What does the 5-day itinerary involve — is it all helicopter?

This is a premium 5-day Kathmandu package combining a full-day Kathmandu cultural tour, a scenic mountain flight, the helicopter tour to the EBC area viewpoint, and two nights of high-quality accommodation in Kathmandu. It is designed for travellers who have limited time in Nepal and want to experience Everest from the air without committing to a full trek.

How close to Everest Base Camp does the helicopter get?

The helicopter lands at a viewpoint at approximately 5,500m with a direct line-of-sight to the Khumbu Icefall and Everest's southwest face — some flights also land briefly at Kala Patthar. You will be close enough to see individual tents at Base Camp during climbing seasons and to hear the creak of the icefall. It is genuinely spectacular even compared to trekking views.

What is included in the package?

Included: 2 nights in a 4-star Kathmandu hotel (breakfast included), Kathmandu airport transfers, full-day guided Kathmandu city and temple tour, scenic mountain flight, full-day EBC helicopter tour with guide, all flight permits and government fees. Excluded: international flights to/from Kathmandu, travel insurance, lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, and personal shopping.

Is altitude sickness a risk on a helicopter tour?

A brief landing above 5,000m can cause mild symptoms — headache, light-headedness, or nausea — in some passengers due to the sudden altitude change. The exposure is short (20–30 minutes at altitude) and the helicopter descends immediately if anyone is unwell. Avoid alcohol the evening before and drink plenty of water on the morning of the flight.

Can the helicopter tour be cancelled and what happens to the rest of my package?

If the helicopter tour is cancelled due to weather, we reschedule for the next clear day within your 5-day window. If weather prevents the flight entirely, a full refund for the helicopter component only is issued — the Kathmandu hotel, transfers, and city tour are non-refundable once used. Travel insurance covering trip disruption is strongly recommended.

Is this package suitable for families with young children?

Yes — this is one of our most family-friendly Everest experiences. Children of all ages can join the helicopter flight (consult a paediatrician for very young children regarding brief altitude exposure). The Kathmandu city tour includes child-friendly sites like the Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath temple complex. The package requires no fitness level beyond normal walking.

Helicopter TourEasy

EBC by Helicopter — 5 Days Kathmandu Package

5 days5,364 mFrom KathmanduBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Photo by Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Fixed departures

Join a scheduled group

Locked-in dates on this exact route, a guaranteed guide, and fellow trekkers from around the world — often at better value. Seats fill fast.

EBC by Helicopter — 5 Days Kathmandu Package

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EBC by Helicopter — 5 Days Kathmandu Package

Nov16

Nov 16 → Nov 20

0 going12 left

$3,500

Dec3

Dec 3 → Dec 7

0 going12 left

$3,500

Dec17

Dec 17 → Dec 21

0 going12 left

$3,500

Prefer your own dates? Book a private trek.

Duration

5 days

From

$3,500/person

Max Altitude

5,364 m

Difficulty

Easy

Starts

Kathmandu

Group Size

1–5 People

Stay

Hotel (Kathmandu)

Meals

Breakfast

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–May

4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later

Trip Highlights

Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) by private helicopter — the fastest route to the world's most famous base camp

Kathmandu valley heritage sightseeing: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath

Fly over the Khumbu Icefall, seeing the notorious serac towers from the air

Land at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the best aerial Everest panorama on the planet

4-star Kathmandu hotel base between cultural days and mountain flying day

Customise: add a Namche Bazaar walk or Everest Panorama lodge night for extra altitude experience

Five days, zero trekking, maximum Everest — a premium Kathmandu package that delivers a helicopter landing beside the world's highest mountain alongside the best of Nepal's ancient capital.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(5 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 1,400 m · Day 1

Airport pickup and hotel check-in. Evening welcome briefing with guide. Optional Thamel walking tour and gear check.

1,400 m––DHotel

The 5-day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour combines two days of Kathmandu cultural immersion — Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath — with a private helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). For travellers who cannot commit to a 14-day trek but want the genuine EBC experience — standing at base camp, seeing the Khumbu Icefall, breathing 5,000 m air — this is the definitive short-stay option.

The helicopter departs Kathmandu in the early morning and crosses the Mahalangur range, landing at Gorak Shep before hovering at Kala Patthar for the summit panorama. The return flight covers the entire approach in 45 minutes that trekkers spend 8 days walking. The 4-star Kathmandu hotel base provides a comfortable anchor between the heritage sightseeing days and the mountain flying day.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Group size: Private charter (4–5 per aircraft). Hotel: 4-star Kathmandu throughout.

What's Included

Included

Private helicopter charter to Everest Base Camp (EBC landing + Kala Patthar flyover)
2 nights 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfast)
Kathmandu heritage sightseeing with licensed guide
Private vehicle throughout Kathmandu valley
All landing permits and aviation fees for helicopter
Kathmandu airport pickup and drop-off
All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

International flights
Nepal visa
Travel insurance
Lunches and dinners
Personal gear
Tips

Pickup

Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?

This trip begins in Kathmandu. If you are already in Pokhara, we can bring you across (Pokhara and Kathmandu are about 200 km apart: 25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus).

Pickup in Kathmandu

Trip starts here

Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.

Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Included
Kathmandu domestic airportIncluded
Kathmandu hotel pickupWe quote
Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Pickup in Pokhara

Staying in Pokhara? We can bring you to Kathmandu for the start.

Pokhara hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. We confirm the price with you.We quote
Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Hotel in the city

Kathmandu: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)Included
Kathmandu: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Kathmandu: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote

Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Best season. Kathmandu temple visits comfortable; helicopter EBC landing in perfect clear conditions.

Low: -15–-5°C at EBC High: 25–30°C Kathmandu

Spring (Mar–May)

Excellent. Everest expedition season adds drama to the EBC flight.

Low: -12–-3°C at EBC High: 25–32°C Kathmandu

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Good for Kathmandu sightseeing; EBC flight very cold — extreme warm layering needed.

Low: -25–-15°C at EBC High: 15–22°C Kathmandu

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Kathmandu sightseeing fine; helicopter flight weather-dependent and frequently delayed.

Low: -2–5°C at EBC High: 28–35°C Kathmandu

Permits Required

No permits required for passengers

Included in package fee

CAAN-licensed helicopter. Sagarmatha National Park overflight clearance handled by operator. Kathmandu heritage site entry fees included in package.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Down jacket (essential for EBC helicopter landing)

Smart-casual clothes for Kathmandu temple visits

Warm hat and gloves for EBC day

Light rain jacket

Comfortable walking shoes for city days

Closed-toe shoes or trekking boots for EBC

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

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$3,500

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all-inclusive · permits included

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$3,000 × 2 people· 2–3 pax rate$6,000

All-inclusive · permits included