Everest Mountain Flight FAQ

A mountain flight in Nepal costs USD 280 per person for international tourists, NPR 15,800 for Nepali citizens and INR 12,000 for Indian citizens. The price is the same on Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines, and children pay the adult fare. Optional hotel pick-up is extra.

The Everest mountain flight takes about 50 to 60 minutes gate to gate. You fly a one-hour scenic loop from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with no landing, so you are usually back at your hotel by mid-morning.

Mountain flights leave Kathmandu between about 6:00 and 7:30 AM, with two departures per airline each day. Check in at the domestic terminal one hour before departure, because the mountains are clearest early in the morning.

Yes. Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat on our Everest mountain flight, so everyone can see Everest and the Himalayan range without leaving their seat.

The best time for a mountain flight in Nepal is autumn (September to November), with the clearest views from October to March. Winter (December to February) and spring (March to April) are also very good. Monsoon months (June to August) have more cloud, but early mornings can still be clear.

Yes, on clear mornings you can see Mount Everest from the mountain flight, along with Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Gauri Shankar, Shishapangma and Langtang Lirung. Views depend on weather, so no operator can guarantee them, but we reschedule you free if the flight cannot go.

If bad weather cancels your mountain flight, we reschedule you free of charge for the next available morning. If the flight is cancelled before take-off and you cannot be rebooked, you receive a full refund. Keep a spare morning in your Kathmandu plans.

All three airlines cost the same and guarantee a window seat. Buddha Air has frequent departures and flexible rebooking, Yeti Airlines is known for its peak-identification map and cabin commentary, and Shree Airlines flies jets for a smoother, quieter ride. Tell us your preference when you inquire.

The mountain flight is operated by licensed Nepalese domestic airlines with experienced mountain pilots, flying scenic daytime routes in suitable weather. Flights are cancelled when conditions are unsafe or visibility is poor. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.

You do not need a separate permit for the mountain flight, but international visitors need a valid Nepal tourist visa to enter the country. Carry your passport to the airport because it is needed at check-in.

No. You stay inside the aircraft and do not land at altitude, so altitude sickness is not a concern. Oxygen is available onboard. If you are pregnant or have a heart or breathing condition, ask your doctor before flying.

No, hotel pick-up is optional and not included in the USD 280 fare. It costs USD 15 for international travellers, or NPR 2,000 or INR 2,000 for Nepali and Indian bookings, and covers Kathmandu hotels.

You can take 5 kg of hand baggage on the mountain flight. Cameras and phones are welcome, and large bags are best left at your hotel.

To book a mountain flight in Nepal, send us the inquiry form on this page, message us on WhatsApp at +977 9709793540 or email info@mountainflightnepal.com. Tell us your date, nationality and number of passengers and we confirm airline, time and total price.

The mountain flight is better if you want a one-hour, lower-cost view of Everest from a window seat. The Everest helicopter tour is better if you want to land near Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar, which takes 4 to 5 hours and costs much more. See the Nepal Helicopters Everest tour for the helicopter option.

A mountain flight in Nepal is a one-hour scenic flight from Kathmandu that flies along the Himalayas so you can see Mount Everest and other giants from a window seat. The plane does not land and no trekking is needed.

Yes, the Everest mountain flight is worth it if you want to see Everest without trekking. For about USD 280 you get a one-hour flight, a guaranteed window seat and an Everest certificate, which suits families, older travellers and anyone short on time.

On a clear day you can see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Gauri Shankar, Shishapangma and Langtang Lirung.

No. The mountain flight is a scenic loop only and does not land. To land near Everest you need a helicopter tour, such as the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour by Nepal Helicopters.

No. Pokhara flights show the Annapurna range, not Everest. The Everest mountain flight leaves from Kathmandu.

Yes. Children pay the same fare as adults and get their own window seat.

Yes. Every seat is a window seat, so photography is easy. Bring a phone or camera and keep it ready as the pilot announces each peak.

The mountain flight cruises at roughly 22,000 to 25,000 feet, which gives you eye-level views of the Himalayan peaks.

Wear warm layers for the early-morning airport, and bring your passport or ID, e-ticket and a camera or phone. Hand baggage is limited to 5 kg.

The price is per person, the same for adults and children. Groups of more than two may qualify for a discount, so send us an inquiry for a group quote.

Weather cancellations are rescheduled free or fully refunded. If you cancel yourself, the airline's rules apply and the refund depends on timing.

It is uncommon on this smooth morning route. Shree Airlines flies jets, which many travellers find the smoothest.

Booking a few days ahead is usually enough. Book earlier in peak season (October, November, March and April) to get your preferred airline and time.

No. The Lukla flight is a separate domestic flight for trekkers heading to the Everest region. The mountain flight returns to Kathmandu after the scenic loop.

Yes. There is no walking or fitness test, so the mountain flight is a good way for older or less mobile travellers to see Everest.

Yes, on clear mornings, though cancellations are more common from June to September.

Cockpit visits are often possible, especially on Yeti Airlines, but they are not promised on every ticket.

Yes, a completion certificate is included with your mountain flight.