Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third-highest mountain in the world, rising on the border between Nepal and Sikkim in India. Its base camps are among the most remote in the Himalaya: the full Kanchenjunga trek takes around three weeks.

By helicopter, you can reach them in a morning. The tour flies from Kathmandu to Suketar airport in Taplejung to refuel, then heads north into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area to land at Pangpema, the north base camp (about 5,143 m), or at Oktang (about 4,730 m), the viewpoint below the south face. The pilot chooses the landing on the day, based on weather.

This private charter suits travellers who want to see one of the great eight-thousanders away from the crowds, and can be combined with a visit to the hilltop Pathibhara Devi Temple near Taplejung.

Kanchenjunga Helicopter Tour Highlights

• Close views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world's third-highest mountain
• Landing at Pangpema (north base camp, about 5,143 m) or Oktang (about 4,730 m), depending on weather
• Flight over the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and its glaciers
• Fuel stop at Suketar airport in Taplejung
• Optional visit to Pathibhara Devi Temple (3,794 m)
• Private charter for your group

Flight Route and Landing

The helicopter leaves Kathmandu early and flies east to Suketar airport in Taplejung (about 2,420 m) to refuel. From there it flies north up the valleys towards Kanchenjunga and lands at Pangpema or Oktang for a short stop. Ground time at these altitudes is kept to around 15 to 20 minutes.

On the way back the helicopter refuels again in Taplejung before returning to Kathmandu. The tour takes about four to five hours in total, or longer with a stop at Pathibhara Devi Temple.

Pangpema or Oktang?

Pangpema, the north base camp, faces the north side of Kanchenjunga across the Kanchenjunga glacier. Oktang is a lower viewpoint on the south side, below the Yalung glacier. Both offer huge views; the pilot chooses the one with the safer weather on the day.

Best Time for a Kanchenjunga Helicopter Tour

October and November are usually the clearest months, followed by March to May. In the June to September monsoon, cloud often covers the far east of Nepal.

Itinerary: Kanchenjunga Base Camp Helicopter Tour

06:00 – Hotel pickup

Transfer to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport for check-in and the weight check.

06:30 – Fly to Taplejung

Fly east along the Himalaya to Suketar airport in Taplejung and refuel.

08:15 – Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Fly north and land at Pangpema or Oktang for about 15 to 20 minutes of photos.

09:00 – Return via Taplejung

Refuel at Suketar, with an optional visit to Pathibhara Devi Temple.

11:00 to 12:00 – Back in Kathmandu

Landing in Kathmandu and hotel transfer. Times are approximate and depend on weather.