Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Route

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour usually follows the following route.

• Tribhuvan International Airport (domestic terminal), Kathmandu to Lukla via Bhaktapur and Nagarkot.
• Stopover at Lukla 15-30 minutes for refueling and other necessary checkups and formalities
• Helicopter flight from Lukla to Kalapathar via Everest Base Camp (EBC), Khumbu Icefall, and Khumbu glacier.
• Stopover at Kalapathar for 10-15 minutes to take photos, and videos and to enjoy the panoramic view.
• Helicopter ride back to Hotel Everest View at Namche via EBC-Lobuche-Tengboche. Stopover at Hotel Everest View for breakfast for 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
• Helicopters ride back to Lukla for refueling, and other necessary checks and then fly back to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Duration: The entire Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour generally takes 4-5 hours. The entire tour is completed within a day.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour cost depends on a number of factors. One of the main determining factors is the type of tour you choose:

• A private EBC Helicopter Tour, Or,
• EBC Helicopter Tour on a sharing basis (Group Joining Basis).

EBC Helicopter Tour: Private Tour cost

• 1-3 people: USD 2000- USD 2500 (per person)
• 4-5 people: USD 1800- USD 2000 (per person)

EBC Helicopter Tour: Group Joining Basis (Sharing Basis)

You will join a group of 2 or more people: The price per person is USD 2000.

Besides this factor, the price of your EBC Helicopter Tour may increase or decrease by USD 200-300 depending on the months you choose to do this tour as well.

The month of the Helicopter Tour

During the peak traveling months of Nepal from September-November and February to early May, the cost of the helicopter tour may increase by USD 200-300 per person.

EBC Helicopter Tour without landing

The cost of the EBC Helicopter tour may also decrease if you choose not to land anywhere.

EBC Helicopter Tour Cost: What does the cost entail or include?

The above-mentioned costs usually include all or most of the following:

• Pick up and drop off to and from your hotel in Kathmandu to TIA (Domestic terminal), Kathmandu.
• Seats on the helicopter during the EBC Helicopter tour.
• Required documents to do the EBC Helicopter tour
• Comprehensive, emergency medical kits including oxygen tanks
• Chartered Helicopter
• All government taxes including the airport tax
• Landing at Kala Patthar and Everest View Hotel.
• Service Charges
• Private tours also include breakfast at Hotel Everest View.

EBC Helicopter Tour: What does the Cost not include?

The above-mentioned costs do not usually include any or most of the following.

• Nepal Visa Fee
• Personal expenses
• Accommodation
• Life and medical insurance during the trip
• Beverages (Hard and soft drinks)
• Tips
• Personal clothing and gear

Note: What is included or not included depends on the agency you book through and also the price. If the price is cheaper than the ones mentioned then it may include less than the ones mentioned above.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter: Joining a group

Most helicopters that fly the EBC tour route can fit a maximum of 5 people or 500 kg in weight from Kathmandu.

From Pheriche, if you choose to land there, then the maximum limit drops to 3 people or 240 in weight.

If you are solo or have a small group of 2-4 people, you can opt for this option. It is cheaper per person and is available throughout the year.

The per person rate on a group joining basis for the EBC Helicopter tour is anywhere between USD995-1100.

You may be given a discount if you are traveling in groups larger than 5 people.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Private Tours

You can also book a private tour for the EBC helicopter tour.

It is a more deluxe option for this tour. You can customize your own EBC Helicopter tour.

Reasons to choose a private EBC Helicopter tour can be anything including:

• Proposals of marriage, love, and loyalty to your life partner.
• Celebrations of personal milestones like marriage anniversary, birthdays, recovery, and surprises.
• Solo or visit with close friends or families only.
• Hassle-free journey with no wait time for a group to be formed.
• A safe and secure tour with fewer possible circumstances of COVID-19 infections or any other transmissible diseases
• Flexible schedules and timelines during the helicopter tour.
• Increased chances of front row seats.

 

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Best time to do the tour

The month or season you choose to do the EBC Helicopter tour is an essential decision that determines the comfort and enjoyment of the tour.

The EBC Helicopter tour is doable, available, and has been done throughout the year in all weather conditions in Nepal.

The Everest Region including the Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar lies at high altitudes. The weather conditions at these altitudes are not always stable and are unpredictable.

The higher you get during the tour the more unpredictable the weather and the colder it gets. Nepal enjoys four distinct seasons namely Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

To give you a better perspective, a brief overview of the tour in different seasons are given below:

During Spring Season

In Nepal, March, April, and May are spring seasons. These months are ideal for helicopter tours in Nepal including the Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing.

The weather throughout Nepal including the EBC is moderate and favorable for tours and travel.

The average daytime temperature is 15°C. The average temperature does drop at night and mornings too -10°C in the higher altitudes.

You can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains during this season. You may also see the colorful blooms of the local flora during late April and early May.

During Summer/Monsoon Season

Nepal experiences a wet summer season. This lasts from June to early September.

This is an off-season for treks, and tours to Nepal including the EBC Helicopter tour.

The weather conditions during these months are unreliable and unstable. The views are generally hidden behind the clouds.

Yet, in the early mornings after a heavy downpour the day before the tour, you get some of the best clear skies. For a lucky few this is the perfect time to get crystal clear views of the surrounding landscape, roaring rivers, waterfalls, and the snowy peaks.

The tours during these are still possible. The flights are only cleared after all possible extra precautions and safety are done.

During these months, the days are warm with average temperatures of 5°C to 17°C.

However, due to the unreliable weather conditions, the chances of flight cancellation and rescheduling are high.

During Autumn Season

Autumn is another favorite season to visit Nepal and to do the tours and treks in Nepal. This is also applicable to the EBC Helicopter Tour in Nepal.

After the monsoon season ends, the clouds start to clear and the weather conditions start to stabilize.

This season lasts from late September to early December. The days are neither too hot nor too cold with an average daytime temperature of 20°C. The temperature in the early morning and nights can drop -10°C during the late autumn season.

There are fewer chances of rainfall, clouds, fog, and haze. Hence, you can enjoy great views of the Himalayas.

During Winter Season

Winter in Nepal lasts from December to February. Winter is cold throughout Nepal, especially in the higher altitudes like the Everest Base Camp area and Kala Pathar.

Helicopter tours in Nepal are still possible.

During these months, you can see views of hills and mountains fully covered by snow. You can enjoy HD views of the snowy landscape. However, the temperatures are on the colder side with freezing temperatures, chilly wind, and heavy snowfall.

There might be chances of flight cancellations and delays during the winter months due to heavy snowfall or high-speed winds.

Note: The summary is meant as a guideline to help you better prepare and choose the best time for you to do the Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Essential Safety Measures

While doing this tour, there are some essential safety measures you need to follow. They are as follows:

• Fasten your seat belt at all times while onboard the helicopter during your tour.
• Do not unfasten and stand from your seat during the helicopter flight.
• Do not switch seats with other passengers when the helicopter is in the air.
• Do not throw out anything- trash or others from the helicopter during your flights.
• Smoking and drinking is not allowed during your flight. You can take smoking breaks during the stopover periods of the tour.
• Consumption of any alcoholic beverages is highly discouraged during high-altitude helicopter tours. It increases the chances of altitude sickness among others.
• Wait in the helicopter until called upon by the helicopter operators. There are times when the helicopter pilots need to reposition the helicopter in the helipad.
• Do not rush to get in or out of the helicopter. Always let the pilot see you.
• Make sure to enter or exit from the side or front. Never enter and exit from the tail side.
• Make sure to enter or exit the helicopter after the pilot instructs you to.
• Always listen to the instructions given by the tour operator and the pilot during your tour.
• The total number of places you may visit including the landing spots during the tour may change depending on the weather and other conditions. Safety is the utmost priority, both for the clients as well as the crew. The final decision will be made by the operating, experienced pilots as they are the ones best suited to make this decision.

After the COVID-19 Pandemic, some other safety measures have been implemented. These are as follows:

• All Passengers need to wear masks and face shields. In addition to these, the pilot will also have to wear sanitary gloves.
• All passengers will undergo touchless thermal screenings before the start of the helicopter tour.
• You can use the hand sanitizers present for both the travelers and staff.
• You will need to follow the implemented social distancing rules throughout the tour.
• Nepal is still open to issuing on-arrival visas at the entry points of the country including TIA. However, this is now applicable to only travelers that are fully vaccinated.
• Nepal no longer grants on-arrival visas to travelers who are not fully vaccinated.
• Travelers to Nepal must show a negative COVID-19 test report. This negative test result must be for tests that have been taken within 72 hours of arrival to the country.

Note: There can and may be changed in the guidelines given above depending on the time you arrive in Kathmandu and the situation of the country. So, please keep updated on the rules and guidelines.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Booking

For any helicopter tour in Nepal, there is always the option of booking in advance. You can do so online or direct visit the company you choose to do the tour with.

Most companies have this option for the Everest Helicopter tour as well.

Ways to book an Everest Helicopter Tour:

• Choose a company that will take care of your tour.
• For groups of 1 to 3 people, you can book the helicopter tour directly from the available fixed departure date section available on the website of the company. If you visit in person, the company may show the available dates and you can choose one per your convenience.
• For groups of 4 to 5 people, you can book through the fixed departure date section or through the customized booking section.
• You can book a private Everest Base Camp helicopter tour.
• Let them know the date you are comfortable with. Once they let you know that the date is available, send a readable copy of your passport and anyone else doing the tour with you.
• Most booking policies also involve a 25% advance payment of the total cost of the helicopter tour package.
• Once your booking and payment are confirmed, you will get a notification.
• You can pay the rest of the cost of the tour on your visit to the main office in Kathmandu before going on the Everest helicopter tour. Else, you can pay the full amount while booking in advance.

Notes:

• Most companies in Nepal accept MasterCard, Debit card, Visa, or wire transfers for payment purposes. They will also take cash. Currencies like USD, Euro, Pound, Indian currency, or Nepali rupees are accepted by most companies in Nepal.
• Be sure to keep a few spare days after your scheduled tour. There may be chances of bad weather conditions or booking cancellations of other members of the group.
• Please be sure to read the terms and conditions of the mt Everest Helicopter tour carefully before booking any tour with any company.
• Once the booking is confirmed by you and the company, both of you will be bound by the company’s policies.
• You may have to pay a certain percentage of the total amount to the bank you use. The percentage varies on the different banks and this charge is taken by the respective bank. The company or airline you use has nothing to do with it.
• If the deposit or payment you make does not match the required numbers, then you will be requested to clear the balance on your arrival in Kathmandu or the company.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Cancellation Policy

There are uncertainties to any traveling you do regardless of the destination. There may be a change of plans, change in weather conditions, personal reasons, or any unseen events, where the best laid out plans change.

So, it’s imperative to have a backup and check the cancellation policies of your tour or travel.

For the Everest Helicopter tour, most agencies and airlines have the following cancellation policy:

• You will get a 75% refund on your deposit if you cancel 24 hours or at least a day before your scheduled departure.
• You will get an 85% refund on your deposit if you cancel 3 days before your scheduled departure.
• You will get a 90% refund on your deposit if you cancel a week before your scheduled departure.
• You have the option to reschedule your tour for at least 24 hours before your scheduled takeoff.
• If the helicopter flight is canceled owing to the weather conditions, then you can get a total refund or get a reschedule for the same tour at a time and day that fits your need and itinerary.
• Once you choose to cancel your tour, notify the agency or the company you are touring with immediately. The date on which you tell the company and the request gets approved defines the further cancellation charge.
• You will not get a refund if you choose to cancel the tour once the tour has commenced.
• If the Company you scheduled the tour with cancels the tour, the package cost will be returned. Else, you may get a reschedule for the same tour depending on your choice.

Popular Stops In Everest Region

Kala Pathar:

Stepping foot on one of the highest vantage points of most EBC Treks and tours- Kala Patthar at 5545m in a very short duration (within 4 to 5 hours of the same day) is absolutely captivating.

Pat on your back for saving your time and energy if you are someone who is constantly tied to your crazy schedule.

You can enjoy this serene location and enjoy the perks of reaching this epic destination with no trekking or climbing experience.

Lukla Airport (2,860 meters)

It is famous for its extreme airport, the Tenzing Hillary Airport. It is one of the most dangerous airports in the world with its single runway ending on a cliff.

Namche Bazaar

This settlement in the Everest Region is the biggest and at the highest point on earth.

Known as the gateway of Everest, this beautiful village is a resting spot for many trekkers, climbers, and other adventure-seekers on their way to the different mountains or base camps in the Everest Region.

During the trekking and climbing seasons, you may encounter fellow travelers and enjoy the hustle and bustle that is the common life of the people in Namche Bazaar.

From here, you can get an awe-inspiring and the ultimate view of the Everest summit. You can also get jaw-dropping panoramic views of the several other surrounding mountains like Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, and Lhotse.

Everest View Hotel (3,880 meters)

This hotel is a luxury hotel based at the highest point in the world at 3,962 meters above sea level.

It is close to the village of Namche in the Sagarmatha National Park of Nepal. As the name suggests, the hotel offers fabulous views of the world’s most famous mountains in the Everest Region.

Along with the fabulous mountain views, you can enjoy the excellent service, a delicious and wide variety of food menus, and the great hospitality of the hotel.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Helicopter Model and Details

Depending on the size of your group, the size of the helicopter for your Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour may vary.

Some of the models available for the Mt Everest Helicopter Tour along with their descriptions are given below:

Model: H125

Engine type: Arriel 2D

Capacity: 6+1 Person

Height Limit: 7010.4 m

Weight Limit: 2250 KG

Model: AS350B3e also called H125

Manufacturer: Airbus

Engine type: Arriel 2D

Passenger capacity: 5 + 1

Maximum Weight: 2250 KG

Maximum Operating Altitude: 23,000 FT

Note: Airbus is one of the top helicopter manufacturers in the world. The H125 has great versatility and performance in high altitudes. It is also one of the safest helicopters offered in Nepal.

B3E is a double-engine helicopter. It also has features like a fail-safe design and flies up to 23000ft or 7,000m. Hence, it is great for high altitude flying and so ideal for Everest Helicopter Tour.

Model: AS350 FX II

Manufacturer: Airbus

Engine Type: LTS – 101 700D2

Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2250 KG

Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT

Model: AS350 BA

Manufacturer: Airbus

Engine Type: Arriel 1B

Passenger Capacity: 5 + 1

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2100 KG

Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT

Note:

• Most helicopters available for the helicopter tour of Everest undergo regular maintenance.
• The helicopters come equipped with some remarkable features such as easy take-off and landing in marginal weather conditions.
• These helicopters also usually come with incomparably empowered engines and numerous safety features.

Model: MI-17

Manufacturer: Kazan Helicopter Plant

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 309 ton

Passenger Capacity: 21 people

Maximum Operating Altitude: 16,000 FT +

This is one of the biggest helicopters used in the Mt Everest base camp helicopter tour package. Few agencies or airlines use this model of a helicopter in Nepal.

It has a huge body and is famous for doing landings in EBC itself. It is an excellent option for those who wish to do so or have large groups of up to 5 people.

Alternative ways to do the EBC Helicopter tours

There are different helicopter tour packages in the Everest Region to suit the needs and preferences of everyone. If nothing suits your needs then you can customize your own EBC Helicopter tour. You can contact us to come up with a better itinerary to better suit your requirements.

Some of the other popular ways to do the Everest base camp helicopter tour package are:

Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla

Instead of taking a regular domestic flight to and from Lukla-Kathmandu, you can take a helicopter ride.

The helicopter tour on this route has fewer chances of getting canceled compared to its counterpart- the domestic airplane flight. The Lukla Airport is at an altitude of 2,960m above sea level and is an operating runway at the highest altitude in the world.

Because of its altitude, the weather changes rapidly and is unpredictable. Hence, the chances for flight cancellations and delays are high and a regular occurrence.

The helicopter ride is a scenic flight and you can enjoy the aerial view of one of the most beautiful trekking regions of the Everest Region.

This helicopter flight takes around 50 minutes one way and is comparatively more comfortable than the flight.

Most helicopters operating this route can comfortably seat up to 5 people and up to 500 kg in weight.

You can choose to join a group or form your own group or charter a private helicopter ride.

Trek to EBC and then take a helicopter flight on return to Lukla

EBC Camp Trek with Helicopter return is perfect for those who wish to trek for a short duration to EBC and yet enjoy a comfortable and luxurious trip back.

This option offers the best of both worlds.

In this option, you will trek EBC via the classic routes used by legendary mountaineers and trekkers. You get an eye-level view of the surrounding landscape and snow-capped peaks. Along with this, you get to enjoy the local hospitality and culture of the famous Khumbu (Everest) Region.

And on the helicopter ride back to Lukla, you will get to see the eagle’s eye view of the landscapes that you just trekked on as well as the snow-covered peaks.

Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu to Lukla to Gokyo Lake to EBC and Kalapathar

This helicopter route is longer than the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.

Along with all the highlights of the EBC Helicopter tour, you will also land in Gokyo Lake. This is another main attraction of the Everest Region.

You will enjoy the views of some of the highest freshwater lakes in the world including the Gokyo lake.

Route:

• Kathmandu-Lukla. Stopover at Lukla for refueling.
• Helicopter ride from Lukla-Gokyo Lake.
• Stopover at Gokyo lake for 10-15 minutes and then a heli-tour to Kala Patthar via Cho La Pass and EBC.
• Stopover at Kala Patthar for 10-15 minutes for photos and mesmerizing views.
• Back on the helicopter and onwards to Hotel Everest View. Stopover for breakfast.
• Back on the helicopter to Lukla for refueling and onwards to Kathmandu.

EBC Helicopter Tour: Kathmandu-Lukla-Pheriche-Tengboche-EBC-Kala Patthar-Gorakshep-Hotel Everest View-Lukla-Kathmandu

You can stop at any or all of these places too and from Kathmandu-Everest Base Camp. You can also start or end your EBC tour in any of these places in the Everest Region.

Gorakshep

Gorakshep is a human settlement at one of the highest altitude at Everest Base Camp.

This place offers a great view of the surrounding landscape and the snow-peaked mountains of the Everest Region.

Pheriche

Pheriche lies at an altitude of 4,240m, Pheriche is one of the most visited places in the Everest Region.

It offers great views of the mountains in the Everest Region like Mt. Everest (8848 m), Cho Oyu (8201m), and Lhotse (8516m).

If you stop at Pheriche, make sure you are in a group smaller than 3 people. Here, the Helicopter ride protocols are different.

Only 3 people are allowed per helicopter or in one helicopter. The maximum weight per helicopter ride is 240 kgs.

If you have more than 3 people in a helicopter on your helicopter tour, you may be asked to de-group and book another helicopter ride as well.

The Helicopter ride protocols followed by the helicopter landing site of Pheriche state this.

Tengboche

This village lies at an altitude of 3,860m and is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. This is the oldest monastery in the Everest Region and is visited by mountaineers, and trekkers on their way to their destinations.

The locals come here to get blessings for a safe and successful journey.

The monastery offers close views of Ama Dablam (6,856m), Lhotse (8,516m), Changtse (7,543m), and the majestic Mt. Everest (8,884m).

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Clothing and Gear

The Everest base camp helicopter tour usually takes place on sunny mornings. However, there are days when the weather is not favorable and the sky remains cloudy. During such days, it might get freezing cold.

Hence, keep that in mind. After all, precaution is better than cure. The Everest Region due to its altitude is cold throughout the year. The higher altitudes also have high-intensity UV rays.

Be sure to pack accordingly. Given below are some things you should consider bringing to remain on the safe and comfortable side of the EBC Helicopter tour:

• Windproof insulating jacket and trousers (Waterproof ones are preferable)
• Warm, comfortable, and waterproof trekking boots
• A wide-brimmed sun hat
• Sunscreen lotion (SPF 30+) and UV Protection sunglasses
• A bottle of Water and Toiletries (Toilet paper, hand sanitizer)
• Camera and mobiles
• Your passport and a comprehensible passport copy
• Light snacks (energy bars or dried fruits)

Note: Make sure to bring only things that are a must for you. The Helicopter tour does have a weight limit and any unnecessary gear might just add to the weight.

Everest Base Camp Tour: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can you see Mt. Everest during the Everest base camp helicopter tour?

Yes, you can see Mt. Everest during the Helicopter tour.

You get an aerial and close view of the highest mountain in the world- Mt. Everest. During the tour, you can enjoy the incredible view of the mountain in the comfort of the helicopter. The view is available more easily and quicker than other tours and treks to EBC.

You will also get an incredible view of this mountain along with many other mountain peaks in the Everest Region from different landing spots like Lukla, Kala Pathar, and Hotel Everest View.

Why doesn’t the Everest Helicopter tour land in EBC (Everest Base Camp)?

Everest Base Camp lies on the side of the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall. There is not enough space for an actual helipad, hence there are no helipads in EBC.

Due to lack of space for landing, the helicopters flying this route generally do not land in EBC.

What is the highest altitude you reach on landing during the EBC Helicopter Tour?

The highest altitude for landing on the Everest Helicopter tour is Kalapatther at 5545m.

Why does the helicopter not land for a long duration in Kala Patthar?

Kala Patthar lies at an altitude of 5545m in Nepal. Landing at such high altitudes comes with its own risks.

Without proper acclimatization like in treks to EBC, the chances of suffering from high altitude sickness increase when you will spend more time here.

Normal trekkers and climbers take 10-15 days to reach Kala Pathar with proper acclimatization in between. The EBC Helicopter tour brings you here in a short duration. Hence, if you spend more than 10-15 minutes here, the effects of high altitude will catch up to your body and increase risk and safety.

Also while landing in Kalapathar the engines of the helicopter do not shut off. The helicopter has to keep the engine on as it can’t restart at such high altitudes..

Are there any age limits on people to do the EBC Helicopter tour in Nepal?

EBC Helicopter is open for any age group. However, if you do fall ill or there are safety issues regarding any of the passenger’s health, then the helicopter will stop and fly back to a safer site.

How far is EBC from Lukla?

It is around 90 miles or 145 km round trip from Lukla to Everest base camp, i.e. 45 miles or 72.5 km each way.

How long is the actual flight from Kathmandu to EBC and Back?

By helicopter flight, it is around 1 hour 35 minutes or 95 minutes for one way from Kathmandu to EBC.

So in total, it is around 190 minutes or 3 hours 10 minutes by helicopter flight for the round trip.

This is if the flight doesn’t land anywhere and doesn’t need to refuel or defuel.

How can the person sitting in the middle enjoy the EBC Helicopter tour when there are 4-5 people aboard the helicopter?

In such situations, the passengers are given a chance to change seats during the helicopter tour.

During landing, the passengers are requested to rotate seats, so that each person gets a window seat at some point of the EBC Helicopter tour.

Final Say,

Mountain Helicopter tours in Nepal are some of the most adventurous activities that are on offer in Nepal. It attracts thousands of people from all over the globe.

The Everest base camp helicopter tour packager offers eagle-eye views of different peaks in the Everest Region to those who partake in this activity.

This type of tour is perfect for visitors who are physically unfit or don’t have much time off for vacation. Within a short span of time, you will reach one of the highest base camps in the world and get splendid views and a chance to spend some time in the Khumbu region.

There are several packages on offer for mountain flights in Nepal to suit the needs and preferences of different people. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us. You can also contact us to book with us to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Himalayas.