Only Hearing the Everest base camp tour by helicopter sounds so fascinating. It is a high-altitude trip through the Sherpa country and brings you to the base of the world’s tallest peak Everest. Riding over the hilltop monasteries, Himalayan market towns, and craggy peaks is an extremely worthy activity. During the trip, you will be able to see the 360-degree views of the Khumbu region, which includes Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, etc. So, if you have a short vacation and looking for a luxury experience, then it is a unique way to see the Everest Region and all the main highlights.
Similarly, with high altitudes to endure and many ups and downs along the trail, trekking is not suitable for everyone. A long-distance high-altitude trek might not be a good idea if you are not physically or mentally strong. Therefore, a Helicopter ride to Everest base camp trip is the perfect alternative to 12 days Everest base camp trek package within a single itinerary. It is a day trip that takes 4 to 5 hours to complete the entire visit. Therefore, the Everest base camp helicopter ride is considered the most enchanting and luxurious trip all over the world.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
- Close-up view of Mount Everest
- Experience one of the most thrilling flights in the world
- Witness the Khumbu glacier and stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, including Lhotse (8516m/27940ft), Cho Oyu (8201m/26906ft), Nuptse (7861m/25791ft), Pumori (7161m/23494ft), and Ama Dablam (6812m/22349ft)
- Explore the renowned Sherpa culture of the Khumbu Region without any drop of sweat or lethargy
- Privilege landing at Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5545 meters
- Fly into the high-altitude Hilary Tenzing Airport at Lukla
- Get to fly in the Helicopter over the major places of the Everest region and catch an aerial view of the main trading city of Lukla, Tengboche, Everest Base Camp, and Namche within 4 hours.
- Delicious breakfast at one of the finest high-altitude hotels in the world, the Everest View Hotel
- Comfortable flight directly from Nepal’s Domestic Airport (Kathmandu) to the Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the mesmerizing Everest region views from the Helicopter
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Itinerary
As we have mentioned above, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour itinerary is almost three to four hours. During this four-hour, you will be able to see several snow-capped mountains, variations of landscapes, villages, and 360-degree views of the Khumbu region. Yes, the EBC tour via helicopter is an alternative activity to the Everest Base Camp Trek. To get more familiar with the place, please, go through the detailed itinerary below.
Day 01: Kathmandu – Everest (Kalapatthar) – Kathmandu Flight (4-5 hrs ride)
Maximum Altitude: 1300 meters
Firstly, the travel agent from whom you have booked the trip will pick you up from the Hotel where you have stayed and take you to the Domestic Airport in Kathmandu. After your arrival at the domestic airport, one representative will be there by the stand to assist you with the checking-in process. After checking your passport, you will get a boarding pass and be allowed to stay in the waiting room.
Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu (45 minutes/2,845 meters)
After getting the boarding pass and completing the formalities, you are now ready to have a flight to Lukla. Then the flight takes up. It takes almost 50 minutes to reach Lukla. It flies over the green hills in the beginning. It passes Dolakha and Jiri villages. Jiri is the traditional Everest base camp trek gateway. Lamjura La Pass is also located there.
Finally, the Heli rides take off at Lukla in front of beautiful mountain vistas.
Lands at Lukla Airport for fueling (15 minutes/2,845 meters)
To be cleared, the flight lands at Lukla airport for fueling purposes. So, it will stay there only for 10 to 15 minutes. You can see many Sherpas waiting for their clients at the airport. Besides, you can spend your time watching out the surrounding mountain scenery.
Lukla to Kala Patthar Flight (15 minutes/5,644.5 meters)
Now, the flight is ready to take up. It goes towards your final destination, i.e Kala Patthar, but our inflight commentary shows you the Everest base camp location as well while hovering. You can explore the mountain views from the window. Then it directly lands at Kala Patthar in front of the world’s tallest mountain.
Landing at Kala Pathhar (5,644.5 meters)
Finally, your dream comes true. Now, you are in the mountainous universe, including the world’s highest mountain. It would be an unforgettable memory throughout your lifetime. You can uncover the mighty Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lhotse, Pisang Peak, and other neighboring peaks. You have approximately 15 minutes to spend there on Kala Patthar Peak. After clicking some photos with such pristine views, the Helicopter will take up.
Fly to Everest View Hotel at Syangboche (15 minutes/3,950 meters)
The Everest base camp Helicopter tour, landing at Kalapatthar, takes up from its summit and takes off to Sayangboche at the Everest View Hotel. This hotel is situated at the world’s highest elevation, i.e., 3962 meters. During flying, you will see an aerial view of the sunrise over the mountains, Sherpa highland, Khumbu Icefalls, green hills, Gorak Shep, chortens, monasteries, and the marvelous Himalayas.
Delicious Breakfast at Everest View Hotel (30 minutes/ 3,950 meters)
While at Syangboche, you will have a tasty breakfast at Everest View Hotel in front of the magnificent mountain views. It is an awesome activity. The breakfast program will last only 30 minutes. Not only that, this hotel offers the entire Everest panoramas and other peaks from every corner.
Fly back to Lukla for refueling (15 minutes/ 2,845 meters)
After having breakfast at Everest View hotel, you will again ride a helicopter to reach Lukla, and there the helicopter goes for the refuel. During that time, you can spend and explore Lukla once again. The narrow street of the Lukla, the Sherpa people, their rich culture, and obviously the view of the snow-capped mountain will make your heart happy and your time worth visiting the base camp.
Lukla to Kathmandu flight back (45 minutes/ 1,338 meters)
The helicopter flights again over the Everest ranges. Along with the mountain vistas, you can discover the Lukla, Namche, and Phakding villages. Then, the Helicopter leaves you at the domestic airport in Kathmandu by retracing the previous airways.
Does it sound amazing? Yes, obviously, after reading the above itinerary, one sure wants to explore the Khumbu region in less than 5 hours. If you’re planning or thinking about doing an Everest base camp tour via helicopter, then go for it. You will thank us later.
