Ban on Commercial Helicopter Flights in Sagarmatha National Park from January 2025

Euro Asia Treks

December 30, 2024

Ban on Commercial Helicopter Flights in Sagarmatha National Park from January 2025

Helicopter tours have been thrilling in Nepal, and most people love them, too. However, to preserve the ecosystem and balance the nature of the Sagarmatha National Park region, the park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, the Buffer Zone Management Committee, and local stakeholders have decided to ban on commercial helicopter flights in the area. This means no helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp.

The new regulation will take effect on January 1, 2025. Its goals are to preserve the park’s natural beauty, protect animals, and lessen noise. This development will impact tourists, helicopter operators, and locals in the Everest region, one of the world’s most well-known trekking and expedition destinations.

notice about heli flight banned in SNP area

Let’s learn what is allowed and not allowed in the Everest Region from January 1, 2025.

  • Business helicopter flights, such as those for tourism or rapid transportation, are prohibited.
  • Helicopters are used only in cases of emergency, such as when rescuing people or transporting vitals like food and medication.
  • Also, Park officials must authorize emergency flights, and operators must disclose all relevant passenger and cargo information.

The Khumbu region has spiritual, environmental, and cultural value and is more than just a spot to go trekking. Home to monasteries, sacred peaks, and the fabled Sherpa people, it is particularly beloved by explorers and nature lovers.

However, as helicopter flights increased quickly, the characteristics that set this area apart were in jeopardy. Too many flights interfere with the following:

  • Sagarmatha National Park’s wildlife habitats.
  • Settlements and locals who rely on business with trekkers.
  • Peace and harmony in the Himalayan area.

The importance of change in regulations (Ban on Commercial Helicopter Flights in Sagarmatha National Park) that are going to be effective from 2025

UNESCO declared Sagarmatha National Park a World Heritage Site in 1979. Numerous rare flora and fauna, including endangered species, are found there, and their preservation is the top priority. Regular helicopter flights upset wildlife and damage the ecosystem with noise and vibrations.

The noises from the helicopter have disturbed the region’s tranquility and the peace of the nearby settlements. Travelers always seek a quiet and harmonious environment (bird singling, river flowing sound, etc.), but the loud, shattered, and incessant noise of helicopters is disturbing and irritating.

There is no place on Earth where people with wrong intentions do illegal activities, and places like the Everest region are also targeted spots. As the region is in the Himalayas, rare, endangered species are found here and sold illegally at high prices, so most wrong intentions people target these areas. Helicopters could be their priority when performing such activities.

Also, the locals of the Khumbu region primarily depend on travelers, and the continuous use of helicopters has adversely affected them, shaking sustainable tourism. The issues related to saving soil also concern where the continuous landings and takeoff have damaged the soil and the delicate alpine landscape. So, this ban will help preserve wildlife and sustainable tourism and these fragile habitats for future generations.

You should know certain things about the ban on helicopters in the Sagarmatha National Park region.

  • This ban starts from Jan 1, 2025
  • Emergency flights need permission from the Sagarmatha National Park officials, should land only in the specific spot informed by the officials, and the Heli operators should disclose all passenger details. Additionally, cargo planes carrying necessary supplies also need prior clearance.
  • The Heli movements are regulated by the Nepalese Army, Local Police, and Park Officials, and breaking the rules will have consequences under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 (1973) and Himalayan National Park Rules 2036.

The Sagarmatha National Park Office urges everyone, including residents, visitors, and helicopter operators, to comply with the new regulations. Notices have been made to conservation organizations, local governments, and helicopter businesses to ensure everyone knows the rules and cooperates.