Why Can’t Helicopters Land on Mount Everest?: Know the Reasons

The idea of reaching the Everest summit by flying on a helicopter sounds fun. But it is not practicable. There are various reasons why this isn’t applicable.

The first reason is the low air pressure and oxygen level. The air pressure and density decrease as altitude increases. The atmospheric pressure at Mount Everest’s summit is one-third that at sea level. Helicopters cannot easily handle this air pressure level.

At the Everest base camp itself, the oxygen levels have decreased by 50%. The oxygen levels keep dropping as you ascend. Even when done slowly, acclimating to such low oxygen levels is challenging. The abrupt drop in oxygen levels while flying could be fatal. At 8,000 meters, oxygen levels can fall as low as 33%.

Moreover, to travel smoothly, the pilots must carry out various calculations. They are based on temperature, altitude, pressure, and density values. These values also change very shortly. If these calculations have even a tiny shred of error, it could lead to a disaster. A single landing could easily cause an avalanche that could kill many climbers.

Everest was once successfully scaled by a helicopter named Didier DelSalle. However, the sole helicopter that managed to touch down on Everest required several modifications. The weight of the helicopter was reduced by removing several components. In doing so, the helicopter was able to overcome air pressure-related problems.

It flew with the help of pilots who were incredibly skilled and confident. This decreased the margin of error and led to a safe landing.

These helicopters and pilots cannot always be expected. Didier DelSalle‘s landing was unique and unusual. Such extravagant helicopter travel is not something we can regularly wish for.

Most of us wouldn’t be able to fly in a helicopter to the top of Everest easily. But we can manage a flight to the base of the mountain. The helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp is the concept we’re putting forth. There are many obstacles to overcome on the ascent to the top of the world. However, traveling to its base camp is fairly simple.

Typically, it takes a helicopter about 40 minutes to travel from Lukla to base camp, Kalapatthar, and back to base camp. There are many ways to get to the Everest base camp. They include walking, riding in jeeps, taking buses, or taking trains. But a helicopter flight is the most thrilling and comfortable. This helicopter tour could be an alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek.

You can experience the majestic, snow-covered Himalayas in a surreal way with a helicopter tour. Additionally, it spares you the effort and weariness associated with other modes of transportation. Even if you are immobile, you can still enjoy viewing Everest’s majestic views. This is not only very convenient, but the time required is also short.

Without having to exert yourself physically, you can experience the EBC trek. You can see the local monasteries and inhabitants during the Everest base camp to Lukla helicopter flight. As you arrive at base camp, you see a festive view of Namche Bazaar. You also get a chance to visit Kala Patthar’s viewpoint. Many people consider watching Kaala Patthar be one of their favorite lifetime experiences. Everest from there looks very enchanting from this point.