Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour - 1 Day detailed guide

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Mountain rescue and transport helicopter at a remote Himalayan landing site.
Quick Overview
Duration1 Day
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5,364m / 17,598ft
Group Size2-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesHeli tour
Best TimeFeb, Mar, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec

You wake up in Kathmandu. By lunchtime, you are standing at the foot of Everest. By evening, you are back in the city with mountain dust on your jacket and a memory that will outlast anything else you do in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is not a trek — it is a single-day aerial experience that takes you from 1,400 metres to 5,364 metres (17,598ft) and back again in roughly five hours, landing near Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar area, with breakfast at the Everest View Hotel on the way down. No walking required. No altitude acclimatisation needed. Just you, a helicopter, and the highest mountains on earth.

This tour exists for people who cannot trek to Everest Base Camp — whether due to physical limitations, injury, age, or simply time. It also exists for those who choose not to trek but still want to see the Khumbu Glacier, the Everest massif, and the Himalayan panorama from close range. Honeymooners looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Business travellers with one free day between meetings. Parents who want to show their children the roof of the world. Photographers chasing the morning light. Travellers over fifty who want to see Everest without the physical demands of a two-week trek. Anyone who has read about the difficulty of the EBC trek and decided it is not for them, but who still wants to stand on the glacier where history was made. If you can sit in a helicopter, you can do this tour.

What Makes This Tour Unforgettable

  • Fly from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft) and back in a single morning — no trekking, no acclimatisation required
  • Land near Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier — see the Khumbu Icefall, the Western Cwm, and the full Everest massif from the ground
  • Have breakfast at the Everest View Hotel (3,880m / 12,730ft) — the highest-placed hotel in the world, with the full Himalayan panorama spread before you
  • Fly over Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and the entire Khumbu valley — seeing in minutes what trekkers walk for days
  • See four of the world’s fourteen highest peaks in a single panorama — Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m)
  • Fly through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seeing from the air what most visitors only see on foot
  • No fitness requirements — suitable for anyone who can sit comfortably in a helicopter, from families with children to travellers in their 70s
  • Back in Kathmandu by lunchtime — perfect for travellers with one free day, honeymooners, or those physically unable to trek
  • Professional pilot experienced in high-altitude Himalayan flying — your safety is managed by experts
  • Combine with Kathmandu sightseeing, a Chitwan safari, or a Pokhara visit for the complete Nepal experience

1-Day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Overview

The helicopter lifts off from Kathmandu’s domestic terminal in the early morning, when the mountain air is clearest and the winds calmest. Within minutes, the city falls away and the foothills rise beneath you — green terraces and scattered villages giving way to deeper valleys and darker forests. Then the white wall of the Himalaya appears on the horizon, and the scale of what you are flying towards becomes suddenly, viscerally real. The best months for flying are March to May and October to November, when skies are clearest.

You fly over Lukla’s famously short runway, follow the Dudh Koshi valley that trekkers walk for days, and pass above Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital perched in its mountainside amphitheatre. Tengboche Monastery appears below, its red roof tiny against the vast forest. The terrain grows starker — brown and grey replacing green — as you pass Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. Below you, Phakding and Pangboche pass like miniature villages on a relief map. Then the glacier appears, a frozen river of ice and rubble, and the helicopter descends towards the landing point near Base Camp.

You step out at approximately 5,364 metres. The air is thin — genuinely thin, holding roughly half the oxygen you are accustomed to at sea level. Your guide reminds you to move slowly, breathe deeply, and stay close to the helicopter. The time on the ground is limited (typically fifteen to twenty minutes at this altitude), but it is enough to stand where expeditions begin their push for the summit, to see the Khumbu Icefall tumbling down from the Western Cwm, and to take photographs that no amount of screen-scrolling can replicate. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse — they are right there, filling the sky.

On the return flight, the helicopter stops at the Everest View Hotel (3,880m / 12,730ft) near Namche — the highest-placed hotel in the world — where you have breakfast on the terrace with the full Himalayan panorama spread before you. The coffee is hot, the morning sun warms the terrace, and the mountain you stood beneath an hour ago now fills the northern horizon. Then it is back in the helicopter and down to Kathmandu by midday. You still have the afternoon free to explore Thamel, visit Bhaktapur, or simply sit on a rooftop terrace and let the morning sink in.

Before You Arrive

Please arrive in Kathmandu the day before your tour. This gives you time to rest after your international flight, meet your guide for a briefing, and be ready for the early morning departure.

Your Online Briefing

After you book, we schedule a video call where we walk you through the tour: what to wear, what to expect at altitude, how the helicopter works, photography tips, and anything else on your mind. No question is too small.

This is also when we learn about you. Your accommodation in Kathmandu is included in your tour package — during the briefing, share your preferences and we will arrange a hotel that fits.

Weather and Flight Safety

The helicopter flight is weather-dependent. The pilot makes the final decision on whether conditions are safe for flying — safety is never negotiable. If conditions are not suitable on your scheduled day, we reschedule to the next available window. We recommend keeping a buffer day in Kathmandu in case of weather delays.

Your Tour, Your Way

Every tour we run is arranged privately — your group only. Whether you choose Budget, Standard, or Luxury, you will not be paired with strangers unless you choose a shared helicopter option to reduce cost.

Your accommodation in Kathmandu is included in this package — this is a tour, not a trek, so we handle your hotel as part of the experience.

Physical Requirements: Minimal

No trekking fitness is required. You need to be able to walk a short distance on uneven ground at the Base Camp landing site (approximately 5-10 minutes). The altitude at 5,364m can cause mild light-headedness, but you spend only 15-20 minutes at this elevation before descending. We recommend having travel insurance in place and obtaining your Nepal visa before arrival. Anyone with severe heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking. Bring Nepali rupees for any personal purchases at the Everest View Hotel or in Kathmandu.

Compare Our Three Packages

  Budget Standard Luxury
Price from USD 4,499 USD 6,499 USD 7,499
Meals Breakfast only (at Everest View Hotel) All meals included (company selects restaurants) All meals included (premium restaurants)
KTM Hotel Standard hotel Premium hotel Luxury 5-star hotel
Helicopter Shared (up to 5 passengers) Shared or small group Private helicopter
Guide Experienced tour guide Experienced tour guide Senior guide + personal assistant
Airport transfer Taxi or local vehicle Private tourist vehicle Luxury private transportation
SIM data SIM only Limited data Unlimited data
Best for Budget-conscious with one free day Comfort seekers, couples, honeymooners Private flight, premium experience

Himalayas for Every Budget — same Everest, same views, three comfort levels.

Your Tour, Our Family

In the 1960s, Shreejan’s grandfather Hari Lal Simkhada helped international travellers experience the Himalayas for the first time — arranging logistics, finding routes, building trust with people who had come halfway around the world on a dream. His son Ganesh went on to hold senior positions in Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering institutions. And now Shreejan, the third generation, designs every itinerary you see on this website.

This is not a company that was started in a boardroom. It was started on a mountain trail, three generations ago.

Shreejan personally oversees every helicopter tour we operate. He knows every detail of what makes a Nepal operator trustworthy. The pilots are experienced in high-altitude Himalayan flying, and our ground team coordinates weather monitoring, hotel logistics, and airport transfers so that everything runs without friction.

Have a question right now? WhatsApp Shreejan directly: +977 9810351300. No sales team. No chatbot. The person who designed your tour answers personally.

Why Travellers Trust Us

  • 196 TripAdvisor Reviews — 4.9 out of 5 stars, TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2024
  • 108+ Google Reviews — 4.9 out of 5 stars
  • TAAN Certified — Member #1586, Government Reg: 147653/072/073
  • Secure 10% Deposit — pay just $250 to reserve, via Himalayan Bank
  • Himalayas for Every Budget — Everest in a single day from USD 2,500
  • Three Generations — family guiding in the Himalayas since the 1960s

Solo Travellers Welcome

You do not need a travel companion. Many of our helicopter tour guests book alone — solo travellers, photographers on assignment, business travellers with a free day, and adventure seekers ticking Everest off their list. The Budget option uses a shared helicopter, which means you may fly with other guests (up to five in the cabin), and this often leads to conversations and shared excitement at altitude. Standard and Luxury options offer smaller groups or private flights.

Physical Requirements: Minimal

This is a helicopter tour, not a trek. No walking fitness is needed. You should be able to walk a short distance on uneven ground at the Base Camp landing site and manage the brief exposure to 5,364m altitude. The total time above 5,000m is approximately 15-20 minutes. Travel insurance is recommended. If you have severe heart or respiratory conditions, please consult your doctor and bring a letter from your GP. Everyone else — from children to travellers over 70 — can enjoy this experience.

Tour With a Purpose — Changing the World, One Step at a Time

In 2019, Shreejan and Shamjhana founded the Nagarjun Learning Center in Saldum Village — one of the most remote communities in Nepal’s Dhading District, where children had no school after hours, no computers, and limited healthcare. Today, 70 children receive free education and hot meals every school day. The centre has grown to 7 learning centres across Nepal, providing healthcare for 600 people, internet access for 65 children, and support programmes for over 275 women.

A portion of every tour you book funds this work directly. The centre is verified and listed on the United Nations Partner Portal.

When you fly with us, you are not just seeing the highest mountains on earth. You are helping change a life in rural Nepal.

Short Itinerary
Day 01: Helicopter Tour: Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and Return
Max Altitude: 5555M
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 01:

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 several steps that are meant to keep you safe and get you ready for your trip. 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 starting a journey to the Himalayas.

You will enjoy a scenic Helicopter flight to Lukla, which lasts approximately 40 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 set on slopes like gems.

The Langtang, Jugal, and Ganesh Himal Mountain ranges are visible in the far distance behind you while you merge with the enormous Khumbu and Everest summits. Helicopters travel lower than fixed-wing aircraft, providing pilots with a better view of the environment and also giving you the unique experience of flying through the lush green valleys and hills of Nepal to the Himalayas. At 2,860 metres above sea level is Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, which will be our first short landing to refuel and check for weather updates in Everest Base camp.

After this stop we will head slowly, climbing to higher altitudes, taking a path through different sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche while following the usual hiking trail to Everest Base Camp. Flying over Everest Base Camp (EBC) (5,364 m/17,598 ft.) is the best part of this trip. From above, you can see the trek camps and the beautiful 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. The Heli-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.

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 just above Namche, the Sherpa town and lands in the private heliport of Hotel Everest View at 3,880 metres (12,730 feet). 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 peaceful hills are even more beautiful when yak bells ring and there is a light breeze. The wonderful restaurants near the world's tallest mountain offer quick service for any food orders in just 20 to 30 minutes. You'll get back on the helicopter after breakfast and fly back to Lukla, stopping along the way to get more fuel. From Lukla, you'll see the last views of the Himalayas in the air before flying back to Kathmandu, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Interactive Route Map

Explore the full trek route on our interactive Google Map. Click markers for altitude details at each stop.

Open Full Route Map in Google Maps

Read more:Kathmandu guide | airport arrival guide | Lukla guide | Phakding guide

Max Altitude: 5555MMeals: BreakfastDuration: 2-3 hours
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Route Map
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Route Map Nepal
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Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour - 1 Day detailed guide
Availability
Book your own private small group trip
No. of travellers
Price per person
1 - 4 pax
US$3999
5 - 8 pax
US$3499
9 - 12 pax
US$2999
13 - 20 pax
US$2499

Discounts are determined exclusively by the size of your group. We do not add additional members to your group.

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Secure Payment by Himalayan Bank.
Cost Includes

Transportation

  •  Free airport transfer during arrival and departure

Helicopter Flight

  •  Ride in a helicopter from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar and back.

Insurance

  •  Passenger helicopter insurance

Permits and Expenses

  • Permits and entrance fees for Sagarmatha National Park
  • Domestic airport tax
  • Company t-shirts and caps
Cost Excludes

Visa

  • Nepal's entry visa fee upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Accommodation

  •  In Kathmandu, accommodations are included. If you would like any information, we can provide it to you.

Food

  •  Breakfast at the Everest View Hotel (a luxury hotel at the highest altitude in the world)

Expenses

  •  Personal expenses
  •  Anything not listed as "Included in Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing" is considered not included.
Add-Ons and Trip Extension

Take a break from Kathmandu for a day and enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of Nepal on this rewarding walk. Start with panoramic views of the Himalayas at sunrise from Dhulikhel. Then follow a scenic trail through traditional villages and terraced fields to the holy Namobuddha Stupa, one of Nepal’s most significant Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Visit the peaceful Thrangu Monastery, hear the extraordinary story of Prince Mahasattva’s sacrifice, and spend the day surrounded by culture, nature, and quiet. This gentle 3–4 hour hike is perfect for anyone who wants a memorable day in the Himalayas.

Major Highlights

  • Himalayan sunrise views from Dhulikhel, with peaks from Langtang to Everest in full view.
  • A sacred pilgrimage to Namobuddha Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Nepal.
  • A cultural walking trail through terraced farmland and rural communities.
  • A peaceful visit to Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery.
  • Complete nature immersion in the pristine Himalayan foothills.

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike

The Dhulikhel Namobuddha day hike is a short day adventure that takes you to the historic town of Dhulikhel, located at 1,550m on the Araniko Highway, approximately 30 km east of Kathmandu. The town is known for its traditional Newari temples and houses, and is home to Newar, Brahmin, Tamang, Chhetri, and Dalit communities. We start at 08:00 with a one-hour drive to Dhulikhel, followed by a 4-hour hike to Namobuddha, returning to Kathmandu in the late afternoon around 4–5 pm.

The pilgrimage site of Namobuddha lies about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Kathmandu, in the Kavre District. It sits on gently elevated land at 1,750m — a quiet, clean place with fresh mountain air and no pollution. According to Buddhist legend, a young prince named Mahasattva offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs at this very spot, making Namobuddha one of the holiest sites in Buddhist tradition. The surrounding hillside is famous for terraced farms growing rice, mustard, and millet, which you’ll walk through during the hike.

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Morning start with a 40 km / 25 mile drive to Dhulikhel, hike to Namobuddha, and drive back to Kathmandu.

Your day starts with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to the historic town of Dhulikhel. The drive takes you through beautiful valleys and typical Nepalese countryside. From Dhulikhel, you’ll walk through terraced fields and peaceful woodlands to the holy pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. The famous Buddhist stupa is rich in history and offers wonderful views of the Himalayan foothills — a place where spirituality and nature come together naturally.

Namobuddha is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site in the hills of Kavre District. According to tradition, a previous incarnation of the Buddha gave his body to a famished tigress and her cubs at this spot. An ancient stupa with prayer flags and a stone carving commemorates this act of compassion, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery stands nearby, where monks study and meditate in peaceful surroundings with views of the Himalayas stretching to the horizon.

After visiting the stupa and taking in the tranquil surroundings, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu through Tamang villages and green countryside. This day excursion is an excellent way to experience Nepal’s rich culture and beautiful views — combining light exercise, spiritual discovery, and stunning views, all within easy reach of the capital city.

Want to add this day hike to your trek? Contact us on WhatsApp or mention it during your online briefing. You can also view the full Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike package for more details and pricing.

Equipment Lists

Pack only what you need for the trek — you can store excess luggage at The Everest Holiday office in Kathmandu for free. Budget trekkers carry their own gear (no porter provided). Standard trekkers share one porter between two — each person gets a 10 kg allowance in the duffel bag we provide. Luxury trekkers have a personal porter each and carry nothing beyond a light day bag; your guide helps with water, camera, and snacks.

Sleeping bags and down jackets are provided on all tiers as a safety requirement for teahouse nights at altitude. If you prefer to bring your own, let us know during the online briefing.

  • Sun hat (wide-brimmed)
  • Beanie (for warmth)
  • A neck gaiter or buff (for warmth and sun protection)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold weather)
  • Waterproof gloves (for wet conditions)
  • A thick-wool or synthetic pair of moisture-wicking socks
  • waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and excellent traction
  • Sandals (for camp use or river crossings)
  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  • Thermal base layer (for colder conditions)
  • Fleece jacket and down jacket (Mandatory)
  • Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Raincoat
  • Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt
  • Polypropylene underwear (four)
  • Quick-drying pants/trousers (convertible or full-length)
  • Insulated pants (for colder conditions)
  • Lightweight cotton pants
  • Wear long underwear or thermal leggings when it is cold.
  • Two pairs of thermal/trekking trousers (pants)
  • Biodegradable bar soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Medium-sized drying towel
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitizers
  • The toilet paper is stored in a Ziplock bag.
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Travel-sized shampoo
  • Nail clippers
  • Small mirror
  • An individual's daypack or backpack with a 20- or 30- litre capacity should be plenty.
  • Adjustable and lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
  • A two-litre water bladder or bottle (with a protective cover for cold climates)
  • Use water purification methods such as purification tablets, filter bottles, or UV filters.
  • Camera/smartphone (extra memory cards and batteries)
  • A portable charger, spare batteries, or a battery pack
  • Two-pin charging plug
  • Basic first aid supplies include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and Diamox (which is used to prevent or lessen symptoms related to mountain sickness).
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Few passport-size photos
  • Passport photocopies
  • Notebook and pen
  • Binoculars
  • Water purification (tablets, filter bottle, UV filter)
  • Energy bar
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.)
  • Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention/relief)
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Lightweight headlamp (with adjustable brightness)
  • Face wipes
  • An extra pair of batteries
Essential Information

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour (1 Day) — What You Need to Know

Pickup and Departure

We'll collect you from your hotel in Kathmandu between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, depending on weather and flight scheduling. Please be ready early — helicopter departures depend on the morning weather window, and the clearest skies are always first thing.

Budget: Hotel pickup by taxi or local vehicle.

Standard: Hotel pickup by private tourist vehicle.

Luxury: Hotel pickup by luxury private vehicle.

The Flight

The helicopter departs Kathmandu and flies to Lukla for a brief refuelling stop, then continues to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) where you land for 5–15 minutes. From the landing pad, you'll have a full 360-degree panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam — one of the most extraordinary views on Earth. From there, the helicopter flies over Everest Base Camp before landing at the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) for breakfast. Total flight time is roughly 4–5 hours including stops.

Meals

Budget: Meals are not included. You can buy your own breakfast at the Everest View Hotel.

Standard: Breakfast at the Everest View Hotel is included, with snacks and refreshments.

Luxury: Full breakfast at the Everest View Hotel with all drinks — tea, coffee, juice, and mineral water. Everything except alcohol.

What to Wear

You'll step out at 5,545 m for a few minutes, where temperatures can be well below freezing even on a sunny day. We recommend a warm down jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses, comfortable shoes (trekking boots aren't necessary), and sunscreen. If you don't have a down jacket, we can provide one.

Weather and Cancellations

Helicopter tours are entirely weather-dependent. If conditions aren't safe for flying, we'll reschedule to the next available day or provide a full refund. The Himalayan weather window is typically clearest in the early morning — that's why the early start matters.

Altitude Awareness

You'll briefly reach 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, but the exposure is only 5–15 minutes, so altitude sickness is very unlikely. If you have heart conditions or severe respiratory issues, please consult your doctor before booking.

Photography Tips

Bring a fully charged camera or smartphone with a spare battery — cold drains batteries fast at altitude. The best photographs come from Kala Patthar, where you'll have 5–15 minutes on the ground. A wide-angle lens captures the full panorama of Everest and the surrounding peaks beautifully.

Travel Essentials

Visa

All foreign nationals need a visa to enter Nepal (Indian citizens are exempt). Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport — the current fee is USD 50 for 30 days, payable in cash. Citizens of China and SAARC countries receive free visas.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is recommended but not mandatory for this tour, since you're already travelling by helicopter. We do strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for any trip to Nepal.

Currency Exchange

Nepal's currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR) — roughly 130 NPR to one US dollar. Banks and licensed exchange centres in Kathmandu handle all major currencies, and ATMs are widely available. Exchange your money in Kathmandu before the tour.

Booking Your Tour

Secure Booking

The Everest Holiday is a registered and bonded trekking operator — proud members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Shreejan's father, Ganesh Prasad Simkhada, has held senior positions at the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Mountaineering Association. To confirm your booking, we require a 10% advance payment.

Payment options include the Himalayan Bank online portal (on our website), major credit cards, bank transfers, Wise, and Western Union. For last-minute bookings, contact Shreejan directly at +977-9810351300 or email info@theeverestholiday.com.

Private Tours

Every tour we run is private — your group only. We never add strangers. Solo travellers are welcome, and all tours are fully customisable to suit your schedule.

Flexible Dates

Your tour date is entirely up to you. Tours run year-round, weather permitting. Contact us to choose your preferred date.

Our Team

We're a family business with three generations in Nepal's tourism industry. Our pilots are experienced professionals who fly this route regularly and know the Himalayan weather patterns intimately. Shreejan Simkhada, our CEO and third-generation guide, personally oversees every booking to make sure your experience is safe and memorable.

Water

Bring a reusable water bottle. Water is available at Kathmandu airport and will be provided during the helicopter tour. Stay hydrated, especially at altitude.

Communication

Mobile signal is available during the flight over the Khumbu region. Your pilot and guide are in radio communication with base throughout the tour. We recommend keeping your phone charged for photos.

FAQs

Do I need to be in excellent shape to fly to the base camp of Everest?
You don't have to have worked out a lot before going on the helicopter trip. The best part of the flight is that you don't have to walk much. No, You don't need to be in excellent shape or have any physical fitness to do this tour. 

Does anyone want to fly a helicopter to Everest?
Yes, many people want to, and most people can go on the flying tour. It's a wonderful option for folks who have problems getting around or don't have a lot of time. People with serious heart or lung problems should contact a doctor before they book a room, though.

What is the weather at Base Camp?
Base Camp's weather is full of ups and downs. The weather is most stable during peak times, and the skies are clear. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the busiest times.

How high is the base camp of Everest? 
The southern Everest Base Camp in Nepal is very high up, at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).

Is it safe to take a Helicopter tour of Everest? 
Yes, it is thought to be a very safe way to get around. Helicopter companies use new, well-kept planes driven by pilots who have a lot of experience in mountainous areas. To keep everyone as safe as possible, flights only go ahead when the weather is favorable. 

Is it possible for a helicopter to go to Everest Base Camp? 
Of course. A helicopter tour is a popular and quick way to see the beauty of Mount Everest and the other Himalayan giants without having to make the long walk.

Do I need to get any special permissions before I start my helicopter trip to EBC? 
Yes, you need the basic permits to get into Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Your tour provider will usually take care of these things.

Do I need insurance to go on the Everest helicopter tour?
You need only medical insurance; if any uncertain change in health issue occurs, a helicopter will immediately bring you back to the city, like Namche, Lukla, or Kathmandu, for treatment.

How do I get a Nepal visa?
Getting a visa is easy for most countries when they arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will need a valid passport with a minimum of 6 more months remaining before it expires, a few passport-size pictures of yourself, and US Dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

How much does a chopper ride from Everest Base Camp cost?
The price changes if you book a solo charter or go with a group. A full private tour from Kathmandu, on the other hand, will cost anywhere between 5000 USD to 10000 USD. Our current price for this tour is 2500 per person, with a minimum of two people to book this tour and a maximum of 4 people to book this tour.

Do you think the helicopter trip to Everest is worth it?
Many people think that the chopper tour is a wonderful way to see the area for people who don't have much time or can't do a multi-day hike. It gives you a unique view of the Himalayas from above that you will never forget.