Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing
About This Experience
This single-day helicopter tour covers the same territory the 12-day trek takes almost two weeks to reach, compressed into one morning. After an early hotel pickup in Kathmandu, the helicopter departs from the domestic terminal and makes its first stop at Lukla — the famously short mountainside airstrip that anchors every Everest trekking route — for a brief refuel.
From Lukla, the flight continues over Namche Bazaar, Pheriche, and Tengboche Monastery before climbing toward Kala Patthar, the viewpoint roughly 200 meters above Everest Base Camp itself, for close-up views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding 8,000-meter peaks.
The tour then descends to Hotel Everest View (3,880m) for a sit-down breakfast on an open terrace with mountain views, before the return flight — via Lukla again — back to Kathmandu, with a final transfer to your hotel.
Highlights
- A single-day helicopter loop over the Everest region — no multi-day trekking required
- Close aerial views of the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp from near Kala Patthar
- A sit-down breakfast on the terrace at Hotel Everest View, one of the world's highest-altitude hotels
- Refueling stop at Lukla, the Khumbu's famously short mountainside airstrip
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
- ✓ One chartered helicopter flight
- ✓ Landing at Kala Patthar
- ✓ Oxygen tanks on board, for emergencies
Not Included
- Breakfast at the Hotel Everest View (approximately $35 USD)
- National park fees ($50 USD)
- Airport tax ($8 USD)
What to Bring
- Passport or ID card
- Warm clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cash
Good to Know & Caveats
- If possible, it is recommended to have one or two flexible days just in case your guides need to re-schedule the flight due to weather conditions
- If the weather is bad, this tour will be re-scheduled to the next day or so
- If you do not have any flexible days and if the flight is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, a full refund will be issued (except for transportation charges to the airport, if already used)
- The helicopter will land at Lukla Airport for a short brief moment of 10-15 minutes for refueling purposes
- We will be flying over from Kalapatthar and Everest base Camp very closely , the stunning views
- The breakfast will be at the Hotel Everest View (3,880 meters) 45 Minutes, Stop.
Not Suitable For
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Kathmandu (pickup included) — transfer to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport for the helicopter departure.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 30 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Everything was perfect. From the pick-up at the hotel to the assistance before and after the flight. The helicopter was perfect and the pilot was very good and professional. A unique experience that I highly recommend. Everything was excellent.
— Giuseppina, October
This tour is very well planned and worth the money. There was clear communication about everything which made the trip truly enjoyable. There were many people who had to be involved so it was hard to know who to tip but It was a once in a lifetime experience which I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to view this majestic mountain without trekking 14 days. It was also a beautiful day with blue sky which made for perfect viewing.
— GetYourGuide traveler, March 1
I waited for about an hour due to the weather, but the tour was completed safely. Everest was well seen and the scenery was great. I also appreciate the stable flight of the captain.
— Naoki, June 17
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still get to stand at Everest Base Camp on the helicopter tour?
No — the helicopter flies over Everest Base Camp and lands near Kala Patthar for photos, but landing directly at Base Camp itself is not permitted. If reaching Base Camp on foot matters to you, choose one of the trekking itineraries instead.
How long is the helicopter tour?
It's a single-day round trip from Kathmandu — roughly 4-5 hours door-to-door including the breakfast stop at Hotel Everest View, with no overnight stay required.
Other Ways to Reach Everest Base Camp
From Kathmandu: 12-Day Everest Base Camp Guided Trekking
Kathmandu: 14-Day Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla
From Kathmandu: Guided Everest Base Camp Trek
Kathmandu: Everest Helicopter Tour with Landing & Breakfast
