Mount Everest Helicopter Tour From Kathmandu

Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu is one of the easiest ways to see the world’s tallest mountain. The Everest Helicopter tour takes around 4 to 5 hours in total. It gives you a chance to see Mount Everest from the air and tick it off your bucket list. 

The helicopter takes off from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the domestic terminal. This is the same airport where you land in Kathmandu. After the tour, the helicopter returns to the same location. It is the quickest round trip to see Mount Everest up close. 

The best tip is to spare the whole day for the trip. This helps in case of delays due to weather. Mountain weather in Nepal is not always predictable. October, November, and mid-winter often bring clear skies, but it is never certain. Keeping a full day gives you a better chance to fly into the seasonal Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. 

Sometimes, fog can delay the flight for around an hour. If you have extra time, you can still complete the tour without a rush. 

This article explains how the Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu works. It covers the flight process, time needed, weather factors, and useful tips for planning the trip. 

Highlights of Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu 

The main highlights of this tour include: 

• Quickest way to see Mount Everest up close 
• Fly over Everest Base Camp 
• View monasteries, Sherpa villages, and Himalayan landscapes 
• Land at Hotel Everest View, one of the highest luxury hotels in the world 
• Enjoy breakfast with views of Everest and nearby peaks 
• Land at Lukla Airport, known as one of the most unique airports in the world 

How safe is the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu 

Helicopter flights in Nepal are considered one of the safest ways to travel in the Himalayas. These helicopters can fly even when visibility is too low for aeroplanes. A short weather window is often enough for the flight to take off. 

In the Everest Region, helicopters fly through valleys. They avoid flying too close to hills and mountain ridges. This makes the route safer and smoother. 

Above 4,000 meters, helicopters usually carry only 2 to 3 passengers at a time. This follows high-altitude safety protocols. If the group is large, the flight may use a double shuttle. This also gives some travellers a chance for extra landings. In some cases, they can step out, explore nearby areas, and take photos. 

Landing helipads are placed in open spaces. These sites follow strict safety measures. As for altitude sickness, travellers do not stay at high altitudes for long. The helicopter descends quickly, which lowers the risk of sickness. 

Compared to the 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp, the Everest Helicopter Tour is a much safer option in the mountains. 

Note: One helicopter carries 5 passengers and 1 pilot.

Best Time for Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu 

The best time for the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu is in winter, from November to the end of February. During this time, the region is covered in snow. The snowcapped peaks become more visible and clearer. Photos taken during this season stand out with bright white peaks. Mount Everest also looks more striking with fresh snow, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view. 

Spring and autumn are also good seasons for the tour. These include the months of April–May and late September–October. However, the weather can change quickly in these months. This may lead to flight delays of 1–2 hours or more. 

Out of these two, autumn is ideal for scenic contrast. The Khumbu Valley turns yellow and brown, creating a beautiful backdrop against the white mountains. 

Spring is the season for Everest expeditions. You may meet climbers during your stop at Hotel Everest View. If local authorities permit, there is a small chance of landing at Everest Base Camp during this season. This is a rare opportunity not always available. 

Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu Route with Key Stops 

The itinerary of the Everest Helicopter from Kathmandu looks as follows: 

Phase I: Flight boarding and fly to Lukla Airport (45 minutes flight and 5-10 minutes stop) 

Phase II: Fly to Pheriche and land for the shuttle in case more than 2 people are in the trip (5-6 minutes, and 10 minutes of landing) 

Phase III: Fly over Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Icefall, and a closer look at Mount Everest (10 minutes), fly back to Pheriche 

Phase IV: Fly to Hotel Everest View (5 minutes, 1 hour landing) 

Phase V: Fly to Lukla Airport, 5-10 minutes landing, and fly back to Kathmandu 

Upgrading the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu 

Who doesn’t love an upgrade, right? Several upgrades are available for the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu. These are only possible on a private trip. 

Gokyo Lakes Landing 

Gokyo Lakes are sacred and scenic glacial lakes in the Everest region. Near the lakes is Gokyo village, with teahouses and lodges run by Sherpa locals. The views here combine calm water and snowcapped peaks—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Upgrade Idea: 
Choose a private helicopter tour with: 

• Everest Base Camp overfly 
• Landing at Gokyo Lakes 
• Landing at Hotel Everest View 

Note: The helicopter does not land at Pheriche in this plan. For groups of more than three, the shuttle will operate from Hotel Everest View. 

Everest Base Camp Landing 

Landing at Everest Base Camp is rare but possible. The best time is during the Everest Expedition season in May. Permits and landing fees are expensive, but this upgrade lets you step out at Base Camp for 5–10 minutes and take photos. 

This trip is also possible with a wedding permit. Yes, you can now get married at Everest Base Camp following Sherpa traditions. With the right team, we handle all the logistics. You’ll spend a few days in the region without facing altitude issues. 

Upgrade Idea: 
Plan your trip in April–May. All landings must be pre-arranged based on your itinerary. 

Stay at Hotel Everest View 

This upgrade takes two days. On day one, take the Everest Helicopter Tour and land at Hotel Everest View. Take a gentle walk to Khumjung Village with a guide. You can also visit Namche Bazaar, the biggest Sherpa town in the region. 

Stay overnight at Hotel Everest View. All rooms offer wide views of Everest. You’ll wake up to see the sunrise over Everest from your bed. After breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu. 

Upgrade Idea: 
Book a private helicopter tour with a stay at Hotel Everest View. Bed & Breakfast starts at USD 320 + taxes per night. 

Things to carry during the Helicopter Tour to Everest 

If you are going for a day tour to see Mount Everest from the air, here’s what you need to carry: 

• Three layers of warm clothing (a thin inner layer, a warm shirt, and a fleece or down jacket with a windcheater) 
• Warm sneakers and thick socks 
• Camera for photos 
• Ncell SIM card (optional but useful; it works well even at high altitudes) 
• Beanie or sunhat 
• Polarized sunglasses 
• A pair of warm gloves 

If you are upgrading your tour with a stay at Hotel Everest View, don’t overpack. A small suitcase is enough. 

• Add a change of clothes for the night 
• Include regular hiking boots if you plan to explore nearby villages 
• The hotel provides the most amenities 

The clothing mentioned above will keep you comfortable for both the day tour and overnight stay. 

Why choose the Everest Helicopter Tour over any other tour 

There are many reasons to choose this helicopter tour. But to keep it simple, here are the top ones: 

• You have limited time in Nepal, but still want to see Mount Everest from the air 
• You want a luxurious experience without walking for days 
• You cannot trek because of age, injury, or health issues 
• You are a couple looking to create special memories together 
• You want an exclusive and easy way to see the world’s tallest mountain up close 

This tour gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience in just a few hours, without much physical effort. 

Also, check, Walking to Everest Base Camp

Breakdown of Kathmandu to Mount Everest by Helicopter Price 

So, the big question is — how much does the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu cost? The answer depends on the type of package you choose. Below is a basic breakdown. Please note, prices may vary slightly at the time of your booking. 

This covers the main costs. Any upgrades, custom routes, or overnight stays will add to the total. 

Conclusion 

In Nepal, Mt. Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu is one of the most scenic and comfortable ways to see Mount Everest. It’s a perfect choice for those short on time or looking for a unique experience without trekking. 

To check availability or plan your Mount Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu, fill out the inquiry form or email us at: [email protected].