Advantages of Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

• Time Efficiency:

Helicopter tours are significantly faster than trekking. While a trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes around 12-14 days, a helicopter tour can cover the same distance in a matter of hours. This allows you to experience the region's beauty without committing to an extended journey.

• Accessibility:

Helicopters can reach remote and high-altitude destinations with ease. This means you can explore areas that may be physically challenging or inaccessible on foot due to time constraints or health concerns.

• Comfort and Convenience:

Helicopter tours offer a level of comfort and convenience that trekking can't match. You'll enjoy comfortable seating, protection from the elements, and the ability to carry more gear and equipment. There's no need to worry about strenuous physical exertion or sleeping in basic tea houses.

• Safety and Altitude Acclimatization:

Helicopter tours help mitigate altitude-related risks. Trekking requires gradual acclimatization to high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Helicopter tours allow you to skip the initial steep ascent, reducing the risk of altitude-related health issues.

• Spectacular Aerial Views:

Helicopter tours provide unparalleled panoramic views. From the air, you can appreciate the grandeur of the Himalayas and its vast landscapes in a way that trekking cannot offer. It's a photographer's dream come true.

• Customization:

Helicopter tours are highly customizable. You can tailor your itinerary to include specific destinations and activities. Whether you want to combine a helicopter tour with trekking or other adventures, you have the flexibility to design your ideal journey.

• Limited Physical Demands:

Trekking to high altitudes demands physical fitness and endurance. Helicopter tours are a great option for travelers who may not be physically fit or have time constraints. It allows individuals of varying fitness levels to enjoy the Everest region's beauty.

• Exclusive Experiences:

Helicopter tours often include exclusive experiences, such as landing at Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar. These opportunities provide a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection with the destination.

• Reduced Environmental Impact:

Trekking can place stress on the environment due to the need for accommodation, waste disposal, and resource consumption. Helicopter tours can be more environmentally friendly, as they minimize the impact on the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour cost

The price of Everest Base Camp depends on which tour you prefer. If you are willing to tour by joining a group the cost will be around US$990 and if you are willing to book your private Helicopter with friends and Family (Max 5 People) the cost will be nearly US$ 3800. The cost is for Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu including a stop for breakfast or lunch at Kongde or Everest View Hotel.

There is another option the Heli tour, which is from Lukla Airport to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla helicopter tour which costs around US$ 450 in group and US$1600 in private. In a group, you will be sharing a helicopter so that the cost will be lower, whereas in a private helicopter, you will be traveling solo or with your own groups of family or friends.

Sharing Helicopter vs. Private Helicopter

You can do this Helicopter Tour by either sharing with others or by booking a Helicopter according to your preferences. However, Sharing and booking a private Helicopter for a tour has its own merits and demerits as well. Sharing a helicopter is budget-friendly and makes Everest even easier to reach. It also offers multiple landing means you can observe the view from both air and ground. The demerit of sharing a helicopter; is you might have to wait a little longer for others to join in a group with you.

Touring from a private helicopter might be a little costly but you will receive maximum flexibility on the tour by privately booking the helicopter. You can completely customize the date of the flight, stopping places, and the amount of time you want to spend at different stopping places. If you have your own group for visiting the Everest base camp then it is better to go in a Private Helicopter with family and friends. The helicopter's maximum ride is 5 people on one flight.

Weather for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

The Everest region’s weather is cold throughout the year. You can do the tour of Everest Base Camp in any weather you want. Just remember the Heli tour is available only when the weather is clear. Helicopter tours are generally unsuitable during heavy rain and cloud cover as well as during freezing temperatures and snowfall. Dense fog and cloud cover can hinder visibility which is also unfavourable. With that being said helicopters can be arranged during the winter and summer seasons because of the short trip time. Proper attention to weather forecasting is essential for completing the trip during summer and winter.

Generally, Spring and Autumn seasons are favorable for helicopter flights because of stable weather, mild temperatures, and clear skies. The reduced cloud cover ensures excellent visibility allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking mountain views. January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December are the best months for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.

Average daytime temperatures during various seasons

Food items available in Everest View hotel

The Everest View Hotel, nestled in the Himalayas, offers a variety of delicious food items, catering to the tastes and preferences of travelers. While the menu can vary, here are some typical food items you might find at the Everest View Hotel:

• Nepali Cuisine:

Enjoy authentic Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and gundruk (fermented leafy greens). These traditional dishes offer a taste of the local culture.

• International Cuisine:

The hotel often serves a range of international dishes, including pasta, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, to accommodate diverse palates.

• Himalayan Specialties:

Savor regional specialties like yak steak or yak cheese, providing a unique Himalayan culinary experience.

• Breakfast Options:

Begin your day with hearty breakfast options such as eggs, toast, pancakes, and fresh fruit. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the mountain mornings.

• Drinks: 

The Everest View Hotel serves a selection of drinks, including herbal teas, regional alcoholic beverages, and cool soft drinks. Don't pass up the chance to sample classic butter tea.

• Bakery Products: 

Indulge in some freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes, which are ideal for a sweet treat or a quick snack.

• Vegetarian or Vegan choices:

The hotel often offers vegetarian and vegan alternatives to satisfy guests' dietary preferences and requirements.

What to take with you for the Helicopter Tour

Packing for a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp requires careful consideration due to the varying weather conditions and the necessity to travel light because of the weight limit for the helicopter flight. Here is a list of essential items for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:

Clothing

Small Day Pack

Down Jacket

Shoes (wearing)

Inner and Outer layer gloves

Water Bottle

100% UV rays UV-protected sunglasses

Scarfs, shawl

Warm hat or Woolen hat

Snacks or Chocolate bar 

Electronics

Camera

Smartphone

Electrical adapters

Power bank

The alternative way for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

The best alternative way for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour is to take a flight from Lukla. It is almost a similar tour of Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, the minor difference is the cost and that on this tour you have to take a flight from Lukla. This tour will take you to the heart of Mt. Everest and give you a birds-eye view of the beautiful Himalayas and will be one of the most adventurous and thrilling tours.

You can enjoy some of the most delightful spots that you couldn’t have explored if you had gone to Everest Base Camp via walking. This tour is for people who have always dreamt of going to Mt. Everest and exploring the greatness of Mother Nature and also it can be completed in a short amount of time.