The Himalayas are known as the Everest of the east and for good reason. With the majestic Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, Nepal’s highest peaks, it is not surprising that helicopter tours of this area have become increasingly popular. However with so many tour operators to choose from, there are many factors to take into consideration when booking a trip. Follow this guide to help you find the perfect Nepal tour packages based on your needs and budget.

Know what you want

Before you can select a tour, you need to figure out what it is that interests you. Decide whether you’re after adventure or exploration, and whether a cultural experience or just a bit of rest and relaxation will satisfy you most. If you’ve been dreaming of seeing Mount Everest in its full splendor, then there’s no need to look any further than an Everest Helicopter Tour—the crème de la crème among Himalayan adventures. Whether flying from Kathmandu or Pokhara, our luxury flights are consistently rated as some of Asia’s best helicopter tours by Travelers Digest readers.

Set a budget

As with any vacation, you’ll want to set a budget before you start planning. However, unlike most vacations, a Nepal helicopter tour is far from all-inclusive and can cost as much or as little as you want it to. Depending on what you are looking for (do you need transportation and guides? What type of views would be best?), you can expect tours to cost $1,000–$2,000 per person on average—with some costing even more. The good news is that no matter which option fits your budget best, there are plenty of things available within each price range that will give you an incredible experience in Nepal!

Understand the different types of helicopter tours

There are several different types of helicopter tours in Nepal. The most common type, and what most travelers associate with an Everest helicopter tour, is a sightseeing journey around Mt. Everest and other notable peaks. There’s another type of flight which is more adventurous: landing on top of one of these mountains! If you have dreamed of touching base at such high elevations but are worried about altitude sickness or other dangers associated with summiting, then a landing excursion is right up your alley. There are still other sorts of experiences worth considering though—for example, aerial tours that focus on bird’s-eye views across areas like Pokhara and Kathmandu Valley.

Know where you want to go

To make sure you have a great time on your next helicopter flight, it’s important to know where you want to go. Do you want an open-door ride or is flying over one specific area of Nepal more appealing? Wherever you choose, be sure to ask about weather conditions as most helicopter companies won’t fly in poor weather. Weather concerns aside, most people opt for flying into Everest Base Camp due its popularity and convenience from Kathmandu. If that isn’t quite your cup of tea, you can also look into flights over Chitwan National Park or Langtang National Park. Regardless of which area or route interests you, be sure to book well in advance; popular spots like Everest Base Camp book up fast!

Consider helicopters other than Everest Air

While there’s no question that Everest Air is one of Nepal’s best helicopter services, it isn’t necessarily suited for every traveler. In fact, much of its popularity is owed to its low price; however, that could mean sacrificing comfort. It often feels like a no frills service and some report feeling cramped and uncomfortable on their flight. For many travelers who are looking for more room to spread out, a helicopter from another operator will be a better fit. And while Everest Air won’t let you use your own camera on board (and will charge if you try), other operators like Jomsom Air let you take photos without additional fees.