Helicopter trip to Everest Base Camp

It can be unfulfilling and disappointing knowing that no one can get to the top of the ever-fascinating wonder of nature: Mount Everest.

For someone who is in love with nature and mountain expeditions, it might seem like all hope is lost to truly appreciate one of those things that makes life worth living.

I get that. 

But what if I tell you there’s a way out? Yes, there’s a way to enjoy and experience the highest peak wonder of nature. 

Ever heard of the helicopter trip to Everest base camp?

Helicopter trip to Everest base camp is a one-day program around Mount Everest. Mountaineers, climbers, and fly fighters get a helicopter trip to Everest base camp and the neighboring Himalayan mountains (as high as 8000 meters). 

They get to experience other captivating scenes around the region, like the Khumbu glaciers, glaciated lakes, picturesque hills and valleys, sherpa inhabitants, and lots more.

In this article, we’ll be exploring what to expect from a helicopter trip to Everest base camp.

Our discussion revolves around:

  • The schedule of activities for a helicopter trip to Everest base camp.
  • Cost and packages involved in the helicopter trip to Everest base camp.
  • Best time for a helicopter trip to Everest base camp.
  • Safety and Precautions for a successful helicopter trip to Everest base camp.

Table of Contents

The Unique Experience of the Helicopter Trip to Everest

Flying for a helicopter trip to Everest base camp is not just a luxury tour; travelers enjoy a closer aesthetic view of the mountain, which makes it feel like they are on the mountain, too. Also, they get to view the neighboring mountains, the beautiful landscape of the Khumbu region, hills, valleys, and snow-capped glaciers and also experience the helicopter Everest base camp landing.

These are from the comfort of an airplane. The helicopter Everest base camp flight landing is unlike the Everest base camp trek, which not only takes a longer duration but also exposes travelers to mountainous attacks and health issues like cramps, body pains, etc.

Everest Helicopter Tour Highlight

helicopter from Everest base camp to Kathmandu

At Everest Base Camp tour, mountain lovers get to experience the Himalayan highlands during the world’s highest peak.

These highlights will guide you on how to have the best time on the Everest base camp helicopter tour.

  • Unforgettable aesthetic perspective: A helicopter trip to Everest base camp around the snow-capped mountains and peaks. 
  • Experiencing the Khumbu Regions: An aesthetic view of the Khumbu regions and valleys. The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dangerous places on Mount Everest.
  • The Everest Peak: A close view of the Everest Helicopter Summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking sights and take photos. 
  • The Himalayan Highlands: A close view of the neighboring mountain peaks as high as 8000 meters, e.g., Makalu, Kenchenguingha, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc. 
  • The Everest Base Camp: A helicopter trip to Everest base camp landing at the KalaPatthar hill and Kathmandu (Lakla), enjoying an aesthetic view of Mount Everest and its environs. 
  • The Sagarmatha National Park: An Everest base camp tour at the Sagarmatha National Park to enjoy the rich Himalayas highlands, the sherpa community and the wild animals.
  • Experiencing the Nepals: A helicopter trip to Everest base camp tour from the heavenly central Nepal to Eastern Nepal
  • The Everest View Hotel: A helicopter base camp flight landed in front of the Everest View Hotel for a delicious breakfast while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. 
  • The Lukla Airport: A tour above the Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is one of the hardest mountains in the world, built in between the rough mountainous terrain. It equally marks the starting point of the Everest tour for trekkers.

Itineraries for Helicopter Tours to Everest Base Camp

An opportunity to explore a helicopter trip to Everest base camp is an exhilarating experience that not only promises luxury but also comfort without having to expose travelers to the stressful Everest base camp helicopter trek. I forgot to add it’s a timesaver! 

There are different itineraries available to take a voyage tour around this artistic work of nature. Nonetheless, we will start with the most popular one.

5-Hour Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing

Everest base camp helicopter tour

The 5-hour Helicopter tour starts from Kala Patthar and ends at Kala Patthar.

Helicopter From Kala Patthar Hills to Lukla: 

The tour commences from the Kala Patthar of Nepal and transcends to Lukla, which is the entrance to Everest territory.

From Lukla To Namche Bazaar: 

From Lukla, we launch into the Everest region, flying above the aesthetic landscape and enjoying the scenic view of the Sherpa dwellings. Then, we approach the Namche Bazaar with all the fuzz and buzz of a marketplace.

From Namche Bazaar to the gear of Khumbu region

The trip leads us to the heart of Khumbu. The place is commonly known as Tengboche and is quite popular due to the Tengboche Monastery and the continuous mountainous landscape surrounding the region.

From Tengboche to Everest Camp

The next point of reference is the Everest base camp. The helicopter flight to Everest transcends to a higher altitude of about 5364 meters, which is often its highest, and comes face to face with the Everest base camp.

Helicopter From Everest base camp to Kathmandu

The travelers get to spend some time enjoying the scenic view from the base of the mountain, after which they head back in their helicopter from the Everest base camp to Lukla and back to the Kathmandu region. 

Other available itineraries include:

Everest Helicopter Landing Tour with Breakfast

This landing tour combines the luxury of an Everest helicopter ride around the gigantic Mount Everest with an exquisite breakfast at the Everest hotel. 

From Hotel to Kathmandu Airport

The journey starts quite early, from 05:40 am, as we move from our 5-star hotel to the Kathmandu airport. This is the beginning of this awe-inspiring experience. At RBC heli tour, we make sure you get to the airport on time as you await your take-off.

Check-In at the Counter

At the helicopter counter, around 6:20 AM, RBC  staff commences with the check-in routine. Here, you also get a brief on the amazing journey you are about to commence.

Unloading and Refuelling at Lukla Airport

Our first stop happened at the Lukla airport. Here is like the mouth to the entrance of Mount Everest. The fuel is first unloaded and replaced with a new one. This routine helps in weight management and ensures that the helicopter functions even as we enter higher altitudes.

Because Lukla is positioned at a high altitude, travelers will have a glimpse of the beautiful mountain town. After that, we headed to the Everest base camp.

Heading Towards Khumbu and Everest Base Camp

As the sun begins to rise, our helicopter flight journeys towards the Khumbu region. Khumbu region is like the heart of the Himalayas. From here, we get to enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the rugged landscape of Nepal.

Gradually, we approached the Himalayan peaks crowned with crystalline white snow. The sight is just a wonder to behold!

Headed towards Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar

Next, we headed above Everest base camp. This is the place of the whole expedition. You can tell by a glance that it’s a place with enough mountainous history. Our next destination is Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar gives the best view of our highest mountain. This is an excellent place to soak in the beautiful views and create lasting memories.

Flight to Syangboche Hill and Mount Everest View Hotel

We passed through Syangboche Hill and flew towards the Everest View Hotel. The Everest View Hotel is known to create a panoramic view of the Himalayan highlands. Here, you can enjoy the refreshing weather as we then go for a delicious meal at Everest View Hotel. The meal, the view, and the feel all contribute to why this has to be the highlight of the tour!

Flight Back to Kathmandu

After our stay at the hotel, the Everest View Hotel helicopter returns to Kathmandu. This is usually a moment to reflect on the journey. There might be a stop at Lukla airport, but that will depend on the weather conditions and probably air traffic.

Arrival at Kathmandu Airport

Once we drop down at Kathmandu, the buzz and fuzz of the city life and the temperate climate welcome us back to Kathmandu life. This is the last place of our tour.

Drive Back to the Hotel

Finally, we head back to the hotel to relax and reminisce about the awe-inspiring journey of Mount Everest.

Gokyo Landing Helicopter Tour

The Gokyo landing helicopter tour is another route to Mount Everest that gives travelers a wonderful experience of the beautiful Gokyo lakes and the Himalayas range. 

It transcends from Kathmandu, just like others, down to Kathmandu Airport Helipad. From there, they head towards Tenzing-Hillary airport. At the airport, they stop for fuel before moving down to the Everest base camp. The helicopter then flies over Everest base camp and Kala Patthar without landing.

This is when it flies to the Gokyo lakes and Gokyo highland(Gokyo Ri). Here, travelers stop to enjoy a feel of the environment and create memories before heading down to Sangboche Hill. The ultimate luxury is a time at the Everest View Hotel, where you can have breakfast and soak in the exhilarating atmosphere. Afterward, they head down to Kathmandu airport back to their hotel.

What to Expect During Your Helicopter Trip?

Finally, it’s time for the long-awaited tour. It’s good we have an understanding of what to expect from this fascinating journey. That way, we will be carried along as we transcend this wonder work of nature. 

The Scenic Helicopter ride

If you want to see how beautiful this world is, try viewing it from an airplane. The helicopter trip to Everest base camp gives a perfect aesthetic view of Mount Everest, a clearer and more wholesome view of the gigantic landscape that makes it both thrilling and memorable for travelers.

The snow-capped peaks, picturesque landscape, hills and valleys, and the Sherpa inhabitants all contribute to the irresistible scenic view of this wonder of nature. We don’t leave out the glacial lakes and forests. 

Hotel picks up at 6:00 AM

The luxury starts from the onset. From your hotel, an EBC heli tour agent and a driver come to pick you up. It doesn’t matter what hotel you choose to board as long as it is within the Kathmandu Valley. 

Arrives the airport at 6:30 AM

A ride to the airport will depend on the route. Driving from Thamel should take less than 25 minutes. Bahktupur should be way above that. At this point, this is where the Everest base camp tour finally begins. 

30 Minutes for Paperwork and Arrangement

From 6:30 am to 7:00 am, the EBC Heli tour agent who poses as our guide helps with getting all the paperwork done before getting us to the place of takeoff. The pilot helps us get settled in the helicopter before the tour. 

A 30-minute Flight to Lukla 

helicopter flight to everest

By 7:00, our flight takes us on a journey flying above Kathmandu towards the hills of Nagarkot. It passes some villages and heads towards Solukhumbu, which is quite close to Everest. Here, we get to have a glimpse of the Sagarmatha National Park. In less than 30 minutes, we will land at Lukla Airport.

30 Minutes at Lukla for Refuelling

By 7:30, the helicopter gets to Lukla Airport. This is to enable the pilot to refuel the helicopter for maximum performance.

At the same time, passengers can take the time to explore the region, such as the Lukla market, and even enjoy an aesthetic view of the mountainous region. 

By 8:00, the flight will take off to the Everest base camp. 

30 Minutes Flight to Kala Patthar 

At 8:00, the helicopter takes off from the Everest base camp, passing through Namcheto Kala Patthar. Along the way, travelers get to enjoy a glimpse of the Everest trekking route and some trekkers from their helicopter. 

15 Minutes KalaPatthar Landing

It takes 15 minutes (8:30 am – 8:45 am) for the helicopter to land at Kala Patthar finally. This is another place for sharing moments and creating memories via photos and videos. 

15 Minutes Flight to Everest View Hotel 

The next thing is the Everest View helicopter Hotel landing(8:45 am-9:00 am). They usually will pass the Namche village before getting to their desired destination. 

30 Minutes Breakfast at Everest View Hotel

At 9:00 am, travelers can order any food of their choice at the hotel, from local to international dishes. While they have their meal, they also get to enjoy the beautiful view of the panoramas of the mountains in front of them. 

30-minute Flight Back to Lukla

At 9:30 am, the flight takes off on a  30-minute drive back to Lukla Airport. Along the way, the passengers also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountainous region, which is the good thing about the Everest base camp helicopter tour. 

20 minutes for Refueling

Before another take-off, the pilot spends a little time refueling the helicopter to maintain it in good condition for the rest of the journey. 

30-minute Flight Back to Kathmandu 

The journey continues with a return to Kathmandu from 10:20 am to 10:50 am, landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. 

Flight Back to Everest View Hotel 

At 10:50 am, as we get to the airport, the driver from the beginning of the tour comes to take travelers back to their hotel.

The flight is a four-hour scenic flight that begins in Kathmandu and makes its first stop at Lukla for refueling. Then, it headed towards the Everest base camp, flying above the Himalayan range.

It makes its next stop at Kala Patthar, where travelers can get a closer view of Mount Everest. The next port of call after their take-off is the exquisite Everest View Hotel, where they make their next stop for breakfast. 

What Happens after landing at Kala Patthar or EBC?

After a warm, exquisite breakfast at the Everest, the plane takes off again and makes its next stop at Kala Patthar.

The Kala Patthar, which is the highest altitude a typical helicopter tour can climb, provides a clearer view of the panoramic Himalayan giants and iconic landscape, including the Khumbu glaciers.

Travelers get to enjoy the scenic view of the environment, soak on the helicopter Everest base Camp Weather, take photos, and have memorable moments.

Costs and Packages for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

helicopter in mountain

The Everest base camp helicopter tour comes at a fair price, of course, so there is no need to fret.

To book a trip, choose a package that suits your interest. 

For the Everest helicopter tour cost, different packages which are based on the route of travel are highlighted below:

For instance:

  • The Everest base camp helicopter tour: This is a helicopter tour that transcends from Kathmandu Valley to the Everest base camp. It will require a view of fascinating landmarks like the Everest View Hotel, Khumbu Glaciers, etc. 
  • Everest base camp Helicopter tour with a landing at Everest View Hotel: This is another popular package in Everest Mountain. It comes with the extra luxury of having breakfast at Everest View Hotel while saturating on the panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains. 
  • The Gokyo Landing Helicopter Tour: This package comes with landing at the Gokyo lakes and highlands in Kathmandu. The Gokyo lakes and the Gokyo RI mountain are significant places of interest in this tour. 

Another point to consider is whether it’s a private or a group tour.

  • Private tour: A private tour usually involves one person or a group of persons that are related (maximum of 5 persons). The good thing about this is the level of flexibility since all travelers know themselves and will usually report to the venue at the same time.
  • Everest Helicopter Tour for Solo or Group Sharing: The Everest base camp helicopter tour cost operates in such a way that all the members in a group share the prize among themselves. 

How Much Does a Helicopter Trip to Everest Base Camp Cost?

The cost of a helicopter trip to Everest base camp depends on a lot of factors:

  • Tour Operator: We have different tour operators at different prices. At the RBC Heli tour, we charge $1450 per head. So get ready to have the best tour experience with our team of professionals.
  • Group Size: In group sharing, travelers tend to share their Everest helicopter tour cost among themselves. Therefore, the price per head is dependent on the number of travelers who are in the group sharing.
  • Park Permit: Everest base camp permit costs are another factor that can impact the cost of a given package. Payments are made before entrance into some places like the Sagarmatha National Park. Such a package will incur extra costs.
  • Optional landing spots: Some regions require optional landing. That means the subscribed package price does not cover such expenses. A typical example is the Gokyo Lakes.

Best Time for a Helicopter Trip to Everest Base Camp

The peak season for a helicopter trip to Everest base camp is between the autumn and spring. The fall is in March, April, May, September, and October. It was at that time that the weather was exceptionally clear, giving an aesthetic view of the Himalayan highlands.

Ordinarily, the different seasons of the year give the mountain a natural view that blends with the alluring effect of the weather.

It can be a challenge choosing the particular season to visit the mountain, knowing that each season still portrays an awe-inspiring view of the mountain.

Nevertheless, no matter your intention of having this tour to the mountain, whether to document memories of the breath-taking sceneries, enjoy a luxurious flight, experience the beautiful weather of the hill, or have time to soak in the refreshingness of the mountainous region, there’s a perfect time that suits your needs just perfectly.

Certain factors play a role in determining the best time for a helicopter tour visit to Everest base camp.:

  • Crowd density: The size of the crowd at the mountain at a time will determine whether visiting the hill is a good idea. It wouldn’t be the best idea for a visit when the mountain is crowded. This will ‌affect how conducive and convenient the entire experience will be. 
  • Mountain Vibrancy: The unpredictable weather at the mountain is another factor to put into consideration here. The hills are more vibrant and welcoming during spring and autumn weather than the bad weather in the mountains, which usually occurs around winter. Visiting the mountain at this time is not only unconducive but also dangerous. 

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trip Peak Season

The peak season of the Everest base camp falls between September and November, the autumn season. 

This Everest base camp weather comes with a natural attractiveness that stems from a level of clarity and freshness, which are very welcoming for both the Everest base camp trek and the Helicopter Everest base camp tour.

Let’s explore the uniqueness of this season in detail:

  • Clarity and Visibility: As rain falls in the autumn season, it washes away any trace of dust or haze that might have accumulated from the previous season. The result is a clearer and more attractive view of the Himalayan highlands. What more can a mountain adventurer ever wish for? 
  • Gentle temperature: The gentle temperature experienced in his season is a product of the transition from the warmer monsoon month to the cold winter. The result is a calm and soothing daytime convenient for an enjoyable helicopter tour. As we transcend November, there’s a significant decrease in temperature, which is usually prevalent in the mornings and at night. 
  • Attractive Landscape: the autumn paints a golden hue picture of the Everest region. The forest‌ is not that vibrantly colored. The colors that dominate here include yellow, orange, and brown. The contrasting effect it creates with the snow-capped peaks of the mountain is a beautiful sight to behold. 

Because of all these alluring experiences, there is usually an influx of both mountaineers and trekkers during that time. The Everest helicopter ride gives a rewarding aesthetic experience of the mountain’s richness. 

Therefore, if you are looking to have a crystalline view of the Himalayan highlands and all its richness, September to November is the best time to make your trip. 

What to Expect in the Off-Season?

The off-season for Mount Everest typically runs from late June to early September. This is usually winter. The temperature at this time is usually very low. as low as – 30°c (-22°F). This is very harsh and quite uncomfortable for humans to survive. The following are very common in the Himalayan highlands during this period : 

  • Harsh and dangerous weather: The monsoon season brings in a lot of heavy rains and snowfall at the base camps. These affect the general visibility at the camp, hence making it quite dangerous for Everest Base camp trek or pilots. 
  • Fewer Climbers/Mountaineers: The unconducive weather discourages mountaineers or climbers from booking expeditions. Trekkers, most significantly,  will have a difficult time accessing the mountain.  Even for the pilot, not all agencies are usually in operation at that time. It is therefore advisable to confirm availability before making any form of booking. 
  • Maintenance and Preparations: The Off-Season comes with reduced mountainous activities. It then becomes the best time for mountain guides to clear up the routes. Teams may use the off-season to prepare routes, maintain camps, and even restock supplies for the upcoming season.
  • Environmental Changes: As the snowballs and ice freezes melt with the lousy weather, there’s usually an increased risk of avalanches and rockfalls because of this fluctuation in temperature.
  • Wildlife Activity: Some wildlife that are prevalent in this weather condition are seen in the mountains. They come down from high altitudes towards the base camp to continue with their activities.

The Off-Season is, therefore, the best time for mountain guides to prepare the mountain for the next season. Blocked routes and other impending issues with the hill should be taken care of.

Safety and Precautions for a Helicopter Trip to Everest Base Camp

helicopter in mountain

The luxury of experiencing Mount Everest on a helicopter is incredible. The different inconveniences, such as unpredictable weather conditions, a decrease in temperature with high altitude, etc., create a need for safety measures and precautions. This is to ensure that mountaineers and climbers are safe during and after their journey. 

In this section, we’ll be looking at some of them. 

  • Pre-Flight Preparations: These are precautions that should be taken before the journey. 
  • Health Check: Travelers must ensure they’re physically fit for high altitudes. Running a medical check-up is recommended, particularly for heart and respiratory conditions.
  • Acclimatization: Spend a few days in a lower altitude area (like Kathmandu) to help your body adjust before the flight.
  • Travel Insurance: Obtaining comprehensive travel insurance that covers helicopter tours, emergency evacuation, and high-altitude activities helps.
  • Research: You must choose a well-reviewed helicopter tour company with a strong safety track record for your journey. You could also check for certifications and licenses.
  • Pilot Experience: Make sure pilots are well-experienced and familiar with the Everest region.
  • Safety Briefing: Confirm that the operator provides a safety briefing before the flight.
  • Equipment and Gear: Some equipment is necessary to help travelers for the Everest base camp helicopter tour stay comfortable while they ride around the mountain. A prior knowledge of them will not only keep them safe but also help them stay comfortable to the end of the journey. Some of them include:
  • Warm Clothing: Wear outfits that are suitable for cold temperatures. Include insulated jackets, gloves, and hats.
  • Thermal coatings: Wearing thermal coverings inside a helicopter Everest base camp provides an extra shield in cases of extreme weather.
  • Footwear: Sturdy, insulated boots are essential for landing in potentially rugged areas.
  • Personal Item: Secure your belongings properly, as loose items can become hazards during flight. Keep your items safe and secure. 
  • Hiking Pant: Although you will have to be in a helicopter most of the time of the journey, put on hiking pants for maximum comfort. 
  • Hat: Having a buff hat should be a plus. It serves well to protect your ear from the winter breeze or heavy wind. 
  •  During the Flight

As we transcend altitude and have an aerial view of the scenery, some safety precautions are essential to enable travelers to remain secure even while they enjoy this excellent work of nature. 

  • Safety Instructions: Pay close attention to safety briefings and follow the pilot’s instructions throughout the flight.
  • Seatbelt Use: Always fasten your seatbelt while in the helicopter.
  • Stay Seated: Remain seated and avoid moving around the cabin unless instructed by the crew.
  • Altitude Considerations: Because of the body changes that come with a change in altitude in the helicopter Everest camp weather, certain precautions, as we will discuss shortly, need to be put into consideration to help us adapt to these changes.
  • Symptoms of Altitude Sickness: Be aware of signs like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Communicate any symptoms to the pilot.
  • Oxygen Availability: Ensure that supplemental oxygen is available on board, as needed.
  • Landing Procedures: Landing procedures apply to both the pilot and travelers alike.
  • Designated Areas: Only land in designated areas. Be mindful of the surroundings, especially in potentially unstable terrain.
  • Exit Protocol: Follow instructions for exiting the helicopter to avoid accidents.
  • Post-Flight Safety: These precautions are necessary after the flight.
  • Return to Base: Confirm your return flight and any additional transport arrangements are back to your accommodation.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Rehydrate and eat appropriately after the flight to help you recover from altitude exposure.
  • Emergency Preparedness: These safety precautions are necessary to ensure safety at all times, especially in cases of emergency.
  • Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of local emergency contacts and the helicopter company’s details.
  • Evacuation Plan: Understand the protocol for emergency exits in case of an unforeseen event.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when the body struggles to adapt to reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). 

As we go higher in altitude, the atmospheric pressure of the atmosphere continues to decrease. This will also result in a corresponding decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. Living organisms in such regions will struggle with a low supply of oxygen, which we know is dangerous to health. 

Some of the common symptoms include headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. 

In adverse cases, when these symptoms are not handled on time, they can progress to more severe conditions, such as:

  • High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): This is a condition where Fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to severe breathing difficulties. This can be life-threatening.
  • High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): This occurs when there is a swelling of the brain. This can cause confusion and loss of coordination. Most times, it can be worse. 
  •  Acclimatization: Acclimatization‌ is the antidote for altitude sickness. It is nature’s way of readjusting to such a change because of high altitude. This is because the body gradually adjusts to changes in its environment, particularly in response to decreased oxygen levels at high altitudes. Travelers who are touring the Everest base camp experience this challenge.

The body tries to readjust in the following ways:

  • Increased Breathing Rate: The body increases the rate and depth of breathing to take in more oxygen.
  • Increased Heart Rate: The heart pumps faster to circulate oxygen more efficiently.
  • Production of Red Blood Cells: The body produces more red blood cells to enhance oxygen conveyance.
  • Increased Myoglobin Levels: Myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in muscle tissues, increases, allowing better oxygen utilization.
  • Changes in Blood pH: The body may also adjust the acid-base balance to improve oxygen uptake and utilization.

Nevertheless, specific strategies can help travelers on an Everest Helicopter Base Camp survive these physiological changes. We are going to be discussing them in this section. 

  • Gradual Ascent: When pilots ascend, they should do so at a lower speed. This will allow the body more time to adapt. 
  • Stay Hydrated: Travelers should take plenty of water throughout the journey. This will help reduce the chances of developing symptoms of altitude sickness. 
  • Rest: Regular rest helps. At the different landing spots, passengers should take some time to rest before their next take-off. 

7 Best Weather and Helicopter Flight Safety Guidelines

We’ve mentioned earlier that the weather conditions at Mount Everest are pretty unpredictable. This factor alone has a significant impact on how effective helicopter flights at RBC are in carrying out their functions.

Helicopters, as we know, operate with weather forecasts. Nevertheless, the uncertainty of these results poses a barrier to the excellence of their work.

We’ll look at how these helicopter flights are affected by the different weather conditions: 

1. Visibility

The pilot’s visibility is hampered in cases of fog, rain, or snow. It makes it uneasy for them to navigate around obstacles. Also, because helicopters fly at low altitudes, they are easily susceptible to ground obstructions. Most times, in order not to endanger the lives of travelers, there are sudden flight delays and cancellations. 

2. Wind Conditions

Strong weather like cross winds and gusts is very common with the Everest base camp. Because of the sensitive nature of helicopters, this force produced by the wind can hinder the ease with which they take off or land.

In most cases, the EBC helicopter at Everest base camp weather considers rescheduling their flight or even taking a different route altogether to ensure the safety of their travelers. Their operators have a wind limit that dictates if their flight will proceed or not. 

3. Precipitation

Rainfall, snow, and ice can affect a helicopter’s performance at Everest base camp. Not only that, but they also take a toll on the rotor and engine efficiency. When ice accumulates in the helicopter, it adds to its weight.

This usually has an impact on the altitude of the Helicopter. At RBC, this can cause flight delays to ensure the safety of the travelers. In some cases, the company starts de-icing procedures to maintain the helicopter’s regular shape. 

4. Extreme Temperature

Extreme temperatures, whether high or low, at high altitudes can affect the efficiency of the engine. The fuel, too, is included. It could make them denser if they were cold or overheated during high temperatures. Also, the batteries cannot function properly at very cold temperatures.

Therefore, to ensure the safety of travelers, flights can be canceled or delayed at RBC until the issue is resolved. Even for the Everest base camp Helicopter Tour, their movement will be delayed until safety is ensured. 

5. Thunderstorms and Turbulence

Some weather conditions, like lightning, thunderstorms, turbulence, etc., can pose severe risks to helicopter Everest base camp weather. At RBC, we take serious initiative to make sure our clients are safe at all times.

When thunderstorms are predicted, helicopters do not fly at all. In cases of accidents or casualties, RBC has the highest helicopter rescue rate in Everest. 

6. Cloud Cover

A covered cloud will have an impact on the pilot’s visibility. They will have trouble ascending to higher altitudes. Where the cloud is relatively low, it might be dangerous to fly at all. At RBC, the welfare of our travelers is our utmost concern.

This is another occasion that might require cancellation or delay of the flight until the sky is clear and safe for travel. If there are routes with more transparent sky, the helicopter can also be re-routed to ensure travelers get safely back to their destination. 

7. Atmospheric Pressure and Density Altitude

High-density altitudes are usually products of high temperature, altitude, or humidity. In extreme conditions, they can take a toll on the efficiency of the engine and rotor machine. This will hamper the ease with which flights take off on land.

At RBC, our flights are well-evaluated to ensure there are no operational or technical issues before or after the flight. We have experienced professionals who ensure that every one of our helicopters is always in shape.

Conclusion: A helicopter Trip to Everest Base Camp is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience 

Getting to experience the Everest base Camp is one occasion you will cherish for a long time. It’s not just about the luxury of seeing the world on a helicopter trip to Everest base camp,  but you get to have a feel of the breathtaking landscape of Mount Everest from the Everest base camp. It didn’t end there. There’s also a luxurious treat at the Everest View Hotel.

Now tell me, what else could be so cool?

This blog covers everything you need to know, from understanding how the Everest base camp works to the unique experience you are looking to enjoy. We went further to discuss the different itineraries that are available for a tour, from the 5-hour helicopter tour with Kala Patthar landing, the Everest helicopter landing tour with breakfast, and the Tokyo landing helicopter tour.

We discussed what you should expect from a tour and the different costs and packages to help you choose which will be more beneficial to you. At last, we have comprehensively explained the safety tips and precautions to ensure you have the best experience at the Everest base camp Helicopter Tour.

At RBC Heli, our group of professionals gets to hold your hand to make sure your visit is the most memorable one. From the airport down to the  Helicopter Everest base camp landing, every step of the way is something you will live to remember.

We look forward to having you on our Everest helicopter ride next time.

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