Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

  • Satisfied clients
  • Safety measures
  • No booking fees
Trip Overview
  • Duration: 1 Day
  • Trip Grade: Leisurely Plus
  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Trip Area: EBC, Everest View Hotel, Kalapattar
  • Trip Style: Active/ Helicopter Tour
  • Age Group: 6 or Above
  • Trip Type: Private and Group
  • Trip Method: Partially Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Max. Altitude: 5300m
  • Best Season: September to May
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

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 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 is for you.

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?

everest base camp helicopter tour reviews
View from Everest view hotel

Highlights: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

  • 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
  • Get close-up views of EBC and 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

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight Route and Map

  1. Helicopter ride from Tribhuvan International Airport domestic terminal (Kathmandu, 4,344 ft/ 1,324 m) to Lukla Airport (9,334 ft/ 2,845 m).
  2. Refuel at Lukla, flight to Pheriche
  3. Regrouping at Pheriche and flight to Everest Base Camp. 
  4. Descent to Everest View Hotel (13,000 ft/ 3,962 m) for breakfast.
  5. Fly back to Lukla, refuel, and back to Kathmandu.

Everest base camp helicopter tour route map

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.

Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing
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 5000 to 5500 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

  Group Size  
  Trip Cost
 Cost Valid Date 
  Inquiry
1 pax
1500 USD
2023- 2024
2 pax
1400 USD
2023- 2024
3 pax
1300 USD
2023- 2024
4 pax
1200 USD
2023- 2024
5 pax
1100 USD
2023- 2024

Note: Group Price is not applicable during October and November. (Contact us for any clarification needed)

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 EBC and 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!

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Photos / Videos

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Itinerary

  • 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

    EBC Helicopter tour phase 1

    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 conditions. 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

    Lukla airport landing during everest base camp helicopter tour

    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. 

    Phase 03: Lukla to Pheriche | Flight Time: 10 minutes, Ground Time: 15 minutes

    Everest base camp helicopter tour landing at Pheriche

    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 Everest Base Camp | Flight Time: 15 minutes

    Everest base camp helicopter tour itinerary

    After being divided into smaller groups, you now get even more spacious access to the mesmerizing view in the Pheriche shuttle. This is the phase where you will be reaching 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: Flight to Syangboche and Breakfast at Hotel Everest View | Flight Time: 10 minutes, Landing Time: 30-60 minutes

    everest base camp helicopter tour reviews

    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 06: 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.

    Love doing it your way?

    Cost Includes / Excludes

    Cost Includes

    • Pickups from the airport and Hotel.
    • Ticket of the helicopter to Everest.
    • Salary, insurance, and meal to the tour crew.
    • Supplemental oxygen and medical help.

    Cost Excludes

    • Visa fees, international flight ticket
    • Breakfast at Everest View Hotel
    • Entry fee (permit) for Sagarmatha National Park @5000Nrs per person
    • Travel gears

    Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Available Dates

    Everyday fixed departure availiable for 2023, 2024 on group joining/sharing basis.

    Select Month and Year
    Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 02, 2023End DateEnd: SaturdayDec 02, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 03, 2023End DateEnd: SundayDec 03, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: MondayDec 04, 2023End DateEnd: MondayDec 04, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 05, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayDec 05, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 06, 2023End DateEnd: WednesdayDec 06, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 07, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayDec 07, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: FridayDec 08, 2023End DateEnd: FridayDec 08, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 09, 2023End DateEnd: SaturdayDec 09, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 10, 2023End DateEnd: SundayDec 10, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: MondayDec 11, 2023End DateEnd: MondayDec 11, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 12, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayDec 12, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 13, 2023End DateEnd: WednesdayDec 13, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 14, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayDec 14, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: FridayDec 15, 2023End DateEnd: FridayDec 15, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 16, 2023End DateEnd: SaturdayDec 16, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 17, 2023End DateEnd: SundayDec 17, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: MondayDec 18, 2023End DateEnd: MondayDec 18, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 19, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayDec 19, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 20, 2023End DateEnd: WednesdayDec 20, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 21, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayDec 21, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: FridayDec 22, 2023End DateEnd: FridayDec 22, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 23, 2023End DateEnd: SaturdayDec 23, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 24, 2023End DateEnd: SundayDec 24, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: MondayDec 25, 2023End DateEnd: MondayDec 25, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 26, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayDec 26, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 27, 2023End DateEnd: WednesdayDec 27, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 28, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayDec 28, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 31, 2023End DateEnd: SundayDec 31, 2023PricePriceUS$1560StatusStatusAvailable

    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.

    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.

    Trip Essential Information

    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.

    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.

    During autumn, 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.

    Although it is thought of to be too scary a prospect, a tour of the Everest Base Camp in the winter might also 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.

    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.

    Permits and Fees

    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.

    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.

    Lastest model of Helicopter for EBC Helicopter tour

    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.

    Bell engine for Everest base camp helicopter tour

    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.

    Related Trips in the Everest Region

    Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek | Classic EBC Trek | Sleeping at Everest Base Camp Trek | EBC Trek with Helicopter Return

    FAQs

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • We recommend taking Nepalese cash equivalents of US $30 for the national park fee, $20 for local government tax, and $25 for breakfast.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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).

    • 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.

       

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.  

    • 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.

    • Our flights have a provision of oxygen supply. The supply will be activated as soon as the helicopter hits the mark of 3000 meters.

    Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Reviews

    5.0based on 35 reviews
    • J
      Jane IOctober 26, 2023
      TripAdvisor

      Dream Come True

      My long-cherished dream of witnessing Everest has finally come true, all thanks to Ram and his team. I don't have enough words to express how I felt throughout the journey. Ram made sure I had a fantastic window seat, which allowed me to revel in the stunning vistas of Everest and the Himalayas. It was a life-changing adventure, and I wholeheartedly recommend Sublime Trails for an unforgettable Everest experience.

    • H
      Harry DunneJuly 19, 2023
      TripAdvisor

      BEST TRIP EVER

      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.

    Send Inquiry