For those who are dreaming of spectacular mountain views, you can either choose Everest Heli tour or Mountain flight. These two trips are different on their own yet, both these have the best mountain views on their hold.
It is every traveler’s dream to witness the mighty beauty of the place. Hence, every year thousands of trekkers and adventurers make their way to the Everest region.
But if you are running on a tight schedule and money isn’t something that is a hurdle, definitely take the Everest Heli Tour. It also gives you a chance to experience a bit of trek as well as the spectacular views of the summit.
While Everest Mountain flight, on the other hand, is quite affordable compared to the previous.
Allow us to compare Everest Heli tour vs. Mountain fight for you.
Flight Duration: Everest Heli tour vs Mountain flight
Everest Mountain flight
It takes about an hour to complete the Everest Mountain flight. This trip commences at the national airport in Kathmandu. You can choose to take this flight with a group, this will immediately cut down your charges.
It is generally a 20 to 30 seater turboprop with the ability to cruise at high altitude. It starts very early around 6 am with a drive to the domestic airport of Kathmandu.
There are various domestic mountain flights likes Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Tara Air etc.
On a window seating, you will get the unparalleled views of snow-capped mountains.
The glorious one hour flight will offer spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang and many others. With the magnificent and tall Mt.Everest very near to the plane.
On this flight you don’t land, you just fly over the Himalayas and come back.
Upon return, you will get a certificate of appreciation for taking part in this wonderful mountain flight.
Additional Information
- During winters, there can be flight delays due to winter fog. But by 8 am the fog may clear up offering the crisp views.
- During the monsoon, the visibility is blurry due to dense clouds. On a clear morning, you can get crystal clear mountain views.
Everest Heli tour
The Everest Heli tour is longer than the Everest flight. You will ride an Airbus 350 series for the tour.
The helicopter flies parallel to the Himalayan range and takes you very close to the mountains as you cruise towards the Everest view. The entire flight duration is about 3.5 to 5 hours.
The flight takes off from Kathmandu early in the morning around 7 am. On the way to Kalapathar and Everest Base Camp, you will stop at a place called Lukla to refuel.
Lukla is also known as the gateway to Everest. Later, you will continue your journey enjoying the remarkable views of the tallest mountains in the world.
You will land at Pheriche Helipad before flying to , Kalapathar helipad.
Flying over 5000m and landing at Kalapathar helipad could be challenging without oxygens. Hence, we always carry oxygen cylinders for each guest to ensure safety.
Here you can take some time to take photographs next to Mt.Everest.
This is a very special moment as you get a great sense of satisfaction witnessing the majestic peak of Mt.Everest very close to you.
You will also be able to see other famous mountains like Mt.Lhotse, Mt.Nuptse, Mt.Ama Dablam, and many more.
Upon return, you will fly over the Tengboche monastery to Lukla and with a shortstop, you will ride back to Kathmandu.
Additional information
- Confirm your tour timing 1 day before your tour date. The tour time may vary depending upon weather/political and various situations.
- Make sure to wear warm clothes, mufflers, sunglasses, comfortable warm shoes during winter. Also, protect your skin and keep it hydrated before you leave the hotel.
- During summer months wear warm clothes with wind stoppers and comfortable shoes. Of course, take your sunglasses and face cream.
Photographic Opportunities and Mountain view
Everest Mountain flight
Mount Everest tour via plane won’t give you the best camera shots. Inside a plane, the lighting conditions are not favorable and all you can do is peek through the window.
Moreover, the movement of the plan makes it difficult to take pictures. Yet, taking short lenses with a circular polarizer will help you get a decent shot during your airplane flight.
On the bright side in the airplane flight, you can go into the cockpit for a short time. You will get to sit behind the pilot seat to get the cockpit view and to take some aerial snaps in the process.
You can also experience how it’s like to become a pilot and fly above the clouds.
Everest Heli tour
If you are seeking for excellent shots to amaze your friends and dear ones, then you should opt for Heli tour.
You will not only get to witness the majestic Himalayas, but you will also land at the Everest Base Camp. Stepping out on the snow and experiencing the beauty of an actual trek without having to do so is amazing.
The Himalayas with Everest will give you an amazing backdrop. You can take excellent pictures to take back home for a lifetime memory.
Value of Money:
Mountain flight
If you are looking for an affordable budget but want to enjoy the best aerial view of the Everest and nearby Himalayan range. Then, Everest flight is a great option.
This is also a popular package that has attracted a lot of local as well as international tourists. Indeed, this is a short trip but is absolutely worth it. The view is worth every cent you pay.
Everest Heli tour
But if you seek a bird’s eye view of the Everest and get the opportunity to step foot on the Everest Base Camp, then Everest Heli tour is the ultimate option.
The Everest Heli tour offers you the luxury of flying with a limited number of people. It also offers you abundant time to gaze at the breathtaking vistas around.
However, if you have enough time and can face the challenging treks in remote mountain terrain you can also choose the Everest Base Camp trek. Because trekking indeed is the most prominent way to experience the utter thrill of the Everest.
Flight cost
Mountain flight
There are many airlines for Everest flight on the plane. Some of the airlines are Buddha air, Yeti air, Agni air and a lot more.
The aircraft has all the modern airframe including weather radar and EFIS (semi-glass cockpit). This allows you to have a bird’s eye view from the cockpit.
The flight fare is
- For Nepalese: NPR 11,300
- For Indian Nationality: INR 7100
- Other Nationality: USD 200 (including Airport transfers on a private vehicle)
Everest Heli tour
Cost for daily flights for private Everest Base Camp helicopter tour landing at Kalapathar and high altitude breakfast at Everest View Hotel are as follows,
- 4 Pax or more – US $992.00 Per Traveler
- 3 Pax – US $1,295.00 Per Traveler
- 2 Pax – US $1,945.00 Per Traveler
- 1 Pax – US $3,895.00 Per Traveler
Note: Basically, if you join a group or have a group of your own it could cost you around 800-1500 USD. But if you choose to take a private trip it could cost you around 3300-3800 USD
Also, Due to passenger weight limit, you may need to provide information on your weight.
Final Say,
Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour is the most liked sightseeing tour in Nepal. It is popular among both local and international travelers.
This tour will give you the lifetime experience of Mt. Everest scenic view and Kalapathar.
On the other hand, if you want to spend a little less, the Everest flight is worth the value. You can experience this beautiful journey with your near ones. Because of the affordability, the Everest Mountain flight is quite common sightseeing package.
For further information and queries, please contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you.
