Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour-1 Day

Quick Overview
Duration1 Days
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5, 364m
Group Size2-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesHeli tour
Best TimeSpring, and Autumn

Overview of the EBC helicopter tour

Take the famous Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, a one-day trip that gives you amazing aerial views of Mount Everest and the beautiful Himalayas. This luxurious trip starts in Kathmandu and flies past old Sherpa villages, giving you a direct view of Everest Base Camp. You'll stop for a little while near Kala Patthar to take beautiful pictures of Everest, and then you'll have a wonderful breakfast at the famous Hotel Everest View. It's the best way to see the majesty of Everest and the Khumbu region without having to walk for days. You end with a flight down to Kathmandu, which saves you time and is a fantastic Himalayan journey.

Pick-up and drop-off in the morning from Kathmandu (around 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM):

Your adventure to Lukla starts in the morning, with a friendly pickup from your Kathmandu accommodation before the city is fully awake. The early start isn’t just about keeping up with tradition—it’s a smart decision! Lukla flights usually take off in the morning when the skies over the Himalayas are at their clearest, before the afternoon winds and clouds arrive. In these beautiful high Himalayas, the weather can change quickly, so setting off early helps ensure a smooth and safe landing on Lukla's famous runway. Additionally, the tranquility of dawn brings its charm—roads are more peaceful, the air feels fresh, and you start your journey alongside the rising sun.

At Tribhuvan International Airport's domestic terminal, you will have to go through a number of steps that are meant to keep you safe and get you ready for your trip. Initially, airport staff will examine your passes and ID. Thereafter, they'll soon figure out how much your bags weigh. This checking is essential because every kilogram counts when you're climbing in a small helicopter. The security checks are quick and thorough, which ensures that the trip is enjoyable. It's possible that you could be asked about your trekking permits, since some airlines like to cross-check them with passenger records. As you wait, the lively chatter of fellow adventurers, pilots, and ground crew fills the air with excitement, making even the usual procedures feel like a part of the journey. When you board, you’re not just prepared to fly—you’re mentally embarking on a journey to the Himalayas.

You will enjoy a scenic flight to Lukla, which lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Helicopter rides from Kathmandu to Lukla give a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness some of the world's most beautiful terrain. The chopper quickly leaves the city and goes east into undulating hills, rivers, and terraced agriculture. Overlooking vast valleys and mountains, you'll find scattered settlements and antique monasteries nestled on slopes like gems.

As you retreat, the landscape freezes into a fortress. The Langtang, Jugal, and Ganesh Himal are visible in the distance. They merge with the enormous Everest summits. Helicopters travel lower than fixed-wing aircraft, providing pilots a better view of the environment and how it has evolved. At 2,860 meters above sea level, Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport

The flight includes a passage over Everest Base Camp, followed by a landing at Kala Patthar, which takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes of flying time and features a quick landing.

The helicopter rises higher into the Khumbu Valley from Lukla. You will fly over famous Sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche while following the usual hiking trail. The highlight of this experience is the flyover of Everest Base Camp (EBC) (5,364 m/17,598 ft.), affording a bird's-eye view of the expedition camps and the magnificent Khumbu Icefall. Most excursions stop for a brief while near Kala Patthar (5,555 m/18,225 ft.). This trip is your chance to take wonderful pictures, feel the air at a high altitude, and see Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori up close. The landing time is usually short (around 5 to 15 minutes) to lower the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can happen when you go up too quickly. In the case of shared helicopter tours, we may make a brief stop at Pheriche to pick up and drop off passengers.

Breakfast at Hotel Everest View (around 20 to 30 minutes)

The breakfast at Hotel Everest View is a luxury in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The chopper comes back down to Syangboche, which is in the Himalayas and has a guesthouse. The journey was great, and the helicopter flew very close to Everest. Guinness World Records says that this hotel is one of the tallest in the world. It is 3,880 meters (12,730 feet) higher than the sea.

The rooftop provides the background for your dining area, and you can see the magnificent peaks of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Thamserku from there. You can have a freshly made breakfast in the cold mountain air while the brilliant morning sun shines on the snowy peaks. You can choose from hearty meals, hot coffee, and pastries. The ringing of yak bells and a mild breeze make the tranquil hills even more lovely. Many tourists always desire to eat at wonderful restaurants near the world's tallest mountain that offer cuisine in just 20 to 30 minutes.

Return the aircraft to Lukla for refueling, and then fly back to Kathmandu, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

After breakfast, you'll get back on the helicopter for the ride back to Lukla, where you'll stop to refuel again. From Lukla, you'll see the last views of the Himalayas in the air before flying back to Kathmandu.

Check in to the hotel (about noon to 2 p.m.)

When your wonderful one-day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is over, a private car will pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you back to the hotel you chose in Kathmandu.

Important Things to Think About

Weather Dependency: Helicopter tours depend a lot on the weather. Flights can be canceled or delayed because of strong winds or inadequate visibility. You should be allowed to change your plans.

Altitude Sickness: Even if you won't be at a high altitude for long, going up quickly could still cause minor AMS symptoms. The short landing times are meant to stop this from happening.

Cost: EBC helicopter rides are a luxury experience, and the pricing depends on the size of the group (private vs. shared charter) and other factors. Prices usually fall between $1,000 and $5,000 or more.

Safety: Good helicopter companies put safety first by hiring experienced pilots, flying well-maintained helicopters (usually Airbus H125/AS350 B3e models), and following all aviation rules very closely. Airlines generally place oxygen systems on board.

Permits: Your tour operator will get the permits you need to go to Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu Pasang Lamu Municipality entrance fees.

Cost Details
Includes
  • Free Airports transfer during arrival and departure
  • Helicopter Insurance
  • All the permits for Everest
  • Helicopter flight.
  • Breakfast at Everest View Hotel
Excludes
  • Nepal entry Visa fee
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • personal expenses
  • Obtain personal medical insurance. 
Essential Information

Frequently asked questions about the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour.

What is the best part of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

One of the best parts is seeing the beautiful Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks in one day, which sometimes includes a short stop near Kala Patthar for photos and an unforgettable breakfast.

How long does a helicopter ride usually last?

The whole trip usually takes 4 to 5 hours, including 3 to 4 hours of flight time and breaks, from when we pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu to when we bring you back.

Does the helicopter land at Everest Base Camp?

Even though the helicopter flies just above Everest Base Camp (EBC) for a stunning view from the air, current restrictions sometimes make it illegal for non-emergency landings at EBC or Kala Patthar to safeguard the environment. Instead, a fast landing is frequently made near Kala Patthar or a designated viewpoint to make sure everyone is safe and has an excellent view.

When is the ideal time of year to go on this helicopter tour?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit since the skies are clear, the weather is stable, and the mountains are easy to see. Winter (December to February) has clear views but is colder.

Is altitude sickness an issue for this tour?

The climb is quick, but the time spent at high elevations (especially during landings) is short (usually 5 to 15 minutes at Kala Patthar) to lower the risk of AMS. Helicopters have oxygen tanks in case of emergency.

How much does an EBC helicopter tour cost?

Prices are very different depending on whether the tour is a private charter or a group tour. Shared trips usually cost between $1,000 and $5,000 per person, but private charters can cost a lot more.

How many people can this helicopter trip take?

Helicopters usually carry four to five people depending on the helicopter type, weight of travelers, and weather conditions.

What if the weather is bad on the day you planned?

The weather has a big effect on helicopters. Extreme weather conditions like fog, high gusts, or low visibility can lead to flight delays or cancellations. Most trustworthy operators will let you change your reservation for the next available day for free or give you a full refund.

What kind of clothes should I wear for the EBC Heli Tour?

Dress warmly because the temperature drops considerably at higher altitudes. You should wear a thick jacket (down is best), a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and shoes that are comfortable.

Do I need a license to go on this helicopter tour?

Yes, permits, such as the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhemu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, are mandatory. The Everest Holiday will take care of these for you.

Does the travel package include breakfast?

Yes, EBC Helicopter Tours stops for a fantastic breakfast at the beautiful Hotel Everest View, which has a stunning view of the mountains all around it.

Is the helicopter tour of Everest Base Camp safe?

Yes, successful safety measures are essential for reputable businesses. They fly modern, well-kept helicopters, hire competent pilots who have been trained to fly at high altitudes, and respect all aviation rules. There is normally oxygen on board in case of an emergency.

What do the views look like while you're flying?

You can expect to see wonderful vistas of Himalayan peaks, glaciers, icefalls, deep valleys, and charming Sherpa settlements from the air. The close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam are simply amazing.

Is it possible to combine this tour with a trek?

Yes, some people choose to hike to EBC and then take a helicopter down to Lukla or Kathmandu to save time and energy on the way back. People call this an "Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return." The Everest Holiday offers all of those packages to make you comfortable.