Everest Scenic Mountain Flight Nepal: Is It Worth It?
Picture this, you’re soaring way above the clouds, and just like that, the snowy peaks of the Himalayas appear in the distance. Visible, of course, front and center is Everest, just a magnificent sight to see. Now, this really is what the Everest Scenic Mountain Flight in Nepal offers, quite a great way to experience the mountain range without having to, you know, trek for days, weeks, or even months. But, understandably, before you book your ticket, you may want to know: is it truly worth the money and the time?
What’s the Everest Mountain Flight All About?
So, this mountain flight, very similar to an aerial tour, generally takes off from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. That is to say, you’re not starting anywhere near the actual mountains themselves. The flight, which takes about an hour, flies way east, alongside the Himalayan range. Each passenger, interestingly, gets a window seat, just perfect for viewing and for snapping those, really awesome, pictures. Also, flight attendants will usually point out each of the peaks as you fly by, so too, you’ll know what you are seeing.
Now, it’s almost designed for those who want to see Everest, too it’s still a popular choice for people of pretty much any age who might not be up for a long trek. Instead of dealing with thin air and rough trails, the mountain flight gives you comfortable views from an airplane cabin, a relatively easy way to enjoy the Himalayas.
Who Offers These Flights?
There actually a few airlines providing this service. Buddha Air is maybe the most well known, arguably a pretty reputable option, as is Yeti Airlines. Both have been doing these mountain flights for years and they each, in some respects, have pretty good safety records. When you’re researching, you’ll possibly notice other smaller operators, just a little cheaper, but it might be a good idea to stick with the bigger airlines. That said, with any flight, delays and cancellations due to the weather are very, very common, so it is essential to be flexible with your schedule.
What Can You See on the Flight?
Okay, the obvious answer is Mount Everest, yet so much more awaits you too, like many really impressive peaks. The flight passes close to peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and even Kanchenjunga. Now, that last one’s actually the third-highest peak, if that interests you. Because the plane isn’t actually flying directly *over* the mountains, you can be sure to get really good views from your window seat. What you see could be pretty overwhelming when it’s clear: snowy landscapes stretch forever.
As I was saying, the flight attendants, typically, are pretty good about pointing out the main attractions, too, you get to learn the names and the heights of the mountains. Some airlines, arguably the better ones, also give you a certificate that verifies you have viewed Everest from the flight, that, in fact, could be something interesting to bring back.
When’s the Best Time to Fly?
Anyway, the window for ideal conditions is quite specific. The dry seasons, before the monsoon and after, typically, that’s from March to May and then September to November, that tends to be the smartest time to book your flight. During these months, just a little bit drier, clearer skies are rather frequent. Now, monsoon season (June to August) clouds often cover the mountains, and visibility just will be low. During winter (December to February) the cold isn’t necessarily a problem, however, visibility sometimes gets compromised by haze.
Many travelers go with early morning flights because that, is that when the weather is the clearest. Keep in mind, just a little earlier, the better views; later in the day, cloud cover tends to increase, or so, the conventional wisdom suggests.
The Cost of the Everest Mountain Flight
The price can seem a bit high, like your getting up there. Mountain flights commonly cost around $200 to $250 USD. Very similar to other tours, costs can vary depending on who you are booking through and even the time of year. Actually, some travel agencies may offer package deals that include transportation to and from your hotel in Kathmandu, perhaps worthwhile when you are not familiar with the area.
If possible, it’s almost best to book directly with the airline. And, obviously, double-check the refund policy in case weather leads to the cancellation of your flight. Also, be aware of hidden charges and airport taxes, too it can, perhaps, add to the total expense. Considering everything, factor in the full amount when planning your budget.
Is It Worth the Price?
That, obviously, depends upon your expectations and, naturally, your budget, as you would expect. If you want to view Everest without doing physically hard treks, and you can’t spare a ton of time, this aerial tour could be an ideal choice, just an experience worth budgeting for.
Should you, though, picture getting closer views of the mountains, or wish to invest time hiking amid the foothills of the Himalayas, this plane trip might seem a little bit insufficient. So too, really weigh the experience against the cost, your tolerance for potential disruptions and that need for flexibility with your schedule. Because the weather often affects flights, you possibly have to rearrange your plans. Now, the weather, after all, controls the whole viewing experience.
Things to Know Before You Book
It is recommended to be prepared so that you can be able to experience everything successfully. This, of course, ensures that you have a memorable and safe trip.
- Book in Advance: Do this, in some respects, to get the best prices. As a matter of fact, flights commonly fill up pretty quickly during peak seasons.
- Check the Weather: Confirm with the airline just before your flight, it is still an excellent method of staying up to date. You might as well be prepared for any very short notice cancellations.
- Bring Your Camera: Capture the mountain range, like your own personal documentary. Having a camera actually permits you to hold onto memories of a seriously awesome experience.
- Choose a Window Seat: Even though most flights may ensure window seats, confirm this in advance. Requesting the very best possible viewing position may improve your experience.
- Motion Sickness: Have medication, when you need it, you might as well prevent issues. Having motion sickness medication can seriously help for a smoother journey.
Very, very important note; should your flight get cancelled, make certain what the refund procedure is. You may also want to inquire with travel insurance providers concerning the trip disruptions, or so I would think, anyway.
Other Ways to View Everest
Alright, should the mountain flight not be the best option, very similarly, there is a wide variety of others that still are possible.
- Everest Base Camp Trek: You are able to experience Everest with many hiking paths to base camp and other locations, arguably some excellent options for adventurous folks.
- Helicopter Tours: Similar to the flight, you can go to spots like base camp with helicopter trips, and also get aerial experiences minus a large commercial plane.
- Viewing Points: Viewing points such as Kala Patthar, can certainly be obtained minus long trips, arguably great alternatives if wanting much less demanding, though still terrific, views.
And still, all these ways provide different degrees of closeness to the Himalayas, which could impact both convenience and the experience that you expect. Think of how the Everest Scenic Mountain Flight lines up with the more conventional kinds.
Final Thoughts: Should You Take the Plunge?
The Everest Scenic Mountain Flight in Nepal, arguably a rare chance for one to see Everest up close minus long and exhausting hikes, which is an exciting choice, I think. Planning becomes very significant so the excursion is both, honestly, pleasurable, and secure.
Before scheduling the journey, assess factors such as time, health restrictions, or even financial constraints; do some thinking about just what you need from the mountain experience, basically. You can go from simply checking something off that has been on your bucket list for a while to, in some respects, diving fully to the wonder, you have a chance to find things matching who you are when you make just a little planning.
You may experience memories on the roof on the world, like your very own chapter is ready to be told, therefore schedule it and ready to go, just think!