Kathmandu – Lukla – Everest Base Camp
Everest Helicopter Flyover (No Landing)
See the Khumbu from the air without stepping out at high altitude: over Namche, Tengboche and Everest Base Camp, with a single fuel stop at Lukla. Ideal for older travellers and families.

- Duration
- About 3 hours
- Departs
- Kathmandu, around 6:30
- Landings
- Lukla only (fuel stop)
- Group size
- 1 to 5 per helicopter
- Good for
- Older travellers and families
- Best months
- October–December and March–May
Some travellers want to see Everest up close but would rather not stand at 5,600 m, even for a few minutes. That's perfectly sensible! On this flight you stay in the cabin above the high ground, which suits older passengers, young children and anyone with a medical reason to avoid altitude.
You fly the same route as the landing tour: east from Kathmandu, a refuelling stop at Lukla where you can stretch your legs, then up the Dudh Koshi past Namche Bazaar and Tengboche to the Khumbu Glacier. The helicopter circles above Everest Base Camp and the icefall before turning for home.
With no high landing, the helicopter can carry its full load all the way, and the trip is shorter. We quote this one per helicopter, so just send us your date and how many of you are coming.
Highlights
- Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam from the cabin
- Circle over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall
- No time spent at high altitude
- About three hours door to door
Flight plan
Flight plan
- Hotel pickup and check-in at the domestic terminal.
- Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) and refuel, about 10 minutes on the ground.
- Continue over Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche.
- Circle above Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Icefall and Gorak Shep.
- Refuel at Lukla on the way back if needed, then fly to Kathmandu and drive 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
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Meals unless listed
- Tips and personal spending
- Breakfast
Good to know
- Where we meet you
- Your hotel in Kathmandu
- 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
- The windows are large, but the cabin is shared. If someone in your group would love the front seat, let us know when you book.
Questions
Can we add the breakfast stop at Hotel Everest View?
Yes. Syangboche is at 3,780 m, much lower than Kala Patthar, so most people feel fine there. Just ask for it when you get in touch.
More helicopter tours

4,130 mAnnapurna Base Camp
About 2 hours, Pokhara start
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Pokhara
Just twenty minutes from Pokhara's lakeside to a landing inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m, ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. It's the shortest, best-value high mountain flight in Nepal.
from US$380 per person

3,870 mKyanjin Gompa
About 3 hours, Kathmandu start
Langtang Valley Helicopter Tour to Kyanjin Gompa
The high Himalaya closest to Kathmandu: a 40-minute flight north to land beside the monastery at Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m), beneath the glaciers of Langtang Lirung.
from US$499 per person

3,710 mMuktinath
About 3 hours, Pokhara start
Muktinath Helicopter Tour from Pokhara
A pilgrimage flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, to the temple of Muktinath (3,710 m), sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. There's time for darshan and the 108 water spouts.
from US$718 per person
Price on request
Enquire