Lukla to Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight

Lukla to Everest Base Camp helicopter flight — overview

The Lukla to Everest Base Camp helicopter flight takes you from Lukla (around 2,860 m) to Everest Base Camp (around 5,364 m) in about 40 min, saving many days of walking up the Khumbu valley. It is a fast way to reach Everest Base Camp for photography, a short visit, or to begin a trek from higher up.

A shared seat starts from $550 per person and a private charter from $2,000 per aircraft.

Route at a glance

What to expect on the Lukla to Everest Base Camp helicopter flight

You fly up the valley past the Dudh Koshi valley below the Sherpa capital and on towards the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall area beneath Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Listed departures are 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM. Baggage allowance is 15 kg per passenger — travel light. Because this ascends quickly to high altitude, plan carefully and speak to us about acclimatisation.

About Lukla

Home of Tenzing-Hillary Airport and the traditional start and end point of Everest region treks (about 2,860 m).

About Everest Base Camp

The expedition base on the Khumbu Glacier, used by climbers each spring (about 5,364 m).

Lukla to Everest Base Camp helicopter price: shared seat vs private charter

Helicopters are priced per aircraft, not per person — the aircraft cost is divided between the passengers on board. That is why we offer two ways to fly the Lukla to Everest Base Camp route:

• Shared seat — from $550 per person. The lowest-cost option, best for solo travellers and couples. You fly on the listed departure (6:30 AM, 8:00 AM) with other passengers.
• Private charter — from $2,000 per aircraft. The whole helicopter for your group, with more control over timing.

As a guide, with 4 passengers the private charter works out at about $500 each — cheaper than a shared seat. With 5 passengers it is about $400 each. This assumes up to 5 passengers per helicopter; the operator confirms the real capacity, which depends on aircraft, altitude and weight.

All prices are starting fares and can vary with season (peak seasons are March–May and September–November), availability and demand. A fare includes a CAAN-licensed operator, a high-altitude pilot, fuel, official taxes and landing fees, and ground handling. We confirm the final fare before you pay — see our price transparency policy or use the price calculator.

Departure times and schedule

The Lukla to Everest Base Camp helicopter flight departs at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM (2 listed departures). Helicopters fly in the morning flying window under visual flight rules (VFR), when mountain weather is usually most stable. Exact departure time depends on weather, passenger numbers and operator confirmation, and is confirmed when you book. We recommend booking 3–5 days ahead, and earlier in the March–May and September–November peak seasons.

Check other routes on our helicopter schedule page, and read the best time to fly guide and weather delays guide to plan buffer days.

Who is this flight for?

• Visitors who want to see Everest Base Camp without a multi-day trek
• Photographers and filmmakers
• Travellers short on time who still want to reach the high Khumbu
• Groups sharing a private charter

Altitude, safety and acclimatisation

Rising from about 2,860 m to 5,364 m in minutes skips natural acclimatisation. Altitude sickness can develop quickly: know the signs (headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness), rest and hydrate, and descend if symptoms worsen. Tell us about medical conditions before booking and make sure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation.

Read our safety and operations guide and the private vs shared flights guide before you book.

How to book the Lukla to Everest Base Camp helicopter flight

1. Choose shared seat or private charter and note your preferred date and group size.
2. Send a request using the form on this page or message us on WhatsApp.
3. Confirm the fare — we check availability with our operators and confirm the final price.
4. Pay by bank transfer, card or cash on arrival (payment options).
5. Fly — we send helipad and timing details; arrive when told and carry no more than 15 kg each.

What is included

• Flight with a CAAN licensed helicopter operator and high-altitude pilot
• Fuel, official aviation taxes and standard landing fees
• Baggage allowance of 15 kg per passenger
• Booking coordination, basic ground handling and helipad guidance
• Weather monitoring and rescheduling to the next safe departure
• 24/7 support on WhatsApp, phone and email

Lukla to Everest Base Camp helicopter flight — frequently asked questions

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