Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Which is the best time to embark on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour? 

Selecting an ideal of the year is crucial for making your odyssey more enjoyable and meaningful. Even though the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour is possible throughout the year, autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to embark on this aerial tour in more suitable weather than monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February). Heavy rain occurs in the monsoon, creating a bad situation for flying to the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga. 

On the other hand, fogs and clouds of a winter morning interrupt flights from Kathmandu to Kanchenjunga Pangpema (5143m) or Oktang (4730 m) base camp. Therefore, we usually do not recommend any individual for setting up this kind of helicopter for your vacation tour. Crystal clear skies due to stable weather will allow people to absorb the allure of the towering white-capped Himalayas during the spring and autumn seasons. You can witness magnificent views of mountain giants, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Kabru, etc.,  due to good visibility. 

Do you need permits for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour? 

The flying ride will take you to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m), which lies in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Kanchenjunga is also one of the restricted areas in Nepal for any kind of travel. Therefore, you should have three permits, such as the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, and Kanchenjunga Restricted Area permits, to savor the charm of the surrounding peaks at Kanchenjunga Base Camp, even though you will not be trekking through pristine landmarks of the region. These permits are mandatory according to the Nepal government to manage or monitor overtourism, ensuring travelers’ safety during the entire tour. Similarly, conservation and restricted permits are for the protection of the fragile ecosystem of the region, where several endangered wildlife and vegetation flourish in their natural habitat. 

What is the highest altitude of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

This is a wonderful, quick Himalayan access to the Kanchenjunga region with the glamour of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Even though you will not be trekking in Kanchenjunga,  traversing quaint, traditional settlements, lush hillsides, winding rivers, cascading waterfalls, and rugged terrains including steep ascents and descents, you’ll ascend to the same elevation as those on the traditional Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Pangpema (North-5143 m) Base Camp. We recommend not spending more than 30 to 40 minutes there to avoid the significant risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness, as the Kanchenjungha Helicopter tour involves a quick altitude climb, going from roughly 1350 meters in Kathmandu to 5143 meters at Pangpema, or 4730 meters at Oktang, and then to Pathibhara Temple at 3794 meters in a short time. 

Can you enjoy a longer stay in Kathmandu once the Kanchenjunga Base Camp tour ends?

Yes, you can take pleasure longer in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal,  after concluding the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour, exploring a haven of cultural and natural wonders encompassed by lush hills, and turning a scenic mountain flight odyssey into an immersive heritage retreat since you will get a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in unique locals’ cultures and traditions, especially during the festive season of autumn, which also offers to involve you in rituals and other festive activities. You can discover various UNESCO  (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)-listed World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Changu Naryan Temple.

Taste Nepalese cuisine at different restaurants in Kathmandu, where you will traditionally experience warm hospitality, even in such a modernized city as Kathmandu. Each place has historical and cultural significance, reflecting the history of Nepal through ancient scripts, sculptures, statues, architecture, museums, and the late kings’ palaces. Shivapuri National Park, the Garden of Dreams, the Central Zoo of Kathmandu, and Chandragiri Hill are major highlights of the capital city to make this journey more exciting. On the other hand, you can check our bucket list for hiking near Kathmandu, such as the short trek to Langtang Valley, the Khopra Danda Trek, and the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. It’s an epic way to balance breathtaking Himalayan non-trekking adventure with cultural immersion, with short treks to landmarks of the Himalayas. We will be extremely happy to guide you in making every moment in the nation of peaks unforgettable. 

Altitude Sickness: Is there a possibility of acute high-altitude sickness during the flight to Kanchenjunga Base Camp? 

There is a slight possibility of acute sickness since the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour takes you to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m) after 30–40 minutes of flying from Kathmandu. However, it’s less frequent because of a few exposure periods at high-altitude landmarks. As the helicopter promptly ascends to altitudes above 5,000 meters, the potential risk of acute sickness is involved in such remote and high altitudes due to lower levels of oxygen. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, and difficulty sleeping will appear on your body when an acute sickness occurs. Therefore, you should keep yourself hydrated, avoid alcohol, and listen to the flight team’s directions to minimize this kind of risk. 

Why should you obtain travel insurance for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour? 

Even though this Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour doesn’t involve hiking through the off-the-beaten paths of Kanchenjunga with several steep ascents and descents, we highly suggest obtaining travel insurance for it. The reason for the travel insurance is to use it as a safeguard during the entire journey because of the slight chance of altitude sickness above 5,000m while landing at either Pangpema (5,143 m) or Oktang (4,730 m), based on weather conditions. To have good service, you should consider taking travel insurance. Therefore, choose the best company offering holistic high-altitude travel insurance, which covers helicopter evacuation above 5000 meters in case of emergencies. Ensure that your insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, evacuations, equipment and personal items, and delays due to involuntary disruptions, as trekking companies are not responsible for cancellations resulting from natural events or personal issues. 

We inform you that a host of professional tour companies, with examples from Nepal, might require evidence of insurance before finalizing your reservation. Insurance will give you better peace of mind and ensure that any unforeseen events are controllable and provide financial security. Therefore, choose a policy that includes insurance for aerial rescue in mountainous regions and extreme activity participation to enjoy the journey completely. 

How can you prepare for this exhilarating Kanchenjunga Base Camp helicopter tour? 

The well-planned journey always gets successful, providing travelers with a safe and unique experience. Begin your journey, depending on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour, with the instructions of the tour operators. Select the prestigious travel company that ensures your safety and guarantees all details, including specifying how long the flight takes and the landing zones. If you are prepared, then you will enjoy this exhilarating and scenic odyssey to the fullest. 

Why should you prepare physically and mentally for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp flight tour? 

Although the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour requires no intense hiking through the rugged terrains of the Kanchenjunga, it still demands a moderate level of physical and mental preparation due to the alpine atmosphere, making the journey enjoyable. This Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter tour will take you to the base of Kanchenjunga (8586m), and you might experience high elevation. Generally, we advise every traveler to be in good health, stay hydrated, and refrain from alcohol or calorie-dense meals before the flight to reduce such problems. Furthermore, you can involve yourself in light cardiovascular exercises such as casual walking, light dancing, or yoga routines that enhance blood flow. Study the planned itinerary ahead of time, with limited possibilities of abrupt climatic changes, flight delays, or mild effects of high altitude.

Weather Considerations: Choose the best time for the helicopter tour of Kanchenjunga 

As discussed above, to make this tour completely secure and memorable, weather plays its part and performs a stupendous job for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Usually, autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are ideal periods of the year for accomplishing the tour without stressing about flying to the Kanchenjunga, since the weather is stable with mild temperatures. Mountain enthusiasts can soak up the beauty of gorgeous mountains, as these times offer clear skies. However, sometimes storms and heavy rainfall happen in the region due to the unpredictable weather of the Himalayas, obstructing stunning sights. You should carry some essential gear for any situation. And also be alert and track upcoming weather patterns, as well as coordinate with your travel provider for detailed weather information

Do you need essential Gear and Packing lists for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

You don’t need trekking gear such as trekking poles, head torches, crampons, trekking boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, etc., that are usable for prolonged walking. But you should carry your essential things, including a water bottle, a first aid kit, nutritious snacks, and body layers etc. During the journey to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp by Helicopter Tour, you should consider the packing list without missing any of your essentials, including clothes that allow flexibility across different weather patterns, since the odyssey will take you to the Himalayan landscapes of Kanchenjunga above 5000m. You may face any challenges at Kanchenjunga Base due to unpredictable weather. Therefore, considering every type of weather, you should carry a down jacket, a thermal layer, a waterproof jacket or rain cover, gloves, and a hat to protect your body. Likewise, sunglasses with UV protection and sunscreen are also crucial to reduce sun exposure at high elevations. As you are going to land in remote areas of the Kanchenjunga, you should carry a bottle of water, some nutritious snacks, and your personal belongings. 

Why is it important to respect local cultures during a helicopter ride to Kanchenjunga?

If you go on side trips such as the Pathibhara Devi Temple, we suggest you wear culturally sensitive clothing and follow local customs. You can explore the surrounding sites to garner knowledge about the history and beliefs towards the pilgrimage sites. While spending time there, you should engage in different activities respectfully, enriching your experiences with local cultures and traditions. Viewing and addressing these aspects gives rise to a sense of a ready journey, thus allowing you to enjoy every moment against the stark and stunning vistas around Kanchenjunga.