Everest Base Camp has a magnetic pull for travelers craving an up-close view of the world’s highest peaks. While trekking to the actual camp remains the classic challenge, these helicopter and day tours open a window for those short on time or looking for a luxurious experience. We’re particularly fond of the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing. It’s a stunning mix of aerial sightseeing and a touch of comfort—landing at Everest View Hotel for breakfast with panoramic Himalayan vistas. It’s a great way to tick Everest off your bucket list without the demanding trek. Plus, the 5-hour round trip from Kathmandu makes it appealing for travelers with tight schedules.
If you want the most comprehensive view from above, the Everest Helicopter Tour is a close contender. It offers a breathtaking aerial experience over Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, with a luxurious landing at Everest View Hotel. For those who prefer a single-day adventure that combines aerial views with flexibility, the Explore the Mount Everest and Everest Region in a Single Day really hits the mark, offering three different ways to see Everest—plane, shared helicopter, or private helicopter.
Below, we’ll explore each of these exceptional options, highlighting what makes each one unique and helping you choose the best fit for your Everest adventure.
1. Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing
At number one, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing offers a balanced mix of luxury, convenience, and stunning scenery. This 5-hour flight from Kathmandu takes you over the Khumbu Glacier, past the Khumbu Icefall, and finally lands at Everest View Hotel, the highest hotel on the planet. Imagine enjoying a hot breakfast with jaw-dropping mountain views—this is the ultimate comfort tour for those who want a taste of Everest without the long trek.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of aerial sightseeing and ground experience. The flight itself is a highlight, with expansive views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The landing at Everest View Hotel provides a rare opportunity to sip coffee while gazing at peaks that most travelers only see in photos. The tour’s reviews are highly positive, with many praising the smooth, well-organized experience and the stunning scenery.
This tour is particularly suited for travelers with limited time, those who prefer comfort over strenuous activity, or anyone seeking a memorable spectacle. The $1,992 price tag reflects its premium experience, but the inclusions of landing and breakfast add notable value.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a luxurious, hassle-free Everest experience with unforgettable views.
$1,992 per person
2. Everest Helicopter Tour
The Everest Helicopter Tour ranks second and closely mirrors the first but focuses more on the aerial experience itself. For around $1,992 per person, this tour whisks you above Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, providing breathtaking views that are difficult to match from the ground. The highlight is the landing at Everest View Hotel, giving you a few moments to soak in the Himalayas’ grandeur before returning.
Guests rave about the unparalleled aerial experience—flying over the world’s highest peaks, glaciers, and icefalls, with the dramatic peaks looming above. The helicopter’s smooth ride and panoramic windows make it easy to capture photos and marvel at the scale of the mountains. The tour’s reviews note that the landing at Everest View Hotel isn’t just a photo op but a genuine highlight, providing a chance to truly appreciate the Himalayas.
This experience works well for travelers seeking a luxury experience without the physical demands of trekking. The price reflects the premium nature, but the thrill of flying above Everest and landing at its iconic hotel justifies the cost for many.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a luxurious, high-altitude adventure with spectacular views and a memorable landing.
$1,992 per person
3. Explore the Mount Everest and Everest Region in a Single Day
For travelers on a budget or with limited time, the Explore the Mount Everest and Everest Region in a Single Day offers a practical, flexible option. Starting at just $170 per person, this guided tour covers a lot of ground in 4 to 8 hours—depending on your chosen itinerary. It includes aeronautical views of Everest, an opportunity to have lunch in the Himalayas, and a guaranteed window seat on the mountain flight.
You can opt for a plane, shared helicopter, or private helicopter**, making this tour adaptable to different preferences and budgets. The stopovers at various pick-up and drop-off points, like Lalitpur, Kathmandu, or Bhaktapur, make it accessible from multiple locations. The core of this tour is the amazing aerial views combined with a brief visit to Everest Base Camp, making it perfect for travelers who want a snapshot of Everest without the full trek.
Guests appreciate the efficiency and variety, especially the chance to see Everest from different angles in a single day. The optional lunch on the mountain adds a special touch.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with limited time, a modest budget, and a desire to see Everest from the air in a single day.
$170 per person
How to Choose Your Everest Tour
When picking between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a luxurious, full-circle experience with breakfast and landing, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing is your best bet. For a slightly more aerial-focused experience with a memorable hotel landing, the Everest Helicopter Tour shines. Those with limited time or looking for a cost-effective introduction should consider the single-day Everest region tour, which offers flexibility and great views at a fraction of the cost.
Think about the logistics—if you prefer a private experience or are traveling with a group, the options vary, especially with the single-day tour offering multiple modes of transportation. Booking early is always wise, especially during peak seasons from September to November and March to May.
Final Thoughts
There’s a wide range of ways to experience Everest without trekking to its base. For a luxury, all-in-one experience, the helicopter tours with landing at Everest View Hotel stand out. If your goal is to see Everest from the air with a splash of adventure, both helicopter options deliver unforgettable scenery and a touch of high-altitude luxury.
Meanwhile, if time and budget are tight, the single-day aerial tour offers a smart way to glimpse Everest in style. No matter which you choose, these tours promise incredible views and a memorable story to tell. We recommend booking early and considering your comfort level and time availability to pick the best Everest experience for you.
Enjoy your journey to the world’s highest peaks—these tours are a fantastic way to stand in awe of Everest, even if just for a few hours.