AVIATION
Everest Base Camp EBC Helicopter Tour
Experience the pinnacle of adventure with an Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour, where soaring heights and majestic landscapes converge.
A Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp has become a resort for many tourists because not everyone can trek for weeks to get to the famed Everest Base Camp. Apart from the obvious saving months of trekking preparation and weeks of actual trekking, a Helicopter Tour takes away the possibility of altitude sickness that took the life of many people like the Sleeping Beauty of Everest.
As the helicopter services in the Everest region have seen massive growth in the past decade, there are times when it feels as if helicopters are as common as, if not more common than, cabs in a city. But this is only true in the peak trekking season. And the delightful thing about the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is that you can do it any season. (As long as the weather permits flight and the mountain views aren’t obstructed). After all, it is only half a day’s ride.
A trip to the Everest Base Camp via Helicopter has allowed for opportunities for splendid Everest Base Camp Weddings and photography Sessions. It only takes you a couple of hours to get to the foothills of the Everest Base Camp via a chopper. And with the supplemental oxygen we supply and the ability to descend to lower altitudes if altitude sickness catches you unawares is another boon of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Doing the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Responsibly
If you take environmental issues seriously, you are bound to be skeptical about The helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp. We know there was an unconscionable rise of 30% in global emissions by the aviation industry from 2013 to 2019. It was reported that 920 Metric tonnes of CO2 were emitted from aircraft and choppers during that period.
If you’re worried about such numbers, we urge you to look at the details closely. Aviation only accounts for 2% of CO2 emissions worldwide, and Nepal is nowhere close to some of the most developed nations in terms of its CO2 emissions.
But that doesn’t mean you forget your responsibility to promote sustainable tourism. Trekking might seem to be a good option at the outset to minimize your carbon footprint, but a recent video showed how mountaineering had created a massive pile of garbage in the Everest region, with the climber and videographer Tenzi Sherpa claiming it to be “the dirtiest camp” he’d seen.
Helicopter tours cut down on these sorts of garbage. It might as well be argued that trekking brings about a lot of plastic into the Khumbu region: in the form of plastic bottles, chocolate wrappers, or overall food packaging. And with not a lot of resources to recycle these, most of this non-biodegradable waste in the Everest region is burned, resulting in the formation of dioxins, which are injurious to soil and human health.
Major Highlights of The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Package
- You will come across various mountain ranges of the country as you fly.
- Get in touch with the Easiest way to get to the Everest Base Camp.
- Be in awe of the several eight-thousander mountains.
- Touch down on Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Mt Everest and the adjoining peaks.
- Observe the majestic peaks of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, and many more.
- View pristine lakes, glaciers, lush forests, broad valleys, winding rivers, and more in comfort and safety.
- Get an aerial perspective of historic monasteries like Tengboche Monastery.
- Breakfast at Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest hotels, offers breathtaking mountain vistas.
Best Time for the EBC Helicopter Tour
Winters in the Everest region are remarkably tough. With heavy snowfall and many places that turn into veritable icy/snowy fields, many locals who run lodges in the villages you encounter during the trek head back to the lower altitude region, leaving the place almost barren.
Besides, snowfall is also likely to mess up flight schedules. But winters are the time when a lot of snow has also gathered over the mountains, and the weather is more or less stable, making this season the best in offering you the most splendid views of the Everest region. But the cold will be something to watch out for, as temperatures can be as low as -20 degrees.
The monsoon is another season that is likely to mess up flight schedules. And the highly unpredictable cloud covering the mountains also has a deleterious effect on sightseeing.
So, autumn and spring are the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. With many people looking to get to the Everest Base Camp region this season, you can also share the helicopter flight with others and save some money.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter flight Route
Lukla
The first airport you will land in during your EBC Helicopter tour is the most thrilling in the world, i.e., Lukla. An uncannily small runway blows the mind of every tourist. Standing at an altitude of 2865 meters, this airport, with a runway of 11 degrees, is also one of the most picturesque places in the world.
Pheriche
From Lukla, the Helicopter takes you to Pheriche. The tour from Lukla to Pheriche takes you over various wonderful settlements such as Monjo, Jorsalle, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. As you fly, you can also get an aerial view of the Sagarmatha National Park and Dudh Koshi River.
Kala Patthar
The most jaw-dropping place for views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks is Kala Patthar. It is a 20-minute helicopter flight from Pheriche to Kala Patthar. Given that you’re gaining more than 1000 meters in altitude as you get to Kala Pathar from Pheriche, you might encounter breathing difficulties here. So you will have the benefits of supplemental oxygen here.
Hotel Everest View
You will have a sumptuous breakfast in this most glorious Hotel of the Khumbu region after coming back from Kala Patthar. The views of Everest range from various sightseeing spots of Kala Patthar is equally beautiful. After around 30 minutes at Hotel Everest View, you will head towards Lukla. It is here that the helicopter refuels. You will then head towards Kathmandu.
Packing List for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Attire
- Keep yourself cozy with thermal base layers, including tops and bottoms, to tackle the chilly mountain air.
- Bundle up with an insulated jacket or a snug fleece to stay warm amidst the Everest terrain.
- Be prepared for unexpected weather changes with a reliable waterproof and windproof outer shell.
- Opt for comfortable hiking pants and shorts that allow freedom of movement during your adventure.
- Pack a combination of breathable t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts for layering and versatility.
- Don’t forget to pack a warm hat and gloves to shield yourself from the biting cold.
- Make sure to bring along ample pairs of hiking socks for comfortable trekking.
- Equip yourself with sturdy hiking boots to conquer the rugged paths of Everest.
Essential Gear
- Choose a backpack that is spacious enough to accommodate your essentials and yet lightweight for convenience.
- Ensure a good night’s rest with a sleeping bag designed to withstand low temperatures.
- Enhance your stability and ease your journey with reliable trekking poles.
- Safeguard your eyes from intense sunlight and snow glare by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
- Shield yourself from the sun’s rays with a sun hat or cap to prevent sunburn.
- Illuminate your path during nighttime adventures with a dependable headlamp or flashlight.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trip by carrying a water bottle or hydration bladder.
- Remember to pack personal toiletries such as a toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene.
- Protect your skin from the high-altitude sun with sunscreen and lip balm.
Medications and First Aid
- Carry any necessary personal medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Prepare a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and antiseptic cream.
- Consult with a medical professional regarding altitude sickness medication to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Miscellaneous
- Capture the breathtaking moments of your Everest Base Camp tour by carrying a camera or smartphone.
- Keep your electronic devices powered up with a reliable power bank or extra batteries.
- Don’t forget to pack a travel adapter to charge your devices conveniently.
- Keep your energy levels up with snacks and energy bars, providing you with sustenance during the trek.
- Have some Nepalese rupees in cash for small purchases and local transactions.
- Remember, while this packing list covers the essentials, it’s essential to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences.
Why Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Not everyone can afford to spend nearly two weeks getting to the Everest Base Camp conventionally. Sometimes, we are caught up with a tight schedule during our holidays. And with busy working lives, preparing for a trek like the Everest Base Camp might be out of reach. So for everyone looking for an alternative to the Base Camp, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a great savior.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Getting to the Base Camp by Helicopter is a resort for many people who are in awe of the Himalayas and enjoy going to exotic destinations. The risk of altitude sickness, trekking in difficult terrains for 5-6 hours a day, and a dearth of good medical facilities along the way have created a lot of demand for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Another possibility that the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour has opened up is the possibility of traveling to a place as remote as the Everest Base Camp with your family. Sometimes, trekking to the Base Camp is not something that kids are able to accomplish. In such a case, taking the helicopter Tour to the Base Camp allows you to have the most mountainous of outings together with the closest people of your lives.
Is Everest Base Camp Helicopter Worth it?
Well, a trip’s worth depends upon what you expect from your trip and the value you get back. As we’ve said before, the trip saves you all the money that you would spend on your flights to and from Lukla, the charge of accommodation and food at the various places during your trek, and, biggest of all, it saves you hours and hours of physical preparation for your trek along with the strain of trekking itself.
Besides, if you are looking to make it to the Base of the highest mountain with someone who isn’t as physically agile as you, it makes the possibility of getting to a place of such historical and geographical importance as Everest Base Camp with your partner/ family come true.
Is the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour better Compared to the Trek?
Comparing the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with the Everest Base Camp trek would be more or less comparing apples with oranges. Trekking allows you an opportunity to push the physical limits of your body, test your endurance, and in many cases, your mental strength too.
Besides that, you will also miss out on the sociological aspect of the trek- perhaps the stories that local people tell about how the society at various points along your treks came into existence, how they perceive changes in the way their lives and surroundings have changed over the past decades as travel has become mainstream, etc.
But there are other things to gain during the Helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp as well- the chance of exploring the vistas of the Everest region with a bird’s eye view is close to unparalleled, and the uncertainty of not reaching the Base Camp due to altitude sickness or other illnesses you might catch along the way is completely neutralized.
Besides, there will be opportunities of forming bonds and friendships in other ways: there might be other fellow travel enthusiasts on your flight with whom you can bond well. You can also use the time you save to travel to other beautiful locations within the country.
What to Expect out of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
There are a few stops during the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour- the first of which is Lukla. You might have already known that the flight to Lukla on an airplane is one of the most thrilling experiences of all time- something that often draws out a lot of adrenaline rush. Its short runaway and the fact that your flight faces some acceleration while landing makes the flight seem dangerous at the outset. But in the comforts of the Helicopter, you can do away with that.
After landing in Lukla, you will have some glimpses of what to expect from the trip. The climate would have changed drastically, to begin with. High hills that surround this place and the towering mountains blessed with beauty. From here, we take off and enter the Sagarmatha National Park region. The lush forests that make up this palace, how the hills have beautiful confluences, and how icefalls, waterfalls, and rivers add depth to the beauty of this place are some other remarkable things you will experience during your flight.
As we cross the many villages along the way and the monasteries that are integral to the culture of this region and get the views of some wonderful perks along the way, we will cross the Everest Base Camp and get to Kala Patthar. Unlike most people who are not quite familiar with the places during a trip to the Everest Base Camp believe, EBC is not the place where you get the most splendid views of the mountain: Kala Patthar is.
Kala Patthar is a long, narrow hilltop that is located on the Southern Edge of Pumori. The glimpses of the mountains we see from Kala Patthar are not something we can justifiably describe- it is a sight to be experienced with the deepest awe of mother nature and all her glory.
After your sojourn at Kala Patthar, you will head out to Everest View Hotel, where you will have breakfast. The Hotel has been named so because you can view the mountain range that makes for splendid viewing during this trip. The delightful breakfast they serve gets even more delightful with its surrounding views.
Other Alternative Helicopter Tours in the Everest Region
In addition to the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, there are other helicopter tours in the Everest region. Let’s take a look at some of these.
Lukla to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
There are various ways you can reach the Everest Base Camp. Trekkers generally take a flight to Lukla and start their journeys. But others take a longer route avoiding a flight altogether. You might drive from Kathmandu to Salleri and start your trek.
But a few days into the trek, you might feel iffy and that your body and your mind are really not responding well to the vagaries of the trek. You might run into the same problem if you also take the flight. In such a case, you might not want to give up on your dream to get to the Base Camp. From Lukla, you can get to the Everest Base Camp on a chopper.
Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Your trek to Everest Base has Namche as its spot where you spend a day acclimatizing. Most EBC treks come with a flight to Lukla, and you reach Phakding overnight. The next day you will head out to Namche. And when you are doing the acclimatization hikes around Namche, getting to villages like Khunde and Khumjung, it might dawn on you that you would be better off flying to the Everest Base Camp. In such a case, you can do the Namche Bazaar to EBC Helicopter Tour.
Besides, taking the Chopper from this biggest trading hub in the Khumbu region to Everest Base Camp helps you get well-versed with both ways of getting to Everest Base Camp- you will have some idea about what it takes to trek in the Everest region and also know how it feels to fly here.
Hotel Everest View to Everest Base Camp Trek
If you have made it as far as Namche while trekking, you will reach Hotel Everest View during your acclimatization trek. You will enjoy some great views of the Everest region from this Hotel, which has been constructed to adjust to the slopes and the curves of the mountains- and not the other way around.
There will be plenty of national and international tourists who take choppers to the Base Camp from here. Perhaps, the energy of the people who want to take a light to the Base Camp will rub off on you, and you will want to hop on a helicopter too.
Gokyo to Everest base Camp Helicopter Tour
Gokyo is one of the most staggering lakes to visit- and holy too. Located at altitudes greater than 5000 meters, Gokyo is not a singleton lake but rather a collection of sex lakes- all of which make it the highest freshwater lake in the world. It is also an area of great concern to environmentalists, which is why it was listed in one of the Ramsar Sites.
So if you are an environmentalist who has come to this place for your research or you are here on a religious trip (as this lake is considered to be an abode of the Hindu snake god) and you don’t want to miss out on the Everest Base Camp, which is only a few hundred meters in altitude from here, you can do the Everest Base Camp on a helicopter. After all, getting so close to the Everest Base Camp and not reaching it would certainly be rueful.
Frequently Asked Questions about the EBC Helicopter Tour
How high does Helicopter go during a Mount Everest base camp helicopter tour?
The first thing you must know is that the highest altitude of the places you get to during the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is a tad different compared to the highest altitude that a chopper takes you. You will land at Kala Patthar, which has an altitude of 5,545–5,550 m. This is the highest point you will land in during the EBC Helicopter Tour.
Choppers, on the other hand, can fly up to 25,000 ft. There has been an instance when a helicopter landed on Mount Everest, and Everest stands at some 29000 ft. But generally, helicopters fly at altitudes of 10,000-20,000 ft.
Is there an oxygen cylinder available in Helicopter If needed?
Most Definitely. Without the oxygen supply, some people looking to get to the Everest Base Camp might experience difficulties of one form or another. When you are trekking and taking more than a week to get to EBC, your body is slowly but surely adjusting to the climatic conditions, and the ones who make it to the Base Camp do it without the help of oxygen.
But you will be touring on a helicopter from Kathmandu(1400 meters) to Everest Base Camp(5364 m) on a single day. This sharp change in altitude might be a tad too much to bear without the help of the oxygen cylinder. So helicopter services keep oxygen for safety in the Chopper at all times.
What are the best months to do Everest Helicopter Tour?
Winters are the time when a lot of snow has also gathered over the mountains, and the weather is more or less stable- offering you the best views. But the cold will be something to watch out for.
It is well-known that winters in the Everest region are remarkably tough for trekkers and villagers alike. With heavy snowfall and many places that turn into veritable ice fields, many locals who run lodges in the villages you encounter during the trek head back to the lower altitude region, leaving the place almost barren. But this is not a problem for someone interested in the helicopter tour to the Base Camp.
The monsoon is another season that is likely to mess up flight schedules. And the highly unpredictable cloud covering the mountains also has a deleterious effect on sightseeing. So, autumn and spring are the best seasons to go on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. With many people looking to get to the Everest Base Camp region this season, you can also share the helicopter flight with others and save some money.
What is the weight limit of the Everest base camp helicopter tour?
A maximum weight limit of 450 to 500 kg is attached to the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. Generally, the choppers that take you on the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour are not the biggest operating in the Everest Region. The larger, heavier ones, which can carry a higher load, are generally used for transporting construction-related materials and other heavy goods.
What is the age limit for the Everest base camp helicopter tour in Nepal?
You have to bear in mind that a person’s physical condition is of greater importance than the age of the people embarking on this tour. Any person who is above six years of age can do the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Why can’t helicopters land at the Everest Base Camp?
Two primary reasons don’t allow for a helicopter to land in the Everest Base Camp. One is the safety of the passengers as well as other people who reach the Base Camp. This has led the government to bar any helicopters from landing at the Everest Base Camp, except for the rescue operations. There is also a growing concern that a large influx of choppers to this region might disturb the ecosystem of the Khumbu region.
Is there a chance of delay due to the weather condition?
Is there any place in the world where there is no chance of delay due to bad weather? I don’t think so. And the same is true for the tour to the Everest Base Camp in a chopper. The Lukla Airport is notorious for having pockets of clouds developing in no time. This is more true in the summer season. The likelihood of delay in the autumn and the spring season is a tad lower compared to the monsoon.
Is the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour safe?
EBC Helicopter Tour is the safest way to reach the Everest Base Camp. You’ll have breakfast at the Everest View Hotel, known for its delectable food services. This will ensure that you don’t have food poisoning or water poisoning . Arrangements for oxygen supplies in the Helicopter are also available in case you are worried that you/your partner/ child might be unable to cope with the depleted oxygen levels in the Himalayas.
What would my Itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Comprise of?
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is 3-4 hours long. The Helicopter departs from the airport at 6:00 AM to Lukla airport. The Chopper stops at Lukla (2,820 m) for refueling. After this short break at Lukla, we head out to Pheriche, from where 2 or 3 people (depending upon the weight) will get on board and head out to Kala Patthar. You will stay at Kala Patthar for 5-10 minutes for sightseeing.
The Helicopter will then head towards Mt. Everest Base Camp and get as close as we can to the Khumbu glacier and icefall. After this sojourn over the Everest Base Camp, you will go to Pheriche. The Chopper will drop off the people who made the tour and take the rest of the people for a trip to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.
When Chopper finishes its trip to Kala Patthar, it will return to Everest Base Camp and take all the people together on a trip to Hotel Everest View for lunch/breakfast. Finally, you will return to Kathmandu.
Is the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour for Me?
The answer to this question depends upon your goals and priorities. We have already highlighted them before. If there is only a small window of time you can allow yourself on this trip, this is for you. Also, if you have underlying health conditions that make it impossible to trek to high altitudes, you can choose to fly in a helicopter.
But if you are a healthy person who has decent endurance, you can try trekking to EBC. We say this because we want you to take extra measures to get fitter for the EBC trek. That way, you will develop qualities like patience as well as mental and physical endurance- all of which are necessary to lead a healthy life. Besides, trekking might also lower the carbon footprint compared to a flight from a chopper.
Can I chop and change my Itinerary for the EBC Helicopter Tour?
Yes, if you think you’re uncomfortable with our Itinerary, you can talk to the tour operator. After all, the itinerary we’ve briefed above is only the tentative one. We have already said that you can choose to take the Chopper when you are either in Lukla or Namche or Everest View Hotel or Gokyo. Just let us know how you want to reap the most benefits out of helicopters to the EBC.
Can the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour take a helicopter to the top of Mount Everest?
Not really. Though there was an instance when a pilot landed his Chopper at the top of Everest, such audacious acts are uncommon. After all, no pilot after him has tried to do so. Besides, the design of a helicopter is not optimized for flying into weather as difficult as that of Mt. Everest. After all, there are chances that the fuel might freeze, there might be a blizzard, the fuel might freeze, and emergency landing won’t be available in sight.
Who leads the Everest base camp helicopter tour, and are they well-trained and experienced?
Despite so many trips to the Everest Base Camp in a chopper, there hasn’t been any major accident there. This in itself might be a testament to the wonderful training that helicopter pilots in Nepal receive. And they’re well-experienced, too, with many involved in rescue operations.
Can anyone trek to Everest base camp and return by Helicopter either from Kalapathar, Base Camp, Gorak Shep, Lobuche, or Pheriche?
Yes, yes, and Yes.
Helicopters don’t, by rule, fly to the Everest Base Camp. But if rescue operations are to be made there, they also fly into those territories. There are numerous helipads in the Everest region, so taking a helicopter from Kala Patthar, Gorak Shep, Lobuche, or Pheriche is certainly possible.
How many people can fly to Everest Base Camp by Helicopter?
There might be 5-6 people depending upon the weight considerations. Every chopper has its own Maximum Takeoff Weight. So the operators will adjust the number of people who can fly in the chopper depending upon the weight of each passenger and the baggage they carry.
How Long Does Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Take?
The helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp is only half a day long. The flight generally starts early in the morning, taking you to Lukla for refueling. From there, as described in the Itinerary, the Chopper lands at various places for designated times. Around noon, you might expect the tour to end.
Do We Land At The Everest Base Camp?
Not really. Although the tour takes you above the skies of the Everest Base Camp, it doesn’t quite touch down at the Base Camp itself. The Everest Base Camp is often a malleable place, and its location shifts from time to time depending on the snow, availability to camp, etc.
What Is The Maximum Height We Reach During The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
The highest altitude you get to during the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is Kala Patthar at 5644 meters- an altitude higher than the Base Camp, which is 5364 meters tall.
Is It Possible To Climb Mt. Everest Summit After The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
You can climb Mt. Everest after the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. You don’t even need to do the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour climb Mt. Everest.
Can Kids/Elderly Take The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
If your child is above six years of age, (s)he can take the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, and there’s no upper limit to the age of the elderly. We hope that despite the seeming lack of an upper age boundary, you assess if the elderly can bear the cold and have no major medical issues. But the tour is only half a day or so long, so minor illnesses might not come in the way of booking the trip.
Is There A Chance Of Flight Delay To The Everest Base Camp?
Weather is an unpredictable phenomenon. Even in peak trekking seasons, such as autumn and spring, flight delays to the Everest Base Camp are possible. And the summer season is rife with days where the visibility is too poor for flight operations.
Can I Add Extra Places With Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Yes, you can. However, there will be changes in the price of the tour if you add extra places with the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
What If Someone Suffers From AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) During The Tour?
Chances of suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness in such a small window of time might be difficult, but if you do, the chopper itself or the ones trudging back to Kathmandu or at lower altitudes will be available for rescue operations.
How To Book The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour In Nepal?
You can contact us, the first Aviation Media in Nepal, and we’ll get you in touch with the best helicopter service providers in the country, and then you can assess your options.
Does The Helicopter Carry Oxygen Tanks For An Emergency?
The level of oxygen at the Base Camp is quite low. And coupled with the cold, this might cause problems for people. This might lead to health problems. In order to mitigate such chances, all the helicopters carry oxygen tanks while they are on the Everest Base Camp Tour.
What type of shape do I need to be in?
We encourage anyone to be in the fittest shape possible- and not simply for the tour. Getting in good shape is a proper way of leading a properly balanced life. But having said that, there is no fitness test you might want to pass for this tour. A person who might be bordering on obese or overweight can do the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, and so can the fittest of people.
What is the weather & temperature like on tour?
The weather on the tour is dependent on the season you choose to do this tour. The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour might be chilly (less than 10 degrees) in the winter, though it offers you solitude. You might find the weather just about perfect (with good sunshine to bask in the morning) in the autumn and spring season, but there’ll be a lot of crowds.