The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers breathtaking views of Nepal’s majestic Himalayan peaks and stunning landscapes. From soaring above lush green hills to gazing at the snow-draped giants, including the iconic Mt. Everest, this tour encapsulates the beauty and grandeur of the world’s highest mountains.
Perfect for Time-Strapped Adventurers
This tour is ideal for those with limited time who dream of getting up close to the Himalayan wonders. In just a few hours, you can witness the towering peaks and the grandeur of Mt. Everest without the physical demands of trekking. It’s the easiest and most accessible way to fulfill your Everest dream.
An Unforgettable Aerial Experience
The helicopter ride itself is an adventure, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, verdant valleys, and the towering peaks of the Himalayas. As you ascend, the beauty of Nepal unfolds, and the excitement builds as the chopper approaches the Everest region.
Highlights of the Tour
- Epic Views of Everest and Beyond: From the comfort of the helicopter, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other towering peaks.
- Landing at Kalapathar: The helicopter touches down at Kalapathar, a renowned viewpoint known for its jaw-dropping proximity to Mt. Everest. Surrounded by snow-capped giants, you’ll feel like you can almost touch the peak.
- A Stop at Everest View Hotel: Relax and savor a warm drink or breakfast with Everest as your backdrop—a truly surreal experience.
Thrilling Yet Comfortable
This tour combines adventure with comfort. The helicopter ride is a safe and relaxing way to experience the Himalayas, allowing you to marvel at the rugged beauty of glaciers, moraine fields, and the iconic Khumbu Icefall—all while enjoying a smooth journey.
Itinerary Snapshot
- Takeoff from Kathmandu: The journey begins with an exciting flight over Kathmandu Valley and the green hills of Nepal.
- Fly Over Everest Base Camp: Witness the world-famous base camp and the surrounding arctic-like landscapes.
- Landing at Kalapathar: Soak in the closest views of Everest from this iconic spot.
- Stop at Everest View Hotel: A short break to unwind and enjoy refreshments with awe-inspiring vistas.
- Refueling at Lukla: A brief stop at Lukla before heading back to Kathmandu.
A Memorable Conclusion
As the helicopter lands back in Kathmandu, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. It’s more than just a tour—it’s a magical journey that showcases the best of Nepal’s natural beauty.
Embark on this incredible adventure and experience the Himalayas like never before. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a luxurious way to see Everest, this helicopter tour is the ultimate way to create lifelong memories.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Nepal experiences four distinct seasons: Spring (March to May), Summer/Monsoon (June to August), Autumn/Fall (September to November), and Winter (December to February). Among these, spring and autumn are considered the best times for an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour due to their favorable weather and clear skies.
Spring (March to May)
- Why It’s Ideal:
Spring offers longer daylight hours with plenty of sunshine, making it an excellent season for helicopter tours. Mornings are usually clear, providing spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, though occasional overcast conditions may occur in the afternoons. - What to Expect:
- Comfortable temperatures during the day.
- Vivid landscapes with blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery.
- Clear visibility of Everest and surrounding peaks, especially in the mornings.
Autumn/Fall (September to November)
- Why It’s Popular:
Autumn is another perfect season for helicopter flights, characterized by crisp, crystal-clear skies and panoramic views of the mountains. - What to Expect:
- Cooler temperatures with freezing mornings and nights at higher altitudes.
- Stunningly clear views throughout the day.
- Occasional snowfall at elevations above 3,000 meters, adding to the beauty of the landscapes.
Winter (December to February)
- Why It’s Worth Considering:
While winter is not as popular as spring or autumn, it can still be a great time for a helicopter tour. Most winter days are sunny and clear, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. - What to Expect:
- Freezing temperatures, especially in the mornings, afternoons, and nights.
- Minimal tourist crowds, providing a more serene experience.
- Snow-blanketed landscapes, creating a magical Himalayan ambiance.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August)
- Challenges:
Summer coincides with Nepal’s monsoon season, bringing heavy rains, cloud cover, and unpredictable weather. Helicopter tours are less recommended during this time due to poor visibility and the increased likelihood of flight cancellations.
Summary: The Best Seasons
- Spring (March-May): Ideal for pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and vibrant views.
- Autumn (September-November): Perfect for crisp air, clear skies, and stunning panoramas.
- Winter (December-February): Great for serene landscapes and sunny days but requires preparation for the cold.
Itinerary Detail
06 AM to 6: 30 AM: (Not later than 7 AM)
Depart from the hotel, then check in at the respective airline’s counter for Everest Base Camp Helicopter flight. Please bring a passport or copy for identification and collect the boarding pass from our airport staff.
The airport terminal opens from 6 a.m. onwards, then get into security for checking. Where sharp items like pen-knife, scissors, lighters, and matches are not allowed to carry in personal handbags or backpacks. After getting the clearance short drive to the Helicopter parking lot.
The Pilot, the Captain greets you with an introduction, the pilot provides brief information regarding the flight. Includes the Helicopter models and efficiency as well as short landing spots, and what to expect.
06:40 AM TO 7: 45 AM. Flight to Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport
Get on board, as the pilot gets the signal for take-off, then enjoy the sweeping panorama of Kathmandu city; and the valley. Facing glorious morning views of the Himalaya mountain range of Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himal. Includes Jugal Himal with Mt. Gaurishankar, as well as grand looks of rolling green hills and valleys dotted with farm villages. As the flight heads towards the east flying above rolling green hills and the route leads straight north. Then making a soft landing near the runways and parking lot, where Helipad is located.
This is a normal routine to offload the extra fuel for the return flight as well as to make the engine lighter.
07:45 TO 8:45 AM:
After a brief stop at Lukla near Tenzing & Hillary Airport and catching a glimpse of the local cultures. The flight continues heading towards our destinations around Everest Base Camp and the base of Kalapathar Hill.
A scenic and interesting flight above the Dudh Koshi glacial river, lined with several lovely villages. The helicopter heads straight north flying above the famous Namche Bazaar and beautiful Tengboche Monastery. As the flight gets close to the mountainous zone reaching Everest Base Camp. The pilot makes a swift round of the Everest base camp, where passengers can witness the stupendous views.
Overlooking Khumbu Ice Fall and the great bulk of glaciers and moraines, then slowly makes a safe landing. On the base of high Kalapathar Rocky Hill, famous and most popular view-points for trekkers. Stopping for some time at a scenic spot with the grand closest looks of Mt. Everest at a mere distance. Encircled by an array of towering peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, Lingtrin, and Mt. Pumori.
This exact landing spot is also a famous historical place where world environment day was observed by Nepal Government officials. On December 4th, 2009 with the close backdrop of Mt. Everest and adjoining giant peaks.
8: 45 AM to 9:45 to 10 AM:
After a busy photo session, then get on board for the return journey with a short stop atMt. Everest View Hotel. Enjoy refreshing tea/coffee or breakfast at 3,880 meters/ 12, 000 feet facing views of Mt. Everest. From this Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest luxury hotels, the flight lands at Lukla Airport. Refueling the engine, and then back to Kathmandu on the same scenic route, reaching Kathmandu airport transfer to your respective hotels. After a grand marvelous experience on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with glorious morning scenic adventures.
Please Note:
The above time provided is just a general idea and guidelines of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. It can be shorter or a little longer sometimes, as well depending upon the morning weather conditions.
The next important information is instead of Everest View Hotel; it may land in a remote location at Kongde View Resort.
Which is at an altitude of 4,250 m / 13, 943 feet high, and stands beneath the towering Kongde Himal range. From the Resort Kongde grand views of the world’s four highest peaks. Namely Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Mt. Cho-Oyu, includes Gyajung Kang, Ama Dablam, Tharmasarku, Kusum Kanguru.
The resort has 20 well-furnished Standard and Deluxe rooms, with all modern amenities. The Restaurant provides a comprehensive food menu and breakfast of international standard foods.
Please be aware that the Helicopter does not land at Everest Base Camp, due to available of good flat ground for the Helicopter to land. The base camp is covered in a moraine of rocks, ice, and glaciers, the glacial movement damages the best available space. The danger of falling rock slides and avalanches, best reasons is we are committed to Eco and Responsible Tourism. The sound of the helicopter creates noise pollution and affects the pristine fragile environment.
Last but not least, Everest Base Camp is not a good and safe place for Helicopter to land. From Everest Base Camp the view of Mt. Everest is obstructed by adjoining peaks of Nuptse and Lhotse.
Hope all passengers do understand following the rules of Responsible Tourism, the helicopter lands in a safe wide space. Right at the base of the famous viewpoint of Kalapathar Hill, the best spot for excellent views of Mt. Everest. Passengers can enjoy close views of Mt. Everest, just a mere 3-4 km distance as the crow fly; from your stand.