What Happens if There’s a Weather Delay on My Everest Trek?

We get asked this quite a lot and it’s a really important question. Adventure travel can be unpredictable, and while we do everything possible to plan for contingencies, weather disruptions that affect flights are unfortunately beyond our control. That’s why it’s a good idea to be mentally prepared, just in case.

Delays Before the Trek Starts
If you're waiting to fly out to Lukla with your group, either at Kathmandu or Ramechhap Airport, there are a few possible scenarios.

Our team always aim to get you on one of the earliest flights, with airport arrival usually around 6:00–6:30 am, or even earlier. If there’s a delay, you’ll remain at the airport with your team and guide, waiting for a break in the weather. It’s important to stay close, as the call to board a flight can come suddenly, often without much warning, a very “classic Nepal” experience!

Heading back to the hotel isn’t usually practical during these windows, because if the weather clears even briefly, you’ll want to be ready to go.

However, if it becomes clear that the weather won’t improve that day, we may return to the hotel. Helicopter options may be considered if available (at additional cost), as they can often fly in poorer visibility when planes can’t. Occasionally, helicopters may land below Lukla, requiring an extra two-hour trek to reach the town.

In rare cases, even helicopters may not be able to fly, and alternative arrangements will need to be made.

Delays on the Return to Kathmandu
If your return flight from Lukla is delayed due to weather, it’s a similar story. There’s often a lot of waiting involved while your guide monitors the situation.

If you're on a tight schedule to catch an international flight, a helicopter back to Kathmandu can be arranged (again, at additional cost). If time isn’t an issue, you can simply wait in Lukla until the weather clears and the next flight becomes available. As with outbound flights, we’ll aim to get you on one of the first flights of the day to maximise your chances.

Adding Buffer Days – A Wise Choice
Many of our customers choose to add one or two buffer days at the end of their trip. This gives you extra time in case of flight delays and means you won’t feel pressured if weather disruptions occur.

If everything runs smoothly, great, you’ll have a couple of extra days to relax and explore Kathmandu!

Worst-Case Scenario – Trek Alternatives
While it’s extremely rare, if conditions prevent flying and helicopter costs are prohibitive, we can offer alternative trekking options. Depending on the forecast, your budget, and how many days you have left in Nepal, we may be able to switch your itinerary to another incredible trek, such as Annapurna Base Camp, which does not require flights.

Our priority is always to give you the best experience possible while keeping you safe.

You’re in Good Hands
Although delays can be stressful, you are in the best possible hands. Anuj and the in-country team are true professionals who will be doing everything in their power to keep things moving and ensure you continue to enjoy your adventure.

More Info: Helicopters
Helicopters can be a great solution when planes can’t fly. They often operate in lower visibility and more varied conditions. However, they do come at a cost, and that cost varies depending on demand.

When bad weather affects flights over several days, demand for helicopters rises, and so do the prices. Expect to pay between £300 and £550 per person, depending on availability and load-sharing.

Please note: EverTrek does not profit from helicopter bookings. All prices are set by the helicopter companies and pilots, and our team will always negotiate the best possible rate for you and your fellow trekkers.

You may also notice small differences in price between groups. This is simply due to the different aircraft used or how many people are on board, it’s never anything more than that.

Insurance Reminder
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover delays and emergency transport, so check your policy to ensure helicopter costs or related expenses are included.

If you haven't booked your international flights yet, we highly recommend including at least one additional day at the end of your trip, just in case. Delays aren't frequent, but having that buffer can save you stress, and potentially a helicopter bill!

Important:

These internal flights are not sold by EverTrek and do not form part of your package with us. They are arranged and sold by our in-country supplier under a separate contract between you and them.

You will be contacted directly by the supplier 2-3 months before your trip date to confirm details and to make payment directly to them.

EverTrek accepts no liability for the provision, cancellation, or amendment of these flight services, as they are outside the scope of your contract with us.