The Mount Everest Helicopter Tour gives you a fun day trip that lets you see Mount Everest from the sky. This tour skips the weeks-long hike, taking you right to the roof of the world in just one day. It is perfect for people who don’t have much time or don’t want to do the hard hike. Both domestic and international travelers favor our helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp. They want to see the tallest mountain, Mount Everest, up close.
Though this heli tour is only a few hours, you get amazing views of huge mountains, green forests, earthy hills, colorful flowers, and big snowy areas. You also see Sagarmatha National Park from above. This top helicopter trip to Everest goes very high around Mt. Everest. It flies over Kalapathar (the best spot to see) and then to Everest Base Camp. From the air, people can see amazing views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, green hills, small villages, and big farms.
Our plan for the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour gives the easiest way to enjoy a helicopter view of Mount Everest. Mount Everest is 8,848.86 meters tall. It has snow all around and bright flowers. This tour will make you feel very happy and excited, especially after you land at the Hotel Everest View to eat breakfast with great mountain views. As a person who likes to go on trips, I can say that the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour is a very good experience.
Think about flying over the very big mountains with the whole world under you. This special day trip has our pilot showing you this awesome tour. We start from Kathmandu in our helicopter, leaving the city behind. As we go up, the land changes from green valleys to mountains with a lot of snow. You might even see the Khumbu Icefall, which is like a frozen river.
The best part is reaching Everest Base Camp. Landing there is very cool and set among those big mountains. Take a breath of the fresh air, look at the tall peaks around you, and feel very good. The fun does not end there! We then go a short way to the Everest View Hotel, the highest hotel in the world. Here, you will have a fancy breakfast in a setting no other place has. Think of drinking coffee while looking at big Everest, its sides shining in the morning sun.
Perched at an altitude of 5,545 meters, Kalapatthar offers unparalleled panoramic views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks. This location draws photographers and adventurers alike for its clear, unobstructed views of the Everest summit, establishing it as a prime spot—the trek to Kalapatthar challenges and rewards visitors, immersing them in the grandeur of the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp, at 5,364 meters, stands as the ultimate aim for trekkers worldwide. This iconic location acts as the starting point for Everest expeditions and allows visitors to immerse in the expedition’s vibrant life.
Surrounded by imposing peaks and glaciers, it offers a surreal, adventurous experience, capturing the essence of exploration.
Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the highest hotel, the Everest View Hotel sits at 3,880 meters, providing a distinctive hospitality experience. Here, guests enjoy luxurious breakfasts while overlooking the magnificent vistas of Mount Everest and its neighbors.
The hotel blends comfort with adventure, offering a perfect haven for those desiring Himalayan beauty without the rigorous trek.
The Khumbu Glacier, the highest of its kind, dominates the Everest region with its striking landscapes.
Essential to the Everest Base Camp trek, it reveals breathtaking views of seracs, crevasses, and icefalls, illustrating the Himalayan environment’s dynamic nature. This glacier not only fascinates geologists and adventurers but also epitomizes nature’s raw beauty and power.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, more commonly known as Lukla Airport, serves as the essential gateway to the Everest adventure. At 2,860 meters, its short runway and dramatic approach rank it among the world’s most thrilling airports.
The flight into Lukla kick-starts the Everest tour with an adrenaline-fueled experience, promising an unforgettable adventure for every visitor.
Your adventure starts when a vehicle picks you up from your Kathmandu accommodation and transfers you comfortably to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Here, staff guide you through the check-in process and brief you on the day’s adventure. As soon as you complete the necessary formalities, you will be able to board the helicopter and be ready for takeoff.
The helicopter lifts off towards Lukla, the gateway to Everest, offering first glimpses of Nepal’s diverse landscape, from urban areas to secluded terrains; on reaching Lukla, the helicopter refuels and gears up for the thrilling flight to the Everest region.
The flight from Lukla takes you over the Khumbu region’s mesmerizing landscapes. You fly over the bustling Everest Base Camp, observing climbers and trekkers in action. The flight continues above the Khumbu Glacier, showcasing its stunning ice formations and rugged beauty.
Touching down at Kalapatthar, the premier viewpoint for Mount Everest, you find yourself over 5,500 meters above sea level. Here, you have the opportunity to absorb the panoramic vistas of Everest and its neighboring peaks, capturing the moment in photos and memories amidst the Himalayan grandeur.
The trip then proceeds to the Everest View Hotel for breakfast, which has an extraordinary view. Perched at 3,880 meters, this hotel provides a peaceful and comfortable setting for you to enjoy your meal with a view of the Himalayas, including the imposing Everest.
Following breakfast, you reboard the helicopter for the tour back to Kathmandu. The return flight offers one last sweeping view of the Himalayan landscapes. Upon reaching TIA, the tour ends with a transfer to your accommodation, leaving you with lasting memories of your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Spring (March-May): Spring boasts quintessential conditions for an Everest helicopter tour. With clear skies and mild temperatures, you’ll have the best chance of unobstructed panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. During this time, you can expect pleasant conditions on the ground at landing points like Kala Patthar, coinciding with the trekking season.
While spring offers ideal conditions, there’s always a chance of unexpected weather changes. If high winds or low visibility arise, your flight might be canceled or diverted. Most helicopter tour operators offer full refunds or rescheduling options in case of weather disruptions.
Spring is a popular trekking season, so expect to share the Everest region with fellow adventurers. This vibrant atmosphere can enhance your experience, but it can also result in slightly crowded landing areas.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn offers another window for breathtaking views. Following the monsoon season, the skies are typically crystal clear, washing away any dust or haze that might have lingered. This weather condition results in some of the most pristine mountain vistas of the year.
As in spring, there’s a slight possibility of flight cancellations due to unpredictable weather. However, autumn generally experiences less turbulence compared to spring. Most helicopter tour companies will have similar policies for cancellations due to weather.
Compared to spring, autumn sees a decrease in trekkers. This decrease in trekkers allows for a more tranquil experience on the ground and potentially fewer crowded landing sites.
Choosing the Perfect Season: Both spring and autumn offer excellent conditions for an Everest helicopter tour. If prioritizing clear skies and pleasant temperatures is your focus, spring might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a less crowded experience and even clearer skies, autumn is ideal. Ultimately, the best season depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Flight: Enjoy Nepal’s trekking regions from above with a scenic helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This flight is breathtaking and more reliable than regular flights to Lukla. It’s perfect for those with limited time. The flight usually lasts 45 to 50 minutes. It can accommodate up to 5 people or 500 kg. If you’re traveling alone, we can help you find a group to share the cost.
Everest Base Camp to Lukla Helicopter Flight: Mix trekking with luxury by flying from Everest Base Camp to Lukla. It is perfect for those who need more time but still want to visit the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain. You won’t need to trek back the same route. Enjoy unforgettable moments at the base camp and Kala Patthar before flying back. The 20-minute flight lets you relive your trek from above. You’ll see stunning mountains, lakes, glaciers, and Sherpa settlements.
Lukla to Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour: Kala Patthar is a top viewing spot in the Everest region. We provide a helicopter flight from Lukla to Kala Patthar. The helicopter lands for 15-20 minutes, letting you enjoy views of Mt. Everest and nearby peaks. The flight lasts about 15-20 minutes. You’ll experience a unique bird’s eye view of the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu Helicopter Flight: Save time in Nepal with a helicopter flight from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu. This flight is ideal after an adventurous trek. It offers views of the highest snow-capped peaks from above. See what mountains nearly 8,000 meters high look like from the air.
Kathmandu to Gorak Shep Helicopter Flight: Choose a helicopter ride to Gorak Shep for both trekking and incredible mountain views. This flight avoids retracing your steps on the EBC trek. It is timely and cost-effective. The flight covers about 151 kilometers and takes around 65 minutes. You’ll see the Himalayas, green hills, and Sherpa villages.
Pheriche to Kathmandu Direct Helicopter Flight: Opt for a direct helicopter flight from Pheriche to Kathmandu to skip the trek back to Lukla. This one-hour flight offers a quick return to Kathmandu. Alternatively, fly to Pheriche to start your trek to EBC. Enjoy views of famous places like Namche and Tengboche.
Tengboche to Lukla or Kathmandu Helicopter Flight: After a brief trek to Tengboche, fly back to Kathmandu or Lukla by helicopter. This 12-minute flight offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. Explore the pristine wilderness and untouched villages from above.
Gokyo to Kathmandu Helicopter Flight: Fly from Gokyo to Kathmandu for magical mountain views. The helicopter flight passes over the Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Valley. It offers views of snow-clad mountains, lush green hills, serene villages, and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. This flight provides a memorable tour through a beautiful and remote region.
The cost of an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour varies based on the choice between a private or group charter. A private charter typically costs around $4,200, while group charters begin at $1,200 per person. These figures are approximate, with room for negotiation.
A fair price point is considered to be $1,000, with the breakdown being $750 for the charter and $250 allocated for fuel, assuming a full charter of five passengers. This estimate covers only the helicopter charter expenses.
The costs of flights from Lukla to Everest Base Camp differ and are particularly popular among explorers. Shared charters are more economical, starting at $500, whereas private charters commence at $1,500.
Moreover, various factors, including the chosen travel agency, can influence the price of the tour. Selecting the appropriate agency can significantly affect the overall cost of the tour.
Founded in 2001, Simrik Air has become a premier helicopter service provider in Nepal, offering rescue operations, external cargo/load transport, adventure flights, and aerial surveys, among other services. Their fleet comprises five helicopters, including 4 AS350 B5Es and one Bell 407GXP.
Heli Everest started offering commercial helicopter charters on December 9, 2016. Their services extend beyond helicopter tours to include emergency medical services, aerial filming, photography, and pilgrimage tours, with a fleet consisting of two AS350 B3E helicopters.
Altitude Air, founded in 2016, aims to stand out in helicopter services, focusing notably on rescue operations. Their fleet includes two helicopters, 9N-AMS and 9N-AMX, and they plan to expand with an additional AS350 B3E.
Since its inception on May 5, 2017, Kailash Helicopter Service has been operational since December 6, 2017, boasting a fleet of three AS350 B3 series helicopters. They specialize in human sling operations, rescue missions, adventure tours, and aerial filming/photography.
Operating since 2009, Mountain Helicopter, based in Kathmandu, has logged over 5,000 flight hours in high-altitude operations. Their fleet includes three helicopters: AS350 B3E, AS350 B2, and EC130 B4.
Air Dynasty, established in 1993, is one of Nepal’s most seasoned helicopter service companies, prioritizing client safety over its 25+ years of operation. Their fleet includes four helicopters, with two AS350 B3E models and two AS350 FX II models.
Initially known as Summit Helicopter Air, Fishtail Air was established in 1997 and operates flights for sightseeing, rescue, medical evacuation, and project support, extending to trans-border flights to Bhutan and India. Their fleet consists of three helicopters: AS350 B3E, AS350 B3+, and Bell 206B III.
Manang Air, founded in 1997, focuses on commercial helicopter charters both in public and private sectors within Nepal. Recently, they expanded their fleet with two brand new AS350 B3 (H125) helicopters.
Part of the Prabhu Group, Prabhu Helicopter has been providing helicopter services since 2015, and the U.S.A. has recognized the Robinson Helicopter Company as an authorized dealer and service provider in Nepal. Their fleet includes four Robinson R66 and one Airbus AS350 B3E helicopters.
Established in 1999, Shree Airlines is the largest operator of Mi-17 Helicopters in South Asia and pioneered private charter helicopter services in Nepal. Their fleet includes 8 Mi-17 helicopters and AS350 B3E models.
In Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours, safety takes the highest priority. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) enforces stringent safety regulations and standards, which these tours rigorously follow. The helicopters, maintained meticulously and fitted with the latest navigation technology, ensure a safe flight through the Himalayas.
Experienced pilots, trained thoroughly in high-altitude flying and emergency protocols, navigate the unique Himalayan challenges proficiently. Comprehensive pre-flight checks on weather, safety routes, and helicopter mechanics precede each flight. Passengers undergo a safety briefing that covers seat belt usage, emergency exit procedures, and oxygen system usage, which are critical at the high altitudes encountered during the tour.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour requires obtaining two permits:
National Park Permit: You need a permit to enter Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest. It helps conserve and maintain this protected area.
Local Area Permit: Additional local permits are necessary for certain regions in the Everest area, particularly for landing and takeoff within the Khumbu region.
The Everest View Hotel, renowned as the highest five-star hotel, stands as the sole accommodation choice on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Guests can relish breakfast while soaking in the stunning views of Mount Everest from this location.
Some helicopter tours to Everest may only include accommodation, depending on the tour package. When provided, guests typically stay in standard lodges and tea houses, offering a quintessential Himalayan experience.
Flying a helicopter above 5,000 meters poses challenges due to the thinning atmosphere, necessitating lighter loads for safe and efficient operation. Overloading the helicopter can hinder its ability to ascend to these altitudes.
The carrying capacity of a helicopter to Everest generally accommodates up to five passengers, with a possibility of one additional person under certain conditions. The total weight limit for the Everest helicopter stands at 450 kg.
There are two booking options for helicopter flights on Everest: shared helicopter charters and private Everest Base Camp helicopter tours.
Private tours cater to smaller, exclusive groups. The lighter load allows the helicopter to ascend to higher altitudes. Moreover, with fewer passengers, selecting the best spot for optimal views is easier.
In contrast, shared flights accommodate multiple groups in one trip. This setup makes securing the best seat more challenging, and the tour follows a set route without individual customization.
For those seeking a less crowded alternative to Everest, the Langtang Helicopter Tour offers a more secluded experience.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return: This 11-day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return features stays in standard lodges, three meals a day during the trek, and a helicopter flight from Kala Patthar back to Kathmandu, capturing the stunning scenery of the Khumbu Region and surrounding peaks.
Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek: We have designed this 16-day trek for those who seek to experience Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek with a touch of luxury. It includes stays in a five-star hotel in Kathmandu and luxurious lodges on the trek, complete with all meals covered and small group size to enhance the experience.
Everest Panorama Trek: Consider a 9-day trek that offers spectacular views and a relatively shorter trek, ideal for those with limited time. This trek includes accommodation in local lodges, three meals a day, and ends with a memorable flight back from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Everest High Pass Trek: For the more adventurous, this Everest High Pass Trek spans 20 days and includes crossing three high passes in the Everest region, providing mesmerizing views and a challenging but rewarding experience. The package includes stays in three-star hotels and lodges, meals, and sightseeing in Kathmandu post-trek.
Located at an altitude of 5,364 meters, reaching Everest Base Camp by trek traditionally takes about 7-9 days. However, a helicopter can whisk you there in just a few hours. Why endure the lengthy trek when you can experience the splendor of Everest in a day?
Flying to Everest Base Camp by helicopter is a time-efficient way to experience the grandeur of the world’s highest mountain. This tour isn’t merely a helicopter ride; it’s an aerial adventure offering comprehensive views of Everest and its surroundings, encapsulating the essence of the Himalayas in a brief yet profound encounter.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour offers an extraordinary experience, capturing the immense beauty and majesty of the Himalayas in just one day. It brings adventurers up close to the world’s highest peak, eliminating the need for lengthy treks.
The trek itself encapsulates the essence of the tour, with its thrilling helicopter ride that showcases stunning aerial views and the indulgence of breakfast at the Everest View Hotel, offering a luxurious perspective. Ideal for those short on time or seeking a less demanding adventure, this tour ensures a memorable encounter with Everest’s majestic scenery, defining it as the ultimate adventure for travel enthusiasts.
