Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: Fly Over Everest

Glide over Everest Base Camp at sunrise, then breakfast with mountain views

A shared helicopter tour from Kathmandu that overflies Everest Base Camp and Kalapather, the highest viewpoint of Mount Everest, with hotel pickup and breakfast included. The flight departs early morning and returns by early afternoon, covering the route in 4 to 5 hours total. Groups are small, 5 to 6 people per flight, and the tour operates on good-weather days only.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp

• Pick up at hotel
• Check-in for flight
• Fly to Lukla with short stop
• Fly over Kalapather and Everest Base Camp
• Stop for breakfast at Everest View Hotel
• Fly back to Kathmandu
• Transfer to hotel

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup at 5:55 AM and a drive to Kathmandu airport for a 7:00 AM departure. The helicopter climbs toward Lukla, where it touches down briefly for fuel, then continues climbing into the high Himalayas. By 8:30 AM you're circling Everest Base Camp and Kalapather (the highest point from which Everest is visible) with unobstructed views of the summit and the surrounding peaks. There's no landing at base camp itself. The flight passes directly over it so you can photograph and take in the scale of the mountain from the air.

After the overflight, the helicopter lands at Everest View Hotel, where you spend an hour having hot breakfast while sitting in front of the mountain views. The return flight to Kathmandu takes roughly two hours, and you're back at your hotel by 12:45 PM. The entire experience, from pickup to drop-off, takes 4 to 5 hours, leaving the rest of your day free. A live English-speaking guide is on board throughout.

Weather determines whether the flight goes. The operator flies only on clear days, so visibility of Everest is guaranteed when you depart. The helicopter is shared with a small group of 5 to 6 people maximum, keeping the cabin intimate and giving everyone a window seat or near-window position for photography.

What’s included

• Shared helicopter flight with 5 to 6 passengers.
• hotel pickup and return transfer by car or van.
• hot breakfast at Everest View Hotel.
• English-speaking guide on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:15

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Himalaya Holiday service Pvt. Ltd.(HHS)

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Everest from the air without spending days trekking to base camp: the early start and midday return fit a short window in Kathmandu, and the small group size means you're not crowded in the helicopter.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between flying over Everest Base Camp and actually landing there?

This tour overflies Everest Base Camp and Kalapather. It circles above them at altitude so you see the base camp, the surrounding terrain and Mount Everest itself from the air, but does not touch down. A landing would require a longer, more expensive expedition. This flight captures the view in a single morning.

How early do I need to wake up, and when am I back at my hotel?

Hotel pickup is at 5:55 AM, and you return to your hotel by 12:45 PM, so the entire tour takes 4 to 5 hours from start to finish. You're free for the rest of the afternoon.

Is breakfast included, and where do we eat?

Yes, a hot breakfast is included and served at Everest View Hotel, where the helicopter lands after the overflight. You eat in front of the mountain views and spend about an hour there before the return flight to Kathmandu.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The helicopter only flies on clear days to ensure you can see Everest. If weather prevents departure, you can reschedule for another date or receive a refund.

How many people fly together, and will I have a window seat?

Groups are small, 5 to 6 people per flight, so everyone has access to a window or near-window position for photography. The helicopter is shared, not private, which keeps the cost lower than a dedicated charter.

What do I need to bring or know before I book?

A valid passport is required on the day of travel, and you'll need to provide your passport name, number, expiry date and country at booking. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. A maximum of 5 people per booking is allowed, with a combined weight limit of 490 kg.