Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Kalapathar landing

Trip at a Glance

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Easy
Destination: Everest region
Activities: Helicopter Sightseeing
Transportation: Private Vehicle/Helicopter
Maximum altitude: Kala Patthar (5550m)
Trip Start / End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Best Season: Feb-Jun, Sep-Nov

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is experiencing the unrivaled grandeur of the Himalayas without the rigors of a strenuous trek. A helicopter tour to Everest offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the majestic Everest and its neighboring peaks from a bird's-eye view.

This exhilarating journey takes you on an aerial adventure over the Khumbu region, renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich Sherpa culture. You will be mesmerized by the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and tumbling glaciers as you go higher.

Flying over the 5,364-meter Everest Base Camp, the starting point of Everest expeditions and the place where the legendary mountaineers begin their ascent of Everest, is one of the tour's highlights. Other features of the tour include a landing at Kalapathar at 5,550 meters, the popular Himalayan viewpoint in the Everest region, from where Mt. Everest and it’s adjacent peaks can be seen in closer proximity. Have breakfast at Hotel Everest (3380 meters), the hotel considered to be at the world’s highest point, observing Mt. Everest and the beautiful Khumbu region.

Whether you're short on time or seeking a luxurious and comfortable way to experience the Himalayas, an Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is an unforgettable adventure. Capture breathtaking photographs, soak in the pristine environment, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Highlights

Mt. Everest & other world’s highest mountains
Kala Patthar (5,644m)– the most popular Himalayan viewpoint
Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & the Khumbu Glacier
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View (3380m)– hotel at the world’s highest point
Tenzing Hillary Airport – Lukla

Itinerary

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

5:30 – 6:30 Drive from Hotel to Airport
You need to wake up early as our representatives will meet you at your hotel and then drive to the domestic section of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

6:00 – 6:30 Paper works then Boarding
Check in the airport and begin a little paperwork (don’t forget your passport) like paying the domestic airport tax, and measuring your weight. After it is confirmed that the weather is good both in Everest region and in Kathmandu, and the mountains are visible and it’s safe to fly, you board the helicopter and fly to Everest region stopping first at a small airstrip (Tenzing Hillary Airport) in Lukla.

6:30 – 7:15 Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu
Flying to Lukla from Kathmandu passing through various small towns, beautiful landscapes, and mountains and finally landing at Lukla.

7:15 – 7:30 Short stop at Lukla for refueling
Stop for about 10-15 minutes at Lukla for refuelling at which time you can explore a bit around Lukla airport observing planes landing and taking off to Kathmandu bringing and taking Everest trekkers and mountaineers.

7:30 – 7:50 Lukla to Kala Patthar on a Helicopter (Fly over Everest Base Camp & Khumbu Glacier)
The fun begins from here after you take off from Lukla airport and fly to the Everest Base Camp past the EBC trek trail. Below down passes Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and finally reach Everest Base Camp. Your helicopter captain points out all the mountains that come into view such as Cho-Oye, AmaDablam etc. Fly past Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Glacier. You might see tents of mountaineers on the base camp if it’s a climbing season.

7:50 – 8:00 Landing Helicopter in Kalapatthar
After Everest Base Camp fly to Kala Patthar and land which will be around 10-15 minutes as the helicopter can’t stay much longer at the higher altitude, and if it’s windy then need to take off immediately. Mt. Everest is seen much closer from Kala Patthar including other world’s highest peaks. After some photographic opportunities fly to Hotel Everest View for breakfast.

8:00 – 8:15 Kalapatthar to Everest View Hotel
Have breakfast at Hotel Everest View observing Mt. Everest at a distance and the Khumbu Valley sipping a cup of coffee/tea. The permit for Everest is also collected here.

8:15 – 9:00 Breakfast on Everest View Hotel
Enjoy the morning with a good breakfast at the hotel. Hotel Everest View (3380m) is considered the hotel at the world’s highest point.

9:00 – 9:50 Everest View Hotel to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu one more time stopping at Lukla for refuelling and one more time to spend some time in the Khumbu region.

9:50 – 11:00 Drive from Airport to Hotel
Our representatives will meet you outside the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

EBC Helicopter Tour FAQ'S

Heli tour Packing list

Nepal Travel Guide