Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a one-day trip that takes you from Kathmandu to the base camp of the highest mountain, Mt. Everest. For most, it is a lifetime highlight with stunning mountain views and a brief, memorable escape to the Everest region, Nepal's wonderland.
Starting your morning from the bustling city of Kathmandu, you will embark on a memory-of-a-lifetime helicopter ride to Everest. The helicopter will provide breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other iconic summits. Expect to be blown away by the stunning view from Kala Patthar, where the epic scenery rivals Base Camp.
But the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is more than just a visual feast. It's an immersion into the culture of the Himalayas, a chance to understand the people who call these formidable heights their home.
From the aerial vantage point, you'll see the intricate patterns of terraced fields, evidence of the harmonious relationship between humanity and the land. Sherpa villages dot the landscape, vibrant and resilient, their traditions intertwining with the natural rhythms of the mountains.
After a memorable 15 minutes of breathtaking scenery around you in all directions, we fly down to Everest View Hotel, where breakfast is ready to be served. Breakfast in the mountains is yet another royalty only a few get to experience. As you sip your coffee and absorb nature's artistry, it suddenly feels like home, like you were meant to be here.
The Helicopter tour to Everest base camp is famous because it eliminates the need to trek to Everest Base Camp. While some like to leave their footprints on the entire trail, some choose to directly reach the destination.
If, like them, you are also short of time or simply want to do it your way, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing is for you.
You will land in comfort at Kala Patthar, which is the highest point of the Everest Base Camp trekking trail. Kala Patthar offers a far better view of Everest and surrounding massifs.
Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp comes with little to no restrictions. Anyone above age 6 is considered fit for the trip. This trip is also popular among travelers who are on a visit to Nepal and want to add a 1-day plan to their bucket list. After all, who wouldn't want to visit Everest when they're in the country that hosts it?
The time spent at Kala Patthar is also not long enough to cause altitude sickness. The Everest View Hotel is also very high at 3,962 m (13,000 ft), but it won't make most people sick.
View from Everest view hotel
Highlights: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing at Kala Patthar
Stand in awe at the lap of the world's highest peak, without ever breaking a sweat
Intimate views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, etc. from air and ground
Safe and luxurious journey to the Everest region
Scenic helicopter flight with a clear aerial view of the Himalayan ranges
Bird's-eye view of unique hamlets like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, etc
Land at high-altitude Lukla Airport, an experience in itself
Descend at the stunning Kala Patthar, the best vantage point of Everest and neighboring peaks
Breakfast at the highest-altitude hotel in the world
Observe pristine lakes, Khumbu Glacier, lush forests, wide valleys, rivers, and more in comfort and safety
Do We Land a Helicopter at Everest Base Camp?
On the helicopter tour, we don't land at Everest Base Camp, but at Kala Patthar instead. In April and May, you can request to spend time on the ground at the base camp.
April and May are the times when people climb Everest. A helipad is made at Everest Base Camp for help and rescue. As such, we can arrange for landing at the base camp during these months.
You may want to set foot on the base camp at other times. However, landing there isn't feasible due to government restrictions, the absence of a helipad, and harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, you can't see the peak of Everest from the base camp. Instead, Kala Patthar offers a better view of the Everest summit and of the surroundings. You can see the base camp from Kala Patthar.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight Route and Map
Helicopter ride from Tribhuvan International Airport domestic terminal (Kathmandu, 4,344 ft/ 1,324 m) to Lukla Airport (9,334 ft/ 2,845 m).
Refuel at Lukla, flight to Kala Patthar (18,519 ft/ 5,644.5 m).
15 minutes at Kala Patthar, descent to Everest View Hotel (13,000 ft/ 3,962 m) for breakfast.
Fly back to Lukla, refuel, and back to Kathmandu.
Sharing vs. Private Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp
On the Everest Base Camp Helicopter ride tour, you can either take a shared or private booking option.
Shared Helicopter Tour to Everest
In the shared plan, you simply share the helicopter with other enthusiasts like you who want to get to the Everest region. The group of 5 people will stay the same throughout the trip. This way, you can form a bond in the same group even if you are strangers at first!
These are the features of a shared helicopter tour:
Cost-Effective: Shared tours are generally more budget-friendly as the cost is divided among multiple participants. You pay a lot less for a shared trip than for a private charter to Everest.
Group Experience: You'll be sharing the helicopter with other travelers. This is a great way to meet new people and share the excitement and beauty of the Everest region.
Fixed Itinerary: Shared tours follow a set itinerary with predetermined flight routes, landing spots, and timings. This keeps you informed on what to expect during the trip and prepares you accordingly.
Limited Flexibility: Due to the fixed itinerary, there is limited flexibility to customize the tour to your preferences.
Private Helicopter Tour to Everest
The private Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of the Himalayas, combining exclusivity, customization, and the luxury of having the entire experience tailored to your preferences.
Here's a closer look at what the private tour entails:
Exclusivity and Privacy: You get an intimate and private setting, allowing you to immerse yourselves fully in the experience without the presence of other participants.
Customization: You have the flexibility to shape the itinerary according to your interests and preferences. Whether you want to spend more time at specific viewpoints, have extra landings, or alter the flight route, a private tour allows you to curate the adventure to suit your vision.
Flexible Itinerary: You can discuss the exact timing of takeoff from Kathmandu, for example. Furthermore, the trip can be modified to some extent - your group can choose to visit the fabled Gokyo lakes and other vicinities.
Personalized Experience: The crew's undivided attention is focused solely on your comfort and enjoyment. Whether it's sharing insights about the landmarks, assisting with photography, or answering questions about the region, the crew's attentiveness enhances your experience.
Ideal for Special Occasions: Private Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours are often chosen for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or proposals.
Unobstructed Views and Photography: With fewer passengers on board, you have unobstructed views from every angle, allowing for exceptional photography opportunities.
Safety and Comfort: Private tours prioritize your safety and comfort. While safety is guaranteed in the shared plan too, you can also take breaks or enjoy refreshments more relaxedly on a private trip.
View of EBC from a helicopter flight
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost
The minimum cost of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is 1100 USD and goes up to 1500 USD. Meanwhile,the private charter flight will cost from 4500 to 5000 USD.
In either of the cases, the exact price you'll pay will depend on your group size, i.e. how many travelers book the trip. Apart from this, the price also fluctuates with season, specific customization, and other inclusions. Because of high demand and less availability of choppers, you might pay more in the spring season.
The bigger your group is, the lower the trip will cost for each individual in the shared plan. Please see the table below for how Sublime Trails allocates costs for different helicopter tours.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Group Cost Table
Meanwhile, booking a private trip gives you more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the journey with your closed ones. The cost of a private charter for a single helicopter trip is 4500 USD for a group of 1-3 individuals. Meanwhile, if your group has 3 to 5 members, the private trip will cost you 5000 USD. Hence, if you plan to book a private helicopter trip to Everest Base Camp, the cost per individual varies depending on the size of your group.
Note that there is a different pricing dynamics when it comes to private booking. When we take a private trip of 3 individuals or less, we don't have to divide the group in Pheriche for weight limitations. This lets the pilot avoid shuttling each subgroup to and from Pherice. In other words, the helicopter will take you directly from Lukla to Kala Patthar. Meanwhile, in a group of 4-5 individuals, the to and fro shuttling is needed, resulting in added costs.
You can book a private charter helicopter tour during booking from the add-ons section. Fill out this simple inquiry form and our representative will reach out to help you plan and customize your special trip to Everest!
Day 1:Helicopter tour from Kathmandu to Everest base camp and back
Day 1:Helicopter tour from Kathmandu to Everest base camp and back
Phase 01: Meet up at the Domestic Terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport
After a light breakfast (or carry a packed breakfast - handy for any delays), we will shuttle you from your hotel to the domestic terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
After handing out your boarding pass, our representative will brief you about the trip - the necessary guidelines and codes of conduct for the helicopter tour. You will also get to meet the captain of the helicopter. By the end of this phase, you will have all the information regarding the helicopter tour.
(Note: The flight to Lukla typically starts early in the morning, between 6:30 am to 7 am. However, the timing of the flight may be altered or delayed as per the weather condition. The crew member will do a thorough check of the weather before flying. Please don’t be disappointed if there is any delay or cancellation due to the bad weather. Safety is the first priority.)
Phase 02: Flight to Lukla and Refueling | Flight Time: 45 minutes, Landing Time: 15 minutes
The helicopter flight to Lukla is an experience in itself, and many consider it one of the highlights of the tour. We fly over picturesque settlements, lush hills, and mountains. The most notable are the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Langtang Lirung, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, and Ama Dablam.
Our helicopter will reach Lukla in 35 to 45 minutes. Lukla Airport is also named the Hillary Tenzing Airport after those who first summited Everest and is the entrance to the Everest Region.
The airport is the refueling station for our Everest Helicopter Tour. We will stop for around 15 minutes, giving you time to take into the atmosphere, and location of the vicinity, and probably get a few photographs.
Although this doesn’t happen on a regular basis, the helicopters are required to attend to emergency rescue missions. If this happens, you may get more ground time at the Lukla airport while the pilot goes to do their heroic job.
After refueling at the Lukla airport, the helicopter takes you straight to Pheriche, a village in the Khumbu region. Situated at an altitude of 4,371 m (14,340 ft), Pheriche is an important acclimatization stopover for Everest Base Camp trekkers and Everest summiteers.
The ride from Lukla to Pheriche is ever so picturesque, with the views getting more serene as the chopper elevates. The Sherpa villages, yak pasturelands, and beautiful flora are all sights to behold.
But there is an important reason why we land at Pheriche. Helicopters can’t bear their normal weight limit at altitudes higher than Pheriche because the air gets thinner. As such, your group will be split into smaller groups of 2-3 people.
While the first group boards the helicopter and sets off to Kala Patthar, the second group gets around 15 minutes of ground time. When they return, the second group gets to visit Kala Patthar, and it is now rest time for the first group.
Phase 04: Flight to Kala Patthar | Flight Time: 15 minutes
After being divided into smaller groups, you now get even more spacious access to the mesmerizing view in the Pheriche to Kala Patthar shuttle. This is the phase where you will be reading Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Words can’t describe what you will experience in this phase of the trip - lustrous white mountains in all their grandeur and glory, Khumbu Glacier and Icefall, and the eternal blue sky.
The helicopter flies so close to the massifs, you get an adrenaline rush of concern and excitement. Leave your worries to rest - your pilot certainly knows what they’re doing.
At any moment during your helicopter ride, feel free to communicate with the pilot about the view and the place. Our pilots are very hospitable, and they enjoy describing the experience for you.
Phase 05: Photo opportunity at Kala Patthar | Landing Time: 15 minutes
Kala Patthar is the absolute highlight of the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. Mt. Nuptse, Lhotse, Changtse, Pumori, Chumbu, Kangtega, Taboche, Lobuche, and of course, Mt Everest are right there in front of you.
With only 10 minutes to enjoy the heavenly view, it’s important to make the most of it. If the weather is perfect and the crew is confident of the conditions, you may be able to extend the time on the ground for a few minutes more.
The reasons for the short landing time are weather conditions and the fact that you are now standing at 5,500m. Without acclimatization, staying any longer may pose the risks of altitude sickness.
Nonetheless, 10 minutes is definitely enough time to take in the panorama and snap some amazing photographs.
Phase 06: Flight to Syangboche and Breakfast at Hotel Everest View | Flight Time: 10 minutes, Landing Time: 30-60 minutes
After both groups are shuttled to and from Kala Patthar, the helicopter descends towards Syangboche. You'll return through the same route over the Khumbu Glacier, Icefall, and Everest Base Camp (EBC). We fly to the aptly named Hotel Everest View - one of the highest hotels in the world.
Breakfast at the Everest View Hotel is yet another royalty in the mountains. Hailed for its delicious cuisines, visitors especially love the terrace dining with majestic mountain views. Also, consider the beautiful fir trees and rhododendron forests, and you have yourself a memorable experience that will stay with you forever.
We are a lot more flexible with ground time at Everest View Hotel, and your stay here may sometimes be extended to as long as 60 minutes.
Phase 07: Flight to Lukla for Refueling and Back to Kathmandu | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
With a happy heart and gratified soul, we fly back to Lukla for refueling. After following the same picturesque route, we spent 15 minutes at Lukla.
Once the helicopter is good to go, we’ll join the craft for yet another spectacular air time. The helicopter will fly over the stunning landscapes and Himalayas again. In around 50 minutes, we fly through the airspace at Kathmandu to make a landing at Tribhuvan International Airport’s domestic terminal.
Momentous experience of a lifetime, all in a span of under 5 hours.
Entry fee (permit) for Sagarmatha National Park @5000Nrs per person
Travel gears
Add-Ons & Options
You can also book a private charter helicopter trip. A helicopter can take 5 people on a single trip to Everest Base Camp. Hence, if you have a group of 5 people or fewer, you can opt for a private charter from the add-ons section during booking.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 2023-2024 Booking Dates
Everyday fixed departure availiable for 2023, 2024 on group joining/sharing basis.
First and foremost, you will need your passport for check-in at the Tribhuvan International Airport domestic terminal. The representative from Sublime Trails will hand out boarding passes to each member of the trip.
The following are the necessary permit fees and charges that you will have to incur during the duration of the trip.
Note: Although mentioned in United States Dollars, we recommend carrying Nepalese currency equivalents of the fees mentioned below in cash.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee: 30 USD Local Government Tax: 20 USD Breakfast at Everest View Hotel: 25 USD
Weight Limit and Packing Checklist
The maximum passenger weight limit for the ride from Kathmandu to Lukla is 500 kg (1100 lbs). After Pheriche, the weight limit is slashed to around 250 kg (550 lbs) because of thin air density. This is why the group is divided into two subgroups from Pheriche.
This is a short trip. Although memorable for a lifetime, the entire journey will be completed in under four hours. You will be back at your hotel in Kathmandu in five hours.
Nonetheless, it is always best to stay resourceful and prepared for what is to come.
Sublime Trails recommends the following packing checklist for your short yet eventful helicopter journey to the Everest region:
Passport (and other documents that you deem essential)
Wind-resistant Jacket
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen
An appropriate layer of base clothing
An extra layer of warm clothing
Comfortable shoes (Running shoes preferable)
Gloves
Sun hat or peak cap with neck protection
Water Bottle
Tissues, Lip Balm, Sanitizing gel, Period Supplies
Camera (Optional)
Phone (Preferably with Nepali SIM card)
Powerbank for Phone (Optional)
Not all of the items on the list are a must-have. Kindly get in touch with our travel consultant to finalize your packing list, or discuss any unique requirement that you may have.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Safety and Security
This is one of the safest ways to get to the Everest Base Camp and back.
There are a lot of trekkers who have had to be rescued during their trek due to various illnesses such as altitude sickness, food poisoning, cramps, and other reasons. But these problems are unheard of in the tour.
Helicopter services from Kathmandu/ Lukla to the Everest Base Camp have been close to flawless. With so many rescue operations and beyond, the helicopters to EBC and the pilots that operate such tours are some of the best in the world.
To combat complications from low levels of oxygen (which is almost unlikely), emergency oxygen cylinders are present in the helicopter. You never have to worry if the altitude might pose a severe problem.
Here are the reasons that make us qualified to operate the trip:
Reputable Operator: Sublime Trails is a well-established and reputable tour operator with a proven track record in conducting helicopter tours in the Everest region. We are known for our experienced pilots, well-maintained helicopters, and positive customer reviews.
Helicopter Maintenance: We only use choppers that go through regular maintenance and adhere to safety standards.
Pilot Experience: Our pilots conducting the tour have ample experience flying in high-altitude and mountainous terrain. Experienced pilots are better equipped to handle challenging weather conditions and navigation.
Weather Conditions: Safety is closely tied to weather conditions. We prioritize safety over everything else. Flights are only conducted in favorable weather conditions, with clear skies and good visibility.
Safety Briefing: We always provide a thorough safety briefing before the flight. This covers emergency procedures, proper use of safety equipment, and what to do in various situations.
Emergency Procedures: We have well-defined protocols for various scenarios, including medical emergencies and unforeseen situations.
Safety Equipment: Safety equipment, such as seat belts and harnesses, is provided and in good condition. Emergency equipment, like first aid kits, is always available onboard.
Local Regulations: We adhere to local aviation regulations and have the necessary permits for the flight.
We understand that while helicopter tours offer incredible experiences, safety should always be the top priority. Feel free to reach out if you have any concerns about our safety and security measures.
Safety Note for Helicopter Tour to Everest
Keep your seatbelt fastened on the helicopter.
Do not change seats or get out of your seat during the flight.
Do not throw anything from the helicopter during flights.
There’s a ban on smoking on the flight.
Wait at the helipad for the operators of Sublime Trails to give you a green signal to come to the helicopter.
Our Fleet and Crew for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
We use a diverse fleet of helicopters for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing at Kala Patthar.
Helicopters used for Everest Base Camp tours are chosen for their safety features, performance at high altitudes, and ability to accommodate passengers comfortably. These birds have all proven their mettle in the Himalayas, and are reliable vehicles in the mountains.
We have various models of helicopters for your tour to Everest Base Camp: AS350b3e (H125), and BELL 407GXP.
Both these models are considered superior in performance and reliability at unique altitudes and weather conditions.
AS350b3e (H125)
The H125, manufactured by Airbus made a record in 2005 for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff on the top of Mount Everest. A member of the rugged and proven Ecureuil family, these birds are known for superior performance and versatility.
BELL 407GXP
The BELL 407GXP, manufactured by Bell combines adventure and convenience. Built for power, this model is one of the few choppers you can rely on in the Everest region.
Additionally, our pilots and crew are one of the friendliest people you will meet. But they are as specialized in their crafts as they are approachable. Our pilots have years of experience flying our birds in the Everest region. Many of them have completed dangerous and unusual rescue missions in the area.
We trust them as heartily as climbers trust their Sherpas in these mountains.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Spring and autumn are the go-to seasons for helicopter tours to Everest. This corresponds to March, April, and May for spring and September, October, and November for autumn.
These are the travel seasons in Nepal because the weather remains clear on most days. You will get enough opportunities to share a helicopter trip with others. Furthermore, the Everest region also attracts plenty of trekkers and climbers during this time, so the ambiance overall is bustling.
Helicopter tours to Everest are also operated during winter, and booking a trip at this time has its own benefits. First, winter trips are certainly doable, if you prepare well for the cold. Winter in Nepal corresponds to the months of December, January, and February. Since it is the snowing season, the snow-capped mountains look more spectacular than at other times.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Spring (March, April, and May)
Spring is one of the most popular times for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour due to its moderate temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendron forests. The visibility during this period is excellent, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Given that there are plenty of people who are looking to view the glorious Everest region in what is the spring season (March, April, and May) in Nepal, there will be plenty of opportunities to share the chopper with others.
A hidden advantage of going on a helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp in the months of March, April, and May is that you can also interact with climbers. This is the most popular time for Everest Summiters to get to the pinnacle of Everest. Expect to find plenty of mountaineers eager to share their experiences with you.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Autumn (September, October, November)
The skies are clear, and the weather is generally dry, allowing for remarkable visibility and ideal flying conditions. The temperatures are comfortable during the day, and the autumnal landscapes offer a stunning backdrop for the tour.
Additionally, it has less air traffic than in spring, making helicopter availability high.
You'll also enjoy more greenery in Nepal and around the lower Everest region. Furthermore, autumn is a festive season in Nepal. It makes sense to observe Dashain and Tihar, Nepal's biggest festivals while you are here.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Winter (December, January, February)
Although it is thought of to be too scary a prospect, a tour of the Everest Base Camp in the winter might just be the best thing out there. There are various reasons behind this.
One of the most obvious is the fact that there are not a lot of people who dare to trek to the Everest Base Camp this season. Some tourists often say that the huge traffic of people to the Base Camp can be a tad off-putting. So the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is the perfect opportunity for anyone to get in touch with the glories of the Base Camp in solitude.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Summer (June, July, August)
You can not book a helicopter trip during summer, which corresponds to the months of June, July, and August in Nepal. In a recent update made by the government in 2023, helicopter trips to the Everest region cannot be operated in summer. The unfavorable weather and chances of rain pose safety risks at this time.
Things to Remember on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Your flight may occasionally be changed, canceled, or delayed due to bad weather.
The helicopter won't land or take off if circumstances are not favorable.
The pilot keeps the helicopter's engine running during the landing phase.
The helicopter has oxygen tanks for emergencies.
The captain can give you a few extra minutes to take in the view, depending on the circumstances.
In an emergency, the captain discusses where and when to land.
Other Helicopter Trips in the Everest Region
Apart from the standard Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour plan, Sublime Trails also offers other helicopter trips in the region.
Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Flight
Flights to Everest (Lukla Airport) are operated from Ramechhap and not from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu). This is intended to manage traffic at the Kathmandu airport.
This makes for a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. Hence, to get an early morning flight from the Ramechhap airport, you’ll have to board your ride in Kathmandu at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. in the morning.
If this doesn’t sound very inspiring, you can take a direct helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Helicopter Tour from Lukla to Everest Base Camp
Every year, we also see a significant number of travelers who wish to go on a helicopter trip to Everest Base Camp from Lukla. These are either travelers who’ve arrived at the Lukla airport from a plane flight or travelers who are stationed in Lukla for some reason.
This plan follows the same itinerary as the standard helicopter trip after Lukla. You’ll get to spend some ground time at Pheriche before being shuttled to Kala Patthar. Later, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast with spectacular mountain views and a short stroll around Syangboche near Hotel Everest View.
Helicopter Tour from Namche to Everest Base Camp
This plan lets you trek to Namche and have a little trekking experience in the Everest region. Then a helicopter will pick you up from the Namche helipad and take you on a convenient and memorable tour to Everest Base Camp.
Everest View Hotel to Everest Base Camp
We cater this service to travelers who want to trek to the classic Everest View Hotel and take a helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp from there.
The trekking route to Everest View Hotel is picturesque with elegant mountain views. You will pass through numerous towns and hamlets in the Everest region.
The Everest View Hotel is the perfect location for a panoramic view of the Everest region peaks. From here, you can then take a helicopter flight to Kala Patthar.
Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp
Those who trek to Gokyo can also add the Everest Base Camp helicopter trip to their trip. In this plan, you’ll be picked up by a helicopter from Gokyo Lake. You’ll then be shuttled across a beautiful route along glaciers, moraines, and mountain peaks to Kala Patthar.
Why Choose Sublime Trails for Helicopter Tour to Everest
Led by Experts
Our entire team is certified and experienced in planning trips in the Himalayas. We have organized numerous trips to the Everest region, Annapurna region, and beyond. These multi-day trips are far more challenging to manage in terms of logistics. As such, we can ensure everything in your trip feels smooth like the mountain breeze.
Veteran Pilots
Our pilots know geographic limits well in the Khumbu area and have extensive Himalayan flying experience. They have what it takes to successfully navigate and maneuver our birds in challenging conditions. Many have successfully performed rescue operations in the area.
Best Value for Money
We provide Nepal's most affordable helicopter tours. Whether you come as an individual, a couple, or a group, our pricing will sit right with you. We are proud to say - we offer the market-best pricing. All our packages offer the best value for your money.
Mindful Travel
We promote and practice mindful travel, ensuring our presence does not harm the environment. We invest in carbon reduction projects so our trips are carbon offset. Additionally, 1% of your cost goes to the local community. We are proud of your contribution and you should be too.
FAQs
1. Can I fly to Everest Base Camp in the morning and take my international flight at 2 pm?
Yes, the entire Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trip will be concluded in under 5 hours, and that considers your return to your hotel. If there are no flight delays or weather hindrances, you can take any international flight in the afternoon.
2. Where are we stationed during our break in Pheriche?
During subgroup shuttles from Pheriche to Kala Patthar, each group gets a brief break of 10 to 15 minutes at Pheriche. You are stationed near the helipad. Most of our guest use this time to explore the surrounding and admire the mountain flora and fauna.
3. How much cash should I take?
We recommend taking Nepalese cash equivalents of US $30 for the national park fee, $20 for local government tax, and $25 for breakfast.
4. Is there any restriction on photography or videography during the tour?
No, you are free to capture all the picturesque view at any point during the Everest Base Camp helicopter trip. Come with your best photography hat on.
5. What is the weight limit for EBC Helicopter tour
The total passenger weight in the helicopter should not exceed 500 kgs or 1102.31 lbs. After we reach Pheriche, the total bearable weight goes down due to thin air. This is why you will be shuttled from Pheriche to Kala Patthar in an even smaller group.
6. Do I need a climbing permit for Kala Patthar?
No, Kala Patthar is the highest point in the Everest region that can be accessed without a climbing permit. All you need to pay is the national park fee, local government fee, and breakfast at Hotel Everest View.
7. Does Kala Patthar have a wifi connection?
No, there is no wifi connection at Kala Patthar. While the Everest Base Camp has a wifi connection during climbing seasons, thanks to Everest Link, there is no such arrangement at Kala Patthar. You can connect to wifi after we reach Hotel Everest View.
8. Do all passengers have window seats?
First of all, everybody gets a window seat on the ride from Pheriche to Kala Patthar, which is a highlight ride of the trip. Meanwhile, on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla till Pheriche, three people can have window seats at once. Because of that, your pilot will arrange (alternate) the seating so that everybody gets to have a window seat either on their way to Lukla and Pheriche or the way back.
9. Can I get a refund if the trip is postponed and I have my international flight tomorrow?
Yes, weather conditions do affect the schedule and we may even have to postpone the trip for another day. In that case, you will get a full refund if you have a serious scheduling conflict.
10. What is the highest point that the helicopter will go to?
The highest point the helicopter will take you is Kala Patthar, which has an altitude of 5545 meters. Other stops during your tour will be Everest Base Camp (5380 meters) and Hotel Everest View (3880 meters).
11. Why helicopter can't land at the Everest Base camp?
Two primary reasons don’t allow for a helicopter to land in the Everest Base Camp. One is the safety of the passengers as well as other people who reach the Base Camp. This has led the government to bar any helicopters to land in the Everest Base Camp. except for the rescue operations.There is also a growing concern that a large influx of choppers to this region might disturb the ecosystem of the Khumbu region.
12. What are the best months to do Everest Helicopter Tour?
Winters are the time when a lot of snow has also gathered over the mountains and the weather is more or less stable- offering you the best views. But the cold will be something to watch out for.
It is well-known that winters in the Everest region are remarkably tough for trekkers and villagers alike. With heavy snowfall and many places that turn into veritable ice fields, many locals who run lodges in the villages that you encounter during the trek head back to the lower altitude region, leaving the place almost barren. But this is not a problem for someone interested in the helicopter tour to the Base Camp.
The monsoon is another season that is likely to mess up flight schedules. And the highly unpredictable cloud covering the mountains also has a deleterious effect on sightseeing. So, autumn and spring are the best seasons to go on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. With many people looking to get to the Everest Base Camp region this season, you can also share the helicopter flight with others and save some money.
13. Which helicopters will be used in the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
We have various models of helicopters for your tour to Everest Base Camp. The models of the helicopter we have are AS250 H125, AS350b3e, AS350 FX II, BELL-Jet Ranger 206B III-9N-ALL.
14. Does the weather of the Everest region affect the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
The weather in the mountainous region of any part of the world is unpredictable. The same is true of the weather of the Everest region. However, we get updates about the weather from the meteorological departments. We also call our local people of the Everest region and get live updates. In the monsoon season, the weather might affect the flight. However, early mornings are always crisp and clear in the mountain.
15. Can I take a helicopter from Lukla or Namche to Everest Base Camp or vice versa?
Yes, it is certainly possible. Sublime Trails has a lot of options for the Mount Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. You can confirm the flights after contacting us. We can also help you to come back to Kathmandu after the completion of your Everest Base Camp Trek. Such a tour is called Short Everest Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
16. What is the experience of the pilots that operate the helicopter?
The pilots that operate the helicopter during your helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp are extremely well-trained. They are some of the best in Southeast Asia who has established a reputation after years of flying over the Himalayas.
17. Will there be problems related to the lack of Oxygen?
Our flights have a provision of oxygen supply. The supply will be activated as soon as the helicopter hits the mark of 3000 meters.
We’re just glad we chose Ram and his Sublime Trails team for the tour to Everest. Extremely courteous from the get-go, they planned everything perfectly. I speak on behalf of me and my friends when I say this - we definitely recommend a heli tour to Everest, the scenery is AMAZING!! When you do it, choose Sublime Trails without a second thought. Thank you again, Ram.
M
Malie RheedersApril 10, 2023
Unforgettable Nepal tour.
Ram and his team organised an excellent tour. Ram went out of his way, we went to Bardiya National Park to track Tigers, when we didn’t see any after 2 days he arranged and changed our flights that we could stay longer. I will recommend Sublime Trails for anyone. Malie and Anthoon from South Africa
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