Kathmandu – Lukla – Kala Patthar – Syangboche

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

A private morning helicopter flight from Kathmandu up the Khumbu Valley to land on Kala Patthar, face to face with Everest, then breakfast on the terrace of Hotel Everest View. You'll be back in Kathmandu before lunch.

5,644 mlanding, Kala Patthar

Duration: About 4 to 5 hours
Departs: Kathmandu, around 6:30
Highest landing: Kala Patthar, 5,644 m
Time on the ground: 5–10 min at Kala Patthar, about 45 min at breakfast
Group size: 1 to 5 per helicopter
Best months: October–December and March–May

From Kala Patthar, the black rock ridge above Gorak Shep, Everest stands right in front of you with nothing in the way. Trekkers walk for ten days to see that view. On this flight, you're there by breakfast time and back in Kathmandu by noon.

The helicopter leaves the domestic terminal soon after first light, when the air is still and the peaks are at their clearest. It follows the Dudh Koshi north, stops at Lukla to refuel, then climbs past Namche Bazaar and Tengboche monastery, over the Khumbu Glacier and the tents of Everest Base Camp. On Kala Patthar the pilot keeps the engine running while you step out for a few minutes of photographs. Any longer wouldn't be wise: at 5,644 m, the air holds only half the oxygen it does at sea level.

On the way down, the helicopter lands at Syangboche, a short walk below Hotel Everest View (3,880 m), where you'll have breakfast with Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest lined up across the valley. Then it's one more fuel stop at Lukla and the flight home.

The price is per person and falls as more people share the helicopter: you're paying for the whole aircraft, split between up to five passengers. Travelling solo or as a couple? Just ask about joining a shared departure.

Highlights

Land on Kala Patthar (5,644 m) facing Everest
Fly over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View with Ama Dablam in view
The whole Khumbu in one morning, back by noon

Price per person by group size

You hire the whole helicopter, and its cost is shared between everyone on board. Travelling solo or as a couple? Ask about a shared seat, which costs the lowest price.

Passengers	Price per person
1 person	US$4,506each
2 people	US$2,253each
3 people	US$1,502each
4 people	US$1,389each
5 people	US$1,112each

Flight plan

1
Kathmandu to Lukla
- 6:00 Pickup from your hotel and check-in at the domestic terminal.
- 6:30 Take off and fly east above the Sun Koshi, with the Rolwaling and Numbur peaks to the north.
- 7:15 Short stop at Lukla (2,860 m) to refuel.
2
Up the Khumbu to Kala Patthar
- Fly over Namche Bazaar and Tengboche monastery, with Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama Dablam alongside.
- Pass Pheriche, Lobuche and the Khumbu Glacier, then circle above Everest Base Camp and the icefall.
- Land on Kala Patthar (5,644 m) for photographs of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Pumori.
3
Breakfast and the flight home
- Land at Syangboche and walk up to Hotel Everest View for breakfast on the terrace.
- Refuel at Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu.
- Around 11:00 to 11:30 Back at the domestic terminal; we drive you to your hotel.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off by private car
Your seat on the helicopter, with all landing and route charges
Airport and government taxes
Passenger insurance held by the helicopter operator
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View
Sagarmatha National Park and local area entry fees

Not included

Travel insurance
Meals unless listed
Tips and personal spending

Good to know

Where we meet you: Your hotel in Kathmandu. We send the pickup time the evening before.
Cancellation: If the weather grounds your flight, you can move it to the next clear day or have a full refund. If you cancel more than 10 days before the flight, we refund half of what you've paid; within 10 days, the deposit isn't refundable. Booking terms
Notes: At Kala Patthar the pilot may take a full group up in two short hops, because a helicopter can lift less in thin air. Don't worry: the view and the time on the ground are just the same.
Wrap up warm with a down jacket, hat and gloves: it can be −10 °C at the landing, even on a sunny morning.
Not advised in the first weeks of pregnancy or for anyone with a heart or lung condition. If you're unsure, just ask us.

Questions

Do we land at Everest Base Camp itself?

No. Helicopters only land at base camp for rescues and expedition supplies, and in any case the camp sits low in the glacier with no view of the summit. Instead, you fly over it and then land on Kala Patthar, which has the classic view of Everest.

Can I join a group if I'm on my own?

Of course. Send us your dates and we'll try to place you on a shared departure. A seat on a shared flight costs the 5-person price.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The pilot makes the call on the morning. If it isn't safe to fly, you can choose another morning or a full refund. It's a good idea to keep a spare day in Kathmandu if you can.

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