Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek vs. Regular Trek: Which Is Right for You?

Everest Base Camp is the dream come true destination for any trekkers, adventure seekers and nature lover all around the world. This Base Camp lies on the foot step of the world highest peak Mount Everest this trek is once in a life time experience and one should not miss out. This experience not only take you through the beauty of mountains but also give you an opportunity to connect with Sherpa Communities and culture.

There are many ways and option that you can choose for Everest Base Camp Trek most of the modern climbers or trekkers are confused between two options and they are Everest Base CampHelicopter Trek and Everest Base Camp Regular Trek. It is very hard to decide which option is favorable for you either it is the traditional method or the popular helicopter trekking method both of these trekking gives you the same experience if your comfort zone matches to any. Scenic beauty, mountain scenario both experience the only difference between these treks are physical demand, costs and time. In this comprehensive blog we will discuss which trekking option will be right for you.

Regular Everest Base Camp Trek

The Regular Everest Base Camp Trek is a 12 to 14 days of journey through trekking that begins with taking flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and followed by the wonderful uphill trekking through Khumbu Valley where you will pass through the villages rich with Sherpa culture naming Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep before reaching to the real destination of this whole trek Everest Base Camp at the altitude of 5364 meters.

This journey is all about the days you pass through the beautiful valleys and sceneries on foot. Each day brings you a new surprise either it’s about the new landscapes, cultural experience or personal gain. As good as this trekking sounds it needs your good physical ability, mental stamina, fitness and a good sense of adventure. Acclimatization days are set into the itinerary to reduce the risk of altitude related problems which might help you to achieve this Everest Base Camp Trek successfully.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek is basically a hybrid experience that blends trekking with helicopter tour. Trekkers usually get to hike for 7 to 8 days from Lukla to the Everest base camp or the view point of Kala pathhar located nearby. This trek skips the return trek to Kathmandu as you reach to your destination Everest Base Camp a Helicopter is waiting for you to give the nature experience from the air.

Some helicopter options let you drop off to the Kala Patthar and allowing you to enjoy the Himalayan view from the air skipping the full trekking days. This version of trekking takes you less time and less physical fitness but you will still gain altitude with the high risk of altitude sickness not only that you will get a close up mountain views.

Duration and Time Commitment

Time is the most valuable ornament while considering the options. Regular Everest Base Camp trek will take you 12 to 14 days to complete your journey these days includes acclimatization and buffering days for weather delays. This option is ideal for those trekkers who have unlimited time and want to immerse themselves in the nature and cultural landscapes.

On the other hand the Everest base camp trek with helicopter return will take you 7 to 9 days with some luxury packages and your tour will take 5 days to complete. This option is excellence choice for the travelers who have limited time frame but still wants to explore Everest. If you are someone who wants to do this trek with your family or someone who have limited time with professional life then this option is best for you to trek Everest Base Camp.

Physical Challenges and fitness level

Regular Everest Base Camp Trek is physically demanding as trekkers need to walk to the altitude above 500 meters with 5 to 7 hours of daily walks through rugged terrain. This trek needs slow and steady climb although this regular trek doesn’t require technical climbing skills you have to be responsible towards your fitness because your safety relies on your hand. Hiking experience is mandatory.

Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp is not that much physical demanding as regular trek although you have to walk a little up to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar return from the destination is actually by air this reduce your physical stress. This trek seems to be an advantage to older trekkers, families or anyone who is unsure about handling the round trip hike. If you want to peruse a successful Everest Base Camp Trek without any physical stress then this option is very well suited for you.

Cost Consideration

It’s very important to do things as your budget. A budget friendly decision can be a life changer decision. There significance price difference between both trekking options.

Regular Everest Base Camp Trek is budget friendly costing between 1200 dollars to 2000 dollars per person depending on the level of services they choose. Price rely on guides, porters, accommodation, meals and flights.

Meanwhile, Helicopter Everest Base Camp Trek is slightly expensive as it counts in luxury trekking. Prices usually starts from 3000 dollars and can go up to 5000 dollars that depends on the itinerary and your group size. Helicopter charters are expensive as this trek assures your safety. This option is convenience, speedy, and gives you once in a life time views of Everest it’s important to align your budget with the level of services you demand.

Altitude Acclimatization and Risk of AMS

Acute mountain sickness is a serious condition that takes place especially at the high altitude areas. The regular Everest Base Camp Trek is set with proper acclimatization days at Namche Bazzar and Dingboche this will help your body to adjust with gradual altitude level. Slow ascend to high areas reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness and makes your trek safe and sound.

Helicopter trek is set will less acclimatization period this trek includes high risk of altitude related problems especially if you rude your schedule too much. However this trek include reputable itineraries and a few days of gradual ascend before the helicopter ride. Choosing the itineraries plays a very vital role for your safety and your health.

Scenic immersion and Cultural Experience

Regular Everest Base Camp trek let you explore both nature and culture deeply. You will walk through the routes filled with forests and suspension bridges which are draped with prayer flags not only that you will pass through old and traditional monasteries and interact with Sherpa people while exploring remote Sherpa villages. This slow style trekking option will let you absorb the mountain lifestyle and mountain beauty that are hidden from this modern world.

Helicopter trek to Everest Base Camp provide you more curated and condensed version of experience while you still get to visit the main villages and monasteries you will have a less time to get the proper experience of nature as well as connecting with local people is very limited but about the scene part you will get air views of some stunning mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and many more this is something you won’t get to experience on foot.

Safety and Comfort

Both treks have different formalities when it comes to safety regular trek needs physical ability and you have to take physical challenges like fatigue, slips and extreme weather but it is stress less as you spend your acclimatization days reducing the risk of altitude sickness. You will have access to teahouses, basic medical facilities and evacuation option.

Helicopter trek reduces the physical stress of trekking hours and hours. Flying at the high altitudes might be dangerous especially when the weather is unpredictable. Helicopter trek depends on the weather conditions your flight can be delayed if any of the weather uncertainty takes place. This trek can be a game changer to the trekking level of comfort is very high as you are travel by air all along.

Conclusion

Regular Everest Base Camp Trek is suitable for the people who wants to immerse deeply in nature and culture and have time to conduct. If you have high fitness tolerance and want budget friendly trekking then this is the best option for you mean while HelicopterEverest Base Camp Trek is suitable for those people who priorities their safety rather than money. Person with limited time frame, have professional life but still wants to explore Everest, elderly citizens and the person with families can choose this option as this option suits to them.

Choosing between Regular Everest Base CampTrek and Helicopter Everest Base Camp Trek depends on your priority. If you want a life changing experience then go for traditional or regular trekking and if you want to get a close up view of Himalayas and want to feel the moment then go for Helicopter trek.

Which options suits your preference the most?

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