Related Information on Everest Heli-sightseeing Tour
A luxurious sightseeing tour of the highest peak in the world is one of the most memorable experiences for any adventurer. However, one needs to be well-informed about the destination, including weather, highlights, and all necessary precautions.
How high is Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp stands at an elevation of 5364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level. This point offers a mesmerizing view of Mount Everest and the region’s surrounding peaks like Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Amadablam, Mount Pumori, and others.
Accommodation Before Everest Heli-sightseeing Tour
Since you will not be staying in the Everest region, you will have luxurious accommodations while staying in the Kathmandu Valley. As you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a three-star accommodation, primarily at Kathmandu Business Hotel or similar properties.
You will have an option of twin-sharing or double accommodation with breakfast. It is a standard room with all basic amenities like a private bathroom, ample storage, a comfy bed, and more. Additionally, you can request a five-star accommodation with all amenities, but it does come with an additional cost.
Everest Heli-Sightseeing Essentials
There are a few basics that you need to be aware of before going on an Everest Heli-sightseeing tour:
Permits
Since you will be landing in territory that falls inside a conservation area, you will require a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. Besides, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry permit is also needed to land for catching the scenic sight of the world’s highest peak from the Everest View Hotel, as well as for a brief landing on Everest Base Camp.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory to enjoy a sightseeing Heli ride around the Everest region, as you will be crossing an elevation of over 5000 meters above sea level. The lower temperature and scarce oxygen at higher elevations can cause altitude sickness, frostbite, and other medical emergencies. Thus, having trekking insurance is very helpful in such scenarios. It also covers emergency evacuation in case of unforeseen scenarios as well as flight disruptions.
These insurances can be bought from several providers, depending on your location. Here are some of the suggestions for you:
- USA and Canada: Blue Cross, United Healthcare, Tugo, World Nomad
- Europe: Austrian Alpine Club, Europe Assistance, Allianz Europe
- New Zealand and Australia: Allianz Australia, Fast Cover
- Singapore: World Nomad, Ergo
- India: ICICI Lombard
Best Time to Tour Everest
It is possible to enjoy a Heli-sightseeing tour to Everest throughout the year, each with different experiences. However, the cold, freezing winters or the heavy rains of monsoon season might not give the best views. Since the climate is suitable for flights and the skies are clearer to enjoy the most mesmerizing views of the mountain peaks, fall and spring are the best seasons for the Everest Heli-sightseeing tour.
Preventing Sickness on Everest Heli-sightseeing Tour
Altitude sickness is quite a common thing if you reach an elevation above 5000 meters above sea level. The freezing cold temperature and lower level of oxygen often make it difficult to breathe at such higher elevations. Make sure to wear proper clothing to prevent getting sick or catching any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Besides, motion sickness is also another illness people catch while taking a helicopter ride to higher elevations. Just in case you get any symptoms, let your tour guide know about the situation and descend to the lower elevation right away. It’s better to carry necessary medications with you to help adapt to the harsh climate and low temperatures.
Commuting in the Peak Season
While in the peak trekking season, the Tribhuvan International Airport is too occupied, which is why the flights often take off from Ramechhap/Manthali airport. This alternative airport is approximately a six-hour drive from Kathmandu. The Lukla flight from Ramechhap takes just 20 minutes, as the distance is comparatively shorter. Thus, many flights are redirected here during the peak trek seasons.
When the air traffic is under control, the flight to Lukla takes off from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. You can catch these flights in months like January, February, June, July, August, September, and December.
Bag Allowances in Lukla Flight
On the flight to Lukla airport, a traveler is allowed to have a maximum of 15kg (approx. 33 pounds) of baggage. This weight includes both the duffle bag and your backpack. Hence, we suggest you pack light and carry only the essential trekking requirements. If your bag exceeds the given weight limit, you will have to pay an extra fee of USD 2 to 5 for each kilogram of additional weight.
Everest Heli-sightseeing Tour Cost
A luxury Everest Heli-sightseeing tour costs approximately $ 1400 per person. The cost varies depending on the number of pax, as well as the customization of the amenities, like personalized tour guides, additional excursion of the region’s highlights, additional tour of Kathmandu, and more.
This trekking cost doesn’t include any personal expenses or charges for services made upon request. Please check the packages for the price and find the amenities/services offered.
Other Everest Trek Packages
For an exclusive experience of the Everest region, you need to find the right package that meets your needs. Choosing the right package not only ensures a smooth experience but also makes the experience memorable for you. From luxurious to budget itineraries, there are multiple packages to choose from:
Standard EBC Trek
The standard Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is a 15-day adventure that starts with an exhilarating flight to Lukla, which offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and personal challenge. This exciting journey takes you through the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, past ancient monasteries, and into the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Luxury Everest Heli Trek
A luxurious Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is a nine-day adventure that starts with a scenic flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport of Lukla. Your journey to the perfect fusion of natural beauty and unique cultural exposure begins with a hike from the Lukla airport. Unlike the standard EBC trek, this luxury trek allows you to rest those etched muscles by offering a Helicopter Ride on your way back. Besides, it is the best trip to go for if you have time constraints yet want to cover all the major highlights of Everest.
EBC with Gokyo Ri
The EBC trek via Gokyo Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, perfectly curated for those looking to immerse themselves in the majesty of the Himalayas, rich natural wonders, and vibrant Sherpa culture. As you ascend through rugged terrain, you will witness the savage Khumbu glacier and breathtaking Himalayan views. On continuing the trek to Gokyo Ri, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other neighboring peaks of the Everest region.
Everest Heli-Sightseeing Tour
The Everest Heli Sightseeing Tour is a luxurious way to experience the majestic view of the world’s highest peak. This trip doesn’t just fly you over to check the mountains from your window seat; you also get an experience of the ambiance of the Everest base camp and other key locations.
Everest Three-Pass Trek
The Everest Three Pass trek is one of the most thrilling experiences for polished trekkers who visit Nepal for challenging adventures. This 17-day trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla and takes you through mainstream attractions of the Everest region before finally leading to the three higher passes of Everest. The three high passes of the world’s highest peak, Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, are situated at elevations of 5360 meters, 5420 meters, and 5535 meters above sea level and present a breathtaking view of the high mountain peaks.