6:30 AM – Pickup from Hotel and Transfer to Kathmandu Airport
Your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Summit Nepal Adventure begins early in the morning. A representative will pick you up from your hotel at 6:30 AM and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. The excitement will build as you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
7:00 AM – Helicopter Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
By 7:00 AM, you will board a private helicopter for your flight to Lukla (2,860 meters / 9,383 feet), the gateway to the Everest region. During the flight, you’ll be treated to incredible aerial views of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur, and the Nagarkot village. As you ascend towards the towering Himalayan peaks, the scenery becomes more breathtaking, with lush hills gradually giving way to snow-capped mountains.
The helicopter flight to Lukla takes around 30-40 minutes, and upon arrival, the helicopter will land for refueling and a brief stopover.
8:00 AM – Refueling Stop at Lukla
After landing in Lukla, the helicopter will undergo a quick refueling stop, as Lukla is the final refueling station before heading into the high Himalayas. This stop lasts for about 10-15 minutes, providing you with a moment to stretch your legs and take in the fresh mountain air. Lukla, known for its famous runway, is a unique and exciting location, perched high on the mountainside.
8:15 AM – Helicopter Flight from Lukla to Everest Base Camp
After refueling, the helicopter will take off and begin its journey to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters / 17,598 feet). On this leg of the flight, you’ll soar over the iconic Khumbu Icefall and get a first-hand look at the rugged terrain leading up to the base of Mount Everest. The aerial views are unmatched, offering you an up-close perspective of Mount Everest (8,848 meters / 29,029 feet), Lhotse (8,516 meters / 27,940 feet), Makalu (8,485 meters / 27,838 feet), and other neighboring peaks.
8:40 AM – Landing at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kalapatthar (5,550 m)
The helicopter will land at Kala Patthar, one of the most famous viewpoints on the Everest trek, at an altitude of 5,550 meters (18,209 feet). Here, you will be able to step out of the helicopter and experience the unparalleled views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding Himalayan range. This stop offers ample opportunity to take photographs, marvel at the vastness of the landscape, and breathe in the fresh mountain air at one of the highest points on earth.
The base camp is visible below, and you can get a closer look at the world’s most famous base camp from the air. Spend around 10-15 minutes at Kala Patthar for photos and sightseeing before heading to your next stop.
9:00 AM – Fly to Everest View Hotel for Breakfast
After experiencing the magnificence of Everest and its neighboring peaks, the helicopter will fly to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 meters / 12,730 feet), one of the highest hotels in the world. Here, you can enjoy a hot breakfast while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel offers a warm, cozy atmosphere, and the food is a great way to rejuvenate after a thrilling flight. The breakfast stop will last approximately 20–30 minutes, allowing you to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
9:30 AM – Fly Back to Lukla
After breakfast, the helicopter will fly back to Lukla, where you will stop again for refueling. The flight offers more breathtaking aerial views of the Khumbu region, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and villages.
10:00 AM – Refueling Stop at Lukla
The helicopter will make another brief refueling stop in Lukla. This stop lasts about 10–15 minutes, giving you another chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the mountain air before heading back to Kathmandu.
10:15 AM – Helicopter Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
The final leg of your journey will take you back to Kathmandu. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is a scenic return journey that lasts about 30–40 minutes. As you descend from the Himalayas, you’ll enjoy views of the lush, green hills and terraced farmlands of the Kathmandu Valley before landing back at Tribhuvan International Airport.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Arrive Back at Your Hotel
After landing in Kathmandu, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you will arrive by 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, depending on weather conditions and the duration of the flight.
End of the Tour
Your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Summit Nepal Adventure will leave you with unforgettable memories of the highest peaks on earth. The entire journey will take around 3 to 4 hours (including the refueling and sightseeing stops), and you’ll be back in your hotel by mid-morning, with the rest of the day to relax or explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu.
Note:
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a luxury, time-efficient way to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Instead of trekking for days, this helicopter tour offers you the opportunity to reach Everest Base Camp in just a few hours, providing unparalleled views of the world's highest mountain. Starting from Kathmandu, you’ll fly to Lukla, and then continue directly to Everest Base Camp, with a brief stop to take in the breathtaking views from Kala Patthar (a famous viewpoint for Everest). The tour includes a stop at Hotel Everest View for a warm breakfast or lunch, offering a chance to savor the view and capture some incredible photos. Summit Nepal Adventure offers this exciting tour for those who want to experience Everest’s grandeur without the long trek.
The tour typically lasts around 4 to 5 hours in total. The helicopter flight itself takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way. From Kathmandu, you’ll fly to Lukla, then continue to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, with a brief stop at Hotel Everest View. After spending a few minutes at base camp or Kala Patthar, the helicopter will take you back to Lukla, and then you’ll return to Kathmandu. While the journey is swift, it’s packed with incredible views that make every minute unforgettable.
No, physical fitness is not a requirement for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. As this is a helicopter ride, there is no strenuous physical activity involved. However, you will be flying at high altitudes, and it’s recommended to be in good health, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. If you’re unsure, we always recommend speaking with your doctor before booking. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures that your safety is our top priority, and we’ll advise you if any health precautions are necessary.
Altitude sickness is typically not a concern on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour since the time spent at high altitudes is limited, and the tour involves flying rather than trekking. However, it’s important to be aware that the helicopter stops at elevations of 5,364 meters (Kala Patthar) and 5,380 meters (Everest Base Camp). The short duration at these altitudes doesn’t allow your body to adjust, so there is a very minimal risk. Summit Nepal Adventure monitors all passengers' well-being and ensures proper precautions are taken, but it’s advisable to avoid the tour if you have severe altitude sickness issues or respiratory problems.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour package includes a round-trip helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, with stops at Lukla, Kala Patthar, and Everest Base Camp itself. It also includes a brief stop at the famous Hotel Everest View for a meal. All necessary permits (such as the Sagarmatha National Park permit) and experienced pilot services are also included. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a comfortable and secure experience, ensuring that you have everything needed for an unforgettable journey to Everest.
We use a high-end, modern helicopter for this tour, typically a Eurocopter AS350 or B3 model, which is known for its reliability, safety, and comfort at high altitudes. These helicopters are spacious, allowing for up to 5 passengers (depending on weight and weather conditions). The design of the helicopter ensures smooth and safe flight, and you'll have a great view from your seat thanks to large windows.
The best times to take the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is stable, and the skies are usually clear, offering the best possible visibility of the mountain range. Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy, and some weather conditions can make flying challenging. The summer monsoon season (June to August) is generally avoided due to the high likelihood of cloudy weather and rain, which could obscure the views.
Yes, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is very safe. Summit Nepal Adventure only works with experienced, certified pilots who have extensive flying experience in the Himalayan region. The helicopters we use are regularly maintained to the highest safety standards, and weather conditions are carefully monitored before every flight. Additionally, the tour is designed to minimize the time spent at high altitudes, which helps reduce the risks associated with altitude sickness. We prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the entire experience.
Since the helicopter tour is relatively short, you don’t need to bring much. However, it’s important to dress warmly, as the weather at high altitudes can be cold, even if it’s warm in Kathmandu. We recommend wearing a warm jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views! Summit Nepal Adventure also provides you with a checklist and further advice upon booking.
Booking the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Summit Nepal Adventure is simple. You can visit our website and make an online booking, contact us via email, or give us a call to arrange the tour. We recommend booking well in advance, particularly during peak seasons, as spots can fill up quickly. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide you with all the necessary details, including a pre-tour briefing and instructions on what to expect.
Summit Nepal Adventure offers the most reliable and personalized service for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. We have a team of highly experienced professionals, from expert pilots to trekking guides, who are dedicated to ensuring you have a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. We take pride in our customer satisfaction, offering you top-notch service, clear communication, and attention to detail. Whether you're looking to experience Everest’s grandeur in style or are short on time but still want to see the world’s highest peak up close, Summit Nepal Adventure is your trusted partner for the journey.
