Whether you are going to Nepal for business or pleasure, there is a surefire way to get the ultimate adventure of seeing the world’s highest mountain – all before lunch!
You probably have relatives who have been on a pilgrimage to Nepal; you may even have been there yourself on a family vacation, a business trip, or even for adventure travel. But you probably don’t know that there is now an easy, quick, and cost-effective way to visit Mount Everest.
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Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
After more than two years of staying home, this year has seen a huge increase in the number of people traveling. It’s only fitting, therefore, that some new adventures have been designed to attract both regular and new travelers and tourists.
Nepal has always been a place for adventure as well as spirituality. This can clearly be seen on Bollywood screens and by visits from such as Aamir Khan, who was there earlier this year on a Vipassana Meditation course. So, it’s exciting to see this new tour come up.
With Everest Base Camp being inaccessible for decades other than by foot, it is now possible to visit by helicopter. For those a bit older, a bit less mobile, or with limited time to spare, this half-day tour is an ideal way to experience the Himalayas up close.
How to Organise the Tour
Contact the agency responsible, in this case, Magical Nepal, a Nepal-based travel and tour company. All the information you need is on their website, and they will take care of the details for you. They can also tailor your trip. For example, if you wish to charter the whole helicopter for your own family and friends, they can arrange that for you. Want to make a few changes to the itinerary? They can also do that for you, as long as it is logistically possible. If you are going alone, it is possible to reserve a seat on a group helicopter at USD1,175, which is a little less than IC 1 lakh. With high-altitude helicopters only able to carry 5 to 6 people, even on a group tour, you feel pretty special.
What to Wear on the Helicopter Tour to EBC
Basically, you should be wearing roughly what you would wear on a hike. Comfortable trousers, vest, sweater, and a good warm jacket. On your feet, if you don’t have hiking boots, then sports shoes with a good grip will suffice. A hat and gloves are recommended, as it’s cold when you land. To give you an idea, today, at the end of May 2023, the temperature at one of the landings taking place is minus 4 centigrade.
What Else to Take on the Helicopter
No need to carry much, perhaps a little water, any medicines you need to take daily, and your camera. If you have heavy, professional-type camera equipment, you might be better off hiring the whole helicopter, and don’t forget to enquire about the Government of Nepal regulations for shooting permission.
Who Can Travel by Helicopter?
Even elderly parents can safely take this tour. If they have existing breathing conditions, perhaps this is not for them. Small children are not able to take the tour as the helicopter seats are not configurated for little bodies. Otherwise, it is suitable for all.
What About Altitude Problems?
While it is true that the helicopter will land at over 5,000m and will be flying even higher, there is very little risk of altitude-related problems. The reason being you are only at altitude for a very short period of time. Not long enough for the body to register what is happening. Just in case there is oxygen on the helicopter, and the pilot is trained in what to do should anyone fall sick.
What Will You See on This Tour
The tour departs Kathmandu around 6 am and flies directly to Lukla, where the Hillary Tenzing Airport is situated. The airport is the only way into the Everest Region, other than walking, and sees hundreds of trekkers and mountaineers arriving every day. The helicopter will stop here to refuel.
Sagarmatha National Park
As you take off again, you notice the landscape is surprisingly green and lush, with pine forests and glacier-fed rivers. At this point, you are flying over Sagarmatha National Park. Soon the landscape will alter and become more rugged and dry looking.
Namche Bazaar
The blue roofs below indicate you are flying over Namche Bazaar, the main market town of the region, and setting off point for expeditions and treks. This settlement has grown from a sleepy village to a vibrant town with some good standard accommodations, bars, and coffee shops.
Tengboche Monastery
Further up the mountains, Tengboche Monastery glows below in its tranquil yet stunningly beautiful location. The Himalayas seen from the monastery are amazing and add to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
Everest Base Camp
Flying over Everest Base Camp is as close as the helicopter can come to the location. The name of the tour may be a bit confusing because of this fact. Due to the ever-moving and changing land beneath the base camp, which is, in fact, part of the Khumbu Ice Fall, a constantly moving glacier, it is not possible to safely land a helicopter. On the table for discussion currently, is moving base camp downhill a few hundred meters to counteract the effects that climate change is having on the glacier.
Kalapattar
Meantime, while that debate continues, the helicopter tour lands at Kalapattar, a high rock ridge perfectly suitable for landing and viewing Everest. At over 5,000m, Kalapattar provides the best views of Everest and its neighbors.
Hotel Everest View
The third landing in the classic Everest Base Camp by Helicopter Tour is a little above Namche Bazaar in a Japanese-owned and designed hotel that was first opened in 1971. With views to rival the ones at Kalapattar, this hotel has a panoramic view from its dining terrace. Here time is given to have breakfast while gazing at Everest and the Himalayan mountains.
Mountains You Will See
The mountains seen from the helicopter are spectacular and seem to tower over and surround you. Everest, of course, is the prime mountain here, but Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many more mountains equal Everest in beauty, if not in height. Your pilot, who is also your guide on this tour, will help you recognize some of the major ones.
Best Time to Go
The most popular times on Everest, whether walking or flying, are spring and autumn. Winter and monsoon are less busy, so the price may be reduced slightly, and charters may be more easily obtained. Weather is pretty consistent as helicopters can fly when planes cannot; however, the monsoon period may be subject to delays, mainly due to unfavorable weather out of Kathmandu. Please discuss your proposed timing with the agent.
Bottom Line
This is the best way to get into the mountains and see Mt Everest without any strain. Definitely, it’s a great add-on to any trip to Nepal. As mentioned, details of the tour can be obtained from Magical Nepal.
