INSIDE HIMALAYAS | NEPAL | TIBET | BHUTAN
Everest from the Seat of a Helicopter by Elen Turner
Climbing or trekking to Everest is definitely not on every traveller ’ s bucket list . But the tallest peak in the world and its almost-as-tall neighbours have an undeniable magnetism that every adventurous traveller should aim to see . So , how to do so if you don ’ t have the time , stamina or inclination to get there on foot ? Helicopter .
An Everest sightseeing trip from Kathmandu via helicopter is the ultimate adventure for travellers who don ’ t have much time in Nepal , and aren ’ t on a strict budget . But , they ’ re also not as expensive as you may imagine , especially if you ’ re travelling with friends , or can find companions to share the costs with . The average price per five-seat helicopter is US $ 5500 . Split that five ways , and that ’ s little more than $ 1000 each . While that cost is obviously significant , when you consider you ’ ll be getting the exciting experience of a lifetime , it ’ s certainly worth it .
A sightseeing helicopter flight to Everest from Kathmandu looks like this :
Fly from Kathmandu early in the morning , to get the best of the weather and visibility . Make a quick stop in Lukla , about half an hour ’ s flight from Kathmandu , to drop off fuel , but you won ’ t disembark here . The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is magnificent , with increasingly high hills dotted with farming villages and terrace rice fields slowly giving way to the higher mountains .
From Lukla , continue on to Syangboche , an airstrip above the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar with spectacular mountain views . This is the closest airstrip to Everest Base Camp . All passengers disembark the helicopter here , as on the next leg of the trip , only a maximum of three passengers at a time can be taken . But don ’ t worry , those ‘ left behind ’ will enjoy a cosy breakfast at the Everest View Lodge ( passengers who take the first flight will take their breakfast afterwards ).
From Syangboche , fly to Kala Patthar , for extraordinary views of Everest , Base Camp and the surrounding peaks . Due to the geography , you cannot actually see the peak of Everest from Everest Base Camp , so Kala Patthar is the place to go for the views . You can ’ t stop here for too long because of the high altitude ( 5,644 metres ) and the quick ascent you ’ ve made . Nevertheless , there will be time for some magnificent photos before hopping back on board and returning to Syangboche ( when the remaining passengers will be shuttled , if you ’ re travelling with a full helicopter ).
Once everyone has taken their flight and breakfasted , return to Kathmandu . Aside from the spectacular mountain and hill views , the helicopter rides themselves are exhilarating , and will likely become an all-time favourite travel memory .
Quick facts
• Sightseeing helicopter flights to Everest can take a maximum of five passengers .
• The current average price for a helicopter is US $ 5500 .
• If you need help finding travel companions to reduce the cost , contact Royal Mountain Travel .
• Excursions last a full morning .
• Bring warm clothes ( for the higher altitudes ), sunscreen , drinking water and your camera .
14 www . insidehimalayas . com | By Royal Mountain Travel