Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing

Are you looking for a unique and comfortable way to experience the beauty and magnificence of Mount Everest and the Khumbu Region? If so, then our Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is the perfect choice for you!

While thousands of trekkers and climbers have explored the wonders of the Khumbu on foot, we recognize that not everyone is able or interested in undertaking such a challenging journey. That’s where our Everest helicopter tour comes in – offering an exciting and breathtakingly beautiful way to experience this remarkable region.

As British climber George Mallory famously said in the 1920s, “Because it’s there.” And indeed, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, a symbol of adventure and exploration, and a must-visit destination on any traveler’s bucket list.

But beyond just ticking off a box, our Everest helicopter trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the stunning landscape of the Khumbu from a unique perspective, soaring above snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers.

So why wait? Join us on our Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour and experience the majesty of this mt. of Everest base camp helicopter tour and trek like never before.

Tour Starting	Kathmandu	Tour End	Kathmandu
Tour Duration	4 to 5 hours	Transport	Helicopter
Landing	Lukla, Everest View Hotel, Pheriche and Kalapathar	Tour Type:	Group

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Highlights

• You will enjoy the blissful Helicopter flight directly from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) to the Everest Base Camp.
• You can have the privilege of landing at Kala Patthar, 5545 meters, in an hour. Fly into the high-altitude Hilary Tenzing Airport at Lukla, an experience.
• You get to fly in the Helicopter over the major places of the Everest Region and catch an aerial view of the Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, and Everest Base Camp within 4 hours.
• You will reach the Everest Base Camp in the Helicopter with a comfortable helicopter flight without sweat or lethargy.
• You will dine in the Everest View Hotel, one of the finest high-altitude hotels in the world!
• You will see the Khumbu glacier and stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest (8848m/29029ft), Lhotse (8516m/27940ft), Choyu (8201m/26906ft), Nuptse (7861m/25791ft), Pumori (7161m/23494ft), and Ama Dablam (6812m/22349ft).
• No need to trek for days to reach Everest Base Camp.  You can wave to the trekkers far below as you enjoy your aerial view of the Everest region in a helicopter.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Overview

The Everest base camp helicopter tour is an alternative way to see the aerial view of the Himalayas in just 4 hours. It is best suited for people who don’t have time or don’t have the physical ability to trek days to see some of the stunning mountains in the region.

Nepal has 8 of the 10 world’s highest peaks. The Himalayan Region holds 1,310 peaks that are over 6,000 meters. Various gorges, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, flora, fauna, and exotic animals add to the beauty of the Himalayan region of Nepal. Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour with landing is the best way to see one of the world’s highest mountains in just 4 hours.

Everest lies within the Sagamartha National Park, home to unique wildlife and Sherpa Buddhist communities. For many, the trek itself is the destination.  But some of us cannot spend the energy or time to trek for two weeks to reach EBC. Everest Helicopter Tour is the only way to see for those people who wants to see Everest without trekking.

With high altitudes to endure and many ups and downs along the trail, trekking is not suitable for everyone.   A long-distance high-altitude trek might not be a good idea if you are not physically or mentally strong.

So, is there no alternative?

Of course,  there is a helicopter tour to the Everest base camp! The Everest Base Camp Trek takes 12 days to complete, but with an EBC+ helicopter tour package, you can do an Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour in just 4 hours!

Whether you are young or old, this ride is safe for you. You will be in good hands with our trained and experienced staff. The EBC Helicopter Tour may seem expensive compared to the fixed-wing Mount Everest Flight out of Kathmandu Airport.

But to cater to our client’s needs, we have now arranged group programs that keep the prices down, making the Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing more affordable.

Can I book Private Everest Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour ?

With the powerful B3e series helicopter, we can take up to 5 of you to Everest Base Camp on a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp, depending on your weight. The weight of the helicopter ride determines how many people we can carry at one time. So please don’t be surprised when we ask how much you weigh!

Everest Helicopter tour with Landing at three Stop

Departing from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in the Kathmandu Valley, the helicopter will land at Lukla Airport in the Khumbu Region for refueling.

From here, we travel across all the major sightseeing points, including those lovely Sherpa villages far below. Landing near Kongde View Resort and Hotel Everest View. We divide the group into two.  The helicopter can carry less weight at the higher altitude needed to land near the base camp.

Then returning to the hotel, the breakfasting group is picked up and has a chance to repeat the experience while the rest enjoy their breakfast.

Worried about the weather?  If the weather looks unfavorable, we will delay the helicopter flight and fly the following morning at no extra charge.  It is unlikely that the weather will change fast enough to keep us on Everest once we arrive. We also use helicopters for high-altitude rescue with very experienced pilots.

Worried about what to wear?  We suggest a good down jacket (these can be rented in Kathmandu) and warm clothing.  Boots or sports shoes are sufficient.

While one group enjoys their breakfast, the other will fly on to Kalapatthar (5,545m), also known as Everest’s viewpoint.  Here we will land, giving you time to take pictures and videos.

We will stay here for approximately 10 minutes. Yes, that doesn’t seem long, but at this high altitude, some people may start to feel the effects after even a short time.  You have come from the very low altitude of Kathmandu, after all!

Plus, 10 minutes is enough to click your photos in your memories and on your device. After that spectacular view, you might feel hungry. You will get to replenish your energy with delicious food. You can choose between the two for breakfast: Kongde View Resort or Hotel Everest View.

You will get 30 minutes to devour your breakfast.

Can I join the Group on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour ?

Are you traveling solo? Not sure you have enough money for a chartered Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu to Everest base camp? Do you want to share the cost with other passengers?

If yes, then this one is just for you!

We will find other people to join you on the journey and share the cost. All other features and experiences are the same as a private Everest base camp helicopter tour.  Just a price difference. This one is offered at the best price possible.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at Magical Nepal to learn more about this beautiful trip and the cost of the Everest base camp helicopter tour we offer.

What is the Cost of the Everest Helicopter Tour Cost

Everest base camp helicopter tours cost $1175 per person on a sharing basis and $4200 for a chartered flight. There should be at least five people for a fixed departure. The cost per person can vary depending on the number of people.

Helicopter tours to Mount Everest are generally more expensive than other helicopter tours in Nepal due to the region’s high altitude and challenging flying conditions. Flying a helicopter at such a high altitude presents several challenges, including thin air, frigid temperatures, and the risk of high-altitude sickness.

Due to these challenges, helicopter tours to Mount Everest Base Camp require specialized team and highly trained pilots. Therefore, the cost of operating these tours is higher than it would be for other helicopter tours in Nepal. In addition, the logistics of organizing a tour to Mount Everest are more complete than landing a helicopter at Kalapathar.

Many people who have taken these tours consider them a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth the cost.

Weather and Climate for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour

This is the early morning flight. There should be clear weather for the helicopter flights to Everest. In case of weather changes, we will postpone the Everest Base camp Helicopter tour and do it the next day at no additional charge.

The weather can change instantly in the mountain, which is less likely to happen in the morning. It is the main reason we do the morning instead of any other weekday.

The weather at the base camp of Mount Everest can vary significantly depending on the time of year and the altitude. During the winter months (Jan to Feb), the base camp is generally very cold, with temperatures ranging from around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius (23 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. The weather can also be very unpredictable, with strong winds and snowfall possible at any time. The Everest helicopter tour is possible in the winter season. It is the perfect time to see white snow mountains and have a different view than any other month.

During the Spring Season (March to May), the weather at the base camp is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from around 0 to -10 degrees Celsius (32 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the weather can still be unpredictable and change quickly, with strong winds and snowfall possible at any time of year.

During the Autumn Season, the weather is generally best, with a clear sky view from 0 to -10 degrees Celsius (32 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure you have warm clothes for landing at Kalapathar and Everest View hotel.

It’s important to be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions when going on a helicopter tour to the base camp of Mount Everest. It’s also important to note that the weather can be different at different altitudes, with the higher altitudes generally experiencing colder temperatures. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before embarking on a helicopter tour of Mount Everest and to dress appropriately for the conditions.

The landing at Kalapathar in the Everest base camp helicopter tour depends on the weather. It is at 5545 m, the highest point on the Everest trail.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Itinerary

5 am Wake Up

Wake up at 5 am and drink tea/coffee in your hotel before driving to the Tribhuvan International Airport (Domestic Terminal)

5.30 am – 6 am Head to Kathmandu Airport and Board Your Helicopter

Drive to the Kathmandu domestic airport, situated next to Tribhuvan International Airport. At this time in the morning, the journey will only take around 15 minutes from your hotel in Thamel.

6.30 am – 7.15 am Fly to the Everest Region

Take off from the airport in Kathmandu, flying east along with the Himalayan mountain range to the Hilary Tenzing Airport at Lukla, in the Everest Region.  On the way, fly past snow-capped mountains from the Langtang Range near Kathmandu to those in the Khumbu (Everest) Region.

Some of the mountains you will see on route to and around Everest are- Gauri Shanker (7,134m), Langtang Lirung (7,234m), Ganesh (7,429m), Shisa Pangma (8,013m), Gyachangkang (7,952 m), Pumori (7,161m), Nuptse (7,855m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Chamlang (7,319m), and  Makalu (8,463 m).7:15 am – 7:30 am Refuelling at Lukla Airport.

Your helicopter will stop to refuel at Lukla.  This will be a short 15-minute break.

7.30 to 7.45 am Fly on to Hotel Everest View (or Kongde View Resort)

Flying in a helicopter over yak pastures, Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries and stupas, Namche Bazaar, raging rivers, the Sagarmatha National Park, beautiful flora and fauna, trekkers far below, and of course, mountains, your helicopter then lands at the hotel where breakfast is being served.

All this talk about a hotel – what is so special about it?

According to the Guinness Book of World Records (2004 edition), the Everest View Hotel is the highest in the world at 3,880m / 13,000 ft.  It offers a 360-degree panorama of the mountains, with Mt Everest seen from every room.  This is something else! 

A building that blends into the surroundings so well and provides every visitor with an unbeatable view! Today it is possible to helicopter into the hotel or trek there along a well-established route.  But when this hotel was built in the late 1960s by Japanese national Takashi Miyahara, the logistics of getting materials is hard to imagine.  Designed by Japanese architect Yoshinobu Kumagaya, materials were shipped to Calcutta from Japan and brought across India and Nepal to be finally hauled up the mountains.  This took several years, but the hotel finally opened in 1971.

Today is a great place to explore the surrounding landscapes and villages or have the highest breakfast you will ever experience if you take the helicopter tour to base camp. 

7.45 am – 8.30 am Land Helicopter at Kalapathar via Pheriche and Everest Base Camp

We need to reduce the weight as the helicopter will fly to the Everest Base camp at high altitudes of over 5,500m. You will be in a group of 4 or 5 people (the usual maximum for any trip), and we will do two shuttles from Pheriche.

While one group enjoys their breakfast, the other will fly on the helicopter to the viewing point of Everest: Kalapatthar (5,545m). The helicopter cannot switch off its engines on Everest at this altitude and in such windy conditions so you can stay only 10 minutes there.

In addition, the human body cannot transition from 1,400m (Kathmandu) to over 5,500m in a couple of hours!  While it is perfectly safe to make this trip (we do not expect anyone to suffer from altitude sickness), we don’t want to spend too long at a high altitude.

Yet, it is long enough to gain some wonderful pictures, videos and memories! The close-up view of Mt Everest and the surrounding mountains highlights this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Returning to the hotel, you can now enjoy a celebratory champagne breakfast while the other party members board the helicopter trip for the wonders of Kalapatthar and Everest.

8.30 am – 9.30 am Return Flight to Kathmandu

With the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall, Tengboche Monastery, Everest Base Camp (EBC), and Mt. Everest below and around you, not to mention dozens of other peaks, your helicopter will bring you safely back to Kathmandu. Your Everest base camp helicopter tour will end at this precise moment.

9.30 am – 10 am Drive from Kathmandu Airport to your Hotel

Hard to imagine that within about four hours, you have returned to your hotel after getting a close-up view of the highest mountain in the world! 

We know you are too excited to sleep, so enjoy coffee while remembering this amazing adventure and posting your videos online!

Disclaimer 

• All timings are approximate depending on weather and other factors.
• If it is impossible to fly on your given date, this tour will be held the following day.

Landing at Kalapathar is an unforgettable experience that leaves many visitors in awe. Kala Patthar, meaning “black rock” in Nepali, offers one of the closest and unobstructed views of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, standing tall at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). The experience of seeing the majestic mountain up close is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime moment and a highlight of the Everest base camp helicopter tour.

However, the helicopter engine cannot be turned off during the landing due to the high altitude. Therefore, you are limited to just 10 minutes at the Kalapathar landing site. Nonetheless, during those 10 minutes, you are treated to an unparalleled view of the Himalayan range, including the magnificent Mount Everest, which towers over all surrounding peaks.

The landing site at Kalapathar is ideal for capturing breathtaking photos and videos to preserve the moment for a lifetime.

The experience of landing at Kalapathar will be etched in visitors’ memories forever. It is a chance to get up close and personal with one of the world’s most majestic natural wonders and to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayan range from a unique vantage point. Although the time spent here is limited, the memories will last a lifetime.

As responsible tour operators, we prioritize preserving the natural environment and the local communities. That’s why we have chosen to land at Syangboche, Pheriche, and Kala Patthar instead of landing directly at the Everest Base Camp.

Why we don’t land a Helicopter at Everest Base Camp

While we understand that many of our clients would love to set foot on the actual base camp, we believe preserving the area’s delicate ecosystem is of utmost importance. Landing a helicopter at EBC can disrupt the natural environment, potentially harming the local flora and fauna.

Additionally, the steep and rocky terrain surrounding EBC makes finding a suitable landing spot challenging, which can be risky for passengers and crew. There are also hundreds of climbers and trekkers camping at the base camp during peak season, and the noise and disturbance from the helicopter can be unsettling and disruptive for them.

Instead, we have carefully selected landing spots at Syangboche, Pheriche, and Kala Patthar, which offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and are accessible without causing harm to the environment. Our shuttle from Pheriche to Kala Patthar ensures you see Everest up close and personal, with everyone having a window seat to marvel at the stunning mountain views.

We are committed to offering our clients a safe and sustainable adventure. We believe that our helicopter tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience that respects the environment and the local communities.

Helicopter Access to Everest Region – Alternative Trips

The Helicopter to Everest Base Camp Tour, often called Breakfast on Everest, 

is a fantastic morning trip to Mount Everest.  But what about those who want to stay a bit longer in the region or even continue on foot on the Everest Base Camp Trek or any of the many other treks in this area?

Currently, we offer two alternatives: one for those who want to trek but don’t want to spend the time to drive to the new airport (Ramechap airport) now being used to fly people into the Everest Region, and one for people who want to spend a few days in Namche Bazaar and either explore the surroundings, join a trek out of Namche, or enjoy being in the heart of the Himalayas for a break without having to hike anywhere.

Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Flight 

Cost:  You might be worried about the cost of the helicopter flight.  Bearing in mind the cost of flying from Ramchhap to Lukla is around USD 162, plus the cost of the bus to get to Ramchhap (if not included in your trek), the USD 600 cost for a helicopter ride directly to Lukla does not look too bad at all.  Note: both these prices are one way. 

The airport set aside by the Government of Nepal for flying people in/out of the Everest Region is several hours’ drive from Kathmandu, flying by helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla is the ideal alternative.  This 45 – 60 minute flight brings you into Lukla, where you can start your trek normally.

Naturally, many people still want to trek around the Everest Region, and we have the perfect deal for them. Flying directly from Kathmandu to Lukla (the airport and starting point of the treks to and around Mt. Everest) is something that we believe will enhance your experience. Here’s why:

If you’ve been to Nepal before, you’ll know that the Tribhuvan International Airport and adjoining domestic airport/helipad are negligible due to the Kathmandu Valley’s mountains. As a result, the demand for land and air space is high.

Recently, the Government of Nepal decided to try reducing traffic by moving flights into the Everest Region to the eastern part of Nepal – a place called Ramchhap. This airport is several hours’ drive from Kathmandu, meaning that trekkers must leave Kathmandu by bus around 1 or 2 am to catch the early morning flights to Lukla.

That’s not conducive to getting a good night’s rest before starting your trek. You might ask, “why not go the day before?” Currently (in 2023), there are no good hotels in Ramchhap; there is very little accommodation, which fills up very quickly. You might also wonder what happens if your flight is delayed due to bad weather. In that case, you might have tents for your trek that you can utilize while you wait…

Cost: Helicopter on a shared basis – approximately USD 600 per person.

Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight 

For those who want to either join a trek from Namche Bazaar (thus cutting two days from the itinerary) or those who want to explore Namche and its surroundings for a few days, flying into Namche Bazaar from Kathmandu by helicopter is a great idea. 

It takes around 45  minutes for the flight.  Those wishing to trek can join a tour at Namche or custom their own trek. 

Those who wish for a more relaxed time with no trekking involved can stay in a very comfortable hotel in Namche and take in the sights and sounds of the Himalayan mountains without any stress. It can also include flying over Everest Base Camp and landing at Kala Pattar. 

Cost: Helicopter on a shared basis – from approximately USD 700  to USD 900 per person

Best Time to Everest base camp Helicopter Tour

The best times for these tours are March to mid-May (spring) and September to December (autumn).

Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour in Spring

From March to mid-May, the weather is perfect, and it is peak expedition season, so you will see a base camp full of expedition tents and climbers. 

Spring, from March to mid-May, is a peak expedition season in Nepal, and it is the perfect time to experience the excitement of the Everest region. During this time, the base camp is full of expedition tents and climbers preparing for their ascent of Mount Everest, making it an ideal time to witness the hustle and bustle of expedition life in the Himalayas.

Helicopters are standard during this season, as they transport supplies for expeditions and rescue missions and carry passengers to and from the region. This means that getting a base camp helicopter group tour during this season is relatively easy and an excellent opportunity to experience the region’s beauty from a unique perspective.

One of the major attractions of this season is the aerial view of the Everest Base Camp. You can see the tents set up by climbers and expedition teams from the helicopter, which cannot be seen during other seasons. You may also see climbers acclimatizing and enjoying their stay at the base camp, adding to the excitement of the experience.

The weather during spring is primarily clear, providing optimal conditions for Everest helicopter tours and making it easier to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking mountain peaks that the region is known for. The clear weather also provides a better chance to see the vast expanse of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour in Rainy Season

The monsoon season in Nepal is from June to August, and while it can bring rain to lower regions, it also offers lush greenery that is unique to this time of year. While flights are frequently canceled due to weather conditions, helicopter rides are still available when the weather permits.

It’s worth noting that while it may rain in lower altitudes, it snows above Namche Bazar, which means that weather conditions can still be challenging. However, if there are good weather windows, there is an opportunity to experience the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the air.

If you’re interested in booking a helicopter tour during the rainy season, please ask us about possible flights beforehand. Additionally, it’s important to be flexible and prepared for changes in your itinerary due to weather-related delays or cancellations.

While group tours may be available, you may need to pay a higher price if there are fewer participants on the Helicopter tour. This is because the cost is typically shared among the passengers so a smaller group may result in a higher price per person. Nonetheless, the opportunity to witness the region’s greenery during the monsoon season is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Overall, while the monsoon season may not be the ideal time for a helicopter ride to Everest base camp due to the potential for weather-related disruptions, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the lush greenery of the region that is not available during other times of the year. With proper preparation and flexibility, visitors can still enjoy an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas.

Everest Helicopter tour in Autumn

Autumn is one of Nepal’s most popular and busiest seasons for helicopter tours. The weather during this time is usually clear and sunny, with blue skies providing perfect conditions for scenic flights over the Himalayas. This is also the peak season for expeditions to Mount Everest so you will see many people in the area.

During the autumn season, we offer fixed departures for our helicopter tours every day. This means you have a greater chance of securing a spot on tour without worrying about cancellations. The clear weather conditions also mean that the risk of flight cancellations due to weather is significantly lower than during other seasons.

We can also arrange a customized charter flight if you want to explore more of the Everest region on a helicopter flight. This will allow you to explore other alternative routes on a helicopter ride and villages that are not accessible by regular trekking routes. You can also split your time between a helicopter tour and trekking to get the best of both experiences.

The autumn season is also an excellent time to witness the colorful foliage of the trees and plants in the area as they change from green to golden and red hues. This provides a beautiful contrast to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and adds to the overall experience.

Everest Base camp helicopter tour in Winter

December to February will be extremely cold, with temperatures falling to -20 below or more at night.  However, plenty of snow will be on the mountains, bringing them to life.  

Please note that the weather can change quickly in any season.  If the weather is not clear, the tour will be canceled.  If it cannot be rescheduled, you will get a full refund.  

The Everest region is much quieter during winter, with fewer trekkers and climbers. This means you can enjoy a more peaceful and tranquil experience during your helicopter tour. You will have a unique opportunity to witness the stunning Himalayan landscapes draped in snow, creating an enchanting winter wonderland.

Despite the colder temperatures, the clear weather in the Everest Region during the winter makes it a great time for helicopter tours. You will have unobstructed views of the world’s tallest mountain and stunning landscapes, with crisp, clear air enhancing your experience.

In case of cancellations of the Everest Helicopter tour due to adverse weather conditions, we offer a full refund minus credit card fees if you can fly to the airport. Alternatively, we will reschedule your tour or provide a full refund if you cannot fly to the airport due to weather conditions.

Overall, a winter helicopter tour of Everest Base Camp is a unique and magical experience, offering an opportunity to witness the majestic mountains draped in snow and experience a more serene and peaceful atmosphere in the region.

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable and change rapidly, even during the best seasons for helicopter tours. Safety is always a top priority, and if the weather is not clear or safe for flying, the tour will be canceled. However, if the tour cannot be rescheduled, you can expect to receive a full refund. It’s always better to plan your tour during the best season, but it’s also essential to keep in mind that weather can be a factor.

Why a Heli Tour to Mount Everest?

Before we go any further, you might wonder, ‘why would I want to take a helicopter ride to Mount Everest?’  

To quote British climber George Mallory in the 1920s, the answer could be ‘because it’s there.’ But we think the answer should be ‘because Mt Everest is the most magnificent mountain, set in the beautiful landscape of the Khumbu Region.  Oh, because it is the highest mountain in the world and on my bucket list, right?’ Which is kind of what Mallory meant, anyway!

Thousands of trekkers and climbers have proved that the Everest Region (locally known as the Khumbu) is an astounding area to trek through or climb in.  But we recognize only some can or want to trek or climb mountains.  Some prefer a more comfortable journey that is equally as exciting and way more unique.

How safe is the Everest base camp helicopter tour?

The b13 helicopter used for this Everest helicopter tour is well-suited for flying in high-altitude environments and can carry up to 5 passengers.

Furthermore, the pilots who operate these helicopters are highly trained and experienced in flying in the Himalayan region to Everest Base camp and Kalapathar. They have completed numerous rescue missions from Everest Camp 2 and Everest Camp 3 and are well-versed in the challenges of flying in high-altitude environments.

In addition, safety is our top priority, and we do not operate the helicopter tour in unfavorable weather conditions. If the weather is unclear, we do not fly, and refunds are provided in such cases.

We take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers, and we are confident that the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is a safe and enjoyable experience for those who choose to embark on it.

Not Just Base Camp – Flights Around Everest in the Helicopter

Whether you are travelling solo or with friends, want to join a group helicopter flight or wish to charter the whole helicopter for an even more deluxe experience, we have just the heli ride for you.

You can do the regular Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, as shown here. Or one of the many other flights we have available.

Helicopter Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu

Naturally, many people still want to trek around the Everest Region, and this is the perfect deal for them.  Flying direct from Kathmandu to Lukla (the airport and starting point of the treks to and around Mt Everest) is something that we feel will enhance your experience.  Here is why:

Suppose you have ever been to Nepal before. In that case, you will know the Tribhuvan International Airport, and the adjoining domestic airport/helipad is pretty small because of the mountains surrounding the Kathmandu Valley.  As a result, the demand for land and air space is high.

Recently the Government of Nepal decided to try and reduce traffic by moving flights into the Everest Region to the eastern part of Nepal – a place called Ramchhap.  This airport is a several-hour’s drive from Kathmandu, meaning that to get the early morning flights to Lukla, trekkers need to leave Kathmandu by bus around 1 or 2 am.  

That is not conducive to getting a good night’s rest before starting your trek.  You might think, why not go the day before?  Currently (2023), there are no good hotels around Manthali Airport.

Ramchhap, there is very little accommodation, which fills up quickly.  You might ask what happens if your flight is delayed due to bad weather.  You might have tents for your trek that you can utilize while you wait…  

You can see the problem!  

As a result, we can recommend flying by helicopter direct from Kathmandu to Lukla.  This takes 45 to 60 minutes, and even in weather not great for fixed-wing planes, a helicopter can still fly.   You can also decide whether to take a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu or a fixed-wing plane.  But this has to be decided in advance. 

And naturally, you arrive refreshed at the start of your trek and have the fantastic experience of flying over the landscape of the Kathmandu Valley, foothills, and mountains.  

Cost:  You might be worried about the cost of the helicopter flight.  Bearing in mind the cost of flying from Ramchhap to Lukla is around USD 162, plus the cost of the bus to get to Ramchhap (if not included in your trek), the USD 500 cost for a helicopter ride directly to Lukla does not look too bad at all.  Note: both these prices are one way. 

Helicopter Flight Back to Kathmandu via Lukla from Gorakshep or Everest Base Camp

For those interested in trekking but unsure if they can do the whole 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp, there is a way to reduce the number of days on the trail yet still see the closest to Mt Everest. This is by trekking one way and returning by helicopter.

Let’s get a brief overview of what would be included in this particular trek/ heli flight:

Day 1: After arriving in Lukla, it is a 4-hour trek to the first overnight stop at Phakding.  With good weather, you should reach Phakding by early afternoon, giving plenty of time to relax and mentally prepare for the next leg of the trek.  You will have trekked through forests, and suspension bridges hung over raging rivers today – a fantastic taster of what is to come.

Day 2: After breakfast, the trail again takes us through forests, traditional villages with plowed fields, and yak pastures. You reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where the rest of the trails lie.  Overhead rises Mt Thamserku – again, a great taste of what is ahead.  Lunch is taken on the trail, and Namche Bazaar is reached after 5 or 6 hours of trekking.  

Day 3: some people might begin to feel slight effects of the altitude (you are now at 3,440 m / 11,286 ft), so we take this day as an acclimatization day.  This is a great opportunity to explore Namche Bazaar – the biggest market town in the region and now where expeditions make their final preparations for their climbs.  You can also visit the school and hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary in a village a little way away. The best way to acclimatize is to keep active, so don’t take this as a rest day! 

Day 4: it’s another 5 to 6 hours trek today, going from Namche to Tengboche Monastery.  This region’s highest monastery has outstanding mountain views such as Ama Dablam.  The Everest Region is home to Buddhist people, mainly Sherpas, and you will see many colourful prayer flags, prayer walls, and small shrines on the trails. 

Day 5: a bit of a challenge today as you head from Tengboche to Dingboche, where there is the highest Sherpa settlement.  The locals work fields of mainly potato crops in this windswept landscape.  The Imja Khola (river) provides a noisy background on the trek part; above us, the mountain views become more and more spectacular.  It takes 4 to 5 hours to arrive at Dingboche, where you have lunch, dinner, and overnight.  

Day 6 : since Day 7 will take you to 4,938 m / 16,200 ft, there is another acclimatization day in Dingboche, and when you can enjoy short hikes around the area.  Our favourite is a 3.5 to 5-hour return trip to Nangkar Tshang Peak.  This is a sacred site with great views of Mt Makalu. 

Day 7: Today, the photographer in you will be in heaven.  Many mountains and the Pheriche Valley surround you.  Going over Thokla Pass will provide a panorama of several more peaks, including Nuptse, Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar.  After a 4 to 5-hour trek, overnight in Lobuche, with its dramatic surroundings.  

Day 8 : After breakfast, head over rough terrain to Gorakshep, a small settlement where we first have lunch and later stay overnight.  From here, reaching Everest Base Camp takes 3 to 4 hours.  In the distance, you can see climbers’ camps as they prepare their attempt to summit Everest, and before you is the great glacier and the famous mountain itself. 

On your return to Gorakshep, you can now helicopter back down to Lukla and take a fixed-wing plane back to Ramchhap and bus back to Kathmandu, or you can take a helicopter from Gorkashep to Lukla and on to Kathmandu. 

Cost: the cost of a helicopter from Gorkashep to Lukla is around USD 450, and the price of a helicopter from Gorkashep to Kathmandu is around USD 900

Everest View Hotel from Kathmandu Flight 

You will see that on the regular Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, we stop for breakfast at Everest View Hotel.  This is a hotel closely situated at 3,961 m/13,000ft, which means that those who want to stay longer yet do not want to trek for days can take a helicopter ride to Everest View Hotel, then trek down to Namche and overnight there in one of the luxury lodges.  On this trip, you are not recommended to stay overnight at Everest View as you will have come too quickly from low to high altitude.  While this is fine for a short breakfast stop, it is not good to stay overnight due to being unacclimatized to the altitude. 

After visiting Namche for however many days you would like, you can spend the day trekking from Namche Bazaar to Lukla and take a fixed-wing plane or helicopter out of the region.  Please note these flights must be organized before you arrive in the region.  

That would be two days of trekking only.  Unfortunately, helicopters do not fly out of Namche Bazaar.  

Cost: the price to travel from Kathmandu to the Everest View Hotel is USD 850.  Then add on the cost of a helicopter or fixed-wing plane from Lukla out of the region. 

Everest View Hotel to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight

However, if you have arrived at the Everest View Hotel, taking a helicopter from the hotel to Everest Base Camp is possible.  This flight takes you over the glaciers and through the mountains giving a different view to that you get when trekking or even sipping coffee at the hotel  – where we guarantee the views are spectacular. 

This flight does not land at the base camp itself as it is impossible due to the lay of the land. Still, it gives you a bird’s eye view of the camp below with the expedition tents set up and people coming and going in preparation for their climb or relaxing after their climb is completed. 

But the flight lands at Kalapatthar, the Everest View Point.  This hard rock ridge provides an excellent landing place for the helicopter and offers visitors a startling close-up view of Mt Everest and its sister mountains.  You disembark and have a short time to click photographs and videos to show to the folks at home.  This is a spot to remember for your whole life.

Cost: from Everest View Hotel to Everest Base Camp and return to the Everet View Hotel hotel costs USD 450. There is no stand-by helicopter at Everest View Hotel. The Helicopter has to fly from Lukla, which makes it the same cost as flying from Lukla airport.

Lukla to Kalapatthar via Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight

It is possible to fly by helicopter from Lukla to Kalapattar – which also incorporates flying over the Everest base camp. The options for this trip include flying into Lukla (by fixed wing or helicopter) and then flying by helicopter over Everest Base Camp and the surrounding landscapes to land on Kalapattar.  As we have described, Kalapattar offers the best possible views of Mt Everest.  Also included in this flight is breakfast at Everest View Hotel, which makes the tour even more special and gives you more time to take in the amazing mountain views. 

This trip can be added onto your trek, or if you do not wish to trek but wish to experience the atmosphere of the Khumbu, you can fly into Lukla, take the helicopter flight from Lukla to Kalapattar via Everest Base Camp, and stay in a luxury lodge such as Yeti Mountain Home before returning to Kathmandu.  

Cost: the cost of flying Lukla to Kalapatthar is USD 550

Kathmandu to Gorakshep Helicopter Flight

It is possible to fly from Kathmandu to Gorkashep, located near Everest Base Camp at 5,164m / 16,942ft.  Lying inside Sagarmatha National Park, Gorakshep is a small, seasonal settlement sitting on the edge of a frozen lakebed.   

This settlement was in the past, the actual first base camp until it was moved closer to Everest.  Today Gorkashep is where trekkers can camp before going either to base camp or to Kalapattar. Trekkers are not allowed to camp at base camp, which is reserved for mountaineers.  Hence trekkers camp here at Gorakshep. 

This is a round trip from Kathmandu and back and costs USD 1000

Gokyo Lake from/to Kathmandu Helicopter Flight

You may be surprised to know there are lakes in the Everest Region, not just frozen ones.  Gokyo Lake, as it is referred to, is a group of six bodies of water under one name.  Located at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000m, this is the highest freshwater lake system in the world.  This is a UNESCO Ramsar Site, which means the area is wetlands of international importance.  But more significant to people in Nepal, the lakes are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. 

Around the lakes, the landscape is stony with glacier debris and icy rivers,  and stunning mountains surround the lakes. The main lake is also called Dudh Pokhari and has an area of 42.9 ha (106 acres), with the village of Gokyo lying on its eastern shore.  The lakes are a source of freshwater, feeding on water from various sources.  This includes water coming from the Ngozumpa glacier, a stream from the Renjo La Pass from the northwest, and other streams.  

The deepest lake (fourth or Thonak Cho lake) is an amazing 62.4m in depth,  while Gokyo Lake is 43m.  While providing water downstream and being of such value, the lake system is naturally vulnerable as it lies in an ecologically fragile and unable zone.  Glacier outburst from the Ngozumpa glacier is a real threat to the lake landscape and settlements downstream.   

The Goyko Lake to Kathmandu flight takes you from Kathmandu to land for a short time near the lakes, where you can enjoy the scenery and tranquility before heading back to Kathmandu in the comfort of your helicopter. This trip takes 2 to 3 hours.

Should you be doing the Gokyo Lake Trek, it is also possible to arrange a pick-up from Gokyo back to Kathmandu. 

Cost: This 2-to-3-hour trip costs USD 1000, while one way from Gokyo Lake to Kathmandu costs USD 750.

Includes for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Excludes for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp Route Map

Related Trip to Everest Region