Everest Base Camp Heli Tour

1 Day

Overview

Everest Base Camp Heli Tour is a tour package in which you ride aboard a helicopter to Everest base camp instead of having to hike all the way. In this EBC Heli Tour, you might not get the thrills of having walked there, but still get the thrills of getting to the Everest base camp, plus getting an aerial view of the summit of Mount Everest – the others that do, are the ones who make it to the top.

In addition, Everest Base Camp Heli Tour takes you to the starting point of where mountaineers make their attempts to scale to the top, you are taken to Kalapathar or Gorak Shep all depending on a number of factors and land there for a few minutes, giving you the opportunity to get spectacular crazy views of Everest from different angles and flown over to other parts of the Everest region which are on the Everest region Trekking route. Then it lands at Everest View Hotel, where you get the opportunity of a hearty breakfast and a view of Mount Everest.

The Everest base camp helicopter tour starts early at five-thirty am at your place of lodging and where you are driven by private vehicle to the helipad in Kathmandu. If all is right – that is the weather condition is right in the Everest region, you take off for your Everest Base Camp Heli Tour. Please take into consideration, the weather in and around Everest changes in a matter of hours. In such a case, the ride is canceled and rescheduled for another day. It is advisable, that you have a few extra days in hand.

If all goes right, then the helicopter gets airborne and heads towards Lukla, the main airport in the Everest region where most of the flights that are carrying people, who will be taking Treks in Everest Region for refueling – which takes about fifteen to twenty minutes. The next stop would be either Everest Base Camp or Kalapathar. Both of which you get to see, but land at one only. Questions might be asked, why? At certain parts of the year, due to the mountaineer training to the summit or conquer Mount Everest, the land area available in the Everest base camp is very small. That which is left is mainly priorities for helicopters bring in supplies for them. If there is no flight scheduled in them, you might get the opportunity of landing for a few minutes to take pictures. You might ask, again, “why only a few minutes?” This is because of your own safety. The same would be if it was Kalapathar. Both places are above the five thousand meter mark and the oxygen level is very less than what your lungs are used to. It can be fatal to the very healthiest of people – you first need to acclimatize at lower levels in steps to be able to live there for more than half an hour. Plus the helicopters, are equipped with an oxygen mask, in case, altitude sickness catches anyone on board. With excitement, you might overlook some vital details, but with us, we take your comfort with the highest importance. Not only does the thin air lead to altitude sickness but also being extremely chilly up, so please bring warm clothing to cover every part of the body.

Having to flown to Kalapathar and Everest Base Camp and landed for a while at one, depending, we then fly to Everest View Hotel in Syangboche for breakfast while taking the panoramic, spectacular view of Everest with the sun creeping over it. Everest View Hotel is special in its own way. It first was built in the year 1968, not mainly for financial gains, but for the fact, that the ridge that it was built on gave a view of Everest and the other surrounding areas of the Khumbu region as if was portrayed onto a screen. It is actually a ninety-minute walk uphill from Namche Bazaar, the central hub and trading point of the Sherpa. Building such a structure back then, was even a gigantic task even for the sturdy Sherpa people back then.

Having had a hearty breakfast with a warm cup of tea or coffee along the breathtaking view of all nature is capable of building, where man is in no comparison, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter takes to the sky, make you feel ascension to heaven and flies further away to Lukla for refueling for your flight back to Everest. The airport here, which in truth is called Tenzin Hillary Airport, is the gateway to the Everest region, without which, it would be impossible for hiking in Everest to happen for so many, as then the nearest point would be Jiri to begin. After about 3.5 to 4 hours in the regions either flying overviews to last your entire life or landing at places, like Everest base camp, Kalapathar, and Everest View Hotel, we are eventually in Kathmandu. You, then, return by private vehicle to the point, we picked you up from.

There is much that one can take away from Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp. The foremost is getting the opportunity to fly over Everest Base Camp or Land there for a couple of minutes, all depending on a number of factors. This is the place where those attempting to scale to the peak, stay, till the courage gives them, the go. Practically seeing the peak of Everest. Going to places like Kalapathar, Gorak Shep, Tengboche which has one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region, Landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport, the gateway to the Everest region and the crowning glory of it all, having breakfast at the Iconic Hotel called Everest View Hotel built on a ridge with a cinematic view of Everest and the surrounding areas. Plus getting to view the flora and fauna right from the Mid-Himalayas to the High Himalayas. All done and completed in a couple of hours for you to return back with your version of what Everest has been to you in a short span of time.

What are things worth noting about this tour?
Man and machine are dictated to the facts of a machine’s limitation for which it serves you well. The helicopter, which is a machine to lift vertically into the air and fly forward, does so on the density of the air, hence lessen the air for the force to lift higher and less oxygen for combustion of its engines. So the pilot has its limitation at these altitudes. So when the weather plays spoilsport, the tour might be canceled that day: it becomes dangerous or you might not get the proper fun of taking such a tour of iconic worth. Then again, you could either be allowed to land at Kalapathar or Everest Base Camp. The first option is the Everest Base Camp, but that is only possible if there is landing space. Everest Base Camp is a busy place with all the activity going on. In that case your land at Kalapathar and circle over the base camp. In whichever place the pilot opts to land, you step aground for about five to seven minutes for the apparent reason that places are at a height of more than 5000 plus meters above sea level. Usually, it is when a person gets to 3000 plus meters that he must acclimatize to the air level, else longer periods could turn out fatal. So, this is precisely why the pilot does not allow his passengers to stay longer. Plus in case, you might feel the effect while fly, there are oxygen masks. Helicopters are not like places that are able to fly higher under no discomfort due to the cabins being pressurized. So the higher we climb, the colder it gets, please boot and suit, yourself for extreme cold climate.

Since a tour of this kind can be canceled for precautionary measures to be rescheduled the next day, it would advisable to have a few days on hand if you happened to be a tourist to the country. We hope you understand, that your security and comfort, are of utter importance.

Trip Highlights

  • Get close & personal with the scenic heli-flight over the worlds tallest mountain series
  • Fly over Everest Base Camp (5364m/17598ft)
  • Enjoy panoramic view from Kalapather (5545m/18192ft)
  • Witness majestic views of Mt. Everest including Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, Lhotse, Nuptse

Itinerary

Everest Base Camp Heli Tour starts early in the morning, pick-up from the hotel and drive to the Tribhuvan Airport (domestic). Board the helicopter and fly to Lukla – short stop at Lukla for fueling. Then fly towards Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, Khumbu glacier, Everest Base Camp and land at Kalapathar as per the weather conditions. The helicopter will stay for about 05-10 minutes approx. then fly to Syangboche (3,780m) to the Everest View Hotel. Breakfast at the hotel witnessing some great mountain panorama. Then fly back to Kathmandu & transfer to your hotel.

Cost

What is Included

  • Airport pick up/drop by a private vehicle.
  • Everest Heli-tour as per the itinerary
  • Domestic airport departure tax.
  • Ground support staff from office.
  • All government and local taxes.

What is Not Included

  • Personal expenses, meals, drinks etc.
  • Sagarmatha National park permit (If necessary)
  • Tips or gratuities.

FAQs

How higher can Helicopter go on Everest base camp helicopter tour?

Everest base camp helicopter tour starts from 2,800 meters towards 4,200 meters and goes as much as 5450 meters for Kalapather landing. With lightweight helicopters can fly higher in some areas (7000 m) if there is no wind.

Can helicopter land at the top of Mount Everest?

Though airbus Eurocopter B3 model helicopter had test flight which landed on the top of Mount Everest but commercial flights only land at Kalapather, the popular viewpoint, from where Everest including other peaks can be seen at a closer proximity.

How many hours the helicopter stays at Kalapather?

Helicopter stays about 5-10 minutes at Kalapather for photographic opportunities without stopping the engine since the engine can’t be restated because of high altitude. It’s more risky landing in high altitude over 4000 meters and there are possibilities of you getting the high altitude sickness. Kalapather provides a closer view of Mt. Everest and it’s adjacent peaks including Mt. Pumori and all the rest of the other Khumbu giants.

Does helicopter lands at the Everest Base Camp?

Landing at the Everest Base Camp is not possible since the base camp is just a moraine with no helipad available. Only during climbing season in spring climbers come and stay at the base camp in tented camp. Everest Base camp terrain constantly changes and even if a helipad is built in an emergency, it might not be there within a couple of days. Besides, one can’t see Mt. Everest and other mountains from the base camp.

What is the Everest base camp helicopter tour price?

Everest base camp helicopter tour price depends upon doing it as a private tour or group join-in up to 5 passengers. Of course, group join-in costs less but private tour is with your own choice of people with your private helicopter and the pilot.

Is an oxygen supply available in case of an emergency?

Yes, oxygen cylinder is always available in a helicopter for an emergency.

I am a Solo Traveler. Can I take Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour?

Of course, and there will be a group join-in from different countries where the group size is up to 5 passengers at maximum. Group join-in might be available every day depending upon group-size and season of your travel.

What is the best time for helicopter tour to Everest base camp?

Though the tour can be done round the year, the best time for helicopter tour to Everest base camp is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-Mid December). Weather is favorable with clear mountain views during these seasons.

What if Mt. Everest helicopter tour got canceled?

No worries, we can try the next morning or if you don’t have time then refund for the same will be made after deducting transportation cost.

What is the maximum number of people one helicopter carries?

Helicopter can carry a maximum of 5 or 6 people depending upon weight since weight needs to be balanced during the flight. But exceeding more than 6 people isn’t possible. Every helicopter has a weight limit that comes to 500 KG. In higher altitude i.e. after Lukla this even becomes less so suppose if flying with 5 passengers then there will two shuttles with 3 flying first to Everest Base Camp with other waiting at a place called Pheriche then fly again back to the base camp. But all of the passengers will fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla together on the same helicopter.

What happens if there is strong wind?

We fly after confirming the weather is good to fly but if in case there’s a strong wind then it’s safety first so can’t land at Kalapather if the wind is worse.

What is the maximum altitude attended on Everest helicopter tour?

Everest helicopter tour starts from Kathmandu (1,300 meters) then flies to Lukla (2,830 meters). The maximum altitude you’ll be exposed to is while landing at Kala Patthar on an elevation of 5,545 m.

Can children or elderly take this EBC helicopter ride?

Without any doubt, they can and EBC helicopter ride is suitable for any age group with children or elderly people since the total tour duration is about 4-5 hours and if there’s any problem of altitude sickness or other then the helicopter is always at stand by then immediately fly back to Kathmandu.

Who leads the trip and are the pilots well experienced?

No doubt about your pilots since they are experts and professionals in this field with years of flying experience. Your pilot will lead the tour who knows Everest region better and also point out all the mountain drama as it unfolds after you fly from Lukla and head towards the Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier and landing at Kalapather.

Can I take Everest base camp by helicopter in the morning and fly back the same day?

Yes, it’s possible and if everything goes out as planned then we will be back in Kathmandu by noon so flying back home the same day can actually be done.

How far are the International and Domestic airports in Kathmandu?

It’s just next doors and takes only 7 minutes walking distance or 2 minutes drive.

What is Everest by helicopter route?

Start early 6 am approx from your hotel then drive to the airport. After completing formalities, first fly to Lukla and stopping there for refueling. The actual fun begins after Lukla flying past Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorekshep, the Everest Base Camp trekking route. Then fly over the Everest Base Camp and the great Khumbu Glacier. Land at Kalapather for about 5-10 minutes and fly to Hotel Everest View for breakfast (45 minutes approx. at Hotel Everest View) Then fly to Lukla and ultimately fly back to Kathmandu.

Are there any other extra cost applicable?

All are covered except for breakfast at the Hotel Everest View and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry fee. The entry fee is US$30 per person (can be paid in Nepali rupees i.e. Rs. 3000 per person) So, you are suggested to exchange your currency into Nepali rupees before the tour. Breakfast cost depends upon the meals ordered.

What is clothing for Everest helicopter tour?

Clothing for Everest helicopter tour depends upon season but most of the time it will be sunshine but in colder months and cloudy days will require warm clothing, windproof jacket.

How can I book Everest base camp helicopter tour?

Just let us know planned travel date and we shall arrange everything, and also for group join-in, please advise your date and we shall revert back if group join-in is available on your planned date. To proceed with booking, you are requested to send 10% of the tour cost and the rest becomes due before the tour’s departure date.

Trip Information

Tour guide
The tour is lead by highly qualified pilots who have years of experience in helicopter flights in the Himalayas.

Tour Availability
We operate Mt. Everest Helicopter Tour privately so that you don’t have to confront with other people who might have different interests or attitudes.

Vehicle
We use comfortable car/mini-van as per group for airport pick up and drop.

Tour duration
The tour duration is 4-5 hours.

Clothing
Clothing depends upon the weather, so usually warm clothing is suggested.

Meals
Breakfast (on your own) can be done at the Hotel Everest View.

Trip Reviews
5 stars
- based on1 reviews
  1. HELICOPTER TOUR OF MOUNT EVEREST WAS EPIC
    Oliver Dunn18th October, 2017

    Was traveling with a friend through India and Nepal, my one “must do” in Nepal was to see Mount Everest. Didn’t have enough time to do the trek and the flight around the Himalayas seemed lame. We found the option to have a freaking helicopter take us up into the Himalayas and we jumped at the opportunity. Granted it is not cheap, but after traveling for 7 months, that is still my best memory and one that I’ve told countless times to others. We took off from Kathmandu, came up through the clouds and were speechless at the view of the Himalayas. We then got a fantastic view of the the big one, Mount Everest, with the classic wisp of clouds at its peak. After landing at a Sherpa basecamp to “de fuel” so we could get higher, we then got another, closer view of the storied mountain, along with some of the other massive mountains that pail in comparison. For anyone who wants a lifetime story to share, Do this Helicopter tour of Mount Everest!! You won’t regret it.

Write a Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your review will appear after admin approves it.

Please fill all the fields.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Everest Base Camp Heli Tour

Trip Facts

  • Nepal
  • 1 Day
  • All Year Around
  • Private vehicles & Heli-flight
  • 5,545m - Kalapattar
  • Easy
  • Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu
  • Your hotel in Kathmandu
  • Your hotel in Kathmandu
  • Flight over the Himalayas
  • Helicopter Tour
  • Mt. Everest, Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier, Kalapattar, Hotel Everest View
  • 4-5 hours

Why Travel With Us?

Experience matters:
With years of expertise, we know how to create unforgettable travel experiences.

Book Now Pay Later:
Reserve your booking today and pay at a later time with our flexible Book Now Pay Later plan.

Free Cancellation:
Our free cancellation policy gives you the flexibility to change your plans.

Have Any Questions?

Dial us now: +977 9851014557
(Also available on WhatsApp)
Email: info@breakfreeadventures.com

Quick contact

    Sign up to our Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news, updates and travel deals for the Himalayas.