The Bird’s Eve view, what an idea to make the Himalayan journey more fun and enjoyable.
Whoever thought of this idea for the first time needs to be thanked. The bird’s eye view means
the viewing helicopter tour of Mt Everest and its surrounding peaks from the sky.
The helicopter tour is the perfect way to enjoy the aerial Views of the peaks, remote places,
and greenery forests, utilize your time, do unique photography, and much more. Moreover, this
tour fulfills the dreams of going for EBC trekking for those who have physical ability or limited
time.
The Everest base camp helicopter tour is the best opportunity to get panoramic views of the
peaks and other surroundings within a day. Normally, an EBC trek takes 12-14 days to
complete. So, isn’t it time-saving?
In addition, the bird’s eye view from a helicopter is the perfect place for photographers to
capture the stunning views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks. Photographs cannot be
captured from the ground the way it can be captured from the Helicopter ride.
Key highlights of the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour
- Aerial Views of the lush forests, valleys, villages, lakes, glaciers, and the Himalayas.
- Enjoy flying above the Himalayas like the birds in the skies
- Enjoying the smooth and safe helicopter ride
- Deeper connection with the destination
- Landing at EBC or KalaPatthar
- Easy to access to the Everest base camp without doing trekking
- Time-saving
Preparing for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Whether going on the Everest base camp helicopter tour or Everest base camp trekking by
road, basic necessary preparations are necessary. The following are a portion of the significant and essential
preparations required for the Everest base camp helicopter tour.
A. Booking process and logistics
The Everest Base Camp helicopter tour booking process and managing logistics are
easy and stress-free when booked with a reputable agency or company. Some of the
reputed travel agencies are Mystic Adventure Holidays Pvt. Ltd, Adventure White
Mountain Pvt. Ltd. And so on.
After selecting the reputed agency, you will start your booking process for your awaited
journey. Fill out the booking form on the websites of the selected trekking company or directly
email them with passenger details and preferences.
After that make payments, save transactions, and follow up with the agency for more
information. The payments can vary on the tour type and the passenger number. Moving on to
the payment policy, booking with a minimum 30% advance payment is mandatory to confirm
the booking. You can pay the rest upon arriving in Kathmandu.
Moreover, the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour starts from the flight to Lukla and then to EBC
and back. The helicopter you will ride is Eurocopter AS350 B3 which is a five-passenger
helicopter including a pilot.
B. Necessary permits and paperwork
If going with a reputed travel agency, no need to worry about the necessary permits.
The agency will handle all the required paperwork. Be that as it may, for your insight, a portion of the
necessary permits and paperwork required for the EBC helicopter tour are listed below.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- KhumbuPasangLhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
- Passport and passport-sized photos
- Travel Insurance
C. Packing essentials
Packing essentials is necessary when going for the EBC helicopter tour. Proper clothing and
footwear are required when landing on the EBC. EBC is situated in high altitude area so, it is
necessary to stay warm. Some of the expert’s recommended items for the EBC helicopter tour
are given below.
- Clothing: Thermals, fleece, waterproof/windproof jacket, fleece pants, trekking trousers,
- hiking shirts, underwear, thick woolen socks, gloves, woolen caps, sun hats, and so on.
- Footwear: Trekking boots, gaiters (for snowy season), sandals/flip flops, etc.
- Trekking Gear: trekking poles, UV protection sunglasses, etc.
- Backpacks: 45-50L duffel bag, smaller pack with essential items like water, snacks or
- camera, rain cover for a backpack, etc.
- Other important items: Water bottle, portable charger, headlamp, lock, towel, first aid
- kit, toiletries, documents (passport, visa, insurance, etc.)
The Adventure Begins: Departure and Route
The exciting journey of the helicopter tour of the Everest Base Camp officially starts
from here. You will depart to the Lukla airport at the initial time.
A. Departure point and initial flight experience
The adventurous journey starts from Kathmandu. You will fly over Nagarkot, Jiri, and
land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. The helicopter will stay for some time there for
refueling.
After refueling, you will fly over Syangboche, Tengboche, Pheriche, and GorakShep
before landing the EBC. This flight gives you stunning views of the Himalayas
B. Scenic route overview and notable landmarks
Some of the routes and landmarks that are worth watching are listed below.
- Flight over the beautiful hills of the Nagarkot and Jiri
- Flight over Namche Bazaar, Syangboche, Tengboche, Pheriche, and Gorakshep
Landing at EBC or Kala Patthar
Flight over the Khumbu glacier and other natural beauty of the region
Aerial Views of the Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar and the Tengboche
monastery
C. Pilot commentary and communication
When going on an Everest Base Camp helicopter tour, there is a pilot to guide you and
provide some valuable knowledge about the areas you are passing. So, there is no
need for guides of the porter for the EBC helicopter tour.
Moreover, they will tell about the real experiences, cultures and traditions followed in
that particular region.
Landing at Everest Base Camp
A. Experience of landing at one of the world’s highest helipads
There is a great experience upon landing the EBC. It gives you a feeling while stepping
on the sacred ground in between the Himalayas. The sudden change in altitude and
weather conditions give you a unique perspective on the Everest base camp.
B. Exploring Everest Base Camp and surrounding areas
The EBC helicopter tour’s best part is going through each and every part of Everest
Base Camp and its surrounding areas. You can enjoy the various peaks like Cho Oyu,
Makalu, and Lhotse along with Mt. Everest from EBC.
Moreover, you will get to experience the warm hospitality of the region along with an
opportunity to immerse in their local culture and traditions.
C. Opportunities for photography and sightseeing
Photography is one of the reasons why people go for the Everest Base Camp
Helicopter Tour. This is due to the aerial Views of the Himalayas and landscapes.
Moreover, this tour gives the perfect opportunity to capture
- Sharp images of the peaks in the golden glow of sunrise
- Green landscapes
- Close pics of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks and so on.
Return Journey and Highlights
A. Departure from Everest Base Camp and farewell
After watching the stunning views of peaks, and spending some time in the EBC, you
will be departed back to the Lukla airport and then back to the Kathmandu city.
B. Additional scenic spots and highlights on the return journey
This return journey gives you an aerial view of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks.
Moreover, this aerial view allows you to enjoy the beauty of Sherpa villages and
Sagarmatha National Park.
Another popular highlight of the journey is the helicopter landing at the Everest View
Hotel for breakfast with stunning views of the mountains.
C. Reflections on the overall experience
Overall, this Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour gives you the unique opportunity to
immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas and green landscapes. You will get a
bird’s eye while flying in the sky.
Another thing that you will get to experience is the warm hospitality of the locals of the
Everest base camp, learn their traditions and culture, and interact with the Sherpa
communities.
Tips for Future Travelers on Everest Base Camp
Helicopter Tour
A. Recommendations for maximizing enjoyment and comfort
- Stay hydrated at higher altitudes like EBC.
- Even in a helicopter, staying calm and positive is important.
- Try to go for a private tour to maximize the joy.
- Ensure that you have appropriate travel protection.
- Respect the environment and local communities.
B. Advice on altitude sickness and acclimatization
Even on the helicopter ride, altitude sickness is a serious concern. Be aware of the
symptoms and get treatment quickly when you feel unwell. Carry all the necessary
medicines and avoid alcohol and caffeine in the EBC. Moreover, Inform your mate and
stay hydrated. Also if you love to hike to base camp, there is a good option like Everest
trekking with helicopter return, where you can enjoy the real adventure of himalayas.
C. Suggestions for eco-friendly and responsible tourism practices
To be a responsible trekker or traveler, you must follow these suggestions.
- Choose the reputed companies with experienced pilots and positive reviews.
- Respect the local customs and support the local economies.
- Minimize waste generation and use eco-friendly options.
- Check the weather conditions and travel safely.
- Secure your spot earlier.
- Be fit, carry all your necessary items, and enjoy the tour.
