Which Everest helicopter tour is the best?

Every helicopter flight on this site leaves Kathmandu, can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure and goes only when the weather allows. Our verdict rests on what differs between the listings and can be checked on each of them.

Where the helicopter lands

The title says Base Camp almost everywhere; the itinerary does not. Our pick lands at Lukla, Pheriche and Syangboche and passes Everest without a high landing. Flights that list Kala Patthar take you higher, to a ridge that operators give at more than 5,500 m. The landing points page lists which flight names which stop.

Shared seat or private helicopter

Most Everest listings with a review history are shared or small-group flights, sold per seat, with groups of up to five or six passengers and a pilot. The private group tours give your party the aircraft, but the listings do not say if the starting price covers one person or the whole helicopter. Shared or private compared.

Fees and breakfast on the day

Our pick is one of the listings that spells out its fees on the day: a national park fee, an airport tax and a Khumbu fee, plus an optional breakfast at Hotel Everest View at extra cost. Other listings name fewer fees or none, which does not mean there are none. Prices and fees explained, and the breakfast stop flight by flight.

Weight limit per passenger

Every shared listing sets a limit per passenger, and they differ from flight to flight. If someone in your group is close to the limit of our pick, a flight with a higher limit can be the better choice for you. The limits are in the fact sheet on the comparison page; altitude and safety explains why helicopters carry less higher up.

Helicopter or plane

The mountain flight by plane does not land at all. It suits you if seeing Everest from the window is enough. On the plane the seat decides the view; one listing guarantees a window seat. Helicopter or mountain flight compared.