Everest in a morning

Helicopter Tours

See Everest and the Khumbu glaciers up close in a single morning by helicopter from Kathmandu.

4.9 (486 reviews)
Experienced mountain pilots
Permits included

On this page

Overview & highlights The Everest Region Where to go Safety & Certification Requirements & Eligibility Activities Beyond the Mountains Frequently asked questions What Our Travelers Say

Know before you go

Overview & highlights

Trip Length

7 - 21 Days

Group Size

Solo Trek

Group: 2 -12 trekkers

Altitude

3,210m – 5,545m

Difficulty

Moderate - Extreme

Best Time

March – May

September – November

The Everest helicopter tour is for travellers who want to stand in the high Khumbu but do not have the time or knees for a two-week trek. You are collected from your Kathmandu hotel before dawn, fly east along the Himalaya and refuel at Lukla before heading up valley.

The highlight is a short landing high in the Khumbu, usually near Kala Patthar (5,545m), where Everest, Nuptse and the Khumbu Icefall stand in front of you. Because you arrive without acclimatising, the stop is kept to around ten minutes. You then descend to Syangboche for breakfast at Hotel Everest View (3,880m) before flying back to Kathmandu.

Flights depend entirely on visibility. Mornings from October to December are the most reliable. We always suggest keeping a spare day in your plans in case we need to reschedule. Private charters can also be arranged for families or photographers who want more time at each stop.

Highlights

Flying past Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest at eye level
A brief landing near Kala Patthar at around 5,545m
Breakfast on the terrace of Hotel Everest View
Aerial views of Lukla, Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery

Everest without the trek

The Everest Region

The Khumbu takes two weeks to reach on foot; by helicopter it takes about an hour. The flight follows the Dudh Koshi valley past Lukla and Namche Bazaar, then into the upper Khumbu with Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest filling the windows. You land briefly near Kala Patthar or the Everest Base Camp area, then drop to Hotel Everest View at 3,880m for breakfast on the terrace.

1 day

Kathmandu to Everest

Back in Kathmandu by lunchtime, weather permitting.

Learn more about Everest

KHUMBU GLACIER

NAMCHE FROM ABOVE

HIGH-ALTITUDE LANDING

BREAKFAST WITH EVEREST

Regions

Where to go

Prefer to walk in? The same mountains can be reached on foot, and a helicopter can still shorten the return journey from many high trails.

All regions

A mountaineer stands on a rock at Everest Base Camp, surrounded by snowy peaks.

5 Packages

Everest

The Khumbu, home of the Sherpa people and the world’s highest mountain, where legendary trails lead to Everest Base Camp...

Before you fly

Safety & Certification

We only work with helicopter operators certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, flown by pilots experienced in high-altitude operations.

CAAN-certified operators

Flights are operated by helicopter companies holding an Air Operator Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

Pilot-led weather calls

The pilot has the final say on departure, route and landing. If conditions are marginal, we wait.

Weight and balance checks

Every passenger and bag is weighed so the aircraft stays within safe limits for landing at altitude.

Can I trek?

Requirements & Eligibility

No fitness is needed, but the high landing and small aircraft bring a few rules of their own.

Health & fitness

Able to step in and out of a helicopter and walk a few metres on uneven ground
Not recommended for those with serious heart or lung conditions or in late pregnancy
Children are welcome with a parent; ask us about infants

Permits & documents

Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu local area fees, included and arranged by us
Passport details needed in advance for the flight manifest
Travel insurance covering helicopter flights and medical care

Altitude Readiness

You land above 5,000m with no acclimatisation, so stays are kept to around ten minutes
Move slowly on landing and tell the pilot if you feel dizzy
The pilot may skip the high landing if any passenger is unwell

What to wear & bring

Down jacket, hat and gloves — it is well below freezing at the landing site
Sunglasses and sunscreen for the glare off snow
Small bag only; passengers and luggage are weighed before take-off

Helicopter seats are allocated by weight for safety at altitude. Please tell us each passenger’s approximate weight when you book.

A breathtaking view of a helicopter flying over the snow-covered Himalayan mountains, shrouded in fog.

Ask us your queries

Want to see Everest by helicopter?

Flights depend on weather and seat availability. Send us your preferred dates and we will hold the best slot.

Send Inquiry

Activities

Activities Beyond the Mountains

From serene takes to thrilling adventures, explore the best experiences Pokhara has to offer for every kind of travelers.

All activities

Vibrant scene of people and pigeons at a historic Buddhist shrine in a bustling city.

Culture & Historical Tour

Guided journeys through Nepal’s living heritage — the seven UNESCO monument zones of the Kathmandu...

View details

View of Boudhanath Stupa with prayer flags in Kathmandu, Nepal under a bright sky.

Tours & Sightseeing

Heritage cities, lakes, festivals and jungle - Nepal by road, with hotels, a guide and...

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Adventure & Thrills

Soar above Phewa Lake with sweeping views of Pokhara, lush hills, and the Annapurna range....

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Your queries answered

Frequently asked questions

Everything about the Everest helicopter tour, from weather to weight limits.

Ask our team

Do we land at Everest Base Camp?

Landings are usually made near Kala Patthar, which has the better view of Everest. Landing at Base Camp itself is restricted in the climbing season and depends on conditions. Either way you get a short stop above 5,000m.

What if the weather is bad on the day?

We only fly when the pilot is satisfied with visibility. If the flight is cancelled we move you to the next suitable morning, or refund in line with our booking terms if you cannot reschedule.

Shared or private helicopter — which should I choose?

Shared tours fill seats with other travellers and are the economical option. A private charter lets you choose the departure time, stay together as a group and linger longer at Hotel Everest View.

Will I get altitude sickness?

The landing is short so serious altitude sickness is unlikely, but light-headedness is common. Walk slowly, avoid heavy exertion and tell the crew if you feel unwell; the pilot can descend immediately.

Reviews & Experiences

What Our Travelers Say

Discover what our guests have to say about their time in Pokhara Nepal, from seamless adventures to meaningful moments along the way.

Review us on GOOGLE

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Esme Fenton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have just done the Mardi Himal trek for 4 days with Asmita! It was an amazing trek with an amazing guide, who was attentive, organised and knowledgeable. It was lovely to have such an impressive female guide and I hope to be back soon!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Piper Bradshaw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience or a more fantastic guide! Utsab was our guide for the Annapurna circuit trek and made the whole trip 1000% times better!
I cannot recommend both the trek and Utsab as a guide more!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shady Abdallah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Mardi Himal trek in 4 days with Asmita as my friend and guide, she's wonderful, attentive and very caring. The trek itself was well organized and fantastic all over, great views, amazing food and good company. Thanks Asmita and see you again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   elise hislop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five stars simply aren’t enough for Dipendra, our guide on the Mardi Himal Trek.

As this was my first multi-day trek in Nepal, I was absolutely not prepared! But Dipendra made sure we had all the correct gear before setting off and helped us rent anything we couldn’t buy.

Throughout the trek, we not only gained a deeper understanding of the land, culture, and history, but also felt completely safe and comfortable walking at our own pace. We could talk loudly and openly, share stories, or simply choose to be silent. Dipendra has such a natural ability to make everyone feel at ease—even when you’re exhausted from walking uphill and leeches are attacking every inch of your body… somehow, he can still make you laugh.

On top of being an incredibly knowledgeable and well-educated guide, he has a stellar personality that makes it feel less like you’ve hired a guide and more like you’ve brought a mate along for the adventure.

Thank you SO much, Dipendra, for such a life-changing experience. I can’t wait to come back next year for another one!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Savannah Cash 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went and hiked the Nar Phu Valley with Dipin.  Amazing trail and great guide!  Would recommend Dipin as guide to anyone looking to book with Elevate Treks Nepal!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gabzy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide Dipendra ‘D’ Nepali was amazing, being hilariously funny and always finding a way to have some fun, but also a keen knowledge about the mountains and the villages we stayed in. His advice of slow, and steady meant the days were easy going with none of us falling behind or feeling too tired by the end of the day. Meaning that in the evenings we could still be in high spirits, and ready for the challenges of the next day. I’d recommend to everyone to go on a trek with Elevate Trekking, and our guide ‘D’. It was an experience that I’ll never forgot, and it will stay with me forever. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Danylo Kupnovitsky 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to do the Annapurna circuit for 10 days as a group of four friends from England. By the end of the trek we made an amazing fifth friend for life - our guide Dipendra :) The trek itself was amazing - stunning views and diverse climates and cultures that we were very fortunate to see! That, combined with Dipendra’s excellent knowledge of the local mountains and customs, made for an absolutely unforgettable experience. Will most certainly be returning to Nepal just to go trekking with D.
Thorung-La (5416 m) done, now onto 6000m and potentially more in the future!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Noah Rendo Castro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was an amazing trek and the gear given was top notch, guide was great and would recommend (Dipendra Nepali)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anuj Sindgi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing experience doing the Mardi Himal trek with Elevate. Initially, I planned on doing ABC trek, but given the weather, recent landslides and time constraints, Anish ji and my guide Tanka ji suggested Mardi Himal.

I booked a full package with Elevate that covered transport, guide fee, food, accommodation and I didn’t have to spend on anything during the trek.

Special shoutout to my wonderful guide - Mr.  Tanka Dahal who expertly guided me through the trek, chose the best routes and hotels during the stay. I would definitely recommend anyone to go with him for a wonderful trek.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amelie Hofmann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to do the mardi, they got me a female guide to feel more comfortable because i was doing it on my own. I couldn’t be any happier with Asmita. She was loving and caring. She doubled checked with me every 5m to assure that i was feeling good about everything. We talked, laughed and enjoyed every single bit together. She made sure that i felt comfortable with the pace, levitation and weather along the whole trek. In the end it didn’t feel like hiking with a guide, more like with a friend. I can promise you, if you get her, you can count yourself more than lucky.

Helicopter Tours

Overview & highlights

The Everest Region