Everest Helicopter Day Tour

Who Should Go on the Everest Helicopter Day Tour?

Everyone should go on the Everest Helicopter tour as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should participate at least in their life. However, people who want to see the Himalayas without trekking, who are physically unable to trek, who are short on time, and families with children or senior citizens should go on the Everest Helicopter tour.

People who want to avoid Physical Training

The Everest Helicopter trek is a must-go adventure for travelers who want to avoid physical strength but want to experience the thrill of Everest Valley. The tour doesn’t involve physical strength; it starts with a flight to Lukla and returns to Kathmandu on a flight without physical strength. Thus, the tour suits travelers who want to enjoy the scenery without involving the physical challenges of high-altitude trekking.

People who are short on time

The classic Everest Base Camp Trek takes 12-14 days to complete, and the helicopter takes just 4-5 hours, but both offer the same sense of accomplishment. Thus, the trek is ideal for busy travelers, tourists with tight schedules, and business professionals who want to witness the majestic Mount Everest but don’t have weeks for trekking.

People with physical limitations

People with physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, or other issues but want to witness the top of the world once in their lives should go to the Everest Helicopter Tour. The tour allows them to experience the beauty of the Himalayas up close without any physical challenges, ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to admire Everest’s grandeur.

Families with children and senior citizens

Not every family wants to vacation in crowded areas; some families wish peace away from the crowd. However, children and senior citizens in families face problems when trekking in the Himalayas. However, a helicopter tour to Everest is an ideal option for them, and they should go for the trip. The heli tour provides a safer and more comfortable way for families to enjoy the Everest region together and spend quality time. Everyone, regardless of age and fitness level, and who is differently able, can share the thrill of seeing the world’s highest peak in a more accessible way.

Is the Everest Helicopter tour Suitable for all ages?

The Everest Helicopter tour is suitable for all age groups, from children to early age people, making it a popular choice for family vacations. The helicopter flight is safe and comfortable, so it fits everyone, regardless of age. However, here are the key things to consider while going for a Helicopter tour with different age groups:

• Passengers with altitude-related health issues should consult a doctor before going on a tour.
• Parents of young children should ensure that the children are comfortable with flying.
• If you fly with older adults, ensure they have no severe heart or respiratory conditions.
• Ensure to stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before the flight.
• Dress in layers to adapt to the changing temperatures at higher altitudes.
• Verify the helicopter company’s safety record and ensure a professional pilot.
• Request to reschedule the flight if the weather conditions are unfavorable

Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla

Imagine flying high above the green valleys, terraced hills, and mountain ranges, leaving the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city and heading to the calm and tranquil Himalayas like a bird. That’s exactly how a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla feels like. The flight is the first step on the Everest heli tour, which takes 20-15 minutes.

Once you take off from the domestic airport of Kathmandu, you’ll get an eagle’s eye view of one of Nepal’s prominent cities, Kathmandu. The sights on the first take-off are mesmerizing, from the ancient temples to big buildings, the busy streets of Kathmandu, and the jagged Himalayan peaks. As the helicopter reaches Lukla at 2860m of elevation, you’ll feel the crispness of the Himalayas. At Lukla, your helicopter lands for fueling and takes off to fly over majestic peaks again.

Everest Helicopter Day Tour Cost

The Everest Helicopter tour costs $1600 on a sharing basis. However, the cost varies and will be higher if the helicopter is private. The price also varies depending on other factors, including the type of package, the number of people in a shared ride, and additional services like extended stops and duration. Some travelers find the helicopter tour expensive, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience where each penny is worth embarking on.

Furthermore, the Everest Helicopter tour cost covers the overall expenses required. The price includes the cost of helicopter fuel, permits for landing at Kalapatthar, experienced pilot, and top-notch luxury and comfortable service. Likewise, the cost covers other required paperwork, including the Sagarmatha National Park Pemrit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Additionally, it covers breakfast at the iconic Everest View Hotel, the highest-placed hotel in the world.

What Makes the Everest Helicopter Tour Special?

Besides asking what makes the Everest Helicopter tour special, ask what doesn’t make it special, as everything about the journey is special and unique. The tour is an exceptional way to witness the world’s tallest peak, mount Everest (8,848m). Still, here are some points that make the Everest Helicopter tour special:

Bird’s Eye View

The Everest Helicopter tour offers an unparalleled bird’s eye view of the stunning mountain ranges. It provides a majestic aerial view of Mount Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7,861 meters), Makalu (8485m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Thamserku (6608), and other ranges of snow-capped peaks. Likewise, the tour offers dazzling views of the pristine glacier of Khumbu, the Everest region, and Sagarmatha National Park. The views are magical and not visible from the ground, making the tour unique.

Kalapatthar Landing

Another thing that makes the Everest Helicopter tour special is the landing at one of the iconic viewpoints of the Khumbu Valley, Kalapatthar (5644m). The location is ideal for offering majestic views of Mount Everest and other surrounding peaks. The landing at Kalapatthar offers photo opportunities and soaking in the crisp air of the Himalayas.

Short yet rewarding

Another aspect that makes the tour to Everest Helicopter is its short flight that offers exceptional rewards. The tour is perfect for those short on time, offering a complete Himalayan experience in just a few hours. Despite the short time, the trip provides incredible scenery, adventure, and a bird’s eye view of Nepal’s largest glacier. Khumbu, to the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, the flight offers everything in a short span of time.

The easiest way to see the top of the world

The Everest Helicopter day tour is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to witness the majesty of the top of the world, Mount Everest. No trekking or extensive physical effort is required for the tour, making it accessible to all. This trip aspect makes it unique from the classic Everest Base Camp trek.

Do we get Altitude Sickness During this Tour?

Yes, you might get altitude sickness during the Everest Helicopter tour. The expedition takes you to the highest elevation of 5644m from 1400m without giving your body time to acclimate to a changed temperature. Yet, the risk is minimal due to the short stay at the high elevation. Still, here are the factors that contribute to the Altitude Sickness:

• Radip Ascent: Unlike trekking, where trekkers gradually ascend, and their bodies adapt, the helicopter reaches a high altitude in mutes without letting the body adjust to the changed surroundings.
• Stop at high altitude: The helicopter lands at one of the highest landmarks of Kalapatthar at 5644m; the elevation might cause mild symptoms like dizziness or shortness. Thus, travelers should be aware of those symptoms.

Measures to minimize the risk of altitude sickness

• Avoid heavy meals and alcoholic beverages before the flight.
• Stay hydrated throughout the tour.
• If you feel uneasy, immediately inform the crew members trained to handle altitude-related issues.
• If the symptoms of altitude sickness continue, consider returning rather than flying further, as health comes first.

When Is the Right Time for Everest Helicopter Day Tour

Selecting the perfect time for the Everest Helicopter Day tour is crucial as it determines the quality of your experience. Likewise, the ideal time for a heli tour depends on the weather conditions directly impacting the journey. However, Spring and autumn are generally the best times for any activities in the Everest region, whether trekking or touring.

Spring

Spring is the perfect time for the Everest helicopter day tour, starting early March and ending in late May. The season offers clear skies and stable weather, offering an unobstructed view of mountain peaks and surrounding mountains. The moderate temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C during the daytime, making the experience more enjoyable. The forest with different shades of rhododendrons offers a stunning bird’ s-eye view below in Spring. Moreover, Spring brings predictable and calmer weather, ensuring a safe ride.

Autumn

Autumn is another perfect time for the Everest Helicopter Day tour, from September to November. The season offers the clearest skies of the year due to the post-monsoon. The weather is stable with minimal rainfall and wind, reducing the chance of flight delays and cancellations. Moreover, the valleys are fresh and green from the recent monsoon rain, offering stunning, eye-appealing sights from the sky.

While Autumn and Spring are the perfect times for a Heli tour to Everest due to clear skies, mild and comfortable temperatures, and reliable weather, Summer/ monsoon and winter are not preferable due to the bad weather conditions they provide.

What to Expect During the Tour

You can expect the things that you anticipate being a bird, flying in the Everest region’s sky during the Everest Helicopter tour. The tour assures you you will fulfill all your expectations within a few hours. Still, here are things you can expect during the tour:

A thrilling start from Kathmandu

The Everest Helicopter tour starts with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport to Lukla Airport. As the helicopter ascends, it offers you the big buildings of Kathmandu city, but as it continues to fly, the landscape changes to a peaceful Himalayan area.

Scenic flight over the Himalayas

From the start to the journey’s conclusion, travelers can expect a scenic flight over the Himalayas. As the helicopter takes off, within 5-7 minutes, travelers can enjoy the view of the lush valley, rolling hills, traditional villages, and an occasional mountain view. As the helicopter enters the Everest region, it offers a more spectacular view of everything, especially mountain views.

Landing at the Iconic Landmark

Travelers can expect to land at one of the iconic vintage points, Kalapatthar, during their ride. The flight is more than flying; instead, it provides a chance to soak in a grander of the Himalayas and stand at one of the highest points of Khumbu Valley. Likewise, travelers can expect to take many photos while landing at Kalapatthar, which is for a memory.

Close-up view of Mt.Everest

As you are flying in an Everest region, you should expect to see Mount Everest’s view, not from a far distance but from a close-up view. Whether flying above the sky or from Kalapatthar, you’ll appeal to your eye with spectacular views of the World’s Highest peak at 8848m above sea level.

Memory for Lifetime

Once you participate in an Everest Helicopter tour, be sure that you’ll collect a memory for a lifetime. From taking off from the helicopter to flying over the mountains to Kalapatthar, landing for breakfast at Everest View Hotel, and returning to Kathmandu, every moment of the trip will hold a special place among traveler’s hearts for a lifetime.

Tips for a successful Everest Helicopter Day Tour

Here are the tips travelers should consider for a successful Everest Helicopter Day Tour:

• Choose a reliable tour company: For a successful helicopter tour to Everest, it is foremost to choose a reliable tour operator with a good review and an experienced pilot. This ensures safety and maximizes the quality of service.
• Check the weather: Checking the weather before planning your tour is crucial, as the weather conditions in the Everest region change quickly. Similarly, confirm the weather before your trip, which may be rescheduled for safety reasons.
• Choose the ideal time: A successful helicopter day tour on Everest requires good weather and stable temperatures. Spring and autumn generally offer stable weather with pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for a helicopter tour of Everest.
• Dress appropriately: Wearing a warm and appropriate dress is essential for a successful journey to the Everest region. The weather in high elevations is cold, so wearing warm clothes is necessary. Likewise, a down jacket, gloves, a hat, and a shoe are essential to stay warm in the cold.
• Prepare for altitude changes: The helicopter flies from Kathmandu at 1400m and lands at 5644m at Kalapatthar. Therefore, travelers are likely to get altitude sickness, so preparing adequately for the sudden change in altitude is crucial.
• Book in advance: Due to its suitability, comfort, and luxury, the Everest helicopter is gaining popularity daily; thus, finding a helicopter in peak season can be quite difficult. Thus, booking in advance can help you successfully complete the tour.
• Follow safety instructions: Listen carefully to the safety briefing provided by the crew member before starting the trip to Everest. Moreover, exit the helicopter from the designated areas and follow instructions while landing.