Almost everyone has heard of Mount Everest and the amazing climbers who summit the world’s highest mountain yearly. And yes, most of us have to admit there is no way we could attempt this amazing feat.
For many, the alternative is to trek to Everest Base Camp, where we can experience some of the same sights and sounds as those intrepid climbers. But, again, some of us for whom, this is a very challenging task. Whether it's finance, time, or fitness, some of us are just not made to trek for 14-plus days.
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So how can we visit Mount Everest and experience the grandeur of this area?
Time Moves On
If we look back to 1953 and the first successful summit of Everest, we learn that expeditions had to walk for weeks from Kathmandu to reach Everest Base Camp. Over time roads were built, which meant several weeks were cut from the itinerary, but it still took considerable time to reach the Khumbu Region. Fast forward a few years, and it was possible to fly into the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla on a fixed-wing plane and then hike for around two weeks. This is the way it is still done today.
Thankfully for us who are not climbers or avid trekkers, today, there is even an alternative to fixed-wing planes. The helicopter.
Breakfast on Everest
The ‘standard’ helicopter tour into Everest has been around for some time and is still very popular.
This trip starts with an early morning helicopter flight out of Kathmandu, landing at Lukla to refuel and give you your first breath of cold, clear mountain air. Then the flight continues over lush landscapes and villages to monasteries, rough mountain paths, and mountain scenery. The flight lands at Kala Patthar, which at 5,644m is the closest you, or any trekker, can get to Mount Everest without scaling it.
Kala Patthar is often referred to as Everest View Point because of the astounding sight of the surrounding mountains. Aside from Everest, we see close-ups of Nuptse, Makalu, Lhotse, and many more peaks. Because of the high altitude, it is not possible for either the helicopter or us humans to stay here longer but the memories and photos we take away will last a lifetime.
The helicopter flies over Everest Base Camp, but it is not possible to land due to the geography of the area. Still, again whether you are trekking or flying, it is Kala Patthar that gives the most astounding views of Mount Everest and surrounding mountains.
We then fly onto Everest View Hotel, where we stop for a celebratory breakfast. Being that at this high altitude, the helicopter can only take a maximum of 3 people (plus the pilot), it is time for the second half of the group (total number leaving Kathmandu is up to 5 passengers) to fly up to Kala Patthar, having already had their breakfast while overlooking the mountains.
It's hard to decide which is the greater thrill – standing on Kala Patthar with a panorama of mountains around you or sipping coffee (or champagne) on the hotel terrace overlooking the same majestic mountains. It is for you to decide.
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