Mt Everest helicopter tour is the ideal opportunity to see Mount Everest and surrounding mountains up close and has breakfast with Mount Aba Dablam, Lhotse, Taboche, and Everest in the background. The Helicopter Tour is a 3-4 hour tour suitable for all levels of travelers. The Tour is a luxurious way to the Himalayas to collect mesmerizing views of stunning mountains like Mount Everest, Amadablam, Pumori, Cho Oyu, and more.
There are helicopter flights over Everest for all tastes: from those that last one hour and only include a route bordering the area to those that take 4 hours and land at various base camps on the mountain, including excursions through the mountain and visits to enclaves such as Lukla, Syangboche or Pokhara. The journey begins at Kathmandu Airport domestic terminal. Your experienced pilot will steer the helicopter east, flying parallel to the Himalayan mountain range while providing commentary on the snowy landscape along the way.
Your first landing is at Lukla, the gateway to Mount Everest, where your scenic helicopter tour will truly begin. After a stop to refuel, climb into the mountains for an incredible scenic adventure and take in the magnificent views as you fly over the mighty Himalayas.
Next, you will land at Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and spend approximately 10 minutes on dry land, admiring the majestic mountain as the propellers continue to spin. From there, fly to Syangboche Airfield, an unpaved stretch that serves the village of Namche Bazar, located at an altitude of 3,750 meters.
On-site, enjoy a complimentary breakfast during your 30 to 45-minute time ashore. Marvel at the beautiful aerial views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas from Syangboche as you sip your hot coffee in the crisp mountain air. Finally, return to Lukla to refuel before returning to Kathmandu, where you will land at the airport before being dropped off at your hotel.
Which Season Is Best For Helicopter Tour In Everest?
An Everest helicopter tour can be done throughout the year; however, if you want to have clear visibility and no unexpected weather incidents, the spring season from March to May and the autumn season from September to early December is the best time. During these seasons, you can appreciate the mountain’s glory and grandeur.
Try to avoid the monsoon season from June to August as most of the time; the Himalayas will play hide and seek with the clouds. The winter season from late December to early February is also a good time but not the best time for the tour.
You have to endure cold temperatures, wind, and heavy snowfall. Landing Options During the Everest helicopter tour, you will land at three places besides Tribhuvan International airport.
The first landing will be at one of the most dangerous airports in the world, Lukla airport or Tenzing-Hilary airport. It is located at 2860 m above sea level. From Kathmandu, it will take about 40 minutes to reach Lukla. A 10-minute landing for refueling will give you the opportunity to enjoy the imposing Himalayas and emerald hills that cast a shadow over the village.
The second landing will be at Kala Patthar, located at the height of 5555m. A 15- minute recess will be an ideal break to see Pumori Everest with your eyes and capture the marvelous views in your camera to relive the moment in your home.
The third landing will be at Syangboche airfield for 15 minutes. You will dine at the highest-located hotel in the world- Hotel Everest View. The hotel is located In Namche at 3380 m.
Related article: Best time for Everest base camp
Everest Heli Tour Cost
The price of this experience varies greatly depending on the route, the activities that are included, the number of people flying private or in a group, and the duration. It all depends on what kind of experience you want to have on your flight over Everest.
However, on average, if you are touring in a group, it will cost you $999 per person, and if you want to travel around in private, it will cost you $3650 per person.
The price includes all government tax, sightseeing and itinerary, and passenger insurance. The airport tax you have to pay is $2 per person. With an additional payment of $30, you also can have access to the mesmerizing Everest National Park. The other cost you have to bear yourself includes a charge for Nepal Visa.
Since the Everest Heli tour can be completed within a day, and if it is the only focal destination of your Nepal tour, you can issue a 15-day Nepal tourist Visa for $30. However, with a tariff of $50 per person, you can stay 30 days in Nepal and apprise yourself of the tradition of Nepal.
Though it is a short tour, perfectly safe and pleasant, you must be armed with travel and health insurance, especially if you are taking a tour with your family and friends. At the price of $150-$200 per person for a 30-day time period, you can have the utmost assurance of your well-being.
No permit is required for this tour; another advantage is a hassle-free, comfortable and luxurious excursion. You don’t need a guide or porter for the journey, as the captain will provide you with detailed information and instruction as you fly through the charming vision of the Himalayas.
A 10-minute recess at Everest View Hotel, Syangboche will give you an opportunity to have tea, coffee, or a hearty breakfast at $25 per person with a solemn view of mountains and landscapes.
Itinerary for Everest Heli Tour
First thing in the morning, you will head to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International airport, where your departing helicopter is ready. You will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla airport; a brief stop for refueling will give you a moment to admire the beautiful forest landscape of Nepal and closely contemplate the highest peaks on the planet.
You will then fly over the Khumbu Valley, the best-known part of the Himalayas, from where you can see the famous Everest peak, Mount Pumori, Mount Nuptse, and Mount Lhotse. After an overwhelming 25 minutes, you will arrive at the Everest base camp. You will land at the altitude of 5545 m of Kala Patthar, where the views of Everest are even more spectacular.
You will have about 15 minutes to immortalize this magical moment. If you are lucky, you will be able to meet some yaks and take photos with this animal, the most emblematic of Nepal. You will get back on the helicopter and head to the Everest View Hotel at Syangboche.
In this idyllic place, you can have breakfast contemplating the world’s roof or simply enjoy the natural surroundings for about 15 minutes. Finally, you will return to the helicopter to return to the Kathmandu airport, from where you go back to the hotel.
Related article:
