The Best Everest Helicopter Tours & most popular Scenic Flights
Not many people can say they’ve seen the top of Mount Everest, or been on Everest base camp without a struggle. But you might become one of those few who can! There is a wide range of Everest helicopter tours offering an extraordinary opportunity to get a close-up view of Mount Everest. The Everest Base Camp helicopter tours are a popular way for tourists to experience the stunning beauty of the Himalayas and the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. These tours typically involve flying in a helicopter from Kathmandu or Lukla to the Everest Base Camp area. Landings on several spots are included with these helicopter tours. This enables you to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the Khumbu region without the need for a heavy trek. Scenic flights with an airplane are another way to see the Himalayas and Mt. Everest from the air.
To help you decide which Everest helicopter tour or scenic flight to book I researched all tours and wrote this extensive guide with everything you need to know .
What are the differences between all Everest helicopter tours?
The differences between all the Everest helicopter tours vary based on several factors such as flight path, flight time and landing locations. While each Everest helicopter tour contributes to a unique experience, your personal preferences and budget might differ.
Our TOP PICK PRIVATE Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours Flights
There is only one Private tour available in Kathmandu. This tour is the best option when you like to have the helicopter all for yourself. Or for example when you are a professional photographer or traveling with your friends.
The following All Inclusive Everest Helicopter Tour offers the best price with no hidden costs. While their price is lower than other tour operators they assure the same safety level and quality.
Our TOP PICK Scenic Flight with a plane
A scenic flight with a plane above the Himalayas is recommended when you are traveling with a big group. Or if you don’t want to spend the budget for an Everest helicopter tour which are higher costs per person.
Key points when comparing different Everest helicopter tours
Route and Itinerary: Some tours offer direct flights to Everest Base Camp or nearby locations, while others include additional stops at viewpoints like Kala Patthar for better panoramic views. The flight path from the different Everest helicopter tours also varies, influencing the landscapes and peaks you’ll get to see during the tour.
Duration: Tour durations vary significantly. Shorter tours focus primarily on the Everest region, while longer ones might include additional destinations or activities.
Landing Locations: Not all tours will land at the same spots. Some land directly at Everest Base Camp, while others land at nearby helipads or viewpoints.
Inclusions: Some tours include additional activities, such as guided tours at Everest Base Camp or cultural experiences in local villages. Meals, refreshments, and additional services also vary per helicopter tour.
Group Size: The number of passengers on a helicopter can influence your experience. Therefore, if you like a more exclusive helicopter tour, you might want to go for private charters, providing you a more secluded adventure.
Cost: Pricing varies significantly based on the tour’s duration, inclusions, helicopter type, and additional services.
Booking and Availability: Availability of the Everest helicopter tours varies based on the time of year. Because of the short time frame in season and popularity of helicopter tours to Everest, I highly recommend to book your helicopter tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Remember that while there are differences between the flights, all tours offer a breathtaking opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the Everest region from a unique perspective.
Everest Helicopter Tour Insurance
Tour Operator Reputation and Safety Record: It’s very important to look for operators with a solid track record and positive customer feedback. I made sure to recommend Everest helicopter tour operators which have all this.
Insurance Coverage: Confirm that the tour operator has comprehensive insurance coverage, including passenger liability.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers unforeseen events. In case you are looking for a reliable and convenient coverage you should definitely consider SafetyWing. They stand out for their comprehensive coverage, global accessibility, flexibility for long-term travelers, easy enrollment process, reliable support, and affordability. CLICK HERE for more information about SafetyWing.
Everest tour helicopters at Lukla Airport
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours vs Scenic Flights
You obviously want to choose the best possible helicopter flight based on your budget and time. However, what is best for you? This depends on what you wish to see and activities you’d like to do during your available time for this unique experience. Let’s break it down into the following Everest helicopter tours and scenic flights with optional activities, such as having breakfast at the highest hotel in the world! I will explain all these tours more in depth in the next paragraph.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours with Landing
- PRIVATE Helicopter Tour Everest Base Camp to Kalapatthaer
- Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu of 4,5 hours
- Half Day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu of 4 hours
- 4 hour Everest Base Camp Helicopter Landing tour incl. private pick-up and drop off from your hotel in Kathmandu
- All inclusive Helicopter Tour with Landing in Everest Base Camp
- 3 Hour Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu
Everest Scenic Flights without Landing
- Everest Scenic Flight with Hotel Pickup/Drop of 3 hours
- Everest Flight Tour by Plane with Hotel Pickup/Drop of 2 hours
Landing at Everest Base Camp is a thrilling experience
Top Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours
Now let’s dive a bit deeper in the different Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours including a Landing. Below you’ll find per tour the duration, sightseeing list and what’s included.
PRIVATE Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
★★★★★
Private Flight
Maximum 5 passengers per flight
Stand at Mount Everest Base Camp
Landing at Kala Patthar (5,545 meters)
Sagarmatha National Park
Breakfast at the highest hotel in the world- Everest View Hotel
Land into the Phiriche camp
Client review:
An awesome super organized tour! Attentive and caring staff. The whole process went seamless, from the hotel pick up through the whole tour. The flight itself was smooth and pro, with a top-notch pilot. This tour is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a private tour only accompanied by the people you’re with. The views? Insane! If you’re not into hiking but still want to see Everest, this is it. My dreams came true!
Included:
Breakfast: Yes
Return Transfer included: Yes
All fees and Taxes: Yes
Airport Tax: Yes
Departure location: Kathmandu
Our dreams came true when we experienced our first Helicopter Tour!
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour of 4,5 hours
★★★★★
Group Flight
Limited to 5 participants per flight
Stop near the Everest base camp
A flight over beautiful hills and valleys to the famous Lukla Airport
Fly over Namche Bazar, Pheriche, the Tengboche Monastery, and Gorakshep.
Landing at Kala Patthar (5,545 meters)
Breakfast at the highest hotel in the world- Everest View Hotel
Client review:
A must-do excursion! You can’t put it into words how beautiful the the Himalayas are. The service was very good from take-off to landing. This trip is recommended to everyone , it is so much worth it! Unfortunately I can only give 5 stars as I would like to give 7 stars!
Included:
Return Transfer included: Yes
Company charges: Yes
Oxygen tanks (in case of emergencies): Yes
Departure location: Kathmandu
Excluded:
Breakfast: $30 p.p. at Hotel Everest View
National park fees: ($50 USD)
Airport tax: ($5 USD)
If you love to photograph the Himalayas you should definitely consider one of the Everest Helicopter tours
All Inclusive Helicopter Tour: Best Value for money
★★★★★
Group Flight
Limited to 5 participants per flight
A flight over valleys to the famous Lukla Airport
Fly over The monastery Tyangboche Monastery area
See the scenic route of Gokyo valley with the 5 lake of Gokyo
Landing at Kala Patthar (5,545 meters)
Fly over Everest Base Camp, Gorakshep and Labuche area
Pass over Dingboche, Pangboche, and Tyangboche area.
Breakfast in Syangboche.
Spectacular bird’s eye view of the gateway town to Everest – Namche Bazaar.
Client review:
This Everest helicopter tour with landing in Kala Patthar, Everest Base Camp was truly amazing. The sights at every location were absolutely breathtaking. The breakfast served was delicious. You don’t need to pay any extra fees other than mentioned price.
Included:
Breakfast: Yes
Return Transfer included: Yes
All fees and Taxes: Yes
Tour completion certificate: Yes
Departure location: Kathmandu
The views a long the way are absolutely breathtaking.
The Best Everest Scenic Flights
There are many reasons to look for a scenic plane ride over the Eastern Himalayas, including Mount Everest. In comparison with the Everest Helicopter tour you’ll still get epic views. The following scenic flights are a great option in case you are traveling with a big group. Another reason is if you don’t want to spend the budget for an Everest helicopter tour which are higher costs per person. Because you won’t land at Everest Base Camp or other locations close by Mount Everest, you’ll only be able to see this giant from the plane.
Everest Scenic Flight of 3 hours
★★★★★
Group Flight
Maximum 15 passengers per flight
Enjoy a close look of the mighty Everest range
Fly over Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, Lhotse, and Nuptse
Clear view of the vast Himalaya, crystal clear glaciers and high altitude lakes
Soar over the world’s most famous mountain chain
Witness the world’s most spectacular natural scenery
Onboard commentary about the region’s cultural geography, history
Client review:
The view of Mt. Everest and of the Himalayas was excellent. I had always wanted to see the mountain and this flight was a perfect way to do that with low hassle. Checkin at the Kathmandu airport was simple and quick. Our flight attendants were so knowledgeable able the mountains and gave us every opportunity for pictures and videos. I really enjoyed this flight. I would recommend it to anyone who has interest in the Himalayas. This trip is only about a 3-hour time commitment of waiting in the airport and the flight itself.
Included:
Return Transfer included: Yes
All fees and Taxes: Yes
Airlines Flight Ticket: Yes
Departure location: Kathmandu
Epic views from The Himalayas during a Everest scenic flight
Everest Scenic Flight of 2 hours
★★★★★
Group Flight
Maximum 15 passengers per flight
Guaranteed Window Seat
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Stunning views of Mount Everest
Fly over other peaks such as Mt. Lhotse, Nuptse, and Mt. Makalu
Panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range
Onboard commentary about the region’s cultural geography, history
Client review:
Everyone at this Everest Scenic flight is guaranteed with a window seat. The flight path is along the mountain range, and you’ll see all the mountains including Everest. On completion you’ll receive a certificate signed by the captain!
Included:
Return Transfer included: Yes
English speaking driver: Yes
Departure location: Kathmandu
Mountain map of The Himalayas
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