Mountain Flight

Mountain flights in Nepal offer a spectacular way to experience the grandeur of the Himalayas without trekking. The most popular is the Everest Mountain Sightseeing Flight, which departs daily from Kathmandu early in the morning when the mountain views are clearest and most breathtaking.

This approximately 50-minute to 1-hour flight takes you close to Mount Everest and other towering Himalayan peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Shishapangma, and Kanchenjunga. Passengers enjoy guaranteed window seats with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes like Imja and Gokyo. The flight path typically starts from Kathmandu, flying eastward over the Langtang and Rolwaling ranges, then circles near Everest before returning, giving a second chance to admire the peaks on the way back.

Passengers receive a "Himalayan Peaks" map and a briefing from the flight attendant to identify the mountains seen during the flight. Many operators also provide a personalized Everest Experience certificate to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

The flights operate year-round but are best between September and April, when the skies are clearest and snow sparkles on the peaks. The typical cost ranges from USD 225 to 247 per person for foreigners, with discounted rates for Indian and Nepalese nationals.

Major airlines offering these mountain flights include Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, and Simrik Airlines. Transfers between hotels in Kathmandu and the domestic airport are often included by tour operators. Some flights also allow passengers to visit the cockpit briefly for spectacular photo opportunities.

In summary, Nepal’s mountain flights provide an accessible, comfortable, and unforgettable way to witness the Himalayas’ majestic beauty, including a close-up view of Mount Everest, making it an ideal option for travelers with limited time or those unable to undertake trekking expeditions.