be cold, so bring warm clothing. Include appropriate footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Be sure to pack a first aid kit.

Step 5: Arrive in Kathmandu

Make your way to Kathmandu and check into your hotel. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the trek starting point.

Step 6: Commence Trekking

The trek starts in Lukla, and you’ll walk along the trail for thirteen days, culminating in a return via helicopter from Gorakshep to Lukla.

Step 7: Return Home

When the trek is complete, return to your hotel in Kathmandu before departing for home.

Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Planning your Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep to Lukla can be daunting, but by following the steps outlined above, you can have a successful and memorable adventure experience. Book your tour, purchase travel insurance, acquire trekking permits, pack appropriately, arrive in Kathmandu and commence trekking. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Himalayas!

Frequently Asked Questions About Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the heart of the Himalayas. It is a fascinating and vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and history. If you are planning a trip to Kathmandu, you might have some questions in your mind. In this blog post, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Kathmandu.

1. What is the best time to visit Kathmandu?

Kathmandu has four distinct seasons- spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time to visit Kathmandu is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) when the weather is pleasant and there is less chance of rain. During these months, you can enjoy clear skies, lush greenery, and pleasant temperatures.

2. What is the currency in Kathmandu?

The currency in Nepal is Nepalese Rupee (NPR). You can exchange your foreign currency to NPR at authorized money changers, banks, and hotels. US Dollar is widely accepted in Kathmandu, and you can use it for the major transactions like hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Kathmandu?

Yes, visitors from most countries need a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport or at the land border crossings. The visa fee varies depending on the duration of your stay. However, if you are planning to trek in Nepal, you need to obtain a special permit from the Department of Immigration.

4. What are the top attractions in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a historical city with numerous temples, palaces, and monuments. Some of the top attractions in Kathmandu are:

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey temple)
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Thamel
• Garden of Dreams

5. What is the best way to get around Kathmandu?

The best way to get around Kathmandu is on foot or by taxi. Taxis are easily available and relatively inexpensive. However, you need to ensure that the taxi driver uses the meter, or you agree on a fare before starting the ride. You can also rent a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle to explore the city at your own pace.

6. What are the popular trekking routes in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is the gateway to some of the best trekking routes in the world. Some popular trekking routes from Kathmandu are:

• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Langtang Valley Trek
• Upper Mustang Trek
• Gokyo Lakes Trek
• Manaslu Circuit Trek

7. What are the traditional foods in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu has a rich culinary heritage with a blend of Indian and Tibetan influences. Some popular traditional foods in Kathmandu are:

• Momo (steamed or fried dumplings)
• Dal Bhat Tarkari (rice, lentils, and vegetables)
• Chatamari (rice flour crepe with toppings)
• Newari dishes (buffalo meat, beaten rice, and fermented vegetables)

8. Is Kathmandu a safe city for tourists?

Kathmandu is generally a safe city for tourists. However, you need to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas. Be aware of pickpockets, and do not carry a lot of cash or valuables with you. Also, do not drink tap water, and make sure to drink bottled water.

9. What is the local language spoken in Kathmandu?

The official language of Nepal is Nepali. However, in Kathmandu, you can also communicate in Hindi and English. Most people in the tourist areas can speak basic English.

10. What is the etiquette for dress code in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a conservative city, and you need to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and wear pants or long skirts, and men should avoid wearing shorts. It is also advisable to remove your shoes before entering the temples and religious sites.

In conclusion, Kathmandu is a unique and fascinating city with a lot to offer. We hope that we have answered the most commonly asked questions about Kathmandu, and this will help you plan your trip accordingly. Remember to take precautions and respect the local culture to have a memorable and safe trip.