The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour might just be the highlight of your trip to Nepal. Starting your morning from the bustling city of Kathmandu, you will embark on a memory-of-a-lifetime helicopter ride to Everest. Expect to be blown away by the stunning mountain views from Kala Patthar, where the epic scenery rivals Base Camp.
And did we mention soul-nourishing breakfast at the highest-altitude hotel in the world? If you are already drooling, perhaps it is a calling . . . from the Himalayas.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 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 5 is considered fit for the trip.
The time spent at Kala Patthar is also not long enough to cause altitude sickness. The 3,962 m (13,000 ft) altitude of the Everest View Hotel, although enough to make it the highest of its kind, won't cause any health complications to most people.
Highlights: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour With Landing
- Stand in awe at the lap of the worlds' 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 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, glaciers, lush forests, wide valleys, rivers, and more in comfort and safety
Do We Land at Everest Base Camp on the Helicopter Tour?
In the standard itinerary of the helicopter tour, we do not land at the Everest Base Camp. But in the months of April and May, you can make a special request for us to get ground time at the base camp.
April and May are climbing seasons at Everest, and a helipad is built at Everest Base Camp for logistics and rescue missions. As such, we can arrange for landing at the base camp during these months.
While you might want to set foot on the base camp during other months, the lack of a helipad and harsh weather conditions pose a challenge to land at the base camp. But Kala Patthar offers a better view of the Everest summit and of the surroundings than Everest Base Camp anyway.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Flight Route
- 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.
Short Overview of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The first phase of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour features a scenic chopper ride from Kathmandu to Lukla. If the weather is clear, you will immediately be drawn to the glistening snow-capped mountain range in the north.
The helicopter lands at Lukla to refuel, giving you time to snap a few pictures or adjust to the chilly air. The mountains certainly are not like the countrys' capital city!
We then fly over to Pheriche and then to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the Everest Base Camp trekking trail. You will get an intimate closeup of the world's highest peak and other surrounding massifs.
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 natures artistry, it suddenly feels like home, like you were meant to be here.
With a happy heart, chilly nose, and satiated belly, we fly back to Lukla, and then to Kathmandu.
Of course, the views do not get less magnificent on the way back. They never do in the Everest region.
Sharing Vs Private Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp
To get to Everest Base Camp on a helicopter ride, you can either take a shared or private booking option.
In the shared plan, you simply share the helicopter with other enthusiasts like you who want to get to the Everest region.
The helicopter can accommodate 5 individuals at once. This might change depending on the weight of each individual - the maximum passenger weight limit is 500 kgs (1102.31 lbs). Nonetheless, there will not be more than five passengers on any trip.
In the shared option, the group of 5 people will stay the same throughout the trip, meaning you will experience everything together and return to Kathmandu in the same group. This way, you can form a bond in the same group even if you are strangers at first!
On the other hand, if you have your own group and want to share the experience within your intimate circle, there is always the option to book the tour with a private plan.
The private plan is a lot more flexible. 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.
In the private plan, if your group meets the maximum passenger limit, the standard Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour plan will cost the same, of course.
Logically, if the private charter only has two or three individuals, or if you choose to customize and extend the itinerary, the per-person cost will go up slightly.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Price: Group Joining
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour costs US $1050 per individual if you join a group. Now this is when you can join with your own group of 3 to 5 individuals.
If you are a solo traveler or have another partner with you, the cost of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour comes to US $1100.
We are extremely transparent with our booking rates, and there are no hidden fees. Apart from your personal expenses and the fees mentioned on this page, there will be no extra costs apart from the booking price.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Price: Private Charter
Booking a private trip gives you more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the journey with your own intimate partner(s).
The cost of a private charter for a single helicopter trip is US $4000. 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.
You can book a private charter helicopter tour during booking from the add-ons section.
Sublime Trails takes 5 individuals at most on a helicopter trip. If you have a group of 5, the per-person cost becomes lower. Likewise, if you have fewer people in your group, the per-person price increases proportionally.
Fill out this simple inquiry form and our representative will reach out to help you plan and customize your special trip to Everest!
Our Fleet and Crew for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
We use a diverse fleet of helicopters for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. 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: AS250 H125, AS350b3e, AS350 FX II, and BELL-Jet Ranger 206B III-9N-ALL.
All these models are considered superior in performance and reliability at unique altitudes and weather conditions.
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. We are proud to say, most of them have successfully done far riskier and unconventional 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
Everest Base Camp helicopter tours are operated all year round, and the preferred time varies depending on the individual.
For instance, some consider spring and autumn to be 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 of all, 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 extra spectacular than at other times.
Lastly, you can also book a helicopter trip during summer, which corresponds to the months of June, July, and August in Nepal. The weather is a lot more pleasant than during winter, and the mountain views are always welcoming. However, we should mention that there are chances of flight cancellations due to rain.
Permits and Fees for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
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 followings 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
The Sagarmatha National Park permit fee is $30 for visitors. Sagarmatha is the Nepalese name for Everest. During the trip, you will be entering the Sagarmatha National Park territory. As such, you are required to pay for the customary national park permit.
Local Government Tax
The local government of the area levies a tax amount equivalent to ~$20. Proceeds from this fund go to the conservation of the Everest region. Both the national park permit fee and local government tax are collected either in Lukla or the Everest View Hotel.
Breakfast at Everest View Hotel
The cost of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour package is non-inclusive of breakfast at Everest View Hotel. Enjoying a well-deserved breakfast with scenic mountain views to your side at this restaurant will cost you $25.
Packing Checklist for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 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 important)
- 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.
Why Choose Sublime Trails for Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp
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 are familiar with all geographical restrictions 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 market-best pricing. All our packages offer the best value for your money.
We Promote 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.
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.
Safety Note for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
- 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.
Related Trips
You could also get to other parts of the Khumbu region on a flight.
If on the trek to the Everest Base Camp, you deem the trek to be too physically demanding, you can very well book a helicopter ride back or to other places in the Everest region.
Meanwhile, some choose to take a helicopter back to Lukla after concluding their trek at Everest Base Camp.
You can also hire a chopper from Lukla, Namche Bazaar, or other villages along the way. Most people decide to get on a chopper at Hotel Everest View. This is the place where you get the most splendid views of the mountains of this region from a hotel which is more than splendid.
Besides, you can also choose to complete a tour of the Gokyo region. This famed village is one of the highest human settlements in the world, in addition to being a haven for the highest freshwater lake system in the world.
In these tours, you can either go on a private helicopter tour with your friends, family, and loved ones or join a group. If you choose the shared option, you will share the ride with fellow Everest enthusiasts.
Related Tour Packages
If you enjoy the convenience of helicopter travel to beautiful landmarks in Nepal, Sublime Trails offers similar trips to other parts of Nepal too.
The trips mentioned below are designed similarly to the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. They offer curated and luxurious experiences in other equally mesmerizing sites in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
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