Mountain Flights -4 Hours

From the Kathmandu Airport, daily flights to the Himalayas are accessible, offering breathtaking mountain views. All types of travelers can use these flights, even those who don’t have the time or the physical capacity to go hiking. Among foreign visitors to Nepal, it is one of the riskiest and most popular activities.

Four airlines provide routine flights over the snow-covered peaks, providing hour-long panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. The first peak, Gosaithan, also known as Shisha Pangma, which towers at an impressive 8,013 m, can be seen quickly after the plane takes off and begins to fly east. Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), a snow-covered mountain that resembles the number 8 lying down, is immediately to the right of Gosaithan.

Phurbi-Ghyachu, which towers over the Kathmandu Valley, is to Dorje Lakpa’s right. The mountains get closer and closer as the plane flies by. The next mountain, Choba-Bharnare, is the smallest at 5,933 meters but is particularly obstinate because it has never been scaled. The mountain then emerges, standing out both physically and spiritually (Gauri Shanker). Lord Shiva and his consort Gauri are said to protect this mountain, at the proud height of 7,134m, and the summit had a history of unsuccessful attempts until 1979. Gauri Shanker is a jagged and therefore very conspicuous mountain during the flight.

As the plane moves towards the land of the rising sun, the eastern Himalayas, a succession of glorious mountains follow. Melungtse, a plateau-like mountain, stretches up to 7,023m. Chugimago at 6,297 m is still a virgin peak, waiting to be climbed. Next is Karyolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6,511m gleams with the rising sun. Cho-Oyu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8,201m, it appears stunningly beautiful from the aircraft. 

Next on the menu is Gyachungkang, at a majestic height of 7,952m, considered an extremely difficult mountain to climb. To the right of Gyachungkang is Pumori (7,161m). As passengers get closer to Everest, there’s Nuptse (7,855m), which means West Peak, signifying its direction from Everest.

Finally, there’s Everest (8,848m) itself, known as Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. Much has already been written about Everest, but to actually witness it face-to-face during a mountain flight is something else. Even while it looms there in front of the eyes, it remains an enigma, this highest spot on earth.

Why Choose Mountain Flights?

Is Nepal your next holiday destination? If you’re looking for a short, memorable tour activity, the one-hour Everest flight tour package is perfect. It offers a glimpse of Everest and other beautiful panoramic sites. This tour is ideal for those who want to see Mount Everest but cannot trek due to health, budget, or time constraints. The flights are operated by Yeti Airlines, Buddha Airlines, and Shree Airlines.

Mountain Flight Summary

Departure and arrival are from the same place: the domestic terminal, 100 meters north of the international terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

No ground landing during the flight.

The flight is conducted using ATR 72 or Canadian Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

The flight path is northeast on the way out and anticlockwise on the return.

25 kg of luggage is allowed per person.

Guaranteed window seat for every passenger.

Wheelchair service is available for those who need it.

Mountain Flight Price:

Nepalese citizens: 15,000 NRS

Indian nationals: 10,000 INR

Other Nationalities: 250 USD

The airport is 5.4 km from Thamel and takes around 15 to 25 minutes to reach in the morning due to less traffic.

1. Yeti Airlines

Yeti Airlines conducts daily morning flights from Kathmandu to the Himalayan Range in the North and East. This one-hour flight offers a close look at Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain. You can also see Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8501m), Cho Oyu (8000m), Makalu (8475m), and Kanchenjunga (8584m). The airline uses SAAB-340 and Dornier-228 aircraft, both with large windows for clear views of the Himalayas.

Yeti Airlines offers a unique experience by flying at altitudes of 20,000 to 25,000 feet, providing eye-level views of the mountains. The Dornier-228 offers a close view of Everest, flying into the Khumbu Valley. Non-tinted windows on both aircraft ensure excellent photo opportunities and sharp, clear views. The wing position ensures unobstructed mountain views during the nearly one-hour flight.

2. Buddha Air

Buddha Air also offers daily morning flights from Kathmandu to the Himalayan Range, lasting one hour. This is the fastest way to see Mt. Everest and other notable peaks like Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8501m), Cho Oyu (8000m), Makalu (8475m), and Kanchenjunga (8584m). Buddha Air uses SAAB-340 and Dornier-228 aircraft with large windows for optimal viewing.

Buddha Air’s flights, flying at 20,000 to 25,000 feet, offer spectacular views of the Himalayas. The Dornier-228 flies close to Everest, offering the best views without mountaineering. The aircraft’s non-tinted windows are perfect for photography. With unobstructed views thanks to ideal wing positioning, Buddha Air’s one-hour flights are a great way to see the mountains.

3. Shree Airlines

Shree Airlines offers a memorable experience of flying close to Mt. Everest. Passengers can enjoy views of Everest flanked by Nuptse and Lhotse, along with peaks like Shartse, Baruntse, Kanchungtse, Makalu, Ama Dablam (6856m), Pumo Ri (7161m), Gyachung Kang (7952m), and Cho Oyu (8188m) on clear days. The flight provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks against a blue sky.

As you fly over Sagarmatha National Park, raise a toast to Tenzing Norgay, who first summited Everest in 1953. The one-hour flight departs from TIA, Kathmandu, offering views of 20 peaks, including Langtang Lirung and Chamlang. Passengers get a second look at the mountains on the return flight.

Everest Mountain Flight Details

Flights start at 6:00 AM, offering views of Mt. Everest 20 miles from your window, along with Himalayan peaks, lakes, and glaciers. The 50-minute flight guarantees a window seat. On board, you’ll receive a ‘Himalayan Peaks’ map and a briefing on the visible mountains. See Cho-Oyu, Shisha Pangma, Mt. Everest, and Lhotse from your guaranteed window seat.

Annapurna Mountain Flight

The Annapurna Experience mountain flight, also known as the Pokhara Mountain Flight, flies over the major peaks visible from Pokhara. This close encounter with snowy mountains is a thrilling experience. Options include small microlight flights and two-seater aircraft that offer splendid views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre.

Booking and Payment for Mountain Flights in Nepal

Booking a mountain flight in Nepal is effortless. Purchase a ticket and enjoy an hour-long flight that flies higher than some of the Himalayan peaks, offering views of glaciers and high-altitude lakes. Nepal boasts eight of the highest peaks in the world, and this flight is the best way to see them all. Even experienced mountaineers don’t get to experience them up close in a single day.

The hostess will point out the individual peaks, and the pilot may invite passengers to the cockpit for unobstructed views and photo opportunities.

Major Destinations

The Everest and Annapurna regions are the main highlights of mountain flights in Nepal. The Everest Mountain Flight departs from Kathmandu’s domestic terminal, taking you on a scenic route to the East. You’ll see 20 of the highest peaks, starting with Langtang Lirung and moving towards Mt. Everest, before returning via Chamlang Peak.

Flight Experience

The Everest Mountain Flight provides more than just sightseeing; it offers insight into Nepal’s geography. This relatively new tourist activity has quickly become popular due to the stunning views it offers. Flights operate daily in the early morning when visibility is best. In the event of unsuitable weather, passengers are offered either a refund or the option to fly again.

Everest Mountain Flight Schedule

Route: Everest Experience

Frequency: Regular daily flights

Time: From 6:00 AM onwards

Flight Duration: 50 minutes

List of Mountain Flights in Nepal

Nepal Airlines First Flight: 06:15 AM – 07:15 AM

Yeti Airlines First Flight: 06:15 AM – 07:15 AM

Buddha Airlines First Flight: 06:15 AM – 07:15 AM

Shree Airlines First Flight: 06:15 AM – 07:15 AM

Simrik Airlines First Flight: 06:15 AM – 07:15 AM

Nepal Airlines Second Flight: 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM

Yeti Airlines Second Flight: 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM

Buddha Airlines Second Flight: 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM

Shree Airlines Second Flight: 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM

Simrik Airlines Second Flight: 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM

Nepal Airlines Third Flight: 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Yeti Airlines Third Flight: 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Buddha Airlines Third Flight: 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Shree Airlines Third Flight: 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Simrik Airlines Third Flight: 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Best Season for Mountain Flights

Early morning is the best time for mountain flights when visibility is clear, and the peaks shine in their glory with the sunrise. The best months for mountain flights are March, April, May, October, November, and December.

Cancellation, Date Changes, and Refund Policy

All mountain flight tickets issued by our company are refundable. Full refunds are provided if the flight is canceled due to bad weather, low visibility, technical issues, or other airline-related problems. A 10% fee is charged if the flight is canceled without prior information within a 24-hour window. No cancellation fee applies if canceled before 24 hours.

Additional Options

For those looking to visit the highest mountains and scenic hills, consider helicopter tours or heli charters. Mountain flights are one of the best ways to explore Nepal’s mountains.

Final Note

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas from the comfort of your seat with an Everest Mountain Flight. Departing from Kathmandu early in the morning, this hour-long flight offers stunning views of Nepal’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Langtang Lirung, and Chamlang. With guaranteed window seats and informative guidance from the crew, this flight is a must for any visitor to Nepal.