Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour - 1 Day
Experience the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Soar above Khumbu, capture Everest's beauty and enjoy breakfast at Hotel Everest View.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Highlights
- Fly over Khumbu Valley and Everest Base Camp.
- 360-degree views of the Mountains including Everest, Lobuche, Nuptse, Pumori Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and numerous others.
- Witness the stunning closeup views of Mt. Everest and Khumbu Icefall.
- Refreshing an hour or more break at Hotel Everest View (3,880 m); the highest-altitude hotel in the world.
- Breakfast or an early lunch at Hotel Everest View with a view of Mount Everest in front of you.
- Explore the Everest region in the Luxury.
EBC Heli Tour Overview
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with landing above Everest Base Camp is an excellent opportunity for everyone who wants to explore the Everest region but is limited by time.
Likewise, it’ll merely take an hour’s flight to reach the Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu. Flying over the EBC, and witnessing the Khumbu icefall.
After flying over Everest Base Camp, we’ll fly towards Hotel Everest View. Hotel Everest View is the highest-altitude hotel in the world, situated at a height of 3,880 m. In the hotel, you’ll be enjoying the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and numerous others.
We’ll be taking a 1 to 2-hour break at the hotel. In the meantime, if you also want to enjoy breakfast at Everest or an early lunch, you can do it. After the wonderful experience at the hotel, we’ll fly back to Kathmandu.
Therefore, Everest helicopter tour gives you a birds-eye view of Kathmandu and the Khumbu region. Along with the classical Jiri route of the Everest Base Camp trek. It also gives you a beautiful view of the terrace-passing landscape of Nepal. In addition, it is a package to make your dream of watching Mt. Everest a living reality.
Additional information for EBC Helicopter Tour
- You can bring a copy or picture of your original passport.
- Everyone can participate in the trip.
- We do not recommend this trip for pregnant women and people with heart problems.
- The maximum of 5 travelers per heli flight.
- The helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp. After completing the tour, we’ll catch up with everyone at Pheriche and continue the trip.
- We will provide you with a trip certificate after the trip.
- Please do not forget to provide us with your WhatsApp or Viber number. We will be informing you about the flight details and updates about the trip through it.
- We will pick you up and drop you off from & to the hotel in Kathmandu.
- The Everest heli tour requires favorable weather conditions, as the weather in the Everest region is quite uncertain. In case of bad weather conditions, we will give you another set of alternative dates to rejoin the trip.
- Guaranteed window seat after the shuttle in Pheriche. It is the point from where the higher elevation tour begins. From Pheriche, you’ll fly towards Everest Base Camp.
- If we are unable to operate the flight on the given alternative date due to bad weather conditions or any other situations that are out of our control, or if you are unable to join the trip on that date then, your trip amount will be refunded to you after the deduction of administrative fees (USD 30 per person).
- Likewise, if your flight is canceled and rescheduled once you check-in at the airport due to bad weather or other reasons and you are unable to join the rescheduled flight, your trip payment will be refunded after the deduction of the administrative fees and the airport transport costs (USD 50 per person).
- You can hire a guide on request.
Short Itinerary
5:30 am – 5:50 am: Pick up from the Hotel and drop at Tribhuwan International Airport domestic terminal, Kathmandu. – 15 to 20 minutes
5:50 am – 6:30 am: Airport formalities – 30 to 40 minutes
6:30 am – 7:30 am: Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) from Kathmandu – 50 minutes to 1 hour flight; it might also take more depending upon the weather condition.
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Flight Refueling at Lukla Airport: 10 to 15 minutes, then fly towards Everest Base Camp – 30 to 45 minutes flights.
(Please be aware that helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp. After completing the tour, we’ll catch up with everyone at Pheriche and continue the trip.)
8:40 am – 11:00 am: Fly to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) and Breakfast/Early lunch at Hotel Everest View – 20 to 30 min flight and – 1 to 1 & half hours ground time; depending upon weather conditions and the helicopter schedule.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Fly to Lukla and refuel and Return back to Kathmandu – 45 minutes to 1 hour
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Pick up at the airport and drop off at your preferred location inside Kathmandu or hotel in Kathmandu – 15 to 30 minutes
Note
Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situations possible solutions allow the tour to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility.
Furthermore, the helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp. We’ll catch up with everyone at Pheriche and continue the trip.
Departures & Availability
Our Everest Heli-tour groups are small, with a maximum of 5 people per helicopter. The pricing shown above is a per-person rate for a group of five, as you’ll be flying on a sharing basis. For the group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp.
Looking for another alternative? We also organize private Everest helicopter tours on special request please choose your preferred date. Please note that the cost of the trip differs according to the number of people in your group. The helicopter flight costs USD 4,200; if you’re in a group of 1 to 3, the cost is split among you. Whereas the price for a group of 4 to 5 people is USD 4,600.
Price Includes
Hotel pick-up and drops by tourist vehicle, but please do not forget to provide us the hotel’s name and address via email, Viber or WhatsApp.
Helicopter flight with a maximum of 5 people on sharing basis.
Fuel Surcharge.
Round trip helicopter flight fare between Kathmandu and Everest Base Camp.
All administrative expenses and government taxes.
Ace the Himalaya Sun hat.
Trip Certificate.
Price Excludes
Breakfast/Early lunch is roughly USD 50 per person in Hotel Everest View.
Any Beverages and Personal expenses.
Personal gear and down Jacket.
Sagarmatha National Park permit NPRS 3,000, Rural Municipality fees NPRS 2,000, and Airport tax NPRS 500 (Total = NPRS 5,500 per person/USD 45 per person).
Any other expenses besides the price include section and expenses incurred as a result of a flight delay.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Itinerary
Expand AllDay 01: Everest Base Camp Heli sightseeing tour day
5:30 am – 5:50 am: Pick up from the Hotel and drop at Tribhuwan International Airport domestic terminal, Kathmandu. – 15 to 20 minutes
Max altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
At 5 a.m., one of our representatives will be dispatched to meet you and pick you up from the hotel. In our private tourist vehicle, we will drive you to the airport. So, please, be sure to get ready at the appointed time. You will then be driven to the airport’s domestic terminal for further airport procedures.
5:50 am – 6:30 am: Airport formalities – 30 to 40 minutes
For the airport, formalities make sure you carry your documents along with you including your identity card and your tickets. Your tickets and documents are reviewed by the airport officer in the domestic terminal.
6:30 am – 7:30 am: Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) from Kathmandu – 50-minute to 1-hour flight; it might also take more depending upon the weather condition.
Max altitude: Lukla (2,804 m)
After completing the necessary formalities at the airport, we’ll head off on an exciting heli tour of the Everest region. You can enjoy a beautiful aerial view of Kathmandu and its neighboring areas.
You’ll also be able to witness the stunning terrace farming on the hills, the dense rhododendron forest, and the enormous rivers and waterfalls. Along with that, you’ll be flying above the classical Jiri route of the Everest Base Camp Trek, as well as a panoramic view of the Rolwaling ranges, Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal, etc.
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Flight Refueling at Lukla Airport: 10 to 15 minutes, then fly towards Everest Base Camp – 30 to 45 minutes flights.
As the fuel capacity of the helicopter is quite limited, we’ll be landing at Tenzing Hilary Airport in Lukla for the helicopter to get refueled, which will take about 15 minutes.
After refueling, we’ll fly towards Everest Base Camp you’ll notice and feel dramatic changes in topography and geography. During this 15-minute flight, you’ll be flying over the gateway to Mt. Everest, i.e., Namche Bazar, and the picturesque Himalayan settlement. Additionally, you’ll also pass by the majestic Ama Dablam peak.
Note: Please be aware that helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp. After completing the tour, we’ll catch up with everyone at Pheriche and continue the trip.
8:40 am – 11:00 am: Fly to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) and Breakfast/Early lunch at Hotel Everest View 20 to 30 min flight and 1 to 1 & half hours ground time; depending upon weather conditions and the helicopter schedule.
Max altitude: Hotel Everest View (3,880 m)
After enjoying the magnificent views of the mountains and the once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’ll fly toward the Hotel Everest View. The Hotel Everest View is the highest-altitude hotel in the world. The thrilling flight to Hotel Everest View provides you with breathtaking views of the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Ice Fall, Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and many other peaks in the Everest region. It is one of the famous destinations in the Everest Region, where people just enjoy being there for the Everest Breakfast with the magnificent view of the Himalayas. We’ll be spending 1 to 2 hours in the hotel depending on the weather and buy the schedule of the helicopter flights, which you’ll be informed about in the hotel.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Fly to Lukla and refuel and Return back to Kathmandu – 45 minutes to 1 hour
After spending an hour or more at Hotel Everest View depending upon the weather conditions, we’ll now fly back to Lukla for refueling, which will take us around 5 to 10 minutes. Then we’ll proceed towards Kathmandu.
Our most adventurous Heli tour, comes to an end now after landing in Kathmandu. Our scenic flight towards Tribhuwan International Airport will take us about 45 minutes to complete.
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Pick up at the airport and drop off at your preferred location inside Kathmandu or hotel in Kathmandu – 15 to 30 minutes
Following your arrival, our airport staff will pick you up from the domestic terminal and drive you to your respective hotels or your desired destination inside Kathmandu.
Packing list for EBC Heli Tour
There is no requirement for special equipment on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour tour. However, for your ease, the following gives you a general idea about the personal items you need to manage for the trip. The personal items referred to here are optional and depend upon your choice. The most important factor to be considered while choosing the equipment is the time of the year you are traveling.
Therefore, this list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference. There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.
(Please note that the climate at higher elevations is quite uncertain. So, in order to be prepared, make sure you are wearing or carrying some winter gear.)
General
- Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 15)
Upper Body
- Knitted hat/Beanie
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or neck gaiter
Torso
- Technical fabric short and long-sleeved shirts.
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Waterproof, windproof shell
Lower body
- Hiking/ Comfortable pants
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Waterproof, windproof shell
Hands
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves (Insulated for warmer months)
- Hard-shell outer gloves (Insulated for colder months i.e from November-December)
Feet
Hiking boots are highly recommended in case you would like to hike around the Hotel Everest View during your time at the hotel.)
- Sports Shoes
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
First Aid Kits and Medications
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
Other Essentials
- Extra copies or pictures of your Passport/Identity card in your phone.
- Reusable water bottle
Optional
- Cards/Book (Useful when you are waiting for the flight at Hotel Everest View)
- Cameras and mobile phone
- Binoculars
Trip Video
FAQs for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
General
How does the overall Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour work ?
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Kathmandu airport early in the morning, where you will fly to Lukla. We’ll stop in Lukla for about 10 to 15 minutes to refuel before continuing toward the Everest base camp.
Please note that the helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp
Following the shuttle in Pheriche, each group will fly over Everest Base Camp . After that, you’ll fly towards the Hotel Everest View, the highest-altitude hotel in the world.
Therefore, after spending an hour or two at the Hotel Everest View for breakfast or an early lunch, you’ll now fly towards Kathmandu and be dropped at the hotel in Kathmandu. The whole journey will be completed in just about 4 to 6 hours.
Can we do private flight?
Yes, you can book the private Everest Base Camp helicopter tour costs USD 5,000; if you’re in a group of 1 to 3, the cost is split among you. Similarly, if you are in a group of 4-5 then the total cost of the Helicopter flight is USD 5,600 including the shuttle amount in Pheriche.
What chances do I have for the window seat?
Some things are beyond our control. However, we would like to suggest that swapping seats with your travel companions while returning is a thoughtful and considerate gesture. It will allow everyone in the group to have an equal opportunity to enjoy the view from the window seat. Therefore, it can be possible with mutual understanding between you and your trip mates.
Similarly, on a private trip, if you’re a group of five, we would like to suggest the same thing, as it is much easier to build mutual understanding within your own group than with fellow travelers.
However, the window seats are guaranteed after the shuttle in Pheriche. It is the point from where the higher elevation tour begins. From Pheriche, you’ll fly towards Everest Base Camp, and fly back to Pheriche.
Why travel with Ace the Himalaya?
Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons to hike with Ace the Himalaya.
Do I need to bring my passport or any Identity card?
Yes, what you need to bring is a copy of your passport or any other form of identification that shows your nationality. Carrying a picture of it in your phone is also acceptable.
Weather and Temperature
What kind of weather and temperature can I expect during EBC Helicopter Tour?
Due to its tendency to be localized, the weather in the Everest region is challenging to forecast. The weather and temperature ranges are typically predictable based on the month and season, even though it might be challenging to predict what each day in the mountains will bring.
Spring – March/April/May/June
During springtime, the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) during clear days – 5°C (5°F) if you reach there before 8am.
Monsoon season – July/August through Mid-September
During the monsoon, the average temperature is 22°C (71.6°F), with a high of 30°C (86°F) during clear days and a low of- 2°C (23°F) if you reach there before 8am.
Autumn – End of September/October/November
The average temperature in autumn is 17°C (62.6°F), with a high of 20°C (68°F) during clear days and a low of – 10°C (5°F) if you reach there before 8am.
Winter – December/January/February
The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with a high of 17°C (62.6°F) during clear days and a low of – 20°C (- 4°F) if you reach there before 8am.
Payments and Extra Costs
Can the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour price be customized for group bookings?
Yes, EBC Helicopter Tour price can be customized for group bookings. Group discounts and special packages are available for those booking the tour together. Please inquire with our team to discuss the details and avail the best possible price for your group.
How much additional money do we need?
Typically, USD 50 i.e NPRS 5,000 per person will be sufficient for breakfast, which can be included in the package at your request, or else you can directly purchase it at the hotel. Likewise, a Sagarmatha National Park permit costs about NPRS 3,000, rural municipality fees are about NPRS 2,000, and airport tax is NPRS 500 (a total of about USD 45 or NPRS 5,500 per person).
However, it is suggested to do transactions in Nepalese currency in the mountains.
Is it possible to use credit cards in the Hotels?
Yes, credit cards are accepted in hotels. However, for transactions in the mountains, cash is preferred to a credit card mountains, cash is preferred to a credit card.
Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?
When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
Who Can Tour?
Are there any age requirements for EBC Heli Tour?
Our tours have no age restrictions if members are healthy and willing. This tour is specifically designed for anyone who has always wanted to see Everest but has been unable to do so due to physical limitations or a lack of time. Besides, we would like to recommend this trip to those who are around 5-90 years old.
Tour Preparation and Packing
What are the procedures after I make my deposit?
After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.
What are the necessary items that I should pack for my trip?
All you need to pack on this trip is your personal gear like a camera. Besides, make sure that you’re wearing enough clothes as per the weather temperatures we’ve mentioned earlier according to the season. The exact packing information will be provided to you at the time of booking, depending upon the current weather conditions and season.
What type of day pack should we carry?
We would like to suggest that you bring a small daypack of a maximum of 5–10 kg per person, where you can carry your personal gear and equipment like mobile phones, cameras, glasses, moisturizer, water bottles etc.
Should we bring our own water bottle?
Yes, it is suggested that you bring your own 1-liter water bottle with you so that you can drink water during the flight in case you feel dehydrated.
Health and Safety
Is altitude sickness possible during the EBC Heli Tour?
If you experience altitude sickness, you’d be assisted by the pilots in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness immediately.
What is necessary for sun protection during the tour?
Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations.
Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.
Practical Matters
What is your cancellation policy?
Notice should be provided 24 hours before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. The terms and conditions of trip cancellation are:
In the first case, in the event that the trip is canceled before 24 hours, a fee equal to 30% of the trip’s cost is non-refundable. However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before 24 hours.
(Please note that this trip requires favorable weather conditions, as the weather in the Everest region is quite uncertain, so in case of bad weather conditions, you’ll be given another set of alternative dates to rejoin the trip.)
In the second case, if we are unable to operate the flight on the given alternative date due to bad weather conditions or any other situations that are out of our control, or if you are unable to join the trip on that date then, your trip amount will be refunded to you after the deduction of administrative fees (USD 30 per person).
In the third case, if your flight is canceled and rescheduled once you check-in at the airport due to bad weather or other reasons and you are unable to join the rescheduled flight, your trip payment will be refunded after the deduction of the administrative and airport transfer fees (USD 50 per person).
Will my flight still depart if there aren’t enough passengers?
The trip requires favorable weather conditions, as the weather in the Everest region is quite uncertain, so in case of bad weather conditions, you’ll be given another set of alternative dates to rejoin the trip.
However, not having enough passengers is a very rare scenario. In such cases, you’ll be given two sets of alternatives. They are:
- You’ll be given another alternative date to reschedule your flight. Or,
- You’ll have the option to split the total cost among the number of people in the group. Hence, in such cases, you will be informed a day before.
Does the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Package incur an additional cost for solo passengers?
There is no additional fee except for the extra cost mentioned in the exclude section if you are a solo passenger and book one of our published dates for the shared flight.
However, if you prefer to have a private flight all to yourself, then an additional fee is required.
Will the helicopter wait for us while we’re on our break at the Hotel Everest View?
While you’re enjoying the time at Everest View Hotel, the helicopter will be doing some other flights in the region. However, please do not get worried during the day, as they will be present in between the ground time you have in the hotel.
Transportation and Flights
During the Mount Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, what are the routes that the helicopter covers?
The helicopter tour to Everest base camp will begin in Kathmandu and will fly over Dhulikhel, Jiri, Kharikhola, Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Pheriche, Everest base camp, and the Everest View Hotel and same way back while returning.
What form of transportation do you utilize?
For helicopters, we use the Airbus H125 and Euro-copter AS350 Series, whereas for ground transportation, we utilize tourist vehicles. Based on the group size, we use cars, minibuses, vans and SUVs.
What are the main reasons for Everest Heli tour flight delays or cancellations?
Bad weather conditions are the major reason for Everest Heli flight delays and cancellations. Other reasons can include congested air traffic at the Kathmandu Airport, staffing shortages, and other difficulties that cause flight delays/cancellations.
Traveler Reviews
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
Google Reviews
What makes this trip different ?
Our CSR with Sambhav Nepal
- Ace the Himalaya believes in giving back to the communities that surround and support tourism in Nepal. Ace provides logistical support and, if needed, cash donations to the projects of Sambhav Nepal (a local NGO).
- Sambhav Nepal and Ace work together to plan volunteer programs that will bring in foreign volunteers and make use of their enthusiasm, time, and talents in a variety of projects.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
- Of the few Travelife Partners in Nepal, Ace the Himalaya is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Himalayas.
- About 80% of Ace the Himalaya’s staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.