Have you ever had a helicopter ride? Now recall that moment but replace the view starting with the distant views of mountains slowly getting closer, green giants, lush valleys, beautiful sherpa settlements, glaciers, rivers, and wildflowers.
On reaching Kala Patthar or Everest hotel view, the thrill of landing right at the face of Mt Everest gives you goosebumps. Or, you will already be counting goosebumps while glancing at the landscape of Nepal, seeing the beauty of the Khumbu region and the sky-high mountains for the first time.
Are you thinking of giving this tour a try but having a second thought because you are not a trekker or can’t dedicate too much of your time? In that case, the Everest base camp landing tour is not an issue but a perfect solution. This tour aligns perfectly with nature lovers of all ages, and types wanting to have a unique holiday experience that keeps popping into their minds for a lifetime.
All you need to know about Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing
No matter how easy the task is, there are always some benefits to knowing the things you are going to do in the future. Sometimes, little tips can be of big help. Yes, the Everest helicopter tour is easy, simple, and accessible but there are some things you should know to streamline the overall experience of the tour.
In this blog, we will use our years of expertise and experience to try to cover every aspect of this tour so that the next time someone talks about the EBC tour, you will be the expert.
Benefits of choosing an Everest base camp helicopter tour over trekking
Some might say, this tour is even better than the traditional way to reach Everest base camp. Given several benefits of EBC helicopter tours over trekking, we can’t prove them wrong too. But how can this tour beat the legendary Everest base camp trek? Permit us to explain to you the possible reasons:
Aerial View
The main fun of the helicopter ride is a totally different perspective or view of the surrounding atmosphere and landscapes. Everest base camp trekking is one of the best trekking destinations. No doubt this trek offers breathtaking views of the beauty of the Khumbu region along with the mighty mountains.
But just imagine, you are flying like a bird higher than the highest mountains in the world, and on top of that green valleys, unique landscapes of terai, and hills decorated beautifully enhancing the beauty of the scene. The aerial view of this tour is definitely not easy to beat.
Time-Saving
Just think, if we could have unlimited time. The things that we would do and the way we would live our lives. But, as we are bound by the limit of time, there is not always enough time to do the things we want to do in life. So, this tour is a perfect alternative for those nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers who want to glimpse Mt. Everest at least once in a lifetime.
Accessibility and Comfort
Not everyone is an adventurous or simply trekking enthusiast. Some might not be able to complete the traditional Everest base camp trekking or just want a more relaxed way to experience Everest. Some might be bound by the physical limitations. This tour is suitable for all. It will take you to the highest place on earth in the comfort and convenience of your home.
Different Types of EBC Helicopter Tours
This might surprise you, but the great thing about this tour is it is customizable to your preference and interest. So, there can be different versions of you whose interests and preferences are also unique, this tour won't disappoint anyone. But what are those versions?
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The Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing from Kathmandu is a tour that starts and ends at Kathmandu without the landing. This takes about an hour to complete and is perfect for those who want to avoid the risk of altitude sickness yet want to experience the beauty of the Everest region.
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Everest base camp landing at Kala Patthar is a great option as it takes you to the vintage viewpoint of Kala Pat thar giving you the closest glimpse of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. This viewpoint is famous as the best to gaze at the beauty of Khumbu region.
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Everest base camp and Gokyo landing helicopter tour is another exciting package that combines the beauty of the mountains with the beautiful three lakes of Gokyo.
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The Everest View helicopter tour from Hotel Everest View is a simple yet impactful tour that will land at one of the most iconic viewpoints and that is Hotel Everest View. Situated at an elevation of 3960, this tour won't take an immense hike on elevation yet offers a perfect spot to witness the magic of the Everest region.
Views and Highlights on the EBC Heli Tour
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Three different landscapes of Terai, Hilly, and Mountain regions of Nepal,
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Breathtaking views of the entire Himalayan range that includes famous peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and of course Mt. Everest.
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Flying over Sagarmatha National Park that includes Everest Base Camp, Khumbu glacier, Gokyo lakes, Kala Patthar and Sherpa villages and monasteries,
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Landing at Lukla, Kalapatthar, and Hotel Everest View,
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Luxurious breakfast at Hotel Everest View with one of the best views of Mount Everest,
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Photography opportunity at every second where every frame can be perfect for capturing a photo.
Detailed Itinerary and Route Details
As discussed earlier, this tour can take different forms and hence different itineraries. But, even if the itinerary is different, the overall picture remains pretty much the same.
5:30 am - 6:00 am: Pick up from Hotel and Transfer to Kathmandu airport
Early morning, your tour operator picks you up from your hotel and heads towards the domestic Kathmandu airport. So, you have to wake up early to get ready but sacrificing your morning sleep will be worth it. Also, make sure you carry all the necessary documents and things you were planning to take with you on this tour.
6:00 am - 6:30 am: Briefing and Preperation
On reaching the Kathmandu airport, you have to first go through the check-in procedure. Your pilot and air hostess then will brief all the things you should know during the flight and tour.
6:30 am - 7:15 am: Scenic Flight to Lukla
The tour officially starts. You might feel the first goosebump as the helicopter first takes off. Suddenly you will be able to see the distant view of mountains and get excited knowing you will see them up close.
A second you get diverted from the mountains, you will see lush valleys, rivers, lakes, and green hills that are equally beautiful as mountains. You will be provided with the maps and the constant guide of air hostesses. After about 45 minutes of flight, you will go through a thrilling landing at one of the world’s shortest runways at Lukla.
7:15 am - 8: 15 am: Flight from Lukla to Everest Base Camp to Kalapatthar
After refueling the helicopter at Lukla, you will again take off aiming towards the Everest base camp. You will glimpse the beauty of the Khumbu region and the small Sherpa settlements. You will have another goosebump as you will reach the Everest base camp. The view will stunning as you will be flying over the Himalayas, a mountain range that possesses many of the world's highest mountains including Everest itself. The long ice river of Khumbu glacier and glacial lakes like Gokyo will be visible at your sight.
The helicopter revolves around Everest multiple times giving you the complete 180° view of this stunning view. The helicopter then heads towards the Kala Patthar according to your preference. If not head towards the Hotel Everest View.
8:15 - 8:30 am : Landing at Kala Patthar
Even if this is an optional landing if you are physically fit and want to put your feet together with the feet of Mt. Everest, this is a must. The thrill of descending in front of the face of Everest to the feet will be a moment to always remember. You will get 15 min to stand right in front of Everest, enjoy the stunning surrounding views, and then capture your moment closest to Mt. Everest.
9:00 - 10:00 am: Breakfast at Hotel Everest View
The helicopter again lands at this most iconic place on earth to have breakfast. Hotel Everest View Hotel is the finest hotel in the Khumbu region and offers one of the most iconic views of Mt. Everest. You will enjoy your time and have some luxurious breakfast at the location enjoying the surrounding view. The stop will be 1 hour which will be enough to have breakfast, capture as many photos as you want, and enjoy Everest while you are there.
10:00 - 10:45 am: Return Flight to Kathmandu
With the final up-close glimpse of mountain peaks, the beautiful Khumbu region, and Sherpa settlements, you will say bye and head back to Kathmandu. You will be emotional as the mountains slowly fade away and think you won’t be able to meet them until next time. But you will have the memory of a lifetime.
Helicopter, safety, and luxury
If you are worried about the quality of the helicopter and want to know how the overall service and safety while in the helicopter, it's totally understandable. As you will be flying and landing at high altitudes, the pilot as well as the helicopter should be of top level.
Well, the quality of both helicopter, pilot, and even service won’t disappoint you at all. The helicopter that conducts your Everest base camp helicopter tour is Airbus H125, the latest model. This helicopter is designed especially for high-altitude flights and is well-equipped with all you need to be safe on this tour.
The pilot on the other hand already completed 1000 hrs + in this tour and knows every inch of the Himalayas. The air hostesses will constantly guide you on what you are witnessing and alert you as soon as something interesting comes up.
Seating comfortably on leather seats, all the passengers will be given a window seat. Personalized service, fine dining option, cabin with temperature and ventilation control facility, and of course the beauty of the view, any flight can not get better than this.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
The Everest base camp heli tour is doable during all seasons. But that doesn’t make every season a suitable season for this tour and Everest base camp heli trek too. Some seasons offer much greater views and far fewer interruptions than other seasons.
So, the best time for the Everest base camp helicopter tour is hands down Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). These two seasons are pre-monsoon and post-monsoon respectively.
During these seasons, the sky stays the clearest which is the top priority of the successful completion of this tour. Clear sky means no clouds hindering the views of the mountain peaks and surrounding vistas. The temperature also stays perfect giving you a pleasant experience on the high altitudes. The flights also operate smoothly with the minimum chance of getting canceled or delayed.
Autumn and Winter are not a good season for this luxurious Everest base camp heli tour. The continuous rain in autumn and snowfall in winter may cause the flight to get canceled or delayed several times.
So, we recommend you schedule your EBC helicopter tour targeting the months of Spring and Autumn. It will be a good idea to prebook the flight tickets as these are the peak seasons and you might not get the ticket for the day you wanted.
[Tips: Check the backup plan that your tour operator offers you in the case of flight cancellation or delay. Generally, they re-schedule your flight for the next available day or offer a partial or full refund].
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost
To break down the price of the EBC helicopter tour, it divides the service charge of tour operators, permit fees, helicopter fees, breakfasts, and additional service charges during flights. So, the cost of this tour may fluctuate from operator to operator but the difference will be $50-100 max. As a tour operator, we will provide you with our cost, and that will align with most of the tour operators in Nepal.
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No of person
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Overall cost
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1
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$1050
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Group of 5
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$5250
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What is included?
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Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel and then back to the hotel on a private vehicle,
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Flight by helicopter to Everest Base Camp and back to Kathmandu on a sharing basis (maximum 5 people).
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Landing at Kala Pat Thar for 15 min and Hotel Everest View for 45 min to an hour.
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All the safety and emergency materials including oxygen cylinder.
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All kinds of permits.
What is not included?
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Foods and drinks during the tour,
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All personal gear and expenses,
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Breakfast at Hotel Everest View,
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Tips and Donations.
[Tips: Paying by card will charge an additional 4% of bank service]
How to book this tour?
There are no complex methods for booking this tour. You can simply search for the tour operators online and contact them via email or whatever communication medium they offer you and book your tour with them.
But make sure you choose a reputable tour operator for better communication and experience during the tour. They will treat you like their own and arrange top-quality personalized service for you.
[We are also a tour operator, successfully operated this tour for thousands of our customers. If you want to book this tour with us, reach out to us by email: orbitalpineadventure@gmail.com ]
Additional Tips for Better Experience
Preparation before the tour
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Clothing: Dress in a way that you can easily accommodate with the changing temperatures. You should bring a set of warm jacket, trousers, hat and a comfortable shoes.
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Photography: You will be blessed with countless photographic opportunities. So bring your favorite clothes along with a good quality camera or smartphone with fully charged batteries.
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Hydration: Drink as much water as you can because it is super important to avoid the chance of altitude sickness.
What to Expect during the tour?
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The overall flight will be smooth but you may experience some turbulence due to completely normal mountain air. The views from the helicopter are spectacular so keep your camera and binoculars ready.
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Landing at Kala Pat thar: The time at the ground is short but memorable. Follow the guidelines of the pilot and stay close to the helicopter.
Something to be careful about
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Everest base camp and the overall region is a pristine, sacred, and protected place. Please ensure you leave no trace and take all of your rubbish with you.
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Follow the instructions of pilots and guides strictly for safety reasons.
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Everest is the home to Sherpa with a rich cultural heritage. Respect them, their customs and traditions. That adds depth to your tour.
Final Words
The Everest base camp helicopter tour is a match made in heaven between the luxury and thrill of a helicopter tour with the diverse beauty of the Everest region. This tour doesn't discriminate against anyone on their physical condition, age and the timeframe. But it offers all the same experience of Everest, personalized to their preference in a unique way. In a verse of getting to know Everest better, you will be friends with Kala Patthar, Hotel Everest View, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Khumbu Glacier, and Gokyo Lakes.
Following the guide and tips we have mentioned above, you can enhance the quality of this overall experience. Or, if you want us the responsibility of managing your overall tour, we can do that for you too. Reach out to us and we will create a memory for a lifetime together.
