The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled experience, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. This thrilling package from Ace Hiking provides a unique opportunity in life to witness the dignity of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, through a helicopter tour that includes a landing at Kala Patthar.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital. As the helicopter ascends and approaches the Khumbu Valley—home to Mount Everest and the resilient Sherpa people—your anticipation will build. The helicopter soars near the legendary peaks, offering you stunning views of the majestic Mount Everest, which towers at 8,848 meters.
The tour continues with the helicopter diverting north, offering glorious vistas of the Khumbu Himal and the surrounding peaks, while flying above the Dudh Koshi River and picturesque villages. The helicopter does not land directly at Everest Base Camp for safety and environmental reasons. As the helicopter circles Everest Base Camp, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the immense Khumbu Icefall, glaciers and surrounding high mountains. The pilot will then make a smooth landing at the base of Kala Patthar, a vantage point that provides some of the best views of Everest.
After the unforgettable experience around Everest Base Camp, the helicopter will take you to the Hotel Everest View for a well-deserved breakfast. The journey concludes with a stop in Lukla for refueling before heading back to Kathmandu, leaving you with memories of an extraordinary adventure.
Kala Patthar means black rock in Nepali, standing at 5,555 meters (18,519 feet), is a renowned viewpoint in the Everest region, offering some of the most spectacular and closer views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
Everest Base Camp, located at 5,360 meters (17,585 feet), is the iconic starting point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest, offering breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Everest View Hotel, located within Nepal’s Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the majestic Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest.
Fly from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu – fly over Nagarkot – Jiri – Lamajura – Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla (land for refueling) – fly over Namche – Syangboche -Tengboche – Pheriche (land for split passenger) – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp – Kala Patthar (land for 10 to 15 minutes) – Pheriche (land for pick up passenger) – Hotel Everest View (land for breakfast) – Lukla (land for refueling) – flight back to Kathmandu (TIA)
Safety is our top priority for both clients and crew. The final decision on all matters rests with our experienced pilots, who have best knowledge to ensure your safety.
During the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, we aim to cover all key locations and give you ample time to enjoy the stunning scenery and local culture. Please keep the following safety guidelines in mind:
Stay in the Pilot’s Line of Sight: Always ensure you are visible to the pilot when entering or exiting the helicopter. Approach the helicopter from the side or front, never from the rear.
Wear Your Seat Belt: Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened throughout the flight.
Remain Seated Until Instructed: Do not leave your seat until the pilot signals that it is safe to do so.
Adhere to Seating Arrangements: Weight distribution is crucial in helicopters. Please remain in your assigned seat to maintain balance and safety.
No Smoking: Smoking is only allowed with permission from the captain.
The helicopter lands at Kala Patthar for 10-15 minutes. Extended stays are avoided due to the risk of acute mountain sickness and potential weather changes.
Yes, you’ll have about 10 to 15 minutes at Kala Patthar, which is sufficient to enjoy the stunning views. At Everest View Hotel, you can stay for about an hour, weather permitting.
Our expert guides and pilots have over a decade of experience, offering deep knowledge of the region’s topography, culture, and history. They are also trained in medical emergencies.
Breakfast at Everest View Hotel is hygienic and high-quality, with a set menu costing USD 35 per person, including eggs, bread, sausages, tea, coffee, and juice. If time is tight, you can carry a packed lunch.
You should bring a liter of water to reduce the helicopter’s load. Bottled or boiled water is available at Lukla and Everest View Hotel. We do not recommend you drink water from local sources such as taps, wells, and rivers.
Yes, solo and couple travelers can join group flights to reduce costs. Group size is limited to 5 people.
Yes, helicopters can fly and land at Everest Base Camp from April to the end of May.
Yes, we can arrange for a helicopter pick-up you from Everest Base Camp, Gorekshep, or other locations, with drop-off at Lukla or Kathmandu.
Yes, we carry portable oxygen cylinders for emergencies.
No, helicopters do not fly to the summit. For rescues, they can fly up to the third camp.
Yes, weather is crucial for the operation of the helicopter tour, especially during landing and take-off. The weather on Everest is unpredictable, but early mornings usually offer good conditions. We rely on live updates from locals.
If winds are too strong, the helicopter may not be able to land at Kala Patthar or Everest Base Camp. In such cases, the captain will fly over the area, allowing you to enjoy aerial views.
The cost for the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour, including a landing at Everest View Hotel, is USD 1,500 per person. Additional costs include USD 45 for the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park entry and USD 35 per person for breakfast at the Everest View Hotel.
Yes, if the cancellation is due to weather, a full refund is provided according to the company’s policy, minus a small charge for transportation between the hotel and the airport.
For safety, only 2 passengers can land and fly from Kala Patthar at one time. If there are more passengers, the helicopter will make multiple trips from Pheriche or a nearby lower helipad.
The tour is open to individuals aged 5 to 75 years, depending on fitness levels and medical history. Medical insurance is also required.
Middle-seat passengers can still enjoy the views through the helicopter’s large windows. After reaching Pheriche (4,300 meters), we split passengers into groups for shuttle flights, ensuring everyone gets a window seat during the core Base Camp and Kala Patthar area.