Everest Helicopter Tour, 1 Day Flight-Seeing
73 reviews in Tripadvisor
Trip Duration
1 Day
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
5,545 m.
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
Max.5
Transportation
Helicopter
Activity
Flight-seeing
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Start / End
Kathmandu
Region
Everest Region
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
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+977 9764792172Trip Overview
Everest Helicopter Tour is one of the most luxurious and thrilling ways to witness the majestic Himalayas of Nepal in just a few hours. This is not just a flight — it’s an unforgettable journey above the clouds, where you’ll soar past dramatic valleys, glacial rivers, and some of the world’s tallest peaks.
You will catch a glimpse of 20 of the highest peaks to the East of Nepal, starting from the Langtang Lirung peak — the closest peak to Kathmandu — then move towards Mt. Everest in the East, and finally fly to Chamlang peak. From there, the plane takes a turn, and the passengers get a second look at the view while they make their way back to Kathmandu.
If you’re short on time or not up for days of trekking, this flight is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand before Everest and witness the roof of the world — all within a single morning.
Historical and Geological Context:
Mount Everest, located between Nepal and Tibet, is a significant landmark in the Himalaya mountain range. Named after George Everest, a former Surveyor General of India, the mountain’s history is rich with tales of exploration and adventure.
The rapid northward movement of India toward Eurasia around 60 million years ago led to the formation of the Himalayas. The first successful ascent to Everest’s summit was achieved by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953.
Highlights of Everest Helicopter Tour, 1 Day Flight-Seeing
- You will catch a glimpse of 20 of the highest peaks to the East of Nepal
- Window seat guaranteed for each traveler if the group is small
- Touch down at 5,545m for close-up Everest views
- Wheelchair services are also available to the passengers (to only personalized)
- The ticket is refundable in case of bad weather and other technical issues from our side
Itinerary of Everest Helicopter Tour, 1 Day Flight-Seeing
Day 01: Everest Helicopter Tour
Our Everest Helicopter tour takes 4 hours from Kathmandu including 1 hours breakfast at Hotel Everest view.
Be prepared early at around 5 am. One of our representative will pick you from your hotel and transfer you to the Domestic Airport, Kathmandu. If the weather condition is good to go then, we will be departed by 6-9 am. Our first stop will be for refueling is Lukla airport by 10 am. Then onward above Dudh Koshi River valley, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Pheriche we reach at Gorakshep.
Due to weight restrictions at high altitude (above 4,000m), we make an additional stop at Pheriche for shuttle flights. Groups are divided into smaller batches (2-3 people) for the final approach to Kala Patthar due to the 250kg weight limit. We land at Kala Patthar (5,545m) for spectacular close-up views of Everest and flyover Everest Base Camp before proceeding to Hotel Everest View (Syangboche) for breakfast.
After that, if necessary we refuel again at Lukla and expect return back to Kathmandu by 12 to 1 pm.
Activity: 4 hours, including 1 hours breakfast
Max. Altitude: 5545m./18,192ft. (Kala-Ptthar)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
If weather condition is bad on the scheduled date we refund you or we reschedule on the
following days, we fly on a nice day only. Give us all flexible dates too.
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- Private Ground Transportation
- Chartered Helicopter
- Sightseeing as per Itinerary
- Passenger Insurance
- NPR 3000 per person National Park fees — to be paid locally in the mountain
- NPR 3000 Local government tax
- Airport Tax NPR 500 per person — to be paid at the Kathmandu Airport
- Airport Tax NPR 400 per person — to be paid at the Lukla Airport
What is not included?
- International Air Ticketing
- Nepal Visa Fee
- Gratuities: Tips for drivers or flight staff are not covered and are left to the discretion of the guests.
Trip Information
Best Season for Everest Helicopter Tour
Almost in every season, this flight-seeing is organized depending on the weather of that day. Usually, in the morning, the views are clear, so our itinerary is designed that way. We recommend Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (October, November, and December) for the best views.
Rather, if you would like the snow, then winter is great — just be well-prepared. Otherwise, we don’t especially recommend the Monsoon season, because the heavy rainfall and unpredictable weather can cause a long delay for the tour, and even after starting the tour, we can face difficulties due to lightning and views being hidden by clouds.
In case a flight gets canceled due to weather conditions, you get a full refund. Your deposit is always 100% safe.
Safety & Requirements:
Since the tour reaches extreme altitudes (5,545m/17,225ft at Kala Patthar), passengers should be aware of altitude sickness risks.
Weight Restrictions:
The total weight limit from Kathmandu to Lukla is 500 kg, and above 4,000 meters (typically from Pheriche), it drops down to 250 kg. So, kindly mention your accurate weight while booking. We manage to arrange the facility according to the guidelines.
Age Restrictions:
Suitable for all ages, but children under 2 fly free (on lap).
Preparation Tips
Bring a warm jacket (winter is -10 degree Celsius, summer is 0 degree Celsius only) and trousers for the flight day. Informal shoes are fine.
We request you to bring gloves and sunglasses for more safety.
Our Precision-Crafted Everest Helicopter Tour Experiences
9N-ANA (AS350 B3e): Manufactured by Airbus, France, and powered by an Arriel 2D engine, this model boasts a passenger capacity of 5+1 and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,250 KG. You can soar to a maximum altitude of 23,000 FT.
9N-ALA (AS350 B3e): Another Airbus creation, this model is equipped with an Arriel 2D engine, accommodating 5+1 passengers with a maximum takeoff weight of 2,250 KG. Experience breathtaking altitudes of up to 23,000 FT.
9N-AJD (AS350 FX II): Manufactured by Airbus, France, and powered by an LTS–101 700D2 engine, this helicopter accommodates 5+1 passengers with a maximum takeoff weight of 2,250 KG. Cruise comfortably at altitudes up to 16,000 FT.
9N-AFQ (AS350 FX II): Another member of the Airbus family, this model is powered by an LTS–101 700D2 engine and accommodates 5+1 passengers with a maximum takeoff weight of 2,250 KG. Reach a safe and reliable altitude ceiling of 16,000 FT.
9N-AGU (AS350 BA): Manufactured by Airbus, France, and powered by an Arriel 1B engine, this model offers a passenger capacity of 5+1 and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,100 KG. Fly confidently up to an altitude of 16,000 FT.
All belonging to the renowned AS350 Series, our helicopters prioritize reliability and safety. Perfect for small groups with a capacity of 5+1 passengers, these models ensure a comfortable and unforgettable Sharing Everest Helicopter Tour with Kalapatthar Landing.
Note on High Altitude Flights:
While our helicopters support up to 5+1 passengers at lower elevations, above 4,000 meters (especially from Pheriche to Kala Patthar/Everest Base Camp), weight limits are strictly reduced due to air density.
In such sections, flights are conducted in shuttle mode, usually carrying 2–3 passengers per flight depending on total body weight.
Reservation Requirements:
We recommend to book at least 7 days before your flight-seeing day with a minimum 30% down payment of the total cost. With that, please provide us a copy of your passport and bring one with you on the ride.
And importantly, take 1 or 2 buffer days depending on the season in case the weather worsens.
If you have any other requirements rather than mentioned, then directly reach us at: [email protected] or contact us at: +977 9764792172.
Experience the extraordinary. Witness the impossible. Create memories that will last forever.
Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we strive to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all our passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total duration of the tour is around 4 to 5 hours, including landing times at Lukla, Kalapatthar and Syangboche (Hotel Everest View). The actual flight time may vary slightly based on weather and air traffic conditions.
Due to the terrain and safety regulations, helicopters do not land at the actual Everest Base Camp. Instead, we land at Kalapatthar (5,250m), which offers the best panoramic view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks — far better than what you’d see from EBC.
At lower altitudes, each helicopter can carry up to 5 passengers + 1 pilot.
However, above 4,000m, due to weight restrictions, the flight is operated in shuttle mode — usually carrying 2 to 3 passengers at a time from Pheriche to Kalapatthar.
The best seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to December) for clear skies and great visibility. Winter is also beautiful if you want to see snow — just be prepared for cold. Monsoon season (June to September) is not recommended due to unpredictable weather.
Yes, safety is our top priority. We use well-maintained Airbus helicopters from the AS350 series, piloted by highly experienced captains with deep knowledge of the Himalayan weather and terrain. We also cancel or delay flights if weather conditions are not safe.
Altitude sickness is rare but possible due to the high landing point at Kalapatthar (5,250m). Since the landing is brief (10–15 minutes), most passengers feel fine. We always monitor guests closely and keep oxygen support on board as a precaution.
If the flight gets canceled due to bad weather, you will receive a 100% refund of your deposit. You can also reschedule your flight for another day based on availability.
Dress in warm, layered clothing with a windproof jacket, thermal innerwear, gloves, sunglasses, and a beanie. Footwear should be comfortable and closed-toe. Temperatures at high altitude can drop to -10°C in winter.
We are transparent with our pricing. However, please note:
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NPR 3,000 – National Park fee (paid locally in the mountains)
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NPR 3,000 – Local government tax
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NPR 500 – Kathmandu airport tax
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NPR 400 – Lukla airport tax
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USD 31 – Optional breakfast at Hotel Everest View
We recommend booking at least 7 days in advance with a 30% deposit to secure your spot. Also, plan for 1 or 2 buffer days in case the weather delays the flight.
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