At a glance
| Helicopter | Airline (fixed-wing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Speed, flexibility, high-altitude pickups, groups, emergencies | Lowest cost to Lukla, solo travellers and couples on a budget |
| Pricing | Shared seat from $400 pp, or private charter per aircraft | Fixed ticket from $199 per person |
| Where it flies | Kathmandu, Lukla and high villages: Gorakshep, Pheriche, Namche, Gokyo, Lobuche, Base Camp | Scheduled airports only: Kathmandu, Ramechhap, Lukla |
| Schedule | Departure times by route; private charters on your timing | Airline timetable (Sita, Summit, Tara), mostly early morning |
| Baggage | 15 kg per passenger on most routes | 10 kg checked + 5 kg cabin |
| Weather | VFR only; often flies when airline flights are held | VFR only; delays and cancellations are common |
| Booking | Browse helicopter routes | Browse airline flights |
Choose an airline flight if…
- Budget matters most — tickets start at $199 per person.
- You are travelling solo or as a couple and flying on a standard Kathmandu or Ramechhap schedule.
- You are starting or ending a trek at Lukla and can absorb weather delays.
Choose a helicopter if…
- You need to get out quickly when airline flights are held by weather.
- You are in a group — a private charter is priced per aircraft, so cost per head falls as you add people.
- You want to start or end at a high village such as Gorakshep, Pheriche, Namche or Gokyo.
- You are short on time or recovering from altitude sickness.
Both are weather dependent. Everything in the Khumbu flies under visual flight rules, so plan a buffer day either way. Insurance that covers delays and evacuation is strongly recommended.
Traveller feedback
What our passengers say
We only publish reviews written by real passengers.
“The team organised our Lukla flight perfectly… had us on the helicopter within 30 minutes. Exceptional service.”
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