- Kathmandu- Lukla (Fueling) Flight Time: 45 Minutes Ground Time: 7-10 Minutes
- Lukla – Everest Base Camp (Kalapatthar) Flight Time: 25 Minutes Ground Time: 7-10 Minutes
- Everest Base Camp (Kalapatthar) – Syangboche Flight Time: 15 Minutes Ground Time: 30 Minutes
- Syangboche – Lukla – Kathmandu Flight Time: 1hrs 10 Minutes
Itinerary of Everest base camp Helicopter tour with landing flight at Kalapather Base camp.
05:50 AM: Transfer from hotel to Kathmandu Airport Helipad - Elevation 1300 meters.
Our Everest base camp Helicopter tour guide and the driver receives you at the hotel. Then drive to the airport, before departing the hotel, please wear warm jackets, gloves, trousers, and sunglasses recommended. Carry water bottles, light snacks, and dry foods and if you take any regular medicine please keep it in your handbag. If you like to carry a packed breakfast can bring it with you. From the hotel to the airport distance of 15 to 20 minutes drives. Do not carry fire items in helicopter fights.
06:15 AM: Check-in at Helicopter counter (please bring a passport copy)
At the airport can expect a check-up and queue going through an x-ray machine.
Our Everest base camp helicopter staff will ask for passport copies, as well as weigh the body weight which is most important for landing a helicopter at base camp or near about close to the world’s tallest mountain. After getting the boarding pass security check and then entering the main waiting hall, might have to wait some time.
As the airlines announce the time of our flight and then proceed towards the helipad. At the Helipad waiting and making sure of the weather forecast towards Everest base camp, if it’s good enough to fly. As well as waiting to get permission from the airport tower, meantime the captain will provide a safety briefing of the Helicopter flight.
Learn to handle the doors, and how to get in and out off from the helicopter. Always use the front part of the helicopter for exiting and entering but Never ever go towards the tail of the chopper. When stopping at high altitude the captain does not turn off the engines, the seat arrangements keep changing taking turns to catch the best views. If you need oxygen ask our captain for emergency use.
06:40 AM: Flight to Lukla airport by Helicopter.
Elevation 2,800 meters/ 9,000 feet Take off time varies on different seasons, once the air traffic gives the authorization depending upon the promising weather forecast, and then taking off flying towards east. If the weather is clear grand views of Mt. Manaslu on the far west, with Mt, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Dorje Lakpa. The flight offers more than views of Everest with a wide panorama of Himalayan peaks, you will be busy taking pictures of the stunning scenery of rolling green hills with farm terraces which are more than 3000 years making the terraces from one generation to another.
The high hills are covered in dense forests of rhododendron, pines, and fir trees facing clusters of farm villages which draws your attention. The scenery of rivers and beautiful landscapes make you busy with the cameras. The chopper heads east after 15 minutes of flight with grand views of Mt. Gaurishankar and Melung-Tse peaks, which border Nepal and Tibet. Regarded as a holy mountain, where Nepal Standard and Greenwich Time Meriden pass through, the Nepal time follows with the early sunrise making quite unique from the rest of the world. Similar to our national flag which is triangular shaped like the jagged Himalayas range. Once the Helicopter passes through Lamjura-La high ridge at 3,500 meters (11, 000 feet) can catch a quick glimpse of Mt. Everest and Lhotse, an opportunity for pictures with the first look of Mt. Everest and surrounding giant peaks.
Slowly heading north to land at Luka town Tenzing and Hillary Airport at 2,800 meters high, a unique mountainous airstrip for landing and take-off. But the helicopter makes a safe and smooth landing, one of the highlights and charms of the flight.
07:40 AM: Unloading return fuel for the same helicopter at Lukla airport 10-12 minutes.
While the pilot and ground staff unload the fuel, you will have a brief time for refreshment and to use the restroom. Most hotels and lodges or public restrooms have small rooms for toilets, and please carry toilet paper with you. Can have an opportunity to witness the smaller planes landing and taking off, which will be impressive to catch with your cameras and take videos.
Luka is the starting and ending point for the Everest base camp of 2 weeks treks. Lucky that you are on an Everest base camp helicopter tour to experience the shortest way to land and enjoy. You may switch seats, we recommend that you wear a warmer dress not that we have a quick ascend, but from here onward the temperature gets much colder.
07:50 AM: Helicopter Flight towards Khumbu and Everest Base camp via the river Dudh-Kosi. (If we are flying more than 3 persons or more than 250 kg we have to split the group from Pheriche and shuttle back and forth on the same helicopter.) Elevation 4, 200 meters/13, 00 feet.
Once taking off, follow the Dudh-Kosi River, which flows from the glaciers near Everest base camp, called Khumbu glacier. Along the flight views of villages with many lodges and tea houses where trekkers and climbers follow the route within rhododendron and pine-forested trails. After a short time views of Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Phortse on the left side, from here onwards approaching facing view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam in front.
On the left side views Mt. Cho-Oyu, the 6th world's highest peak, as Heli flies above famous and the largest, as well the highest Monastery of Tengboche.
Where a colorful religious festival is held called Mani-Rimdu, the celebration takes place in late October or in early November as per the Tibetan Buddhist Lunar calendar. The flight passes above Pangboche to reach Pheriche a reasonable size settlement with many nice hotels and lodges at the height of 4, 200 meters (13000 feet).
The captain might land here to split the group of 2 people and 3 people dividing the weight of 250 kg or less. As the group can wait at Pheriche and enjoy taking photos and videos, the first group continues to Everest base camp by Helicopter. Whereas the same helicopter does the shuttle ferrying passengers back and forth.
08:25 AM: Helicopter Overfly the Everest Base Camp & Lands at Kala Patter 5, 250 meters/ 17, 225 feet for photos and video of a lifetime experience.
The chopper proceeds above Thukla, with views of Cho-La pass on the left, Lobuche peak, and Lobuche small settlement with some lodges around. Views of the lofty peak of Mt. Pumori appear, and the flying over Khumbu glacier, and at Gorakshep the last settlement on route base camp. The helicopter tours above the Everest base camp where Mountaineering Expedition set their tented camps.
During the high season of Expedition observe the climbers preparing their climbing and rest for acclimatization at the base camp, April and May are the busy time for expeditions. At the Everest base camp, there is no helipad due to the movement and activeness of the glacier. Where the pilot will make a soft landing at a nice viewpoint spot on the base of high Kalapathar Hill. At approx. 17, 225 feet, from this scenic point enjoy majestic views of Mount Everest at a mere distance. Facing surrounding giant peaks of Nuptse, Khumbutse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori with an array of peaks. Once the helicopter stops on the ground at the base of Kalapathar please walk in front of a chopper. Enjoy taking photos and videos, the main highlight of the Everest base camp Helicopter flight and landing tour. Mesmerizing views of a lifetime experience can ask another passenger to take photos. As well with each other, or can request the captain, enjoy the moment for about ten minutes, then board the helicopter flying back to Pheriche to join with other co-passengers.
08:45 AM: Flight to Syangboche hill view-point - Mt. Everest View Hotel with options for Breakfast and refreshment. Elevation 3,880 meters/ 12, 000 feet.
On completing the Helicopter shuttles, the flight continues heading towards Hotel Everest View for an hour to relax and enjoy Breakfast or other warm refreshments. Famous and popularly called Everest for Breakfast. Enjoy the lifetime experience of having breakfast in the shade of the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest. The Hotel has facilities for free WiFi at present. This is one of the highest deluxe and luxury hotels probably in the world, established 50 years ago by a Japanese who loved this spot with a grand view of Mt Everest. Most trekkers and Helicopter passengers enjoy breakfast at the terrace facing a marvellous view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Tawache and Thamserku.
09:45 AM: Ride back to Kathmandu/ may stop at Lukla for fuel. After an hour of free leisure and relaxing stop, then fly back to Lukla to refuel the helicopter and continue the joy ride back to Katmandu.
11:45 AM: Arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport. Once reaching at the airport, drive to the arrival section of the domestic terminal.
01:15 PM: Drive to hotel. Our guide and driver will be at your disposal and receives you at the car parking area, welcoming you back. We will request for the feed-backs after a wonderful experience on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Enjoying amazing scenery and close views of Mt. Everest from the base of Kalapathar viewpoint. Hope everyone is happy and glad that you joined on this amazing Helicopter Tour and then check your Bucket list.
Note:- The timing of Helicopter flights might change due to weather conditions and Air traffic..
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with landing flight is the most exhilarating and fascinating lifetime episode in Nepal Himalayas provides the nearest view of Mount Everest in a day. Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing flight starts from Kathmandu to Lukla airport with 45 minutes ride and fueling ground time of 10 minutes. Lukla to Mt. Everest base camp Kala Patthar by helicopter flight time 15 minutes and landing time of 10 minutes. Kala Patthar to Mt. Everest view hotel with a helicopter 12 minutes ride and landing time 55 minutes for Breakfast. Hotel Everest view to Lukla to Kathmandu by Helicopter 65 minutes ride. Total EBC flight duration of 4.00 hours. Starting early (6:00 AM) from the hotel transfer to Kathmandu domestic air terminal for superb panoramic flight, comfortable seats with space for leg rooms, and large glass window where you can marvel at impressive scenery.
After getting in the chopper, where the captain might have a co-pilot sometimes depending upon the size of a group, having only one pilot where you can have the honour of seating next to the captain facing commanding views in front. After a seating arrangement flying over Kathmandu valley catching views of the Ganesh - Manaslu - Langtang and Jugal Himal range of peaks with Gaurishanker and Melung Tse peaks. As the flight swirls above rolling green hills past Dolkha village around Jiri village heading past Lamjura-la pass of 3,560 m high covered in thick alpine forest of rhododendron-magnolia-pines and oaks trees, our air journey continues for about 45 minutes from the take-off. Flying high with awesome views of the Himalayan chain of mountains including Mt. Everest and then landing at Lukla's unique airstrip known as Tenzing & Hillary airport tribute to legendary mountaineers who first conquered Mt. Everest on May 29th, 1953.
At Lukla where the chopper lands for refuelling as well for refreshment in an excellent lodge with fine restaurants and bakeries, here with time to observe local Sherpa traditional life interwoven with Buddhist culture. Lukla at an altitude of 2,820 m. high, a door to various Everest trekking-mountaineering and other adventure walks, from Lukla after ten minutes stops then fly high into Dudh Kosi River gorge in between Kwangde and Kusum Kanguru with Thamserku peaks, as the chopper whirls high above Namche Bazaar. Flying over with a view of the famous colorful Namche Bazaar where the busy Saturday Market takes place every week, Namche is the hub and main Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region within Everest.
The flight continues higher facing an awesome panorama of snow peaks with Mt. Everest and majestic Amadablam and then landing (only special flights with extra cost) at scenic Thyangboche near its famous old Buddhist monastery. A charming spot surrounded by snow-capped peaks with close views of Amadablam- Everest and other peaks, located within the green forest. Time permitting visit the famous monastery where you can observe monks and priests in prayer halls, where climbers and mountaineers receive blessing from the high priest for a safe and successful climb on Everest and other high peaks. From Thyangboche flight continue towards Mt. Everest Base Camp above the beautiful Khumbu valley surrounded by the world's highest peaks and then landing at Kalapathar near Gorakshep at above 5,180 m high, this place once an original base camp, located beneath the lofty peak of Pumori and Kalapatthar rocky viewpoint hill.
After a brief stop helicopter flies towards Everest Base Camp above moraine and ice to reach base camp, here enjoy the view of the tumbling and notorious Khumbu Ice Fall and glaciers. After a marvellous and exciting time with an adventure of a lifetime experience retrace the air journey back to Kathmandu with a glorious memorable time on a Helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp.
