Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour - 01 Days

Brief Overview of Everest View Hotel

Everest View Hotel is a remarkable establishment that has a pleasant atmosphere and spectacular surrounding views. It is located within the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park in Nepal. It is basically one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Started from 1971, this iconic hotel has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records (2004). Since it is a highly located hotel in the world at 13000 ft, and has achieved this amazing feat. With every room, you can get a glimpse of the tallest peak in the world the Mt.Everest.

This fabulous hotel is highly renowned all over the world, making it an ideal destination to smell the scent of the Himalayas. From here, you can explore the nearby villages and enjoy the amazing landscape, giving you a luxurious experience.

Everest Helicopter Tour Cost

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, we provide an exclusive package of the Everest Helicopter Tour for USD 1550 per person. At the end of the day, we provide unparalleled service and quality over the whole tour duration. We will make you feel that every penny you spend is worth it.

Permits Required for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Permits are required to enter the Everest region. Anyone can’t simply enter this region without having the permit first. The base camp is located at Mount Everest, inside the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park.

Altogether, two types of permits are required for a heli tour to Everest Base Camp. These are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit.

Access Nepal Tour and Trekking will get all required permits for the Mt Everest helicopter tour for you. That too without any extra charge needed.

1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha National Park. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All foreign trekkers (including SAARC countries) must get this permit compulsorily.

Cost of this permit:

• NPR 3000 per person for foreigners
• NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals
• NPR 100 for Nepali citizens.

To get the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, you can visit, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation office in Kathmandu, or you can also visit the Sagarmatha National Park counter in Monjo.

2) Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

You need a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit to enter the Khumbu region.

Cost of this permit: 

• NPR 3000 per person for foreigners
• NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals
• NPR 100 for Nepali citizens.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit can be obtained from either Lukla or Monjo.

Some of the required documents to get these permits are an authentic passport, a photocopy of it, and a valid Nepal visa. Also carry two passport-sized photos and cash in NPR.

Bring 2-3 photocopies of these documents. This is because you’ve to submit one of the copies to the concerned staff. These permits are valid for nearly 4 weeks. Further extensions is also possible with a small fee charge.

Everest Helicopter Tour Route

The route of the helicopter tour of Everest looks like the following

Kathmandu (TIA) → Fly over Nagarkot & Jiri

Land at Lukla (Tenzing–Hillary Airport) → Scenic flight over Namche, Syangboche, Tengboche

Land at Pheriche → Fly over Gorak Shep & Kala Patthar

Stop at Hotel Everest View → Return to Lukla → Flight back to Kathmandu

In between the journey there will be two refueling breaks too. One once you land at Lukla. And another one during the return to the Lukla (when we stop at the Hotel Everest view).

Brief Overview of the Route of the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour

• The journey begins with a departure from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
• And it is followed by a scenic flyover of Nagarkot and Jiri.
• The helicopter then lands at Lukla’s Tenzing–Hillary Airport for a refueling stop.
• Then the continuation of the aerial journey over Namche, Syangboche, and Tengboche.
• Landing at the Pheriche.
• You’ll get to see amazing aerial views of the Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar.
• Then we’ll have a breakfast stop at the Hotel Everest View.
• Return back to Lukla for refueling.
• And lastly, back to Kathmandu from Lukla.

Best Season For Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

First and foremost, the key thing to look after is the weather before heading for this Mt Everest helicopter tour package. The weather should be clean and crystal clear. Only then there is a chance of getting the best aerial views.

Alright then, to make this experience fully rewarding, let’s get to know the best season for this Everest helicopter tour.

Spring (March to May)

This is the pre-monsoon time, and the best time to experience the clean and picturesque views of the mountains. During this time, the rhododendron blooms along with the different wildflowers, making an enchanting environment.

The air is also fresh and pure after the end of winter. The valleys below you are painted green, making it the perfect time for sightseeing and trekking purposes.

The mountain peaks, such as Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the huge Everest, are covered in super white snow in winter. The mixture of deep blue sky and the white peaks makes it a truly wonderful sight to behold.

Autumn (Late September to November)

Just after the monsoon swept away all the dust and toxins of the air, and made the whole sky fresh and clean. This is another ideal time to go for the helicopter tour of Everest. You can see the valleys and rocks even from miles away with inch detail.

Though less snow in comparison to winter, the peaks can still be clearly visible. Furthermore, the days are sunny and clear, and most importantly, the weather is not fluctuating much. The weather and the mountains showcase their true colors to the visitors in this peak trekking season.

The temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20°C. At night, although they can drop to as low as -15°C. Mostly, the autumn and spring seasons are ideal if you’re looking to try the aerial tour of Everest.

During these seasons, the weather remains clear and gives you the perfect opportunity for sightseeing.

How safe is the Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu?

Generally, the Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu to base camp is pretty safe. One of the best ways to reach the base camp of the world’s highest peak is through the heli tour. Only the risks can be more if you get there during seasons where there are more weather fluctuations and unpredictable weather conditions.

To experience the best possible aerial views, you must arrive during the best seasons, and these are spring and autumn. Spring lasts from March until May, and autumn lasts from late September to November. 

During this time, the weather is pretty clear, the air remains fresh, and the weather is pleasant too. Summer and winter come with more risk, and weather conditions are more fluctuating during these times.

In summer, heavy rainfall occurs, making it difficult for helicopters to operate smoothly. Winter brings storms and foggy skies. Hence, it reduces the visibility in the flight as well as affects sightseeing.

So overall, the autumn and spring are pretty safe for a helicopter tour of Everest.

Altitude Risks & Acclimatization Overview

The higher you go, the thinner the oxygen level becomes. The oxygen level at 5000m can be just above 10%.

As a result of this, people suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Other, more serious issues are HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema).

However, this can be completely prevented by taking proper acclimatization. In order to do so, the best practice is to stay in Kathmandu for a few days. This is because the oxygen level is a bit lower there, and your body becomes more used to it.

Or, even better, if you stay at the lower villages before the start of this tour.

Key Acclimatization Tips

• Avoid activities that give extra stress to your body
• Stay hydrated; drink 3 to 4 litres of water
• Don’t smoke or drink.
• Get enough quality sleep.
• Track your oxygen levels regularly (if possible).

Important Health Tools (Consider carrying them)

• A pulse oximeter; measures blood oxygen saturation.
• Diamox (Acetazolamide); a medication for fixing swelling caused by heart disease.
• Headache and anti-nausea tablets.

Weight Limit for Helicopter Tour of Everest

The Everest base camp helicopter tour carries a total of six people, 5 passengers and a captain. For Lukla, the ideal weight is around 500 kg. At the same time, for Kalapatthar, the ideal weight is slightly lower: 250 kg.

The weight limit also varies based on the type of helicopter used for the tour.

Preparation for Mount Everest Helicopter Tour

Not much intense preparation is required from your side to successfully embark on a helicopter tour of Everest. All you need is a good fitness level, a better cardiovascular system, and proper breathing.

Since there is no trekking involved, it is a far easier and better way to get a glimpse of the humongous peaks of Nepal.

Physical & Mental Preparation: Practice meditation, deep breathing exercises, and invest in cardiovascular exercises. All in all, you need to maintain a fit body, which is enough to make this adventure truly wonderful and highly memorable.

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Things may not always go as planned; in such scenarios, travel insurance becomes handy. In case of an emergency or any other medical conditions, you will need to be evacuated.

Our Everest Base Camp helicopter tour doesn’t cover travel insurance. We suggest you to find andselect the insurance company yourself.

Getting travel insurance is crucial since it helps in:

• Medical emergencies like altitude sickness
• Covers medical expenses
• Hospitalization
• Possible helicopter rescue
• Flight cancellations due to unforeseen events like bad weather

In cases of cancellation of the tour, insurance compensates for expenses such as flight or tour bookings.

Make sure to choose the right insurance policy that covers different levels of medical expenses and trip cancellations. You should also make sure that the plan you choose covers medical expenses related to AMS.

And lastly, check all the exclusions and everything before purchasing the insurance.

Packing List, Gears, and Equipment for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

For the Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu, you must bring your own clothing and all the essentials from home.

You can also buy the needed equipment or gear from the shops in Kathmandu. In case you forgot to bring the gears and equipment then you can also rent them from Access Nepal Tour and Trekking.

Check out the list of essential items to pack for your helicopter tour of Everest:

Clothes

• Waterproof jacket
• Fleece or Tracksuit pants
• Lightweight walking pants
• Down jacket
• Fleece jackets
• Raincoat
• Windproof jacket
• Shirts
• Hiking Pants
• Thermal vest and trousers
• Woolen & insulated gloves
• Woolen socks
• Woolen cap
• Trekking boots
• Sandals

Extra Items

• Camera/Smartphone
• Two-pin charging plug
• Personal Medication
• A few passport-sized photos
• Photocopies of the Passport
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Optional

• Walking/Trekking poles
• Handheld GPS device

Important Documents/Materials

• A passport with validity for at least six months.
• Also, remember to carry multiple copies of your passport
• Tourist Visa
• Everest Region Permits  
• Four to six passport-sized photos 
• Details of the tour agency
• Everest Helicopter Tour Itinerary
• Travel Insurance paper
• Agency’s registration copy 
• Booking Confirmation
• Copy of flight tickets with date of arrival and departure
• Cash

Just don’t pack heavy; pack only what are essential. Space in the helicopter is limited. Leave extra things in the hotel in Kathmandu if it is not that much necessary for the tour.

Internet and Phone Network on the Mount Everest Helicopter Tour

During the Everest base camp helicopter tour, you’ve to keep in mind that the internet and the phone network will be very much limited. Since the Everest region falls in the rough hilly regions, the connectivity won’t be that reliable.

You can simply purchase the local SIM cards in Kathmandu itself or in the bigger towns. Local mobile network operators like Ncell and NTC offer limited coverage.

Some of the teahouses along the trekking route have access to Wi-Fi; however, the connection may be slow. Mobile data works better in a few lower-altitude villages.

Passport & Visa Requirements

Every foreign visitor to Nepal, except Indian nationals, for the Mount Everest helicopter tour needs an entry visa. Grab a visa to cover the entire duration of your tour, including buffer days.

A 30-day visa is enough for the Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu. You can simply get the visa from your local Nepalese Embassy or on arrival in Kathmandu.

Keep in mind, some Asian and African nationalities are required to get a visa in advance. So best is to get the visa prior to your arrival. The visa is valid for 6 months.

On-Arrival Visa Fee:

Multiple entry 15 Days – 30 USD

Multiple entry 30 Days – 50 USD

Multiple entry 90 Days – 125 USD

Carry some cash (in US$ or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee.

Click here to stay updated on any changes in rules and regulations.

Click here to download the online visa application.

It is absolutely compulsory to carry your passport during this tour and keep a photocopy of your passport too.

For more details on how to apply Nepal Tourist Visa Form. Similarly, to apply, visit this link.

Nepalese Currency for Personal (extra) Expenses

We advise you to carry extra cash to look after your personal expenses. Also, don’t forget to exchange the cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu. This way, you can get a fair exchange rate.

Based on your personal spending habits, you can carry the cash amount accordingly. It’s better to carry cash in Nepalese rupees equivalent to USD 15 to 20 per person, per day.

Health and Safety Concerns While On The Mt Everest Helicopter Tour

One of the major threats when going for a tour at such a high altitude is altitude sickness. The more you ascend higher, chances are, you may be affected by altitude sickness (also known as Acute Mountain Sickness). We strictly follow certain safety guidelines to make this tour safe and amazing at the same time.

Highly Important Tips for a Helicopter Tour of Everest

Here are some of the essential factors that you must consider during this Everest base camp helicopter tour:

1. Choose a trustworthy heli package
2. Pack essential items only
3. Make sure to book packages early
4. Dress according to the weather conditions
5. Bring a high-quality camera
6. Follow safety instructions strictly

Steps to Book the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Package

The booking process for the Everest base camp helicopter tour is pretty simple. On the top right-hand side of this package page, you’ll see the package details along with the Book Now button. You simply have to click that button, which will redirect you to the booking procedure.

Just to let you know, to make a booking, you have to pay 10% of the total amount of the tour cost in advance. As soon as you pay the first installment, your place will be reserved.

For the second installment, you have to pay within 24 hours of your arrival. We accept wire transfers and card/online payments. To book the Everest base camp helicopter tour, follow this link: Book Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Guide to Last-Minute Bookings for Mount Everest Helicopter Tour

Even if you miss the early booking opportunities, no worries, cause we also have last-minute booking options for the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. You need to have travel documents and insurance in hand. After that, you can simply get in touch with us to check availability and confirm your booking.

To make last-minute bookings, full payment is required 24 hours before your departure. Once that is done, we will try our best to keep arranging the tour on schedule for you.

For more information or to book, give us a call at +977 9841021636 or email us at [email protected].

In our packages, we have fixed departure dates. However, we can also change the dates to fit your schedule.

To Extend Your Stay in Nepal

You also have the option to extend your stay if you feel like enjoying more adventures. We have other related heli packages too, the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, Kathmandu luxury with Everest heli tour.

We also have an ideal 14-day Everest base camp trek package, which is quite affordable and at the same time beginner-friendly.

Let us know, and we’ll plan your next adventure asap.