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Everest Base Camp Helicopter Group Joining Tour One day

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Group Joining Tour One day

Name: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Group Joining Tour One day
Brand: View Nepal Treks
Price: 1500 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (6 reviews)

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Trip at a Glance

Duration6 Hours

Trip GradeModerate

CountryNepal

Maximum Altitude5,545 M

Group Size1 to 5

StartsKathmandu

EndsKathmandu

ActivitiesEverest Base Camp, Kala Patthar Flyover and Hotel Everest Viewpoint Landing

Best TimeSpring and Autumn

Operator: View Nepal Treks
Duration & Route: 3 to 4 hours, with flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, with an overfly at Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, landing at Syangboche and back to Kathmandu
Core Base Package: $1,500 USD/person for group joining with guaranteed window seat, overflight and landing at Syangboche
High Altitude Upgrade: +$550 USD/person for the option of landing down at Kala Patthar, subject to 1 passenger
Stops: Lukla for refueling and Everest View Hotel and Syangboche for ground stop and breakfast
Group and Weight Restrictions: maximum of 5 passengers per flight with maximum weight being 500KG; shuttle bus will be used above 4,300m
Best Seasons: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Group Joining Tour is a five-hour tour from Kathmandu which is available at a rate of USD 1,500 per person through View Nepal Treks. This particular tour suits best for passionate travelers who would like to explore the snowy areas of Everest and other neighboring mountains without spending days walking around. This tour comprises a scenic flight over Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Lhotse and Pumori along with a stopover at Everest View Hotel located at an altitude of 3,880 m. Whereas some tours offer guaranteed stops at high altitudes, the regular tour offered by us includes only a flight over Kalapathar, but a separate landing can be arranged if you desire. All reservations for the tour are taken care of by View Nepal Treks who also provide full pre-tour briefing services through their office in Thamel.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Group Joining Tour 1 Day

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Joining Tour leaves Kathmandu for the upper Khumbu region where the hiking trail to Everest Base Camp is lost in the midst of rocks, moraines and glaciers. This day-long tour costs USD 1,500 per person and covers the route Kathmandu-Lukla-Everest Base Camp-Syangboche-Kathmandu. As we approach Gorak Shep, we will fly over the Khumbu glacier on our way to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar. From here we will get a glimpse of the summit of Everest between the Lhotse and Nuptse mountains (weather permitting). The scheduled ground stop is Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) above Namche Bazaar.

However, there is one point of caution which we feel that we must share before the deal. A helicopter tour of joining a group doesn’t include landing at the Base Camp of Everest. Similarly, Kala Patthar isn’t a landing if the USD 550 additional charges for single passenger flight are not arranged separately. It will depend on weather and permissions. We feel the need to share this information because both these places usually fall under one promotion package, but are separate packages themselves.

Nepal Treks operates the group tour bookings from Nursing Chowk, Thamel, under the supervision of Chairman Bhupendra Adhikari and Executive Director Santosh Bikram Adhikari. The names of both the directors are present in our corporate team and can be contacted via communication applications like WhatsApp, Viber, and WeChat round the clock. We brief you before the tour and make sure to fill up all the formalities.

The advantage is quite clear: see the geography of the Everest region without spending almost two weeks on the trekking trail. The less obvious, but equally important drawbacks of foregoing this include the missed opportunity to travel through the villages of the Khumbu region, ascending without trekking acclimatization and favorable flying weather. These are the fair warnings, not the disclosures made later.

Highlights for Seat-in-Coach (SIC) Everest Heli Flight

Complete the Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu in approximately 5 hours.
Helicopter flight over Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and the Khumbu Glacier.
View an aerial view of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse and Nuptse.
View the Khumbu Icefall and Kala Patthar from a helicopter.
Fly past Ama Dablam, Thamserku and the peaks of the Khumbu Valley.
Complete the scenic helicopter ride to Lukla Airport (2,860 m).
Land at Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) for 30 minutes.
Have optional breakfast with views of Himalayan peaks.
Request optional Kala Patthar landing at extra cost of USD 550 per person.
Join the group Everest helicopter tour for USD 1,500 per person.
Explore the Everest region without spending days trekking or sleeping overnight.
Get pre-tour briefing and booking services from View Nepal Treks in Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Cost

Standard Everest Base Camp Group Joining Helicopter Tour at USD 1,500 Per Person

Package price: USD 1,500 per person.
Flight arrangement: Shared helicopter with other travellers.
Everest Base Camp: Aerial flyover, not a ground landing.
Kala Patthar: Aerial flyover included.
Hotel Everest View: Scheduled 30-minute landing stop.
Required permits: Included.
Breakfast: Not included; payable separately.

For those of you who want to enjoy all the best views in Khumbu, but do not want to pay for a whole helicopter, we have a USD 1,500 Everest Base Camp Shared Heli Tour for you. Our service includes booking a seat for you on a group-joining flight from Kathmandu with a refueling stop in Lukla before arriving at EBC.

Please keep in mind that our stops will include Hotel Everest View only, and EBC and Kala Patthar are sightseeing locations. We also distinguish between sightseeing and landing tours.

The costs of the required permits are included since we are responsible for taking care of the paperwork for you. Breakfast at Hotel Everest View is extra and should be paid directly to the hotel, as you can choose what dishes you want to order from the menu.

Everest Helicopter Tour With Optional Kala Patthar Landing at USD 2,050 Per Person

Standard helicopter package: USD 1,500.
Kala Patthar landing supplement: USD 550.
Combined advertised price: USD 2,050 per person.
Landing arrangement: One traveller and the pilot per high-altitude landing flight.
Advance request: Required when booking.
Landing guarantee: None; subject to weather, permissions and aircraft performance.

Travelers who want to land at Kala Pattahar need to opt-in to the upgrade. The $2,050 does not ensure that you can have an added ground tour to go along with the tour flight. The additional $550 is meant for a special high-altitude landing arrangement requested by you on the day of your journey which may be feasible or not on that particular day.

The arrangement we offer you can only accommodate one traveler and a pilot to go to Kala Patthar and this is according to government rules. This is an important distinction to note when traveling in pairs or with a group since requesting the upgrade for both does not mean that you will land at the same time.

This is why we would like you to make the request before confirming the booking.

Why Choose View Nepal Treks for Your Everest Helicopter Tour?

Direct Contact with Chairman Bhupendra Adhikari
Arranging Flight Booking by Executive Director Santosh Bikram Adhikari
Consultation in person at Nursing Chowk, Thamel
One-day visit to Everest without an overnight stay
Pick-Up Time of 6:00 AM from the Hotel Organized
Procedure for Passport and Check-in Before Departure Clarified
Flyovers Over Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar Clearly Elaborated
No False Claims for Everest Base Camp Landing
Optional One-Person Landing in Kala Patthar Available
Permits Already Included in Quotation Given
Menu of Hotel Everest View before Booking Possible
Chance to Book Shared Aircraft Seat without Renting the Plane
Communication Directly via WhatsApp, Viber and WeChat
Kathmandu Hotel Drop Service Included in Program

Pay-Per-Seat Everest Chopper Experience with Everyday departures and Guaranteed Tours

Our pay per seat chopper trip to Mount Everest is offered daily from January 1 to December 31. Our recommended times to book your trips would be in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) trips are contingent upon good weather conditions. Any day of your travel can be arranged as we are not limited to organizing you in a weekly group trip. As soon as we book your seat, it will be assigned to the trip that you choose rather than placing you on a waiting list. We do not cancel trips because of small groups, although inclement weather may prevent us from conducting your trip as planned.

Seat-in-Coach with Book With Weather Flexibility

We provide our Seat-in-Coach Everest Helicopter Tour with flexible travel date request throughout the whole year. We want to inform you that you should have an additional day in Kathmandu because although there may be clear weather at your hotel, it does not necessarily mean there will be clear weather at Lukla or Everest Base Camp. In case the weather is not appropriate for the flight due to cloudy weather, strong winds, or low visibility, we will try to reschedule your tour to another flight date by the helicopter operator. You need to have an additional day on your itinerary, either in your Kathmandu hotel booking or in any other plans. We will inform you about the departure time through WhatsApp, Viber, and WeChat.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing - New Rules for 2026

Our helicopter tours to Mount Everest comply with the aviation regulations set by CAAN, together with the access rules for the Everest region.

Passenger capacity: Standard tourist helicopters accommodate 5 passengers and 1 pilot.
High altitude payload capacity: Some companies have the ability to transport about 240-250 kg each trip, based on the performance of the aircraft.
Reorganization of the group: It might be required to do separate trips to high altitude from Pheriche (around 4,370 m) if the group is 4-5 passengers.
Sagarmatha National Park entry permission: Required to enter the park and organize the landing.
Trekking card (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entry permission): It is mandatory to register and enter local areas for tourists.
Flight clearance: The weather conditions should allow flying in this area: visibility, wind, and air corridor.
Flypast tours over the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar are traditional to this region, but landing requires special permission.

We provide all necessary permits along with the related paperwork. CAAN requires specific weight calculations for the amount of cargo in the airplane, thus making it possible to load passengers and arrange landing.

Trip Gallery

Itinerary

Everest One-Day Mountain Flight by Helicopter starts from Kathmandu to Khumbu in the early morning through flight over Mount Everest. The flight includes the visit to the base camp of Mount Everest and Kala Patthar followed by a landing on Hotel Everest View. The tour program collects you from your hotel at 6:00 am and will drop you off at your hotel in Kathmandu by 11:00 am.

It is not an Everest Base Camp landing tour; rather, it is a sightseeing tour, involving flight above these places, but not landing on or visiting inside these places. The flying tour program includes Kala Patthar, which costs additional USD 550 per person and is quite good for taking pictures. But landing becomes mandatory in case of clear weather.

Time	Activity	Planned duration
06:00 AM	Pickup from your Kathmandu hotel and transfer to the airport helipad	15 minutes
06:15 AM	Check-in at the helicopter counter with your passport	15 minutes
06:30 AM	Helicopter departure from Kathmandu to Lukla	About 45 minutes
07:30 AM	Refuelling stop at Lukla	10 - 15 minutes
07:50 AM	Flight into the upper Khumbu towards Everest Base Camp	About 35 minutes
08:25 AM	Aerial sightseeing over Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar	During the flight
08:55 AM	Landing at Hotel Everest View, Syangboche, with optional breakfast	About 30 minutes
09:35 AM	Return flight to Kathmandu; possible Lukla fuel stop	Approximately 85 minutes, including any stop
11:00 AM	Arrival in Kathmandu, followed by hotel transfer	About 20 minutes

All times represent the planned itinerary, not confirmed flight or landing times. Weather, clearance to depart, visibility, aircraft activity, and available flight clearances may affect order of performance.

Trip PlanExpand all

Day 01One-Day Everest Base Camp Flight by Helicopter From Kathmandu

06:00 AM - Hotel Pickup and Departure Preparation in Kathmandu

Pickup: 6:00 AM from your Kathmandu hotel
Destination: Kathmandu Airport helicopter departure area
Estimated transfer: 15 minutes
Company office: Nursing Chowk, Thamel
Pre-flight preparation: In-person briefing at View Nepal Treks' office
Contact: Bhupendra Adhikari and Santosh Bikram Adhikari, available 24/7 through WhatsApp, Viber and WeChat

The first dilemma in organizing the Everest Helicopter Tour is the selection of where one will be staying throughout the helicopter flight. Our preferred time to depart from the hotel for View Nepal Treks' tour is 6:00 AM because the morning tour consists of several stages: airport check-in, Lukla fueling, Everest flyover, Hotel Everest View visit, and returning to Kathmandu. And there is a good reason why we do not promote this tour as 5 continuous hours of flying. In addition to flying time, some ground preparation takes place. Our clients get an introduction to their upcoming tour in our Nursing Chowk office in Thamel. It is important for us to introduce our clients to what is next, including the difference between the typical tour, where we see Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar from the helicopter, and our destination point, which is the Hotel Everest View. It is better that the client realizes her mistake in our office than in the airport tarmac at 8:25 AM, when no helicopter flies to Base Camp.

Views and Landmarks

Kathmandu's early-morning streets and local neighbourhoods.
Airport surroundings and the Kathmandu Valley's enclosing hills.

06:15 AM - Check-In at Kathmandu Airport

Scheduled check-in: 6:15 AM
Identification: Original passport required
Airport procedure: Helicopter counter check-in
Documents and permits: Arranged directly by View Nepal Treks

The procedure of booking does not substitute the passport control at the airport. Passengers, who booked flights with us, still need to show passports at the helicopter counter in spite of the fact that our agency is responsible for all the permit and documentation issues connected with this travel program. Our agency is responsible only for preparation of documents and notification about the requirements for the passenger. The flight operation is managed by the operator and his decisions about boarding procedures and recommendations for passengers.

This specific separation of duties was not paid enough attention to in the majority of promotions of Everest helicopter flights. We make the booking, but we don’t control the departure procedures and pilot’s decisions. The interval between check-in and take-off doesn’t take more than 15 minutes. The passenger needs to be ready to listen to the recommendations of the operating company, instead of spending extra time on document preparation or luggage reorganization. We also inform our customers about the difference between group booking number and the number of people who will be flying in the helicopter the day before.

Mountain Views and Landscape Highlights

Kathmandu Valley: Terraced hillsides, scattered villages and river valleys after takeoff.
Dudh Koshi Valley: Deep river gorge and steep mountain slopes approaching Lukla.
Numbur Himal (6,958 m): An impressive peak of the Rolwaling-Solu area, may be seen from the aircraft track.
Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m): Distinctive three-summit mountain southwest of Lukla.
Lukla Airport (2,846 m): Short, sloping runway cut into the mountainside.

06:30 AM – Helicopter Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla

Departure: 6:30 AM
Destination: Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla
Flying time: Approximately 45 minutes
Lukla elevation: About 2,846 metres
Purpose: First flight sector before entering the upper Khumbu

The helicopter will be flying to Lukla, about 45 minutes of flight time from Kathmandu, according to the scheduled itinerary. This route connects the capital of Nepal to the famous entry point into the mountain area for trekkers bound for Mount Everest.

From inside the helicopter, tourists can observe how the flat topography of the Kathmandu Valley gives way to an ascending terrain and deeper and deeper river valleys outside of the Kathmandu Valley. Whatever one can view from the plane depends upon the specifics of the flight plan.

Lukla is an important stopover for those who are trekking in the region. However, for this adventure, the tourists won’t be hiking to Lukla from Phakding, Namche Bazaar and upper Khumbu. They will be flying through it.

This is also why we refrain from terming this journey as a shortened Everest base camp trek. Trekking holidays allow you to take your time in the villages, walk out to explore the area and adapt to the new altitude. Our helicopter trek offers a peek at this terrain and way of life all wrapped up into a single morning. The way they are experienced are not the same. Visitors seeking to learn the terrain around Sherpa villages should select trekking instead of a helicopter trek.

What You Can Observe

Tenzing-Hillary Airport: The approximately 527-metre runway and surrounding steep terrain.
Lukla settlement: Stone buildings and lodges above the Dudh Koshi Valley.
Mountain surroundings: Forested slopes, narrow valleys and high ridgelines.
Helicopter operations: Scheduled 10–15-minute refuelling stop; ground access depends on crew instructions.

07:30 AM - Refuelling at Lukla Airport

Scheduled refuelling: 7:30 AM
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Location: Lukla Airport
Next flight sector: Upper Khumbu
Passenger movement: Subject to the helicopter operator's instructions

The Lukla refuelling stop is not an optional sightseeing stop. This point is included in the advertised flight sequence, which is supposed to last about 10-15 minutes before the helicopter flies further to the Khumbu region.

We have singled out this stop in order to make things clear. The departure from Kathmandu is planned for 6:30 AM with the flying time to Lukla of approx 45 minutes, however, the next departure is planned for 7:50 AM. These facts cannot be regarded as additional sightseeing options and passengers must realize that they cannot be permitted to leave the aircraft and take a walk.

The movements of the passengers around the aircraft on the ground will be determined by the operator of the helicopter. There is a great deal of difference between organizing a trip and organizing a flight schedule. View Nepal Treks can organize your departure and inform you about it, but the immediate departure after the refuelling will depend on the operators.

Mountain Views and Landmarks

Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): Horseshoe-shaped Sherpa town built into a mountainside, if the route passes nearby.
Thamserku (about 6,600 m): Sharp, snow-covered summit above the lower Khumbu.
Kangtega (about 6,780 m): Mountain recognised by its saddle-like snow ridge.
Ama Dablam (6,812 m): Distinctive pyramid with hanging ice formations.
Tengboche Monastery: Hilltop monastery surrounded by the high Khumbu mountains, potentially visible from the route.
Lhotse (8,516 m): The world's fourth-highest mountain, adjoining the Everest massif.
Nuptse (7,861 m): Long, serrated ridge south of Everest.

07:50 AM - Flight into the Upper Khumbu

Scheduled departure: 7:50 AM
Direction: Towards Everest Base Camp
Region: Khumbu, northeastern Nepal
Planned time to sightseeing sector: About 35 minutes
Key geographical feature: Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding Everest massif

Our helicopter flies north to reach areas which it would take several days to reach by foot trekking to the Everest Base Camp. The view from the aircraft will become increasingly mountainous and rocky with glacier valleys and high ridgelines of the Himalayas.

We will give our passengers an idea of what this region is like through the series of ascents and descents of the helicopter during the flight through the valley. Flying above, you will understand the relationships between the valleys, ridges and glaciers.

There are no guarantees that all the villages and peaks mentioned will be visible to all passengers because of the flying route, cloudiness, direction of the flight and the location of the windows.

We have included the visit to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar as sightseeing places according to our itinerary. Other landmarks can also appear to be scenery, but they should not be seen as photography opportunities.

It is especially important for photographers who think that our helicopter will stop to take photographs.

Major Mountain and Glacier Views

Mount Everest (8,848.86 m): World's highest summit, rising beyond the surrounding ridgelines.
Lhotse (8,516 m): Massive mountain wall immediately south of Everest.
Nuptse (7,861 m): Jagged ridge partly screening Everest from the Base Camp side.
Pumori (about 7,160 m): Prominent pyramid-shaped mountain above Kala Patthar.
Khumbu Glacier: Large glacier, snow-covered with moraine and icefall.
Khumbu Icefall: Massive cracks and ice pillars near the top of the glacier.
Khumbu Icefall: Large cracks, small ice caps, and deep crevasses in the upper part of the glacier.
Everest Base Camp (5,364 m): Common destination for glacier expeditions – there are probably tents on the site.
Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m): Rocky viewpoint above Gorak Shep; flyover only in the standard package.

08:25 AM - Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar Flyover

Scheduled sightseeing: 8:25 AM
Everest Base Camp: About 5,364 metres
Standard package: EBC and Kala Patthar flyovers
Kala Patthar landing upgrade: USD 550 per person
Upgrade arrangement: One traveller with the pilot
Upgrade requirement: Advance request and suitable operating conditions

It is precisely here that we define the differences in the package in terms of whether something is included in the package or optional.

A helicopter tour of Everest includes flying above Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Landing at both sites is not included in the package price.

The Everest Base Camp is situated on the glacier terrain below the mountain. Kala Patthar is a rock outlook point above Gorak Shep. Both locations provide different angles from which to see the mountain range. We can fly by them by helicopter without visiting them personally.

For those who would like to experience a landing at Kala Patthar, it will be necessary to pay an additional USD 550 per person. The special arrangement includes one person in addition to the pilot per flight. Details about the logistics and the amount of time required remain unknown at the moment.

We are being very cautious when describing this package upgrade. The upgraded price does not provide any guarantees regarding the landing at a particular place on the mountain.

Everything will depend on weather conditions, on approval by aviation authorities, and on the details of the flight logistics.

Mountain Views from the Hotel Area

Mount Everest: Summit seen above surrounding ridges in the clouds.
Ama Dablam: The final summit and hanging glacier jutting out from the east.
Lhotse and Nuptse: High mountain walls forming part of the Everest skyline.
Thamserku and Kangtega: Snow-covered mountains southeast of the hotel.
Taboche: Prominent rocky and snowy mountain to the north.
Kongde Range: Mountain ridge across the valley from Namche Bazaar.
Syangboche Ridge: Open hillside above Namche with views towards the upper Khumbu.

08:55 AM - Hotel Everest View Landing and Optional Breakfast

Scheduled arrival: 8:55 AM
Location: Hotel Everest View, Syangboche
Hotel elevation: Approximately 3,880 metres
Planned ground stop: 30 minutes
Breakfast: Optional

Hotel Everest Viewpoint offers the chance for people on the standard packages to walk around the area for some time.

This will be quite different from stopping at Kala Patthar. For instance, the hotel will be located much lower than the latter (at around 3,880 metres above sea level), and the tour itinerary will allow around a 30-minute stay at this place, after which one has to return to the helicopter.

It might be recommended that you treat breakfast at Hotel Everest View as an optional service because the one-day package information does not indicate whether it is included in the package price or not.

Also, 30 minutes means that you can choose between taking photos of the surroundings, having a look around and having your meal, but you shouldn't expect to spend much more time at the hotel and its surroundings during such short period of time.

In our opinion, this stop will give you the chance to feel and see the surroundings, with breakfast being an additional thing.

Altitude is also worth consideration. The flight from Kathmandu to almost 3,900 metres above sea level doesn't give you enough time to adapt to the altitude.

Return Flight Views

Namche and Khumbu Valleys: Villages on hillsides, narrow valleys and forests may be visible depending on the flight path.
Dudh Koshi River: This river runs through a deep valley at the base of the mountains.
Lukla Airport: Helicopters may have to make another halt here for fuel and then proceed to Kathmandu.
Nepal’s Middle Hills: Small villages, hill farming and terraces can be seen while the helicopter moves towards Kathmandu.

09:35 AM - Return Flight to Kathmandu

Scheduled return departure: 9:35 AM
Starting location: Hotel Everest View area
Destination: Kathmandu
Possible intermediate stop: Lukla for refuelling
Planned arrival: Approximately 11:00 AM

At about 9:35 am the helicopter will depart from the region of Hotel Everest View, flying back to Kathmandu. If required, another refuelling stop at Lukla will be made based on the operational needs. The return time stated above is only a target, not a commitment.

A commercial interest exists to present the helicopter tour to Mount Everest as a tour to be undertaken before noon. This can be achieved according to the suggested schedule; however, weather conditions in the mountains may change things.

Therefore, we distinguish between the desired schedule and the actual flight schedule. It is View Nepal Treks that organizes everything and communicates the changes, if any; however, the final decision on whether to depart or not lies with the helicopter operator.

This matter becomes especially important if there are other engagements planned. Any person who schedules an international departure right after completing the tour exposes themselves to risk and cannot escape it by coming back early by helicopter. There are things beyond our control in the Khumbu, and we should not pretend to have them under control.

11:00 AM - Kathmandu Arrival and Hotel Transfer

Scheduled landing: 11:00 AM
Airport: Kathmandu
Hotel transfer: Approximately 20 minutes
Expected hotel return: Around 11:20 AM
Company coordination: View Nepal Treks, Nursing Chowk, Thamel

The itinerary will be completed by around 11 AM when the helicopter lands in Kathmandu, and there will be a 20-minute drive to get back to the hotel! Until now, we talked about two types of viewing: Aerial Everest Views & Hotel Everest Viewing.

For View Nepal Treks: it does not end at Everest! Hence, the return + transfer back to the hotel is included in this tour.

In case there are any changes in the schedule, the travelers should know how it is going to proceed further: Who will convey the new arrangement & what extra charges will there be. Weather cancellation/refund details for this day trip still need to be agreed in writing. Chairman Bhupendra Adhikari and Executive Director Santosah Bikram Adhikari can be contacted anytime on WhatsApp, Viber & WeChat for coordination. We should always tell the truth, even on disappointing days.

Final Landmarks

Kathmandu Airport: Your name will be added to the list for entrance into the national helicopter terminus.
Kathmandu Roads: through mini-markets, villages and side streets while we drive to our hotel.
Hotel in Kathmandu, a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Max Altitude: 5,545 m Duration: 5 to 6 HoursDistance: Approximately 160 km (approx. 99 miles) one way

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Cost Details

Includes

Shared helicopter round-trip flight.
Kathmandu hotel pickup and drop-off.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar aerial flyover.
30-minute stop at Hotel Everest View.
Pre-flight briefing and permit coordination.

Excludes

National park fee, local tax, and airport taxes.
Breakfast/drinks at Hotel Everest View.
Optional Kala Patthar landing upgrade ($550/person).
Travel insurance and Nepal visa fee.
Tips for pilot and driver.

Essential Information

Everest Helicopter Sightseeing Excursion With Permits

We arrange the required Everest-region permits for our helicopter sightseeing tour, including the scheduled Hotel Everest View landing.

Permit	Foreigners	SAARC nationals
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,500
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit (Trek Card)	NPR 3,000	NPR 2,000

The city NPR 2,000 rate is applicable to all Chinese visitors. Kids aged less than 10 do not have to pay any fee to enter the national park.

Where Are the Permits Checked?

Kathmandu: Passport details are collected by our team in advance of your trip.
Lukla (2,860 m): It is possible to have paperwork checked during refuelling.
Monjo: The principal checkpoint in the national park for trekkers. The helicopter tour does not stop at this checkpoint.
Hotel Everest View: The permitted documents may be checked by relevant authorities at the hotel.

Flight Logistics and Route Itinerary

Departure: Kathmandu Airport at 6:30 AM
Flight to Lukla: About 45 minutes
Lukla refuelling: 10-15 minutes
Everest Tour: Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar flight
Hotel Everest View: 30 minute flight schedule
Returning: Back to Kathmandu around 11:00 AM
Duration: Around 5 hours

This tour will be based on a helicopter flight from Kathmandu in the morning. Our helicopter first flies to Lukla and makes a stop there for refueling to then move onto Khumbu's high altitude areas. From there, we move from the forested valley of the mountain to the rocky ridges and mountains surrounding Everest.

Our planned sightseeing route includes sights in the direction of the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Kala Patthar, as well as views of the Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Mount Everest. The exact flight route is dependent upon the weather and the decisions made by the pilot on board.

Our Helicopter Flight Schedule

Time	Location	What Happens
06:00 AM	Kathmandu hotel	We arrange your airport transfer
06:15 AM	Kathmandu Airport	Passport check and helicopter check-in
06:30 AM	Kathmandu	Helicopter departure
07:30 AM	Lukla	Scheduled refuelling stop
07:50 AM	Upper Khumbu	Flight towards Everest Base Camp
08:25 AM	EBC and Kala Patthar	Aerial sightseeing
08:55 AM	Hotel Everest View	Landing and optional breakfast
09:35 AM	Syangboche	Return flight towards Kathmandu
11:00 AM	Kathmandu	Scheduled arrival and hotel transfer

We hold onto the refuelling and ground stops on our itinerary because a five-hour flight does not actually equate to five hours of continuous flight time.

Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar flyovers, with Hotel Everest View as the scheduled landing. Flight durations are approximate and may vary depending on circumstances.

Altitude Safety, Oxygen and Weight Limits

Helicopter type: Confirmed with the assigned aviation operator
Passenger capacity: Subject to aircraft and operating limits
High-altitude sectors: May require reduced passenger loading
Baggage: Small personal daypack recommended
Emergency oxygen: Equipment available aboard the assigned aircraft
Health consideration: Rapid altitude exposure without acclimatisation

Group joining Everest helicopter sightseeing trips are arranged by us; however, we don’t think of seating inside an aircraft as a guarantee that all seats will be occupied on every leg of the flight.

Typical helicopters for sightseeing in the Himalayas are Airbus H125 series, which have a capacity of five passengers and one pilot in their regular configuration. However, at higher altitude, the allowable load depends on aircraft performance, weight of passengers, baggage, fuel and weather conditions. The operator of our contracted helicopter sets these limits for every particular departure.

How We Handle High-Altitude Flight Requirements

Requirement	Our Arrangement
Passenger information	We collect details required for flight booking
Passenger weight	We request accurate weights when required by the operator
Baggage	We advise guests to carry only essential personal items
Aircraft loading	The aviation operator determines the permitted load
High-altitude shuttles	Arranged if required by the confirmed flight plan
Flight approval	The pilot and relevant aviation authorities determine whether operations proceed

We recommend understanding the difference between being seated inside the helicopter and being at high altitude. Our planned visit to Hotel Everest View is at about 3,880 meters, without going up slowly during an Everest Base Camp trekking tour.

Sudden climb can lead to headache, dizziness, nausea and unusual fatigue. We recommend that our clients report their health conditions prior to making a reservation and consult medical experts when necessary.

We never ask a pilot to exceed the performance limits of his aircraft in order to carry out a sightseeing tour programme. We don't ever ask a pilot to challenge aircraft performance limits to get us around a sightseeing programme. Any allowed passenger load or route change is taken into account when we issue operator instructions that override the published programme.

Everest Helicopter Tour Cancellation, Rescheduling and Refund Policy

What Happens If Your Flight Cannot Operate?

Scheduled departure: 6:30 AM from Kathmandu.
Weather dependency: Flights require suitable visibility and operating conditions.
Departure changes: Delays or cancellations can affect the entire day's schedule.
Voluntary cancellation: Subject to View Nepal Treks' booking terms.

A booked ticket and a confirmed take-off are two different concepts. The ticket may be booked; however, we cannot confirm the departure of a helicopter just because a particular scheduled time is listed. Weather conditions in Lukla and Khumbu area are totally different from those in Kathmandu.

Our company's cancellation terms include the cost of traveler's cancellation and no-shows. However, the applicability of our cancellation terms in case of a weather-grounded one-day helicopter trip must be clarified in your booking contract.

Moreover, we make a distinction between flight cancellation and a flight that operates without a particular high-altitude landing. They are two separate issues. Prior to payment, we require the terms of booking to clarify what the consequences are in each case, especially in case of the extra added Kala Patthar landing by a traveler.

Please note that you should not assume automatically that an unused landing upgrade is eligible for refund until its terms are confirmed.

Hotel Everest View Breakfast Stop: Landing, Dining and Time Restrictions

What Happens During the 30-Minute Hotel Stop?

Scheduled arrival: 8:55 AM.
Location: Hotel Everest View, Syangboche, approximately 3,880 m.
Ground time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Breakfast: Optional.
Breakfast charge: Not included in the package
Landing point: Hotel helipad or another designated landing location.
Scheduled return departure: 9:35 AM.

Normally, Hotel Everest View serves as the ground stop in our regular Everest sightseeing helicopter tour. Unlike on a trip to the Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar, where all the highlights can be observed from the sky, at this location you will get a chance to feel the grandeur of the mountain scenery firsthand.

In this hotel's position, you can observe the Everest massif through several layers of mountains, while the profile of Ama Dablam is one of the best-known in the eastern skyline. The distant peaks of the Khumbu region can also be seen clearly, despite the fact that they can be overshadowed by clouds.

The amount of time provided for the stop here is around 30 minutes - enough for a short visit and some photos, but not enough for people who wish to have breakfast. The time needed for ordering and eating the meal in the Everest View Hotel is not included in this hour.

It would be ideal for you to consider taking priority photos of the mountains even before placing your order for meals, considering the fact that the plane must fly on time irrespective of whether you have finished eating.

The helicopter sightseeing tour involves a short stopover at the Everest View Hotel. This is an excellent location where you can take photos against the background of the Himalayas.

Observe how the silhouette of the peak of Everest towers high above the ridgelines in the distance, while several other peaks are visible too, among which is the Ama Dablam peak.

Hotel Everest View Complete Food and Drinks Menu

Here is the full menu for Hotel Everest View as provided by the restaurant below. You will find breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts and drinks listed. All Prices in NPR and inclusive of tax.

Breakfast Menu

Served 6:00 AM –-10:30 AM
Special Breakfast Set: Rs. 4,500

Includes:

Choice of two: American Pancake, Toast, French Toast, Porridge, Cornflakes or Muesli.
Choice of one omelet from the omelet menu.
Chicken sausage or bacon with Lyonnaise potatoes.
Choice of mango, orange, pineapple or apple juice.
Tea or coffee with freshly baked butter cookies.

Omelets and Eggs

Item	Price
Plain Omelet	Rs. 520
Mushroom Omelet	Rs. 620
Cheese Omelet	Rs. 620
Cheese Mushroom Omelet	Rs. 750
Lyonnaise Omelet	Rs. 650
Masala Omelet	Rs. 670
Farmers' Omelet	Rs. 710
Boiled Eggs	Rs. 500
Eggs Sunny Side Up	Rs. 550
Scrambled Eggs with Toast	Rs. 780

Cereals, Toast and Pancakes

Item	Price
Porridge	Rs. 600
Cornflakes	Rs. 600
Muesli	Rs. 600
French Toast	Rs. 780
Butter Toast	Rs. 520
Garlic Butter Toast	Rs. 600
American Pancakes	Rs. 780

Lunch Menu

Served 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Japanese Cuisine

The Japanese Lunch Set is priced at Rs. 4,490 per person and comprises of: Miso soup, Tsukemono, Green vegetables with shoyu, Japanese green tea and dessert.

Choose one of the following:

Oyakodon (Chicken with Eggs) Set
Chicken Katsudon (Fried Chicken) Set
Japanese Curry Rice Set

Indian Cuisine

Item	Price
Chole Bhature	Rs. 1,390
Puri Bhaji	Rs. 1,200
Aloo Gobi Dry with Jeera Rice or Chapati	Rs. 1,490
Chicken Curry with Jeera Rice or Chapati	Rs. 2,100

Main Courses / Entrées

Served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of rice or French fries.

Item	Price
Fillet Mignon with Tomato Sauce	Rs. 1,950
Fillet Mignon with White Sauce	Rs. 1,950
Dina Steak with Mushroom Sauce	Rs. 1,950
Nepali Chicken Curry with Rice	Rs. 1,950
Nepali Vegetable Curry with Rice	Rs. 1,390
Chicken Sauce Supreme	Rs. 1,890
Fried Chicken with Tartar Sauce	Rs. 1,950
Chicken Fritters	Rs. 1,890
Potato Rosti with German Sausage	Rs. 1,630

Pasta

Item	Price
Pasta Pomodoro	Rs. 1,390
Pasta Raggu	Rs. 1,550
Spaghetti Bolognese	Rs. 1,550
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara	Rs. 1,690
Spaghetti Tomato Sauce	Rs. 1,390
Creamy Chicken Carbonara	Rs. 1,790

Chow Mein

Item	Price
Chicken Chow Mein	Rs. 1,540
Mixed Chow Mein	Rs. 1,670
Egg Chow Mein	Rs. 1,380
Vegetable Chow Mein	Rs. 1,320

Soup

All soups are served with toast.

Item	Price
Chicken Soup	Rs. 720
Mushroom Soup	Rs. 720
Tomato Soup	Rs. 720
Tomato Egg Drop Soup	Rs. 795
Vegetable Soup	Rs. 720
Garlic Soup	Rs. 720
Onion Soup	Rs. 720

Sandwiches

All sandwiches are served with a side salad.

Item	Price
HEV Special Club Sandwich	Rs. 1,640
Chicken Sandwich	Rs. 1,520
Steak Sandwich	Rs. 1,590
Grilled Bacon & Cheese Sandwich	Rs. 1,600
Grilled Cheese Sandwich	Rs. 1,360
Grilled Tomato & Cheese Sandwich	Rs. 1,390
Egg Sandwich	Rs. 1,340
Vegetable Sandwich	Rs. 1,290

Fried Rice and Salads

Fried Rice

Prepared using Japanese short-grain rice.

Item	Price
Chicken Fried Rice	Rs. 1,540
Chicken & Bacon Fried Rice	Rs. 1,690
Mixed Fried Rice	Rs. 1,690
Vegetable Fried Rice	Rs. 1,410
Egg Fried Rice	Rs. 1,490
Garlic Fried Rice	Rs. 1,430
Ginger Fried Rice	Rs. 1,430
Plain Rice	Rs. 840

Salads

Item	Price
Green Salad with French Dressing	Rs. 720
Tomato & Cucumber Salad with Garlic Dressing	Rs. 775
Macaroni and Tomato Salad with Garlic Dressing	Rs. 795
Potato Salad	Rs. 720
Seasonal Vegetable Plate	Rs. 895

Snacks and Desserts

Snacks

Item	Price
Chicken Chilly	Rs. 1,590
Vegetable Nori Maki Roll	Rs. 1,490
French Fries	Rs. 1,040
Cheese Platter	Rs. 1,090
HEV Baked Butter Cookies	Rs. 780
Biscuits	Rs. 500
Peanuts	Rs. 600

Desserts

Item	Price
Fruit Cocktail	Rs. 600
Pineapple Rings	Rs. 600
Chocolate Bars (Toblerone, Bounty, Snickers, Mars or Twix)	Rs. 350

Hot Drinks and Beverages

Prices depend on the pot size unless otherwise stated.

Drink	Small Pot	Medium Pot	Large Pot
Freshly Ground Organic Black Coffee (100% Nepalese Beans)	Rs. 630	Rs. 1,140	Rs. 1,995
Freshly Ground Organic Coffee with Milk	Rs. 750	Rs. 1,390	Rs. 2,395
Instant Black Coffee	Rs. 530	Rs. 930	Rs. 1,740
Instant Coffee with Milk	Rs. 650	Rs. 1,180	Rs. 2,140
Masala Tea	Rs. 630	Rs. 1,140	Rs. 1,995
Black Tea	Rs. 450	Rs. 770	Rs. 1,450
Tea with Milk	Rs. 570	Rs. 1,020	Rs. 1,850
Hot Chocolate	Rs. 610	Rs. 1,050	Rs. 1,920
Fresh Lemon Tea	Rs. 530	Rs. 930	Rs. 1,740
Fresh Ginger, Lemon & Honey	Rs. 690	Rs. 1,215	Rs. 2,080
Green Tea	Rs. 530	Rs. 930	Rs. 1,740
Mint Tea	Rs. 480	Rs. 790	Rs. 1,500
Ginger Tea	Rs. 530	Rs. 930	Rs. 1,740
Ginger Tea with Honey	Rs. 650	Rs. 1,180	Rs. 2,040

Additional Beverage

Item	Price
Hot Milk (400 ml glass)	Rs. 400

Note: Please be informed that all prices include taxes. Please review breakfast and other food and beverage menu at Hotel Everest View before coming for your Everest helicopter tour to estimate the price of your breakfast. Our scheduled stop for breakfast will be around 8:55 AM. Prices may vary, and it is recommended to leave some space in your budget.

Optional Kala Patthar Landing and High-Altitude Rules

Landing location: Kala Patthar, approximately 5,545 m
Additional cost: USD 550 per person
Passenger arrangement: One traveller plus the pilot
Booking: Advance request required
Landing duration: Determined by the operating pilot
Availability: Subject to weather, permissions and aircraft performance

We can provide an additional option for Kala Patthar landing for people interested in experiencing the exciting moment of landing at a high-altitude point near Everest and not only looking at Everest from the sky.

It is an alternative option to our normal USD 1,500 package, which permits joining the group.

Our particular arrangement for an additional landing includes one passenger plus a pilot, as our particular option takes into account some additional aspects of the landing above 5,500m.

Standard Package vs Kala Patthar Landing Upgrade

Details	Standard Tour	Optional Landing
Package price	USD 1,500 per person	Additional USD 550
Everest Base Camp	Flyover	Flyover
Kala Patthar	Flyover	Requested landing
Passenger arrangement	Group joining	One traveller plus pilot
Hotel Everest View	Scheduled landing	Included in the planned route
Advance booking	Required	Separate advance request
Landing approval	Not applicable to Kala Patthar	Subject to operational clearance

How We Arrange the Optional Landing

We ask you to specify whether you will require a landing at Kala Patthar before making the final reservation.

Coordination with the operator: We will request the necessary arrangements for the high-altitude landing from the helicopter operator.
Passenger Loading: The operator will determine the maximum number of passengers the landing area can accommodate.
Potential stop: Some helicopter flights to Everest employ Pheriche for the shuttle. We will check if this route applies to your flight.
Landing duration: The duration of the stop is determined by the pilot based on the current conditions.
Return coordination: We will check all connections with other group itineraries for your return trip.

We do not offer any advertisement claiming a five-minute or ten-minute landing. A landing may be compromised, altered, or even cancelled by the pilot in charge in the event that they decide that it is impossible to land due to unsuitable conditions.

In our opinion, the additional payment of USD 550 should be viewed as a preparation cost for an optional landing rather than a confirmation of the landing regardless of the weather conditions.

We want to remind customers that short travel above 5,500 meters still poses health risks related to altitude. Passengers are required to stay in the designated landing spot, not take unnecessary actions, and listen to the pilot's instructions during the stop.

Everest Helicopter Tour Additional Charges and Hidden Expenses

What Does Our USD 1,500 Package Price Cover?

Group-joining package: USD 1,500 per person
Optional Kala Patthar landing: Additional USD 550 per person
Private helicopter charter: Separate quotation
Hotel Everest View breakfast: Optional
Personal travel insurance: Not included

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Group Joining Tour is available from us for USD 1,500 per person on the scheduled round-trip flight from Kathmandu. The sightseeing tour normally consists of flyover trips to the scheduled Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, with an intermediate halt at Hotel Everest View. The additional USD 550 per person cost has to be budgeted by travelers interested in Kala Patthar landing service.

The vast discrepancy between the price of the helicopter seat and the additional cost associated with sightseeing tour definitely has to be considered. The government tax, airport fees, and breakfast, along with additional landing services, have to be considered while making a final booking of your sightseeing tour. Our company does not take sightseeing halt as a guarantee that all meals and local fees have been included.

At View Nepal Treks, we explain clearly all the inclusions in the package and additional charges before making your payment.

Group-Joining Departure Dates, Seat Availability and Booking Confirmation

How We Arrange Your Everest Helicopter Group-Joining Seat

Departure point: Kathmandu
Flight time: 6:30 AM
Booking: Shared helicopter seat
Departure dates: Depending on the availability of the aircraft and the seats
Required documentation: Passport
Booking arrangements: View Nepal Treks, Nursing Chowk, Thamel
Contacts: Bhupendra Adhikari and Santosh Bikram Adhikari

In our helicopter group-joining tours of Everest, individual travelers or small groups can reserve their seats without having to hire the whole helicopter. We coordinate your booking request depending on your departure date, the availability of seats and the carrying capacity of the helicopter.

While the requested date is the departure date of the flight, it is not guaranteed. Prior to confirming your booking, we verify plane availability, passenger placement and flight schedule. It is important to give us the correct information regarding the passengers since the passenger seats are not the only thing that determines the number of passengers that can travel in one high-altitude flight sector.

Chairman Bhupendra Adhikari and Executive Director Santosh Bikram Adhikari are available for WhatsApp, Viber and WeChat at any time of the day or night. All the paperwork is done by our office in Kathmandu, and we also provide you with the pre-departure briefing in person.

High-Altitude Aircraft Architecture & Fleet Standards

Helicopters Used for Everest Mountain Flights

Helicopter type: Airbus H125 / AS350 B3e series, commonly used for Everest-region operations
Engine: Safran Arriel 2D turboshaft
Standard capacity: Five passengers plus one pilot
Published maximum operating altitude: Up to approximately 23,000 feet, subject to aircraft specifications
Flight arrangement: Group-joining and private charter options

If you want to go for an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, you can opt for an Everest Helicopter Flight and enjoy the beauty of Mount Everest with a view from the sky. Our helicopters have been modified to fly at the high altitude and tough terrains of the Khumbu region. We make use of Airbus H125 & AS350 B3e helicopters, which are fitted with turbine engines. The standard capacity of these helicopters is 5 passengers and one pilot. This may vary depending upon the altitude, temperature, fuel requirements, and various other conditions. The contracted aviation service provider of ours deals with the availability of the helicopters and passenger bookings. The helicopter that you would be using during the tour and the permitted capacity of the passengers shall be notified while booking.

Why Aircraft Specifications Matter

Engine performance: Determines available power under different conditions.
Rotor performance: Changes with air density and aircraft weight.
Fuel Load: Should be capable of supporting the approved route and reserves.
Passenger Capacity: Limited to the aircraft’s maximum permissible load.
Operating Altitude: Should operate within the aircraft’s approved operating limits.

We do not validate the published operating ceiling of a manufacturer as a guarantee of safe landing at all heights.

Pilot Expertise and Alpine Rotorcraft Protocols

Pilot Qualifications and High-Altitude Operations

Pilot assignment: Contracted helicopter operator
Licensing: Regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
Relevant requirements: Training, proficiency and appropriate operational clearances
High-altitude landings: Require specific operational assessment

The tour will be arranged by our booking team with the contracted aviation company that supplies the aircraft and pilot.

Commercial helicopter flying criteria for operations in Nepal are concerned with the minimum qualifying criteria and training standards to be met. Simply possessing an overall commercial licence does not constitute general authority to land at all designated high-altitude sites.

Who Controls the Flight?

Decision	Responsible party
Tour booking and documentation	View Nepal Treks
Aircraft assignment	Contracted aviation operator
Pilot selection	Contracted aviation operator
Passenger loading	Aviation operator and pilot
Actual flight route	Pilot, within applicable requirements
Landing suitability	Pilot
Weather-related flight decision	Aviation operator and pilot

We do not guarantee that a sightseeing tour is going to take place if the pilot judges conditions do not seem to be favorable. Our customers will book a specific adventure, although the pilot has the liberty in the air.

Emergency Oxygen, Pressurization & Medical Contingencies

What Oxygen Equipment Do Everest Helicopter Operators Carry?

Aircraft cabin: Generally unpressurised
Emergency oxygen: Portable oxygen cylinders with breathing masks, subject to confirmation for the assigned aircraft
First-aid equipment: Onboard medical kit
Pulse oximeter: Availability for checking blood oxygen saturation
Oxygen use: Emergency support when required, rather than continuous supply to every passenger

We ensure that we arrange for any emergency oxygen and medical equipment in advance of the helicopter tour to Mount Everest Base Camp. The helicopters operate in high altitudes with oxygen tanks and breathing masks that ensure oxygen is available for the passengers. This is because the helicopters operate in an unpressurized environment such that the passengers are subjected to lower pressure during the flight.

Oxygen is only meant for emergencies, and it cannot be considered as a substitute for acclimatization and exposure to risks associated with altitude. It is highly discouraged for passengers with health problems regarding breathing, the heart, or altitude sickness to participate in the flight and encouraged to consult the doctor prior to booking the tickets. Furthermore, in case of any physical discomfort during the helicopter ride, the passengers must notify the crew of their situation.

Our Medical Preparation Requirements

We ask travellers to consider the effects of rapid altitude exposure before booking.

Existing heart conditions: Obtain medical advice before departure.
Respiratory illness: Discuss potential altitude exposure with a doctor.
Previous altitude sickness: Inform us before confirming the tour.
Essential medication: Keep it accessible in personal hand baggage.
Symptoms during the tour: Inform the crew immediately.

There is a distinction made between normal sightseeing trips and emergency transfer of a sick passenger. The package we offer is not an air ambulance service.

In the event that a passenger falls sick on the trip, our captain's procedure of operation and need for medical assistance takes precedence over the tour.

It is important to note that emergency oxygen supply does not negate the need for individual medical examination.

Passenger Weight-Distribution & High-Altitude Payload Rules

The lifting capacity at higher altitudes is severely hampered by low air density, leading to severe restrictions and calculations when operating at all phases of flight.

Kathmandu to Lukla (1,400m to 2,860m): The helicopter used here is Airbus H125, and it operates using the maximum possible payload weight of 500 kg (without the pilot) and safely carries 5 passengers with lightweight luggage. Weight of all passengers, along with baggage, is taken at the domestic airport to calculate the aircraft's center of gravity.
Lukla / Syangboche to High Altitude (3,880m to 4,371m): When the altitude is above 4,000 m, air density decreases so much that maximum possible takeoff/hover payload capacity becomes 420-450 kg.
Pheriche Staging Pad to Kala Patthar Touchdown (4,371m to 5,545m): Beyond Pheriche, the extremely high altitude drastically reduces maximum rotor lift capability to 220- 250 kg. In case of group flights requiring 5 passengers (total weight surpassing 250kg), the helicopter makes a brief stopover at Pheriche (4,371m) to split the weight:
- The passengers will be sorted out into shuttles of 1 to 3 passengers (or single passenger along with pilot only if the body weight exceeds the high-altitude hover capabilities).
- The groups are taken separately to Kala Patthar and then back to Pheriche until all passengers are flown, within the safe civil aviation limits.

Private Charter vs. Group-Joining Everest Helicopter Flight

Choosing Between a Shared Seat and a Private Helicopter

Group-joining price: USD 1,500 per person
Private charter price: Available on request
Group-joining flight: Shared helicopter with other booked travellers
Private charter: Helicopter reserved exclusively for your travelling party
Kala Patthar landing upgrade: Additional USD 550 per person on our group-joining tour
Passenger capacity: Subject to aircraft weight and operating limits

View Nepal Treks provides both single and private charter helicopter flights between Kathmandu and Everest. This enables individual clients, couples, and small groups to have the chance to book seats in a shared group flight from Kathmandu to Everest without the cost of renting an entire aircraft. In our case, we arrange the group bookings as per your desired date of departure, whereas the maximum weight of the passengers determines the maximum number of passengers that can board the flight. However, in case you wish to have a private aircraft, you can make the private charter arrangements on your chosen date, number of people, and the sightseeing tour.

Group Joining vs. Private Charter: Price and Services

Feature	Group-Joining Helicopter	Private Helicopter Charter
Booking arrangement	Individual seats	Entire helicopter
Price	USD 1,500 per person	Custom quotation
Travelling companions	Shared with other passengers	Exclusive to your party
Departure	Scheduled group departure	Arranged for your booking
Route	Standard Everest sightseeing route	Agreed itinerary
Everest Base Camp	Aerial flyover	According to confirmed flight plan
Kala Patthar landing	USD 550 optional upgrade	Quoted separately if requested
Hotel Everest View	Scheduled 30-minute stop	Stop duration agreed during booking
High-altitude shuttles	If operationally necessary	If operationally necessary
Weather restrictions	Apply	Apply

Which Everest Helicopter Booking Should You Choose?

If you want to witness the wonders of the Everest region from above without having to book an entire helicopter, then we recommend that you opt for the “Join Group” package at a price of $1,500 per person. This program is meant for individuals and couples alike.

Families, couples who wish to have complete privacy, or groups of people who want to have their own private helicopter should choose the charter option. We'll need to discuss the route requested, landing preferences, and flying arrangements prior to preparing a proposal.

However, the fact that a helicopter is booked privately doesn’t mean that everyone can land together at Kala Patthar - the aircraft's altitude restrictions may oblige us to schedule separate flights for the passengers, even in case of private booking.

FAQs

Q1Can I take the Everest helicopter tour if I have never flown in a helicopter?

Yes. Prior experience flying helicopters is not needed. Please comply with the instructions of the crew prior to boarding in relation to wearing the seat belts and keeping away from the revolving rotor blades of the helicopter when approaching and leaving it.

Q2Will every passenger receive a window seat?

We can not assure you window seats for all passengers. It is the pilots who allocate the seats according to the weight of the passengers. However, if you are flying together with your partner and wish to sit next to each other, please let us know before departure.

Q3Can I bring my DSLR camera, telephoto lens or GoPro?

There is an option for bringing a smaller camera gear set, but only upon request and subject to luggage and in-flight limitations. Lenses and batteries need to be secured throughout the flight. Equipment that requires mounting and filming gear is dependent on the operator's approval.

Q4Can I fly a drone during the Hotel Everest View stop?

No, you are not recommended to undertake the activity of flying a drone during our package tour. To fly a drone, permission will be needed from aviation authorities, and there are also restrictions, especially in restricted areas. During our brief period at the hotel, no drone flights will occur.

Q5Can I travel if I have asthma, high blood pressure or a heart condition?

It might be beneficial, but make sure to consult your doctor ahead of time. Helicopters operate at altitudes that are significantly higher than those of Kathmandu and do so without an acclimatisation plan. This can be problematic for those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.

Q6What if I feel dizzy or nauseous during the flight?

It is vital for you to inform the pilot or the crew. Nausea might develop because of the movements made by the helicopter. You should contact somebody in case you are having problems like headache, dizziness, or even difficulty breathing while in the helicopter. You should not assume that one problem or another is associated with motion sickness. The pilot should decide whether to change the course of the flight.

Q7Should I take altitude-sickness tablets before the helicopter tour?

This is not always the case. One can describe the helicopter ride as involving sudden altitude changes and a short period of hovering at Hotel Everest View. When considering drug administration, one should bear in mind the medical background of the passengers.

Q8What clothes should I wear if I am not trekking?

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing in layers since temperatures will get colder during the cold season. There is no need to buy trekking packs and shoes as long as you remain within normal hotel landings. However, at around 3,880 meters, the temperatures may be much colder than those in Kathmandu.

Q9Are toilets available during the helicopter excursion?

Make sure to use the hotel’s toilet facility before being picked up at 6 am. Hotel Everest View has facilities for guests, but it depends on the landing page. Do not assume that the quick refueling stop in Lukla gives you enough time to exit the helicopter and use the bathroom.

Q10Can I choose which side of the helicopter faces Mount Everest?

Unfortunately no. The visibility of the mountains cannot be controlled and depends on weather conditions and the direction of the helicopter flight.

Q11Can I book the tour immediately after arriving in Nepal on an international flight?

Although you can book it, we would recommend that you do not arrange the helicopter tour immediately after your international arrival, since it may affect the availability of the early morning check-in due to problems with immigration clearance, a late-arriving flight, and missing luggage. You should plan your time accordingly to get to the hotel in Kathmandu.

Call to our expert 24/7

Bhupendra Adhikari

+977 9851029611

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Seamless Everest Helicopter Charter

The experience provided by View Nepal Treks has been one of a lifetime. They were able to provide such an excellent service as a result of their personalized treatment and...