The Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour starts from Kathmandu valley as we take off from the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport. The flight circles around the valley before it finally heads to Lukla, the gateway of Mount Everest. Aerial view from the helicopter reveals the dramatic landscapes, verdant rolling hills decorated with farm fields accompanied by the backdrop of gratifying mountains. The flight experience gets further refreshing as we reach Lukla Airport. Swirling around for a bit, the flight lands at the airstrip of Lukla Airport for refueling. Here, you will get the first glimpse of Sherpa culture. The Everest region is predominantly a Buddhist region where the majority of people follow Buddhism and practice traditions paired to it.

After a refreshing break and some flight procedures, we fly higher overflying Everest before landing at Kala Patthar as per the client’s demand. Our daring pilots will make sure that all safety precautions have been taken and inspect the helipad before finally landing at Kala Patthar at an altitude of 5450m.. Instantly, you will be greeted with 360-degree panoramic views of Nuptse-Lhotse-Lola peaks with Khumbu Ice Falls, glaciers, and Mt. Pumori. If you choose to, you can take some pictures to share at home but we suggest our travelers be present and experience the wonderful nature and surroundings.

On our flight back to Kathmandu, we stop at Hotel Everest View at Syangboche, the highest altitude hotel in the world, for breakfast. We will spend around 20-30 minutes at Syangboche. After having our breakfast, we will then fly back to Lukla Airport to refuel and back to Kathmandu.

Note: The maximum weight per charter for landing at Syangboche is 450 kg including passengers (5 pax at max) and their belongings. However, the maximum landing weight at Pheriche is 420 kg and Kala Patthar is 220 kg due to high altitude restrictions. Therefore, for landing at Kalapatthar with more than 220kg, we have to do an extra shuttle from Pheriche. Also, note that 4-5 people cannot land simultaneously. In this case, a single charter only carries 420 kg right from Kathmandu valley itself. 

Ready for the world’s no.1 EBC helicopter ride? If yes, then we highly encourage you to book this trip with a call with our travel expert at Simrik Air to get your journey started. Simrik Air highly praises safety precautions and is all-time focused on flight safety. Our professionals will help you plan or customize your trip according to your preferences/needs. You can also reach us at [email protected] for further information regarding the tour.

Trip Highlights

1. Astonishing Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp with the scenic Himalayan range
2. Buddhist religion which is rooted in Sherpa culture and their norms
3. Pristine ice lakes and glaciers with an aerial view of the green alpine forest blooming with rhododendron and pine trees
4. Exploration of year-old monasteries and ancient architecture that carry high significance to the Himalayan people culturally and historically
5. Exceptional Himalayan glacier range at Khumbu
6. Breakfast/meal at the world’s highest hotel i.e. Everest View Hotel
7. Outstanding panoramic views of the mountain range from Kala Patthar
8. Exquisite helicopter landing at the world’s highest mountain base camp i.e. Everest Base Camp
9. Sherpa settlements, their unique dresses, and the lifestyle at Himalaya
10. Sight-seeing of vibrant topography and farming field through a birds-eye view

Detail itinerary of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

A helicopter flight to the Everest Base Camp is one hell of an adventure but Simrik Air is more than just an adventure heli tour company, we represent a lifestyle. The type of lifestyle that serves you breakfast with champagne (upon request) at the highest placed hotel in the world i.e. Hotel Everest View. Feeling excited? Let’s dig into some details here.

Important: The flight usually takes place early morning between 6:30 am to 7 am. Flight timing may vary or delay depending upon the weather condition. Simrik Air pilots will thoroughly inspect requirements before taking off. 

• Meet up at Tribhuvan International Airport Domestic Terminal

One of the representatives from Simrik Air will receive you after you reach the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport. You just need to contact them in the provided contact details while confirming the booking.

• Flight briefing with captain introduction and boarding

The flight instructor will run you through some important guidelines and safety measures during the flight. Then we will meet up with the captain and board the helicopter. During the meetup, we encourage you to clear all the questions regarding the flight so that you can cooperate and contribute to a sound flight.

• Flight to Lukla and Defueling

The helicopter takes off from the airport and towards the Hillary Tenzing Airport also known as  Lukla Airport situated on the east side of Nepal. The Lukla Airport is fairly small and lies at an altitude of 2,860m. On the way, you will find yourself eyeing the stunning mountain range, beautifully covered with snow. And of course, we can not miss the aerial view of Sherpa settlements, various monasteries, and stupas.

Some of the mountains that you get to observe include Langtang Lirung (7,234m), Ganesh (7,429m), Gauri Shankar (7,134m), Ganesh (7,429m), Shishapangma (8,013m), Gyachung Kang (7,952m), Pumori (7,161m), Nuptse (7,855m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m).

From here, we will continue our flight to Lukla after a defuel which takes around 15 minutes.

• Flight to Kala Patthar from Lukla

Altitude: 5,545m (Lukla)

After the refueling, we fly to Kala Patthar from Lukla Airport. The flight duration is approximately 15 minutes. At this point, we will be flying above 5,500m. By aviation rules, if the group consists of 4-5 people, it will be divided into two. However, we will fly over the infamous Namche Bazaar exploring all the hidden rivers and beautiful flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park.

Important: Since lading at Kala Patthar above 220kg is prohibited, a shuttle flight to Pheriche is required if the weight exceeds 220kg. 

• Sightseeing and stopover at Kala Patthar (If requested)

Upon reaching Kala Patthar, we will stop for a brief 10 minutes if requested. This is because our bodies can not adapt to the sudden transition from 1,400m at Kathmandu to over 5,500m in only a few hours. Nevertheless, it is more than enough to admire a close-up view of Everest and take some memorable pictures.

Important: Landing at Kala Patthar cannot exceed 10 minutes and the helicopter engine will not be turned off due to windy environment and high altitude. 

• Return flight to Hotel Everest View (Syangboche)

We return to Syangboche and head to the Hotel Everest View for breakfast. Syangboche is one of the major highlights of the tour. It allows some brilliant scenery with the Mt. Everest backdrop. The people here are welcoming and do not hesitate to have some interesting conversation.

• Breakfast at Hotel Everest View

Ground Time: 30min

As a celebration for the completion of a dream trip, we enjoy a delightful breakfast at the Hotel Everest View. You might have heard it by now but it is indeed the highest placed hotel in the world and has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The champagne breakfast is very famous at Hotel Everest View followed by some delicate cuisines.

• Flight back to Lukla and stopover for refueling

For some flight procedure, we stop at Lukla while on our way to Kathmandu. Meanwhile, the helicopter is refueled. We will stop at Lukla for approximately 15 minutes before finally taking off to Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu.

• Flight back to Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)

Swirling above the verdant hills and along the Himalaya, we fly towards Kathmandu. Returning flight takes you over the Khumbu Glacier and splendidly crafted Tengboche Monastery. As we bid our goodbyes to the majestic Mt. Everest, we leave with a feeling of fulfillment and pleasure. Finally, our pilots will safely drop you at the domestic airport at Kathmandu.

• Customer review regarding the flight

At the airport, we take some time to fill up a review form regarding the flight. Simrik Air is looking for ways to enhance the flight experience at all times. Your feedback will help us make changes and improve our services.

You have successfully experienced what millions of people crave and dream for i.e. to experience Everest from up close. The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Simrik Air is now over and after all the activities and a tiring day, you can now take a peaceful nap.

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:

As you would expect, the Everest region is cold all throughout the year. It is particularly important to pack the proper clothing for Everest Base Camp Heli Tour. Due to high-intensity UV rays at high altitude, it is necessary to pack accordingly. Here we have prepared a packing list including all the relevant/recommended gears for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:

• Windproof down jacket
• UV protection sunglasses
• A water bottle
• Lip balm and moisturizer
• Silk/Nylon scarf
• Toiletries
• Full sleeve shirts
• Warm pair of trousers
• Camera essentials

Note: The above gears will suffice since over carrying might increase the weight. We encourage carrying only obligatory articles of clothing.  

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with landing is considered the best helicopter tour so far which can be completed within a couple of hours. It takes around 3 to 3½ hours to reach the base camp from Kathmandu. The tour starts and ends at Kathmandu. However, there are several checkpoints to perform flight procedures. Since we start early in the morning, our breakfast will be at the Everest View Hotel which is the highest hotel in the world at an altitude of 3,880m. Moreover, the flight proceeds to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar to experience the surreal mountain range from up close.

The following are include and exclude from the tour package:

Best time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:

Everest Region lies at a high altitude and the weather changes most of the time. But since our trip requires only a few hours of flight time, this should not hold us back from experiencing the wonders of Himalaya in Nepal. However, it is simply not possible to execute the flight when it’s foggy or raining. There is no point in flying if we can not vividly scope out the mountain range and unique aerial scenery of distinct topography.

If we had to pick seasons, then the spring and autumn would suffice for an incredible flight to the Everest region. During these seasons, the weather is clear and sunny most of the time. There is less probability of rain and humidity is relatively low. In the winter season, the layer of snow thickens intensifying the beauty of mountains. So, winter might be the alternative if you can not make it in the spring. However, the summer is not favorable for helicopter flights. It rains heavily and the weather is least predictable since it keeps fluctuating. Let’s look at the weather conditions of the seasons in detail.

Simrik Air would never pick a time that is unsafe for a helicopter flight no matter what. Our experts inspect the weather condition beforehand so that we can accomplish a safe and sound trip to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

Safety rules and travel tips for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Below are some safety rules and travel tips before your flight to the Everest Base Camp which should be followed with discipline at all costs. Please note that mocking pilots and making unnecessary movements in the helicopter could lead to serious consequences. Read on for the safety rules:

• During the briefing session, pay attention to the caption. S/he will explain how and when you enter and exit the aircraft and whether you can move around or not.
• Approach the helicopter only after the captain has signaled and enter in a way that has been informed to you during the session. Never approach a helicopter from behind.
• Secure all your personal belongings such as hats and sunglasses. If an item is blown away, do not chase after it.
• You are not allowed to smoke within 50 feet of the aircraft.
• Only exit the helicopter once the captain has instructed that it is safe.

Acknowledge the safety rules and follow along with the instruction and you should have a safe flight with a lot of fun and excitement. Act responsibly inside the aircraft and encourage your peers to do the same. If you have any inquiries regarding safety measures for a helicopter flight feel free to reach us at [email protected]

Major Attractions of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:

• Kala Patthar

Located on the south elevation of Pumori in the Himalayas, Kala Patthar (5,644m) is quite famous amongst the Everest Base Camp trekkers. This is the highest altitude that most people can reach without a climbing permit. Kala Patthar is mostly known for the sensational close-up views of Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, and surrounding peaks.

Kala Patthar is an alternative to the Everest Base Camp. It is very much preferred by travel experts since the hill offers a glimpse of the Everest peak which is not possible from the base camp.

• Hotel Everest View at Syangboche:

Awarded as a Guinness Book of World Records in 2004, Hotel Everest View is the highest placed hotel at an altitude of 13,000ft. The hotel was envisioned by Takasi Miyahara in 1968 when he realized how brilliant the sight of Everest from the Syangboche ridge was.

Syangboche is a graceful hill that lies at the lap of Khumbila. It contains the highest altitude airport in the world from where helicopter shuttle and porter light services operate on the regular. The rich landscape, especially from the Hotel Everest View at Syangboche in Nepal serves you a rich natural landscape and an extremely relaxing environment. The EBC Helicopter Tour with landing in Nepal is the way to go if you are driven by nature, want to experience the massive Himalayas from up close or well, to have a delightful breakfast at the highest placed hotel in the world.

• Khumbu Glacier

Khumbu Glacier is the world’s highest glacier with elevations of 4,900m at its end to 7,600m at its source. Located in between Mount Everest and Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, Khumbu Glacier is also the largest glacier in Nepal. Trekkers encounter it on the final trail to the base camp. The glacier has a huge icefall which is called the Khumbu Icefall. Furthermore, it is one of the riskiest challenges for those who are on their way to the Everest summit. From above, however, the giant glacier looks stunning along with a breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayan range around it. Therefore the EBC Helicopter tour is practical to observe the icefall without getting too risky along the way.

• Experience Everest with Simrik:

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Nepal is not just about Everest as most people think. It is a lifestyle and culture that you get introduced to. Most people trek for living while others do it for the kick. Maybe you have dreamt of experiencing Everest once in your lifetime. Whatever the reason might be, it has surely brought thousands if not millions of people together sharing one common goal, adventure. Make no mistake, it is a hell of an adventure.

On your flight to the base camp, you will be treated with alpine green hills, some incredible landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, and forests covered with blooming rhododendron. On top of that, the mountain range including Mt. Nuptse (7,864m), Mt. Pumori (7,156m), Mt. Lhotse (8,513m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,153m) which are some of the highest mountains of the world. Therefore, the Everest Base Camp heli tour with landing is not just a medium to reach the base camp but an adventure of a lifetime that people tell stories about.

Simrik Air Fleets:

Simrik Air has been operating four AS350B3e and a Bell 407 GXP. All the helicopters undergo regular maintenance and are equipped with some of the remarkable features such as easy take-off and landing at marginal weather conditions. With the incomparably empowered engine and numerous safety features installed, the fleet of Simrik is no doubt the best in business.

Our helicopters:

Airbus AS350B3e (now named as H125):

Manufactured by the world record holder for the highest-altitude landing and taking off, Airbus is one of the top helicopter manufacturers for high altitude flights. The Airbus AS350B3e surpasses most of the single-engine helicopters in terms of versatility and performance. It is one of the safest helicopters offered by Simrik for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.

Bell 407GXP:

Recently, Simrik Air has introduced Bell 407GXP which is manufactured by Bell Helicopter as a multipurpose utility helicopter. It is a four-blade, single-engine, and civil utility helicopter highly reliable and equipped with a spacious cabin and high-performance engine that provides a smooth ride in virtually all weather conditions.

Everest region helicopter tours by Simrik Air:

• Helicopter flight from Namche to Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar then to Lukla or Kathmandu:

Travelers who are already at Namche can shorten their time to reach the Everest Base Camp by hopping into a short 15 minutes helicopter flight. The flight is ideal for almost every traveler on their way to the base camp. After a short inspection, the helicopter takes off at Namche and heads towards the base camp.

Since the EBC Heli tour to Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar from Namche covers approximately 3-4 days of uphill trekking, it is an incredible opportunity for Everest Base Camp trekkers to save time and energy. On top of that, the aerial view of the giant Everest and views from upfront is bound to take your breath away.

 

• Helicopter flight from Phakding to Everest Base Camp and drop at Kathmandu:

Simrik Air operates helicopter tours from Phakding to Everest Base Camp and back to Kathmandu. This helps out a lot of travelers who are unable to reach Namche or just don’t have enough time. Everest Base Camp trekking from Lukla to Namche gets challenging as you start gaining altitude.

Most travelers stop at Phakding for a layover, while others cannot continue. This is due to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) which gets prominent at a high altitude. To avoid worsening the situation, one must retrace their steps down to recover. However, after some recovery, one might run short on time. So, that is another reason to fly from Phakding to Everest Base Camp and return to Kathmandu.

• Helicopter flight from Tengboche to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla or Kathmandu:

Tengboche is one beautiful destination for an overnight stay with some precious landscape views. The beautiful monastery at Tengboche is one of the major attractions in the Everest region of Nepal.

After a relaxing stay, the helicopter takes off from Tengboche to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar hill. After landing, the mighty Everest unveils itself along with the panoramic experience of the Himalayan range. From the Everest Base Camp, we continue our flight back to Kathmandu valley following some mesmerizing scenery along the way.

Quick Facts: ‘Mani-Rimdu’ is a colorful festival held at Tengboche where monks perform various dance rituals with their mask on. According to the Buddhist Lunar calendar, the event falls in the month of October-November. 

• Helicopter flight from Pangboche to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla or Kathmandu:

An incredible opportunity to shorten your tour days by a 15 minutes short helicopter ride from Pangboche. This is ideal for travelers who have reached Pangboche and wish to continue the trip to Everest Base Camp via a helicopter tour.

Since Pangboche is at an altitude of 3,900m from the sea level, it is likely to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). However, after the recovery, one might end up having not enough time to continue their trek for days. Therefore, a short heli tour with Simrik Air to fill up the time spent on recovery could be a game-changer.

Nevertheless, taking a helicopter flight from Pangboche to the base camp is usually more exciting than most realize. An aerial view of the massive Everest at a mere distance brings out the nostalgia for adventure and makes you feel more connected to nature than ever before. The shuttle then returns to Lukla and if you wish it can continue the flight to Kathmandu on a regular schedule.

• Helicopter flight from Dingboche (Pheriche) to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla or Kathmandu:

Travelers who have reached Dingboche or Pheriche can choose to continue their trip to Everest Base Camp via helicopter tour with Simrik Air. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the base camp or Kala Patthar (near the base camp). It is advised that you land at Kala Patthar since the place awards wondrous panoramic views of the Everest massive as compared to the actual base camp.

Note: Glacier movement and falling rocks might make it hard to land at the Everest Base Camp. In that case, an effective alternative would be to land at Kala Patthar. This does not happen very often but it is certainly a possibility.

However, either will provide a magnificent experience of the Himalaya and the world’s tallest mountain, Everest. From here on, you could either choose to fly to Lukla or trace your way back to Kathmandu. Regardless, the birds-eye view from the helicopter is a surreal experience that one must have while in Nepal.

• Helicopter flight from Thukla/Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla or Kathmandu:

Lobuche is at an altitude of 4,900m which is notably high and Thukla lies just below Lobuche. Those who have already made it there can decide to cover the rest of the route to the Everest Base Camp by a helicopter. To reach your desired destination, this can be an effective selection since the EBC helicopter tour with landing not only relieves you from hiking at a high altitude.

The helicopter ride from Lobuche to either the Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar is bound to fill your heart with delight. The priceless aerial view from above the mountains is truly a lifetime experience that you get to experience nowhere besides Nepal.

After relishing the phenomenal panoramic scenery upon landing, we prepare for our return. You can either choose to fly back to Lukla Airport or Kathmandu valley on a regular schedule. However, the flight might take place on the same day or early morning on the next day.

• Helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla or Kathmandu:

The flight from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp saves up a lot of trekking hours. Everest Base Camp Trekkers who have already reached Gorakshep which is at an altitude of 5,180m can utilize the opportunity to experience the rest of their journey via a helicopter.

Since Gorakshep is at a relatively high altitude, it is normal to experience mild symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). However, we highly advise you to take some time for recovery and continue the trip by a helicopter instead.

The EBC helicopter tour ride takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the base camp or Kala Patthar which is more preferable, mostly due to the extraordinary panoramic views of the mountains from the location. After some time immersing in the beauty of the Himalaya, we return to Lukla and proceed to Kathmandu on our regular schedule.

• Helicopter flight from Everest Base Camp to Lukla and return to Kathmandu:

Travelers who made it to Everest Base Camp can return to Lukla and back to Kathmandu valley via Helicopter further enhancing their travel experience. Not only it saves time but it is also an astonishing opportunity to experience the landscapes and stunning mountains from up top. Most travelers prefer to return via helicopter as it adds up an adrenaline rush after numerous days of hiking and climbing. The shuttle takes you back to Lukla Airport and on a regular schedule, it flies back to Kathmandu. After a dramatic tour to the Everest Base Camp, the helicopter flight draws a sense of achievement within oneself.

FAQs for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour in Nepal:

Simrik Air is the most trusted helicopter service provider in Nepal. Our services include adventure tours and rescue services. The company is run by local expertise and members with over a decade of experience in tourism in Nepal. Safety of the clients being our absolute priority, we are flexible with our services. Here at Simrik Air, we have developed a solid team who work collectively on the same mission, to push the standards of tourism in Nepal for the better.

Over the last 18 years, Simrik Air has established itself as the pioneer in Nepalese helicopter industry, with milestones across its tourism and business ventures. Despite many ups and downs, we have stayed dedicated to our vision and we really enjoy what we do. We are determined to share the passion with travelers from all around the world in a fun and enjoyable way.

Simrik Air is here to ensure you a joyful travel experience regardless of the destination. Join us on our journey as we continue to embark our presence with innovative helicopter services.

Our commitment

As an adventure company, we excel in services that include helicopter flights to various exotic locations within Nepal and beyond. Simrik Air is committed to providing the best touring experience while always considering the safety and satisfaction of our clients. Since the establishment, our crew has done numerous flights to almost every destination in Nepal which has allowed them to navigate to different locations without any trouble.

Best Price Guarantee

Simrik Air tour packages are an absolute bang for your buck. None of our tours are overpriced. We are a value-oriented company, so if there is not enough value for our clients, there is no reason for us to overcharge. Thousands of visitors in Nepal travel through Simrik Air every year and are highly satisfied by our service. Our results speak for itself.

No hidden charge

Simrik Air is highly transparent with every action we take to service our clients. There is no hidden charge underneath our quotation. Unlike most of the travel companies, we are extremely careful with how comfortable our clients feel about the process of their payment. If you require any assistance regarding the payment procedure, simply leave us a message at [email protected] or call us at [Phone Number].

24/7 Customer Service

Simrik Air is at your service 24/7, wherever and whenever. Should you have any queries about the tour, feel free to reach us through our social media. Our travel experts have been relentlessly working for years to reach this point of high-quality customer service. On top of that, we are highly adaptable. We understand that different people have different expectations for their tour. So, to align your vision with ours, we are here for you, always.

Tailor-made Packages

You can easily customize the tour and add destinations with the EBC Helicopter Tour in Nepal. Consult with our experts to create a tour that fits your needs. There are various travel destinations in Nepal which can be done via helicopter. Pick yours and let us know, we will get back with the quote and a flexible itinerary.

Sustainable Tourism

Simrik Air highly emphasizes sustainable tourism. We believe that tourism can be utilized to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy of Nepal. For a small country like Nepal, tourism plays an important role in the nourishment of local development. That is why we encourage all of our clients to be mindful of their activities while in Nepal. There is no reason to exploit nature to fulfill our desires. Therefore, sustainable tourism is always a huge consideration while carrying out any kind of tour by Simrik Air.

Simrik Air Also provides other adventurous flights like Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour,  Langtang Helicopter Tour, Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour, Pathivara Helicopter Tour, etc.