10 Top-rated Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours in 2024

Looking for the best Everest Base Camp helicopter tours for your next dream trip to Nepal? You’re in the right place because the top 10 best-rated helicopter tours in the Everest Base Camp are featured here!

After I spent a whole month exploring Nepal, completed multiple treks in the region, and even went on a helicopter tour myself, I have put together this list to help you save hours researching on the web.

The Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is one of the most desirable treks on the Planet. Hiking in the high altitude of the Himalayan Mountains takes you closer and closer to the clouds and your final destination – the top of the world! However, this trek just isn’t suitable for those who are short of time, which is where a helicopter landing tour comes in handy!

The great thing about experiencing Everest Base Camp on a helicopter tour is that many of them depart from Kathmandu. Nepal’s capital city is where you’ll be flying into, and you can marvel at the world’s tallest mountain without taking a long journey to get there!

If you’ve been dreaming about this extraordinary experience, but are short on time (an average of 20 days is needed to hike to EBC and back), then this is the perfect opportunity for you. Otherwise, why not challenge yourself with a trek to the Everest Base Camp? Many of these tours then include an option to take a helicopter back to Kathmandu!

Of course, the choice is yours, but this guide will be detailing the top Everest Base Camp helicopter landing tours. So let’s dive right in!

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💡  EXPERT TIP: Before booking your Everest Base Camp helicopter tour, read the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section for the tour(s) you’re considering, to ensure you pick the best one for your needs and interests. 

Now, this is a difficult question – how to choose the best Everest Base Camp helicopter tour for you!? First of all, you’ll want to go with a reputable provider to ensure your experience is smooth sailing. Luckily, Get Your Guide and Viator (who I use, and recommend) are both fantastic platforms and they only work with highly regarded tour operators, so you know you’re in good hands.

Here are a few things to think about when booking an EBC helicopter landing tour:

• 🚁 What to expect – as well as a landing at Everest Base Camp, some tours offer other landings, so you’ll get a more rounded experience. Not only that, but I’d recommend going for a tour that includes more flight time so make sure you check this in the terms and conditions.

• 🚁 The cost – these tours are expensive, but if you opt for a small-group tour, they become much more affordable. You’ll still get a window seat too! Of course, if you’d prefer a private experience, then you can expect to pay and get a premium tour!

• 🚁 Additional extras – some tours include breakfast at the famous Everest View Hotel which is a fantastic experience, while others will require you to pay extra. Better yet, some tours even include a stay at this incredible hotel, but this will be at a higher cost.

• 🚁 The weather – it’s important to note that these helicopter tours on the Everest Base Camp require good weather, and Nepal is notorious for its unpredictable climate. If the tour is canceled due to the weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So this is another reason why it is so important to buy your tour through a reliable tour company.

• 🚁 Allow extra days – going off the previous point, most tours recommend that you stay in Kathmandu for a couple of days. This way, if your tour is canceled due to the weather, you’ve got time to reschedule it.

1. TOP OVERALL EVEREST BASE CAMP TOUR: Landing Everest Base Camp by Helicopter Day Tour

🏆 TOP PICK EVEREST BASE CAMP TOUR

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Shared helicopter tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 (403 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is my top pick! As it’s a shared tour, it’s more affordable than many of the other helicopter flights out there. Not only that, but it includes multiple landings, so you can experience more than just base camp. You can even opt to have breakfast at Hotel Everest View, one of the world’s highest-placed hotels!

“Worth every penny. The pilot was an absolute boss. She was amazing. The views, the experience of walking around with the peak of Everest right there, incredible. Take it all in, enjoy the moment, take lots of pics and videos of your team and trust the pilot.”

Jason (read more reviews now)

• This helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp includes multiple landings, rather than just base camp.
• It’s a shared tour making it more affordable.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in Kathmandu.
• You can send the company your trip dates, and they’ll pick the best possible day regarding the weather.

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2. BEST SMALL-GROUP EVEREST BASE CAMP LANDING TOUR: Landing Everest base camp by Helicopter

🏆 TOP SMALL-GROUP EVEREST BASE CAMP TOUR

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Small-group helicopter tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 (37 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This small-group helicopter tour is perfect for those who are short of time or who have mobility issues. With round-trip transfers from Kathmandu and a 10% tax included in the fee, you know exactly what you’re paying for. As well as landing at Everest Base Camp, you’ll get to admire epic views of the famous Himalayan mountain range from the air.

“Awesome, memorable trip, phenomenal views. The places we landed at were spectacular and definitely had the feeling of being ‘on top of the world’”

Jaykishor (read more reviews now)

• Round-trip transfers from your hotel in Kathmandu are included.
• This small-group tour means you’ll have a more intimate experience.
• A 10% Live Entertainment Tax is already included in the price.
• Not only will you experience Everest, but you’ll fly over scenic villages and farmland along the way.

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3. TOP EVEREST BASE CAMP HELICOPTER TOUR: Kathmandu: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

🏆 BEST HELICOPTER TOUR WITH MULTIPLE STOPS

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Small-group flight with multiple landings

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 (25 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This EBC helicopter tour is run by Everest Experience and Assistance. It’s one of the most well-known helicopter tour operators in Nepal and for good reason. With this tour, you’ll have multiple landings rather than just base camp, so will enjoy plenty of flight time. This is a huge bonus! Better yet, you can opt to have a memorable breakfast at Hotel Everest View (at an additional charge).

“This is a must-do excursion! You can’t put it into words, the Himalayas are so beautiful. The service was simply very good from take-off to landing. I can only recommend this trip to everyone, it’s worth it! Unfortunately I can only give 5*, actually it would be 7 *”

GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews now)

• This helicopter tour offers multiple landings (Lukla, Kala Patthar – Everest Base Camp, Hotel Everest View).
• You’ll have the option to have breakfast at Hotel Everest View (for an additional fee).
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu are included.
• You’ll have plenty of flight time with this tour, thanks to the multiple landings.

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4. BEST-REVIEWED EBC HELICOPTER TOUR: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

🏆 HIGHLY-REVIEWED EVEREST BASE CAMP HELICOPTER TOUR

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Small-group helicopter tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 (128 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

With over 100 reviews and a great rating, you’ll want to check out this EBC helicopter tour. Like the other tours in this guide, it departs from Kathmandu and offers you the experience of a lifetime. The benefit of choosing this tour is the company you go with, as all the reviews will tell you. The pilot will even be happy to take your photos for you, as they’ll know exactly what you’re looking at!

“The trip started with some glimpses of mountains around the valley. The weather was very clear in Lukla and above, it was clear. The helicopter took us to Everest Base camp and Kala Patthar. The pilot took our photos. They were the best. The trip was the best! Oh man, what a thrill! Breakfast at Hotel Everest View was on top. Thank you, Mr. Dipak, for arranging this trip. I look forward to further trips with your company. Best tour management! Thanks!”

TripAdvisor Reviewer (read more reviews now)

• Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu are included.
• There’s a maximum of 5 travelers so it’s a very intimate experience.
• This is one of the highest-reviewed tours in this guide, with travelers commenting on their fabulous experiences.
• On the way to Everest, you’ll fly over Buddhist monasteries, Sherpa villages, and lush forests.

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5. BEST HALF-DAY HELICOPTER TOUR FROM KATHMANDU: Everest Base Camp Landing Helicopter Tour

🏆 TOP HALF-DAY HELICOPTER TOUR

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Half-day helicopter tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 (18 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is operated by Exciting Nepal Treks and Expedition. Offering guided commentary throughout the flight and plenty of photo opportunities, you’re sure to have a fantastic time on this tour. Not only will you stop at Kala Patthar for the best views of Everest, but there’s also the option to have breakfast at Everest View Hotel.

“The helicopter tour was terrific. The flights to Lukla and then to Pheriche and then to the Everest View Hotel were great. The amount of time to take pictures at Kala Patthar was good and the breakfast at the hotel was really nice. It certainly helped that we had a nice, clear day in November. There were just five of us in the helicopter.”

Pakirishmd (read more reviews now)

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
• You’ll have private transportation and will be traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• On this tour, you’ll learn all about the geology and history of the area through live commentary.
• You’ll have ample photo-taking opportunities.

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6. TOP PICK FOR MOST AFFORDABLE EBC TOUR: Everest Base Camp: 3-Hour Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

🏆 BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY EVEREST BASE CAMP TOUR

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Small-group sightseeing tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 (10 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This Everest Base Camp helicopter sightseeing tour is more affordable than many of the other EBC tours out there. Although it’s still very costly, you’ll be saving up to $500 compared to some of the others in this guide.

After flying to Lukla Airport and refueling, you’ll head out to explore the Everest Region by air. You’ll also land at Everest Base Camp for around 5 minutes before heading to Hotel Everest View!

“An absolute professional – we never felt unsafe. With a lot of patience and excellent communication, he gave us an unforgettable experience. The tour to Mount Everest in the Himalayas was a dream (with great weather). The pilot also works as a rescue pilot – you can tell. He controls the heli perfectly. We were even dropped off briefly on a higher plateau than the base camp (about 5550m). A magnificent backdrop!”

GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews now)

• More affordable than the other tours in this guide.
• Everyone is guaranteed a window seat to admire the views.
• All passenger insurance is included with the tour.
• It’s possible to include a memorable breakfast at Hotel Everest View.

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7. BEST EBC HELICOPTER TOUR WITH HOTEL STAY: Everest Experience with Overnight Stay

🏆 TOP PICK FOR OVERNIGHT EBC TOUR

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Small-group helicopter tour with overnight stay

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 days

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 (3 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This overnight trip is a fantastic option for those who want to spend a bit more time enjoying the mighty Everest. Not only will you get to land at Everest Base Camp, but you’ll also stay at Hotel Everest View. This allows you to explore more of Sagarmatha National Park, as you’ll be offered two hiking options; Khumjung Village or Namche Village.

“In spite of the delayed helicopter scheduling I’d a great time. The helicopter pilot, CAPT. RAJENDRA DUWAL is a great guy. He immediately moved into action when I was suffering altitude sickness when we landed in Kala Patthar. The Hotel Everest View is perfect location to see the Himalayan mountains up close and particularly those who’ve no mountaineering skills.”

Onofre (read more reviews now)

• An overnight stay at Hotel Everest View is included in this tour.
• This tour includes 2x breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• You’ll have time to go on a guided hike to either Khumjung Village or Namche Village.
• All taxes and fees are already included in the tour price.

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8. TOP SMALL GROUP EBC HELICOPTER TOUR: Everest Base Camp Sharing Helicopter Tour

🏆 TOP PICK FOR INTIMATE HELICOPTER TOUR

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Small-group helicopter tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 (26 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This small-group helicopter tour is another great option if you’re looking to visit Everest Base Camp. As it’s only a half-day tour, you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of Kathmandu once you get back to Nepal’s capital city.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for your national park entrance fee and airport tax (these aren’t included in the tour price).

• There’s a maximum of 5 passengers allowed on this tour.
• All traveler insurance is included.
• This tour includes airport transfers in Kathmandu.
• Offers an intimate flight experience.

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9. TOP BASE CAMP TOUR WITH OPTIONAL BREAKFAST: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with landing

🏆 TOP EBC TOUR WITH OPTIONAL BREAKFAST

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Small-group helicopter tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 (9 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

This Everest Base Camp helicopter tour includes numerous landing points so you can make the most of the scenery! Throughout the trip, you’ll have an expert pilot who will also act as your guide.

If there are more than three people on the flight, then you’ll stop off at Pheriche first. From here, there will be two separate flights to ensure every passenger has a window seat.

“Unfortunately, due to inclement weather we were unable to join this trip. The company kept us informed with weather updates but alas it was not meant to be. I just read on the news another tour company crashed on a similar trip with complete loss of life. For this I want to thank this company for having our safety as paramount. Additionally, as soon as it become apparent there was no chance of this tour going ahead, a full refund was automatically activated. Again, for that I thank you”

Paul (read more reviews now)

• This tour includes a 10-minute stop at Kala Patthar, along with other landings.
• You can send the company your trip dates, and they’ll pick the best possible day regarding the weather.
• You’ll have an expert pilot as your guide.
• You can opt to include breakfast at Hotel Everest View.

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10. BEST 1-DAY EBC LANDING TOUR WITH AUDIOGUIDE: From Kathmandu: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

🏆 BEST 1-DAY EVEREST BASE CAMP TOUR 🔥

Tour at a Glance:

🚁 TOUR TYPE: Sightseeing helicopter tour

📍 TOUR LOCATION: Departs from Kathmandu

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 (3 Reviews) | Details: Read more reviews now!

Why Take This Tour:

Finally, there’s also this Everest Base Camp helicopter tour which includes an audioguide. As well as stopping at Kala Patthar Viewpoint to see the towering Mount Everest, you’ll also stop off at Synagboche, which is the closest airstrip to Everest and Everest Base Camp.

Not only that, but you’ll have the option of a memorable breakfast with mountain views at Hotel Everest View (for an additional fee).

“A super great experience!“

Nadine (read more reviews now)

• There’s an option to include breakfast at Hotel Everest View.
• This tour includes an audioguide.
• Airport taxes and fees are included in this tour.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Kathmandu are also included.

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🚁 How much does it cost to go to Everest Base Camp on a helicopter tour?

You’re looking to pay at least $1000 for an Everest base camp helicopter experience. However, this is at the more affordable end of the scale. The average is around $1,500, while some tours cost up to $2,500. The latter typically includes an overnight stay at Hotel Everest View and breakfast!

As you can tell, this experience isn’t cheap so you’ll need to keep that in mind. This is especially the case if you want to add on additional extras. In my opinion, the experience is totally worth the cost but you’ll need to set some extra cash aside.

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🚁Is an Everest helicopter tour worth it?

A simple answer – 100% yes! There’s nothing quite like seeing the world’s tallest mountain from the air, especially on a clear day. The views from these helicopter tours will take your breath away, and many of them make multiple landings too.

This guide focuses on Everest base camp helicopter tours, where you’ll get to land at EBC. For those who don’t have two weeks to hike to base camp, these tours are a fantastic alternative. Not to mention, they will leave plenty of free time in your Nepal itinerary so you can visit other places!

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🚁What is the best way to see Everest Base Camp?

This all depends on you! Many people prefer to hike to Everest Base Camp and experience it this way, before taking a helicopter tour off the mountain for their return. This way, you can experience the best of both worlds.

As I previously mentioned, those short on time are best off opting for an Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. If you’re not on a schedule, then I can imagine that the Everest Base Camp trek would be thoroughly rewarding. However, the decision will depend on your timeframe, budget, and fitness levels.

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• NO PLASTIC: Visitors can create huge amounts of rubbish, particularly plastic packaging. Please dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully and carefully, use recycling bins where available, reuse plastic bottles and carrier bags, avoid taking disposable items with you, and buy items that have minimal packaging.
• RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT: When trekking or walking do not wander off the trails, keep as quiet as possible so as not to disturb the habitat, do not remove plants or animals, and purchase products that further endanger threatened species and habitats
• NO SOUVENIRS: As tempting as it is to collect items from buildings, sacred sites, and so on as souvenirs, resist all urges, and leave them behind.
• SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES:  Support the local economy by buying local brands and eating local food.
• RESPECT THE LOCAL CULTURE: Ethical travel is also about minimizing cultural impact, therefore please respect the culture and customs and do not partake in any activities that may be deemed as culturally inappropriate.
•  RESPECT LOCAL PEOPLE: Whilst taking photographs, check with a local person whether it is acceptable and consider people’s privacy.

“Take only photographs, leave behind only footprints”

As you can see, there are plenty of helicopter tours to the Everest Base Camp, to choose from! No matter which one you choose, you’ll need to fork out quite a substantial amount of cash. However, I can assure you that the experience is 100% worth it in my opinion.

While this article featured the best Everest Base Camp helicopter tours, you might still be undecided – so let me help you!

Although hiking to Everest Base Camp is a bucket list trek for many, the majority of travelers heading to Nepal just don’t have that amount of time. That’s why helicopter tours to the Everest Base Camp are so popular because they’re a half-day activity (rather than a 10-20-day hike).

For the best experience, make sure you read the reviews of each tour as well as what’s included. This way, you can pick the helicopter tour that’s most suited to you. If you want to add to the experience, then some tours even include an overnight stay or breakfast at Hotel Everest View!

You should check out these other articles:

• The Top Places To Visit In Pokhara
• Homestay in Nepal, tales of a real-life experience at a rural village!
• How to Hire a Porter in Nepal
• Interesting Facts about Nepal That You Need to Know
• Nepal Trip Plan: Cost, What to See, Know and Do in Nepal