Nepal promotes an easy way to visit Everest – by Helicopter

Not everyone is in the position to trek or climb their way around the Himalayas. And finally, the travel fraternity in Nepal has provided an easier way to visit Mount Everest.

Last year, 2022, was not the best one for global tourism but things were definitely seen to be on the move after the previous almost total shutdown.  Nepal has reported that in 2022 the majority of visitors were from India.  There is no breakdown as to how many visitors were there on business and how many for actual tourism, but let’s look at a couple of things.

We can safely say that a lot of people who started travelling again last year were in the more mature demographic (didn’t have to worry about young children) and in the more affluent section of society (we hear the stories of Europe and America struggling with a downturn in economy and a huge rise in fuel costs). 

What do affluent, mature travellers want?  No doubt what they don’t want is to spend two weeks developing blisters in the mountains.  That probably doubly goes for those from India who don’t (yet, but it is growing) have a culture of adventure travel.

So, it seems sensible that Nepal has come up with a way to encourage those who want to experience the mountains without stress, long periods of freezing cold, or risk of illness. 

Arrival in Kathmandu

Once one arrives in Kathmandu, which can be an easy flight or interesting road journey if coming from India, there are a multitude of things to do.  There is the wonder of Pashupatinath to take in, as well as many other temples and shrines to visit.  For those interested in Buddhism there is the bustling Boudhanath enjoy with its delicious Tibetan restaurants and trinket stalls. 

As far as nightlife is concern there is something for everyone ranging from casinos to rock bars.  Thamel is the centre of tourism in terms of bars, music bars, restaurants and cafes but there are more sophisticated venues for music and drinks to be found at the many large hotels.  Which brings us to accommodation. 

The Hyatt is a well established four-star hotel, and there is the newer Kathmandu Marriott, both offering luxury accommodation and amenities.  More luxury hotels are scheduled to open this year and there are a great many 3-star and lower establishments.

Trips around and out of the city can be arrange through any of the many agencies there but let us get back to the mountains.

Helicopter Tours to Everest

A wonderful, exciting and awe-inspiring five hour trip to Everest has been introduced.  This trip leaves Kathmandu very early in the morning and takes passengers right up to Everest, with a couple of breathtaking stops along the way. 

Seating between three and five people per trip, this is not a mass-market package.  Passengers feel like they are on a VIP tour, and so they are.  With the pilot being your guide, you fly over the city, the low hills, and into the mountains.  The first stop is the airport town of Lukla.  Situated in the Everest Region, or Khumbu as it is known locally, Lukla is a high altitude airport which sees daily flights coming in with trekkers and mountaineers.  This Everest base camp helicopter tour stops here briefly to refuel. 

Flying over Sagarmatha National Park, over glaciers, glacier fed rivers, rough terrain and snowy mountains, the helicopter flies you over Everest Base Camp.  Here you can see mountaineers preparing for their ascent of the mountain. 

Unfortunately due to the lay of the land it is not possible to land at base camp. But the helicopter does land at an even better location – Kalapattar.  This high ridge gives the best views of Mount Everest and its sister mountains.  The panoramic view from here is hard to describe in words.  You just have to see for yourself.

Due to the high altitude, and the fact humans take days to acclimatize to such heights, the passengers can only spend a short time here.  Long enough to collect photographs, videos and memories.   Then it’s time to fly safely to a slightly lower altitude to what awaits our VIP passengers – breakfast overlooking Everest!

Here, in the courtyard of a specially selected hotel, passengers are served breakfast while gazing at Everest and other mountains.  What a way to feast both your stomach and your eyes!

This is a wonderful experience, suitable for any age and ability which has opened the door for many who want to visit the Himalayas, Mt Everest in particular, but thought it not possible for them.