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Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour - Real luxury Adventures

Everest Base Camp Overfly Tour
Everest Helicopter Tour
Everest Helicopter Tour
Duration1 Days
Trip GradeEasy
Maximum Altitude5550 M
ActivitiesDay Trips
Group Size5
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeRound of Year

Can you experience the majesty of Mt Everest in comfort? Can you enjoy that moment without enduring days of exhausting trekking? It is not impossible. You can see the top of the world comfortably and without trekking

Welcome to the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour. It is a one-day heli excursion to the roof of the world and beyond. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience for mountain lovers bringing together adventure and luxury. 

The Everest helicopter tour also unlocks the possibility of exploring the region for individuals facing constraints of time. Lastly, it is the ultimate alternative to trekking to the Everest Base Camp, satisfying the needs of all mountain lovers out there.

The aerial journey begins in Kathmandu that is at 1,400m and takes you above alpine forests, glacial rivers, Sherpa settlements and mountain ranges. Then you reach Kala Patthar that is at an altitude of 5,550m. 

You will experience a huge transition of landscape and elevation. So, you can expect to traverse the areas based on your comfort level and preferences.

There are two options to address your needs. You can choose the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flyover. Or you can join the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing. 

You can decide whether you want a close range flyover of the region or the landing at Kala Patthar. Both options are ideal to experience the thrill of a helicopter ride in this mountain region.

Safety is another important consideration on the Everest helicopter tour. The flights are operated by trained and experienced pilots. They use helicopters engineered to perform effectively at high altitudes. 

Whether it is your solo adventure, a family journey or a friends’ getaway, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour offers a premium experience.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

  • Chance to experience sights of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar all in one day 
  • Option to avoid trekking that spans weeks and enjoy a mix of luxury and adventure
  • Choose to either enjoy a flyover or land at Kala Patthar to look at Everest from closer view
  • Perfect for people of all ages, health conditions and fitness levels
  • Aerial views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, the Khumbu Glacier, Tengboche Monastery and Namche Bazaar 
  • Delightful breakfast at Hotel Everest View accompanied by mountains
  • Safe tour with skilled and experienced pilots, who specialize in mountain flights
  • Spring and autumn regarded as the best times to embark on this adventure
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

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.

Max Altitude: 5644m Meals: BreakfastDuration: 4-5 hours
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Included

Helicopter Trips

  • Helicopter pick up from Kathmandu
  • Stopovers at Lukla, Pheriche and Hotel Everest View
  • Flyovers of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (option 1)
  • Landing at Kala Patthar (option 2)
  • Drop off at Kathmandu airport

 

Helicopter Services

  • Personal pilot with experience and skill in high-altitude navigation
  • Pilot’s engaging commentary and guidance throughout the trip
  • A window seat for each passenger 
  • Pre-flight safety instructions
  • Emergency equipment and a first aid kit in the helicopter
  • Helicopter’s fuel cost

 

Other Services

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry fees
  • Government taxes
  • Airport fees
  • Other service charges

 

Hotel and Airport Transfers

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport helipad in Kathmandu when flying to Lukla
  • Transfer from the Kathmandu airport to the hotel upon arrival from Lukla

 

Breakfast

  • Breakfast at Hotel Everest View during the one-hour stop
Excluded
  • Personal travel and medical insurance 
  • Personal expenses
  • Cost of souvenirs and other shopping 
  • Cost for personal equipment like trekking gear, clothing, and other equipment
  • Tips for pilots, guides, and other service providers 
  • Costs for activities outside of your itinerary 
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu unless specified
  • Expenses incurred because of flight delays, cancellations or extended stays due to weather or unforeseen circumstances 

 

Route Map
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour map
Altitude Chart
Everest Base Camp Altitude Graph map
Essential Information

Available Tour Options 

Travelers can choose between two options for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. One is a scenic flyover tour. The other is a more immersive Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour with a landing at Kala Patthar. 

You can choose one of the two packages for a complete view of Everest and its surrounding peaks. Both packages are designed to address your needs of time constraints, physical limitations or preference for luxury travel.

Use the following brief comparison to determine which option is suitable for you.

 

Tour Options At a Glance

Flyover Tour Tour with Kala Patthar Landing
Route: Kathmandu – Lukla – Pheriche – Flyover – Lukla – Kathmandu Route: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kala Patthar (Landing) – Lukla – Kathmandu
Landing Point: No landing at Kala Patthar or Everst Base Camp Landing Point: Quick landing of 10-15 minutes at Kala Patthar 
Highlights: Aerial views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Khumbu Icefall, Tengboche Monastery Highlights: Close-up views of Everest, landing at the best viewpoint, Kala Patthar
Duration: 4 to 5 hours (approximately) Duration: 4 to 5 hours (approximately)
Helicopter Capacity: 5 passengers (up to Pheriche), 3 passengers (for high-altitude flyover from Pheriche) Helicopter Capacity: 5 passengers (up to Pheriche), 3 passengers (up to Kala Patthar from Pheriche)
Photography Options: In-flight aerial photography Photography options: In-flight aerial photography and ground photography at Kala Patthar

breakfast during everest helicopter tour

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: The Benefits

There are only good memories and experiences if you choose the Everest helicopter tour. From saving time and energy to enjoying a luxurious and safe flight, it is an efficient way to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas of Nepal.

There are many benefits to this tour. The explanation below sheds light on them:

A Quicker Alternative to Trekking

Why trek for days when you can witness Everest Base Camp up close in just a few hours? The Everest Helicopter Tour is the best alternative for those short on time but unwilling to miss the views. It takes around two weeks to finish the Everest Base Camp trek. But you can enjoy the same breathtaking panoramas in just a few hours of the day via a helicopter ride. This tour is also suitable for those with a strict timetable. After all, setting aside a few hours in a day is far easier than committing weeks to trekking.

Suitable for All

Trekking to Everest Base Camp comes with several requirements. You need to be physical fit and must possess good stamina. Then the acclimatization factor is there. On the contrary, people of all age groups and fitness levels can try the Everest Helicopter tour. Neither one needs to worry about long and strenuous hikes nor fear the risk of rugged terrain. The age-related limitations are also not an issue. You just need to sit back and relax on the heli’s seat and set off on the winged odyssey. It is suitable for people regardless of age, fitness level, physical limitations or mobility challenges.

Exceptional Aerial Views of the Himalayas

The sky is the limit in your Everest Base Camp tour by helicopter. Take that phrase literally because this trip presents an endless and unobstructed view of the Himalayas. You can examine the world’s tallest peak from aerial perspective

You are able to see the exceptional views of mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam from the helicopter. Also the landscape below looks beautiful. You are able to see Tengboche Monastery, Gokyo Lakes, Khumbu Icefall and Dudh Koshi River among others. The villages of Namche Bazaar as well as Phakding and Pheriche are also seen. 

If you choose the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour with landing, then Kala Patthar welcomes you with its magnificent view. You might not be able to experience all these views as trekkers on the ground. 

The grandeur of the Everest region is truly apparent from the chopper. Great opportunity to treat your eyes while capturing invaluable photographic moments. 

Luxury Adventure

Adventure does not always need to be full of difficulties and discomforts. You need to book the Everest Helicopter tour to validate this saying. Flying instead of trekking is one definition of comfort and luxury in this trip. But there is more to that. 

You can charter a private helicopter for yourself or your loved ones. It means making it an exclusive experience. And you can use this tour for different purposes like planning a honeymoon, celebrating a family member’s birthday or marking a milestone with friends

You can share the flight with a small group of like-minded adventurers if you are a solo traveller. Even with the sharing option, you can enjoy a deeply personal Everest experience. 

All in all, the helicopter tour elevates your adventure experience by adding comfort to it.

everest helicopter tour

Know Your Stopovers

 

Lukla Airport

The Lukla Airport rests at Lukla which is a small town in the Solukhumbu district in Nepal. Lukla is the most common starting point for those who set off on the trek to the Everest Base Camp. The expeditions to the summit of Mt Everest begin from here. And even those opting for the Everest Helicopter tour must land here. That is why it is called the gateway to Mount Everest.

Trekkers and adventurers follow a plane or helicopter journey from Kathmandu to this airport. Then they embark on their next leg of the journey. 

Have you read that Lukla Airport or the Tenzing-Hillary Airport is one of the most challenging airports in the world? That is true. Its runway is exceptionally short. Add to that the unpredictable Himalayan weather. 

So, do you dare to fly to such an airport? You need not fear that because you are well taken care of during these flights.

How? Only experienced pilots are allowed to land at Lukla Airport. According to a report by BBC News, the pilots are required to have made at least 100 takeoffs and landings on short runways before they can land at Lukla. The report also adds that the pilots must have a minimum of 1 year’s experience operating under such conditions in Nepal.

With such strict measures implemented you are in capable and trusted hands during the trip. And the breathtaking aerial views of the mountains are worth the risk.

Pheriche

Pheriche is a small village in the Khumbu region. It is an important stopover for both trekkers and helicopters heading to higher altitudes. It is also one of the best stops for acclimatization during the Everest Base Camp Trek. For helicopter operators, it is the strategic stop for logistic support and other safety issues. It is also a point where the helicopters stop for refueling purposes.

Meanwhile, many helicopter trips begin from here, taking back the returnee trekkers of the Everest Base Camp trek by helicopters. Such trekkers trek with a helicopter return as an option. And as mentioned earlier, for those taking part in the heli tour of the region, this is the point for passenger rotation. 

The village is a Sherpa settlement that has guesthouses for the trekkers. There is also a health clinic run by the Himalayan Rescue Association. It offers treatment for those suffering from altitude sickness. The aid post is also known for providing information on mountain-related illnesses to the trekkers and climbers.

The village is like a viewpoint offering views of different Himalayan peaks. You are able to see mountains including Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse. 

There are also helicopter pick-ups at Pheriche for the trekkers returning from the Everest Base Camp trek. They are flown directly to Kathmandu. Sometimes the flights go to Lukla.

You can engage with the locals while waiting for your helicopter here. Learn more about their culture, traditions and the area during the process. You might also meet the trekkers heading to or returning from Everest Base Camp and other trekking trails. A brief chat with them allows for mental preparedness for what to expect ahead.

Everest Base Camp

Located on the southern side of Mt Everest in the Khumbu region, the Everest Base Camp is a popular destination amongst trekkers in Nepal. Meanwhile, it is the main starting point for those attempting to summit Mt Everest. 

It is surrounded by ice formations, Khumbu Glacier, and rocky terrain. If you reach here on foot during the peak climbing season, you can see it filled with mountaineers and their tents. 

The helicopter, however, does not land on the Base Camp directly due ot the uneven and unstable terrain. Yet you have a rare chance to witness the close-up view of the camp, glaciers and surrounding peaks during the flyover. 

While the helicopter flyover is the best for those who do not wish to trek at all, you can also opt for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. The tour operators also put on offer the Short Everest Trek with Helicopter Return.

Or you can even choose the Everest Comfort Trek with Everest Base Camp by Helicopter. Such and more offers from the tour operators in Nepal make the encounter with the Everest Base Camp an unforgettable experience.

Kala Patthar

One of the flyover destinations, Kala Patthar located on the southern ridge of Pumori peak. It is just above Gorakshep. Kala Patthar means black rock. And it is popular with the trekkers in the Everest region. Trekkers prefer to go to this destination to get a clear and close-up view of Everest. One can also see Nuptse and Changtse along with the northern flank and summit of Lhotse. While trekking is one option, your flyover also takes you to this destination, letting you incomparable view of the Everest region. 

For the unversed, Kala Patthar is not a mountain in itself. But it is the highest point one can reach during the trek to the Everest region without obtaining a climbing permit. 

Hotel Everest View

It is situated within the boundaries of Sagarmatha National Park of Nepal and offers a complete view of the mountain ranges in the Everest region. The hotel says that one can see Mt Everest from every room. It earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2004 as the highest placed hotel in the world.

And this trip allows a quick glimpse of the hotel. You can also visit it at other times and plan a stay here. That’s because it also provides accommodation services. 

During your stay at the hotel, you can also try exploring the nearby villages of Khumjung and Namche. Tengboche Monastery, Khunde Peak and Mongla are other nearby places to visit. Or choose the 8-day Everest luxury Hotel Trek.

Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

You are readying for helicopter tour of the Everest region. The objective is to get the best possible views of the area. So, clear weather with the best visibility is the prerequisite for this trip. Good weather conditions are essential for a quality and safe sky tour. The winds should be low. The skies need to be clear. And the temperature is required to be moderate.

In this regard, the autumn and spring months offer the best weather conditions for a helicopter ride in Nepal. However, if the weather is ideal, the tour is possible all year round.

Here is a brief review of the seasonal effectiveness of the helicopter tour in the Everest region: 

Spring 

March, April and May are considered the best times to opt for the Everest Helicopter Tour. One of the reasons being the flight friendly weather conditions. The days are warm in spring. The nights are usually cool. Spring weather in regarded as stable. The temperatures can range somewhere between -10°C to 5°C during the daytime. And at night they can be as low as -15°C to -20°C. With such conditions the spring months are ideal for sightseeing tours. And that tour includes that of the Everest. The clear mornings reveal the Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and the Khumbu Glaciers in their best forms. Overall, the skies are clear and days are calmer. It proves to be favorable for helicopter flights. 

Autumn

Autumn months are also regarded as ideal for helicopter flight in the Everest region. The arrival of September means the monsoon is over in Nepal. The post-monsoon skies are exceptionally clear and free of dust. This allows a brilliant visibility to witness the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks that define the Everest region. The variation of temperature is similar to that of the spring season. They can be between -10°C to 5°C in the daytime and drop to -15°C and -20°C at night. As such, these months also offer good visibility of the Everest massif and other areas during the tour.

Winter

It is possible to opt for the Everest Helicopter Tour in winter in Nepal. Winter begins with December and ends with February. During winter the temperatures during the day are somewhere betweeen -15°C and -5°C. While at night it can drop from -20°C to -25°C. 

The days and nights, therefore, are colder, and the landscapes are snow-covered. You need to fear that you might have to step on the snow. Rest assured, you won’t be touching it with your feet. Rather, from the chopper, it looks like you are flying above a snowy wonderland. 

Monsoon

Temperatures in June, July and August on an average can range from -5°C to 5°C in the daytime. They are from -10°C to -15°C at night.But rather than the temperatures, it is the precipitation that challenges helicopter tours on the Everest. The heavy rainfall can affect flights as well as lead to poor visibility. Thus, you should check weather conditions before choosing the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in these months.

ebc helicopter tour

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Pack light and smart before you embark on the Everest Helicopter Tour. Carry all your essential documents and permits. Do not forget to bring clothes that are able to deal with the temperature variations from Kathmand to Kala Patthar. Health and safety items are also essential.

Here is list of packing items in detail. It will help you stay safe and comfortable during the tour: 

Essential Documents

  • Passport and visa
  • Permits
  • Travel Insurance
  • Flight Ticket 
  • Cash

Clothing

  • Base layers like synthetic tops and thermal leggings that dry quickly
  • Insulated mid layers like fleece or a light down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket as well as windproof jacket
  • Waterproof trekking pants
  • Heavy down jacket
  • Down pants
  • Insulated gloves
  • Warm hat or beanie

Footwear

  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Warm socks

Electronics and Optics

  • Camera 
  • Smartphone
  • Portable power bank
  • Extra batteries
  • Memory cards
  • Power adapter

Accessories

  • Daypack
  • UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Neck gaiter or scarf
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hand sanitizer and a quick-dry towel
  • Snacks
  • Binoculars (optional)

Altitude and Health Considerations

The Everest Helicopter Tour is known for rapid ascent near the world’s tallest peak with smart health safety measures, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience. The helicopter tour operators take proper care of you during the trip. Yet as you are heading to higher altitudes, you must be aware of risk factors. Understand the factors that can affect your health and how they can be addressed: 

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is not that common during the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. That is because of the fast ascent and limited exposure to high altitude. Following a rapid ascent from Kathmandu at 1,400m to Kala Patthar at 5,550m, you can get out in the open for some 5-15 minutes. This short stay at Kala Patthar and up to 1 hour stay at Hotel Everest View (3,880m) reduces the time you spend in higher altitudes. Despite that, some might experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. To address the issue, you can take preventive pills after consulting your medical practitioner. Also, the helicopters are equipped with first aid and medical emergency facilities, in case you experience any discomfort. 

Supplemental Oxygen

The helicopters flying in the Everest region are equipped with supplemental oxygen tanks. In case you experience any difficulty, the crew members administer supplemental oxygen. This aids in resolving mild to moderate difficulties related to oxygen levels in the blood. As such, with such a facility, you can be a part of the trip even if you have a history of mild altitude reactions.

Safety Concerns

The Everest Helicopter Tour is a unique mix of adventure and luxury. When talking about adventure, the risk factor is always there. In this regard, you might wonder if the flight to the base camp of Everest is safe.

Do not stress about that. We promise a safe and comfortable flight. The flights that are operated adhering to certain international protocols are a testimony to that. 

Below are a few reasons why the tour is considered a safe option: 

Expert and Experienced Pilots

The Nepali helicopter pilots operating in the Everest region are exceptionally well-trained. They have specialized training in high-altitude flying. They are also expert in aerodynamics and emergency procedures of high altitudes. Likewise, the helicopter operators also use pilots with a good mountain flying background.

Regular and Strict Maintenance of Aircraft

The aircraft operating in the Everest region maintains aviation standards at an international level. They undergo pre-flight checks every day. Likewise, the maintenance is also done routinely. As such, this ensures reliable and safe performance in high altitudes.

Safety Briefings

Before boarding the helicopter, the crew and captain brief you about seating on it. They also inform you about door-operation protocols, the use of oxygen masks, and emergency exits. You must follow their briefings properly to ensure a safe flight. 

Flight Regulations

The helicopters operating on this route follow the flight regulations seriously. One of the regulations prevents them from carrying more than 3 passengers above Pheriche. This is done for the smooth and safe ascent of the helicopter. And the helicopter operators in Nepal follow this regulation strictly. 

Flights in Good Weather Conditions

The flights in this region operate only when the weather conditions are favorable. The pilots do not force the helicopter into unfavorable weather conditions. The fights are postponed or even cancelled in case the weather is not favorable. This is done to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Passengers’ Roles

You play an important role as a passenger during a helicopter flight to keep yourself safe. This means everybody on board is safe, too. 

Follow these guidelines: 

  • Attend pre-flight briefings and ask if anything is unclear
  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear to deal with rapid changes in temperature
  • Put loose items like a camera, phone or hat in a pocket or zip lock bags so that they do not get lost
  • Fasten your seatbelt unless the pilot tells you it is safe to unbuckle
  • Don't stand or move when the helicopter is in flight
  • Do not lean out of open doors or windows
  • Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol consumption, to help your body adjust to the higher altitudes
  • Follow baggage restrictions and carry only the weight allowed by the helicopter
  • Monitor your health, and if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, inform the crew immediately

Photography and Scenic Highlights

One of the things most travelers of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour look forward to is the photography of scenic highlights. You can capture stunning views from the air and during a brief landing at Kala Patthar, depending on your tour package. 

To ensure you have the best photography moments, the tour offers a window seat for each passenger. As such, you can capture unobstructed views during the tour. 

Here are some precious photographic moments that you can capture and tips to enhance your mountain photography experience:

  • You can capture your heli’s Lukla touchdown moment. Using a fast shutter, capture the chopper’s arrival moment on the world’s shortest runway
  • Early morning flights offer a chance to capture the sunrise in its pristine form
  • Frame the Everest’s towering profile from Kala Patthar from the helicopter doorway
  • Shoot the Khumbu Glacier from above to record its crevasses and more
  • Take a photo of the Hotel Everest View at Syangboche with the Everest in the background
  • Get an aerial view of the Namche Bazaar and its colorful roofs
  • Lastly, don’t forget to photograph yourself in every stopover, especially your silhouette at Kala Patthar with the snowy peaks as your backdrop
FAQs

It takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete the tour. The duration is similar for flyover tour and the tour with a landing at Kala Patthar.

One is flying over Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with no landing at higher altitude. The next includes landing at Kala Patthar.

No, the unstable surface of the Everest Base Camp does not allow for landing there. There is a brief landing on Kala Patthar. But it is only if you opt for the package that includes the landing. Otherwise, it is a flyover tour of the base camp and Kala Patthar.

A helicopter can carry 5 passengers up to Pheriche (maximum). The flights carry only 3 passengers above Pheriche.

You can join a shared flight in a group of 4-5 people or book a private charter, based on your needs and budget.

Yes. There are no restrictions for children and the elderly. They can join the tour following the required precautionary measures. However, the health of the passengers should be in good condition.

Autumn and spring seasons are regarded as the best time. Spring months have clear skies. The weather is also stable during this time.

Yes. There are experienced and trained pilots. The maintenance is strict. There is also a provision of supplemental oxygen. Flight operations are based on weather conditions.ake it safe.

The flights are either rescheduled or canceled. Passengers are notified of the cancellation or changes. The tour operators make alternative arrangements whenever possible. Otherwise, they are also refunded in case of cancellation.

Altitude sickness is rare. Yet if you experience any symptoms leading to discomfort, the crew provides you with supplemental oxygen.

 

The flights are either rescheduled or canceled. Passengers are notified of the cancellation or changes. The tour operators make alternative arrangements whenever possible. Otherwise, they are also refunded in case of cancellation.