7 Days
Quick Facts
Flight
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sightseeing, Helicopter flight
Autumn, Spring
Moderate
Nepal
5,545 m
Kathamndu - Lukla - Phakding - Namche - Everest View Hotel - Kalapatther - Kathamndu
Why Everest View Trek with Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour?
Feel the magic of the Everest trek through stunning Himalayan landscapes and soar above Kala Patthar to create unforgettable memories from the heart.
- Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla with views of the Himalayan landscape
- Trekking through the Dudh Koshi Valley from Lukla to Phakding
- Walking through the Sherpa villages, pine forests, and suspension bridges
- Namche Bazaar, the principal trading center of the Khumbu region, to be explored.
- Note: Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel (3880m /12730ft)
- Views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and other Himalayan peaks
- Helicopter flight into the Everest region for a visit to Kala Patthar
- While I arrived at Kala Patthar (5545m /18192ft)
- The scenic views of the mountains in a panoramic view without trekking the entire path to Everest Base Camp.
- After visiting Kala Patthar, the helicopter returns to Kathmandu.
Trip Overview
The Everest View Trek with Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour combines a short trek in the Khumbu region with a helicopter visit to the high viewpoint of Kala Patthar. It’s for travelers who would like to see some of the big Himalayan peaks, visit Sherpa villages, and experience the Everest region without the long trek to Everest Base Camp.
The trip begins in Kathmandu, where you are picked up by helicopter and flown to Lukla. The hike from Lukla takes you to Phakding, then onward to Namche Bazaar. The walking portion follows the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing through forests, suspension bridges, and small mountain settlements. Namche Bazaar (3,440 m /11,286 ft) is a place to stop and acclimate to the higher elevations.
In Namche, you will have an acclimatization day. You can walk to Everest View Hotel (around 3,880 m / 12,730 ft) or stay in Namche and visit the local museum. From the higher viewpoint, you can see Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks on a clear day.
The highlight of the trip is the next day when you fly by helicopter to Kala Patthar. The highest point of the tour is Kala Patthar (5545m /18192 ft). The helicopter landing gives you a brief moment at an altitude where you can view Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains, without the long hike to reach this view.
Following the visit to Kala Patthar, the helicopter takes you back to Kathmandu, where you spend the night prior to your departure. The high-altitude section is done by helicopter, so it is ideal for those who want to experience Everest in a shorter time while visiting a high Himalayan viewpoint.
The Everest View Trek also offers a chance to see local life and culture in the Khumbu region. You will stay at mountain lodges, pass through Sherpa villages, and enjoy changing scenery as you ascend from Lukla to Namche.
Weather affects helicopter operations, especially in the mountains. The schedule may therefore need to be adjusted if flying conditions are not suitable. My Everest Trip will arrange the trekking services, permits, accommodation, and helicopter as part of the package.
Why Choose This Trek?
The Everest View Trek with Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour is recommended for those who don’t want to undertake a prolonged trek to Everest Base Camp. There are a few days of walking through the Khumbu region, where you can enjoy hiking on mountain trails, suspension bridges, forests, and Sherpa villages.
The hike takes you to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) and gives you one day to acclimatize. This is a trek to the Everest View Hotel (3880 m / 12730 ft) where you can enjoy some views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse.
The trip also includes a helicopter landing at Kala Patthar (5545 m / 18192 ft). That way, you can enjoy a high Himalayan vantage point without having to walk there. The helicopter then takes you back to Kathmandu, making the tour suitable for time-limited travelers.
Everest View Trek with Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Sightseeing
The trip starts in Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu is located at approximately 1,400 m and the day is made fairly leisurely to make it easier to recover from your trip.
You can visit Kathmandu Valley squares, temples and courtyards, which are important parts of this city. The locations visited may vary depending on the time of arrival and the sightseeing program.
In the evening you will head back to the hotel and get ready for the early morning helicopter flight to Lukla the next morning. Overnight stay at a Hotel in Kathmandu.
Dinner
Hotel
5 to 10 km
1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Arrival, hotel transfer and Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 02: Helicopter Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
The early-morning helicopter flight runs from Kathmandu to Lukla. Time in the air: approximately 40 – 50 minutes, depending on weather and operational conditions. Lukla is the main starting point for trekking in the Everest region.
Once you arrive in Lukla, you meet the trekking group, pack your bags, and then head to Phakding. The trail descends the Dudh Koshi Valley and passes small settlements, cropland, forests, and local homes. The walk is relatively short, giving you time to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment of the Himalayas.
After approximately 3-4 hours of walking, you arrive in Phakding (2610 m /8563 ft). Once you arrive at the mountain resort, you can unwind and explore the surrounding village.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge
8 km
2,610 m / 8,563 ft
Helicopter flight and trekking
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Following breakfast, it’s time to head back to Namche Bazaar. The trail runs along the Dudh Koshi River and passes through several Sherpa villages, pine forests, and suspension bridges. The trail gradually gets more challenging as you ascend.
You’ll go through Monjo where you’ll find the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. The path then heads toward Jorsale and crosses suspension bridges before reaching the rocky section on the way to Namche Bazaar. The last climb of the day is the hardest one.
Namche Bazaar (3440 m /11286 ft) is the primary trading and acclimatization point in the Khumbu area. The hike is about 10.4 km long and takes about 6 to 7 hours.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge
10.4 km
3,440 m / 11,286 ft
6 to 7 hours
Day 04: Acclimatization Hike to Thame visit old Monastery
Today, after breakfast, begin the day with a short hike to Thame, where you can visit the local monastery and experience the peaceful surroundings. Since this is not a long hiking day, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Rather than spending the entire day resting, take a short hike to a higher viewpoint before returning to Namche Bazaar. This gradual increase in elevation will help your body acclimatize to the higher altitude. When visibility is clear, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks.
If you prefer a shorter activity, explore Namche Bazaar and visit the local museum to learn more about the region’s history, culture, and mountaineering heritage. Afterward, return to your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for the days ahead.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge
7 to 10 km
3,440 m / 11,286 ft
Hike to Thame visit old Monastery
Day 05: Hike to Everest View Hotel and Khumjung Village
Today, after breakfast, begin your hike gradually toward Everest View Hotel. Along the way, you can visit the local museum and take some time to explore the area. Upon reaching Everest View Hotel, check in and enjoy lunch at the hotel.
After lunch, if you still have enough energy, take an optional excursion to Khumjung, where you can visit the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary and explore the local museum. Afterward, return to Everest View Hotel and spend the night
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lodge
4 to 5 km
3,880 m / 12,730 ft
Trek to Everest View Hotel
Day 06: Helicopter Flight to Kalapathar and Return to Kathmandu
Following breakfast, you’ll head up for your helicopter adventure! Pick-up is usually between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, but it may vary based on weather, helicopter activity, and local conditions.
The helicopter takes you to the higher Everest area and one of the most popular nearby viewpoints, Gorakshep, known as Kalapathar. The highest point of this itinerary is Kalapathar (5545m /18192 ft). Kalapathar is one of the best viewpoints for Mount Everest.
After landing at Kalapathar, you’ll spend the rest of the day on mountain viewing and photography, depending on flight and safety conditions. From there, you fly on to Kathmandu via helicopter. On arrival in Kathmandu, go to your hotel and spend the night.
Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Hotel
5,545 m / 18,192 ft
Helicopter flight, Kalapathar landing and sightseeing
Day 07: Departure or Rest Day in Kathmandu
The final day depends on your international or onward flight itinerary. If you have an early flight, you will check out from the hotel and take a taxi to the airport for your flight home. Your trekking team can arrange the airport transfer with time according to your schedule.
If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, or the next day, you may have enough time for a rest day in Kathmandu. Depending on your schedule, you can get some rest at the hotel or get out and do some exploring on your own.
This is the final day of the 6-day helicopter trek to Everest View and Kalapathar. The route combines trekking and helicopter flights, aiming to visit various points in the Khumbu region without trekking all the way to Everest Base Camp.
Breakfast
1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Airport transfer or free time in Kathmandu
What To Expect?
What's Included
- Transfers to and from the airport in Kathmandu according to the plan.
- Hotel room and breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at the Mountain lodges in Phakding and Namche Bazaar.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days.
- Helicopter flight from Everest Base Camp to Kala Patthar and back to Kathmandu.
- Kala Patthar landing and view (as per weather and aviation conditions).
- Experienced, licensed and English-speaking trekking guide.
- Required Trekking Permits & Local Entry Fees.
- Permit to enter Sagarmatha National Park.
- Required trekking papers (TIMS card).
- Do not provide meals, accommodation and insurance for the guide.
- As required for ground transportation during the trip.
- Service charges of the trekking agencies and government taxes on the services included.
What's Excluded
- Tourist visa fee in Nepal.
- Airfare from and to Nepal.
- Travel insurance including medical treatment and helicopter evacuation insurance.
- Personal expenses such as snacks, alcoholic drinks and beverages.
- Bottled or extra drinking water not provided in the package.
- Hot shower, Wi Fi and charging fees at the mountain lodges (if applicable).
- Individual phone and Internet costs.
- Other personal services, including laundry.
- Hiking gear and clothing.
- Personal medicines and medical expenses.
- Guidance for the guide, porters and other support crew.
- Registration of drones, drone permits and fees.
- Extra housing or meals due to flight delay, weather or change of itinerary.
- Additional helicopter/transitions expenses caused by factors beyond the planned itinerary.
- Services, expenses other than those listed under inclusions.
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Everest View Trek with Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour Additional Information
Weather Month-to-Month and Best Season
Weather in the Everest region changes rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. While the table below is a general guideline, mountain conditions can vary from year to year.
| Month | General Weather | Trekking Conditions |
| January | Cold and dry, with possible snow at higher elevations | Cold, but possible with good preparation |
| February | Cold mornings and evenings with clearer days | Suitable for experienced trekkers |
| March | Warmer days and improving weather | Good trekking conditions |
| April | Mild days with generally clear mountain views | Excellent period for trekking |
| May | Warm at lower elevations, with increasing cloud | Good early in the month |
| June | Beginning of monsoon conditions | Rain and cloud become more common |
| July | Wet with frequent rain and cloud | Less suitable |
| August | Monsoon continues with rain and cloud | Less suitable |
| September | Rain gradually decreases | Conditions improve toward the end |
| October | Dry, clear and stable weather | Excellent period |
| November | Cool, dry and generally clear | Excellent period |
| December | Cold with clear days and possible snow | Suitable with winter preparation |
October and November are also good times to do the Everest View Trek with a Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour, as the weather is dry and mountain visibility is often high. March, April and early May are also good months.
Autumn and spring are considered good seasons for trekking in the Everest region, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. Clear skies can occur during winter as well, though at higher altitudes, the weather will be much cooler.
Route and Elevation
The walk is a mixture of short days and helicopter trips. The trip starts in Kathmandu and continues via helicopter to Lukla. The trekking part of the journey from Lukla to Namche Bazaar is through the village of Phakding.
| Place | Approx. Elevation | Main Activity |
| Kathmandu | 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Arrival and sightseeing |
| Lukla | 2,860 m / 9,383 ft | Helicopter arrival |
| Phakding | 2,610 m / 8,563 ft | Overnight stay |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Trek and acclimatization |
| Everest View area | 3,880 m / 12,730 ft | Acclimatization hike |
| Kala Patthar | 5,545 m / 18,192 ft | Helicopter landing |
| Kathmandu | 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Return |
The walk passes through forests, suspension bridges and Sherpa villages, heading along the Dudh Koshi Valley. The most challenging part of the journey is a climb up to the Kala Patthar (5,545 m, 18,192 ft).
The final leg of the trek is by helicopter, not on foot (as is typical of an EBC trek), so the itinerary is also different.
Food and Accommodation
Accommodation during the trekking part is usually in local mountain lodges. Rooms are generally plain and simple, and often twin sharing is offered. The further into the mountains you head, the more rudimentary the facilities are.
Typically, trekking days include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Typical foods include dal bhat, noodles, rice, pasta, potatoes, soups, vegetables, eggs, bread, and simple local/continental dishes.
Regular eating and drinking sufficient fluids are important at higher altitudes. On long walking days, warm soups or carbohydrate-based meals are good.
In Kathmandu, rooms are booked at a hotel as per the package. You can get help arranging your accommodation and meals with your Everest Trip package.
Altitude Sickness
Anyone who climbs rapidly to high altitudes can develop altitude sickness. The danger increases above Namche Bazaar and is especially significant during the helicopter flight to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m (18,192 ft).
Common symptoms are headaches, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, and insomnia.
Important precautions:
- Walk at a comfortable pace and avoid unnecessary exertion.
- Consume a regular amount of water, but avoid overdrinking.
- Don’t drink at elevated altitudes.
- If you’re not feeling well, let your guide know right away.
- If symptoms worsen, do not continue up.
- If symptoms are serious, go down and get medical assistance.
The acclimatization day for Namche is meant to help you adjust to the high-altitude helicopter excursion. Your guide can also help you determine whether you can proceed.
Visa and Permits
Foreign nationals must have a valid Nepal tourist visa, with exceptions. Currently, Nepal offers tourist visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport to eligible tourists and Nepalese diplomatic missions, and the official online system also provides tourist visas. Official tourist visa fees are USD 30, USD 50, and USD 125 for 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days, respectively.
The package includes trekking arrangements and permits for this trek. The Everest region requires a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, and the Nepal Tourism Board lists treks in the Everest region that require a Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit and a licensed guide, including the Everest View Trek.
My Everest Trip will issue the required trekking permits and complete all paperwork included in your package. Unless stated in your package, your personal tourist visa is always yours.
Health and Safety
However, safety is crucial for the entire journey, given the mountains involved and the helicopter’s high-altitude landing point. Weather can change quickly, so the helicopter schedule may sometimes need to be adjusted.
Here are some things to remember:
- Follow your guide’s instructions on the trek.
- Use appropriate footwear with good traction.
- Bring warm clothes even when it’s warm in Kathmandu!
- Have personal medications readily available.
- Let the guide know of any medical issues beforehand.
- Take plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
- Obey all instructions given by the crew of the helicopter while boarding and landing.
- Do not approach or move around a helicopter unless told to do so.
The final helicopter flight will be subject to safe flight conditions. The operator may amend the schedule if the planned flight is delayed or changed for safety reasons due to weather.
Transportation
This trip starts with a car transfer between the airport and your hotel in Kathmandu. The trekking part begins with a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu in a helicopter.
From Lukla, you hike to Phakding, then on to Namche Bazaar. The path follows existing hiking tracks, suspension bridges and village paths.
The return trip involves a helicopter flight from the Everest region to Kala Patthar, then onward to Kathmandu. This depends on aircraft operations, aviation safety requirements, and the weather.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, you can fly to the Everest region, and the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes about 30 minutes.
The organized transfers and helicopter transport included in the package are organized by My Everest Trip.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travel insurance for the trip. Your policy should cover the highest altitude you will reach at Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft).
Ensure that the policy includes emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and trip interruption (as appropriate). A key consideration for helicopter evacuation coverage is the cost of rescuing victims in remote mountain locations.
Don’t travel without reading the policy; you don’t know what is covered. Certain insurance companies may have altitude restrictions or limitations on adventure activities.
Take a hard copy and digital copy of your insurance policy information. Make your insurance company name and policy number readily available.
Insurance should cover individual travel needs and is typically arranged before travel.
Your Extra Expenses
The services outlined under the inclusions are covered in the package. It’s also advisable to bring extra cash for personal needs during the trip.
Additional costs that can be expected to include:
- Nepal tourist visa fees
- Personal snacks and drinks
- Bottled or filtered drinking water where not included
- Warm showers in accommodation at the trekking lodges
- Charging electronic devices
- Where Wi Fi is available, it is provided.
- Personal telephone expenses
- Laundry
- Travel insurance
- Advice to Guides and Porter and other staff members
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- More room needed due to delays
It is advisable to have a few Nepalese rupees as the payment facilities become less reliable as you venture deeper into the Everest region.
Language and Communication
Nepali is the primary language of Nepal; the other local language spoken in the Everest region is Sherpa. English is widely used in tourism among guides, lodge staff, and people working with trekking groups.
During the journey, communication is easy. Your guide can help with your hotel accommodations, meals, transport, and more.
Some parts of the Everest region have mobile network coverage, but it isn’t always reliable. Some lodges also have internet access (subscription may depend on the site and weather).
Before leaving Kathmandu, download important documents, maps, and travel information to your phone. Keep your phone charged, especially for trekking days and the helicopter excursion.
Don’ts on This Trip
A few basic precautions can make the trip safer and more pleasant for everyone.
Take care not to:
- Do not ignore symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Walk slowly when going uphill.
- Avoid overdrinking at high elevations.
- Don’t litter on the trail.
- Respect local places of worship or prayer.
- When privacy is required, don’t photograph people without their consent.
- Do not trespass on restricted areas without permission.
- Never approach a helicopter without the crew’s instructions.
- Do not fly a drone without obtaining the required permissions.
- Never leave valuables.
One of the key aspects of traveling in the Khumbu region is to respect the local communities. This helps the group move safely through the trails and helicopter landing areas by following your guide’s instructions.
Trip Extension
You can do this before or after the trek, depending on your available time. You can explore more of Kathmandu’s culture, and you’ll find options for a longer Nepal holiday nearby.
Popular extensions include Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini, or shorter hikes in the Kathmandu Valley.
For those who want to spend more time in the Everest region, a longer trekking itinerary is also an option instead of returning to Kathmandu after the helicopter tour. This will depend on your interests, available days, and physical preparation.
When asked, My Everest Trip can arrange for extra hotel nights, transport, sightseeing and other services to make your trip more enjoyable.
If you’re traveling a couple of days after the trek, you may also be able to add a few days to your experience in Nepal, as it may give you some flexibility if there are changes to the helicopter schedule due to the weather in the mountains.
Photography and Drone Rules
The trek encourages photography, and you will have opportunities to photograph mountain landscapes, villages, suspension bridges, and Himalayan peaks. Respect people, their religion, and private space when taking photographs.
There is more complexity with the use of drones. Foreign nationals planning to fly a drone in Nepal must get temporary drone registration from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s Flight Safety Standards Department. Applicants must bring the drone for inspection and provide documents such as a valid passport, a Nepal visa, and an operations proposal, says CAAN.
Additional permissions and clearances may also be needed, depending on the location and operation. Security and other relevant clearances are included in the requirements published by CAAN.
Please do not assume you can fly your drone freely in the Everest area.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
First-timers should be ready for changes in weather, terrain, and travel. For many reasonably fit riders, the walking days aren’t too difficult, but don’t underestimate the effects of altitude.
Wear comfortable trekking shoes and pack layers you can add or remove as temperatures change. Bring a warm jacket, gloves and a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket.
Store your passport, insurance, medication, and critical documents in a safe, easy-to-reach place. Take some cash with you as services may be limited in the mountains, especially in Nepal.
Follow your guide and embrace the acclimatization day. The helicopter trip to Kala Patthar (5545m /18192 ft), though you are not hiking up to that height, is still an experience of thin air and cold temperatures, and a quick trip to the top.
It is also a good idea to be flexible, as the weather in the mountains can affect helicopter operations.
Everest View Trek with Kala Patthar Helicopter Tour FAQs
Would this trek be suitable for someone who hasn't done too much hiking?
Yes. The walking part is fairly brief, but you will have to be able to walk several hours a day and cope with different altitude changes.
For how long will we be at Kala Patthar?
Normally the helicopter stops for a brief sightseeing at Kala Patthar, but the exact time will depend upon the weather and flight conditions.
Is it possible to hike to Everest Base Camp but not all the way to the summit?
Yes. The trip concludes at Namche Bazaar and the trip to Kala Patthar is made by helicopter instead of walking there.
Do I have to take my full bag on the journey?
Normally, travelers will only bring their daypacks with them on walks and other arrangements for extra luggage will be made with the agency in advance.
Is there any possibility of changing the Kala Patthar helicopter landing in case of the weather?
Yes. The helicopter schedule and/or landing arrangements may change as a result of poor visibility, strong winds, or mountain conditions.
What happens if the helicopter is not able to fly on the scheduled day?
The flight may be postponed or rescheduled if at all possible. Changes will be contingent upon weather, aircraft availability and operating conditions.
Do you have to hike at the Everest View Hotel during acclimatization?
No, you can opt for the Everest View Hotel hike or the whole day exploring Namche Bazar and visiting the local museum.
Will children be able to participate in this Everest Helicopter tour?
Children may attend if they are healthy enough, their age is appropriate, they have had experience with flying at heights and the helicopter operator requires their participation. Please check suitability before booking; families should discuss it first.
What's the best time to arrive in Kathmandu before starting trek?
It is recommended to arrive at least 1 day prior to the flight date of the Lukla helicopter, so that you have time to prepare and handle any potential travel delays.
May I stay on after the helicopter ride?
Yes. More nights and places can be arranged as per your schedule, such as Pokhara sightseeing, Chitwan sightseeing, Lumbini sightseeing, Kathmandu sightseeing, etc.
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