Everest base camp helicopter tour is also renowned as the Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing. It has several landings at a high altitude after taking off from Kathmandu airport. This scenic chopper flight tour takes you very close to the mighty Himalayas within a couple of hours from Kathmandu.
EBC Heli tour takes off from Kathmandu airport. After that, it lands in Lukla, Syangboche, or Pheriche. Then, it flies over the Sagarmatha base camp and Khumbu glacier. Helicopter landing is deferred by the body weight of the passenger. Five people including one pilot can travel in each shuttle to remain within the weight limit. We split into two shuttles from Syagboche or Pheriche if necessary, where there are 4-5 travelers in one fight.
The Everest base camp airplane tour is an electrifying lifetime experience of a luxury tour in Nepal. You will get an acceptable price guarantee with a close view of massive mountains and more. Landing Heli tour includes phenomenal ariel aspects of the mighty massif, valleys, traditional villages, and much, much more.
The Everest base camp Chopper tour is an astonishing luxury activity for anyone who visits Nepal. It would be a wonderful experience for a honeymoon couple or a special celebration. It starts from Kathmandu and flies towards Lukla. This is the gateway to Mt. Sagarmatha camp for trekkers and climbers. The chopper flies from Lukla through Namche, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and the Khumbu glacier to explore the Sagarmatha base camp on this trip.
You will get a magnificent Himalayan view and see wonderful landmarks during the Heli flight tour. The entire trip provides a few of the best sights and terrains of the mountain vistas. Because of the high altitude, travelers will only land for a short time on Kalapatthar. After taking a few beautiful shots of the Sagarmatha range, they fly back through the base camp.
Travelers stop in Pheriche or Syangboche for around 25-30 minutes for breakfast. You can enjoy the iconic view of the awe-inspiring Himalayas from these places while you stop for hot drinks. After this helicopter tour, you will fly back to Kathmandu.
Trip Highlights
- Airport pick-up and drop at your hotel
- You get an experienced pilot for flight duration
- Applicable government and local taxes
- Landing charges in airports and the Everest region
- Applicable service charges and value-added tax (VAT)
- Emergency oxygen bottles and medical kits
- Rental of personal gear such as a down jacket
- Permits and entry fees for Sagarmatha National Park. The charges are usually USD 30 per person and a Local Area Permit, which costs USD 10 per person
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Outline Itinerary
- Starting from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Fly in a Helicopter from Lukla to Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar
- Fly from Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar to Syangboche
- Fly from Syangboche and land in Lukla
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Heli Tour Detailed Itinerary
A private car will come to pick you up at your hotel in the early morning and transfer you to Kathmandu airport. The helicopter leaves for Lukla shortly after the departure formalities at the airport. Lukla is also known as the gateway to Everest base camp. The helicopters head towards the Everest Base Camp after refueling at Lukla.
The helicopter will land at the Kala Patthar and fly over the base camp. You will stop for 20-25 minutes at the Kala Patthar. After enjoying the majestic view and taking pictures of other snow-capped peaks, the helicopter will now head to Syangboche for breakfast.
The helicopter will land in Syangboche for 35 to 40 min, and breakfast is served in the lap of the incredible Mt. Everest in Everest View Hotel. You will once again get a chance to enjoy the beautiful Mt. Chomolungma and the mountain range over breakfast.
We will fly back to Lukla after a delicious breakfast at Everest View Hotel before heading back to Kathmandu. We will now return to the airport in Kathmandu after refueling at Lukla and you will be transferred to your hotel in a private car once you reach Kathmandu.
Other Places to Start Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Luka to Everest Base Camp
One can join in for a chopper ride from Lukla to reach and land at Everest base camp and can also be dropped off at Kathmandu or Lukla airport upon returning.
One can take options for a Helicopter flight from Lukla and back or head straight to Kathmandu to save time and fit in with your holiday schedule to save time, while still allowing you to get a special glimpse of the highest mountain in close proximity.
Phakding to Everest Base Camp
To catch close views of the towering peaks after walking from Lukla to Phakding village, trekkers can fly by helicopter straight to Everest Base Camp.
You can save your valuable time in Nepal by taking a great flight on the helicopter close to the bottom of the world's tallest mountain and continuing the Heli flight back to land at Kathmandu.
Some trekkers who are not able to climb to the high Namche Bazaar and beyond because of altitude problems or people with mild altitude sickness who had to come down to recover can also fly from Phakding to the base camp.
Namche to Everest Base Camp
Taking a helicopter ride from Namche to Everest Base Camp is a perfect choice for people who have a tight time schedule but still wish to see the top of the world.
In a short time of 15 min, you can cover almost 3-4 trekking days distance and can catch the roof of the world along with other high mountains at a stone's throw distance.
Tengboche to Everest Base Camp
After an enjoyable stay at beautiful Tengboche and the incredible monastery, it is a great idea to take a flight with a desire to reach further but with a short time limit. You can take an opportunity to get the closest views of Mt. Sagarmatha. You can also take a helicopter tour from Tengboche.
The ride takes you a quarter of an hour to land near the Khumbu area or at the base of Kalapathar hill from Tengboche. You can also enjoy the best panorama view of the mighty surrounding high mountains and the closest views of Mt. Chomolungma.
One can drop at Lukla or continue flying back to Kathmandu after a comfortable Heli flight. You can return to enjoy the fantastic scenery of peaks and the panorama of the Himalayan range.
Pangboche to Everest Base Camp
People can choose the comfort of an airplane after walking to Pangboche village at a height of 3,900 m. Then cover a few days to reach the ground of Chomolungma within 10 to 15 minutes.
Some might be interested to carry on higher up to reach the dream destinations or near about but are unable to trek due to high altitude sickness known as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
It is a great relief when one can get close views of Mt. Sagarmatha after taking a ride in a chopper from Pangboche and the surrounding high peaks.
Lobuche/ Thukla to Base Camp
Interested trekkers with a time limit or not feeling well can continue their journey either from Thukla or Lobuche and can take this opportunity to fly to the bottom of the biggest mountain within a short period of time.
People who have made it to Lobuche at the height of 4,900m and are in need of a relaxing break can contact us for the chopper ride to cover their final destination to see Mt. Everest at a close distance.
Taking less than ten minutes from Thukla or Lobuche will certainly relieve you from the high-altitude walk. You can also enjoy views either from Sagarmatha ground or near the top of Kalapathar, looking at Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks at its closest.
After a beautiful ride to the seat of these tall peaks and exploring all the highest peaks, you can return to Lukla or go on to Kathmandu on the same flight. You can also take a regular flight from Lukla to Kathmandu if you wish to explore more of Lukla after returning from Everest to Lukla in the same helicopter.
Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
After a week of trekking and reaching a height of 5180 meters, you may feel tired and might face altitude sickness. In that case, you can fly from Gorak Shep to the base camp to save your time and energy.
If it does not land due to available landing space, a helicopter makes a swift trip around Kalapatthar. It is a beautiful spot to catch the impressive massif from close up with other peaks surrounding it.
Other Possible Helicopter Services in Everest Region
Helicopter services are available not only in Khumbu but in many other places. Some possible helicopter services available in this region are given below.
Kathmandu to Lukla
One of the best alternative ways to reach Lukla from Kathmandu airport besides regular flights is by taking a helicopter. If you have limited time and want to stay with the itinerary, then Kathmandu to Lukla Heli tour is preferable. Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter flight will be the best option for your trekking, peak climbing, or exploring the Khumbu region to avoid(???) the thrilling Tenzin Hilary airport flight.
From Kathmandu to reach this town chopper trip takes about 45 minutes. The weather can often be a significant factor in the cancellation or delay of regular airline flights. All private helicopter companies operate charter Heli flights, so the helicopter flight will be an option to reach Lukla in case of proper climate.
Similarly, you can also hire a flight from Lukla to reach Kathmandu after your trek in the Everest region.
Lukla to Namche Bazaar
A short and comfortable helicopter ride to experience the mountain views and Heli flight at once, flying from here to Namche Bazaar or vice versa.
If you need to catch your flight from Kathmandu and don't have enough time to trek or drive, then Namche to Lukla Heli flight is the wisest choice for you.
Namche Bazaar is well known as the gateway to Mount Everest and is famous as the Sherpa capital. It takes one full day to reach Lukla from Namche and two days to get to Namche from Lukla. The ups and downs during trekking can be a challenge, so this idea of flying by helicopter ride is an alternative option for you.
Kathmandu to Gorakshep
If you wish to have a helicopter flight after having a long day trek and are not willing to trek back the same route, Gorakshep to Kathmandu Helicopter flight is the best option for you. You can go for that option if you want to add extra fun and adventure to the trip. You can get some spectacular views from this region as Gorakshep is the final trekkers' stop before you reach Everest base camp.
Most of the travelers reach Gorakshep and hike ahead toward base camp and Kalapathar. They can also enjoy the photogenic views, traditional culture, Himalayan flora, fauna, and the unique lifestyle of the Sherpa in the Everest region. You have two options to get back after exploring Everest Base Camp / Kalapathar, you can follow the same route, hike down to Lukla, or you can have an exciting chopper return to Kathmandu or Lukla helicopter flight.
It offers you an impressive flight comfortably and reliably as you travel from Gorakshep to the Kathmandu helicopter and Kathmandu to Gorakshep Helicopter. The flight duration is approximately one hour to reach Kathmandu from Gorakshep. With eagle-eye views from the chopper, this flight will leave you with extra time to explore the remaining parts of the Everest region. It's a wise decision to utilize your travel time most fully by taking a helicopter ride.
Gorakshep to Lukla
For those who want to escape the well-trodden trekking trail from Gorak Shep to Lukla, the Helicopter flight to Lukla is a unique tour on their way back from Everest base camp.
One can experience joyfulness with the Himalayas during the Everest base camp trek, as it is the dream of thousands of keen trekkers from around the world. In the mountain trip, varying landscapes, and many other experiences along the way, this trek blesses the trekkers with amazing views of the mesmerizing Himalayas, a unique way of experiencing life...
It can be helpful when one has to fly back to Lukla after getting injuries or some health issues at Gorakshep. It is also an alternative to trekking back from Gorakshep to Lukla after completing the Everest base camp trek.
How much does Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost?
Everest Base Camp helicopter tour packages cost start at USD 950 per person. You can get special discounts if you book for groups larger than four people.
Your Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour cost diminishes if you do not want to hire a guide for this trip. It depends on you whether you employ them or not. They will explain and narrate to you about the mountains you see during the flight, so our recommendation is to hire one. They will also help you communicate with the Sherpa people while on land.
Note: The trip cost detail you find here is the sharing phase. It will have added extra cost for your trip if you want a private Helicopter for a tour. The company will deduct airport drop and pick-up costs from your refundable price. ($40) if your trip gets canceled due to adverse climate or any other reason.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Any months from Spring and autumn are the best times for the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour with a landing.
As Spring offers nature at its best with warm and pleasant weather, you will enjoy the enticing views of the colorful rhododendron forests on the backdrop of the chain of the Himalayas.
Major festivals of Nepal, greenery and unobstructed views fall upon autumn.
The next best season for the day tour to Everest Base Camp by helicopter is September to May. These months have clear skies, less rainfall, and calm weather, and the average daytime temperature in these months ranges between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. The temperature at night may fall below zero night depending on altitude.
The Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is not recommended from June to August. There will be massive rainfalls and frequent changes in the weather during these months. A helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp is possible. But the weather needs sunny for long enough to complete the round trip.
Similarly, the view will be nice in the winter season, but the temperature will be colder than in other seasons. The daytime temperature will be 10-°C to 15°C, and at night it will freeze and fall to -15°C to -10°C.
What Kind Of Clothes Do We Need On The Tour?
Everest is cold, but at the same time, it's sunny and very windy. You will need warm clothes with hot clothes inside during the winter months, September and February. Make sure you have a jacket that blocks the wind, Gloves, Sun Glasses, and Neck muffs, Nice comfortable, warm shoes are other valuable things.
You might want to put cold cream on your face before leaving the hotel. Warm clothes with wind stoppers and beautiful shoes can work during the summer months, March-August. Sunglasses and face cream should not forget. Ask for the weather and climate updates from your agency before you leave your home country.
Helicopter Model
There are different types of helicopters presently operating in the private sector. AS350b3e / series of helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter, France are famous all over the world. And Beli Helicopter from the USA.
Model: AS 350 B3 E Airbus
Made By: Eurocopter, France
Mfg Date: January 2015
Seat Capacity: On Low Land 6 people, on Highland 5 people (Excluding Pilot)
Weight Capacity: 2250 kg
Internal Weight: 900 kg
Empty weight: 1285 kg
Operating Elevation: 23,000 FT
Engine Type: Ariel 2D
Model: BELL- Jet Ranger 206B III-9N-ALL
Made By: Bell Helicopter, USA
Seat Capacity: On Low L5 people and, on Highland 3 people (Excluding Pilot)
Weight Capacity: 1451 kg
Empty weight: 730 kg
Operating Elevation: 23,000 FT
Engine Type: 206B-3
Model: H125
Engine type: Arriel 2D
Capacity: 6+1 Pax
Height Limit: 7010.4 m
Weight Limit: 2250 KG
Weight Limit of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
In total, the weight limit will be 500 KG for the Everest base camp helicopter tour. Helicopter tour capacity is decided by the weight of a person on your trip, and the max is five people.
Every helicopter has a weight limit. The helicopter flight maximum number of 5 pax from Kathmandu, and if there is a single, double, up to 3 pax, the helicopter will be directly flying to Everest base camp. If there will be more than three pax helicopter flights will land at Pheriche. Then one more shuttle for the Everest base camp flight tour landed in Kalapatthar.
5 pax: 500 kg (one helicopter)
4 pax: 350kg
3 pax: 250kg
2 pax: 150kg
1pax: 80kg per person
Private Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
You can take up to 5 of you to Everest Base Camp, depending on your weight, with the powerful B3e series helicopter. To maintain the pressure inside the flight, only a limited number of people are needed to keep inside that shuttle.
Everest Helicopter tour with landing
You will land at the highest point of the Everest Base Camp trek, Kala Patthar, which is at an altitude of 5545m. The best and closest point for you to view Mt. Everest is Kala Patthar. You will get 20-25 minutes there to take pictures or videos after landing.
Are 20-25 minutes enough?
Yes, because when people challenge the trek, it takes days to reach the higher elevation. They slowly adapt to the higher altitude. But some people still fail to adjust and should descend to lower due to altitude sickness.
But your body will not be accustomed to the altitude as you ascend to high altitude in just minutes. It increases the risk of altitude sickness if you stay longer, so 20-25 minutes during landing at Kala Patthar will be enough.
Hire a professional photographer
You might want to capture the things, once lifetime memory as it is a considerable achievement to be nearest to the highest peak in the world. You can hire a professional photographer to take photos of you with this particular add-on facility. You will have amazing images of your beautiful memory on Everest.
Hire a guide
The opportunity to hire a guide is another particular add-on facility. You can get a little more knowledge of your surroundings. You pass through different mountains, glaciers, and landmarks. Your guide will explain all the essential things and will also answer the questions you ask on your journey.
Everest base camp trek helicopter tour FAQs
Can you reach the top of Mount Everest in a helicopter?
Yes, you can reach the top of Mount Everest on a helicopter, but it has some limitations.
How high do helicopters fly on Mt. Everest?
Mt. Everest's summit is 29,000 feet above sea level. And the air pressure is about 1/3 rd there in comparison to that at sea level.
Helicopters with turbine engines can fly around 25,000 feet high, but the Capacity and the flying height of helicopters depend on engine ability.
What Kind of Helicopter Is Used For The Tour?
Airbus 350 Series is the kind of helicopter used for the tour.
What Is The Weight Limit?
Kathmandu to Lukla's Passenger Weight limit is 450 Kg in total, but the weight limit to Everest Base Camp/Kalapathar is only 210kg.
What Time Does The Tour Start And How Long Does It takes to End?
The tour starts at 07:00 AM and lasts for 3.5 – 4 Hours. You can confirm your tour timing a day before your tour date. Depending upon weather/politics and other situations outside of our control, the exact tour time may vary.
What are the Peak seasons for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour?
The peak seasons in Nepal for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour are March-May and October-Mid-December.
There is no off-season for cargo food, rescue operations, medical evacuations, and other ops to keep us engaged.
Is there enough time to be at Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you will get 10-20 minutes, which is quite enough time for you to enjoy the beautiful sights and scenery of rugged mountains and glaciers. Because of the high altitude, a longer time is not recommended.
Is helicopter sky-diving available in Everest Region?
Yes, helicopter sky-diving is available and can be arranged according to your needs and desires.
What are the helicopter's charter rates based on?
The helicopter charter rates are based on an hourly basis.
Can a solo traveler join a group for the Mount Everest helicopter tour?
Yes, you can send an email with your preferred flight date This will help the company to join you up with a group to share your cost for the EBC Heli Tour.
How experienced are the Pilots?
Nepali Heli pilots are very experienced in flying a helicopter around the high mountain terrain as they have been flying for a long time in the same arena.
They have excellent knowledge of the locations and will also be able to deliver comprehensive information related to mountain peaks. They will also concern themselves with your safety, so you don't have to worry.
Are oxygen tanks available in case of an emergency?
Yes, the helicopters have an oxygen cylinder for an emergency.
Is drinking water available during the helicopter tour?
Yes, on every tour, whether on treks or on a Helicopter flight, boiled and cooled drinking water is provided. The purification process does not work entirely on Himalayan hard water. High minerals like iron and manganese-bi-carbonate are contained in the water.
Can kids take this Everest Base camp Helicopter tour?
Yes, they can easily take helicopter flights without any problem. It is equally suitable for kids and older people.
Travel Tips: To have the best chance of planning a trip that meets your requirements, it is recommended to pre-plan the EBC Helicopter Tour in a private group before coming to Nepal. You can use the phone call service to make your inquiries and clear up all your queries Budget planning depends on the information that you have collected and the type of expedition you do. It's better to factor in one or more extra days so that if the weather is unfavorable one day, you have a little flexibility. A postponement service is also provided for you if required.
Conclusion
One of the highest Himalayan adventures (the Everest region) offers is the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Everything on the trip is mesmerizing, and the breathtaking views of the Khumbu Valley to the Himalayan vistas. You can reach the Everest Base Camp either from Lukla, Dingboche, Pheriche, or Tengboche, depending on the time frame and the starting destination. For people who have limited time but dream of reaching the Everest base camp, the Everest base camp helicopter tour can be a perfect choice. It is a dream package and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.... unless of course, like some of our customers, you love Nepal so much you come back again!
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