Mount Everest Flight from Kathmandu

It was a clear and crisp morning as the flight departed from Kathmandu. As I stared out the window, I couldn't help but wonder at the beautiful expanse of snow-capped mountains we were flying over. A few minutes later, we were over the sky of Mahalangur Mountains, surrounded by the Himalayas.

It was almost like entering another world - nothing but a patchwork of different shades of arid small mountains on either side of each mountain range below us. It was indeed a journey that I personally experienced in the world’s most majestic mountainland in Nepal. 

With an early sunrise at the Kathmandu Airport, domestic terminal, I obtained a boarding pass for the mountain flight that is heading towards the sky of the Khumbu Himalayas. 

As soon as we took off from Kathmandu Airport, the Himalayas started to become visible. The Himalayan panorama stretched on the horizon was spectacular from the window of the Aircraft.

The sky was clear in the early morning, so the advantage was we could witness the most beautiful and unobstructed mountain panorama. The most beautiful part that I personally admired of the flight was the epic Himalayan views alongside the best version of sunrise dawning beyond the mountains. There were impeccable scenes of the valley while we were taking off from the flight and again there were the most beautiful Himalayas on earth that has their pristine snowy jewel caressing the sky. 

The Gaurishankar (7134 M), Melungtse (7181 M), Chugumango (6297 M), Pigferago (6620 M), Number (6957 M), Karyolung (6511M), Cho Oyu (8201 M), Gyachungkang (7252 M), Pumori (7161 M), Nuptse (7855 M), Mount Everest (8848.86 M), Lhotse (8516 M), Ama Dablam (6812 M), Chamlang (7319 M), Makalu (8463 M) and Kanchenjunga mountains (8586 M) were visible from the flight. 

Since the flight was purposeful to make us witness the Himalayas, only the window seats of the flight were assigned to passengers. The aisle seat was left empty. While flying from Kathmandu, the Himalayas were visible from the left side and after the turnaround in the Himalayan sky, the mountains were on the right side. Though the mountains were visible on a single side only, we could move to the aisle seat of the mountain-facing side upon request and witness the Himalayas throughout the flight. 

Almost an hour long, this mountain flight to Everest has its own beauty. I was stunned to see the most beautiful horizon on earth and the never-ending sight of the Himalayas throughout the range. The cabin crews also helped us to identify the peaks that were visible from the aircraft. The most beautiful part of the mountain flight is that it never fails to amaze you with the otherworldly experiences of the mountain vistas that you will ever get in the mountain region of Nepal. 

The Himalayas are a treasure trove of the most breathtaking natural beauty. Mountain flight is one of the best ways to explore a wide range of the Himalayas in a short time. This way, you can see the entire range that is visible from the window of your aircraft. And also, you can take in the experience with whomever you want regardless of your physical fitness. Some of the most notable mountain peaks are as follows.

Mount Everest (8848.86 M)

Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. It is located in the Himalayan region, at the convergence of two countries—Nepal and China. It's also known as Qomolangma or Chomolungma in Tibet, Sagarmatha in Nepal, and Zhumulangma in China. In the hills of Nepal, at an altitude of approximately 8,848 meters, is Mount Everest. It is largely regarded as the highest mountain on Earth's surface and has been dubbed "The Roof of the World." The first ascent to the peak was made on May 25, 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa as a coronation gift to Queen Elizabeth II. 

Everest is the ultimate feat of mountaineers. It is admired for not only being the highest planet on Earth but also for the amazing hardcore adventure it offers. Besides that, it's also a staple in adventure travel and day hikes to see the breathtaking views. On Everest's north face, climbers brave freezing temperatures and treacherous icefall, a series of plateaus where glaciers hang from steep cliffs. 

Nonetheless, both novices and experts alike continue to strive for one of the most coveted feats in mountaineering: making it all the way up Mount Everest. There’s a large population that trek to the base camp or just hike around the vantage points to witness the mindblowing vistas of Everest in Nepal. The Mount Everest flight from Kathmandu’s major attraction, Mount Everest is one of the most popular eight-thousanders in the world. 

Lhotse (8516 M)

Lhotse (8516 M) is the fourth-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest in Nepal. The peak is on a knife-edge ridge, as are several other peaks, including Mount Everest. Separated by some 8 km (5 miles), these peaks are considered sequential "sister" summits due to their proximity and visual similarities with respect to approach from a distance and by climbing either peak. The ridge is narrow and very difficult to climb due to the temperature, ice and altitude. 

Lhotse is part of the Himalaya Range in Nepal. It lies approximately 7 km to the northeast of Mount Everest and 6 km to the west of Mount Chukhung. The mountain rises above the surrounding basin of Lhotse Shar at 8860 meters. There are many glaciers on its slopes including some that ring its summit.

Mount Lhotse lies south of Everest, which is thus named Lhotse, which means south peak in the Sherpa dialect. This mountain was first braved by a swiss expedition team in 1956. 

Gaurishankar (7134 M)

Mount Gaurishankar is located just south of Mount Everest. The mountain is accessible from the north of Nepal and from the south of Tibet. It is only rarely climbed because of extreme weather, difficult terrains and unpredictable weather, making for difficult climbing. 

The Rolwaling Himal's westernmost point is where Gaurishankar is located. The Rolwaling Himal's western border is the valley of the Bhote Kosi, which is located to the peak's west. The Menlung Chu, which separates it from its sister mountain Melungtse, is located to the north. The Rolwaling Chu, which rises to the Tesi Lapcha pass and provides access to the Khumbu region, is located to the south. Gaurishankar is also the mountain on the basis of its meridian, the Nepali standard time GMT +5:45 is decided. 

Cho Oyu (8201 M)

Mount Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,201 meters. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet and is part of the Himalayan mountain range. In Tibetan, Cho Oyu denotes the "Turquoise Goddess." 

The mountain is located 20 kilometers west of Mount Everest and is the largest peak in the Khumbu sub-section of the Mahalangur Himalaya.

The peak is mostly covered with ice, but it also has glaciers at several points along its slopes. On the north side of the mountain, a fissure called Crack, which features Window, separates Mount Everest from Mount Cho Oyu. 

Makalu (8463 M)

Mount Makalu is one of the most beautiful in the world. Located in Nepal, Mount Makalu is part of the Himalayan Mountains with an elevation of 8,481 meters. It is a peak in the Mahalangur Himalayan mountain range located on the border between Nepal and Tibet. 

Mount Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, and one of eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders to be climbed without oxygen. It is often regarded as one of the most difficult mountains to climb, and also one of the deadliest. 

There are two prominent sub-peaks to Makalu. Approximately three kilometers (two miles) to the north-northwest of the main summit is Kangchungtse, or Makalu II (7,678 m). Chomo Lonzo rises roughly five kilometers (three miles) north-northeast of the main summit across a wide plateau and is connected to Kang Ching Tze by a small, 7,200-meter saddle (7,804 m).

Kanchenjunga (8586 M) 

Mount Kanchenjunga, is the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586 metres (28,251 ft), after Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. It lies on the border of Nepal and India. Its name means "Five Treasures of Snow ''. The Tamur River borders the Kanchenjunga Himal in the west, the Lhonak River and Jongsang La in the north, and the Teesta River in the east. 

The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India determined in 1849 that Mount Everest, known at the time as Peak XV, is higher than Kangchenjunga, which had previously been thought to be the highest mountain in the world until 1852. After allowing for more computations to be verified, Kangchenjunga's status as the third-highest mountain was formally declared in 1856.

Ever since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, the mountain has been a destination for adventurers and thrill seekers. In quest of exploring the different forms of the Himalayas, the airlines in Nepal began offering tours that take visitors in search of the summit on a flight, so people can marvel at this breathtaking site from high above. That makes it a great way to explore the snowy highland of Nepal. 

Wondered how it would feel to see Mount Everest from a plane! Some of the most iconic photographs of Mount Everest are captured from the air. From this perspective, you can see just what an awe-inspiring and behemoth peak that towers into the sky. The experience of this mountain panorama is just not limited to witnessing Everest but also exploring how the soft aerial adventure perceives the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas on earth. 

There are few flights today offering the ability to see Mount Everest from a perspective that only those who have been there can appreciate fully. However, I recently took a mountain flight that offered one of the best in-flight vantage points to see the mountain for the first time. I was eager to make my flight because I wanted to see Mount Everest from this perspective and experience it for myself. The flight itself acted as the best viewpoint that has its own aerial perspectives to look towards mountains. 

The sky was at its most beautiful version, and the mountains were spectacular with some on-and-off clouds flowing like a stream in the sky. The beauty of the aerial views is just not limited to the vistas you witness, but also the compassion and zeal of the travellers who wish to witness this majestic snow-capped panorama but couldn’t trek or take a Heli flight to the Everest Base Camp. 

Some of the most notable mountains that are spectacular from the flight are stretched throughout the horizon. The entire mountain range is clearly visible on a clear day and offers a most photogenic attraction to capture. Another attraction that adds to it is you can witness the most beautiful version of sunrise if you made it before 6 AM. 

Though this Himalayan country has witnessed several mountain disasters due to technical and weather reasons, flying on a mountain flight is quite safe in Nepal. The Everest mountain flight doesn’t have to land in the mountains and it is a Kathmandu-based flight. So, the risk elements are less, making it one of the safest mountain flights in Nepal. 

I have been flying frequently in other areas of Nepal, maybe that’s why it never struck me with a question of safety. Because I never had such bad experiences except for some minor turbulence. There are reputed airlines that organize this trip to Everest and if the weather issues and other alien factors are there, the company wouldn’t risk its flight. Plus, except for a few mountain destinations like Lukla, which is also known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world, other places have maintained their safety and have built their infrastructures to host a flight safely. 

However, the mountains are the most mysterious places on earth. They can easily get shrouded in clouds and the weather can change at any time. If you have taken a ticket for a mountain flight and it doesn’t take off due to weather and technical reasons, you will be given another time to complete your flight or you will get your money refunded. 

As of now, Buddha Airlines, Shree Airlines, Yeti Airlines, and Guna Airlines are offering Everest Mountain Flights from Kathmandu to Everest. You will be guaranteed a window seat so that you can never miss out on the mountain views. 

Related Trip: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

The Everest mountain flight is a wonderful, yet costly experience in Nepal. If you are planning to visit Nepal and explore the Himalayan views, surely, it’s a good flight to take. You can explore a wide range of Himalayas and witness the aerial beauty of mountains that is truly spectacular from the flight. 

As of Nov 2022, the cost of the Everest Mountain Flight for foreigners is about USD 250, and for Nepali, the cost is about NPR 17000. The cost for Indian is about INR 11000 Per Person. 

Mostly, the flight is full of foreigners and Indian passengers. So, you may find someone from your country in a little chit-chat at the Airport or the Aircraft itself. 

If you are considering taking a Mountain Flight to Everest, you should directly take the flight and airport transfer services from your accommodation. This way, your plans remain organized and you won’t miss out on the arrangements. Also, the plans come cheap if you are booking with a travel company in Nepal. 

Though the sky of Nepal is unpredictable, my experience was fantastic in terms of the views I explored. The crew team also helped us to identify the mountains that were visible from the plane. Taking a mountain flight has the most beautiful perks, even the sky reveals its blues and mountains look very pristine from air. 

If you are worried about missing out on the mountain flight, then you shouldn’t. There are numerous flights that organize this trip to Everest and the chances are you can get the mountain flight ticket most of the time except for a few peak tourist days. 

The Everest Mountain Flight starts from Kathmandu Airport in the early morning. This is due to the chances of getting better views in the dawntime. In the morning, the weather is clear and less cloudy. So, you will get to explore a wide range of Himalayas from the aircraft.

The Kathmandu Airport, Domestic terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport, which is about 5 KM from Thamel, is where the flight starts and ends. It is an hour flight that takes you to the mountains and turns around from a point to head back to the Kathmandu Airport. 

For this trip, I had my services booked beforehand. So, it was really convenient to take the mountain flight. Every arrangement became handy, thanks to Altitude Himalaya, and hassle-free. The cab was ready at my facility before 5:30 AM. I had my mountain flight at 6:30 AM. 

I took a cab and went to Airport. It was about 6 Km away from my accommodation and it took a mere 10 minutes to get there. The airport was not crowded at all, as the airport was just opening up to commence the flights of the day. It is not a 24-hour airport. I went on to the counter of Shree Airlines, and requested a boarding pass for the flight. 

While going on this mountain flight, there’s no need to carry luggage or a backpack, unless you have your plans for the day started. You can carry your packed breakfast, if you want to, and water or your diet. But carrying a backpack just for an hour to return to the same spot may not sound very appropriate. 

After passing the security, there’s a waiting area where you can wait until your flight is announced. My flight was delayed by a few minutes. After Boarding was announced, we were escorted to a bus and transferred to flight. Taking off was real fun, we could see some beautiful parts of the Kathmandu valley too. 

As we ascended higher, the Himalayas were spectacular and getting nearer to those was nothing but one of the finest experiences to take in. 

Climbing the world's tallest mountain requires a lot of planning and time. The combination of extensive training and significant physical challenges makes it a difficult mission, but worth it for many who have pursued their dream. But on the other hand, taking a mountain flight to Everest fulfills the desire to witness the world’s most astonishing eight thousander within a few minutes. 

A mountain flight over the Himalayas may not be an integral part of braving Everest. However,  it allows visitors to get a bird's-eye view of the mountain and below, it provides an opportunity for a quick burst of fresh energy while taking in the Himalayan aura, which may help their quest to take a glimpse of the Highest Himalayan Range. 

During the flight, the entire Himalayan Panorama is visible. You can explore the snow domes that encompass the highlands of Nepal and Tibet. The authentic mountain beauty is truly explored just about 20 miles away from the actual Everest. Actually, it’s the most beautiful luxury to take in if you love mountains and want to explore what the aerial view looks like. 

So, yes, I would definitely say, it’s worth it. It’s worth the money and time. On one hand, you can witness the most beautiful panorama on earth and on the other, you will be exploring what most people do not even get a chance to see. So, while you are in Nepal, go on a flight, make memories, enjoy your time, and gather some photographs. 

While descending, after the turnaround, you will be given a certificate that says you witnessed the most beautiful grandeur on earth. Maybe, just a tangible touch of the intangible experience. 

Mount Everest is a mountain peak in the Himalayas of South Asia, the highest point on Earth. The world's tallest mountains, including its 29,031 foot (8,848.86 m) summit, are part of a system of ranges that stretch  across India, Nepal and China.  It lies in Sagarmatha National Park. Every year thousands of people from all over the world climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. These include professional guides and mountaineers and also amateurs who take part in search of adventure and new experiences. Not only that it is the mountain where many world records were made. Many stories of inspirations and tragedies hinge on this peak.

Mount Everest was discovered in 1852 by an English surveyor named Sir George Everest. It is known for the early mountain expeditions and one of the most braved mountains on earth. More than 6000 people have climbed this mountain and there are numerous adventure souls who lost their lives in the mountain tragedies. It is known for its amazing expedition that often involves Sherpas. 

Also Read: Interesting Facts about Mount Everest

Whopping 8848.86 meters, that's how high up the sky Mount Everest sits, taller than any mountain in the world. The earth's highest mountain top goes by many names and has a range of meanings for different cultures across time and space.

If you are wondering about what if planes fly over mount Everest, then its a no. The first thing to know is that it's not possible. It also needs to account for air pressure, which would force it to depressurize if there wasn't enough oxygen at such heights. Passenger planes do not take such risks by flying over Everest. So, no, there are not any flight routes crossing Mount Everest. 

The turbulence in the mountain areas can be fatal and there’s no room for mistakes over the sky of such geography. So, most aeroplanes avoid the mountain areas of Nepal. Also, during mechanical issues, if the plane needs to glide, there’s not enough space to make it safe. 

In the business of aviation, there’s no margin for error. The passengers' lives would be at risk in case of emergencies in the towering mountains. So, the snow dome of the mountain land where the geography is not appropriate is best avoided.

Also Read: Mount Everest Height