Required Permits for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
For the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, you’ll need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Please note that these permits are not included in your package, but we will guide you through the process to make it simple and hassle-free.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 per person
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2,000 per person
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The best time for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is in autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). These seasons provide clear skies, stable weather, and breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks, making them ideal for flying and photography. Autumn offers crisp air and dramatic mountain landscapes, while spring adds color with blooming alpine flowers and mild temperatures.
Winter (December to February) is colder and can bring snow, which may affect visibility and make flights less predictable. The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to heavy rainfall, cloud cover, and frequent flight delays or cancellations.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Even though the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour takes you to high altitudes quickly, there is still a small risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.
To prevent altitude sickness, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and move at a comfortable pace when exploring at higher elevations. Our team monitors all passengers carefully and provides guidance to ensure your safety. For those with pre-existing health conditions or concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor before the tour.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu and a transfer to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. After a safety briefing and preparation, you board the helicopter for a scenic flight of about 45 minutes to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, the helicopter continues toward Pheriche, flying over Sherpa villages, terraced fields, and Himalayan landscapes. Depending on group size, there may be a shuttle system from Pheriche.
The helicopter then takes you over Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar area, providing close-up views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. After the aerial tour, the helicopter lands at the Hotel Everest View, where you can enjoy breakfast while taking in sweeping panoramic views of the Himalayas. The return journey takes you back through Lukla for refueling before continuing to Kathmandu, where you are dropped off at your hotel, completing your unforgettable Everest helicopter experience.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost
The cost of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour depends on whether you choose a group sharing option or a private charter. The sharing option is priced at USD 1,500 per person, while the private helicopter tour is available at USD 5,500.
The sharing price is based on a minimum of one person joining a group flight. For private tours, the helicopter is reserved entirely for you, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want a more personalized experience.
Safety Instructions for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
- From Kathmandu, a single helicopter can carry up to 500 kg to Lukla. The maximum weight per charter for flying over Kala Patthar is limited to 250 kg due to high altitude restrictions. This ensures passenger safety and optimal helicopter performance.
- Approach the helicopter only after the pilot gives the signal, and exit only when the captain confirms it is safe.
- Do not approach the shuttle from behind. Always wait in a safe position and follow crew guidance.
- Do not run after belongings if they fall or are blown by the wind near the helicopter. Always wait for instructions from the crew.
- Do not smoke inside the helicopter at any time.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey.
- Do not litter inside the shuttle.
- Use UV ray protective sunscreen and lip balm to protect your skin from high-altitude sun exposure.
- Put on the seatbelt properly and keep it fastened while inside the helicopter.
A Typical Day of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
A typical day on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu and transfer to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. After a safety briefing, you board the helicopter for a scenic flight to Lukla and onward to Pheriche, flying over Sherpa villages, terraced fields, and Himalayan landscapes. The helicopter then takes you over Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar area, offering close-up views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. You will land at the Hotel Everest View to enjoy breakfast while taking in sweeping panoramic mountain views. The day concludes with the return flight to Kathmandu, where you are dropped off at your hotel, completing your unforgettable Everest helicopter experience.
