Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

From $ 1750 USD Per Person Inquire

Why us?

  • Fully customizable trip
  • Group Discount
  • Guaranteed Departure
  • Top-notch Service
  • Safety matters
  • Eco Tourism

Highlights

  • Breathtaking views of Himalayas including the highest Mt Everest 8848 m, Lhotse 8,516m Cho Oyu 8,188m, Ama Dablam 6812m etc
  • Close view of World's Highest Mt. Everest 8848
  • Breakfast in Everest View Hotel
  • Scenic Helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp from Lukla Landing at Kalapathar 5545m and spending 10 - 20 m for taking beautiful photography of the mountains

Overview

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour allows you to land at Kala Patthar, the highest and most spectacular viewpoint of Mt. Everest, situated at an elevation of 5,545 meters above sea level. This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks while enjoying a thrilling aerial perspective of the Himalayan range. It’s an excellent alternative to the 11-day-long Everest Base Camp Trek, saving you significant time without compromising on the adventure.

Why Doesn’t the Helicopter Land at Everest Base Camp?

khumbu region from the space
Khumbu Region from the Google map

Despite being called the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, the helicopter does not land at Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters). The main reason for this is the lack of a flat surface to build a helicopter landing area at EBC. Additionally, government regulations prohibit overnight stays at Everest Base Camp unless you hold an Everest climbing permit, meaning only climbers attempting to summit Everest are allowed to stay there.

Instead, the helicopter lands at Kala Patthar, situated at a higher elevation of 5,545 meters, offering a superior panoramic view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. This location is widely regarded as the best vantage point for capturing the grandeur of the Khumbu region.

An Alternative: The Everest Helicopter Trek

For those who want to combine trekking with a helicopter experience, the Everest Helicopter Trek is a perfect option. In this package, you trek to Everest Base Camp on foot, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and culture of the region. After completing the trek, you return to Lukla or Kathmandu via helicopter, adding a luxurious and thrilling conclusion to your journey.

Trip Facts of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Duration:4/5 hours
Ground Time:About 10 minutes
Starting Point:Kathmandu Airport
Ending Point:Kathmandu Airport
Stop Points:Lukla (for refueling the helicopter), Pheriche, Kalapathar, Everest View Hotel
Highest Altitude:5545 m (Kalapathar)
Trip Grade:1 Day Luxury Helicopter Tour
Group Size:1 – 5 pax (maximum 5 passengers in one helicopter)

How We Operate the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Your journey begins at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Everest Helicopter Tour starts with a breathtaking flight over the Kathmandu Valley, heading toward Lukla. Upon arrival in Lukla, you will get your first glimpse of the Sherpa culture and lifestyle. Here, the helicopter will refuel before continuing the journey.

From Lukla, the flight proceeds to Kala Patthar, passing over Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep. During this leg of the tour, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, and numerous other stunning peaks. Once you reach Kala Patthar, you’ll spend about 10–15 minutes taking in the breathtaking scenery and capturing unforgettable moments of the majestic Himalayan range.

Following your time at Kala Patthar, the helicopter takes you to the iconic Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the natural beauty of the Mahalangur Himalayan Range. After this memorable stop, the helicopter retraces its route and brings you back to Kathmandu, concluding your incredible adventure.

Why Choose the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

  • Save Time: Avoid the 11-day-long Everest Base Camp Trek and enjoy the same breathtaking scenery within a few hours.
  • Stunning Aerial Views: Experience the bird’s-eye view of alpine forests and some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mt. Everest (8,848 meters).
  • Land at a Unique Airport: Touch down at one of the highest and most thrilling airports in the world, known for its challenging terrain and adventurous landing experience.
  • Fly Close to Mt. Everest: Get up-close views of Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Types of Everest Helicopter Tours

Chartered / Private Helicopter Tour

A private helicopter tour offers a fully customized experience. You can book the helicopter exclusively for yourself or your group, giving you the flexibility to decide whether or not to include others. While this option is more expensive, it ensures privacy and tailored services.

Group Sharing Helicopter Tour

For a more budget-friendly option, you can join a group-sharing helicopter tour. This allows you to share the experience with up to five members in the helicopter. However, at higher altitudes above Namche Bazaar, the helicopter may carry only three passengers due to low air pressure.

Itinerary

Day 1

TIA - Lukla Airport - Kalapathar - Everest View Hotel - Lukla - Kathmandu

1. Drive to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
Time: Early Morning
Begin your day with a drive to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. After a short briefing on safety guidelines, you’ll board the helicopter for an unforgettable journey.

2. Flight to Lukla (2,860 m)
Duration: 40–50 minutes
The helicopter takes off from Kathmandu, flying above the lush green hills and terraced farmlands. Upon reaching Lukla, the helicopter will refuel while you catch your first glimpse of the Sherpa culture and the surrounding Himalayan terrain.

3. Flight to Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
Duration: 15–20 minutes (one way)
Fly from Lukla to Kala Patthar, passing over Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier, and Gorakshep. Once you land at Kala Patthar, enjoy 10–15 minutes to soak in the stunning panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other towering peaks. This is the highlight of the tour, perfect for taking photographs and capturing lifelong memories.

4. Stop at Everest View Hotel (3,880 m)
Duration: 30–45 minutes
The helicopter will then take you to the Everest View Hotel, renowned for its unparalleled mountain views. Here, you can enjoy breakfast or tea while marveling at the beauty of the surrounding Mahalangur Himalayan Range.

5. Return to Kathmandu
Duration: 1 hour
The tour concludes with a scenic return flight to Kathmandu, retracing the same route and offering a final aerial view of the Everest region.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Private transportation to Airport and Back to Hotel from Airport
  • Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee (3000 Nepali Rupee) and 2000 NPR VDC fee
  • Helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp on private and (sharing basic Max 5 person) and Back to Kathmandu
  • Landing 15 Minutes at Kalapatthar and Everest View Hotel 50 Minutes to 1 Hour for Breakfast
  • Oxygen cylinder and all the emergency Necessary things
  • Company service charges
  • Government Taxes

What's not included

  • Food and Drinks during the trip
  • Personal expense
  • Personal gear and down jacket
  • Tips and Donations
  • Breakfast at Everest View Hotel
  • Paying by card will cost 4% Bank service Charge Extra

FAQs

1) Can a helicopter land at Everest Base Camp?

It can be taken at Kalapathar which is near Kalapathar but situated 5545 m above sea level. It is even higher than Everest Base Camp.

2) Can a helicopter be taken to the summit of Mt Everest?

Maybe it can be. But it is too risky. In 2005, a French man named Didier Delsalle had become the first person who landed the helicopter on the top of Mt Everest. Since then no one has taken helicopters to the summit of the peak because now nobody is allowed to take helicopters on the top of Everest due to the criticism from many people.

3) How long time does a helicopter stay on Kalapathar top?

It only stays around 15 minutes. Because there is a risk of high altitude sickness as you will reach directly above 5500m without having proper hiking and trekking experience and acclimatization.

4) Is Everest Helicopter Tour safe?

Definitely, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is safe because the helicopter used for this tour is like AS 350B3e and the experienced pilots fly the helicopter. Indeed, most helicopter agencies do not carry more than 3 passengers in a helicopter in order to ensure safe helicopter take-off and landing.

5) What is the best time to do Everest Helicopter Tour?

January to May and September to December are the best months for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. However, normally it can be done all the time.

6) What are the packing lists for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

Although it is a short tour, you need to bring some sort of gear like a Down Jacket, a Camera (to capture a picturesque of the mountain range), a Sunhat, a bottle of water, toilet paper, a passport and a copy of passport, etc to go for Everest Helicopter Tour.

7) Can I extend the trip for an additional 1 day?

Definitely, you can request your trip for 1 extra day with additional costs to cover the hotel, guide, and transportation. Your helicopter agency will arrange all these services for you.

8) Is travel insurance mandatory for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

It is necessary more than mandatory as you reach up to 5545m. And in this condition, Acute Mountain Sickness can occur unexpectedly. So, your travel and medical insurance will be able to cover all your investments.

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