# Everest Mountain Flight from Kathmandu > The Everest mountain flight is a one-hour scenic flight from Kathmandu along the Himalaya to Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) and back. From a guaranteed window seat in a pressurised aircraft you see Gauri Shankar, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and many other peaks, and each passenger is invited into the cockpit for a clear view of Everest ahead.It is the easiest and cheapest way to see Everest, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with no trekking or altitude risk. Flights leave early in the morning, when the sky is clearest, and are best from October to May. The price includes the flight, hotel transfers in Kathmandu and the airport tax. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 1 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Scenic flight - **Max altitude:** Flies at about 7,500–8,000 m (cabin pressurised) - **Best season:** Oct–May (early mornings) - **Group size:** Any - **Accommodation:** None (1-hour flight) - **Meals:** None - **Price:** from US$240 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/everest-mountain-flight - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=everest-mountain-flight ## Overview **Quick answer:** the Everest mountain flight lasts about 1 hour, departs from Kathmandu's domestic airport at sunrise, costs from about US$240 per person, and flies close enough to see Everest and the Khumbu peaks clearly. It does not land. If you want to land near Everest, choose the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour instead. Several airlines, including Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines, operate mountain flights with turboprop aircraft that seat 16–40 passengers, all with window seats. The route flies east along the Himalayan range, turns near Everest and returns, so passengers on both sides get views. Flight attendants name the peaks as you pass and hand out a certificate. ### Everest mountain flight at a glance Trip factDetailsDurationAbout 1 hourDepartureTribhuvan International Airport, domestic terminal, around sunriseViewsEverest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Gauri Shankar, Langtang, Dorje LakpaSeatGuaranteed window seat, cockpit visitSuitable forAll ages; no fitness or altitude concernsBest timeOctober–MayPriceFrom about US$240 per person### Mountain flight or helicopter tour? Mountain flightEBC helicopter tourDuration1 hour4–5 hoursLandingNoYes, Kala Patthar or hotel near EverestDistance from EverestSeveral kilometresVery closePriceFrom about US$240From about US$1,100 (shared)### What happens if the weather is bad? If the airline cancels the flight because of weather, you can rebook for another morning or receive a refund. We recommend booking the flight early in your stay so you have spare days. ### Tips - Book early in your Nepal trip to allow for weather. - Bring a camera with a zoom lens; wipe the window before take-off. - Clear mornings in October–November and December give the best views. ## Highlights - See Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) in one hour from Kathmandu - Guaranteed window seat and cockpit visit - Panorama of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Gauri Shankar - No trekking, no altitude sickness, suitable for all ages - Hotel transfers included ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu Early morning pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the domestic airport. Fly east along the Himalaya for about an hour with close views of Everest and its neighbours, then return to Kathmandu and your hotel in time for breakfast. _Walking: 1 hour · Altitude: 8,000 m (flight altitude)_ ## What is included - Everest mountain flight with a scheduled airline - Guaranteed window seat and cockpit visit - Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu - Domestic airport tax - Flight certificate ## Not included - Hotel accommodation and meals - Travel insurance - Tips ## Useful information ### Reporting time Pick-up is usually between 5:30 and 6:30 am, depending on the season and airline. ### Weather Flights operate only when views are good. If the flight is cancelled, you can rebook or get a refund. ### Documents Bring your passport; it is checked at the domestic airport. ### Who can fly? Anyone who can take a normal domestic flight, including children, older travellers and pregnant travellers following airline guidance. ## Packing list - Passport - Camera or phone with zoom - Light jacket (early mornings are cool) - Sunglasses ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Everest mountain flight? About **1 hour**, from take-off in Kathmandu to landing. ### How much does the Everest mountain flight cost? From about **US$240 per person** including transfers and airport tax. Prices vary slightly by airline and season. ### Will I definitely see Everest? Flights only operate in good weather, so on most flights Everest is clearly visible. Cloud can still limit views. ### Does the mountain flight land near Everest? No. For a landing, book the **Everest Base Camp helicopter tour**. ### Does everyone get a window seat? Yes, all passengers have a window seat, and everyone can visit the cockpit. ### What is the best time for the Everest flight? **October–May**, especially October–December for crystal-clear skies. ### Which airlines operate mountain flights? Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines are the main operators; we book the best available. ### Is the Everest flight safe? Mountain flights use pressurised aircraft flying well away from the peaks and have a strong safety record. ### What if the flight is cancelled? You can rebook for another day or receive a refund. ### Can children and older people take the flight? Yes, the flight suits all ages. ### Is the mountain flight worth it? Yes, if you cannot trek, it is the easiest way to see Everest. ### What should I bring? Your passport, a camera and a light jacket.