Nepal Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour has become considerably spectacular among the global tourists who are passionate to witness Mt. Everest, the top of the world, without involving in Everest Base Camp Trek and any other trekking trails that let us see Mt. Everest. All kinds of people including Children above 10, elderly and those who don’t have sound stamina for adventurous Everest Base Camp Trek above 5000 m can experience this incredible Nepal Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Nepal also offers Langtang Helicopter Tour and Annapurna Helicopter Tour; however, the most popular and spectacular is Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
People may have experience various trekking trips in other regions like Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Upper Mustang and many others. There are some people who are not satisfied with numerous trekking trips in other regions unless they see majestic Mt. Everest. So, they finally do Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour and feel blessed. They make this moment as their life-changing moments.
There may arise various questions in the mind of the travellers who are undertaking their Nepal Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. These possible questions are discussed in detail below.
Where does it take off from and where does it land?
The helicopter for Everest Base Camp takes off from Kathmandu airport in fair weather and lands at two places in Everest region. First, the helicopter lands at Syangboche airport for maximum half an hour take tea and some light snacks and fly to Everest Base Camp. Secondly, the helicopter lands at Kalapatthar for 15-20 minutes. We capture breathtaking mountain panorama including holy Pumori, Nupse, Loa Tse, Makalu and Mt. Everest. Next, we fly to Everest Base Camp and then above Mt. Everest and finally fly back to Kathmandu.
Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing takes around 1.30- 2 hours in total. The helicopter leaves Kathmandu valley and head for Everest passing spectacular Langtang Himalayan range. We fly over Namche and land at Syangboche for 20-30 minutes and again fly to Kalapatthar and land there for 15-20 minutes. This landing at the lap of the Himalayas among alluring snow-fed summits will be spectacular. It is be the moments for the lifetime.
What can I expect during the Everest Base Camp Heli tour?
- Spectacular landscapes and settlements
- Experience of Entire grand Khumbu region
- Land at Lukla airport and Syangboche
- Views of mighty freshwater lakes and glaciers
- Stupendous mountain vistas include Pumori, Loa Tse, Nupse, Makalu and Everest, the top of the world
- Sagarmatha National Park
What is the altitude of base camp Everest?
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter takes of from Kathmandu airport which is located at an elevation of 1300m above the sea level. Then, we land at Syangboche which is 3780m above the sea level. And another landing takes place at Kalapatthar which is 5545m. And the altitude of Base Camp Everest is 5364m. So, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour elevation ranges from 1300m- 3780m- 5364m-5545m.
How much does Everest helicopter cost in Nepal?
Different airlines like Air Dynasty, Fishtail, Simrik Air and Kailash Helicopter operate Everest Helicopter tours in Nepal. Also, the Everest helicopter cost in Nepal differs from one airline to others. The cost also depends on the trekking seasons. It may rise during the peak trekking and tour season in Nepal and go down during the offseason. However, the standard Everest helicopter cost in Nepal is sharing with groups per person $940/- only helicopter cost.
Can you take a helicopter to the top of Mount Everest?
People think that they can take the helicopter to the top of the Mt. Everest but it not possible. We can take the helicopter up to Kalapatthar that is the highest point. But we can fly above Mt. Everest and capture its summit along with other majestic peaks. There is only one way of getting to the top of the Mt. Everest that is Everest Expedition which is absolutely adventurous. It requires perfect skills of mountaineering and the most reliable climbing equipment.
Which one is more popular? Everest Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
In fact, popularity depends on how people take the things. Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is popular among those who want to escape long Everest Base Camp Trek to see Mt. Everest. Unlike that, Everest Base Camp Trek is popular among those who want to step their feet at Everest Base Camp after a long trek from Lukla passing via Namche, Tengboche and Lobuche. However, if the majority of the people really like something, that becomes more popular. To reveal the truth, comparatively, Everest Base Camp Trek is more popular than Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
How far is the trek to Everest Base Camp?
Lukla is the trailhead of Everest Base Camp Trek. If we go to count the days, it takes 6 days to get Everest Base Camp. We work for 6-8 hours in average each day including lunch in the afternoon. The round trip from Lukla-Everest Base Camp-Lukla is 130km and one way is 65km. The trek is fully based in Sagarmatha National Park encompassing incredible Sherpa people’s culture and heritage. The herds of yaks are magnificent on the trail.
Can you fly to Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you can but only up to Kalapatthar which is a better viewpoint than Everest Base Camp. Actually, it is not the flight to Everest Base Camp but the flight to Kalapatthar from where Mt. Everest along with other magnificent mountain peaks is closely visible with a stunning sunrise. We don’t really believe our eyes to capturing such incredible mountain views from Kalapatthar.
Lukla to Kala Patthar Helicopter Flight Landing Tour
If you do not want to charter helicopter directly from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar, you, optionally, can take is from Lukla. Lukla to Kalapatthar Helicopter Flight Landing Tour minimizes cost. You can catch regular Lukla flight from Kathmandu and also back to Kathmandu from Lukla and hire a helicopter from Lukla to Kalapatthar. Lukla to Kalapatthar Helicopter Flight Landing Tour costs per person $450/-
EVEREST BASE CAMP HELICOPTER TOUR BEST SEASONS
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Best Seasons are, obviously, autumn and Spring. We have very fair weather condition during Sept- Nov and Mar-May. The sky is hardly cloudy and rainy during Spring and Autumn. These seasons are not only best seasons for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour but also for travelling or trekking in Nepal. It doesn’t mean that you cannot do Everest Base Camp Helicopter in other months like December and February but you need to be very watchful about the weather. If you are planning to do Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in other seasons, expect delay, postponement and cancellation of flight since Lukla weather is always unpredictable and it changes from hour to hour.
EVEREST BASE CAMP HELICOPTER TOUR WEIGHT LIMIT
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Weight Limit is 250 kg. It means the total weight of 4-5 people not exceeding than 500kg. You have to weigh your body and the handbags or your belongings you take with you, then, only you get in the helicopter for the flight. This process is all for your safety.
ITINERARY OF MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP HELICOPTER TOUR WITH LANDING FLIGHT
If you are taking regular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and taking a helicopter to Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar the itinerary will be different. If you are doing so, you will fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and take helicopter directly to Kalapatthar, land there and take views for 15-20 minutes and finally fly above Mt. Everest. Next, you can have a direct flight to Kathmandu to land at Lukla and take another regular flight to Kathmandu.
Optionally, if you taking a helicopter from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, first, we fly to Syangboche where we take the first landing. Spend a few minutes for breakfast / light snacks/ tea/coffee. Next, we fly to Kalapatthar and land there for 15-20 minutes. We capture the breathtaking Mt. Everest, Pumori, Loa Tse, Nuptse and Makalu. Then, we fly just above Mt. Everest and experience entire glaciers and mountain panorama and finally fly back to Kathmandu airport.
Things to take with you during EBC Helicopter Day Tour
Things to take with you during EBC Helicopter Day Tour are a small handbag which will be used for keeping your cellphone, money, passport, Debit or Credit Cards, medicine if you need it. Bring water, sunglasses, warm jacket, gloves, a warm cap and camera. You do not need to carry a bigger backpack during EBC helicopter Day Tour. It is a day tour and we are going to have breakfast at Syangboche and lunch in Kathmandu. You do not need to bring any extra clothing, hiking or trekking boots etc.
Is it safe to do Nepal Everest Helicopter Tour?
Definitely, it is safe to do Nepal Everest Helicopter Tour. So, there is no any record of helicopter crash during Nepal Everest Helicopter Tour. The Helicopters used for Everest Tour are well-conditioned and the flights are operated by veteran pilots. They know the safest flight route to Everest Base Camp for years. We land at either Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp which is determined by the weather. During this landing, we spend only 20-30 minutes because we may, sometimes, get altitude sickness. But, the case is very rare. If there occurs sudden change in visibility, they know how to handle it during the flight. So, overall, the flight is completely safe and you are going to have a marvelous experience.
Nepal Everest Helicopter Tours guide
People who do Everest Helicopter Tours also hire special guide who helps the travelers in different ways. The tours guide provides you the most authentic insights of entire Khumbu region. The tours guide will explain about every mountain peaks you wintness during Everest Helicopter Tours. The guide will, also, helps you in arrangement of pick up and drop, getting the flight etc. So, Everest Helicopter Tour will be more memorable with tours guide.
What Kind Of Clothes Do We Need on the Everest heli tours?
Just wear a full-sleeve T-shirt and a warm jacket. You need a hat to protect sun and also a sun glasses. Some people wear shorts on the bottom but it is not recommended. A full length trouser is required. You don’t require to wear special hiking or trekking boots, but just a normal walking shoes will work. Bring a pair of warm gloves to protect your fingers from strong cold wind at Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar. In fact, you do not need to pack us other trekking gears line trekking poles and sleeping bags. It is a day tour and we are going to have our breakfast at Syangboche. So, bring a tiny backpack or a handbag to keep your personal belongings. That will be enough for all kinds of packing.
Other Places to Start Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
It is misconception that you can only start Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu. You can take regular flight to Lukla and begin Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour from different places of Khumbu region include Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Periche and Lobuche. Doing Everest Helicopter tour from these places reduces the cost of helicopter. Even what people do is, they trek up to the place they like via Lukla and take helicopter to Everest Base Camp and fly back to Kahtmandu escaping the trekking all the way back to Lukla. And also, there is chance of cancellation of Lukla flight .
Lukla to Everest Base Camp by helicopter
Those who do not want a direct flight from Kathmandu to Everest by helicopter, can take regular flight from Kahtmandu to Lukla and take helicopter from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. For this, you need to tell the travel company to arrange accordingly. If you begin your Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour from Lukla, you will directly fly to Everest Base Camp. The helicopter either lands at Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar for 20-30 minutes. During this time, we capture the views of majestic mountains including Mt. Everest and fly back to Syangboche where we have our breakfast witnessing magnificent mountain panorama. Finally, we fly back to Lukla or directly Kathmandu.
Phakding to Everest Base Camp by helicopter
Suppose, you are undertaking Everest Base Camp and you are on the way at Phakding. Now, you want Everest Base Camp Tour by helicopter, still, it is possible. There may be a sudden change in your mind and you really want to do Everest Base Camp tour by helicopter. For this, you can ask your guide or can directly call the travel company you are using for your Nepal trip. You also need to declare if you are flying directly to Kathmandu from Everest Base Camp without landing at Lukla.
Namche to Everest Base Camp by helicopter
You can also do Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Namche. You may have the trip plan to go only up to Namche and Everest View Hotel. This trip is known as Everest View Trek. Or, you may be on the way to Everest Base Camp. Now, you want to discontinue your trek to Everest Base Camp and instead, you want to experience Everest Base Camp helicopter tour from Namche. You will get helicopter at Namche and fly to Everest Base Camp. Spend 20-30 minutes to capture the views and fly back to Syangboche, have breakfast seeing incredible mountain vistas. If you want a direct flight to Kahtmandu, prepare accordingly, otherwise, fly back to Lukla and take another regular Lukla- Kathmandu flight.
Tengboche to Everest Base Camp by helicopter
You are doing Everest Panorama Trek and now at Tengboche. You want to do Everest Base Camp Helicopter from Tengboche. This alternative is open for you. Or if you plan to do Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour from Tengboche from Kathmandu, this option is also open for you. The helicopter is availed at Tengboche and you will fly to Everest Base Camp, land for 20-30 minutes , celebrate the stupendous views , fly to Syangboche, enjoy breakfast and fly to Lukla or directly Kathmandu.
FAQS
Q1. Is Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing at Kalapatthar safer?
Yes, it is safer to land helicopter at Kalapatthar. The pilots who take the responsibility of flights are experienced and they know how long to land there and also know best flight route to avoid interruption. We only land for 20-30 minutes considering the threat of high altitude sickness. Soon, we fly back to lower elevation, Syangboche, then, Lukla and Kathmandu. So, people who are flying to Everest Base Camp and land there, do not have to worry about safety. You are completely safe to do your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing at Kalapatthar.
Q2. How high does Helicopter go during mount Everest base camp helicopter flight tour ?
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour begins from Kathmandu airport which is 1300 m . Next, we fly to Lukla and land there. Lukla is located at 2860 m high. Now, head to Everest Base Camp. If we land at Everest Base Camp, we land at 5364 m which will be the highest elevation we land at. Optionally, if we land at Kalapatthar, we land at 5643 m, that will be the highest point we land at.
Q3. Who can join the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Actually, there is no such age bar to do Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. People of any age can join the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. However, tiny kids below 10 and those who have serious health problems line lung and heart or hypertension are not recommended to do Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Q4. Do you carry oxygen tanks in case of emergency in EBC Helicopter flight ?
We do not need to carry oxygen tanks during EBC helicopter flight because they are already in the same helicopter that we are using. The helicopter provides us oxygen in case of emergency. So, we do not need to worry at all about oxygen tanks that we need in emergency. Whenever you need oxygen, you will get it immediately.
Q5. How can I book and secure my seat on this helicopter flight to Everest base camp?
You can book and secure your seat on this helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp via online. For this, you can ask local travel partner to book and secure the seat for you. They will easily do it. Or, you can directly visit the local travel companies who organize Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. For this, we suggest you to choose the right and reliable travel company because they will give you the best price, service and itinerary.
Q6. Are Pilots experienced?
Definitely, they are well-experienced and highly professional. They try their best to let the clients feel safe and relaxed during the flight. The pilots have been doing their job for more than 6 years. Until and unless the pilots are experienced, they are not permitted to fly to Everest Base Camp and Lukla since the flight route is very technical and even a tiny interruption in the climate can disturb this flight. Although the flights are very technical, the experienced pilots handle it properly and make your Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour a memorable.
Q7. How far is the trek to Everest Base Camp?
The alternative of Everest Helicopter Tour to go to Everest Base Camp is Everest Base Camp Trek. But, all people cannot do this trek above 5000 m. Those who have good level of stamina and have some past experiences of hiking and trekking can do this trek.
The total distance to Everest Base Camp from Lukla to Lukla is 130 km and one way trip is 65 km. We divide this total distance into minimum 12 working days. Every day, we work for 5-6 hours in average.
Q8. Does weather affect the helicopter flight to Mount Everest Base camp?
Yes, it does. There occurs numerous cases of flight cancellation and delay due to bad weather condition. Sometimes, people can not do Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour although they wait for 2-3 days. Actually, the weather in Everest region and Lukla is always changing from hour to hour. So, before securing your sear for helicopter, check weather forecast.
Q9. For how long helicopter can stay at Kalapatthar?
Around 15-25 Minutes possible to stay with Helicopter at Kalapatthar.
Q10. How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Heli Tour in Nepal? Is it safe to tour the Everest Base Camp in helicopter in Nepal?
It is not difficult to do Everest Base Camp Heli Tour in Nepal. This is not Everest Base Camp Trek that makes you work for 5-6 hours every day. Instead, the helicopter
Q11. What type of food and accommodation to expect during the Everest Base Camp Heli tour?
We begin this trip early in the morning and you are going to have breakfast in Syabgboche. You will have other two meals in Kathmandu after you finish your Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour. For breakfast, you will get food menu with certain items of food and you can ask the item you like. They will prepare it for you in few minutes. But, you are not going to use any accommodation during the Everest Base Camp Heli Tour because it is only for maximum 2 hours and we do not need to stay overnight. You will be staying in Kathmandu hotel for accommodation.
Q12. What Time Does The Tour Start And How Long Does It Ends?
The tour begins early in the morning at around 5:30-6. Or, if the flights are very tight, it may get a bit later around 6-8. First, we fly to Lukla for fueling and directly fly to Everest Base Camp, spend there around 25 minutes to capture views of Mt. Everest and other towering mountain summits in Khumbu region. Next, we fly back to Syangboche and land there for breakfast or for some light snacks. Spending 15-20 minutes there at Syangboche, we fly back to Lukla and land there for another fueling if it is required, otherwise, we take a direct flight to Kathmandu. Here, the total time duration we spend for our Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is 1.30 hrs or maximum 2 hours if there is no any weather interruption.
Q13. Can kids take this Everest Base camp Helicopter tour?
Smaller kids below 10 are not recommended to take during Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour. The first thing not recommending for kinds is that the tour is not much exciting and they may get altitude sickness because we are landing above 5000 m either at Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp.
