No matter how often you may have flown – long haul, short haul, STOL - whatever – the Everest Mountain Flight is one you will always remember. We often talk about a bird’s eye view, and in this case that is exactly what you will experience, for normally only birds, and then usually only the big birds of prey, choose to glide in the realms of the Himalaya, far above the mountains themselves. And only a bird’s eye could encompass the astonishing and unique range containing the undisputed, highest mountain of the world, together with numberless other snowy peaks, which jostle and crowd around it. It isn’t until you have actually been up above the peaks that you have an idea of the vast number of nameless, unexplored mountains which comprise the Himalayas.                        

Your flight will require that you rise early and make your way to Tribhuvan Domestic Airport. Several private airlines offer mountain flights, and we use them all, as they are equally reliable. The aircraft are small, twin-engined 18-seater planes, - Jetstream-41, Twin Otter De Havilland-DHC-6/300, Beech-1900Ds and Dornier-DO228. The seat configuration is a single row on each side, which means that you will have your own uninterrupted mountain view. Beside that, we can also arrange for private, mountain sightseeing on an hourly basis for about 5 people, in small Ecureuil-AS350 helicopters. (If you are interested in this latter option, please get in touch with us).

The captain will invite you into the cockpit and point out the major peaks in view, and you will be able to take clear photographs from there, and also through your own windows. If you are nearest to the peaks in the first part of your flight, you will be furthest away from them in the second part, and vice versa, so don’t panic about taking photographs until you are in a good position to do so. If you are confused about which peaks you are seeing, ask the host or hostess who will clarify matters for you.

After leaving Kathmandu, the aircraft heads east and the snowy peaks begin to come into view almost immediately. First is the majestic Shisha Pangma (8013m), with Dorje Lakpa (6996m) like a recumbent figure-of-eight, and Phurbi Ghyachu looming over the Kathmandu Valley, to its first and second right respectively.

Next in view is Chhoba Bhamare, the smallest of all the peaks seen on the flight, at 5933m, but thus far defying climbing attempts. Then comes Mt. Gauri Shankar (7134m), sharp and conspicuous, and believed by Hindus to be protected by Lord Shiva and his consort Gauri.
As the plane travels toward the Eastern Himalaya, there follows a succession of majestic mountains: Melungtse, with its plateau-like top, standing at 7023m, side by side with Chugimago (6297m) still remaining to be scaled; breast-shaped Mt. Numbur (6956m), believed to be the maternal source in the sky, providing pure milk to the Sherpas of Solokhumbu; gleaming white Karyolung (6511m); and then Cho Oyu, at a stunningly beautiful 8201m, the world’s sixth-highest mountain.
The most exciting, last stretch of the flight, takes you close to the 7952m high Gyachungkang, considered an extremely difficult climb. To its right is Pumori (7161m), followed by Nuptse (7855m), which means West Peak, signifying its direction from Everest. And, finally, at an almost unbelievable height of 8848m, you are confronted by the world’s tallest mountain, known as Sagarmatha to the Nepalis, Chomolungma to the Tibetans, and Mount Everest to most other people. Although much has been written about Everest, and though its images are so well known, to actually come face to face with this most enigmatic of Himalayan peaks, on a mountain flight, is a totally unforgettable, and unique, experience; and one to be recommended!

And, if all this is not enough, you may still see Lhotse (8616m), Ama Dablam (6812m) Chamlang (7319m) and Makalu (8463m)….with Kanchenjunga (8586m) probably just out of view!
The mountain flight is a truly unique experience, and should be considered, even if you have seen Everest from some panoramic viewpoint, trekked to base camp, or even climbed to the summit itself – it is the only way you will be able to experience a bird’s eye view!

Itinerary at a glance

Early morning drive to domestic airport, about 1.30hrs. round-trip mountain flight, and drive back to hotel