EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche Difficulty level
The Ebc Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche is a moderate difficulty which involves intense ascent toward Everest Base Camp. Remember that this trek is not like technical one requiring climbing ropes, ices axe and other special equipment, but this doesn’t mean that you will not require good physical condition and mental strength.
Undoubtedly, the main difficulty associated with this trek is the height you will cover and your ascent to Everest Base Camp will bring you even higher up to 5,364 meters of height. In this height, altitude sickness is a common problem, so we have added two acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche in our Itinerary.
During the trek, you will walk 5 to 8 hours daily depending on the route condition. Some days may require you to climb steep slopes and rocky paths while the freezing temperature at higher altitudes adds more pressure.
The great thing about the EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche is that it takes away the difficult part of trekking. The descending down after hiking for days is the most difficult part for most people. The descent will take 4 days of going downhill which put immense pressure on your joint, muscle and knee. So, if you want your journey to end with smooth and rewarding experience you can choose this Helicopter Return from Pheriche.
Accommodation and Meals
The accommodation on EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche will be on traditional style that Khumbu region is famous for. It’s a small family run business that can be found along the route which provide shelter and food for visitors after long day of trekking. The accommodation they provide may be basic, but it is quite comfortable and peaceful.
As you climb higher, the accommodation becomes even more basic. The rooms get smaller; facilities are limited and heating become minimal. But then again, that is something that make this place very heart warming. Most teahouses in Lobuche and Gorakshep have shared bathroom, which in lower village like Namche they have slight better facilities with attached bathroom and hot shower for small fee.
This is not the case for Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you get to sleep in hotels with all kinds of facilities, such as heating, bathroom facilities, hot showers, and reliable Wi-Fi. This is a well-deserved luxury before and after your journey, and almost all tour packages offer an accommodation in Kathmandu of at least 3 stars or an equivalent.
The meals on the trail are varied and delicious. Dal Bhat, the traditional Nepali dish made up of rice and lentils, is the main food item in teahouse menus, which is filling, nutritious and keeps you going through the day. The other items on menu include pasta, noodle soup, fried rice, momos, porridge, pancakes and some others both local and western style. Warm beverages, such as ginger tea, lemon honey tea and instant coffee, are also available.
It is quite easy to eat good on the EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche trail and the trekking tourists will be happy with the quality and quantity of the food items available in the teahouse menus.
Preparation for the EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche
Good preparation will be the determining factor that makes the difference between the trek where you just survive and the one you really enjoy the EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche. To make the journey success, preparation is the key and start at least 2 to 3 months before the Helicopter Return from Pheriche trek.
First begin with your physical training with exercise like running, cycling, and hiking uphill with a backpack, as it helps develop necessary endurance.
But strength training is also very important, let me remind you. Your legs have to bear you for eight to ten consecutive days of hiking, so squats, lunges and step-ups should become your usual activities.
Preparation of gear is also equal importance. Get yourself a nice pair of broken-in trekking shoes and do not, under any circumstances, wear a brand-new pair of trekking shoes on this trip! Get moisture-wicking base layers, an insulated jacket, waterproof shell, trekking poles, and a sturdy daypack. Sunglasses, sunblock, and lip balm become necessary when you reach higher altitudes with their strong UV radiation.
Mental preparation often goes unnoticed, yet it plays huge role. Some days will be tough during this EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche trek – you will have cold mornings, tired legs, and thin air as well as self-doubts. Having realistic expectations and an open mind will help you to keep going in difficult situations.
Permit and Visa
For all tourist coming from abroad and wanting to join the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, permit and documentation are necessary. The first thing you will be required is a tourist visa that can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Apart from visa, there are two specific permits that you will require in order to enter into the Everest region. One is Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, which provide entry to the protected area of Mount Everest. The other one is Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, which is a must have for any trekkers wanting to visit Khumbu region.
These permits will be arranged by us Epic Trek Nepal as part of the package. So, you do not need to make any effort for getting them done. But remember to carry the original copies of all the permits during the trek as the authorities check them frequently.
Don’t do on this Trip
There is thing that need to be avoided while preparing for the Ebc Trek Heicopter Return from Pheriche that are equally important as the items that need to pack or which route you should take. There are some very typical mistakes that you should definitely avoid doing to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Don’t skip acclimatization. It is not a random thought to add acclimatization day in Namche and Dingboche. They are designed with a purpose to make your trek success without the risk of altitude sickness. Skipping them increases your chances of having altitude sickness many time over.
Don’t ignore symptoms of altitude sickness. Even with acclimatization rest, you might get the symptoms of it which include headache, nausea, dizziness and difficulty in breathing. Don’t try to ignore it and inform your guide to prevent it immediately.
Do not plan to leave Nepal the same day after your helicopter flight. Helicopter flights from Pheriche depend completely on the weather and are often postponed or cancelled with absolutely no warning. Always have some extra days for your stay in Kathmandu.
Don’t litter. The region of Khumbu is a UNESCO World Heritage SIte and it is extremely sensitive and fragile. Respect the natural environment both on the trekking routes and at the landing point of the helicopter at Pheriche.
Do not travel without insurance. Normal insurance does not include coverage for high-altitude trekking and flights by helicopter at all. You need to make sure that your insurance explicitly includes these two aspects. It is absolutely must for the EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche.
Do not overload yourself. If you have a really heavy backpack on, then the walk at the high altitude will become much more difficult for you. Take only what you need for sure and hire a porter while trekking.
Health and Safety
One thing that should be your first priority is your Health and Safety. The main threat from EBC Trek Helicopter Return from Pheriche to your health is the altitude. The altitude sickness known as Acute Mountain Sickness which symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite that might occur after 2,500 meter above. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, immediately inform your guide or if you are solo trekker, descend few hundred meters before continuing your journey.
Hydration and nutrition are critical to staying safe from altitude sickness. You should drink at least three to four liters of clean water each day during the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. It is equally important to eat full meals despite the loss of appetite when reaching high altitudes since you lose many calories due to altitude climbing.
Your physical safety is very important when climbing Mount Everest. The trek includes quite a bit of strenuous climbs, descents, glaciers, and other tricky terrain types. Be sure to use trekking poles to protect your knees during descents and have good quality boots with proper ankle support.
For the helicopters part, you must obey the instructions of your pilot, know the limit of the baggage you can take, and most importantly, never, ever go up to the helicopter from its rear or uphill position. More important than everything else, it is vital that you have travel insurance which will cover you for trekking at high altitudes above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation.