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Many people each year go Everest Base Camp trekking, but there are some for whom this isn’t a possibility, for various reasons – as well as those who simply don’t enjoy trekking, but would still like a close-up look at the world’s tallest mountain. In the past, the only way to get close to Everest was to go overland. Now, however, there is another possibility: take one of the specially operated flights that allow passengers to see Everest in under an hour after taking off from Kathmandu! Far quicker than an Everest Base Camp trekking itinerary, and considerably easier! Alternatively, an Everest flight might make a pleasant supplement to a Base Camp trek, allowing visitors to view the mountain from very different angles.

What aircraft can you expect?

Everest flights are not in large commercial aircraft that only let a handful of people get a clear view out, nor are they in rickety, dangerous craft. Instead they are in small modern planes, such as the Raytheon Beechcraft 1900, which offer an extremely comfortable way to get close up views of the world’s highest mountain – a far cry from Everest Base Camp trekking. Two airlines that run Everest flights in co-operation with various tour operators are Buddha Air and Mountain Air. Their planes seat 16 to 18 passengers, with a window seat for everyone. The pilot ensures that the route taken allows everyone to get the breathtaking Everest views they have come for.

What else do you see?

Everest is the highlight, but there are plenty of other gorgeous sights to admire. Aside from the mountain scenery, particular sights to watch out for include Swayambhunath (commonly known as the Monkey Temple) at the western end of the Kathmandu Valley. Look out for the golden central stupa atop its white dome. Another great sight in the same valley is the Bodhnath Stupas, of similar design to the Swayambhunath stupa. Particularly eagle-eyed passengers may be able to see the eyes painted on the stupa’s four sides. Representing Buddha’s eyes, they are an important part of certain Buddhist iconographies.

As the plane ascends, 8000m giants come into view: Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu and Lhotse, which dominate the hundreds of other mountain peaks, pinnacles and spires of the region. These sweeping Himalayan views offer a very different perspective to that enjoyed by anyone who goes Everest Base Camp trekking.

How good a view will you get of Everest?

After only 20 minutes airborne, Everest comes into view. On many flights, the passengers are invited into the cockpit to speak with the captain, who points out the famous peaks. The aircraft won’t fly higher than Everest, but at altitudes of 7,620m it offers a remarkable and intimate view of the mountain not shared by Everest Base Camp trekking groups (although they get their own truly memorable vantage). Passing within 9km (5.5 miles) of Everest, passengers will get a true measure of its enormous size. Everest flights are a fantastic opportunity to see this phenomenal landmark.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have run Everest Base Camp trekking itineraries for over 20 years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

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