Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing
A same-day private helicopter from Kathmandu up the Khumbu valley, over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall, a short landing at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) when it is allowed, then breakfast at Hotel Everest View.
About 4–5 hours · Everest · From US$ 4,210
Enquire- Duration
- About 4–5 hours door to door
- Destination
- Everest
Overview
This is the helicopter flight for guests who want to get as close to Everest as possible without trekking. You leave Kathmandu at first light in a private helicopter, refuel at Lukla, and fly up the Dudh Kosi and Khumbu valleys past Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche.
Above Gorak Shep the helicopter flies over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall and, when the pilot and the local rules allow, lands for a few minutes on Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the ridge trekkers climb for the classic view of Everest’s summit.
On the way back you stop at Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) for breakfast facing Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, and you are back in Kathmandu by late morning.
Helicopters do not land at Everest Base Camp itself on sightseeing tours. The Kala Patthar landing depends on weather, the helicopter’s load at that height and current local permission; if it cannot happen on the day, the pilot flies close past the ridge and you land lower down instead.
Highlights
- Private helicopter for your group, there and back in one morning
- Flies over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall
- A short landing at Kala Patthar, 5,545 m, when permitted, the closest point to Everest you can reach by air
- Breakfast at Hotel Everest View, 3,880 m
- No trekking or special fitness needed
Gallery
The flight
Hotel pickup around 6 am and a private helicopter flight east along the Himalaya to Lukla (2,860 m), where the helicopter refuels.
Fly past Namche Bazaar, Tengboche monastery and Dingboche to Gorak Shep, then over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall. When conditions and permission allow, land on Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for about 5 to 10 minutes, with Everest, Nuptse and Pumori around you.
Fly down to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) above Namche for breakfast on the terrace, facing Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
Fly back to Kathmandu via Lukla and transfer to your hotel, usually by late morning.
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car
- Private helicopter Kathmandu – Lukla – Kala Patthar – Hotel Everest View – Kathmandu
- Breakfast at Hotel Everest View
- Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fees
- Airport taxes
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance that covers helicopter flights to 5,600 m
- Any weight surcharge the operator applies (usually above about 100 kg per guest)
- Tips and personal expenses
Dates & departures
Best from March to May and late September to November. Flights leave around 6–7 am, when the mountains are clearest; if the weather closes in, the flight moves to the next clear day, so keep a spare day in Kathmandu. Price per person, based on two guests sharing the private helicopter.
Questions, answered
Does the helicopter land at Everest Base Camp?
No. Sightseeing helicopters fly over Everest Base Camp but do not land there. The landing on this tour is at Kala Patthar (5,545 m), a ridge above Gorak Shep with a clearer view of Everest’s summit than Base Camp itself.
Is the Kala Patthar landing guaranteed?
No. It depends on the weather, the helicopter’s load at that height and current local permission. If the landing cannot happen, the pilot flies close past Kala Patthar and lands lower down, at a place such as Pheriche, before breakfast at Hotel Everest View.
How many people can fly?
At 5,545 m the helicopter can usually land only about two guests at a time. The price shown is for two guests; groups of three to five are flown up in two lifts, which costs a little more. Tell us your group size and we will quote it.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. At high altitude every kilo matters. Most operators ask for each guest’s weight in advance and may charge extra above about 100 kg. Please tell us your weights when you enquire.
Will the altitude affect me?
You stay only a few minutes at 5,545 m, but going from Kathmandu to that height so quickly can cause a headache or dizziness. Move slowly, do not run and drink water. The crew carries oxygen. If you have heart or lung problems, ask your doctor before booking.
When is the best time to fly, and what if the weather is bad?
March to May and late September to November have the clearest mornings; we avoid the June to August monsoon. Helicopters fly only in good visibility, so if your morning is cloudy we move the flight to the next suitable day. Please keep a spare day in Kathmandu.
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