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 you are traveling in a private group, we can arrange a fully customized trip based on your preferences, group size, and travel dates, available any day you choose.
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
Breakfast in Everest View Lodge
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:
NPR 3,000 – National Park fee (paid locally in the mountains)
NPR 3,000 – Local government tax
NPR 500 – Kathmandu airport tax
NPR 400 – Lukla airport tax
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.
Epic
We used Epic Treks Nepal to organize our trekking adventure in Nepal. Our original plan was to trek in the Manaslu region, but unfortunately, the weather had other plans. The agency quickly arranged an alternative trek in the beautiful Nar Phu Valley, which turned out to be an amazing experience. Throughout the entire trek, we felt well taken care of and safe. Epic Treks Nepal was flexible, professional and always open to our suggestions and ideas. We can wholeheartedly recommend this agency! If you're planning a trekking adventure in Nepal, don't hesitate to trust them with your trip. Highly recommended – thank you for an unforgettable experience!
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Dominika k
Verified
Trustworthy and kind
We really loved our experience working with Epic Trek. They are kind and professional without being overly pushy. They helped us plan our trek in the Everest region as well as a trip to Pokhara. There are so many tour guide companies to work with but we would absolutely choose Epic Trek again.
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Kathryn M
Verified
Annapurna circuit trek
I booked the Annapurna Circuit trek with this agency and had an amazing experience! The pre-hike communication was exceptional. I had a ton of questions and they answered everything quickly. They even met me warmly at the airport. My guide, Balkrishna, was incredible and went out of his way to make the trek memorable - I highly recommend him! The agency was incredibly flexible, adapting all transportation seamlessly to my needs. To top it off, their goodbye was just as warm as their welcome, ensuring I got to airport security safely. Highly satisfied with their services!
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Adventurer818487
Verified
Amazing experience with great service
Had my whole 3-week solo trip to Nepal organized by Epic Treks Nepal - safari at Chitwan, hotel stay in Kathmandu and the main reason for my trip, Manaslu Circuit Trek. Everything was arranged great, I got the support I needed even before the trip and during it. Also airport pick-up and drop-off was arranged. The cake at my birthday at the teahouse while trekking was a lovely surprise! My trekking guide Dinesh was amazing, took such a good care of me 24/7! Could not been happier with the experience. Great service from day one, wonderful people. Also great value for the money. Pretty sure I will do another trip with the company.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Silja O
Verified
EBC trek
Bhanu helped me with arranging everything I needed (even renting quality hiking gear for a very low price) for the EBC trek. We stayed in touch during the trek in case I needed anything and thus everything went smoothly. I can recommend booking a trek with this company (or just jeeprides and gear which I did) to everyone
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Daan d
Verified
Great value and service for your money
We did want a jeepsafari and a jungle walk in Chitwan. We booked it by Epic Track Nepal: what a great service: the arranged evening for us, we had to go by place, because of the landslides, that was proceed by them. The resort where we did stay was Perfect and the wildlife we did see was awesome. The guides were really nice: we would recommend Epic Track Nepal.
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Michel S
Verified
Nepal
I had a fun trip on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, which was my first visit. Although I couldn't reach the summit during the monsoon after 13 years, I made good memories.
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Trail54308798703
Verified
Perfect KTM day tour
I had a wonderful experience with Epic trek for my Kathmandu day tour, and our group was genuinely satisfied with the entire service from beginning to end. Everything was very well organized, and the communication before and during the tour was clear and professional. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and very attentive, and he explained the history, culture, and significance of each place in a way that made the experience much more interesting and enjoyable. The itinerary was also well planned, so we were able to visit the main attractions without feeling rushed, while still having enough time to explore and take photos. I especially appreciated how flexible and accommodating the team was whenever we had questions or needed a little extra time at a certain location. The transportation was comfortable, the schedule was managed efficiently, and overall the whole day felt smooth and stress-free. It was a great way to experience Kathmandu in a short amount of time, and I felt that the service was well worth the price. I would definitely recommend this tour company to anyone visiting Kathmandu, especially if you want a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable day tour with a friendly and professional team. I would be very happy to use their service again in the future!
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Sora
Verified
Once in a life time experience in Annapurna Circuit trek
I had an amazing experience on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Epic Trek gave me such a memorable adventure from start to finish. I especially want to thank the Bhanubhakta, who accompanied me throughout the entire trek. He was incredibly helpful, kind, and always made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. I truly appreciate his support and highly recommend Epic Trek to anyone planning a trekking adventure in Nepal!
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Quoc Huy N
Verified
Everest base camp trek in good hands
Awesome experience. They were very knowledgeable people about the paths, the altitude adaptation and the best pace to keep. They were always nice and accommodating to my needs. It's been one of the best experiences in my life. I fully recommend it.
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Andrés S
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