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1. Per-Helicopter Pricing – Not Per Person

Helicopter flights in Nepal are charged per flight / per helicopter. The aircraft cost is fixed; the per-person price changes depending on how many people share that helicopter.

2. Altitude & Payload – Why Higher Landings Cost More

The higher the landing point, the lighter the helicopter must be. Thin air reduces aircraft performance, so pilots have to reduce passenger & baggage weight for safety. This directly affects cost per person.

Landing Area	Approx. Altitude	Typical Max Pax
Lukla	2,860 m	Up to 5
Namche	3,440 m	4–5
Pheriche	4,371 m	4–5
Everest Base Camp / Kalapatthar	5,300–5,545 m	Usually 2

Higher altitude → lower payload → sometimes more shuttle flights → more total flying hours → higher final cost.

3. Fuel, Refuelling Points & Route Length

Fuel is one of the biggest parts of helicopter pricing. Remote refuelling points like Lukla or other mountain airstrips have limited supply and higher cost. Longer routes and detours use more fuel and increase the total flight time.

• High-altitude routes require extra fuel reserves for safety.
• Some flights must refuel en-route to return safely.
• Fuel in remote airfields is more expensive than in Kathmandu.

4. Weather, Waiting Time & Operational Reality

Mountain weather in Nepal can change quickly. When valleys are closed by cloud or strong winds, helicopters may have to hold, divert, or wait for safe openings.

• Bad weather may cause longer flight paths and extra fuel burn.
• Aircraft and crew may be on standby for several hours.
• Safety decisions always come before price or schedule.

5. Taxes, Helipad Fees & Local Permits

Official charges are a small but necessary part of the total cost. These include:

• CAAN aviation taxes & surcharges
• Helipad or airport landing & parking fees
• Local government or conservation fees in certain regions

We always include mandatory charges in our quotes so that what you see is what you pay.

6. Rescue Flights & Insurance-Linked Pricing

Rescue and medical evacuation flights are subject to government-regulated tariffs. Prices are controlled so that patients, families, and insurance partners are protected from overcharging.

We follow these official tariffs and coordinate directly with insurance or assistance companies when possible.

7. Shared Seats vs Private Charter

8. Seasonal Price Changes

Helicopter prices may vary between busy and quiet seasons because of aircraft availability and weather windows.

• Peak seasons: March–May & September–November (high demand, limited aircraft).
• Quieter periods: June–August & December–February (more flexibility, but weather can be challenging).

9. Why Prices Are Confirmed Close to the Flight Date

In high mountains, final pricing depends on real conditions:

• Weather forecast and flight window
• Exact passenger count & total weight
• Final route and fuel planning
• Altitude and landing permissions

That’s why we often give a price range at the time of enquiry and confirm the final figure shortly before the flight.

10. What Our Price Always Includes

11. Our “No Hidden Fees” Promise

We are committed to clear and honest pricing:

• No surprise fuel surcharges added at the helipad.
• No extra “service charges” on the day of the flight.
• No unofficial fees from unapproved operators.
• No additional weight penalties unless required by safety rules.

12. Why You Can Trust LuklaHelicopter.com

We act as a safety-first, transparency-first booking partner. We work only with CAAN-certified helicopter operators, use clear written quotes, and explain prices before you confirm anything.

If you ever have a question about a price, we will happily break down each item for you – aircraft cost, route, landing, fuel, rescue backup and more.