Trishuli River Rafting
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Everest Helicopter Tour
See Everest in a day - the ultimate Himalayan flight
Overview
The Everest Helicopter Tour is the ultimate way to experience the world's highest mountain - a single-day scenic flight from Kathmandu that takes you deep into the Khumbu Valley, lands at the famous Everest View Hotel at Syangboche for a champagne breakfast with views of Everest, and on to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the closest possible view of Mount Everest.
For those with limited time, mobility constraints or simply the desire to see Everest without trekking for two weeks, this is the perfect experience. The flight path takes you east from Kathmandu over the rolling middle hills, suddenly crossing the crest of the Himalaya to reveal the entire Khumbu range - Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar and then the giants of the Khumbu: Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam and Everest itself.
Our helicopters are modern Eurocopter B3 or AS350 aircraft, flown by experienced high-altitude pilots. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours including the breakfast stop. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included. A maximum of 5 passengers per helicopter ensures everyone has a window seat.
Duration
1 Day (about 4 hours total)
Max Altitude
5,545 m (Kala Patthar)
Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
1 - 5 passengers
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Aircraft
Eurocopter AS350 B3 or similar
Window Seat
Guaranteed
Start/End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip highlights
Fly from Kathmandu to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and back in a single day
Champagne breakfast at the Everest View Hotel with panoramic Everest views
Closest possible view of Mount Everest without trekking
Aerial views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam and the Khumbu Glacier
Land at Lukla, Syangboche and Kala Patthar - three famous Himalayan airstrips
Window seat guaranteed - maximum 5 passengers per helicopter
Perfect for those with limited time or mobility constraints
Itinerary
1 day1
Day 1: Day 1: Hotel pickup, helicopter flight, Kala Patthar, breakfast at Everest View Hotel and return 5,545m
6:00 AM - Pickup from your Kathmandu hotel and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport domestic helicopter terminal. After a safety briefing, board the helicopter and take off east, climbing rapidly over the rolling hills toward the Himalaya. Within 30 minutes you will see the first 8,000 m peaks - Shishapangma and then Cho Oyu.
7:30 AM - Make a brief stop at Lukla (2,840 m), the famous Himalayan airstrip, then continue the flight to Syangboche (3,780 m). Land at the Everest View Hotel for a champagne breakfast on the terrace with the most celebrated mountain panorama in the world - Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku are all visible from your table.
9:30 AM - After breakfast, board the helicopter for the short flight over Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) - the famous viewpoint that offers the closest and most dramatic view of Mount Everest. The helicopter lands briefly (or hovers, depending on conditions) for you to take photographs.
10:30 AM - Return flight to Kathmandu, with a stop at Lukla if required for refueling. The flight path may differ on the return to give different views. Land at Kathmandu airport around 11:30 AM and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Highlights
Helicopter flight, Kala Patthar 5,545 m, champagne breakfast, Everest View Hotel
Bring a passport - required for airport security. Walk slowly at Syangboche - you are at 3,780 m. Weather can delay flights - keep the morning free.
Elevation profile
Elevation data available once itinerary is complete.
What's included
- Helicopter flight Kathmandu-Kala Patthar-Kathmandu (4 hours total)
- Window seat guaranteed - maximum 5 passengers
- Champagne breakfast at the Everest View Hotel, Syangboche
- Experienced high-altitude helicopter pilot
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- All applicable permits and airport taxes
- Comprehensive helicopter insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the pilot and crew
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Trip options
Choose the option that suits you best.
Extra services
Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145
Kathmandu Sightseeing Day
Full-day guided tour of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO sites
$75
Meet your guides
👤
Dawa Geljen Sherpa
Trekking Guide
<p>Dawa is a Khumbu native who has guided the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek for 9 years. He is fluent in English and known for his patient pacing and altitude management.</p>
Departure dates
Mar 15, 2026 Mar 15
Seats: 4/5
Available
$1,200
Mar 29, 2026 Mar 29
Seats: 2/5
Guaranteed
$1,200
Apr 12, 2026 Apr 12
Seats: 0/5
Full
$1,200
Apr 26, 2026 Apr 26
Seats: 2/5
Guaranteed
$1,200
May 10, 2026 May 10
Seats: 2/5
Guaranteed
$1,200
May 24, 2026 May 24
Seats: 0/5
Full
$1,200
Pricing
Per person
$1,200
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$840
InfantsFree
Group discounts
Automatically applied at checkout:
5+ travelers
-5%
8+ travelers
-8%
10+ travelers
-10%
12+ travelers
-12%
Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.
Route map
🗺
Map coordinates not set for this trip.
🟢 Start point: Kathmandu
🔴 End point: Kathmandu
🟠 Trek route
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Frequently asked questions
What happens if the weather is bad?
Helicopter flights in the Himalaya are entirely weather-dependent. If the weather in Kathmandu or the Khumbu is not suitable for flying, we will postpone the flight to the next available day. If you have a fixed departure from Nepal and the flight cannot be operated, you will receive a full refund. We recommend keeping at least one buffer day in Kathmandu.
Is it safe to fly to 5,545 m without acclimatization?
Yes. The helicopter lands at Kala Patthar for only 5-10 minutes (or hovers in the air), and you remain seated in the cabin with supplemental oxygen available. The risk of altitude sickness is minimal because of the short exposure time. However, passengers with heart conditions, severe respiratory problems or pregnancy should consult their doctor before booking.
Can I charter a private helicopter?
Yes, we offer a private charter option where you book the entire helicopter for just your group (up to 5 passengers) for an additional USD 3,800 fixed. This is popular for honeymoon couples, family celebrations and corporate incentive trips. Please select the 'Private Charter' option when booking.
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Everest Helicopter Tour
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