Altitude and Safety on a Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour takes you from 1,300 metres in Kathmandu to as high as 5,545 metres in about an hour. That's far higher than your body is used to, but you're only up there for minutes, and that changes everything.

Altitude on a short landing

Altitude sickness develops over hours, usually after sleeping high, so a 5 to 10 minute landing doesn't give it time. What you will notice is how thin the air is: walking a few steps feels like running, and you may feel a little light-headed. So:

• move slowly, and don't run or climb at the landing;
• breathe deeply and drink water;
• tell the pilot or your guide if you feel unwell; there's oxygen on board.

Who should choose a lower route

• people with heart or lung disease, or very high blood pressure;
• pregnant travellers;
• babies and toddlers;
• anyone whose doctor has advised them against high altitude.

For them, the Everest fly-over (no landing above 3,880 m) or the Langtang tour (3,870 m) is a better choice. If you're in any doubt, ask your doctor and let us know when you book.

Weight, not seats

Helicopters in the Himalaya are loaded by weight, and the higher the landing, the less the helicopter can lift. That's why we ask for everyone's weight when you book, and why bags must be small. At Kala Patthar, a full group may be landed in two short lifts.

Weather decisions

The pilot alone decides whether it's safe to fly, and can turn back at any point. If a flight is cancelled or cut short because of the weather, you choose another date or a refund. That's why we ask you to keep a spare day.

What to wear

• Warm layers and a down jacket: it can be −15 °C at the high landings in winter, and it's windy all year.
• A hat, gloves and sunglasses, as the glare off the snow is strong.
• Shoes with good grip for snow and loose stones.