Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla

Pack List for 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla

The company provides one porter for every two traveler. Each porter is only allowed to carry at a maximum weight of 25-30 kilograms. Therefore, we suggest you to pack as lightly as possible. Our porters carry all the trekking gears in a shared water-proof duffle, provided by the company. Your extra luggage can be left in a hotel in Kathmandu (free storage available). We recommend you to carry a lightweight cotton or plastic bag to keep your trekking gears separate. Kindly follow the checklist below to pack the required stuff during the trip:

Checklist for all seasons:

• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, 3 passport sized photo (2 for visa application and 1 for trekking permit)
• Hand Sanitizers
• Reading/writing materials
• Travel games, like chess, backgammon, scrabble
• Waterproof bags to protect electronic or paperwork
• Binoculars, camera
• Umbrella
• First-aid kit (containing lip balm, Aspirin/paracetamol, Band Aids/plasters, bandage for sprains, iodine or water purifier, Moleskin for blisters, antiseptic for cuts, anti-bacterial throat lozenges, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for diarrhea, re-hydration powder, Norfloxacin or Ciprofloxin, antibiotic for Girdia, Diamox and any extra prescription drugs you are currently taking)
• Protein bars, chocolates, dried fruits, candies and snack foods
• Money- cash
• Hair brush
• Hair ties
• Money bag
• Swiss army knife
• Sleeping bag
• Light weight Towel
• Swimsuit
• Toiletries (quick drying towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face and body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror
• Day pack (with waist straps)
• Alarm clock and torch/flashlight/headlamp
• Lighter
• Insect repellent
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Small padlock
• Stuff sack for dirty clothes/shoes
• Drybags in several sizes
• Duffle Bag (will be provided by the company)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
• Small wash towel
• Refillable water bottle
• Bandana or broad brimmed sunhat, sunglasses, scarf
• Bag liners
• Sewing kit
• Wind and waterproof shell jacket & trousers (preferably breathable fabric)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Running shoes or sandals
• Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination
• Lightweight thermal gloves
• Underwear and Shorts
• T Shirts 2 or 3
• Long sleeved shirt
• Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces
• Lightweight long trousers (no jeans)

Special Checklist for winter and high altitude

• Layered clothing /Thermals  and Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March)
• 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweight  wool jumper/sweater/fleece jacket
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket (optional)
• Down jacket or down vest
• Fleece or wool trousers/pants
• Trekking pants
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens – wool or fleeced with a waterproof shell outer
• A four season sleeping bag/sleep sheet (rated to -150 /00 F)
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Gaiters (optional)

        Special Checklist for summer

• Lightweight wool jumper/sweater/fleece
• Umbrella/water proof jacket with hood and waterproof trousers (May to September)
• Sunscreen lotion with maximum SPF
• Water bottel

12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla  Useful Information

Dossier disclaimer:

Although, the information regarding the trip details in the website is provided in good faith, it does not form a part of the final contract between the client and the company. The itinerary will be redesigned to meet client’s requirements, before the final booking.  The changes made will completely be in favor of the customer; therefore, the information in the final document will look slightly different than the ones mentioned in our website. The final copy of the itinerary will be sent via email, before booking the trip which will be 100% correct. We highly recommend that you print the final copy of your Trip Details and review the information a few days before the trip for updates regarding any last minute changes (if any).   

Itinerary Disclaimer:

Our team leaders are strictly ordered to follow the itinerary provided to you; however, some modification to the itinerary will be made in the case of unforeseen situations like sudden change in weather, natural disasters, unsupportive health of a group member and strike/protest by local people and so on (all in client’s favor).  

The final itinerary provided by the company ensures adequate acclimatization. Despite this, some of you might still feel the effects of altitude sickness. Under circumstances, where the team leader finds it unsafe to gain more altitude, he will make the arrangement to descend to lower altitude and not continue up, until you are completely ready to ascend further.

Although, these situations are rare, we request you to remain flexible, where it may be necessary to make alterations. Also, to enjoy the trek, despite all the unforeseen unfavorable circumstances, we highly recommend that you add a few extra days to your trip, to be on a safe side.

Important Notes:

1. The Everest Base Camp trekking is not possible without Tekking Card and Sagarmatha National Park permit. The company will make the arrangement of these permits once you provide a scanned color copy of your passport and color copy of two passport sized photographs.
2. Everest Base Camp Trekking is a lot of up and down hill walk. The oxygen level in the air decreases with the increase in altitude, making it difficult for trekkers to adjust to the thinning air. Therefore, we suggest slow and steady climb instead of rushing to the destination. Take rest, when tired and stand to rest than sit. Protect yourself from intense sun, wind and cold by dressing up in layers, using sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and scarf. Also, make sure to put on your layers as soon as you reach the shaded areas, if you have taken them off.
3. The trip cost does not include the cost of your extra expenses like drinks, tea/coffee, shopping, tipping and any extra activities not mentioned in the trip detail. Therefore, make sure you carry enough extra money for these purposes. We also suggest you to set aside USD200 (or Nepalese currency equivalent to USD 200) as an emergency fund. This fund will be utilized in case of any changes in the itinerary caused by unforeseen unfavorable situations (although rare).
4. Neither the team leader, nor the company will be responsible for the safety involved during any extra activity not mentioned in the itinerary.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory in order to join our 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek. When selecting a travel insurance policy, make sure that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses (hospital charges, cost of the medicine, doctor’s fees etc.) caused by health issues, injuries or accidents, together with evacuation, helicopter rescue and repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellations, theft and loss of luggage, personal effects as well as additional activities (not mentioned in the trip detail), that you are planning to undertake, during your stay in Nepal. This trekking in Nepal takes you above the altitude of 5000m; therefore, we highly recommend you to ensure that your policy covers treks that go over 5000m.

Best seasons to plan this trek:

Autumn (October and November) is the best season to plan this trek in Nepal. This season allows you to experience the best weather, clear skies, bearable temperature and the biggest crowd of all seasons.

Spring (March and April) is the second best season to plan this trek in Nepal. This season also allows you to experience good weather, clear skies, acceptable temperature and fewer crowds.

Winter (December to February) is an average season to plan this trek in Nepal. Apart from early December, the remaining winter is very cold and freezing, especially during the night. Water supplies in higher altitude freeze and most of the accommodation options close down.

Summer (June-August) is not considered the best season to plan this Trek in Nepal. All – weather, temperature, trail are unsupportive and the visibility is also affected by heavy rain and cloud.

(Please Note: If you are looking to participate in the major festivals celebrated in the Khumbu region, while trekking to the Everest base camp, we suggest you to plan your trek for late February or early March for Gyalpo Losar (Tibetan New Year), May for Buddha Jayati, October November for Mani Rimdu and June or July for Dumje (confirm the exact dates before booking).   

Joining Instructions and Arrival Complication:

This package by Desire Adventures includes the cost of airport-hotel-airport transfers. Therefore, a company representative will be sent as per your flight arrival time to guide you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu (in a private vehicle). Therefore, once outside the luggage hall, look for the company representative carrying paging board with your and company’s name printed on it. Once you find this person, carry your luggage and follow him/her to the shuttle waiting for you to transfer you from the airport to your hotel.  Make sure to avoid every person, who offers to help you carry your luggage or guide you to taxi stand, as they will be asking money as a service charge once you get to the taxi.   

The package guarantees…

1. 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (Tourist Standard Hotel) on a twin-sharing basis
2. An English-speaking professional, trained, experienced and licensed local guide.
3. A full support team of local porters and assistants
4. 24x7 off-site team for additional support
5. A full-board, meal (Breakfast,Lunch, Dinne) and accommodation, during the trek
6. Ground transportations: i) Airport shuttle service.
7. Helicopter Ride from Gorakshep to Lukla 
8. Ramechhap- Lukla- Ramechhap flight tickets and departure tax

Group Leader Description

All the group leaders/team leaders/guides employed by Desire Adventures are licensed, experienced, and friendly and know the Khumbu Region extremely well. These team leaders are very much dedicated to providing friendly and professional service and are very passionate about sharing their knowledge. Your 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek will be led by one of these guides. Apart from guiding you to your destination, these guides will also provide information on the places you are travelling through, suggest things to see and do, recommend best local eating hubs, introduce you to the local people: their lifestyle, culture, tradition, history, society and their community. The guides will also help you make friends with local people. Most importantly, these guides ensure that you return home with the best and hassle-free travel experience.   

Meals:

( Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners on company)

This covers Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek, breakfast in Kathmandu and one complimentary dinners ( Farewell dinner) in Kathmandu. However, for the remaining meals, the team leaders will suggest you some of the best and popular eateries in the area, allowing you the flexibility to decide as per your taste and budget.

Typical Nepali food will be served for; breakfast in Kathmandu will be as per the hotel menu; meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek will be as per the lodge menu (variety of options to choose from) and your-choice food for farewell dinner. Since, food is the major part of this trekking adventure; our guides will make sure that they are freshly prepared using fresh local ingredients and are in good portions. Soft drinks and light snacks are not included in the package, but can be purchased at tea house.

Breakfast and Dinner will be provided in or near your accommodation and lunch will be served at one of the best teahouses/restaurants along the way to the day’s destination.

Accommodation:   

In Kathmandu, your accommodation is arranged in tourist standard hotels, whereas during the trek lodges are the available accommodation options. The rooms will be provided on a twin-share basis, where you will be paired up with another member of the same gender. Triple share can be arranged upon request; however, for single supplements, extra charges will be applicable.

In the Khumbu region, guest houses with restaurant are known as lodge. The rooms are normal with basic furniture and most of them only feature two beds, pillows and blankets, but are very cozy. The room amenities decrease with the increase in altitude. Also, the chances of getting attached baths decrease with the increase in altitude. Where hot shower options are unavailable, a few buckets of hot water (for bathing purpose) can be arranged at extra cost. Dining Hall and toilets/bathrooms/restrooms (squat or western type) are usually common.

Where hydroelectric power options are not available (especially at higher altitude), rooms are lit using solar power. Therefore, make sure you charge your mobile phones and camera batteries at lower altitude. At higher altitude, some tea houses might also allow you to charge your appliances, but at extra cost.  

Transportation:

This package cost covers the cost of the flight tickets Ramechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap & Helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla.

Communication Facilities:

Telephone and internet services are available at almost all the night stops. Hotels in Kathmandu provide free internet service, whereas the accommodation during the trek do not provide free internet service, but can be used by paying certain extra dollars. To be in a regular contact with your group, the team leaders are provided with a cellular phone from the company, which can be used by any member of the group in case of emergencies. Or, you can buy and use a local SIM card that is prepaid phone cards (requires 2 passport sized photos and passport visa copy to purchase the SIM card), and use it during your stay in Nepal.         

Solo Travelers:

Desire Adventures welcomes all solo travelers to join our group trips. When you join our groups, you will share your accommodation and other facilities with another member of the group, which helps you to save money. However, if you are not comfortable joining our existing group, we can definitely make the arrangement for you to travel solo (cost will be comparatively higher than travelling in a group).

Group Size:

Maximum 20, Average 10, Minimum 2

Tipping:

Leaving a tip for the service providers like guides, porters, drivers and waiters, although is not mandatory, it is appreciated. Tipping shows your satisfaction and gratitude toward the service provided and the service provider respectively. The amount is a personal preference.

Health, Fitness, Medications and Medical Facilities:

Health - In order to successfully complete this trek, you need to be in the best health condition. Therefore, we suggest you to get a physical examination at least 4-6 weeks prior to trek and seek advice, medication and permission from your doctor. Make sure that you are screened for illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anemia, ulcer disease, cardiovascular disease and lung related problems. Cardiovascular risk assessment should also be made, especially for anyone with strong family history or person over the age of 40. Get a good dental check up, identify medicines that you are allergic to. Make sure you are immunized and vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, varicella, Hemophilus influenza type b infection, Hepatitis A and B Typhoid, rabies, yellow fever, cholera, meningococcal disease and encephalitis. In the absence of doctor, seek advice from local General Practitioner or travel clinics.

Fitness -The Everest Base Camp trail also demands excellent stamina along with tough determination. At an average you will have to walk for 6-8 hours every day and it’s a lot of uphill and downhill climb. Therefore, trekkers need to be physically fit. Consult your GP regarding the necessary guide walk prior to this trek. A few weeks of cardio exercise: brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, skipping etc. will help you get the fitness level to successfully complete the trek. Also, short hiking and camping experiences, before the Everest Base Camp trek are considered the plus points.

Medication - For the Everest Base Camp trek, we recommend you carry your regular personal medicines along with a First Aid kit. Also, add blister kit, sunscreen, bandages, insect repellent containing DEET, topical antibiotic cream, iodine tablets and /or water filter, Diamox or Acetazolamide, Acetaminophen or Tylenol for analgesia, Ibuprofen or Advil for analgesia and as an anti-inflammatory agent, Immodium or Lomotil for diarrhea, Afrin-a nasal decongestant, Pepcid or Zantac for heartburn, an antibiotic, especially a Quinolone such as Ciprofloxacin or Leavaquin, pain medicine such as Tylenol with codeine or Hydrocodone and if you are prone to exercise-induced Asthma or Asthma associated with bronchitis or upper respiratory infections, add Asthma inhaler to the kit.

Medical Facilities - Khunde Hospital  north of Namche Bazaar and a health post run by Himalayan Rescue Association at Pheriche are the are the medical facilities in the Khumbu region. Khunde Hospital has decompression chamber and the health post at Pheriche is equipped with Gamow bags and bottled oxygen for emergencies.  

Most important of all, we request you to inform us regarding your present health condition, pre-existing medical condition, illness and your regular medications. We also request you to be honest regarding these issues, so that we can provide instant assistance in emergencies during the trek.

 Safety and Security:

During this trek, your safety and security is our greatest concern. Since your team leader will be with you the entire time, during the trek, he is given the responsibility to safely take you to your destination and bring your back. The team leader is also given the authority to amend or cancel the itinerary, if it concerns your safety and security.

For the safety of your belongings (passport, air tickets, traveler’s check, cash, and other valuable items) we request you to bring a neck wallet or money belt. We strongly recommend not bringing valuable jewelry with you and even if you happen to bring one, we request you to store it in the safety deposit boxes available in the hotels in Kathmandu. Secure your luggage with a padlock.

Additional Rules:

1. Do no contravene the laws and rules of the country.
2. Do not carry any illegal drugs.
3. Do not get involved with the sex workers

Local Dress:

 Since the dress standards are comparatively conservative in Nepal, we recommend you to pack comfortable, yet modest clothing. We recommend you to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing, when packing your luggage, especially if you are planning your trek during summer. Also, avoid short dresses like shorts/skirts/singlet/tank tops, especially while visiting holy sites.

Emergency Contact Detail

Desire Adventures Pvt. Ltd.

From outside of Nepal: +977-1-4412014

From within Kathmandu: 4412014

From outside Kathmandu: 01-4412014

If you are using NTC, Ncell or any other mobile networks in Nepal: 01-4412014

Additional Information:

Visas

Foreign tourist (except Indians) visiting Nepal require a visa to enter Nepal. Chinese nationals can obtain free visa. Visas can either be obtained from the nearest Embassy/Consulate or Mission offices in your own country or upon your arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.

 To apply for a visa, you need 2 passport-sized photographs, receipt of online application, Visa fees in US dollars, your passport that is valid for at least 6 months, before the trip and a copy of passport of guardian, in case of minor below 10 years of age. Transit visa for foreign nationalities is only provided for 3 days. For the convenience of foreign nationals, visas are also provided from the borders listed below:

Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)

Tel: 977-1-4485173/4113045

Fax: 977-1-4113090

Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)

Tel: 977-23-562054

Fax: 977-23-563569

Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal)

Tel/Fax: 977-51-5527447

Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border of Nepal)

Tel/Fax: 977-11-840196

Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Western Nepal)

Tel/Fax:  977-71-520629

Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Mid Western Nepal)

Tel/Fax: 977-81-412005

Mohana, Dhangadhi (Far Western Nepal)

Tel/Fax: 977-91-523246

Kanchanpur (Far Western Nepal)

Tel/Fax: 977-99-402004

Rashuwagadi

Tel: 977-10-6922722

Fax: 977-10-540133
Tourist Visa Fees:

Transit visa (3 days) Free of cost

Minimum USD 30 for up to 15 days

After 15 days USD 2/day (extension of the tourist visa, the fees chargeable for 15 days shall be levied  if the period is less than 15 days in every extension) 

Extra USD 20 for MRE facility for valid visa period.

Late fee to be charged extra USD 3/day

In case of minor, below 10 years of age, the visa is free of cost

(For more information, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np  or contact the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu.)

Tel: 977-1- 4429659/4429660/4438862/4438868.

Fax: 977-1- 4433934/4433935

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

We are able to depart Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla every day at no extra cost. So kindly choose your own date as per your convenient. Contact us to schedule your own departure Date

• Dates for 2025
• Dates for 2026