It's climbing season again in Nepal and already dozens of record breaking summits have taken place on Everest (May 2023) But if that's not something on your list of priorities, but you still love mountains, Nepal has something new.

Recently helicopter tours to Mount Everest and the surrounding area have been taking nature enthusiasts close to the highest point on the planet.  No hiking required.  With stunning views of Everest and other mountains in the Himalayas, landing at three iconic points, one which includes breakfast with amazing views of this great mountain, this has to be on the bucket list. 

This 4 to 5 hour trip takes place out of Kathmandu. At the price of USD 1,175 per person it is certainly less expensive, and less exhausting, than spending 12 plus days hiking up and down the mountain sides.  And, more importantly, it is available for all, regardless of physical shape or age.  More information can be found at Magical Nepal, the agent for this trip.

What to See from the Helicopter

Taking off at around 6am from Kathmandu, with the pilot as your guide, the helicopter takes you out of the Kathmandu Valley and over lush green hilltops until you reach the high mountains of the Himalayas. Flying into the Hillary Tenzing Airport at Lukla one can see how skilled the pilots must be to land fixed wing planes at that altitude and onto that narrow landing strip. Helicopters are easier!   Here you stop to refuel.  Time to get a brief glimpse of the comings and goings of trekkers and expeditions  before taking off again and flying into Sagarmatha National Park.  The greenery of the pine forests and the foaming rivers below turns to rough stones and jagged trails; what you might expect from the rugged mountain landscape.

Another feature you may expect are the Tibetan Buddhism artifacts scattered below.  Chortens, stupas and colourful prayer flags.  Coming upon Tengboche Monastery, you can clearly see why such a revered monastery might be built at this high altitude.  The mountain views around the buildings are a reminder of the fragility of man against the backdrop of nature.   

Flying over Everest Base Camp, the expedition tents below are colourful as the climbers make their way slowly around camp preparing for their assault of the mountain. The infamous Khumbu Ice Falls, glaciers and glacier lakes can also be seen from your seat in the sky.  There is just so much majesty it is hard to take it all in.

Landings in Kalapattar

Aside from the refueling stop at Lukla, there are two other landings on this tour.  One is on Kalapattar, a ridge over 5,000m/ 16,500ft high.  This ridge of hard black rock sits in prime location for us humans to get amazing photographs and videos of Everest.  The proximity to the mountain is stunning.  Standing at base camp you do not get such amazing views.  Kalapattar is where every trekker will make their way after visiting base camp.   The landing may be short here as we cannot turn off the engine in the thin air, but there is enough time for us to be more than impressed by nature. 

The other landing is at Everest View Hotel.  Another location with unbelievable views of Everest and its neighbouring mountains.   Here we get a bit longer on the ground.  Long enough to enjoy breakfast.  What a dramatic setting for breakfast it is.  Being dazzled by the views somehow makes the food taste even more delicious.  But focus is not really on food is it?

Why do the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

If what you have read has not convinced you already, let me remind you that for a little over $1,000 you can get a trip of a life time. Aside from not having to trek for two weeks to see all these locations, this is something you can do at any age or level of fitness.  If you are concerned, be aware that being at altitude for such a short period of time does not impact the average body.  In the rare case, there is oxygen on board.  

You may have already trekked to Everest Base Camp, or you may be planning to do that in the near future.  But this tour gives you a totally different perspective.  Should you be interested, there are also new tours which include a short trek in the Everest Region, plus a return by helicopter, including landing on Kalapattar.  Magical Nepal can also help you explore those options. 

Given that this helicopter tour takes your, in just a few hours, to so many iconic locations it seems hard to pass up.  Even if you had not thought about it before, this trip can be fitted into your Nepal itinerary and, for our money, will become the highlight of your trip.