Option 1: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Flyover
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour with flyover option is for those who want a complete aerial view of the Everest region. This package offers a scenic view of the Himalayas. You will soar over diverse landscapes of Nepal.
This round helicopter tour of one day begins in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu it flies to Lukla, then to Pheriche. It is followed by a flyover of the Everest Base Camp and its surrounding peaks. Afterward there is a flyover return to Pherice to Hotel Everest View to Lukla and back to Kathmandu.
During this heli tour, you stop at different points for refuelling, group splitting and reconsolidation and a meal break, usually breakfast. Generally, the tour kicks off in the early morning hours and you are back in Kathmandu by afternoon, weather permitting.
Depending on the start, stop and end points of the helicopter tour, here is a phase-wise breakdown of the flyover tour itinerary.
Phase 1: Kathmandu to Lukla
Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400m
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Flight Duration: 45 minutes (approx.)
Ground Time: 7-10 minutes
Your Everest Helicopter Base Camp Tour begins at the helipad of Kathmandu airport. Following the arrival report and luggage processing, you board the helicopter. Listen to your pilot’s instructions as you gear up for this flight.
Once the flight starts, you soar above green hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley. Leaving behind the city of the temple, aka Kathmandu, you pass through the Dolakha district. En route, you witness the view of Jiri village. The chopper also flies over the Lamjura-Las Pass (3,550m) before landing at Lukla.
You reach Lukla in around 45 minutes. Sometimes the flight might be longer than that depending on the weather conditions. The important thing is that you will experience something smoother and faster during the helicopter ride. Unlike the regular commercial flights it is a more personal and comfortable experience.
The purpose of the stop at Lukla is to refuel the helicopter. It will be done in roughly 10 minutes. Even if you get off the chopper for a quick break, do not wander away. Stay close to the airport as you soak in the cool and fresh air of Lukla.
Phase 2: Lukla to Pheriche
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Pheriche Elevation: 4,240m
Flight Duration: 15-20 minutes (approx.)
You now fly to Pheriche from Lukla once the refueling is done. En route, you fly above historic towns of the region, including Namche and Tengboche. This is yet another picturesque flight above the Everest region. You will be flying above the trekking trail.
Compared to the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, it is a shorter trip to Pheriche. You arrive here in about 15-20 minutes. And this depends on the weather conditions.
Upon arrival at Pheriche, there will be a quick act of balancing the load. If you had been traveling in a group of five from Kathmandu, you would see some adjustments at Pheriche.
The helicopter tour from Pheriche to the Everest Base Camp for a flyover tour can carry only three people at a time. They tend to make lightweight flights above 5,000m for safe ascent.
As such, the helicopters opt for a shuttle system. Up to three passengers get on the flight at a time for the flyover. The remaining two passengers will go for another flyover trip. But they will be using the same helicopter.
Take time to relax and enjoy the surroundings while waiting for your turn in the shuttle. Use this window to take photos of the beautiful Pheriche area and also acclimatize briefly before flying higher. Or maybe you can opt for a light snack or tea in the nearby lodges or tea houses.
Phase 3: Flyover Trip from Pheriche and Back
Pheriche Elevation: 4,240m
Everest Base Camp Elevation: 5,364m
Kala Patthar Elevation: 5,550m
Flight Duration: 10-15 minutes (approx.)
The third leg of the Everest helicopter tour is the period that most travelers eagerly anticipate. As you take the shuttle flight, splitting in a group of three, you experience a dramatic change in scenery. From Pheriche, you pass via Dughla, Lobuche and Gorakshep before going above. And, all of a sudden, you realise that you are flying above THE famous Everest Base Camp. If you happen to take the flight in the climbing season, colorful tents of expeditions are seen scattered across the base camp area. Otherwise also it is a busy trekking area of the country.
Then there is the Khumbu Glacier in your line of sight. You will see it is surrounded by the mountain giant Everest along with Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. You feel like the world’s tallest peak is just in front of you. And you can touch it! An exhilarating experience indeed.
The flyover from the Everest Base Camp continues to Kala Patthar, another panoramic point during the trip. You get a closer view of the summits of the peaks from here, too. It definitely adds to the flyover experience.
The helicopter flies above the rugged terrain, deep glacial valleys, as well as ridgelines that are inaccessible by foot. And you get to experience all this sitting back comfortably in your chopper. What a beautiful luxury!
Now you have made the most of your trip, taken enough aerial photos, and lived the time of your life, the helicopters take you back to Pheriche.
Phase 4: Pheriche to Hotel Everest View
Pheriche Elevation: 4,240m
Hotel Everest View Elevation: 3,880m
Flight Duration: 5-7 minutes (approx.)
Following the aerial experience your helicopter returns to Pheriche. Your time over the Everest Base Camp and the surrounding peaks comes to an end. If you were the first group in the flyover trip it is your time to get down and rest. The chopper will take the remaining passengers for another round of flyover. Once everyone has experienced it, the passengers, who are in the group of five, regroup. And they get ready for the next leg of the journey.
The chopper then flies to the Hotel Everest View in Syangboche. It is just above Namche Bazaar. Here, the ground stop time is around 1 hour. It will be a quick breakfast break followed by the exploration of the beautiful scenery as seen from the hotel.
The hotel is located at an altitude of 3,880m. It offers an amazing spectacle of Everest and the other Himalayas. You can relish a rare breakfast opportunity with the towering mountains unfolding around you.
Phase 5: Hotel Everest View to Lukla
Hotel Everest View Elevation: 3,880m
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Flight Duration: 15 minutes (approx.)
Following a scenic and relaxing breakfast at Hotel Everest View, you descend to Lukla. The short return flight offers a rich visual experience above the Khumbu Valley. The expansive views of the Namche Bazaar are a colorful treat to your eyes. You can see the Dudh Koshi River winding through gorges. Alpine forests and tiny villages are other views seen during the descent.
Once you arrive in Lukla, the helicopter may stop for a short time. It is usually to refuel. They also make final checks before returning to Kathmandu. With this, you have completed your descent from the high Himalayas in this tour of Everest Base Camp via helicopter.
Phase 6: Lukla to Kathmandu
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400m
Flight Duration: 45 minutes (approx.)
Arriving at this point means your Everest helicopter is nearing its end. And, it is time to head to Kathmandu. The helicopter lifts you from Lukla and descends from the alpine Khumbu environment. It now rolls above green hills and terraced farmlands surrounding Kathmandu Valley.
In your views are hillside villages, river valleys, and dense forests, presenting a different impression from the snow-clad mountains, glaciers and georges. Nonetheless, everything from above looks equally amazing, making the return journey no less beautiful.
In Kathmandu, you land at the domestic terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport. You go back to your hotel from here.
This marks the end of your day-long Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour.
Option 2: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing option is best for those wishing for a more immersive experience of the Everest region. This package also offers complete scenic views of the Himalayas, but there is more than that. It offers a rare chance for you to set foot on one of the highest points on Earth, i.e., Kala Patthar (5,550m).
Like the first option, this one-day helicopter journey also begins from Kathmandu and flies to Lukla. The flight takes a different turn from here — the helicopter takes you directly to Kala Patthar. After a brief landing here you head to Hotel Everest View. Then you head to Lukla. Ultimately you land in Kathmandu.
This tour also includes multiple stops along the route. The pauses are for refueling, meals and altitude adjustments. The stop at Kala Patthar is, however, for that immersive experience.
Below is a phase-wise breakdown of the itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing.
Phase 1: Kathmandu to Lukla
Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400m
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Flight Duration: 45 minutes (approx.)
The helicopter trip to the Everest Base Camp begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It is usually an early morning flight. As the flight takes off from Kathmandu, you see the bustling Capital fading below you. You are soon flying over hills, farms and rivers.
In about 45 minutes, you arrive at the Lukla Airport. This point serves as the main gateway to Everest. It is the place where nearly all trekking and aerial journeys of the Everest region begin and end.
There is a brief stop at Lukla for refueling and flight adjustments. You can stretch your legs and even take photos of the surroundings during this stop.
But unlike the flyover tour, you will not head to Pheriche. Rather, you are on a direct flight to Kala Patthar. You won’t be able to fly in your original group of five from here. There will be a split of the group as helicopters are not allowed to carry more than three passengers at a time if flying above 5,000m.
Phase 2: Lukla to Kala Patthar
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Kala Patthar Elevation: 5,550m
Flight Duration: 20 minutes (approx.)
Once the weather is clear and the engines are ready you are now ready to land near Everest. You will see the highest mountain in the world. And also land somewhere near it.
En route, you fly over picturesque Namche Bazaar. Tengboche and Pheriche are other places you will see. You will also witness the transition of landscapes. They include settlements, alpine meadows and the Himalayas.
Keep your eyes open as your helicopter route will pass along different peaks. You can see Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega as well. And of course, Gorakshep. Kala Patthar is located just above this place.
Upon landing at Kala Patthar, you get off the chopper to witness the best ground-level view of Mt Everest. In around 5 to 10 minutes on the ground you will see the world’s tallest mountain up close. Lhotse, Nuptse and Pumori peaks are some other mountains.
Now is the time to activate the shutterbug in you. That is because you can get as many shots as possible here. Who would not want to capture the memory and cherish it forever?
Once done, you get on the helicopter and gear up for the next destination, the Hotel Everest View.
You have limited time on the ground at Kala Patthar because you are at high altitude in a very short period, without acclimatization. Longer time on the ground can pose a risk to your health, thus, the ground time is restricted.
Phase 3: Kala Patthar to Hotel Everest View
Kala Patthar Elevation: 5,550m
Hotel Everest View Elevation: 3,880m
Flight Duration: 15 minutes (approx.)
You fly from the highest point one can reach in the Everest region without a climbing permit to the hotel at the world's highest altitude. This is a journey from Kala Patthar to Hotel Everest View.
You descend the route on a helicopter, witnessing the spellbinding views of the Khumbu Glacier, Gorakshep, different monasteries, as well as the never-ending views of mountain ranges.
Upon arrival at the famous Hotel Everest View, you can have a delicious breakfast here while enjoying the serene view of the majestic Everest. It is a luxury dining experience on the lap of Everest.
If you were not satisfied with the photography session at Kala Patthar, you can take some snaps here too.
Phase 4: Hotel Everest View to Lukla
Hotel Everest View Elevation: 3,880m
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Flight Duration: 15 minutes (approx.)
After an exclusive breakfast at the Hotel Everest View, your journey continues back to Lukla. Remember, it is the last chance for you to witness the Himalayas’ grandeur from the air in this helicopter tour.
The winged journey takes you above the vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, the pristine Dudh Koshi River, steep gorges, and other small villages. This colorful view marks the transition of your descent from the icy zone to a vibrant area.
In Lukla, the helicopter refuels if required, and other final checks are done. If you have flown back in a group of three, then you regroup to the helicopter's full capacity before you set off for Kathmandu.
Landing at Lukla marks the end of your high-altitude adventure via air. You get a chance to land at Kala Patthar in the process. Bid adieu to the Himalayas on your backdrop as you bring with you the unforgettable memories.
Phase 5: Lukla to Kathmandu
Lukla Elevation: 2,840m
Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400m
Flight Duration: 45 minutes (approx.)
This is the last leg of your Everest Helicopter Base Camp Tour with Kala Patthar Landing. You are on a direct flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. During the flight you start from Lukla. You descend from the Khumbu region into the foothills of central Nepal.
You fly southward during this trip, leaving behind the dramatic Himalayan peaks. Finally flying over towns of Dolakha and Jiri, to name a few, you arrive at Kathmandu, the city of temples. Then you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport’s domestic terminal and head to your hotel.
This marks the official end of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. It is sure to be etched in your memory forever.
