Overview

Although trekking has long been the favored method of exploring this awe-inspiring region, Mt Everest Helicopter tour provides a distinctive and convenient alternative. The Everest Region is known for its stunning landscapes and the highest peak in the world, making it a popular destination for adventurers from all over the globe. This detailed guide aims to familiarize you with the thrilling experience of helicopter tours in the Everest Region.

The Mount Everest Helicopter tour offers a unique viewpoint of the Everest Region, allowing tourists to witness the magnificence of Mount Everest, as well as nearby peaks like Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Additionally, these tours frequently include aerial views of untouched Sherpa villages, historic monasteries, and the lush valleys surrounded by towering mountains.

Highlights of the Mt Everest Helicopter Tour

• Landing at the highest and most popular viewpoint, Kalapatthar, which stands at an elevation of 5,545 meters.
• Experience the breathtaking beauty of towering peaks ranging from 7000 to 8000 meters.
• Panoramic views of Khumbu Glacier, Everest Base Camp, and Khumbu Icefall from a bird’s eye perspective.
• Experience breakfast at the Syangboche, the highest hotel in the world with the background view of Mount Everest.
• The most suitable and excessive method to discover Mount Everest and the neighboring mountains.

Itinerary for Mt Everest Helicopter Tour for Different Packages

1 Day Itinerary:

5:00 AM:

Wake up early to prepare for the day ahead. Ensure you have all necessary documents and gear ready for the tour.

5:30 AM – 6:00 AM:

Transfer from your accommodation to the helipad. Make sure to arrive early to complete any necessary paperwork and safety briefings.

6:00 AM – 7:30 AM:

Take off for your helicopter tour of the Everest region. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas as you soar over majestic peaks and valleys.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM:

Fly over iconic landmarks such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Your pilot will provide commentary and point out notable features along the way.

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM:

Land at a scenic spot near Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar. Take some time to explore the area, snap photos, and soak in the incredible scenery.

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM:

Enjoy breakfast at a picturesque location near the landing site. Take in the panoramic views while fueling up for the return journey.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:

Depart from the landing site and begin your return flight to Kathmandu. Marvel at the Himalayan landscape one last time as you make your way back.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:

Touch down at the helipad in Kathmandu. Bid farewell to your pilot and crew, and take some time to reflect on your unforgettable experience.

3 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m) -30 minutes, trek to Phakding:

In the morning, our guide will arrive at your residence and then transfer you to the Tribhuvan Domestic Airport (TDA) from your hotel. From there, you will take a regular flight to Lukla (2,800m) which will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes. During the flight, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape and mountains. After landing in Lukla, you will begin your trek by walking along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and passing through Sherpa settlements. Finally, you will reach Phakding where you will spend the night at a tea house.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar:

Today, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River bank and passes through Sherpa villages such as Toktok, Manju (the gate of Sagarmatha National Park), and Jorsale. After crossing the Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge, the trail starts to ascend towards Namche Bazaar after a lunch break. It takes approximately five to six hours to reach the naturally beautiful Namche Bazaar, which is inhabited by the Sherpa people. Spend the rest of the time exploring Namche Bazaar, enjoying the mesmerizing mountain views, and experiencing the Sherpa culture. You can also hike to the Headquarters of Sagarmatha National Park for a sunset view, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Overnight stay at a tea house.

Day 3: Explore Everest Base Camp By Helicopter from Namche Bazaar, fly back to Kathmandu via Lukla– One Hours to One Hours 30 Minutes.

After breakfast, a short flight takes you to Mt. Everest Base Camp/Kalapathar for 15-20 minutes. You’ll have 10-15 minutes for photos and sightseeing. Then, a quick return flight brings you to Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy tea/coffee and panoramic views of Everest for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye out for endangered species like Himalayan Tahrs, Deer, and even snow leopards and red pandas.

5 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla and trek to Phakding:

Your journey begins early. In busy trek seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights from Kathmandu to Lukla may be redirected to Manthali Airport. To catch an early morning flight to Lukla, we will pick you up at your hotel and drive you for 5 hours to Manthali Airport. The following flight from Manthali to Lukla lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar:

We began our hike in the morning, following the northern banks of the Dudh Koshi River. We take our time to reach Namche Bazaar, our destination. Along the way, we will cross various suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, including the famous Hillary Bridge, which adds excitement to our trek. Eventually, we will arrive at Monjo village and then enter Sagarmatha National Park. After registering our permit at the Sagarmatha National Park, we will proceed to climb up the forest. From there, you will be able to enjoy the first glimpses of Mt. Everest. We will continue our journey through the woods and stone-paved path until we finally reach Namche Bazar.

Day 3: Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar:

To acclimatize to the altitude, we will spend an additional day in Namche Bazar. However, we will not be inactive during this time. We will take the opportunity to explore the beauty of Namche Bazaar. If you wish, you can hike to Sagarmatha National Park or Khumjung (3,790m) or Khunde. Additionally, we will visit Hillary School and old monasteries while en route to Khumjung.

Day 4: Heli flight from Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp / Kala Patthar and fly back to Lukla:

We begin our day at the crack of dawn to witness the majestic sunrise illuminating Mount Everest. Boarding a helicopter, we soar from Namche Bazaar, passing over Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Glacier en route to Kala Patthar (5,555m) – the pinnacle of our journey. Our flight will offer a close-up view of Everest Base Camp, allowing sufficient time to admire its grandeur. Once we’ve fully immersed ourselves in the panoramic views of the world’s highest mountains, we return by flight to Lukla, where we will spend the night.

Day 5: Fly to Kathmandu/Manthali from Lukla:

At the conclusion of your journey, your destination for the return trip will be determined by the current trekking season. If you’re trekking between March, April, May, September, October, or November, you’re likely to fly to Manthali and then proceed to Kathmandu by road. However, if your trek falls in December, January, February, June, July, or August, you’ll fly directly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

What makes a helicopter tour in the Everest area a preferable choice?

A. Breathtaking Views:

The Everest Helicopter Tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the unmatched beauty of the Himalayas. Fly over glaciers, Sherpa villages, and monasteries, with the option to land at Everest Base Camp. Capture breathtaking aerial perspectives of Sagarmatha National Park and its natural wonders, creating unforgettable memories.

B. Time- Efficiency:

Helicopter Tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the splendors of the Himalayas but have limited time. It combines adventure and time efficiency, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the region without the need for a long time commitment. This tour is ideal for those who want to experience the essence of Everest in a short period of time.

C. Physical Accessibility:

The Mount Everest Helicopter Tour opens up the adventure in the Everest region to more than just the physically fit or experienced trekkers. It allows everyone to experience the beauty and grandeur of the world’s highest peaks. This tour promotes inclusivity in travel and offers unforgettable memories without the physical challenges of trekking.

D. Thrill and Adventure:

The Helicopter Tours go beyond being just a sightseeing experience. It is an exhilarating adventure that guarantees heartbeats synchronizing with the rhythm of the helicopter blades, gasps at unparalleled views, and an overwhelming feeling of flying among the gods. For those seeking thrills and wanting to combine luxury, convenience, and pure adventure, this aerial journey is the ultimate Himalayan experience.

E. Safety and Comfort:

The Helicopter Tour to Everest offers adventure and breathtaking views, prioritizing safety and comfort. Passengers can enjoy the beauty of Everest knowing that their well-being is the top priority. The tour is carefully planned, uses high-quality equipment, and is led by experienced professionals, ensuring peace of mind.

Ideal Season for Participating in a Helicopter Tour of the Everest Area

The best time for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour varies depending on the season. It is important to consider the timing of your tour as it can affect the visibility of the highest peaks, weather conditions, and overall enjoyment of the experience. Here is a guide to the optimal times in each season:

Spring (March to May):

Spring is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful times of the year, offering clear skies, vibrant rhododendron blooms, and pleasant temperatures. It is the perfect season to enjoy stunning panoramic views. However, due to its popularity, spring attracts a larger number of tourists.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August):

Spring is regarded as one of the most favorable seasons, offering clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and pleasant temperatures. However, it is important to note that visibility may be hindered by frequent rain and cloud cover. Additionally, there is a higher possibility of flight cancellations due to the unpredictable weather conditions.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is considered the optimal time for the Everest Helicopter Tour due to its crystal-clear skies, crisp air, and vibrant greenery. The mountains are strikingly visible against the deep blue skies. However, similar to spring, it is a peak season, which means there may be a higher number of tourists.

Winter (December to February):

The mesmerizing snow-covered landscape offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists. The freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall may affect visibility, and some high-altitude areas may be inaccessible.

What to Expect from Mount Everest Helicopter Tour?

Going on a helicopter tour of Mount Everest guarantees an awe-inspiring and exciting experience. Passengers can expect to watch the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including the iconic Everest rising above the clouds. The tour usually includes flyovers of well-known landmarks like the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp, offering a unique and remarkable viewpoint of these renowned destinations.

During the journey, travelers may also get a glimpse of isolated mountain villages situated in the challenging landscape. Skilled pilots provide informative commentary throughout the tour, enriching the admiration of the area’s natural splendor and cultural importance. In summary, a helicopter tour to Everest provides a remarkable experience, enabling participants to witness the highest summit on Earth from an unmatched perspective.

Breakfast During the Everest Heli Tour

One of the most captivating parts of a helicopter journey to the Everest area is the unmatched opportunity to enjoy a meal surrounded by the magnificence of the Himalayas. Just picture yourself enjoying breakfast in the embrace of the planet’s most awe-inspiring summits. This aerial adventure is not only about the flight but also about the special moments it creates. One of the highlights of this tour is having breakfast in a hotel located at an altitude of 13000 ft. It is not just an ordinary meal, a grand feast accompanied by the tranquil beauty of mountains, hills, and vast landscapes.

Unique Photography Opportunities at Mt. Everest

In today’s digital era, documenting our journeys has become an essential aspect of the adventure. The Everest Helicopter Tour is a remarkable opportunity for both amateur and professional photographers to capture stunning images. With its diverse range of perspectives and breathtaking views, this expedition offers a truly exceptional photographic experience. Let’s dive deeper into what awaits photography enthusiasts on this extraordinary aerial journey:

• Bird’s-Eye Landscape
• Cultural Landmarks
• Dynamic Lighting
• Up-Close Peaks
• Abstract Patterns
• Ephemeral Moments

Mount Everest Helicopter Tour Cost

The cost of an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Nepal can vary depending on various factors such as the duration of the tour, the number of passengers, and the tour operator. On average, the price per person for the tour ranges from $1000 to $3000.

The cost of the tour usually covers transportation to and from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp area, including landing fees and permits. Additionally, most tour operators offer knowledgeable guides who will accompany passengers throughout the tour and provide insights on the surrounding landscapes and cultural heritage.

The duration of the helicopter tour can vary, ranging from a few hours to a whole day, depending on the package chosen. Shorter tours usually concentrate on the Everest Base Camp area and its surroundings, while longer tours may incorporate other destinations like the Gokyo Lakes or the Annapurna region.

Checklist for Everest Heli Tour

Travel Documents:

• Passport with a visa that is currently valid.
• Confirmation of booking for a helicopter tour.
• Details of travel insurance.

Personal Gear:

• Sunglasses that provide UV protection.
• A wide-brimmed hat or cap for protection from the sun.
• A camera with additional batteries and memory cards.

Clothing:

• Layered clothing is recommended for different temperatures. 
• Wear a warm jacket (preferably down).
• Lightweight thermal tops and pants.
• A windproof outer layer is essential. 
• Comfortable pants and T-shirts are also recommended.

Footwear:

• Comfortable shoes or lightweight trekking boots
• Warm socks

Essential Electronics:

• Smartphone with portable charger
• Headphones or earplugs
• Power Banks

Personal Supplies:

• High SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Personal medical kit
• Hydration bottle or bladder

Safety Gear:

• Personal identification or contact information in case of emergency.
• Essential first aid supplies.

Miscellaneous:

• Cash in the local currency (for any expenses or tips during the flight). 
• A lightweight backpack to carry essential items. 
• Earplugs for the helicopter noise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)