Based on 13 reviews
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Begin on an unforgettable journey and experience the majesty of Everest from above with Peregrine.
Duration
5 Hour
Meals
- Not Included
Accommodation
- Not Included
Activities
- Helicopter Flight
SAVE
US$ 270Price Starts From
US$ 1350
Overview of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is the fastest way to reach the foot of the world’s highest peak. In under five hours, you fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, continue over the Dudh Koshi gorge and the Sherpa settlements of Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, pass above the Khumbu Icefall, and reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m before returning via Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and Hotel Everest View at Syangboche (3,880 m).
| Duration: 5 Hours | Max Altitude: 5,545 m, Kala Patthar | Start / End: Kathmandu | Daily Departures: 6:30–7:00 AM |
| Group Size: Max 5 pax per helicopter | Helicopter: Airbus AS350 B3e | Meals: Breakfast at HEV, optional add-on | Difficulty: Easy, no trekking |
Scroll left or right to view the full table.
The flight operates year-round with daily departures at dawn, when Himalayan thermals are calmest, and visibility is sharpest. You share an Airbus AS350 B3e — the same high-altitude workhorse used by Everest expeditions — with up to four other passengers. A private charter option is also available for families or groups who want the aircraft to themselves.
This tour is purpose-built for travelers who want the Everest experience without the 12–14-day trek: business travelers with limited schedules, families with young children, older adventurers, and anyone for whom high-altitude trekking is medically inadvisable. There is no walking, no overnight stay, and no risk of altitude sickness from prolonged exposure.
Peregrine Treks has operated helicopter charters in the Khumbu region since 2009. Every flight is coordinated through our in-house logistics desk in Kathmandu with direct radio contact to the pilot.
Detail Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Flight
05:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
Our airport transfer vehicle collects you from any hotel in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. The 20–30 minute drive to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) domestic terminal gives you time to review the flight briefing document sent the previous evening.
Carry your passport (original required for the domestic flight manifest). Dress in layers — Kathmandu is warm at dawn, but Kala Patthar at 5,545 m can be minus 10°C with wind chill.
06:15 AM — Airport Check-in & Safety Briefing
At the domestic helipad, our flight coordinator handles all check-in paperwork and introduces you to your pilot. You receive a short safety briefing covering seatbelt use, emergency exits, communication via headset, and the in-flight photography protocol.
Each passenger is weighed with their daypack. The Airbus AS350 B3e has a maximum payload of 500 kg at Kathmandu altitude (1,338 m). Your pilot configures seating based on weight distribution.
06:30–06:45 AM — Takeoff from Kathmandu
The helicopter lifts off from TIA and heads east over the Kathmandu Valley. Within minutes, terraced rice paddies and the Indrawati river replace the cityscape. On clear days, the Langtang range appears to the north within the first ten minutes.
Flight altitude: 3,000–4,000 m during this sector. Total flying time Kathmandu to Lukla: approximately 40–45 minutes.
07:15–07:30 AM — Lukla (2,860 m) — Refueling Stop #1
The helicopter lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the world’s most dramatic runways — a 527 m strip carved into a mountainside with a 12% gradient. You remain seated or step out briefly while the crew refuels. This 10–15 minute stop is operationally necessary: the AS350 cannot carry enough fuel for the entire Kathmandu–EBC–Kathmandu circuit.
Lukla is the gateway to all Everest expeditions. You will see trekkers beginning their 12-day trek to Base Camp on foot — you will reach the same destination in 30 minutes.
07:30–08:00 AM — Lukla to Everest Base Camp Flyover
This is the core scenic sector. The helicopter climbs north up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing directly over Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the commercial hub of the Khumbu. You then fly over Tengboche monastery (3,867 m), Dingboche (4,410 m), Lobuche (4,940 m), and Gorak Shep (5,164 m) before reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
Mountains visible on this sector: Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Kangtega (6,782 m), Thamserku (6,623 m), Taboche (6,495 m), Cholatse (6,440 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Everest (8,849 m). The Khumbu Icefall is directly below as you approach Base Camp.
08:00–08:15 AM — Kala Patthar Flyover (or Landing on an extra payment)
From EBC, the helicopter swings west to Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the famous viewpoint that trekkers use for their Everest summit photo. On the standard sharing flight, you fly over Kala Patthar at close range with 360-degree views of Everest’s Southwest Face, the Western Cwm, Pumori (7,161 m), Lingtren (6,749 m), and Changtse (7,543 m).
If you booked the Kala Patthar Landing Add-on, the helicopter lands for 10 minutes. At this altitude, the AS350 can carry only 2 passengers per shuttle rotation due to a reduced payload limit of 220–240 kg. Your pilot manages the rotations from a staging point at Pheriche (4,371 m).
08:15–09:00 AM — Hotel Everest View, Syangboche (3,880 m)
The helicopter descends to the helipad at Syangboche, adjacent to Hotel Everest View — the highest-placed hotel in the world. You have 30–40 minutes on the ground. The terrace faces directly toward Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, with no obstructions.
Breakfast is available at the hotel restaurant (USD 30–40 per person, paid directly). The menu includes continental and Nepali options. Even if you skip breakfast, the stop is included — use the time to take photos from the terrace. Oxygen saturation at this altitude is approximately 62–65% of sea level; you may feel mildly breathless, but the exposure is too short to cause altitude sickness.
09:00–09:15 AM — Lukla (2,860 m) — Refueling Stop #2
A quick return to Lukla for the second refueling. This 10–15 minute stop tops off the fuel needed for the return leg to Kathmandu.
09:15–10:00 AM — Return Flight to Kathmandu
The return route follows the Dudh Koshi south, then swings west across the Solu Khumbu foothills. You pass over Phaplu, Jiri, and the Tama Koshi valley before descending into the Kathmandu Valley from the east. Landing at TIA domestic helipad.
Total return flying time: approximately 40–45 minutes.
10:15–10:30 AM — Hotel Drop-off
Our vehicle is waiting at the helipad to drive you back to your hotel. You are back before lunch, with the rest of your day in Kathmandu free.
Your pilot can provide a signed flight certificate upon request. Photos and video taken from the helicopter are yours to keep — no restrictions.
Customize this trip with help from our local travel specialist that matches your interests.
Includes & Excludes
What is included?
- Airport Transfers: We provide transportation from your hotel to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and back. This includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- Helicopter Flight: The package includes the round-trip helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, with stops in Lukla for refueling, Kala Patthar for the Everest view, and either Kongde or Hotel Everest View for breakfast.
- Experienced Pilot cum Guide: Our pilots have extensive experience flying in the Everest region, ensuring a safe and enjoyable flight. The pilot will inform you about the various sights throughout the tour.
- Emergency Rescue Service: Our package includes emergency rescue and evacuation services in the unlikely event of an emergency.
- Insurance: The package includes insurance for significant emergencies during the tour.
- All Taxes and Service Charges: Any applicable taxes and service charges are included in the tour cost
| Package | Price (USD) | What’s Included |
| Sharing Flight (Per Person) | USD 1,350 | Hotel pickup → TIA → Lukla (refuel) → EBC & Kala Patthar flyover → Hotel Everest View (30–40 min stop) → Lukla (refuel) → Kathmandu → hotel drop-off |
| Kala Patthar Landing Add-on | + USD 600 | 10–15 min landing at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) with a shuttle flight from Pheriche. Max 2 passengers per shuttle due to weight restrictions above 4,400 m. |
| Private Charter (Whole Helicopter) | USD 6,500 | Exclusive aircraft for 1–5 passengers. Kala Patthar landing included. Custom route and timing flexibility. |
Note: The shared flight price is a flat per-person rate. You join a shared helicopter with up to 4 other passengers on a daily scheduled departure. You do not need to form your own group.
What is excluded?
- Hotel Accommodation: The package typically does not include hotel accommodations in Kathmandu.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at either Kongde Lodge or Hotel Everest View, which offers stunning panoramas of the Everest region.
- All Necessary Permits: None of the required permits for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, including the Sagarmatha National Park permit, are included in the package. You must pay USD 40 (Nepalese Rupees 5000) for the national park fee. Please carry Nepalese cash with you for this permit.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses, such as souvenirs, donations, additional snacks, or beverages, are not covered.
- Travel Insurance: While the tour includes emergency insurance during the helicopter tour, it doesn’t cover travel insurance for the rest of your stay in Nepal. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and other delays.
- Tips: Tipping the pilot or guide is optional and left to your discretion; it is not included in the package price.
- Extra Costs Due to Unforeseen Events: The tour doesn’t cover additional costs resulting from unforeseen circumstances, such as extended stays due to bad weather, natural disasters, political instability, or similar situations.
| Item | Cost | Paid To |
| Breakfast at Hotel Everest View | USD 30–40 per person | Hotel directly |
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | Included in the sharing price OR paid at the counter |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) | Peregrine arranges |
| Domestic Airport Tax | NPR 500 | Pay directly at the airport |
| Travel Insurance (recommended) | Varies | Your insurer |
Pricing transparency: We list every cost upfront. There are no hidden charges, fuel surcharges, or last-minute add-ons on departure day.
Departure Dates
We also operate Private Trips.
Trip Information
Who Is This Tour For?
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Everest without the physical demands of a multi-day trek. It is especially suited to:
- Time-limited travelers: Business visitors, stopover passengers, or anyone with fewer than two days in Nepal who still want the Everest experience.
- Older adventurers (50+): No trekking, no overnight stays at altitude, no sustained physical effort. The entire tour is seated, except for the 30–40-minute ground stop at Hotel Everest View (3,880 m).
- Families with children: Children aged 3 and above are permitted. The short duration and low physical demand make this safe for young travelers. Car seats are not available in the helicopter; children sit on a parent’s lap or in their own seat, depending on age and weight.
- Travelers with physical limitations: Wheelchair users can be assisted into the helicopter with advance notice. Those with knee, hip, or back conditions that prevent trekking can experience Everest comfortably.
- Luxury and celebration travelers: Honeymoon couples, anniversary trips, milestone birthdays, and once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experiences. Private charters allow custom timing and route.
- Trekkers seeking a complement: Some travelers book this tour after completing the Everest Base Camp Trek on foot, for an aerial perspective of the route they walked. Others fly in and trek out (or vice versa) as a hybrid itinerary.
Understanding Helicopter Weight Limits on the EBC Tour
The Airbus AS350 B3e (also called the H125) is the only helicopter certified for routine operations above 5,000 m in Nepal. Its performance is governed by strict weight limits that change with altitude:
| Altitude Zone | Max Payload | Passengers |
| Kathmandu (1,338 m) to Lukla (2,860 m) | ~500 kg | 5 passengers + pilot |
| Lukla (2,860 m) to EBC flyover (5,364 m) | ~350 kg | 5 passengers (reduced fuel load) |
| Kala Patthar landing (5,545 m) | 220–240 kg | 2 passengers + pilot only |
What this means for the Kala Patthar landing: At 5,545 m, the air is roughly half as dense as at sea level. The helicopter’s rotor produces significantly less lift, reducing the maximum payload to 220–240 kg. With the pilot weighing approximately 70–80 kg, only two passengers (plus minimal fuel) can be on board for a safe landing.
If you book the Kala Patthar landing add-on on a sharing flight, the pilot operates shuttle rotations from a staging point at Pheriche (4,371 m) or Gorak Shep (5,164 m). Each rotation takes approximately 8–10 minutes. You spend 10–15 minutes on the ground at Kala Patthar before being shuttled back. The remaining passengers in your group are shuttled in sequence. Total additional time: 30–45 minutes, depending on group size.
Private charter passengers skip the shuttle queue. The pilot drops non-landing passengers at Syangboche or Pheriche, then takes up to 2 passengers at a time to Kala Patthar.
Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Best Season to Fly
The helicopter tour operates year-round, but visibility and flight success rates vary by season:
| Season | Months | Visibility | Flight Success | Notes |
| Autumn | Oct–Nov | Excellent | ~95% | Best season. Dry air, stable weather, crystal-clear Himalayan views. |
| Spring | Mar–May | Very Good | ~90% | Second-best. Rhododendron bloom is visible in the foothills. Slightly hazy in late May. |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Good to Excellent | ~80% | Cold but often clear. Fewer tourists. Kala Patthar ground temps can reach −15°C. |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Poor to Fair | ~50–60% | Cloud cover is frequent. Morning windows exist. Higher cancellation risk. |
What to Wear & Bring
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Packing List
You are only outside the helicopter for 30–40 minutes at Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) — and 10–15 minutes at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) if you book the landing add-on. Pack light; you are limited to one small daypack (max 5 kg).
- Warm-down jacket or insulated puffer — Temperatures at Hotel Everest View range from −5°C to +10°C, depending on the season. Kala Patthar can reach −15°C in winter.
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom) — Wear under your outer layer for the high-altitude stops.
- Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter/buff — Wind chill at altitude is significant even on sunny days.
- Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4) — UV radiation at 5,000+ m is double sea-level intensity. Snow glare can cause temporary snow blindness without protection.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — Apply before departure. Reapply at Hotel Everest View.
- Camera or smartphone with a charged battery — Cold temperatures drain batteries fast. Keep your device in an inside pocket until ready to shoot. Bring a portable charger.
- Passport (original) — Required for the domestic flight manifest check-in.
- Daypack (max 5 kg) — Carries your jacket, camera, snacks, and water. Large luggage stays at your hotel.
- Comfortable hiking boots or warm shoes — For the ground stop at Hotel Everest View. The helipad area is gravel and uneven.
- Motion sickness medication (if prone) — Take 30 minutes before departure. The flight involves banking turns through mountain valleys.
Booking & Cancellation Policy
How to Book
- Click the “Book Now” button on this page, and fill out the form or contact us via email (sales@peregrinetreks.com) or WhatsApp (+977 985 105 2413).
- Receive a booking confirmation with your flight date, pickup time, and pre-flight briefing document within 24 hours.
- Pay the full amount via bank transfer or credit card (Visa/Mastercard). Payment secures your seat on the scheduled departure.
- On departure day, our vehicle picks you up from your hotel at the scheduled time.
Cancellation Policy
| Cancellation Timing | Refund |
| Guest cancellation 7+ days before departure | Full refund minus 5% processing fee |
| Guest cancellation 3–6 days before departure | 50% refund |
| Guest cancellation less than 3 days/no-show | Non-refundable |
| Date change (48+ hours notice) | Free — one change permitted, subject to availability |
For additional Nepal Travel Information:
Please ring us on WhatsApp or Viber at +977 98510 52413 (Nepal) or New York (24/7) at +1 315 388 6163 or email us at sales@peregrinetreks.com
Frequently Asked Questions
The shared flight costs USD 1,350 per person on a shared helicopter with up to 4 other passengers. A private charter for the entire helicopter (1–5 passengers) costs USD 6,500. The optional Kala Patthar landing add-on is an additional USD 600 per person. Breakfast at Hotel Everest View costs USD 30–40 and is paid directly to the hotel. All permit fees (for Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Rural Municipality) are included in the shared price.
Yes. The Airbus AS350 B3e (H125) is specifically designed for high-altitude operations and is the same aircraft used by Everest expedition logistics teams. Pilots operating in the Khumbu region are required to hold a specific high-altitude endorsement. Peregrine only works with operators who meet the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) safety standards. Flights are canceled if weather conditions are marginal — safety is always the priority.
Weather decisions are made by the pilot based on real-time conditions at Kathmandu, Lukla, and the Khumbu valley. Most cancellation decisions are communicated by 6:00 AM on departure day.
Extremely unlikely. Altitude sickness (AMS) is caused by prolonged exposure to low oxygen at high elevation — typically 6–12 hours or more. On the helicopter tour, your total time above 3,500 m is approximately 60–90 minutes, and your time above 5,000 m is only 15–25 minutes. The helicopter cabin is not pressurized, but the brief exposure is well within safe limits for healthy adults. You may feel slightly breathless at Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) or Kala Patthar (5,545 m), but this is normal and not altitude sickness.
Yes. Children aged 3 and above are welcome. Children under 3 can fly on a parent’s lap, but it is not recommended due to noise and cabin pressure changes. All children pay the full adult fare. The tour involves no trekking and minimal time outside the helicopter, making it suitable for young travelers.
October–November (autumn) offers the best visibility and the highest flight success rate (~95%). March–May (spring) is the second-best season. Winter (December–February) provides excellent clarity but extreme cold at altitude. The monsoon season (June–September) has the highest cancellation risk due to cloud cover, though morning windows often allow flights to proceed.
No. The standard tour includes a close flyover of Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall, not a landing. Landing at EBC itself is not permitted by CAAN regulations except for emergency rescue operations. However, you can book the Kala Patthar landing add-on (USD 600 per person) to land at 5,545 m for 10–15 minutes with direct views of Everest’s Southwest Face.
The Airbus AS350 B3e carries a maximum of 5 passengers, including the pilot, on the Kathmandu–Lukla sector. On the sharing flight, you are grouped with up to 4 other passengers. On a private charter, you can have 1–5 passengers to yourself with the entire aircraft. At altitudes above 4,400 m (for the Kala Patthar landing), only 2 passengers can fly per rotation due to reduced payload capacity.
The helicopter has a total payload limit of approximately 500 kg at Kathmandu altitude and 220–240 kg at Kala Patthar altitude (5,545 m). Individual passenger weight is not capped, but all passengers and bags are weighed during check-in to ensure the aircraft is within safe operating limits. If the combined group weight exceeds the limit, the pilot may adjust seating or request a passenger move to the next flight. Passengers weighing over 100 kg should inform us at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
Dress in warm layers. Wear a thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket), and a windproof outer shell. Bring a warm hat, gloves, UV-rated sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 50+). Comfortable closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are recommended for the ground stop at Hotel Everest View. The helicopter cabin is unheated.
Reviews on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
5.0
Life time experience!!
The helicopter ride to base camp was awesome; my two little ones had a blast. The helpful and accommodating staff ensured our trip went off without a hitch. We will definitely be back soon!
Alica
United StatesIncredible Tour
I saw a video of the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour on YouTube, so I reached out to Peregrine Treks to book a ride. They got back to me right away, and everything was sorted. The flight from Lukla to Base Camp was amazing – once we landed at Kala Patthar, the majestic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks with the fresh, snowy air were just incredible! A special shoutout to Mr. Pradip for making this helicopter ride possible and a bonus of the Kathmandu sightseeing tour!
Jessica G. Lee
United StatesRemarkable Tour Ever
If you’re looking for an Everest tour, then look no further than Peregrine Treks! Not only are their services and facilities top-notch, but the professionalism of their staff is absolutely remarkable. Thank you, Peregrine, for making my helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar such a truly unforgettable experience! Highly recommended!
John C. Myles
United Statesincredible journey of ebc
We are thrilled to have taken this fantastic Everest Base Camp helicopter tour with Peregrine Treks! Three people – two adults and one child, chose the private option, which was offered at a great value due to the monsoon season. The weather was perfect, and my eleven-year-old daughter had an incredible time! We are incredibly grateful to have experienced this incredible journey and thank Peregrine for its fantastic hospitality. We hope to be back soon!
Zachary Scott
Bettendorf, UKWonderful Experience of ABC and EBC
Our Thailand friend pointed us in the right direction when they recommended Peregrine Treks for our ABC trek and Everest base camp helicopter tour. We were delighted to meet Mr. Pradip and can’t express enough how grateful we are for his help in planning this amazing journey. We want to give a huge shoutout to Pradip for giving us such a wonderful experience in the picturesque Annapurna region. Wewill be sure to spread the word to all our friends!
Ethan Noble
Manchester, GBThrilling Tour
As a venerable US couple, we decided to make our way to Nepal this winter. On our journey, we stopped at Peregrine Treks and met the delightful Mr. Pradip, who suggested we take a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp. We were taken aback by the offer, but given our advanced age and limited time, the tour seemed the perfect solution. We were thrilled that the helicopter tour cost was so reasonable and couldn’t wait to embark on our adventure!
Samantha Austin
Jasper, UKBest moment ever
Wow, what an awesome experience! My holiday in Nepal was almost over, but before I left, I decided to check out the legendary Everest Base Camp by helicopter. My friends who had been to the Khumbu region said it was a must-see, and they were right! I did the tour back in May 2022, and it was one of the best moments of my life.
Lucinda St Julian
AustraliaFantastic Kala Patthar
I had a fantastic time on the Everest base camp helicopter tour with Peregrine Treks! The tour was such a great deal, and the memories are unforgettable. They’re Nepal’s best and most highly recommended trekking company- you rock! I will be telling all my friends about it.
Matilda Simon
Capeen, AustraliaWorth every dollar
We booked the sharing flight as a 30th anniversary gift. The pickup was exactly on time at 5:30 AM from our hotel in Thamel. The flight over the Khumbu Icefall was the single most breathtaking moment of our lives. Breakfast at Hotel Everest View with Everest right in front of us was surreal. We were back at our hotel by 10:30 AM.
Sarah & Tom M.
United StatesPeregrine handled everything perfectly
I am 68 years old with a knee replacement. Trekking to Everest Base Camp was never an option. This helicopter tour gave me the experience I thought was impossible. The pilot pointed out every peak by name through the headset. Kala Patthar from the air at sunrise is something I will carry forever.
Dr. Kenji T.
JapanLoved every moment
We flew with our 4-year-old daughter. The Peregrine team assured us it was safe and they were right. She loved every moment, pointing at the mountains through the window. The flight coordinator at the airport was patient and helpful. The weather was perfect and we saw Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam with absolute clarity
Anika & Ravi P.
IndiaEBC in Winter
Winter flight. I was worried about cancellation, but Peregrine called me at 5 AM to confirm conditions were clear. The visibility was extraordinary — zero clouds, deep blue sky, every ridge and glacier in sharp detail. Hotel Everest View terrace was freezing but the hot coffee and the view made it one of my best travel memories.
Marcus D.
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