Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Places you will see
Kathmandu
Lukla
Namche Bazar
Thyangboche Monastery
Kala Patthar
Everest Base Camp
Trip Overview
Trip at a Glance
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 2023-2024
Thinking of spending some quality time? Why not in Everest? If you are interested, we can organize a short tour to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour which is the perfect destination.
Everest Base Camp is always open throughout the year. You can visit Nepal at any time of the year to visit the magnificent Everest and make an unforgettable memory of a lifetime. Many trekkers and climbers have explored and perceived Everest's exotic beauty. The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a popular way for visitors to experience the majestic Himalayas and the iconic Mount Everest without the strenuous physical effort of a trek. It lets you enjoy a bird's eye view of the Himalayas and is the best way to see Mount Everest up close. During the tour, you will fly over the stunning landscape of the Himalayas, including breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other notable peaks in the region, lush forests, and picturesque valleys.
During the helicopter tour, you will get to see the famous Sherpa villages and the traditional monasteries that are an integral part of the Himalayan culture and gives you a spiritual feeling while visiting those monasteries. You'll also get to see the Khumbu Glacier and the Khumbu Icefall, which are critical landmarks on the way to the Everest summit.
The helicopter will land near the Everest base camp or Kalapatthar, and you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas and take in the awe-inspiring scenery. You'll also have the chance to meet the climbers who are preparing to climb Mount Everest and hear about their experiences. Not only clicking photos for grabbing memories, but the feel of being there at the base of Everest is heavenly and you will never forget this feeling. Instead, it will lure you to visit the mountains again and again.
As a head start, the tour usually starts from Kathmandu or Lukla and takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the tour organizer or operator and the itinerary. You will stop at various points to admire the stunning views and take photographs along the way. You will also have the opportunity to land at the Everest Base Camp for a short period of time and take photos of the surrounding scenery. This landing time lets you experience the unique chilling atmosphere of the region and explore the area and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people. During this helicopter tour, you will get a short time to visit the traditional Sherpa villages, where you can meet the locals as well and enjoy talking with them, hearing about their life experiences, and many more. The Helicopter will take you back to Kathmandu Domestic Airport, once the tour is finished. The weather has to be supportive and favorable to let you enjoy the incredible beauty of the Khumbu Valley and the Kathmandu Valley as well.
The budget matters a lot while traveling. The Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour is tailored in an affordable manner so that most travelers can opt for it and enjoy the Himalayan beauty of Nepal. The cost of the tour can vary depending on the tour operator and the length of the trip. It is important to note that the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and flights may be canceled or delayed due to adverse conditions. A piece of advice is always to book with a reputable tour operator and check the weather conditions before booking.
Overall, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas, including the world-renowned Mount Everest, without the physical challenges of a trek.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provides stunning views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to see Mount Everest up close. Here are some highlights of the tour:
- Eagle View of Mount Everest at the possible closest distance
- Stunning views of other adjoining Himalayan peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu.
- Experience the unique atmosphere of the Everest region and surroundings
- Aerial view of the Khumbu Glacier, the largest glacier in the region with other glaciers and glacial lakes.
- Experiencing Sherpa culture and traditions
- Visiting traditional Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa village in the Everest region.
- Scenic views of the Khumbu Valley with its rugged terrain, deep gorges, and rushing rivers are simply awesome.
Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and allows you to see the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. Here's a sample itinerary for the tour:
- 6:00 am - Departure from Kathmandu Your helicopter will take off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and head towards the Himalayas.
- 7:00 am - Arrival at Lukla Your first stop will be Lukla, a small mountain town and the gateway to the Everest region. You will have a short break here to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and take in the scenery.
- 8:00 am - Fly to Everest Base Camp From Lukla, you will fly to Everest Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. You will spend around 15-20 minutes at the base camp, where you can take photos and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Everest.
- 9:00 am - Fly to Kalapatthar After visiting the base camp, you will fly to Kalapatthar, a small peak located at an altitude of 5,550 meters (18,209 feet) that offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. You will spend around 10-15 minutes at Kalapatthar.
- 10:00 am - Breakfast at Hotel Everest View After visiting Kalapatthar, you will fly to Hotel Everest View, a hotel located at an altitude of 3,880 meters (12,727 feet) that offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest. Here, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the stunning scenery.
- 11:00 am - Fly back to Kathmandu After breakfast, you will fly back to Kathmandu, where your tour will end.
The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. However, the tour typically lasts around 4-5 hours and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll never forget.
Reasons to Choose Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp
There are several reasons why someone might choose to do an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:
Time-Saving your visit to Nepal is one of the top most reasons to fly to Everest Base Camp. It is an alternative to the traditional trek to Everest Base Camp, which takes about 12-14 days. With a helicopter tour, you can reach the Base Camp within a few hours and avoid the physical exertion of trekking and plan the rest days of your visit for other activities.
Not only time-saving but flexibility also matters. The helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp is flexible and can be customized to your preferences. You can choose from different departure locations, duration of the flight, and even landing locations. This allows you to manage your time on the tour accordingly.
Stunning Views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam is another reason to choose a Helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp. The aerial view provides a unique perspective of the mountain range that cannot be seen from ground level and also see the towering Himalayas at the possible closest distance.
Talking about comfort, choosing the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour is the best way to experience the Himalayas, without having to worry about the rugged terrain, altitude sickness, or long exhilarating treks. The helicopter allows you to see the beauty of the region from a comfortable seat.
Top of all, the EBC helicopter tour is a unique experience that offers an unforgettable adventure. It allows you to see the highest mountain in the world up close and personal, something that not many people get to experience in their lifetime. Considering the benefits of the EBC Helicopter tour, it is a fantastic option for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas but may not have the time or physical ability to trek to the Base Camp. The helicopter tour offers stunning views, comfort, flexibility, and a unique experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
Lukla to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Cost
Lukla is the starting point of Everest Base Camp trekking. Some trekkers like to fly to Everest Base Camp for a luxurious and comfortable way to explore the Everest region. Many trekkers still prefer the traditional way of trekking to reach Everest Base Camp but nowadays they choose the Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp due to its affordable cost and is a time-saver. One of the main reasons for setting the route of the Helicopter tour from Kathmandu to Lukla and then from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is to reduce the air traffic. Another starting point can be from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. To reach the airport at Ramechhap, trekkers must start as early bird around 1 or 2 am by bus to be on time for the early morning flights to Lukla. The cost of a helicopter flight from Lukla to Everest Base Camp can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of year, the helicopter company, the type of helicopter used, the duration of the helicopter tour, and the services included by the company or tour operator. It is worth noting that the passenger weight limit from Kathmandu to Lukla is 500 kg, while the weight limit from Lukla to Kala Patthar or Base Camp is 250 kg. Therefore, two shuttle flights from Lukla may be required to transport passengers and equipment. Always make sure of the weather conditions and be prepared for such situations as well.
Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Cost
As mentioned earlier, the initial point of the Helicopter tour usually is the domestic airport in Kathmandu but to support the air traffic, sometimes, it is diverted to Ramechhap. The flight takes off in the early morning, so a good night's sleep is a must before heading to Everest Base Camp. Generally, the trekkers take a short flight of about 30 minutes from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek or fly to Everest Base Camp from Lukla. But nowadays, people like to grasp more opportunities and explore more places in a single visit to Nepal, they choose Helicopter tours to make up the time for other activities. And also, due to its modest price many trekkers are attracted to it.
A helicopter tour from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu
Likewise, on a tour from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, one can choose either way to trek to Everest Base Camp on foot and then return to Kathmandu via Helicopter. It will be a similar-duration helicopter ride enjoying the stunning views of the terrific terrain of the Everest region. Trekkers prefer this option as they are exhausted from the trek and want to enjoy the eagle view of the Khumbu Valley. The helicopter is actually a standard and relatively easy way to reach Kathmandu which saves time and prevents you from the exhilarating trek. Given the better weather conditions, it is worth enough to opt for the Mount Everest Helicopter tour to Kathmandu to explore the vast region of Khumbu region and view the beautiful glaciers, and lakes adding to the beautiful view of Kathmandu valley.
Helicopter Tour from Everest Base Camp to Lukla
The other way around is to finish the trek to reach Everest Base Camp on foot and then return to Lukla by hopping onto a helicopter. Upon arrival at Lukla, you have 2 choices to return to Kathmandu. One is the regular choice which is the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and the other is walking to Salleri from Lukla and then catching a bus from Salleri to Kathmandu. It is preferable to those trekkers who like to travel by road enjoying the bumpy roads and rugged mountains.
Route of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The route of an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour can vary depending on the trekking agency or tour operator and itinerary. However, most tours follow a similar route that includes the following highlights:
From/To |
Duration |
Activities |
Hotel to Domestic Airport to Hotel |
30 Minutes |
Our representative will accompany you to the domestic airport for the Helicopter tour as well as when you return from the tour, you will drop off at the Hotel from the Domestic Airport. Each transportation will take around 30 minutes. |
Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu |
45 Minutes |
Refueling will take around 10 to 15 minutes on the ground and also get the Sagarmatha National Park Permit at the same time. The Lukla flight is about 45 minutes one way. Enjoy the aerial views of Kathmandu Valley and the Khumbu Valley with mesmerizing views of Everest and other adjoining peaks. |
Lukla to Pheriche |
20 Minutes |
Enjoy the beautiful Himalayas from this viewpoint |
Pheriche to Everest Base Camp & Kala Pattar |
15 minutes for a single shuttle |
Passengers are divided into 2 groups due to weight limitations while flying to Everest Base Camp. Duration of flight: 8 to 10 minutes for each shuttle. |
Kala Patthar to Hotel Everest View |
20 Min to Hotel Everest View |
Stop by for breakfast at Hotel Everest View (HEV) for about 1 hour. Experience the unique atmosphere of the region and take photos with the famous Base Camp sign. |
Return to Lukla from Hotel Everest View |
10 Minutes |
Flight back to Lukla for Refueling |
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Price for years 2023-2024
There are multiple routes to Everest Base Camp via Helicopter. Here are some mentioned prices for the convenience to select as per your interest. Please be informed that these prices are valid starting from March 10 to May 30 and September 10 to December 30 for the years 2023-2024. Mid-February to the end of May and mid-September to the last of December are considered to be the best times of the year to go for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Do not be disheartened if you are thinking of traveling in the other months, you still can go for the Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp. You just have to contact us directly so that we can offer you better rates. The mentioned rates are in US DOLLARS.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour |
||
Starting and Ending Points of the Trip |
Price for 1 to 3 persons |
Price for 4 to 5 persons |
Kathmandu – Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu |
$5200, $2600, $1730 |
$1300, $1200 |
Lukla – Everest Base Camp – Lukla |
$1500 |
$1800 |
Namche – Everest Base Camp – Namche or Lukla |
$1550 |
$1850 |
Namche – Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu |
$3500 |
$3950 |
Hotel Everest View – Everest Base Camp – Lukla |
$1550 |
$1850 |
Hotel Everest View – Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu |
$3500 |
$3950 |
Tengboche – Everest Base Camp – Lukla |
$1550 |
$1850 |
Tengboche – Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu |
$3500 |
$3950 |
Dingboche – Everest Base Camp – Lukla |
$1550 |
$1850 |
Dingboche – Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu |
$3500 |
$3950 |
Lobuche – Everest Base Camp – Lukla |
$1550 |
$1850 |
Lobuche – Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu |
$3500 |
$3950 |
Lukla – Gokyo – Lukla |
$1200 |
$1500 |
Lukla –Gokyo + Everest Base Camp – Lukla |
$1800 |
$2400 |
Kathmandu – Gokyo – Kathmandu |
$3450 |
$3850 |
Kathmandu –Gokyo + Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu |
$4250 |
$4850 |
Note: If you are required to do the next shuttle, there is an extra charge of USD 500 for each shuttle. For example, if you are a group of 5 or 6 persons, 2 shuttles are required as there are weight limits flying from or to Everest Base Camp. So, USD 500 will be added to every shuttle.
Detail Itinerary
Is the proposed itinerary suitable for you?
If you are looking for a custom itinerary, please feel free to reach out to our team of professionals at any time.Cost Details
What is included?
- Airport transfer services (pick-up and drop) in a private comfortable vehicle
- Helicopter flight for about 4/5 hours
- Sightseeing break for 10-15 minutes at Kala Patthar
- Service charges of the Company
What is not included?
- Special Add on: Breakfast – USD 40 / person
- Entry fee for Sagarmatha National Park – USD 25 / person (Nrs 3000) [Cash payment only]
- Additional expenses on personal items
- Food and drinks
Trip Info
Packing list for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is always advisable to do after checking the weather conditions so that the visibility will be crystal clear to view Everest including other towering snowy peaks. It is usually broad daylight with clear skies most of the time but if there is any change in the weather, it is better to be packed with the following items as it will be freezing cold at the Everest Base Camp or its nearby regions.
01. Windproof Down jacket
02. Warm clothing i.e. pants and sweatshirts or hoodies
03. Warm woolen gloves or mittens and socks
04. Comfy and warm shoes
05. Scarf or muffler
06. Water bottle
07. Toilet paper
08. Sun lotion, lip balm, sunglasses with Sunhat
09. Camera with extra batteries
10. Passport and passport copy as well
Everest Helicopter Tour Booking, Payment, and Cancellation Policies
Please read our booking, payment, and cancellation policies before you confirm a trip with us. It is always recommendable to clear doubts. There are no hidden charges or any clauses in our company. Step on Himalaya recommends all valued clients make an insurance plan before heading on any trip to be insured from any adverse possibilities that might occur in the mountains.
Best time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
As we speak of the weather, it is always quite unpredictable in any part of the mountains. The weather at Everest Base Camp can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the time of day. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Everest Base Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December) when the skies are crystal clear and dry and the temperatures are moderate, favoring the trekkers. This type of weather provides the best visibility for viewing Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
It is important to note that weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, and it is not uncommon for sudden snowstorms or high winds to occur even during the best seasons. When planning a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp, it is important to check weather conditions regularly and be prepared for possible changes in the itinerary due to weather.
During the Spring and Autumn seasons, you can expect daytime temperatures to range from -10°C to 20°C. Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing point, especially at higher elevations, which is why you always have to come prepared with warm, woolen clothes to protect yourself from the cold, chilling atmosphere. There is a very rare chance of rain during these seasons but you will be surely enchanted by the snowy Himalayas at their best breathtaking views. The weather pattern still can alter at any time.
During the winter months (January to February), the weather can be quite cold and harsh, with a lot of snow and wind. This can make it difficult to fly and see the mountains clearly. But it is still possible to opt for the Helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp. Flight cancellations or delays might be an issue due to bad weather.
During the monsoon season (June to September), there is a lot of rain and cloud cover, which can make it difficult to see the mountains at all. It is not recommended to do a helicopter tour during this time as higher possibility of cancellations.
Food during Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
There are some hotels near the Everest Base Camp that provide delicious breakfasts. One of them is Hotel Everest View and the other one is Kongde View Resort. These hotels are considered the best hotels in the Everest region to offer lodging and meals along with amazing views of Everest and surrounding peaks. The food options during an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour may be limited, but there are still plenty of options available to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the journey.
When embarking on an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, it's important to consider the types of foods that will be available during the journey. While you won't have access to a full kitchen, there are still plenty of options to fuel your body and keep you satisfied.
One popular option is to bring along energy bars, trail mix, and other lightweight snacks that are easy to transport. These items can be a great source of quick energy and can help you stay fueled during the trek.
During the tour itself, you can expect to find a variety of foods available. Many helicopter tour companies offer meals as part of the experience, and these meals often include traditional Nepalese dishes like Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), Thukpa (steamed noodles with vegetables or meat), and international food items such as pizza, spaghetti, sandwiches, etc.
If you have specific dietary restrictions, it's important to let your tour company know ahead of time so they can accommodate your needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are often available, but it's best to confirm beforehand to ensure that you have enough food to sustain you during the journey.
Safety concerns about Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
As with any adventure activity, there are some safety concerns to be noted. One trekker should always think about safety issues before undertaking an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. You are in a foreign land and attempting an adventurous activity. Yes, a Helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp is considered safe as the experienced pilots are flying the helicopters and organized by reputed trekking agencies with the cooperation of helicopter tour companies.
The foremost concern is about the weather conditions in the Everest region. The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable and can change rapidly, making flying conditions difficult. It is essential to check the weather forecast before your flight and to follow the instructions of the pilot and the ground crew. If the weather conditions are not safe, the flight may be delayed or canceled.
The next important point is Altitude Sickness. The Everest region is at a high altitude, and altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of their level of fitness. It is essential to acclimatize properly before the flight and to take the necessary precautions, such as drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol, and taking medication if necessary. It is always recommended to take an opinion from the doctors as well if you have any health issues, before boarding the helicopter to fly over the Khumbu valley.
Speaking of any emergency landing, one must be prepared mentally and physically. As mentioned earlier, the weather is quite changeable in the mountains and the landscape of Khumbu valley is with rugged mountains. In the event of an emergency, the helicopter may need to make an emergency landing in a remote area. It is essential to listen carefully to the safety briefing and to follow the instructions of the pilot and the ground crew in the event of an emergency.
Although helicopter tour operators follow strict safety guidelines and regulations, technical issues can still occur. These helicopters are machines after all. It is important to choose a reputable operator with a proven safety record and to check that the helicopter is well-maintained and regularly serviced.
Also to keep in mind, helicopter accidents might occur but, are rare. Reminder again, it is important to choose a reputable operator with experienced pilots and to follow all safety procedures to minimize the risk of an accident. By being aware of potential safety concerns and preparing accordingly, you can help ensure a safe and unforgettable experience by choosing the Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp.
Alternatives of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is undoubtedly one of the most popular ways to see the majestic Mount Everest and its stunning landscapes with glaciers and lakes. Choosing a mountain flight is also an available option to view mesmerizing Everest along with adjoining snowy peaks. However, if you're looking for a different region other than Everest region by Helicoper, here are some similar Helicopter tours in other trekking regions for you to check out: Annapurna Base Camp in Helicopter, Helicopter tour in Langtang, Muktinath Helicopter tour, Mustang Helicopter tour, etc.
FAQ
The temperature varies as per the season of the year. It also depends upon the alterations in the elevations. It is from 5° C to 20° C normally in the morning during the months of April to September. While from the month of October to March, the temperature might fall below a minimum of - 10° C to a maximum of 15° C during the day time. It is usually cold in the night time.
The higher you go, the more change in the climate. There are abrupt changes in the weather at the Base Camp on Everest.
The cost depends on what type of selected package. There are various types of packages to Everest Base Camp like 14 days-Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Luxury Trek, Short Everest Trek, Everest Base Camp Budget Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek, etc. For example, all the facilities are arranged in the five-star level to a possible extent in Everest Luxury Trek while there are some limitations in Everest Base Camp Budget Trek. In Budget Trek, you have to hire a porter with an additional cost, arrange the accommodation and meals in Kathmandu by yourself, etc.
In one trip, 5 people per group are accommodated as the weight limit is approximately 480kg in total. After reaching Syangboche, the group will be divided to reduce the pressure on the helicopter.
Review
To see and feel Mt. Everest is a dream and when you hover in a helicopter to enjoy the views of Everest at the possible closest distance, that is simply WOW feeling.Step On Himalaya arranged the Everest Base Camp Helicpopter Tour in a very affordable rate and also we were able to catch the first ride of the day. It really saved the whole day. The memento at the Everest Base Camp was awesome. Thanks to Step On Himalaya team for arranging so wonderful ride and giving the splendid moment of the lifetime. If you really want to enjoy Nepal without any hassle, please contact and book with Step On Himalaya. Our whole team greatly recommends SOH!
Everest is a dream.
We were completely in heaven when we view the mind-blowing landscapes of the Everest region from the Helicopter. It was the best experience in Nepal. We all were excited when we flew from our homeland, the Philippines to Nepal with the thought of reaching Everest Base Camp. The excitement was extremely thrilling when actually landed near Everest Base Camp. Feeling the crispy weather with cool breezes was nerve-wracking. We all friends got goosebumps when at the camp and seeing Everest so closely. Wonderfully done Helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp. Thanks to Step on Himalaya for managing everything so smoothly.
From start to finish, my trip was an incredible and unforgettable experience, and the memories I made are truly priceless. Hari, the tour operator, deserves all the credit for perfectly organizing every aspect of the trip. He went above and beyond by not only picking me up from the hotel but also dropping me off at the airport after the trip. If you're looking for a company that will take excellent care of you, I highly recommend booking with them.