Everest Base Camp helicopter tour landing 2026

Overview

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour Landing  takes you to one of the world’s highest peaks in the world , Mt. Everest (8,848 m ).

This is one of the fastest and the most thrilling adventures to experience. 

Another  major and famous highlight of the Helicopter tour  at Everest Region is  Kalapathar (5,545m) . 

Likewise, the panoramic views of Mount Everest (8,848 m ), Lhotse ( 8, 516 m ), Pumori ( 7, 161 m ), Ama Dablam ( 6, 812 m ) , and Khumbutse ( 6, 636 m ) will steal your heart away.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter landing is also a perfect choice  for family tours, honeymoon couples and friends to spend quality time and have fun.

The tour includes a perfect breakfast stop at Hotel Everest View (3,962m).Most of our clients have described this moment as having the most spectacular restaurant view on the entire Earth.

We have certified high-altitude helicopters with experienced  pilots.

The  fleet of Airbus AS 350 B3e which reaches an altitude of 23,000 FT (7,010 m)with cruise speed of 140 KTS ( 260 KM / H ) is a luxury for heli experience.

Note : If you are someone who is unable to go for a full trekking expedition, have limited time or someone seeking an extraordinary aerial view of the Khumbu region, this package is for you.

Let’s see what more our helicopter tour has to offer : 

Tour highlights for Helicopter Tour Landing

•       Land at Kalapathar (5,545m) for a panoramic view where you will see

the nearest  view of Mt. Everest.

•      Enjoy the Aerial flyover of Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and the

Khumbu Icefall.

•   The privilege of a scenic breakfast at Hotel Everest View which is at 

the world's highest-altitude hotel (3,962m) is worth every penny.

•       Get to fly above the  past iconic peaks like  Ama Dablam, Lhotse,

Nuptse, Pumori, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar etc.

•     Watch the aerial views of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and

ancient Sherpa villages.

•     Get your bookings for a fully private chartered helicopter . This is under

your preference. You can choose private packages if you don't want to

share with strangers.

Why book Helicopter Tour with Mountain Routes ?

But, Mountain Routes offers safe, comfortable, and hassle-free helicopter tours led by our experienced teams. 

• Our booking policy is flexible. You can contact our team without hesitation for a refund in case of trip cancellations or to customize the trip package.

•  Mountain Routes offers private charters for couples, families, or groups seeking a complete experience. Contact us for your heli-package customisation.

• Your safety is our priority.  Mountain Routes have high-altitude guides, reliable partners for helicopter operations and safety protocols.

• We have transparent and positive reviews. You can check our reviews online. No hidden fees, fees, fair local wages .

Go through our TripAdvisor/Google feedback which has hundreds of

reviews and has been  rated many 5-star for Everest region trips.

• We handle all your  logistics once you are here in Nepal. You do not have to worry about anything. 

Note : The timeframe you are seeing above are on an approximately basis. Timing entirely depends on the weather conditions. Sometimes there are delays, sometimes flights might get cancelled.

Be in touch with us for updates.

Did you know ?  

The helicopter does “NOT” land at Everest Base Camp itself (5,364m). Everest Base Camp is reached by a short flyover only. 

The primary landing point is Kalapathar (5,545m). This place offers you the best  views of Mt. Everest. 

But this landing comes with a price .  It is included in private charter packages. There is an extra cost or approx 700 USD per person.

This is standard practice across all licensed operators like Mountain Routes.

Kathmandu with Kala Patthar Landing for Everest Base Camp

Landing at Kalapathar (5,545m) is included in private charter packages.

For shared/group charters, the flight over Kalapathar is  an overfly . It means that  you pass directly above it for a close aerial view without physically landing.

A shared Kalapathar landing upgrade is available at an additional cost.  You have to pay an additional cost of approx 400 USD extra per person on a sharing basis.

Make sure you confirm your package type at the time of booking with us so that you know exactly what is included.

For more information , the helicopter engine cannot be switched off at Kalapathar. 

The extreme cold and thin air at 5,545m means the engine must remain running throughout the landing. 

This is why the landing time is limited to 5 to10 minutes . This is necessary  not just for acclimatisation, but for the aircraft's operational safety.

You majorly have 3 major stoppage places. One is at Lukla , another is Periche , and the third one is Syangboche.

No matter where you stop you will get the best views from Everywhere.

This is standard practice for all licensed operators in Nepal.

This Kalapatthar Helicopter tour will take you to  the majestic peaks of Mt Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. In just a couple of hours , you will land at Kala Patthar (5, 545 m ) . Once you are here , enjoy your breakfast at Hotel Everest View ( 3,880 m ).

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Flyover on Sharing Basis

Mountain Routes offers you packages where you can enjoy the flight with a couple of people. 

That means on a group basis.

These services are for the people of 1 to 5 in number.  

Note : It also depends upon the weight of a person.

So, do not forget to let us know your weight at the time of booking if you choose on a sharing basis.

Your journey starts from Kathmandu as soon as you get inside our helicopter from Kathmandu Airport.

You will stop at 3 major stops. One is Lukla  at 2,860 m (9,383 ft), the other is Periche which is at 4,371 m (14,340 ft) and the last one is Syangboche which is at 3,780 m (12,402 ft)

You will have a shuttle flight at Periche. Here, only 2-3 people will fly over at a time.

The flyover of Everest Base Camp,  Khumbu Glacier and Kala Patthar and return to Periche will make your adventure worth it.  

Enjoy your breakfast at Periche now. The Everest View Hotel will offer you great menus.

We give you at least 1 hour to enjoy your breakfast.

Then , from Periche, you fly  back to Lukla. Lastly, you fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Additional Costs: NPR 7000 per person which covers airport tax, national park entry fee, Khumbu Pasang Lhambu Rural Municipality Tax).

Heli Breakfast: USD 40 per person (Optional)

Private Helicopter Ride to Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar Landing Experience

Private Helicopter Ride to Everest Base Camp with Mountain Routes offers flights of 1-2 people landing at Kala Patthar.

The first stop flight for this Heli - Tour is Lukla.

From Lukla, the flight flies over Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Glacier. 

Here, you will explore the beauty of mountains with your eyes.

Then, the flight lands at Kala Pattar for 5-10 minutes. Then , after exploring Kala Patthar for a short time at 5,400 m , you will fly to Syanboche.

After that, you can have a fun breakfast at Hotel Everest View with panoramic views everywhere. 

Lastly, return back to Kathmandu with a short stop at Lukla airport.

Note: You stop for just 5-10 minutes at Kala Patthar because the engine of the helicopter cannot be stopped at such a place for a long duration.

It cannot handle the temperature and pressure.

Helicopter Tour Price with Mountain Routes

Before you travel anywhere, the most safest way is to manage our budget. This will safeguard your travel in a good way. You do not want unnecessary hurdles, do you ?

Below, we have given all prices are per charter (not per person unless noted). 

Contact us for your customized package based on your preference: 

Note: Prices include VAT and all government fees. National Park permits (Sagarmatha, USD $30) , Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit ( 20 USD )are excluded and paid locally.

Sometimes prices are subject to change.

Contact us for more accuracy. Make sure to confirm at time of booking.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Note 

• Standard Breakfast costs $40 which is completely your choice to choose.
• Local tax ( 2000-3000 )  ,airport tax (500 ), Sagarmatha National Park permit ( 3000 )=7000 per person are on your own ( approx )

Required Permits & Local Taxes ( Paid separately in Kathmandu )

We want you to be clear on your expenses. This will definitely save you from the problems that can occur on your tour.

For this, we have listed some of the charges that you need to pay:

Mountains visible during the tour at Everest 

The best beauty of this helicopter tour landing is the majestic mountain views.

This helicopter tour landing is the ability to identify and photograph multiple 8,000m+ peaks in a single flight. Amazing, right ?

Here is what you will see:

Safety information for Everest Helicopter Tour

Your safety is our non-negotiable priority. 

Mountain Routes partners entirely with CAAN-certified (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal) helicopter operators.

•      Professional Pilots:

Our pilots hold a minimum of 2,000 hours of Himalayan flight experience and are trained in high-altitude weather assessment.

Each pilot averages 5,000 or more flight hours with mandatory annual recurrent training. 

•       Oxygen onboard:

We carry emergency oxygen supply on all our flights. We care for your safety. The high-altitude tour is very risky so this is not just necessary. It is mandatory.

•       Weather monitoring:

Flights operate only when weather conditions meet safe VFR (Visual Flight Rules) standards. No exceptions.

There are flight delays, flight cancellations due to the changing weathering. There is no take-off without checking the weather.

•       Weight limit:

You can carry a maximum 80 kg per passenger (including daypack), if you are on a shared helicopter ride.

Do let us know  if you exceed this . We will manage accordingly.

Passengers over 100 kg should inform about their weight at booking . There are  adjusted seating or an additional cost you may have to  apply. 

Total combined passenger weight per charter is approximately 450 kg.

Aircraft Information for Everest Helicopter tour

Aircraft: Airbus AS350 B3e 'Ecureuil' (also known as the H125)

The AS350 B3e is  commonly called the Écureuil (French for "squirrel") . If you do not know it is the industry gold standard for high-altitude Himalayan operations.

Airbus AS350 B3e is a single-engine, turbine-powered helicopter built by Airbus Helicopters, with a certified service ceiling above 6,000m.

Mountain Routes operates this aircraft because it balances power, is concerned about the  safety, and passenger’s comfort at extreme altitude better than any alternative.

Note : This is the same aircraft model which was used in the historic 2005 Everest summit landing.

Its powerful Arriel 2D engine, lightweight airframe, and exceptional high-altitude performance makes it the most trusted helicopter for operations in the Khumbu region.

Helicopter Details

Check out below a brief details for our Helicopter service :

9N-AKB

Ecureuil AS 350 B3e (Now Airbus Helicopters H125)

9N-ALD

Ecureuil AS 350 B3e (Now Airbus Helicopters H125)

Health & Altitude advise for 2026/2027

Kalapathar sits at 5,545m. This is a very high-altitude destination.

Although the landing is very short for  about 15–20 minutes, you might  feel mild breathlessness or lightheadedness. Don’t panic. This is completely  normal. 

Our guide will monitor for all of our clients: 

•       Consult your doctor before booking if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, severe asthma, or any respiratory illness.

•       Children under 8 years are not recommended for this tour without medical clearance.

•       Do not attempt this tour within 24 hours of scuba diving.

•       Pregnant women are advised to consult their doctor before booking.

What to bring for a helicopter tour landing at Everest Base Camp ?

Helicopter tours are not like expeditions. You do not need long vacation days. A couple of days and you are good to go.

But still you need to consider certain things for the heli-tour .

The temperature at Kalapathar can range from +5°C (spring/autumn) to -20°C (winter). YYou have to dress in layers. 

Let’s check what to pack.

Clothing

•       Base layer: moisture-wicking thermal top and bottom

•       Mid layer: fleece or down jacket

•       Outer layer: windproof and waterproof shell (mandatory in winter)

•       Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter

•       Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or lightweight hiking boots

Items to Carry

•       Valid passport and copies of all travel documents

•       Sunglasses (UV protection which is essential at altitude)

•       High SPF sunscreen . The  UV radiation is intense above 4,000m.

•       Camera or phone . You need it  fully charged, with a spare battery as cold drains batteries fast.

•       Water bottle . Make sure you stay hydrated . Drink at least 1 litre minimum.

•       Carry a small amount of cash (USD or NPR) for any additional purchases.

•       Any personal medication if you have your medical condition.

Gorakshep to Kathmandu Helicopter Flight

Already trekked to Everest Base Camp and looking for a faster way back?

Mountain Routes also arranges Gorak Shep to Kathmandu helicopter flights . This is one of the popular options for trekkers if you have completed the EBC trek on foot . If you want to skip the long descent back to Lukla there this way is perfect.

Gorakshep (5,164m) is the last stop before Everest Base Camp on the traditional trekking route. 

From here, our helicopter can pick you up and will fly you directly back to Kathmandu. It saves 3–5 days of trekking and gives you one final aerial view of the Himalayas.

Who is it ideal for ?

• If you are trekkers completing the Everest Base Camp trek and are short on time.
• If you are travellers with an urgent flight connection from Kathmandu.
• If you are someone experiencing mild altitude sickness or fatigue and needing a safe, fast exit from the Khumbu region.
• If you are a trekker who wants to celebrate the end of their journey with a scenic helicopter ride home.

Key Details for Gorakshep - Kathmandu flight:

Note : Pickups from nearby points such as Lobuche, Pheriche, and Namche Bazaar to Kathmandu can also be arranged on request.

You can contact Mountain Routes to confirm availability and pricing for your preferred pickup date.

How to Book with us ?

Booking with Mountain Routes is very easy. We have a very short process, all you have to do is :

Step 1 : Enquire

You can contact us through WhatsApp, phone, or email as per your preferred travel date, group size, and package type. 

We respond very early during your service.

Step 2 : Confirm & Pay Deposit

Once the availability is confirmed, you can secure your booking with a 25% deposit through  bank transfer, credit card, or online payment.

Note : Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit is received.

Step 3 :  Pre-tour briefing

Mountain Routes  will send you a full briefing document . The briefing  includes pickup time, what to wear, what to carry, and all logistics 48 hours before your flight.

Step 4 :  Tour Day

Our guide will  meet you at your hotel at the confirmed pickup time.

Cancellation & refund policy with Mountain Routes 

Our company has certain terms and conditions regarding cancellation and refund policy. You can contact us for clear map :  

•       Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the tour ( full refund ).

•       Cancellation 24- 72 hours before the tour  ( 50% refund ).

•       Cancellation within 24 hours ( no refund )

•       Weather cancellation by Mountain Routes  (full refund or free reschedule )

•       Weather-related delays on the day ( we reschedule at no extra cost )

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the helicopter actually land at Everest Base Camp?

No , helicopters do not land at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) because of the steep terrain and technical flying condition.

The primary landing point for Everest Base Camp  is Kalapathar (5,545m). This is actually higher than EBC .

It  provides majestic, unbothered views of Mt. Everest's south face which everyone loves.

Does the helicopter always land at Kalapathar?

Not always . Helicopter landing at Kalapatthar completely depends on your package type. Landing at Kalapathar is included in private charter packages. 

For shared/group charters, the standard offering is an overfly of Kalapathar. It means the helicopter flies closely over it without landing.

A shared Kalapathar landing upgrade is available at additional cost. Always confirm clearly at the time of booking whether your package includes a physical landing or an overfly.

How is the helicopter tour different from a mountain flight?

A mountain flight is a fixed-wing airplane tour which flies along the Himalayan range at around 7,000m . It does not land.

But, a  helicopter tour flies into the Khumbu valley at low altitude and allows you to land at 5,545m. It  also  includes stops for breakfast and sightseeing.

If we compare, helicopter tours are more immersive and personal.

What is the best time of year for the Everest Helicopter Tour?

You can go anytime but at your own risk. For clear views you can go during Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) .

It has the most stable flying conditions  and is safe.

Winter (December–February) is also possible but temperatures at Kalapathar drop to -20°C. 

The monsoon season (June–August) has the highest weather cancellation risk but tours do still operate successfully if it has clear days.

Can I do this tour solo?

Yes. If you are a solo traveller you can either book a private charter or join a shared charter with other travellers departing on the same day.

We can arrange that for you.

What happens if the tour is cancelled due to bad weather?

If we cancel due to weather, you will receive a full refund or a free reschedule to the next available date . It depends on your choice.

We have some terms like deducting 10 % service charge on the total billed amount. We never fly in unsafe conditions.

Your safety is completely our priority.

Is acclimatisation required for the helicopter tour?

For the standard one-day tour, you do not need acclimatisation . The landing at Kalapathar is short which is 15-20 minutes. Oxygen is available onboard.

However, if you have medical conditions either with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions, you should consult a doctor.

For extended multi-day tours with overnight stays near EBC, acclimatisation days at Lukla or Namche are recommended.

What permits are required and who arranges them?

Two permits are required for this trip. One is Sagarmatha National Park Permit (approx. USD $30) and the TIMS card.

You also have to make payment for The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee (approx. USD $20) and Domestic Airport Tax (approx. USD $5) as it is  required.

Mountain Routes arranges both on your behalf but the cost is not included in the package price.

You have to  pay separately in Kathmandu.

Are there hotels near Everest Base Camp?

EBC itself (5,364m) has no permanent accommodation . It is a tent city used only during expedition season (April–May). 

The nearest comfortable options are in Gorak Shep (5,164m)  like basic teahouses  or Namche Bazaar (3,440m) which has  a range of teahouses and lodges.

For our one-day tour, no overnight stay is needed.

How safe is the helicopter tour?

Extremely safe if you go with Mountain routes. Our pilots have thousands of hours of high-altitude Himalayan experience.

We use AS350 B3 aircraft specifically designed for thin-air, high-altitude operations.

We also carry emergency oxygen and communicate continuously with air traffic control.

Safety is our primary priority.

Can children participate in the tour?

Children aged 8 and above can have this  tour experience. But, children below  8 are not recommended. It is due to altitude sensitivity. 

We advise consulting a child specialist before bringing young children to altitudes above 4,000m.

What is the weight limit per passenger?

The maximum weight per passenger, which also includes a small daypack, is 80kg. do let us know your weight at the time of booking. It helps us plan the flight safely.

You might not know this but passengers over 100 kg may need adjusted seating or extra flight cost.

Sometimes the total weight exceeds safe limits. Total combined passenger weight per charter is approximately 450 kg.

Excess weight can sometimes be accommodated with a different seating arrangement. Consult Mountain Routes first.

Are restrooms available during the Heli - tour?

You can find restrooms at the Lukla and Syangboche/Hotel Everest View stops.

We strongly advise you to use bathroom facilities at your hotel in Kathmandu before departure, as the 6:00 AM pickup means you will be at the airport before most facilities are fully open.

You will find no restroom facilities at Kalapathar.

Can I bring a drone for filming in the Everest region?

Well ! drones are restricted inside Sagarmatha National Park.

If you plan to carry filming equipment, please contact Mountain Routes in advance to check current drone regulations before you start your tour .

There might be permit issues later at the park entry if you forget to inform us.

Can I do the Everest helicopter tour and then catch an international flight the same day?

The tour normally gets completed by 10:45 AM–11:00 AM. However, we strongly advise a minimum 6-hour buffer between your expected hotel drop-off time and your international departure. 

The weather can create a problem and is very uncertain. No tour operator can guarantee an exact return time.

Our suggestion is that you book the helicopter tour only if your international flight is in the evening or the following day.

About Mountain Routes

Mountain Routes is a Nepal Tourism Board-registered trekking and adventure company which is based in Kathmandu, Nepal .

We are licensed, government-registered, and operate the company in full compliance with CAAN aviation regulations .

We have been organising Himalayan experiences since [********]. Our team is made up of experienced Sherpa guides, licensed pilots, and passionate adventure travel specialists.

We  believe every guest deserves a safe, authentic, and thrills in life. We connect you to the Himalayas and make your journey unforgettable.

Ready to fly? 

Contact us today.

WhatsApp / Call: +977-9851087152

Email: shristy@mountainroutes

Website: www.mountainroutes.com