4 Feb 2020 6 min to read
Everest Helicopter Tour in the Himalayas is beautiful, majestic, and much more than one can imagine. Our flight to Everest was nothing short of a delight. In the clouds like an eagle, so close to the snow-capped peaks, the journey was pristine. This tour was on my bucket list for such a long period and the time just couldn’t be better. As suggested by one of my colleagues, I contacted Outdoor Himalayan. I was delighted to find out that this was the perfect time to do the Helicopter tour. With a few suggestions from their team, we were up and ready for this fantastic adventure.
Taking off from the TIA
For this amazing Everest Helicopter tour, properly the cameras were checked and some other stuff for the tour. I was excited and our guide came early for the drive to the TIA. With research beforehand I knew I would view many eight-thousanders on the trip. During the drive, he told us a general itinerary of the tour and we were at the airport in no time. After about half an hour we were in our helicopter to Everest. We took off with a briefing from the pilot about the flight. Up from the ground with a birds-eye view of hustling Kathmandu, we were flying towards Shangri La.
Flying to the Top of the world
The green hills and riverbeds lead us to the mountains in no time. With a beautiful sunrise beside us, we were closer to the Himalayas each second. From the far north, we had the first glance of the Everest. Our guide explained all the peaks with their significant characteristics. Mt.Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt.Lhotse and Mt. Cho Oyu were the peaks over 8000 meters of elevation. Beside them, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori, Changtse, and other magnificent peaks were the major attractions of the tour. My personal best was the peak of Ama Dablam and being closer to it was amazing.
Breakfast in the lap of the Himalayas
The first landing of our Everest Helicopter tour was near Syangboche in the Everest View hotel. We were having our breakfast in one of the highest hotels in the world. The view of the mountains was surreal. Our menu there was surprisingly vast and I chose my usual even at that altitude. After some time gazing at the view and having breakfast, we were ready to go. The helicopter was refueled and we were back in the air.
In the base camp among the Summiteers
The next stop for the Everest helicopter tour was the base camp of the Everest Base camp itself. I was much excited about this landing. having planned to do the full extent of the Everest Base Camp trek for so long, I was unable due to time issues. Despite the joy of trekking, the experience was no short of amazement. Within a few minutes, we were in the base camp of Everest. The Everest helicopter tour was truly mesmerizing.
Nearby were the camps of the summiteers heading up to conquer this massive peak while other trekkers were arriving from Gorak Shep. Besides the prayer flags and the view of the world’s highest mountain, the thrill was unparalleled. Spending some fulfilling time in the base of Everest, we left the camp.
The hint of fresh breeze, rising to the height of the peaks
Spending more time in higher elevation is not wise having flown directly from Kathmandu. Our pilot repeated that we were about 5300 meters above sea level. Taking off from the base camp the views expanded with Khumbu Glacier and Gokyo lake complex in vision. Flying side by side to the Massif we had another short flight to Kalapatthar.
Living in the Moment at Kalapatthar, Everest helicopter Tour
Kalapatthar was one site in the Everest repeating time and again in my research. I had read about it in multiple sources and the excitement was real. In no time we were near the Kalapatthar Ri. Once in the top, the view cleared up with one of the best sights of this whole trip. Kalapatthar treated us with the full extent of the Everest and more. Our guide also mentioned that the ridge is the highest anyone can go without a climbing permit.
A 360° picturesque view popped up with massive peaks dominating the Skyline. I was speechless for a moment wit a cool breeze and a magnificent view. A heavenly sight that I could live with for the rest of my life. Kalapatthar deserved every praise that people link it with and once there you will know the Everest better.
Discovering the gem of Khumbu and More in the Sagarmatha NP
Glacial lakes, breathtaking mountain views, heavenly landscape, landing in the snow-covered strips and so much more to define this tour. being there at the moment I got to know the region and people more. Our guide from Outdoor left no stone unturned for the complete experience of the Himalayas. Over the terraced farmlands and Yak pastures, the settlements and lifestyle of Sherpas were misty but applaudable. Hills covered with red rhododendron colors the Sagarmatha NP.
So Close to the Everest, We thought we could grab it with our arms
Everest, the top of the world, being close to it was sublime. This was undoubtedly one of the best flights of my life. The tranquil beauty of the southern face of the Everest is phenomenal. Heading back to Kathmandu, the mountains were visible for once more waving us farewell. The intimidation is all worth everything once you are closer to it. On top of the world from some hours of flight, life couldn’t be better. The Everest helicopter tour is simply wonderful.
Back in Kathmandu, Memories lasting forever
Ticking off the bucket list for the Everest, we landed back to the TIA, Kathmandu. Back in the hotel, I relived this amazing journey with hundreds of pictures and moments during the tour. From the luxury of a short flight and flawless guidance and management of Outdoor, this tour was possible. Looking for another fantastic flight next to the Annapurna region in my coming vacation, I concluded this trip with a successful dinner with the Team. ‘You only live once’, so make each moment in Nepal valuable with Everest Helicopter Tour.
