Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu

Trip at a Glance

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Easy
Destination: Everest region
Activities: Helicopter Sightseeing
Transportation: Private Vehicle/Helicopter
Maximum altitude: Kala Patthar (5550m)
Trip Start / End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Best Season: Feb-Jun, Sep-Nov

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is experiencing the unrivaled grandeur of the Himalayas without the rigors of a strenuous trek. A helicopter tour to Everest offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the majestic Everest and its neighboring peaks from a bird's-eye view.

This exhilarating journey takes you on an aerial adventure over the Khumbu region, renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich Sherpa culture. You will be mesmerized by the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and tumbling glaciers as you go higher.

Flying over the 5,364-meter Everest Base Camp, the starting point of Everest expeditions and the place where the legendary mountaineers begin their ascent of Everest, is one of the tour's highlights. Other features of the tour include a landing at Kalapathar at 5,550 meters, the popular Himalayan viewpoint in the Everest region, from where Mt. Everest and it’s adjacent peaks can be seen in closer proximity. Have breakfast at Hotel Everest (3380 meters), the hotel considered to be at the world’s highest point, observing Mt. Everest and the beautiful Khumbu region.

Whether you're short on time or seeking a luxurious and comfortable way to experience the Himalayas, an Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is an unforgettable adventure. Capture breathtaking photographs, soak in the pristine environment, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Highlights

Mt. Everest & other world’s highest mountains
Kala Patthar (5,644m)– the most popular Himalayan viewpoint
Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & the Khumbu Glacier
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View (3380m)– hotel at the world’s highest point
Tenzing Hillary Airport – Lukla

Itinerary

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

5:30 – 6:30 Drive from Hotel to Airport
You need to wake up early as our representatives will meet you at your hotel and then drive to the domestic section of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

6:00 – 6:30 Paper works then Boarding
Check in the airport and begin a little paperwork (don’t forget your passport) like paying the domestic airport tax, and measuring your weight. After it is confirmed that the weather is good both in Everest region and in Kathmandu, and the mountains are visible and it’s safe to fly, you board the helicopter and fly to Everest region stopping first at a small airstrip (Tenzing Hillary Airport) in Lukla.

6:30 – 7:15 Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu
Flying to Lukla from Kathmandu passing through various small towns, beautiful landscapes, and mountains and finally landing at Lukla.

7:15 – 7:30 Short stop at Lukla for refueling
Stop for about 10-15 minutes at Lukla for refuelling at which time you can explore a bit around Lukla airport observing planes landing and taking off to Kathmandu bringing and taking Everest trekkers and mountaineers.

7:30 – 7:50 Lukla to Kala Patthar on a Helicopter (Fly over Everest Base Camp & Khumbu Glacier)
The fun begins from here after you take off from Lukla airport and fly to the Everest Base Camp past the EBC trek trail. Below down passes Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and finally reach Everest Base Camp. Your helicopter captain points out all the mountains that come into view such as Cho-Oye, AmaDablam etc. Fly past Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Glacier. You might see tents of mountaineers on the base camp if it’s a climbing season.

7:50 – 8:00 Landing Helicopter in Kalapatthar
After Everest Base Camp fly to Kala Patthar and land which will be around 10-15 minutes as the helicopter can’t stay much longer at the higher altitude, and if it’s windy then need to take off immediately. Mt. Everest is seen much closer from Kala Patthar including other world’s highest peaks. After some photographic opportunities fly to Hotel Everest View for breakfast.

8:00 – 8:15 Kalapatthar to Everest View Hotel
Have breakfast at Hotel Everest View observing Mt. Everest at a distance and the Khumbu Valley sipping a cup of coffee/tea. The permit for Everest is also collected here.

8:15 – 9:00 Breakfast on Everest View Hotel
Enjoy the morning with a good breakfast at the hotel. Hotel Everest View (3380m) is considered the hotel at the world’s highest point.

9:00 – 9:50 Everest View Hotel to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu one more time stopping at Lukla for refuelling and one more time to spend some time in the Khumbu region.

9:50 – 11:00 Drive from Airport to Hotel
Our representatives will meet you outside the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Heli tour Packing list

Nepal Travel Guide

What is included?

Airport pick up/drop by a private vehicle.
Everest Heli-tour as per the itinerary
Domestic airport departure tax.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit (2000)
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3000)
All government and local taxes.

What is not included?

Personal expenses, meals, drinks etc.
Tips or gratuities.

Route Map

FAQ's

What is the helicopter tour of Everest Base Camp?
It is a luxury view trip that enables you see the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, in only a few hours without having to trek. The experience includes a breathtaking flight, landing at a high-altitude viewpoint, and breakfast with views of the mountains.

What is the highest point reached on the tour?
Kala Patthar, at about 5,545 meters, is the highest point of the tour, if landing is possible.

Where does the helicopter trip begin and end?
The trip starts and concludes in Kathmandu, with the first flight leaving Tribhuvan International Airport early in the morning.

How long does the helicopter tour of Everest Base Camp last?
The whole trip, including flying, landing, having breakfast, and going back to Kathmandu, takes roughly 3-4 hours.

Are we going to land at Everest Base Camp?
You will fly over Everest Base Camp to see some amazing vistas from the air. The helicopter lands at Kala Patthar (if possible) instead because it's safer and the ground is better for viewing Everest.

What makes the landing at Kala Patthar so special?
Kala Patthar is the most well-known viewpoint in the Everest area. It gives you the closest and finest view of Everest and the other neighbouring Himalayan peaks. For photographs, you'll be there for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Will we make any more stops on the flight?
Yes, we will stop at Tenzing-Hillary Airport to refuel. This is one of the most exciting mountain airstrips in the world, and you may watch local flights for a short while. Other is landing at Hotel Everest View (3880m), hotel at the world's highest point, for a breakfast with Mt. Everest view.

What places do we fly over on the tour?
The helicopter flies over the beautiful Khumbu Region, flying past famous Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and the holy place of Tengboche Monastery.

Do I need permits for this helicopter tour?
Yes, you need permits to enter Sagarmatha National Park and the local municipality. We will manage these permits.

Is this tour good for individuals who don't have limited time or physical ability?
Yes, of course. This is the best choice for people who wish to see Everest without having to do a long, hard journey.

Is this tour safe for families or older people?
Yes, the tour is good for families and older people because they don't have to trek. The experience is meant to be relaxing while still giving you a close-up glimpse of the Himalayas.

Is there a chance of getting sick from the high altitude during the tour?
The risk is quite low because you just stay for a short period at a high altitude (Kala Patthar). The plan is to keep you secure while yet letting you enjoy the vistas.

When is the ideal time of year to take the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
February to June and September to November are the greatest months to go since the skies are bright, visibility is great, and the mountain views are at their best.

What do I need to bring for the helicopter tour?
Bring your passport, warm clothes in layers, sunglasses, a camera, and other personal items. Even when it's sunny, it can be rather cold at high altitudes so layer of warm clothing is suggested. Do not forget your documents.

Do we see Sherpa villages when we're flying?
Yes, you'll fly over historic villages like Namche Bazaar, which will provide you with a unique view of the cultural center of the Everest region from the air.

Where will we have our breakfast?
You will have your breakfast in the famous Hotel Everest View, with the best view of the Everest. This hotel is considered to be at the world’s highest point.

What kind of breakfast do you serve?
There is a continental-style breakfast made fresh every day. It usually has eggs, bread, tea or coffee, and light hot items that are excellent for the high altitude.

Am I allowed to take pictures while on the tour?
Yes. Photographers will love this tour since it gives them a unique view of glaciers, peaks, and Himalayan scenery from the air.

In case of bad weather, will the flight still be operated?
The weather in the mountains can change suddenly. If the weather isn't safe for flying, the tour will be rescheduled to the next available day or the money will be refunded.

Is it possible to book the trip as a private charter?
Yes. For a more unique experience, more flexible scheduling, and personalized sightseeing, you can book a private helicopter.