Frequently Asked Questions

The classic Everest Base Camp helicopter tour takes 4 to 5 hours round trip from Kathmandu. You will fly east over the rolling hills of Solukhumbu, land at Kala Patthar (5,545m) for panoramic views of Everest, enjoy breakfast at the Hotel Everest View, and return to Kathmandu before midday. Private charters follow the same route but offer more flexibility to extend photo stops or add extra landings.

We guarantee a landing at Kala Patthar (5,545m), the famous viewpoint directly below Everest, on every tour. Landing at Everest Base Camp itself depends on the season — during the spring climbing expedition (April-May) the base camp area is busy with expeditions and helicopter landings are restricted, so we land at nearby Pheriche instead. Kala Patthar offers far better views of Everest than base camp, which is why it is the highlight landing point of our tours.

Yes, breakfast at the Hotel Everest View (3,880m) — recognized by Guinness World Records as the highest-placed hotel in the world — is included in all our standard and premium tours. You will enjoy a hot meal on the open-air terrace with uninterrupted views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the entire Khumbu valley while you acclimatize comfortably before returning to Kathmandu.

A shared group tour seats up to 5 passengers in one helicopter and follows a fixed departure schedule, making it the most affordable option. A private charter gives you exclusive use of the helicopter with flexible departure times, customizable routes, extended landing stops, and priority weather windows — ideal for photographers, proposals, families, and small groups who want a personalized experience.

Yes. Our flights are operated by experienced high-altitude pilots flying AS350 B3e helicopters, the industry standard for Himalayan operations, equipped with supplemental oxygen bottles for passenger use during the Kala Patthar landing. The brief time spent at altitude (10-15 minutes) is carefully managed, and every flight carries emergency oxygen, first-aid supplies, and follows strict Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal safety regulations.

The landing stop at Kala Patthar lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This window is deliberately kept short for safety — it allows enough time for photographs, soaking in the close-up view of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse, and enjoying a complimentary champagne toast, while minimizing exposure to thin air at 5,545m. Passengers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.

Mountain weather can change quickly, and safety always comes first. If your flight cannot depart due to fog, wind, or poor visibility, we reschedule you to the next available slot free of charge, or provide a full refund if rescheduling does not suit your itinerary. We recommend keeping one buffer day in Kathmandu, particularly during winter (December-February) when morning haze is more common.

Tours operate year-round, but the clearest mountain views come in autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May), when visibility is excellent and temperatures are moderate. Winter offers crisp, clear skies and fewer crowds but carries a slightly higher chance of morning fog delays. Summer monsoon months (June-August) are possible with early morning departures, though cloud cover can obscure views.

For flight safety and performance at high altitude, each passenger is limited to 10 kg of personal weight allowance, including handbags. Total payload per helicopter is strictly calculated by the pilot based on conditions. Weights declared at booking may be verified at check-in. Small daypacks are permitted; large luggage can be stored safely at our Kathmandu office or your hotel free of charge.

Book directly through our website, by email, phone, or WhatsApp — we respond within 24 hours. A deposit confirms your reservation, with the balance payable before departure. We accept bank transfers, Visa and Mastercard, PayPal, Wise, and cash payments at our Thamel office in Kathmandu. Group bookings of 4 or more receive discounted per-seat pricing on shared tours.

Cancellations made more than 7 days before departure receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee. Cancellations within 7 days are charged 25% of the tour price, and within 48 hours the deposit is non-refundable. If we cancel your flight for weather, technical, or safety reasons, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule — your choice. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

No trekking permits are required since you never trek on foot beyond the landing points. However, the Sagarmatha National Park entry fee and all local taxes are included in your tour price, and we handle all documentation on your behalf. You only need to bring a valid passport or government-issued ID for aviation security checks at the domestic terminal.

Dress in warm layers even in spring and autumn — temperatures at Kala Patthar hover around -10°C to -15°C year-round. Bring a windproof jacket, gloves, a woolen hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and your camera with fully charged batteries (cold drains them fast). Comfortable walking shoes are sufficient as no hiking is involved. Bottled water and light snacks are provided on board.