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You have a chance to experience the panoramic wonders of the Himalayas and Everest from an aerial viewpoint.
Everest Base Camp Heli Tour Vs Mountain Flight is a frequent query among many travel enthusiasts. Both the tours involve exploring the Everest region in a short period of time.
Flying parallel to the Himalayas feels wonderful. Touring over the beautiful mountain peaks and ranges is an awesome feeling. You'll see Mount Everest, Mount Nuptse, Mount Lhotse, Machhapuchhre, Ama Dablam, Gaurishankar, and many others.
You'll see magnificent vistas of the Gokyo valley and the Gokyo Lakes. Also the scenic views of Khumbu Glacier. Not to forget the lustrous greenery and snow-covered sugary landscapes.
The Mountain flight to Everest is a one- hour flight that offers the aerial view of Everest. However, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Touris an expanded form. The tour is a long duration tour (3 to 4 hours) than mountain flight and involves landing at Lukla, Kala Patthar/Base Camp, and Everest View Hotel.
The views and facilities provided for both the trips are similar. The only differences are the total time duration, landing at EBC and Kala Patthar, having breakfast at an extreme height ie at Everest View Hotel including some relaxation time.
(September, October, November) Autumn and Spring (March, April, May) are the best time for these tours like the best time for Everest Base Camp trek. These months offer the clearest views with lesser humidity in the atmosphere.
During winters (December, January, February), the visibility in the atmosphere can be bad. Due to dense fog, there can be flight delays too. So, the tour will not begin early. We will fly you to Everest when the fog clears up offering crisp views of Himalayas.
Similarly, monsoon (June, July, August) weather also remains unstable. The atmosphere can turn blurry due to dense clouds. But in mornings, when it stops raining, you can get the best mountain views.
An hour earlier, you are at Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. And then, you suddenly fly over the lap of Everest. Trust me! You’ll feel lost at the moment.
Travel Duration of Everest Base Camp Tour Vs Mountain flight to Everest
Mountain flight to Everest
The Everest Mountain flight is a short and scenic flight to the Mount Everest. The trek is a one hour tour in total. The trip starts and ends at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
The tour takes you above the peak of Everest. You can see the Everest region from the air. Also, you will see many peaks other than Everest.
Once you board on the plane, it lands back in Kathmandu. This means this tour doesn’t involve any landing. It allows you to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the entire Everest region.
In general, the Everest mountain flight starts early in the morning at around 6 am. You will already back to your hotel for your breakfast.
Upon return, the airlines will provide you with a certificate of appreciation for being a part of their wonderful mountain flight.
Everest Base Camp Heli tour
The duration of Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour is longer than the Mountain flight to Everest. The entire duration of the flight is about 3.5 to 4 hours.
The helicopter takes off early in the morning, at nearly 7 am from Kathmandu. During the Heli tour, the helicopter flies parallel to the Himalayan ranges. You will fly so close to the snow-covered peaks.
The tour isn’t only about flying in the air. The helicopter lands several times at several places.
Landings will be at Kala Patthar for Everest Viewing. The landing is short but splendid. But before landing at the Kala Patthar helipad, you will first land at Pheriche helipad. (to ensure landing safety)
Another landing will be at the Everest View hotel for a scenic breakfast. This is a longer break than at Kala Patthar. Besides, the helicopter lands at the Lukla airport for fueling and/or refueling.
Risk of Altitude Sickness: Everest Base Camp Tour Vs Mountain flight to Everest
Everest Base Camp Heli tour
The EBC Heli tour includes landing at various points on Everest. There will be short landings at the Lukla airport for fueling and refueling.
The helicopter lands at the Everest View Hotel and at Kala Pathar or Everest Base Camp, depending on the itinerary.
Landing at Kala Patthar, 5643 meters means you have chances of altitude sickness there. So, the landing period is lesser, appx. 10 minutes. But the 10 minutes time is sufficient for one can get signs of altitude sickness.
The other landing is at Everest View Hotel, right above Namche Bazaar at 3962 meters. You will stay there for a perfect morning breakfast. The hotel is also at an altitude where some may have risks of altitude sickness.
Thus, you must learn about and prepare for preventing the altitude sickness.
Mountain Flight to Everest
This tour is all about viewing the Everest region from the air. There is no landing. So, it isn’t possible that you will get altitude sickness while sitting inside a cozy flight.
Views: Everest Base Camp Tour Vs Mountain flight to Everest
Everest Base Camp tour
Choosing the EBC heli tour means you choose to spend more time at Everest. The tour is more scenic. You will have lots of sightseeing while landing at Kala Patthar, Everest View Hotel, and at Lukla.
During the tour, you’ll have an opportunity to see the Everest Himal from one of its best vantage point, Kala Patthar. Besides, you can see the incredible vistas of Khumbu glacier and Icefall so close and so clear.
The sightseeing also involves the panoramic views of various majestic Himalayas from the Everest View Hotel. While having a cup of coffee, you can see the Himalayas windowing a mesmerizing view.
Though stop at Lukla airport is short you’ll still have a chance to stop there and see Lukla, the gateway to Everest region.
This tour is wonderful!!
Mountain Flight to Everest
The mountain flight allows only the eagle eye view of the Everest region and the Himalayan ranges. Unlike in the EBC heli tour, there is no landing.
During the mountain flight, you will get to see more than 20 Himalayan peaks on a clear day. All the views are the top views.
The flight is an easier and safer option to see the Everest. It takes you so close to Mt. Everest. Along with Everest, you will see spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and many others.
The glorious one hour flight will display mesmerizing views of the lakes, glaciers, valleys, and different Himalayan landscapes.
Flight doesn’t land. You just fly over the Everest region and return back.
Photography Opportunities: Everest Base Camp Tour Vs Mountain flight to Everest
Everest Mountain flight
Clicking through the plane’s window may not give you the best photography shots. Taking perfect shots while flying in a moving plane is also difficult.
Taking the best photographs during the mountain flight is a challenge. Balancing the lights, and sinking with the movement of the plane is tough. Only the photography experts can grab that opportunity.
Yet, carrying short lenses with a circular polarizer might help. You can get some decent shots. The shots may not be some award-winning shorts, but a reminder of your best memories.
During the flight, you will have a short time to go into the cockpit for a cockpit view. Sitting behind the pilot feels like becoming a pilot and flying above the clouds. In the process, you can get some beautiful aerial snaps.
Everest Base Camp Heli Tour
Everest Heli tour lands at various places. Landing means having time for perfect photography. Unlike in mountain flight, the movement or light won’t hinder photography.
So, if you want to see the Everest region and get some excellent shots of it, you can choose to go on the heli tour.
Besides witnessing the majestic Himalayas, you can also land at EBC/ Kala Patthar. Landing there means you will get amazing shots of the Himalayan ranges. Stepping out on the snow and capturing the precious moment is an amazing feeling.
During the heli trek, you can pose in front of the snowy Himalayas on the background. Capture the moment, and bring back home the precious photographic memories.
Affordability: Everest Base Camp Tour Vs Mountain flight to Everest
Mountain Flight to Everest
Mountain flight is the most affordable budget tour for Everest viewing. Enjoy the best aerial view of the Everest via Mountain flight to Everest.
Mountain flight has been a popular package because of its affordability. You can find a new group and the cost of your flight will reduce.
Don’t worry about the money you pay. The short mountain trip is absolutely worth every cent you pay.
Everest Base Camp Heli Tour
The heli tour is more expensive than the Everest Mountain flight. But unlike in the mountain flight, you’ll have chances to land in Everest.
The tour is the ultimate option if you seek bird’s eye view, best photography options, and an opportunity to step foot on the Everest region.
With a limited number of people, the tour offers you a cozy ride. Also, you will have more time with the Himalayas than in mountain flight.
Do I Need to Wear Special Clothing for Everest Base Camp Tour or Mountain flight to Everest?
Everest Base Camp Heli Tour
Make sure you wear warm clothes. You are not only flying over Everest but landing there. The Everest region is colder than in Kathmandu. It can get windy too. So, you need special clothing for the times when you land.
For winters, wear thick and warm clothes. Don’t forget to wear comfortable warm shoes, mufflers, warm cap, and gloves. Also, protect your skin from getting drier. Apply body lotions.
For summer, wind stoppers are a must. Wear comfortable shoes. Sunglasses and face cream, of course! You should not miss.
Mountain Flight to Everest
You will be touring the Everest region. But there is no landing. You fly inside a plane. The flight is cozy. You do not have to care much about clothing. Wear what is comfortable and what your body demands.
Conclusion
Both the tours are equally rewarding. Experience the Mt. Everest scenic view with us. Trust us! You will have a splendid time.
Are you still confused between Everest Base Camp Heli Tour vs Mountain Flight to Everest?
These tours are most sorted tours in Nepal these days. It is easier and demands lesser time. If you want to spend little lesser, go for the mountain flight.
If you desire to step on the Everest region, experience the weather and most satisfying vistas of panoramic Himalayas, go for the heli tour.
However, if you have enough time, and are ready to face the challenges, you must think of the Everest Base Camp trek. The trek is the best possible way to encounter the thrilling episodes of every single day at Everest.
To book your trip now contact us. If you are in a group of your own you will get special discounts on these tours.
