For those short on time or not fully fit, the 4-hour high-altitude flight towards the world’s tallest mountain is an excellent alternative. This adventure packs the thrill of flying over snow-clad mountains, offering an experience of a lifetime.
The helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp is a time and cost-efficient trip, allowing you to visit Mt. Everest in just 3 to 4 hours. This tour has even topped Forbes’ bucket list recommendations. Surely Everest is in your Bucket list as well. A typical flight begins from Kathmandu, flying to Lukla early in the morning around 6 AM to avoid unpredictable weather. We organize hotel pickup and drop-off services to/from the airport when you book this trip with us.
EXPLORING AREAS COVERED DURING EVEREST BASE CAMP HELICOPTER TOUR
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour commences from Kathmandu, flying over Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Mt Everest View Hotel, Tengboche, and the Khumbu glaciers, before making its final landing at the Everest Base Camp (EBC). The return journey includes flying over Everest Base Camp/Kalapather, Lobuche, Tengboche, with a breakfast stop at Everest View Hotel, followed by Namche, Lukla airport, and finally back to Kathmandu airport.
What to expect from Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, a high-altitude flight experience is operated by seasoned pilots who can maneuver through the thinnest atmosphere on Earth. The helicopter pilot also acts as a guide, pointing out major mountain ranges, leading your trip, and answering your questions.
Flying above forests and villages, sometimes just a few hundred meters above them is exhilarating. Travelers have reported seeing houses, animals, and people in the fields below. Despite the helicopter noise and high altitude reducing your hearing, your cameras and eyes will be busy capturing the breathtaking views.
We land at Lukla airport for refueling before taking off again, flying over the beautiful villages of Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakhshep. Depending on passenger weight, the chopper will stop a few miles before reaching Everest Base Camp. After landing at Everest Base Camp and flying over Kala Patthar, we get off the chopper to enjoy a view of Mount Everest (8,848m), along with Nuptse and Lhotse. It’s a mesmerizing moment to realize we are standing on the highest grounds of the planet.
Following this, we head back to Hotel Everest View at Syangboche for breakfast, enjoying our meal on the northern balcony with views of Everest and neighboring peaks. We then fly back to Lukla for refueling before returning to Kathmandu airport.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Sightseeing: Is it suitable for you?
Helicopter tours are generally safe and easy, requiring no strenuous efforts like trekking. If you wish to see the Everest Region but lack the time or ability to trek, this tour is an excellent choice. The trip will be unforgettable for flying enthusiasts. The views of the mountains are clearer, and the terrain is more understandable from above. For instance, it might be fascinating to see how the Khumbu Valley formed as a result of the mountain glaciers cutting through it over centuries. It’s an exhilarating experience.
Preparing for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Packing and clothing ?
Everest Heli Tour needs some preparations to gain a great experience. First things first, bring a good camera to capture the bird’s-eye view of Kathmandu Valley, northern mountains, and settlements. Balance your time between photography and simply relishing the moment. Carry a water bottle for hydration and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent altitude/motion sickness. Snacks can also be handy.
Our recommended attire includes warm trousers, t-shirts/shirts, a down jacket, a light jacket, boots, and UV-protected sunglasses. Use/carry moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin from cold and direct sunlight. While wearing caps and mufflers be extra cautious about loose clothing while getting on/off the chopper.
Weight limits for High Altitude Helicopter Tours
Helicopters have weight limits, especially crucial for high altitude flights. Avoid heavy backpacks; wear what you need and carry a light bag only if necessary (for water, snacks, and purse). If possible, avoid carrying a bag altogether. This trip requires passengers to take turns in groups of 2 or 3 to fly to the Base Camp and Kalapatthar, as directed by the captain and should be strictly followed.
Safety Precautions and Insurance
Pay attention to the flight brief and follow all pilot instructions. Get travel insurance that covers evacuation costs and medical expenses when traveling to remote areas. Always wait for the captain’s signal before boarding or disembarking the aircraft. Approach the aircraft only from the front left and front right side, where the pilot can see you clearly. Ensure loose clothing is secured. If you lose any items, do not attempt to retrieve them.
Everest Helicopter Flight Tour Safety Measures
Flying hours and brief stopovers depend on the weather and the pilot’s decision. We aim to cover as many highlight stops as possible, providing extra time to witness local culture and visit monasteries.
Weather During the Flight
The weather in the hills is unpredictable. Though this flight can be taken all year round, however, monsoon months of July to mid-September are wet and much greener because of heavy moisture.The best time is from March to June when wildflowers are in full bloom with temperatures in the range of 15 – 20 degrees Celsius during the day with sunlight. Mornings and evenings are cooler with a minimum of -0 to 05 degree Celsius plus wind chill factors.
High altitude means less shelter and also less oxygen and lower air pressure – thereby meaning clear skies, strong sunlight, and high UV and you might need a strong sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Important Note
We offer alternative tour options for a unique Everest region experience. We can pick you up from Lukla airport, continue to Everest Base Camp, land at Kalapathar, have breakfast at Hotel Everest View, and return to Lukla and Kathmandu. If you are trekking in Namche, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, or Everest Base Camp, we can pick you up from any helipad location, then drop you in Lukla or fly you to Kathmandu.
We provide a small aircraft flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a helicopter tour. We can arrange for an overnight stay in Lukla before the helicopter tour if desired. You can also join us from intermediate points of the traditional trek route like Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, or even from Everest Base Camp after completing a one-way trek, and then be flown back to Kathmandu. This option allows you to enjoy both the trek and the flight to Everest Base Camp, offering close views of Mt. Everest. It’s an ideal choice if you start feeling unwell during the trek or have difficulty walking uphill to Namche Bazaar. The Everest Base Camp helicopter tour with landing lasts 45 minutes from Kathmandu to Lukla airport, including refueling.
