Introduction to Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu by Helicopter
A taste of luxury and comfort could be so exhilarating.
The satisfaction hit differently; you can’t trade them for anything else.
It’s the same feeling you get when you choose the helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu.
An exclusive opportunity to soak in the aerial views of the Himalayan from the comfort of an Everest base camp helicopter.
Not only that, but it is also a time-saving travel.
What experience could be more soothing after a grueling trekking journey to the Everest base camp?
Talk about wrapping up an adventure in style!
Helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is a quick and scenic flight to Kathmandu after the Everest base camp heli trek.
Travelers get to relax from the stress of their trek on a helicopter return.
It is suffice to say that they get to have the best of both worlds, don’t you think?
In this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the following:
- Overview of the Everest Base Camp helicopter experience.
- Key highlights of the Helicopter flight from Everest base camp
- The logistics of the helicopter flight from Everest base camp
- Everest base camp helicopter tour: pricing and packages
- Weather conditions and air traffic management
- Best time to take a helicopter flight from Everest base camp
Overview of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Experience
The helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is becoming a sought-after tour among trekkers in the Everest region.
Instead of a boring trek return from the Everest base camp heli trek, they enjoy another face of their adventures in the Himalayas that portrays luxury and comfort.
What is the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek?
The Everest base camp heli trek is a unique way to get a double fun experience in the Everest region.
After a long trek to the Everest base camp, which usually lasts for 13 days, you return to Kathmandu by helicopter.
The trekking and flying adventures, all in one trip…what a full package!
This helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu works for travelers who do not have all the time for a full trek.
You get to experience the mountainous region and the feeling of being immersed in the Himalayas and its glory. The unique aerial view on a quick return to Kathmandu.
Benefits of a Helicopter Trip from Everest Base Camp
The helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is every mountaineer’s aspiration for a reason.
Saves time
There’s no faster way to enjoy the Himalayas in full than the helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu.
Trying to explore the Himalayas for an unforgettable experience without enough time on your sleeve might seem like a dead end.
Not with EBChelitour. Here, you achieve your tour adventure with all the packages that come with it in less than two weeks!
No Delays
The helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is a swift journey. Yes, the Everest base camp also experiences unpredictable weather in the Himalayas, but it is usually not that serious.
Be rest assured that your flight will go as scheduled.
It is nothing like the trekking experience, nor other tours that have to do many stops and acclimatization exercises.
You were back in Kathmandu before you knew it.
Panoramic View of the Highlands
Another spectacular experience in this helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is the panoramic view of the Himalayas, specifically Mount Everest and Ama Dablam.
This panoramic scenery is so breathtaking you can’t get enough of it.
Taking home such memories is worth everything about this adventure travel.
Key Highlights of the Helicopter Flight from Everest Base Camp
Taking a helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is a journey filled with scenic sights and experiences.
The beautiful horizon of the numerous heritage sites to the unique lifestyles of the Nepalese that look amazing from the sky.
Helicopter View of Mount Everest and the Himalayas
The striking thing about the helicopter from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu is the one-of-a-kind helicopter view of Mount Everest and the Himalayas from the sky.
Travelers get to enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas in their touch of snow, Mount Ama Dablam, the wonder of Everest, and other surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The whole scenery is such a sight to behold. The snow-capped mountains and the scanty vegetation on the hills and valleys contribute to the beautiful perspective from the sky.
Flying over the Khumbu Region and the Sagarmatha National Park
Another exciting perspective from the helicopter ride from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is the Khumbu region.
The Khumbu region, which also goes by the name “Everest region,” encompasses the vast Himalayan highlands. You’ll see the panoramic sights of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayas, such as Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, etc.
The gigantic Khumbu glaciers are somewhere down the valley, adding color to the whole scenery,
The Khumbu region extends to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sagarmatha National Park.
Sagarmatha Park is the world’s largest national park, covering a landmark of about 1,148 sq km.
The view from the sky is so exhilarating. You’d see the heavy forest that harbors the forest’s flora like Juniper, Himalayan birch, Rhododendron, etc.
The forest fauna you will find here includes Musk deer, Snow leopard, Tibetan snow cock, etc.
The valleys, one of which harbors the course of the Dudh Koshi River, are right there, too.
Breakfast at Hotel Everest: A Unique Experience
Helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is a luxury experience filled with many fun moments.
A major tour highlight is breakfast at the world’s highest-placed hotel, Everest View.
This wonder edifice gives the best view of the Everest region. Every part of the hotel, from rooms, dining, and other sitting areas, is structured in a way that gives a breathtaking view of the entire Himalayas.
The different delicacies speak so much about the richness of Nepal’s culture and its natural heritage.
Now tell me, what could be more thrilling than enjoying a high-altitude breakfast while soaking in these views?
The Logistics of the Helicopter Flight from the Everest Base Camp
Helicopter Pick-up from Everest Base Camp
On the morning of your departure, you should be set with your luggage while you wait for the helicopter to prepare for your flight as scheduled.
They get on with the check-in routines, which include checking your permits and luggage to ensure everything is as instructed (the luggage weight shouldn’t be above 40kg).
The helicopter goes through its check-in routines, ensuring that it is ready for the tour.
Another routine is the weather conditions.
It’s good you understand that there may be flight considerations. Flight can be delayed or canceled due to unfavorable conditions.
This will enable you to prepare your mind beforehand for whatever lies ahead.
At EBCHelitour, your safety is our utmost concern.
Once everything is set, you’d get ready for a journey back to where it all started.
Landing at Lukla Airport and Stopovers
As your helicopter return flight transcends from Everet base camp back to Kathmandu, you’d begin another face of the tour, the best of it all.
The breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and the white snow never appeared more brilliant than from the sky.
The Khumbu glaciers somewhere down the valley are a stunning sight, too.
The green vegetation on the farmlands within that region adds its color, too.
You’d agree there’s no better way to appreciate the beauty of nature than from the sky.
Depending on your flight itinerary, your helicopter flight from Everest base camp to Kathmandu might make a refueling stop at Lukla airport.
This is a good time to stretch your legs and, for the last time, enjoy the beautiful sight of the Nepals as they go about their activities.
Depending on the season of your tour, the sight of other trekkers and Mountaineers should be everywhere, too.
Also, Lukla airport is a transit point as you will be flying at higher altitudes.
Airstrip landing at Lukla will give you ample time to acclimatize for the journey ahead.
Airport Arrival at Kathmandu
Finally, your helicopter arrives at Kathmandu’s domestic Airport; the busy lives of the Nepals will greet you. The mountains, in their calmness, look as attractive as always.
You are going back to your usual life, but this time with memories you will forever cherish and be ready to share with the world.
Drive Back to Your Hotel
If EBCHelitour is your travel agency, at this point, your driver should be waiting to take you back home.
The drive through the city of Kathmandu reveals the modernity and locality of the people, a perfect blend that keeps the highlands evergreen for tourist activities.
At EBCHelitour, we ensure that every step of the way, down to this last phase, is beyond an amazing experience for you.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Pricing and Packages
The helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu comes in varying prices and packages.
However, your purpose of visiting the Everest region plus your budget will largely determine which of the packages will be best applicable to you.
Cost of Helicopter Flights From Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu
The cost of the helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu will depend on the tour option you choose. The different options available include:
Personal Tour
You can travel alone for your base camp helicopter tour. It’s a luxury experience that gives a first-class helicopter flight to Everest. The price per person is around $5450.
Group Tour
You can travel in groups. This is a much more affordable package and comes in various forms, too.
- Private Tour: If you decide to go on a private tour, it means you’d be riding in luxury with either two or four persons who are related to you.
If you are a total of three persons in a private jet, the cost should be around $5,299. If there are, however, five persons, then the pricing is $5,750.
- Group Sharing: This is where you share a ride with a group of persons you are mostly unfamiliar with. The price per head will be within $1,250 – $1,350.
Customizing the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Apart from the usual itinerary, travelers can opt for a custom tour for additional stops to intensify their experience on the tour to the Everest base.
These additional stopovers are designed to heighten travelers’ experience at Everest.
You know what they say: the more, the merrier!
Some of these places you should consider include:
Cho Oyu
You might want to visit the easiest mountain for climbers with moderate slopes.
Cho Oyu is among the Himalayan highlands, situated at an altitude of 5,716 meters.
You’d see many of the Sherpas (mainly the Tibetan and the Khumbus) with their goods along its glaciated pass in the valley. That’s because it’s their main trading route.
This feature is why Cho Oyu is always a busy place and quite good for tourist visits.
Another spectacular thing about Cho Oyu Mountain is that, just like Everest, it also gives a panoramic view of the Highlands.
Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar is a popular area widely known for its beautiful close-up view of the Everest mountain.
It is situated at a high altitude of about 5,550 meters.
It’s like the Everest View Hotel. Though Kala Patthar offers a better view.
You’d experience the panoramic view of the highest peak, Everest, which is made with other Himalayan highlands.
The sight of the Khumbu glaciers is a beautiful one, too.
This is another excellent place to explore during your helicopter return from Everest base camp to Kathmandu.
Villages within the Khumbu region
The different villages you can visit within the Khumbu region include Namche, Tengboche, Lobuche Dingboche etc.
These villages have their different ways of doing things…
You get the opportunity to experience the people and their unique culture.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a village in the Khumbu region situated on a hillside of 3,440 meters.
One spectacular thing about Namche is its beautiful horseshoe view from the sky.
It is notable for the buzzing life of the Sherpas, who have dwelled in the mountains for a long time. So, you’d be meeting a good number of them when you visit.
Tengboche
Tengboche is located at an altitude of 3,867 meters. It harbors the popular Tengboche monastery, which largely influences the culture of the people in that area.
At Tengboche, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, such as Thermserku, Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc.
Tengboche, however, has no road network, which limits development in that area.
Dingboche
Dingboche is another village with
exciting features that are worth your time.
Stunning views of some of the Himalayas, like Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc., can also be seen from here.
It’s another beautiful place to explore during your Everest base camp Heli trek.
Lobuche
Lobuche is a great place you can consider visiting.
It is situated somewhere near the foot of the Khumbu glaciers.
Lobuche is a popular route for trekkers, so you’d be seeing the majority of them, especially during the spring season.
There are enough accommodations if you decide to spend the night at the place.
If you want to spice up your journey more, consider adding any of these options to have the best time of your life in the Himalayas.
Weather Conditions and Air Traffic Management
The Everest region is often plagued with weather challenges now and then. They are not just unpredictable, and they are often high on the opposing side.
An unclear weather, for instance, means there are high chances of altitude sickness. Also, such weather can affect the maneuverability of the helicopter or hamper the visibility of the pilot.
Weather Conditions for Helicopter Flights in the Everest Region
The weather conditions and air traffic on the mountain are among the salient factors to consider before scheduling a flight.
Beyond having an adventure, the flight safety of mountaineers is of utmost concern.
For a helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu, clear weather means the sky is evident enough for the pilot to navigate the atmosphere.
Clear weather means no fog or snowfall that can limit the oxygen level available for the efficiency of the helicopter.
Clear weather means there are low chances of travelers being exposed to altitude sickness.
And, of course, you don’t want to have too many helicopters in the air at the same time. Scheduling flights is one way to ensure air traffic coordination in the Everest region.
How Air Traffic is Managed in the Everest Region
Air traffic during the peak season in the Everest region is crazy.
This is usually in the autumn and spring season.
They do not encourage safe flying as there are high chances of collision and some other factors that are dominant with traffic at high altitudes.
In effect, the Kathmandu air traffic control system has enacted different procedures and technologies to ensure travelers have the best time in the Everest region.
Flying before Dawn
Over time, the Everest region is known to experience the best weather in the early hours of the morning.
As a result, flights are mostly scheduled at dawn, when there are low chances of flight cancelation and delays.
Rerouting to Other Domestic Airports
Manthali is a domestic Airport located in the Ramechhap region and the domestic airport closest to Lukla.
They experience much more stable weather conditions than other mountainous regions.
When some flights are made to follow that route, it reduces traffic congestion and creates a safer atmosphere for aviation activities.
Not only that, but it also shifts economic development towards that area.
New Solar Light For Aviation
Recently, new solar lights have been mounted in these airports.
They have also improved the safety of both travelers and helicopters in the region.
During take-offs and landing, there’s enough illumination to ensure a safe venture.
ATC Clearance
The Kathmandu Air Traffic Control now issues air traffic control clearance to pilots.
It designates the route, level, and clearance limit allowed for every air flight to follow.
This will ensure efficient flight coordination, giving access to the number of helicopters in the air at every given time.
Best Time to Take a Helicopter Flight to Everest Base Camp
If you want to embark on a helicopter flight from Everest base camp to Kathmandu, you will need to understand the seasons.
The weather conditions in the Nepalese are highly unpredictable.
However, some seasons have clearer days than others, as you will see shortly.
Understanding these seasons will help you know when you will have the best use of your time in the highlands.
Choosing the Right Season for Your Helicopter Tour
The Nepals experience four seasons in a year
Autumn
Autumn runs from September to November. It’s the season that precedes the monsoon season.
The last rainy days of the monsoon wash out all dust and debris from the surface of the earth.
As a result, the weather is ever clearer, the sky is ever blue, and the vegetation never bubbles more.
You can rest assured of enjoying a clearer view of the
Everest mountain and all the notable sites you’ve been hearing about.
This is hence a good time to make your visit. But ensure you secure your seat on time because other climbers know what you just learned.
Spring Season
The spring season begins in March and ends in May.
It is called the prime season of Everest for a reason.
The sky is quite clear and stable. The weather is sunny and warm, making it another trekking season.
Nonetheless, the peak of this season starts in mid-March. So you can plan your trip from there to avoid the cold times experienced at the beginning of the month.
If you desire a straightforward sky adventure with a better view of the mountains, then this is another good option for you.
Summer
The summer season begins in June and ends in August.
The only season that harbors both the hottest and the wettest times all year round.
The good thing about visiting the Himalayas at this time is that you will enjoy a peaceful journey with fewer crowds.
Other than that, get ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
The mosquitoes, the wet trail, and the mud all contribute to an unpleasant experience.
There are high chances of flight cancelation and delays, too, because the weather is highly unpredictable at this time.
Winter Season
The winter season begins from December to February.
You already know what the word “winter” screams… Cold!
Yes, this cold season can be highly unconducive, but you’d be surprised at the rate at which trekkers troup into the highlands.
The view of the mountain during snowfalls is such a beauty to behold. You know how magnificent white can be!
The whole mountainous region gets a new look that’s so attractive.
So, trekkers still take up the challenge at this time. It’s all about the adventurous experience, after all.
When it comes to the Everest base camp Heli, it’s almost the same as the former. Helicopters cannot be allowed to fly during extreme snowfalls as they will hamper the visibility of the pilot, which is quite disadvantageous.
Conclusion: A Fast and Scenic Journey from Everest to Kathmandu
The helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu brings to life an out-of-the-world experience of the wonders of Everest.
After a grueling trek in the Himalayas, The Everest base camp heli trek, you get to experience a soothing and convenient helicopter return.
A scenic journey to the Himalayas that can steal your breath for a second, this helicopter tour to Everest is something worth your time and budget.
If you desire to enjoy stunning views of Everest and the Himalayas like never before, consider the EBCHelitour helicopter return from Everest base camp to Kathmandu in your next adventure travel.
Rest assured, you won’t recover from that experience soon.
FAQ Section: Common Questions About Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours
How Long is the Helicopter Flight from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu?
The flight duration for the helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is about 4 hours.
However, the time spent on your helicopter journey is dependent on factors like the route, weather conditions, and the pilot’s expertise for your travel.
It is therefore advisable you choose a reputable agency like EBCHelitours where you are assured of a highly experienced team of professionals that will give you a fast and Scenic tour just as you wanted it.
Can Helicopters Land at Everest Base Camp?
There’s no better place to meet the Sherpas and watch them go about their activities than the Everest base camp.
So, yes, the helicopter can land at the Everest base camp. Unfortunately, it’s not an easy feat.
You already know the Everest base camp has a lot of human activities going on there. As a result, there are landing restrictions just to ensure the safety of mountaineers. This means some tour agents might lack base camp access to the landing zone.
Also, the landscape at the Everest base camp is quite undulating. The 10-meter flat surface needed for an effective helicopter landing is nowhere around here.
Finally, it is not all helicopters you can take to Everest base camp.
This is why you should make sure you are choosing the right agency for your helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu that will give you exactly what you desire.
EBCHelitour is not only recognized for its competent staff, but it also has the best helicopter models that will deliver excellently.
Is Breakfast at Hotel Everest Worth it?
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View is worth every hype you might have heard about.
The highest placed mountain worldwide.
You are not just going to enjoy the different delicacies of the Nepalese but also the stunning views of the Himalayas.
Tell me, what could be more thrilling than having double fun on a platter?
While you enjoy a high altitude dining of the Himalayan food placed in front of you, the stunning views of the mountains are in no way far-fetched.
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View is just the best way to wrap up your luxury tour experience in the Himalayas.
Are Their Age Limits for the Helicopter Tour?
Flight returns from Everest base camp to Kathmandu do not necessarily have an age limit written anywhere.
Nevertheless, due to the nature of the environment and all the challenges involved, it is not advisable to take children, old people, or any sick person on your journey to the Himalayas.
Do well to reach out to your tour guide to get the best advice regarding who and who not to take to the Himalayas.
Is Customization Possible with the Everest Helicopter Tour?
Of course, you can always customize your helicopter return from Everest base camp to Kathmandu.
You can decide to visit the nearby villages like Lobuche, Namche, Syangboche, etc.
You can even check out other highlands like Cho Oyu, Nuptse, etc.
However, this is only possible if you opt for a private tour package.
If you join the group tour, you won’t be able to choose because the guide considers everyone’s interests. In this case, the tour follows the standard itinerary.
Where are we staying throughout the tour?
The helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu is just a day tour. Because of that, there’s no provision for accommodation.
However, if you want to spend the night or maybe try out additional adventures, then you can make a reservation at a lodge.
The cost is, however, not included in your tour package.
Can Weather Conditions Affect Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Of course. Everest base camp is a helicopter tour to high altitudes.
Although it is less pronounced than other tours, it is still advisable that you make provisions in case of any cancellations or delays.
You wouldn’t want to be stranded in a place like the Himalayas.