Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Overview

Are you looking for a short one-day trip to the Himalayas? Then, the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is the perfect package for you. Under USD 1,300 per person, this four-hour tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy the grandeur of the Himalayas in the blink of an eye. 

Traveling to Everest Base Camp is usually considered a two-week challenging program. However, that is not the case for the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. It is a short one-day program, more specifically a four-hour program, that anyone can do. 

The Everest helicopter tour is easy and comfortable. There are no age restrictions for joining this tour. In fact, the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour was the 2023 and 2024 most popular tour in Nepal. It is a landing tour, so you will touch down at Lukla and Syangboche Airstrip.

Short landing at Lukla

Located at 2,860 meters, Luckla is the entry point for the Everest region. It is home to one of the most unique and challenging airports in the world, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. All the famous treks, such as Everest Base Camp, Everest Three Passes, Gokyo Lakes, and Everest Panorama, start and end at Luckla.

Flying in and out of this small town is one of the iconic moments of trekking in the Everest region. Fortunately, during the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour, you will get the chance to land at Luckla for 10-15 minutes.

After flying from Kathmandu, your first stop will be Luckla to refuel the helicopter. During your quick landing, you can look around and enjoy being at this world-famous airport.

Mountain views during the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour

The Mount Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is all about mountain views. The moment you take off, the snow-capped Himalayan mountains begin to appear. In the first half an hour of flying to Lukla, you will see mountains such as Langtang Range, Ganesh Himal, Gaurisankar, Shishapangma, etc.

As you continue flying from Lukla onwards, mountains like Thamersku, Chamlang, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Everest, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Makalu, and many more unfold. Likewise, throughout the flight, you will see several lush and barren hills and 5000m and 6000m peaks.

The most iconic views will be of Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall, and Kala Patthar. As the helicopter does not fly extremely high, you can see the villages and trails used by trekkers. The landscapes drastically change from lush green valleys to rocky, barren valleys.

Breakfast opportunity at one of the highest luxury hotels in the world

Unlike any other helicopter tours you may have experienced, the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour with landing is on a different level. It is not just a helicopter tour but a full experience.

After you enjoy an aerial view of EBC and Kalapatthar, you will descend to Syangboche Airstrip. The helicopter lands here for half an hour. You have this time to walk up to the famous Hotel Everest View for a delicious breakfast.

The Hotel Everest View is one of the luxury hotels in the world. Situated at 3,962 meters above sea level, the hotel offers premium amenities and a night stay to the trekkers. The hotel is built in such a way that every window offers a view of Mount Everest.

*Note: Our Everest Base Camp helicopter tour price does not cover the breakfast cost. So, we request that guests carry some Nepali cash to pay their breakfast bill. The hotel also accepts payment via cards. To be on the safe side, we recommend carrying cash as well.

Is the Mount Everest helicopter tour suitable for you? Who can do this tour?

The Everest helicopter tour is suitable for everyone, whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with your family and friends. Because of daily flights, it is very simple to join the helicopter tour, especially between March and May and September and November.

Even if you haven’t made an advance booking, there’s no need to stress. You can contact us just a day before you want to join the tour, and we’ll take care of the rest. All you need to do is be available in Kathmandu to participate in the helicopter tour.

• If you have limited time and cannot trek to Everest Base Camp, a helicopter tour is the best option.
• If you have health issues or are uncomfortable with the challenges of trekking to Everest Base Camp, the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is the perfect solution. It’s a safe and comfortable way to experience the beauty of the region, ensuring you feel secure and relaxed throughout the journey.
• Families, friends, couples, students, and solo travelers looking for an adventure activity to do on their free day in Kathmandu should consider the EBC helicopter tour.
• If you want to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, or proposal, consider this helicopter tour. 

Everest Base Camp helicopter tour itinerary 2024/202

Phase I (5:30 to 6:00 AM): Pick up and drop at the domestic airport terminal

We will pick you up from your hotel at the designated time. Make sure to be ready to leave the hotel on time. You will reach the domestic airport in around 15 minutes from the center of the city. We use a private vehicle according to the group size.

Phase II (6:00 to 6:30 AM): Briefing from a flight instructor

Spend the next half hour to 45 minutes attending a short helicopter tour briefing from the flight instructor and also meet with your pilot. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our flight crew. The captain will share things that you should or shouldn’t do during the flight. After the briefing session, start boarding the chopper.

Phase III (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM): Fly to Lukla and ascend to Everest Base Camp, stop at Hotel Everest View for breakfast before returning to Kathmandu

Phase three of the helicopter tour involves the tour itself. First, you will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, which will take around 45 minutes. Enjoy the aerial panorama of Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hills. Soon, mountains like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Range, and Gaurishankar will become visible.

The helicopter lands at Lukla for 15 minutes to refuel. During this time, stretch and look around. If you want to use the washroom, use it during this time. From Lukla, you will fly to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. In less than 20 minutes, you will fly over the Khumbu Glacier, Kala Patthar, and EBC.

During the flight, explore aerial views of famous villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, etc. Likewise, soak in the landscapes and mountain vistas. Before the helicopter was allowed to land at Kala Patthar for 5 minutes.

However, it is now banned. After enjoying the view, you will fly to Syangboche Airstrip and land there. A few minutes’ walk from here will take you to the very famous Hotel Everest View. You will have half an hour to enjoy the breakfast of your choice.

During your breakfast, the pilot may fly to Lukla to refuel the helicopter. You will board the helicopter for the last time and enjoy a lovely flight back to Kathmandu.

Phase IV: Short feedback session and drive back to the hotel

Land in Kathmandu. Our representatives will pick you up. Please take a couple of minutes to leave us feedback. It will help us greatly to further enhance our Everest Base Camp helicopter tour experience. Our team will drop you back at your hotel and bid you our last goodbye. 

Everest Base Camp helicopter tour group departure and private charter

We welcome travelers of all ages to take the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour with us. There is no age limit. Whether you are traveling solo or with your loved ones, you can join the EBC helicopter tour and customize it according to your preference.

Note that to customize the helicopter tour, you have to charter the whole helicopter. We guarantee fixed departures for both private and shared flights in the spring and autumn seasons. In rare cases, a delay can occur because of poor weather or technical issues.

As we have daily EBC helicopter tours during peak season, you can book the tour even a day before the flight. It is a last-minute booking, so we need full payment for the tour confirmation, and there will be a 50% cancellation charge if you cancel the last-minute booking.

You have to be available in Kathmandu on the day of the tour. This policy applies to both private and shared Everest Base Camp helicopter tours. Below, we have shared some helpful information that will help you decide to choose between private and shared helicopter tour:

• Shared flight is an affordable option compared to charting a whole helicopter. Five passengers can travel at a time in both shared and private helicopter tours. Everyone will get a window seat in both options.
• Our shared helicopter tour is a budget-friendly option suitable for solo travelers or small groups of 2, 3, or 4 people. It’s a great way to experience the Everest Base Camp without breaking the bank.
• A private helicopter tour lets you choose your preferred departure date and combine other destinations, such as Gokyo Lakes. The tour cost will differ depending on the itinerary change.
• Our private helicopter tours are designed for those who value flexibility and privacy. They are perfect for larger groups of five or more travelers, ensuring everyone’s needs and preferences are met.