The flight is mainly land at Kala Patthar, it is quite hard to land in base cam so we see the view from the flight. as mentioned above the flight will stop at various places. Firstly Everest base camp helicopter tour lands at Lukla airport for refueling, then it lands at Kala Patthar from where you will get the panoramic view of Mount Everest, and from there the flight lands at Everest base camp. Sometimes there might be difficulty in landing the flight at Everest base camp because of a landslide.
It is completely normal that sometimes due to extreme cold weather and high altitude people do not get enough oxygen on the tour. But you should not panic because there will be an adequate amount of oxygen in the helicopter. In the time of need, the pilot will maintain the oxygen at a high elevation. Along with oxygen mediation kits are also available on an Everest base camp helicopter tour for emergencies.
Can children and older people do Everest base camp helicopter tours?
Yes, children and older people can do the Everest base camp helicopter tour. This tour is especially for the people who are not able to trek Everest base camp. There are not many criteria for this tour as long as you are physically and mentally fit.
Yes, pilots are well trained. Pilots play a vital role during this tour. Sometimes pilots also act as your guide. Pilots during this trek are registered and well experienced so, don’t worry you will be safe.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing at Kalapatthar
Overview
Everest base camp trek has always been on the top of the bucket list of every travel geek. This is a striking trek that takes you through the glorious Khumbu region. Everest base camp trek is a paradise trek that lies, between the giant mountain peaks. Usually, it takes about 15 to 18 days for the Everest base camp trek where you can avail yourself of the marvelous views of the mountains.
The remote villages and welcoming people are other major highlights of this trek. There are various ways of getting to the Everest base camp, where the Everest base camp helicopter tour is getting a lot of popularity. The helicopter trek to Everest base camp is a one-day tour that includes landing at the famous Kalapatthar. Kalapatthar is also the highest point of this trek lies at the altitude of 5545 meters from sea level.
The major highlight of the Everest base camp is the infamous Tengboche monastery. You must not overlook this monastery. On the helicopter trek, you can have a stopover at Tengboche whereas on the trek you will reach there by the fourth day of your trekking. Here you can roam around the local markets, pray inside the monastery and listen to the chant of the lamas.
This will be a great religious moment not just for the Buddhists but also for the local travelers since it is not possible to directly reach Everest base camp via helicopter, so you can get the up side down view of the monastery. Another landing point for a helicopter is the popular Namche Bazar.
As mentioned above Namche Bazar is the trading hub in the Everest region. The trekkers reach Namche bazar on the second day with a hike from Lukla to Namche. Here you can observe the local lifestyle of the people living there. You can extend your trek to remote villages like Khunde, or Khumjung if you wish.
How to get there?
Although the helicopter trek to EBC is short surely you will get to know more about the place. The trek starts with the flight from Kathmandu, which leads towards the eastern Nagarkot side. The view of high hills and lush valleys from the sky is truly exhilarating. In addition to this, you can get an aerial view of the entire Kathmandu and nearby cities. Enjoying the amazing scenery you will reach Lukla, where you will have a break of 15 minutes to refuel the helicopter and do some technical analysis.
From Lukla, you will get to encounter the realistic side of the mountains. It is the entry point of most of the treks in the Khumbu region. Lukla is also referred to as the tensing Hillary airport which is named after the legends sir Edmund Hillary and tensing Norgay Sherpa. Flight from Lukla can be a little terrifying sometimes due to high snow-capped mountains everywhere.
Sagarmatha national park is another exciting part of this trek. you can encounter rare Himalayan animals like red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, marten, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), and over 118 species of bird including the Impeyan pheasant, snow cock, blood pheasant and red-billed cough. there is a small airstrip on the trail that offers a landing for the helicopter.
As you move further the views of the Himalayas get better. Generally from Namche Bazar, your actual trek to Everest base camp starts. Thus, most people refer to it as the ‘Gateway to Everest’. Namche bazaar is a brilliant isolated village, with Sherpas and Gurungs living their traditional lie. This place is also known as the economic hub, people used to trade goods between Nepal and Tibet.
Mountain view from Everest view hotel
On this ride , you will be flying just above the Everest base camp crossing the Khumbu glacier. Mount Everest is quite distinguishable surrounded by other high mountains. If you are keen to enjoy the scenery then this trek is perfect for you. The well-known Kalapatthar is often referred to as a photographer’s paradise as it is the best viewpoint of Mount Everest.
The drawback of the Everest base camp trek you will barely see the sight of Mount Everest behind other mountains. But during the heli tour, you will get the spectacular 360-degree panorama of Everest. Besides this, you will get a magical view of high mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Khumbutse, Changtse, and Pumori.
The base camp itself is the last stop of this trek. The nearby Syangboche is the perfect place to learn the culture and traditions of the locals. Everest view hotel offers a unique experience with delicious food and a breathtaking view of the highest peak.
During the ride, you will get a 360-degree glance of all mountains, where mount Ama Dablam will instantly catch your eyes. Furthermore, you will get a crystal clear view so other Himalayan peaks like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, and Kwangde. Syangboche and Tengboche are the Sherpa villages, you must visit on this tour.
Syangboche is the prominent place from where you can get a superb vista of the entire Everest range. Whereas, in Tengboche, you can explore the oldest monastery “Tengboche monastery” in the world. In addition to this, Gorakshep, Khumbu glacier and Kalapatthar top are some exciting parts of this trek.
Everest base camp is situated 5,380 meters below the Khumbu icefall. And this is the favorite trekking destination for adventure lovers across the world. During this tour, you will get the landing for around 10 to 15 minutes at the foothills of the highest peak and encounter the grandeur and magnificence around. The view and the peaceful surrounding will offer a different type of energy. High mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and other mountains surround the base camp.
The highlight of the helicopter tour to Everest base camp
- Reach the highest viewpoint – Kalapatthar
Kalapatthar is the highest point on this trek and the view of the mountains is just magical. Kalapatthar is situated at an altitude of 5644.5 meters from sea level. Kalapatthar is the best view as you can gaze at the crystal clear views of the high mountains including Mount Everest. Along with this, you can observe the Mahalangur Himalayan range closely.
- Flyover to Everest base camp by helicopter
The name of the tour “Everest base camp helicopter tour” itself apprises the highlight of the tour. During this tour, you will get an aerial view of the entire Khumbu region. Everest base camp will easily catch the eye of people due to its unique surrounding.
The aerial view of the averse base camp is extremely satisfying. A helicopter tour to Everest base camp is the safest option if you are just curious about the views. Along with the Himalayas, the aerial view of Kathmandu valley is also quite amazing. You can easily notice temples and monasteries from the sky.
- Encounter the remarkable mountain glories
Everest base camp is a masterpiece and jewel of Nepal. It is the dream of every adventure geek to get a glance at the world’s highest peak. Along with this, you will get a close view of the mountains like Ama Dablam (6812 meters), Nuptse (7861 meters), Mt. Lhotse (8516 meters), Cho-Oyu (8188 meters), Gaurishankar (7134 meters), Makalu (8463 meters), and many more. You can view these snowy mountains both from the sky and the landing spot.
- Landing at one of the most dangerous airport- Lukla airport
Talking about the adventures, Lukla airport is the most adventurous airport in the world. Lukla airport is also the most terrifying airport as it is situated at an altitude of 2860 meters from sea level. The slippery track, encompassing green hills and a cluster of settlements adds more difficulty to this trek. Although the flight is slightly scary, the experience is worth it.
- Breakfast at the highest placed hotel in the world
The well-known Everest view hotel holds the Guinness world record as the highest altitude hotel in the world. This hotel lies at an altitude of 3880 meters from sea level. This hotel is a paradise in itself as it is based on the theme of nature and arts. The talented artists Takashi Miyahara and Yoshinoby Kumagaya of japan designed this hotel.
This hotel was established in 1971 since then it has been a prominent point for Everest travelers. People can try new cuisine with a touch of the Himalayas along with the view of the tallest mountain in the world closely. Your eyes will be blessed to see the scenery of snow-capped mountains all over.
- 99% visibility level
The cons of a helicopter tour to Everest is, that you can do this trek all time of the year if the weather remains fine. This tour provides a clear view of the mountains. The visibility can be sometimes affected by the climatic condition of the place. However, the helicopter takes off only in the climatic situation is good enough for the pilot and the travelers to view the trip.
So 99 percent of the time you will get clear views of the mountains. Where 1 percent is for the situation when you start your trip and the weather changes in the middle, which is very rare. Helicopter tours to Everest provide the mountains, hills, settlement area and terrace farmlands, and so on.
Everest base camp trek versus Everest base camp helicopter tour
Although the final destination of both of these tours is the same but itinerary of the Everest base camp helicopter tour and the actual trek are very different. During the heli tour to Everest base camp, you will complete the entire tour on a helicopter within a day. A maximum of 5 people can fly on a plane once. The Heli tour to EBC is a short trek and can be completed within four to five hours.
This is the easiest way to reach base camp effortlessly. Along with the aerial view of high mountains, you can gaze at the magnificent view of Kathmandu valley. You do not need to have any physical fitness instead, anyone with good health can do this trek. Heli tour to Everest base camp is a 100% safe tour because it files only in the suitable weather of the Khumbu region.
Talking about the Everest base camp trek, you need to do a minimum of 12 days with 4 to 5 hours of trekking daily. You will need to have a long vacation as sometimes you may need to extend your trek because of exceptional circumstances. The trek offers an amazing experience of interacting and meeting other fellow trekkers as well as the locals. You can get into the real side of the Himalayas on this trek.
When it comes to the comparison between these two treks, both are equally important on their own easy. Both of these treks have their pros and cons. While trekking to Everest base camp you will have a small flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains.
Whereas with a helicopter tour you will complete the entire trek enjoying the aerial view with few landing stations. With the actual trekking, you can pass through the Lukla and enjoy the amusing trail but with the helicopter tour, you will only get the visuals of the Lukla with no physical intactness.
More about helicopter tour
- Perfect tour for all age-group
The Everest base camp helicopter tour is the most achievable in the Everest region. This tour is suitable for all age groups of people starting from a minor to the elderly. This is the easiest way to reach Everest base camp where you have to get bored on the helicopter and fly over. Differently abled people and other people who want to visit the base camp but cannot due to physical weakness do this trek. Having said that, we strongly recommend you have a proper health check-up before the tour.
- Time-friendly and cost-effective
It takes about 15 to 20 days of trekking to reach the Everest base camp. But by the helicopter tour, you can complete this entire tour within a day making it the shortest trek in the Khumbu region. However this doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the tour thoroughly, the itinerary is designed in such a way that you cover the entire trek.
Moreover, the costs mentioned on the trip are very reasonable and cheap in comparison to other treks. The cost of food and accommodation can be saved during this trek. So more people are getting attracted to this trek. The cost might increase if you plan to stay there longer or extend your trip.
- Fully customizable itinerary
Although the helicopter trek to Everest base camp is a short trek you need to have a full itinerary of how much time you spend in a place. Above the Himalayas offers a fully customizable itinerary, which means you can make any kind of modification to the itinerary as you like.
For instance, you can have any pickup and drop-off point like Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Pangboche, Dingboche, Tengboche, and Gorakshep. Also if you wish you can extend your trip further toward Annapurna base camp and other Himalayan treks. If you wish to customize the itinerary then you should inform us about your plans. The cost may increase or decrease according to your pick-up and drop-off points.
- Group joining Everest base camp helicopter tour
A helicopter tour to Everest base camp is a suitable tour as you can even join the trekking group if you want. Generally, a helicopter can carry 3 to 4 passengers at a time so, you can join the trekking group. This is one of the ways to reduce your cost and have company for the trekking. Most trekkers love to trek with fellow travelers. A helicopter tour is quite common so if you wish to join the group then you have to let us know prior.
- Private Everest helicopter tour
Private Everest helicopter tour means the tour where you can have your private group. If you are an introvert and want to explore the trek by yourself then you can take a private tour. It is better to enjoy the majestic movement of your life with someone you know rather than some stranger.
So Most people tend to bring friends, family, or relatives during this trek to spend some special occasions like birthday celebrations, anniversaries, love proposals, and diverse occasions. A Private Everest helicopter tour can be a bit expensive in comparison to joining the group. Nowadays, after the unexpected covid-19 breakout, people prefer private tours by helicopter as you can skip contact with the outer person.
Everest base camp helicopter tour options
- Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
Above the Himalayan provide many services on the helicopter tour to Everest base camp. You can take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which goes through the numerous stunning trekking region. On this scenic flight, you will get to gaze around the Kathmandu valley from the sky.
You will have to land at Lukla and from there you will have another flight to the base camp. Most people prefer taking a flight from Kathmandu as there is comparatively less chance to cancel the flight. Remember that a helicopter can carry only up to 500 kg to Lukla. The maximum time for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is 30 minutes normally.
- Helicopter flight from EBC to Lukla
This is the combination of both the Everest base camp trek and helicopter tour to EBC. During this tour, you will get to explore the pleasant walk as well as the luxurious helicopter ride. This trek is ideal for trekkers who are dreaming to visit Everest base camp but do not have enough time to hike.
We will take you to the base camp in a short time and make your tour successful. Moreover, the people who have already trekked to the base camp can explore the alternative route.
During this trek first, you will have to trek to EBC which takes about 6 to 7 days. Once you enjoy the paranormal surround of the base camp and Kala Patthar, you will have to return to Gorakshep for the heli ride to Lukla. This is a short ride where you will get a flashback of your trek from the sky. The flight from Lukla to Gorakshep takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will be delighted because of the view of high snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes, glaciers, green landscapes, and the remote villages on the flight.
- Helicopter flight from Lukla to Kala Patthar
This is yet another option for a helicopter trek to Everest base camp. For this, you will have to reach either by trek or by flight from Kathmandu. Then from Lukla, you will have a thrilling flight to the vintage point Kala Patthar. We all know that Kala Patthar proved the best view of Mount Everest.
From there you can get a crystal clear view of the northern face of the mountains. The helicopter will land in Kala Patthar for half an hour and takes you back to Lukla airport. The flight from Lukla to kalapthhar is approximately 15 to 20 minutes and you will get mesmerizing bird’s eye view of the mountain.
- Helicopter flight from EBC to Kathmandu
This route saves you precious time in Nepal once you enjoy the trek to Everest base camp. Trekking in the Khumbu region is an adventure in itself with remote villages and challenging adventures. After you enjoy the trekking trail and local life you can choose a helicopter flight while returning. During this mountain flight, you can get to witness the snow-capped mountains both from the ground as well as from the sky. If you are curious about what 8000-meter-high mountains look like from the sky then you should do this.
When is the Best time for the Everest base camp helicopter tour?
Although you can take this tour at any time of the year, it is important to understand the weather pattern of the Khumbu region when you are planning to trek. You must trek at a suitable time to ensure the most out of your time spent in this area. There are a few factors that you should take into account when you decide the time to do this trek. For instance the weather pattern, the business of the route, the availability of the guided tour, and the clear view.
- Spring (March-May)
Spring is probably the most popular time for trekking and hiking in Nepal. Spring falls from March to May, so you might be caught in the occasional snow showers in late February or winter. The weather during this time is quite dry and stable which is ideal for trekking at Everest base camp.
During this time you can get clear and undisturbed panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. In addition to this red blooming rhododendrons in the dense green forest and the adventurous trail that will take you through the gushing rivers.
- Autumn (Sept-Oct)
Autumn is yet another best time for a helicopter tour to Everest base camp. Autumn is the time of the post-monsoon season which starts from September to October. Most people tend to take helicopter rides during the autumn season so it is the peak season. If you are trekking to the base camp then you should book the hotels and lodges in advance.
The trail can be crowded but you can choose some other less well-known routes in the area. The days during this time are very clear and offer crystal clear views of the mountains. However, you should bring some warm clothes as colder days and nights can be expected. This is the small price to pay for wonderful views of the region’s peak.
- Monsoon (June-Aug)
Monsoon season starts from late June to early September, however, it is not an ideal time for Everest base camp helicopter tour. Yet people love the clean and silent surroundings. The wet weather can be a really big problem since rainfall can even cancel your tour sometime.
Aside from this, rainfalls can even lead to a landslide on the trails sometimes. Moreover, muddy trails and rainclouds can even obstruct the mountain views. Having said that, the temperature is just perfect for trekking and hiking. If you are going to explore Everest base camp during this season be prepared for the rain and don’t mind getting a bit wet along the way. Trekking in the monsoon season can be fine as the altitude increases, rainfall tends to decrease.
The views of the mountains will not be visible and the trail condition is not the safest. Still, weather can be predicted so, you can do research and do the ride on clear days instead.
- Winter (Nov-Jan)
The Winter season is another off-season to explore around the Everest base camp. It is not necessarily a bad time to trek during the Himalayan season but, the extremely cold weather can hamper your Everest base camp helicopter tour. If you are planning for this time then you should be well prepared for the cold condition. You can encounter the real side of the Himalayas during this season with a lot of snow and closed high passes.
Skies are the famous Himalayan sport in the winter season. The trail remains clear, so you can get the entire trail by yourself. You can get the breathtaking scenery of high mountains covered in a white dress of snow like a bride. The advantage of exploring during this season is the cost of tour and flight tends to drop a little bit low.
Frequently asked questions
- Why it’s not possible to land a helicopter on Everest?
Numerous reasons forbid pilots to fly the helicopter on the highest Everest. The main reason is, that the Himalayas are covered in thick snow thus, and the hurricane-force wind can obstruct the rotor system and enable it to work properly. The chilling temperature and the blizzard snowstorm that hit the mountains are extremely powerful to hamper the flight. Thus it can result in a crash sometimes.
It is nearly impossible to take a chopper at the height of 8,848 meters, as the air there contains very little oxygen. The extreme cold on Everest can cause altitude sickness, which makes climbers weak, and confused, and also can cause frostbite. The death zone on Everest starts from 8000 meters, and above Hillary’s step, the thin layer of air obstructs the helicopter to fly.
- What is the maximum height of Everest base camp helicopter tour?
Everest base camp helicopter tour starts from, Kathmandu which is located at an altitude of 1300 meters. The altitude gradually increases and reaches Lukla airport which is at the altitude of 2830 meters. The chopper will stop here for refueling and also for a passenger to adapt to the altitude.
After that, you will land on Kala Patthar which is at an elevation of 5545 meters, and Everest base camp which is at 5364 meters. during the end of your ride, the helicopter makes a round of mount Everest closely from approximately 6000 meters making it the highest point of this tour.
- What is the passenger’s weight limit?
Generally, the chopper has limited weight capacity. During the Everest base camp helicopter tour, there is a size seat where 5 seats are for passengers and 1 for the captain. The weight limit depends on altitude, so the passenger weight limit from Kathmandu to Lukla is 500kg. As the altitude increase the weight limit decrease, from Lukla to base camp is 250 kg. Due to this, you will have to run two shuttle flights from Lukla.
- How do I book an Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour Above the Himalaya?
This is indeed a good question, you will have to book your tour with a trekking company for this ride. It is an easy process to book a tour with our company. You can easily get information on our website and go to the Above the Himalayas booking page for a Everest base camp helicopter tour.
For booking with our company you need to provide a copy of a passport and additional personal information. For this tour especially, we will need your weight information as we need to arrange a shuttle trip with proper weight distribution.