Helicopter’s Banned for Everest Sightseeing
On October 27, a group of approximately 50 high-profile American corporate CEOs flew to Mount Everest for a sightseeing excursion, marking a unique and extravagant journey. Over 15 helicopter flights were organized from Lukla to Kala Patthar, which stands at 5,545 meters above sea level. The CEOs spent only a few minutes taking photos and selfies at the top before making their way back to Kathmandu. The total cost for the helicopter bookings alone amounted to nearly Rs 16.20 million, with additional expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and national park fees, potentially running into millions of dollars more.
“These were affluent visitors who had substantial financial resources but very little time to spare,” commented Anil Manandhar, the corporate manager at Shree Airlines, which is Nepal’s largest helicopter service provider. “High-end tourism is an essential component of sustaining long-term economic growth in popular travel destinations, and the government must learn how to promote such tourism effectively,” he added, emphasizing the importance of this type of tourism for the country’s economic wellbeing.
However, a dramatic shift is about to occur. Starting from January 1, helicopters will no longer be allowed to conduct sightseeing flights in the Everest region. The Sagarmatha National Park, home to the world’s highest peak, has issued a directive that prohibits all helicopter companies from offering sightseeing flights within the park’s boundaries.
Sushma Rana, a senior conservation officer at the park, explained the rationale behind the decision: “This move is being made to safeguard the welfare of wildlife in the area.” Additionally, helicopters will no longer be permitted to transport cargo above the village of Pangboche, which sits at 3,985 meters above sea level.
Rana clarified that the new regulations will not apply to rescue flights, which will continue to be allowed.
Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976, spans over 1,148 square kilometers in Solukhumbu District and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its exceptional natural beauty and cultural significance.
Despite the park’s reasons for the ban, Manandhar expressed his disapproval, calling it a major setback for high-end tourism in Nepal. “This ban is a strange and unfortunate decision that will significantly impact the premium tourism market,” he said. “The Everest sightseeing tour is Nepal’s flagship product, and it has the potential to attract wealthy tourists from around the globe. However, it has not been marketed effectively so far.”
Currently, helicopter flights face several restrictions: from Kathmandu to Lukla, helicopters can carry up to four passengers, and from Lukla to Kala Patthar, they can take no more than two passengers. Helicopters are also prohibited from landing at the Everest Base Camp, though they can fly overhead. Most sightseeing itineraries include a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then to Kala Patthar, followed by a lunch at the Everest View Hotel in Syangboche before returning to Kathmandu.
Tourists are charged approximately Rs 10,000 for various fees, including Rs 3,000 for park conservation, Rs 2,000 for village development, and Rs 900 for airport charges. Helicopter operators also pay Rs 3,000 for landing and parking at designated spots.
“The Everest sightseeing tour is Nepal’s premium tourism offering, and its potential to attract high-end tourists from around the world is immense. Unfortunately, we have not done enough to market it,” said Manandhar, highlighting the missed opportunities. During peak seasons, there are typically 8-10 helicopter flights daily.
In response to the announcement, helicopter operators convened for an emergency meeting with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the nation’s aviation regulatory body. The Airlines Operators’ Association of Nepal issued a statement asserting that it would comply with CAAN’s decision but would not accept the national park’s ban, arguing that only CAAN has the legal authority to impose such restrictions on air travel.
The decision to ban helicopter flights was influenced by several environmental and social factors. One primary concern is the level of noise pollution caused by helicopters, which has been found to disturb wildlife. According to Rana, the noise from helicopter flights has been causing behavioral changes in local animals, including species such as the Himalayan tahr and the goral. “The loud sounds of helicopters flying at low altitudes have caused animals to flee into nearby villages, resulting in more accidents and deaths. In some cases, animals like the goral have been known to jump off cliffs in a state of panic when startled by helicopters,” Rana explained.
The park also raised concerns about the improper landing practices of some helicopter companies. Despite repeated warnings, several companies have ignored regulations designed to ensure landings occur in designated areas. This non-compliance has raised suspicions regarding the potential for wildlife smuggling, as helicopters operating outside the rules could be difficult to monitor.
Furthermore, local communities have reported negative economic impacts due to the rise in helicopter tours. Traditionally, trekkers take up to 14 days to reach Everest Base Camp, but many now opt to return by helicopter, bypassing porters and guides. This shift has resulted in job losses for local workers and affected the businesses of tea houses and resorts in the Everest region.
The national park’s decision to implement this ban is backed by local government officials and community leaders. The Nepal Army and local youth groups have been tasked with monitoring and enforcing the ban, ensuring that helicopter operators comply with the new regulations.
This is not the first time the park has attempted to limit helicopter flights. In October, the park’s office in Namche sent a letter to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal requesting a ban on commercial helicopter flights over the national park. Tour operators argue that it is unfair for honest companies to be penalized due to the unethical practices of a few operators who prioritize quick profits over regulations.
In 2018, Nepal launched a review of helicopter rescue operations after discovering a multimillion-dollar scam involving unscrupulous operators. These companies had been pressuring climbers to take expensive helicopter rides for minor injuries or illnesses, often inflating the costs and making multiple claims for the same flight.
During the peak spring and autumn seasons, more than 6,000 helicopter flights take place over the national park. Although rescue flights will continue, operators must now secure approval from local health institutions, buffer zone committees, or ward offices, making the process even more complicated and time-consuming. Furthermore, rescue helicopters will need to be fully equipped, and rescued patients must be transported to the Pasang Lhamu-Nicole Niquille Hospital in Lukla for treatment.
