Commercial helicopter flights have been completely banned from December 17 as helicopter flights cause excessive noise pollution and affect the habitats of wildlife in the central area of ​​Everest National Park and the core area.

The Everest National Park Office, Namche decided on Wednesday and directed 11 helicopter companies in Nepal to stop commercial charter flights carrying tourists in the area from January 19 (January 1, 2025). Even during the mountain climbing season, it will no longer be possible to carry the supplies of the climbing team in the helicopter. 

The goods to be delivered by helicopter to certain places in the Khumbu region will have to be transported by porters or chaunri. Now the wealthy tourists who prefer to visit the Everest region in a two-way or one-way tour by helicopter will have to walk to the Everest base camp. 

The park has instructed Air Dynasty, Prabhu, Kailash, Annapurna, Mountain, Altitude, Fistel, Shree, Cymric, Heli Everest and Manang Air to comply with this decision. Bhagwati Prasad Gulm, Namche and Everest National Park Intermediate Zone Management Committee of Nepal Army has sent a letter to Mendalfu for its monitoring and decision implementation. Area Police Office, Namche, District Administration Office, Salleri and National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department have also been asked to coordinate to comply with this decision. 

The park has reported that helicopters are carrying out heavy commercial flights/landings within Everest National Park and the intermediate zone. 

It is written in the letter sent to the heli company that due to uncontrolled helicopter flights and landings, more challenges have been added to the safety and habitat protection of the park's forest, environment and wildlife. "Helicopter flights have caused excessive noise pollution in the settlements within the park and intermediate areas, and on the other hand, there is a possibility of criminal activities/activities related to wildlife and poaching," the letter states.

According to Sushma Rana, senior conservation officer of the park, there is a negative impact on local trade, business and employment in the Khumbu area due to the helicopter flight. Regarding these problems, he said that a decision was made to organize the helicopter flight at the meeting of the park office, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, Everest National Park Intermediate Zone Management Committee, local and concerned government and non-governmental organizations on Tuesday. 

Helicopters have been flying charter flights from Kathmandu, Ramechhap and Lukla for the rescue of locals, transportation of goods and tourists in the Khumbu region. If this rule is violated, the National Park and Wildlife Protection Act 2029, Himalayan National Park Regulations 2036 and existing laws will be against the park, the park said. The park has earlier asked helicopter companies to fly with permission in this regard. But the said law is not effective. 

If rescue is required due to the health of tourists and hikers visiting the park, the park can only fly with fully equipped helicopters. In case of a rescue flight, the ward office, the relevant intermediate consumer association, and the nearby health post require oral or written recommendations.

Helicopters are also banned from transporting cargo above Pangboche. During the Everest climbing season, tourism businesses will no longer be allowed to carry goods in helicopters up to the base camp of Everest. They have to take the help of a chaunri or a porter above Pangboche. The park has said that the park administration and the Nepali Army can check and monitor the flight and landing of helicopters if there is a need to check the flight/landing and hovering of the helicopter at any time.