Everest Panorama Trek with Helicopter Tour

Our trek will be in a very beautiful part of the Everest region. Expect to trek about 5-7 hours daily, or about 8–12 KMS per day. Since beginners can also join the trip, it is recommended that you prepare for the trek by doing some suitable general training such as climbing hills or stairs, jogging, and spending some time in the gym to improve your stamina for a few months prior to the trek. If you are quite fit and do sufficient training prior to arriving in Nepal, the trek will be enjoyable, and it is suitable for fit people into their early 70's. This trek is the most popular for those wishing to get wonderful views of the Himalayan peaks. The highest altitude we reach is 5545 meters at Kalapatthar, which offers a breathtaking view of many of the world's greatest peaks. It is stunning! Any trekking equipment, such as walking poles, water bottles, and a rucksack, is very easily available in Kathmandu, near our hotel.

To be honest, you don't have to be a runner to enjoy the trek. But the preparation will probably save you a lot of pain and suffering on the trail and help you enjoy your experience there. The suggestions we have for physically preparing are to take good, long, brisk walks, preferably wearing a pack with a similar load that you'll be carrying. Cycling and swimming are also great alternatives, as is just about anything that gets your cardio working. Do some breathing exercises to get more oxygen into your lungs. Watch for signs of altitude sickness; symptoms include headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and breathlessness. Bring a supply of the medication Diamox for treatment; if symptoms persist, descend. Trekking to Everest Base Camp may not be the right trip for everyone, as it is quite a physically demanding experience, and when you combine high altitude with plenty of climbs, you may get a recipe for suffering. But normal, average travelers can do the Everest Base Camp trek.

Travel insurance and rescue when traveling to a remote destination like Nepal are strongly advised. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour. Your insurance policy must cover all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal, such as helicopter rescue, cancellation, air ambulance, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment, and covering repatriation and personal expenses. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors’ fees, and repatriation costs are the client’s responsibility. For reliable travel insurance, we have the suggestions of some of the best insurance companies: Cover more or Europe assistance or Travel Direct (TID. We have an agreement with Helicopter Company to do the payment for helicopter evacuation after we collect the payment from you once you have been rescued. And the reimbursement responsibility from your insurance company will go up to you. Be sure your policy specifically covers helicopter evacuation and does not exclude mountaineering or alpinism.

Most of the tea houses do have western-style flushing toilets. But in higher elevations, you may also find the traditional type of toilet made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or a few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground, which is situated outside the room.

You will get the facilities of hot and cold water running with an attached bathroom up to Namche without any extra charges. But above Namche, you will be charged about USD 5 per shower (depending upon the guesthouse) for a hot water shower.

There will be a laundry facility in Kathmandu and Namche.

The maximum weight limit for the Lukla flight is 15 kg, which is equivalent to 33 pounds including your handbag (daypack). If your baggage exceeds the weight limits, additional costs of USD 1–2 per kg will be applicable, and the payment should be made at the airport counter itself.

Depending on when you plan to travel, it's important to have the proper clothes and be prepared for unexpected weather. Fairly well-worn hiking boots and shoes are a must! For tours between November and the first two weeks of March, bring a jacket suitable for -10 degrees Celsius. For tours at other times, please bring a jacket suitable for -3 to 5 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the daytime weather will tend to be warm or pleasant.

A sleeping bag is necessary during the trekking days, and if you have your own sleeping bag, you can bring it. Otherwise, HSJ will provide you with a sleeping bag during the trek (-10 to -15 degrees).

In Kathmandu, we will be staying at three-star standard hotels like the Hotel Holy Himalaya, the Himalayan Suite Hotel, or a similar quality hotel. These places come highly recommended, but please don't expect a European standard of hotel. These hotels are good, clean tourist hotels and are of good quality by Nepali standards. On the trek, we'll be staying at simple lodges run by Nepali families. During the trek, the bathrooms are outside the rooms, and hot water is dependent on solar panels, so don't count on many warm showers.

If you wish for better accommodations during the trek, you can upgrade the accommodations in the mountains. The upgrade will be at Yeti Mountain Home in Namche, Phakding, and Lukla. It costs USD 150 per night, including breakfast, service charge, and tax.

Most teahouses (lodges) in Everest region trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season), and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization; eat some every day. In many villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks and treats like chocolate and crisps.

There are two ways to get from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp.

• By Bus: Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private vehicle such as a car, jeep, or microbus. Luxury tourist buses, which are only hired by the company for the most part, make long-distance travel possible. You may have to take a public bus on some trips, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.

• By air: The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back is included in the price.

The best months for trekking are spring, March, April, and May, as the weather is bright and calm in these months and you can see high mountains with Manaslu full of snow. Spring and May are the best months. Rhododendron is ideal for the spring season; all the rhododendrons turn into a wonderful garden, and you can see them.

Autumn is another strong season for the Everest tour. The perfect months for trekking after the monsoon in Nepal are September, October, and November. During these months, you have a beautiful view of the Himalayas and their people because you can be part of Nepal's biggest festivals in the fall.

There are two different permits you need to trek to Everest Base Camp. The first is a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit. This costs $10 USD if you are part of a group or $20 USD if you are trekking independently. You also need two passport photos. HSJ will acquire those permits for you.

Our local Nepali team at HSJ is renowned for being one of the most experienced, hospitable, and respected trekking outfits in Nepal. With full licensing and affiliation with prestigious organizations such as the Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Tourism Board, Govt. of Nepal, Sustainable Tourism Network, Himalayan Rescue Association, and Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project, you can be confident in the quality of service we provide.

Yes, if you are a solo traveler and want to avoid a single supplement surcharge, you can share your room with a same-sex solo traveler. It, however, depends on the availability of another solo traveler and their willingness to share the room with you.

When you embark on this trek, you will be accompanied by a professional and experienced English-speaking trekking guide who possesses excellent knowledge of the area and the trek itself. Our guides are skilled and have over 10 years of experience leading treks. They are friendly, courteous, and helpful, ensuring that you have a wonderfully memorable experience throughout your journey.

To ensure your comfort during the trek, we maintain a porter-to-people ratio of 1:2, considering the group size. Each porter will carry a maximum of 12–15 kg of luggage per person. While the porters take care of your belongings, you will only need to carry a day pack containing your essentials, such as a wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snacks, a headlight, and other gadgets. We value the safety and well-being of our porters, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their welfare. We kindly request that you only bring items that are absolutely necessary to reduce their burden.

In addition to the trek itself, we offer various programs and complimentary services to enhance your overall experience.

• Welcome and Farewell Dinner: To make you feel at home and foster a sense of camaraderie, we arrange welcome and farewell dinners, where you can savor delicious local cuisine while sharing stories with fellow trekkers.
• Spa Services: Treat yourself to luxurious spa services that will pamper your body and revitalize your senses after a long day of trekking. Indulge in soothing massages and other treatments to alleviate any fatigue or soreness.

At HSJ, we prioritize your satisfaction and strive to provide a personalized experience. We are your flexible travel partner, catering to your unique preferences. Whether you wish to follow a different route, have extra time in Nepal, or customize the trip according to your specific interests, we have you covered. Our additional add-on tours include options such as the Chitwan Jungle Safari, a cable car ride to Chandragiri Hills, cooking and yoga classes in Kathmandu, and more. Just share your ideas with us, and we will create a complete itinerary tailored to your desires. Moreover, if you prefer different standards of accommodation than those provided in the standard itineraries, we are more than happy to accommodate your requests. From the moment you arrive until your departure, your wishes become our commands. Feel free to make any requests, and we will ensure your utmost satisfaction.

It is a moderate trekking trip. You will have a light type of trekking from Lukla to Phakding (3 hours) and Phakding to Namche on the 4th day, which is around 5–6 hours. You will be flying out of Namche to Kathmandu in a helicopter, and hence this trek can be classified as an easy trek for fit and physically healthy people. Even people with no trekking experience can do this trek easily.

While we recommend booking in advance, we understand that some circumstances may require last-minute reservations. At Himalayan Social Journey, we strive to accommodate such requests; however, please note that full tour payment is required within 24 hours for last-minute bookings. While we make every effort to operate treks at any time, delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions and accommodation availability.

At Himalayan Social Journey, we value customer feedback and consider it an essential aspect of our journey towards becoming an exceptional travel partner. We have faced both ups and downs along the way, and it is through feedback, both positive and constructive, that we have reached where we are today. During the farewell dinner with our crew at the end of the trek, we kindly request that you share your valuable feedback, including your experiences, recommendations, and honest rating, on our trip advisor page.

The Himalayan Social Journey is committed to providing you with a remarkable trekking experience in the Everest region. With our experienced local team, flexible itineraries, and attention to your needs and preferences, we strive to create memories that will last a lifetime. Choose HSJ as your trusted travel partner and prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure in the breathtaking Himalayas. Contact us today to start planning your Everest Base Camp Trek.

There are three ways to get a visa for Nepal

• Visa on arrival: You can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other designated entry points. The visa fee is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days.
• Online application: You can apply for a visa online through the Nepal Immigration website. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np .The visa fee is the same as for visa on arrival.
• Nepalese Embassy or Consulate: You can also apply for a visa at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa fee may be different, so check with the embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements

• Passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Nepal.
• Visa application form.
• Passport-sized photo (Bring 4 )

Gratis Visa (Visa for Free)

Gratis Visa is issued free of cost in case of following categories of Visa applicants:

• Children below 10 years except US citizens
• Up to 30 days for SAARC Citizen - Bangladesh , Bhutan, India , Maldives , Pakistan , Sri-Lanka  (except Afghanistan) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year. Afghan citizen are eligible for Gratis Visa on Arrival only upon the recommendation of Department of Immigration. If you are an Afghan citizen, you can request concerned institution inviting you to Nepal for necessary paperwork with Department of Immigration to get you Gratis Visa 'On Arrival'.
• Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder ( issued by MoFA /Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad)
• Chinese Nationals for 150 days

Nationals of following countries are requested to acquire Visa prior their arrival from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of Nepal Government.

1. NigeriaGhana
2. Zimbabwe
3. Swaziland
4. Cameroon
5. Somalia
6. Liberia
7. Ethiopia
8. Iraq
9. Palestine
10. Afghanistan
11. Syria
12. Refugees with travel document

If your passport is not valid for at least six months, you will need to renew your passport before you travel to Nepal. You can renew your passport at your local passport office. The process of renewing your passport can take several weeks, so it is important to start the process early.

By air:

Nepal has Three international airports: Kathmandu, Bhairawa, and Pokhara. Currently, Pokhara airport does not handle international flights. However, there are a few flights to Bhairawa from few countries. The main international airport in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), located in Kathmandu. You can search TIA airport to book your International flight.

By land: There are multiple land entry points along the borders of Nepal, India, and China. These entry points include Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, and Kerung(china boarder)

If you've booked a multiday tour or trekking package with Himalayan Social Journey, we'll pick you up from the airport. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be there to greet you with a sign displaying your name and our company's name. We'll then take you to your pre-booked hotel.

To make the pick-up process smooth, kindly share your flight details, including flight number and arrival time. If there are any changes to your arrival plans, please inform us as soon as possible so we can arrange your pick-up accordingly. Travel with us for a hassle-free experience!

Please keep this thing in your mind that there are some airport touts and scam artists who take advantage of tourists. They might offer to carry your luggage and they want a large amount of money. Sometimes they intimidate our drivers and even take away their signs. Anyway...if you want someone to help you with your luggage you can give them NOT MORE THAN 1 - 2 DOLLARS. This is a small hassle that tourists sometimes face upon arrival at the airport. Do not stress about this but just be aware not to give more than a few dollars for their luggage handling if you choose to take someone's services. Nepalese in general are very kind and hospitable people.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Major foreign currencies such as USD, AUD, and EURO are accepted for VISA.

There are plenty of ATMs in these major cities, so you can easily withdraw cash from your foreign currency bank account. Credit cards are also accepted in some shops and restaurants, but they are not as widely accepted as cash.

On the trek, you will only need to use Nepali rupees. You can exchange your foreign currency for Nepali rupees at your hotel, money exchanges, or the airport. Himalayan Social Journey representatives will also be happy to help you exchange money.

If you have booked a trekking or multi-day tour with Himalayan Social Journey, the orientation meeting usually happens at your Kathmandu hotel around 4 or 5 pm. Our team will provide you with the specific details upon your arrival.

If you're arriving early or leaving late, please ensure to arrange extra hotel accommodations by contacting reser[email protected]. Let us know if you'll be extending your stay in Nepal, and we'll book your additional nights. Also, kindly share your flight details with us to facilitate a smooth pick-up and drop process.

When you book a trip with us, the standard accommodation arrangement is on a twin-sharing basis. This means two people will be staying in each room throughout the trip. However, if you prefer to have a room to yourself or if you're traveling alone, you can choose the "single supplement" option. By selecting this option, you'll have a private room during the trip, but please note that there will be an additional cost for the single room arrangement according to tour / trek.

For each tour date, there will be several separate groups, each with a maximum of 14 people and their own experienced English-speaking guide. During the trek, there will be a suitable number of porters available to carry your luggage. Additionally, if you prefer to do a private tour or trek with your own group, that is also possible. 

Nepal has five main seasons: summer, monsoon, spring, autumn, and winter. Each season offers unique experiences and weather conditions.

Winter (Late Dec - Feb): Cold temperatures, great for festival tours and special highlights.

Spring (Mar - May): Magical rhododendron blooms, ideal for trekking and peak climbing.

Monsoon (Jun - Aug): Low season with rain, but perfect for nature lovers and discounts on hotels.

Autumn (Sep - Nov): Peak season, clear weather, and popular trekking regions fill up fast.

You can check the live weather condition via this website https://www.accuweather.com

The hotel in Kathmandu where you'll stay during the trip offers complimentary storage services. You can leave your luggage and extra clothing that you won't need for the trekking / tour. Rest assured, you can collect them once the trek and tour are over.

Don't forget to bring both TWO and THREE-pin travel adapters! If you don't have them, you can purchase them at supermarkets or electronic shops in Kathmandu. Our guide will be there to assist you if needed. You can get information about plug and voltage in below link.

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/nepal/

Most places in Nepal are covered by mobile network providers, especially Ncell and Nepal Telecom. You can use data services for communication. You can buy a SIM card at the airport counter. There are also free and paid Wi-Fi services in most tea houses in Nepal during trek.

Here are some tips for staying connected while you are in Nepal:

• Buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Nepal. This will give you access to data services and allow you to make calls and send text messages.
• Check the coverage map of your mobile network provider before you travel. This will help you to know where you can expect to have good reception.
• If you are planning on visiting remote areas and need to be in connected on Internet , you may want to consider renting a satellite phone. This will give you access to communication even in areas with no mobile network coverage.
• There are many free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots in Nepal. You can find these at hotels, tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and even some temples.

If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding, Bungy jump, Mountain flight, Heli Tour , Bhaktapur Sightseeing many more programs. You can find updated price and program detail in this link: https://hsj.com.np/tourtype/daytours. You can book by contacting us at [email protected] For longer excursions such as Bhutan, Tibet, India, and any other treks also, we can help but please contact us immediately at [email protected]

If you have purchased a voucher from any deal company, please come in contact with us with the voucher code (redemption code) so that the voucher can be redeemed on time. Since we need time to purchase your domestic air ticket and make other arrangements, kindly confirm your spot with your suitable date at-least 2 months prior to the commencement of the tour. Your booking on a particular tour date is subject to availability of spots. You can redeem you voucher through this link too : https://hsj.com.np/voucher-redemption

A typical suggestion for tipping is to allocate around USD 50-60 for the guide and porter if you're happy with their service. However, the amount you decide to tip is entirely up to you, and you can give whatever you feel is appropriate based on the excellent service they provided during your tour / trek

Packing List for Tour:

Pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions during your visit. Include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don't forget essential travel documents, a camera, and any necessary medications.

Packing List for Trekking

Hiking

• Trekking Poles - 1
• Daypack - 1
• Backpack - 1
• Packcover
• Water Reservoir - 1

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag - HSJ will provide
• sleeping bag liner

Clothes

• Underwear - 3
• Socks - 3
• Bra - 3
• base Layers pant - 1
• Trekking Tshirt - 3
• Trekking Pants - 2
• Rain Pants - 1
• Hiking Shoes/ Boots - 1
• Gloves - 1
• Hat - 1
• Down Jacket - 1
• Wind Breaker - 1
• Sandles -1

Miscellaneous

• Sunglasses - 1
• Books or E-reader (optional)

Hygene/Saftey

• Microfiber towel - 1
• Toothbrush - 1
• Toothpaste - 1
• First aid kit - 1
• Medicine kit -1
• sunscreen -1
• sewing kit -1
• Soap/shampoo - 1
• Comb or brush - 1
• Period supplies - 1
• Toilet paper - 1
• sanitising gel - 1

Electronices

• Camera
• Phone
• Extranel Hardrive (optional )
• Head touch
• Power bank for charging Phone

Packing List for Climbing:

Clothing

• Trekking boots
• Short-sleeved trekking shirts
• Trekking pants and jackets
• Thermals underwear
• Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
• Insulating down jackets
• Woolen cap
• Trekking Gloves
• Raincoats

First Aid

• Diamox tablets
• Sanitary pads and tampons
• Anti-nausea Medicines
• Band-aids
• Mosquito and insect repellents

Toiletries

• Soap
• Toilet Paper
• Shampoo
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer

Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Sleeping bag
• Cameras
• Batteries
• Water Bottle
• Solar Chargers
• Hot water thermos

Important Documents

• Passport
• Travel Permits

Peak climbing gears (HSJ will provide)

• Climbing Helmet: Choose a good-quality climbing helmet. Make sure your warm cap fits under your helmet.
• Climbing Boots: High-altitude, insulated, stiff-soled climbing boots.
• Crampons: C2 crampons that fit the climbing boots.
• Climbing Harness: Good-quality climbing harness.
• Ascending device or Jumar
• Descending or belay device
• Tape sling: UIAA tested a 220cm open tape sling or a 2 x 120 cm closed tape sling.
• Carabiners: 2 x lockable carabiners. 2 x non-locking carabiners
• Prusik loop: Best quality Prusik loop
• Ice ax: An ice ax with a wrist strap for climbing

If you cancel the trip for any reason, the 20% deposit amount will not be refunded. If you have paid the full trip amount and need to cancel, you will receive your money back, but a cancellation charge of 20% will still apply.

For voucher holders who purchased vouchers from deal companies, we must adhere to their cancellation policy. However, under both circumstances, we are flexible and can reschedule your trip for a later date. To cancel any trip, please make sure to provide written notification of your cancellation.

Sometimes travellers are unable to finish the scheduled trek/tour due to the various reasons or they ended up not completing the trek/tour for health or personal reasons. In this case please realize that we cannot offer you any refunds for unused days on the tour. You have to understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides , porters, drivers for the time they have committed.

Our commitment is to offer you an unforgettable journey with the best services. We take our responsibilities seriously and conduct all programs in Nepal according to the rules and regulations of Nepal Goverement. If needed, we can provide alternative itineraries for a delightful holiday experience. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're here to help!