Best time for Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour

The highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, is situated in the Northeast part of Nepal (Khumbu region). Even though it is possibly everybody’s dream to see Everest in person, there are different factors that might make it quite a process. For those who want a helicopter tour to the Everest Base Camp, this is just the guide you need!

A helicopter tour to Everest base camp will take just 3 to 4 hours. It begins at the capital, Kathmandu. Flying above the small valleys, colorful villages, Chortens, prayer flags, and enjoying the sights of lakes and glaciers are other exciting experiences of this tour.  Along with Everest, other majestic mountains like Mt. Lhotse (8516 m / 27940 ft), Mt.Nuptse (7861 m / 25791), Mt. Ama Dablam (6812 m/ 22349 ft), Mt. Pumori (7161 m / 23494 ft), etc. will be visible during Everest base camp helicopter tour.

There is not necessarily any time restriction to fly to Everest Base Camp. However, choosing the right season and month is important to avoid bad weather and make the most out of your tour. It is best to avoid the Summer/ Rainy season ( June, July, and August), for flying in the rain, dark clouds, and thunder is dangerous. The view of Everest won’t be very clear either.

Another season that will not have the best view is Winter (December, January, and February). It is suggested so because the sight from up there(helicopter) during winter is really foggy. One can not get a clear view of Everest like they do during Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, and November).  Snowfall can also cause problems in flying so make sure to check the weather prior to the Everest base camp helicopter tour, especially during winter.

Hence, the apt time for the helicopter tour for the best view, perfect weather, and experience is during the Spring and Autumn. In case you make up your mind to take the Everest base camp helicopter tour during any of the four seasons, here is what to expect:

Spring season

Spring season is the perfect time for the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. In Nepal, the month of March marks the start, and May marks the end of Spring. The temperature is moderate and ranges from 12/13 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, and the lowest temperature at night will be around -9 degrees Celsius.

The view of Everest will not be blocked or covered by any fog and clouds. The sky will be a beautiful shade of blue, and there is little to no probability of strong winds and rain. One will get a bright sunny day, blooming vegetation, and mesmerizing view of Everest during this time. Needless to say, it is obvious, and the first pick for the Everest base camp helicopter tour should be the Spring season.

Summer/ Rainy season/ Monsoon

Monsoon in Nepal lasts for three months, namely June, July, and August. These months experience heavy and continuous rainfall. The highest temperature of this period is around 15/16 degrees Celsius during the day, and the lowest temperature is around -1/-2 degrees Celsius during the night.

 Planning the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour during this time is not the wisest decision. The flight will be very risky and dangerous and are canceled or postponed too often throughout the summer. There will be higher probabilities of accidents due to rain. Clouds can make it hard for the flight to navigate the way to Base Camp clearly. And for those who successfully avoid all these issues, the visibility of Everest will be very low due to weather conditions.

Despite all these problems, if one wishes to take the tour anyway it can be managed. However, you are advised not to do so for your own safety.

Autumn season

Like spring, the Autumn season is also pleasant and ideal for the tour. This season begins in September and ends in November. The temperature is neither too hot nor freezing cold. During the day, it ranges from 12 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees celsius, and during the night, it can drop down from 7 degrees Celsius to -5 degrees Celsius.

 The surroundings are clear and have a cool, relaxing temperature in Autumn. Since clouds are generally cleared by this time, navigating the way gets easier. The visibility is also really good. There are fewer chances of any mishaps. After Spring, the Autumn season is the perfect choice to make the best out of the Helicopter tour and witness Everest in it’s best form.

Winter season

Winter season is right for the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. It begins in the month of December and ends in February. January month has the coldest temperature of the entire year, which is around -26/-27 degrees Celsius.

The view of the Himalayas is heavenly during winter, without a doubt, for they are covered in snow. The navigating way should not be much of an issue, either.  But one has to be aware of the snowfall cause it may hamper the helicopter ride.

Also, a severe cold can make one sick easily. There are possibilities of the flight being canceled because of the weather occasionally. Check the weather forecast beforehand, and you should be good to go. In conclusion, the Winter season is neither the best option nor the worst for the Everest base camp helicopter tour.

Photo: Everest and Nuptse View from Kala Patthar

Few safety guides for you

All the helicopter rides to the Everest base camp are planned and executed by people with years of experience. Still, there are a few things that you can do from your side to make the experience even smoother. Here are a few safety guides to follow to prevent any sort of accidents and enjoy the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour to the fullest:

• Before deciding for the Everest base camp helicopter tour, get your entire body checked up. Consult your doctor to know if your body can take the helicopter ride above the Himalayas. Finally, take this tour only if it doesn’t harm your health.

• Make sure to wear proper clothes for the helicopter ride: warm and windproof jackets, boots, and trekking trousers to protect from cold. Do not forget to wear sunblock and scarves. Be sure to safeguard your hands with a pair of gloves.

• Always have your seatbelt on properly to avoid any inconvenience during the Everest base camp helicopter tour.

• Do not make big moments like jumping while the helicopter is in the air. Do not be poking your entire head out of the window for any reason. These kinds of activities can cause accidents. So, be civil and act smartly when you are up there.

• Even though one doesn’t need to walk on their foot for the Everest base camp helicopter tour, everybody needs to stay hydrated. Therefore, carrying your own water is a must. Ensure that you eat good and healthy food before the helicopter ride to enjoy the view with a happy tummy.

• It is strictly prohibited to smoke inside the helicopter. Doing so during the tour will be bizarre for it can cause life-threatening hazards.

• Never forget to carry a first aid box with you, and make sure to include medicines in it.

• Lastly, always pay attention to your operator and follow their instructions closely. Not listening to them and doing whatever you feel like will most likely ruin the complete experience of the Everest base camp helicopter tour.

Why Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

You might want to know why so many people gush about the helicopter ride to the Himalayas. To start one does not need to walk there and can be comfortably seated while enjoying the majestic Everest and other mountainous sights. This might sound boring to people who want adventure and are in good shape. For those who are physically unable to get there, this Everest base camp helicopter tour is a life savior. 

Not to forget we can not just spend two weeks traveling around. Should they not get to experience the breathtaking Everest? now, that is unfair. These people generally find the Everest base camp helicopter tour the best alternative to save time yet indulge in sightseeing of the glorious mountains.

All in all a helicopter ride to Everest is an experience that is out of this world. Some people dream of being part of this, for it is adventurous and gets close to the highest landmark on the earth. How exciting and thrilling is that? Flying above the beautiful landmarks, mountains, glaciers, lakes, small valleys, Kathmandu city, and vivid temples, monasteries, and /or gompas, what can compare to this? These points just prove the Everest base camp helicopter tour hype is absolutely worth it.