Before You Fly: Altitude, Safety and What to Wear

Mountain flying in Nepal is done by pilots who specialise in nothing else, in helicopters built for high altitude. Funnily enough, the thing most passengers notice isn't the flight at all: it's how thin the air is when you step out.

What altitude does to you

At Kala Patthar (5,644 m), each breath holds about half the oxygen it would at sea level. And because you've come straight from Kathmandu, your body hasn't had any time to adjust. During a short landing, most people feel a little light-headed or out of breath when they move about, and some get a mild headache. Don't worry: these go away as the helicopter descends.

To feel your best:

• Walk slowly on the ground. This isn't the moment to run, jump or carry heavy bags.
• Drink plenty of water the evening before and on the morning of the flight, and skip the alcohol the night before.
• Tell the crew if you feel dizzy, sick or confused. Sit down, and they'll take you lower.

Who should talk to us first

Please check with your doctor, and let us know when you book, if anyone in your group:

• has a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, or anaemia;
• is pregnant;
• has had a stroke or a serious head injury;
• is over 75, or a child under five.

For these passengers we often suggest the Everest flyover without landing or a lower landing such as Hotel Everest View, Kyanjin Gompa or Muktinath.

What to wear

Even on a sunny morning it can be −10 °C at the landing, with a stiff wind from the rotor.

• A down jacket, a warm hat and gloves.
• Trousers and closed shoes with good grip, as landing sites are rocky and often snowy.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: the light bouncing off the snow is intense.

What to bring

• Your passport: you'll need it at the domestic terminal.
• A small bag only: about 5 kg per person. Big luggage stays at your hotel.
• A camera or phone, fully charged: batteries drain fast in the cold, and you won't want to miss a shot.
• Some Nepali rupees for drinks, or for breakfast where it isn't included.

On the ground near the helicopter

• Only approach or leave the helicopter when the crew gives the signal, and always from the front, where the pilot can see you.
• Never walk towards the tail. The tail rotor is very hard to see when it's spinning.
• Hold on to hats and scarves, and never carry anything above your head.
• On a slope, approach from the downhill side.