The Everest Base Camp Overfly Helicopter Tour is the most affordable way to see the Himalayas by air. In just 4 unforgettable hours, you’ll fly from Kathmandu to the Everest region, soaring over Lukla, Pheriche, the Khumbu Glacier, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar, with a scenic stop near Hotel Everest View in Syangboche. This group joining helicopter tour is designed for travelers who want the thrill of Everest without trekking or chartering a private helicopter—making it the one and only budget-friendly helicopter option to Everest.
This package is an Everest helicopter sightseeing (no landing) tour. You will fly directly over Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, enjoying sweeping aerial views of the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall, and Mount Everest itself. There is no landing at Kala Patthar on this itinerary.
If you prefer a private helicopter charter with landing at Kala Patthar, please explore our alternative package: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing.
Unlike private helicopter charters, this is a group joining tour. Individual travelers can book a seat and join others on the same flight. This format makes it:
The everest scenic helicopter flight is designed to let you experience the majesty of the Himalayas in just four hours, without days of trekking or the challenges of high-altitude camping. Starting from Kathmandu Domestic Airport, you’ll rise above the bustling capital and soon find yourself gliding over lush valleys, winding rivers, and terraced villages that paint the foothills of Nepal. The flight then sweeps east toward the famous mountain airstrip of Lukla, where the helicopter makes a short refueling stop. This first phase introduces you to the gateway of the Everest region, a place alive with trekkers, Sherpa culture, and the energy of adventure.
From Lukla, the journey continues higher into the heart of the Khumbu. At Pheriche, the helicopter lands briefly, allowing safe shuttle transfers so only a small number(2 to 3) of passengers at a time fly further toward the high-altitude zone. This careful arrangement ensures both safety and comfort as you approach the world’s highest peaks. From here, you’ll soar past Syangboche, home to the iconic Hotel Everest View, a place renowned for its sweeping panoramas of Everest and Ama Dablam.
The highlight of the journey is the helicopter sightseeing over Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. From the air, you’ll witness the mighty Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall, the lifelines of the Everest climbing route. The close-up aerial perspective gives you a rare chance to see what trekkers and climbers spend weeks reaching. Imagine gazing at the snow-draped pyramid of Mount Everest (8,848m), flanked by Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori, all from the comfort of your seat.
Throughout the trip, you’ll see Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries tucked into the hillsides, and colorful prayer flags fluttering against the deep blue sky. The landscapes shift dramatically—from green hillsides and alpine meadows to rugged glaciers and towering peaks. The entire experience is carefully timed and operated by experienced local pilots who know the region intimately, ensuring both safety and spectacular views at every stage.
This Everest helicopter panoramic flight is not only scenic but also practical. With no landing at Kala Patthar, it avoids long exposure to extreme altitudes while still delivering the world’s most iconic Himalayan views. The total journey takes about four hours, making it the perfect adventure for those short on time but eager for an unforgettable taste of the Everest region.
By the time you return to Kathmandu, you’ll have seen and felt the essence of the Khumbu—its people, its landscapes, and its towering mountains. More than just a flight, this journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves you with memories, photos, and perspectives that stay with you forever.
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- Your adventure begins early in the morning at Kathmandu Domestic Airport. After a short briefing and check-in procedure, you’ll meet your pilot and fellow travelers. The excitement builds as you board the helicopter, ready for one of the most unforgettable journeys of your life.
MEALS
- 45 minutes flight - Take off from Kathmandu and enjoy a breathtaking flight across rolling hills, winding rivers, and scattered mountain villages. After about 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at Lukla, famously known as the gateway to Everest. The helicopter pauses here for 10–15 minutes for refueling, giving you a glimpse of the bustling mountain hub where trekkers begin their Everest expeditions.
MEALS - 20 Minutes - Flying deeper into the Khumbu Valley, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with towering peaks and alpine landscapes. The helicopter lands at Pheriche, a high-altitude village that serves as a safe transition point. Here, the shuttle process begins, as only 2–3 passengers at a time can continue to higher altitude zones.
MEALS - 20 Minutes - From Pheriche, you’ll embark on the most thrilling section of the journey. The helicopter flies above Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Glacier, and the Khumbu Icefall, offering a rare bird’s-eye view of the climbers’ route to the summit. You’ll also overfly Kala Patthar, the famous viewpoint of Everest. From this aerial perspective, you’ll see Everest’s peak rising above all, surrounded by Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori. This segment lasts about 15–20 minutes but feels timeless in its impact.
MEALS - 30 Minutes - On the return leg, the helicopter makes a brief stop at Syangboche, home of the legendary Hotel Everest View. This spot is renowned for its sweeping vistas of Everest and surrounding mountains. Travelers often take a short break here for photographs and, if time allows, optional refreshments while gazing at the Himalayas.
MEALS Breakfast 1 Hour - After regrouping at Pheriche, the helicopter retraces its path via Lukla before making the final descent back to Kathmandu. By late morning, you’ll land at Kathmandu Domestic Airport, carrying with you panoramic memories of the Himalayas, captured in just a few hours yet lasting a lifetime.
MEALS -The Everest overfly helicopter cost depends on whether you join a group or book privately. Our group joining tour is the most affordable option, where individual travelers share the helicopter cost. This makes it the only cheap Everest helicopter sightseeing (no landing) tour. For those seeking privacy and flexibility, private charter flights are also available at a higher cost.
Most travelers choose to begin the journey directly from Kathmandu Domestic Airport. This is the standard route, taking you all the way to Lukla, Pheriche, Syangboche, and over Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. The entire trip lasts about four hours, making it the most convenient choice for travelers with limited time.
If you are already in Lukla (perhaps after trekking or arriving by flight), you can join our overfly helicopter from Lukla. This shortens the journey and cost compared to Kathmandu departures. The flight still includes the Pheriche shuttle, overfly of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, and scenic stop at Syangboche.
For trekkers who’ve already reached Namche Bazaar, we also arrange Everest overfly helicopter flights from Namche. This option saves time and gives you a direct panoramic flight over the Khumbu region, Base Camp, and Kala Patthar before returning. It’s ideal for trekkers who want to combine hiking with the thrill of a helicopter overfly.
Helicopter flights in the Everest region operate under strict weight limits for safety. A helicopter can carry up to 5 passengers with a combined weight of around 450–500 kg from Kathmandu to Lukla. For higher altitudes beyond Pheriche, only 2–3 passengers can fly at a time due to reduced lift capacity. This is why a shuttle system from Pheriche is used for Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar overfly.
The best time for the Everest Base Camp Overfly Helicopter Tour is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These seasons offer the clearest skies, stable weather, and the most breathtaking mountain views. Winter flights (December–February) are also possible, with crisp skies but colder temperatures. Summer/monsoon (June–August) brings frequent clouds and rain, making visibility less reliable. Morning departures (6:00–7:00 AM) are preferred for the best weather conditions.
All helicopter flights in Nepal, especially in the Everest region, are weather dependent. Clear skies and good visibility are required for safe operation. If your flight is delayed or canceled due to weather, we will either reschedule for the next available window or provide a refund as per our company policy. Safety always comes first.
We highly recommend that travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before joining this tour. While the flight itself is covered by the operator’s aviation insurance, personal travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, high-altitude risks, and trip interruptions. Having the right insurance gives peace of mind when flying in remote Himalayan conditions.
The Everest Base Camp Overfly Helicopter Tour takes around 4 hours in total when starting from Kathmandu. This includes check-in, refueling at Lukla, shuttle stop at Pheriche, overfly of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, a scenic pause at Syangboche, and return. The actual overfly time above Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar lasts about 15–20 minutes, giving you enough opportunity to take photos and soak in the views.
Many travelers love the chance to pause at the world-famous Hotel Everest View in Syangboche. If time and weather allow, the helicopter will land here briefly, giving you the option to enjoy panoramic views and even breakfast with Everest in the background (meal cost extra). However, some departures may skip this stop if weather conditions are tight or the group prefers a quicker return. Both versions include the full overfly of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
This helicopter tour is not just about Everest. You’ll also have clear aerial views of some of the most iconic Himalayan peaks, including:
Flying close to these peaks offers an unmatched perspective compared to ground treks.
One of the most breathtaking moments of this flight is gliding above the Khumbu Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. From the air, you’ll see its winding ice flow stretching down from Everest, as well as the dramatic Khumbu Icefall, where climbers begin their ascent to the summit. The scale and beauty of the glacier are best appreciated from a helicopter, where the patterns of ice and crevasses create an unforgettable sight.
This package is a Kala Patthar overfly only tour — meaning the helicopter does not land at Kala Patthar. Instead, you’ll circle over the viewpoint and capture the same dramatic close-up views of Everest and surrounding peaks from the air.
Overfly Advantage: Safer, quicker, avoids long exposure to extreme altitude, and keeps the cost affordable.
Landing Option: If you want to actually land at Kala Patthar and step out for photos, please see our separate package: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing.
Because this is a no-landing helicopter sightseeing tour, altitude concerns are minimal. You’ll reach high elevations (above 5,000m) during the overfly, but you won’t spend extended time outside the helicopter. The shuttle system at Pheriche (4,371m) ensures safe altitude management. Oxygen is available inside the helicopter for emergencies, but most passengers experience little to no discomfort since exposure is short. This makes it suitable for first-time travelers, families, and those concerned about altitude sickness.
Note: Group joining Date may vary on weather condition and number of people joined.
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Yes. The Everest Base Camp Overfly Helicopter Tour is specifically designed as a no-landing sightseeing flight. Instead of touching down at Kala Patthar, the helicopter flies directly over Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Khumbu Glacier, giving you stunning aerial views without long exposure to extreme altitude.
The entire trip takes about 4 hours round-trip from Kathmandu. This includes check-in, refueling at Lukla, a shuttle stop at Pheriche, the overfly of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, a scenic pause at Syangboche (Hotel Everest View), and the return to Kathmandu.
The price depends on whether you join a group flight or book a private charter. Group joining tours are the most affordable option, allowing individuals to share the helicopter cost and the cost for group joining is USD 1250 Per Person. For exact current pricing, please contact us directly — but this package remains the only budget-friendly Everest helicopter option.
Yes. Overflying avoids long exposure to altitudes above 5,000m, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness. It also allows for a faster, smoother experience while still delivering the same dramatic mountain views. This makes it a safer and more comfortable choice for many travelers.
Yes, if time and weather allow, the helicopter will make a short stop at Hotel Everest View in Syangboche. Travelers can choose to enjoy breakfast here (extra cost USD 30), while soaking in the incredible panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks.
From Kathmandu to Lukla, the helicopter can carry up to 5 passengers with a combined weight of about 450–500 kg. From Pheriche to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, only 2–3 passengers fly at a time due to altitude restrictions. This is why a shuttle system is used for the high-altitude section.
It depends on your travel style:
You’ll enjoy aerial views of Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the Khumbu Glacier, and Khumbu Icefall, along with close-up panoramas of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and many other Himalayan peaks. The scenery also includes Sherpa villages, monasteries, and valleys that form the cultural heart of the Khumbu.
Maximum: 5 People/Helicopter
Best price guaranteed
Safe Tour Plan
Response Time 0-2 Hours , Response Rate 100%
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Sarah ThompsonUSAOn 2022-11-25
A Dream Come True – Everest From The Sky
I’ve Always Dreamed Of Seeing Mount Everest, But Trekking For Weeks Was Not Possible With My Schedule. This Overfly Helicopter Tour Was The Perfect Solution. The Views Of Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier, And Kala Patthar From Above Were Absolutely Surreal. The Team At Easy Helicopter Nepal Was Professional, Friendly, And Made Me Feel Completely Safe Throughout The Journey. Truly A Once-in-a-lifetime Experience!
Mark JensenDenmarkOn 2023-11-5
Affordable Way To Experience Everest
I Was Surprised At How Affordable This Group Joining Helicopter Tour Was Compared To Other Everest Flights. Sharing The Helicopter With Fellow Travelers Made It Not Only Cost-effective But Also More Fun. The Overfly Of Everest And Surrounding Peaks Was Breathtaking, And The Quick Stop At Hotel Everest View Was The Cherry On Top. Highly Recommended For Anyone Short On Time But Eager To See The Himalayas Up Close.
PriyaIndiaOn 2023-04-09
Safe, Smooth, And Spectacular
I Was Initially Worried About Altitude Sickness, But Since This Tour Is An Overfly And Not A Landing At Kala Patthar, It Felt Much Safer And More Comfortable. The Pilot Explained Everything Clearly, And The Views From The Helicopter Were Unmatched — Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, And Ama Dablam All In One Frame! I Came Back With Amazing Photos And Even Better Memories.
James WilsonCanadaOn 2024-05-19
Perfect For Short-Time Travelers
I Only Had A Few Days In Nepal, And This 4-hour Helicopter Tour Was Exactly What I Needed. From Kathmandu To Lukla, Pheriche, And Finally Over Everest Base Camp, Every Minute Was Packed With Excitement. The Organization Was Smooth, The Staff Very Professional, And The Experience Worth Every Penny. I Can’t Imagine A Better Way To See The World’s Highest Mountain In Such A Short Time.
Maria LopezSpainOn 2023-09-11
Stunning Views And Great Service
The Service From Easy Helicopter Nepal Was Outstanding From The Very First Inquiry. They Guided Me Through Every Detail, And The Tour Itself Exceeded My Expectations. Flying Over The Khumbu Glacier And Seeing Climbers’ Tents At Base Camp Was Unforgettable. The Helicopter Was Modern, The Pilot Experienced, And Everything Felt Safe And Well-managed. A Must-do For Anyone Visiting Nepal!