Helicopter rides for leisure in the Himalayas will soon be a thing of the past at Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park due to an upcoming ban on helicopter sightseeing.
Authorities at the UNESCO-listed park, which covers the Everest region, announced the ban on December 11th, with the measure taking effect from January 1st.
Park officials primarily cited environmental reasons for implementing the ban, noting the detrimental effects of helicopter sightseeing on the environment and local wildlife.
The ban is supported by local government officials, specifically those in the Mount Everest vicinity. The Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality issued a notice highlighting the noise pollution and other negative impacts on the forest and local communities.
The restriction applies mainly to areas above 4,000 meters in altitude.
Not without controversy
While park authorities and local governments support the ban, many tourism professionals and helicopter operators in Nepal oppose it. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal asserted on December 13th that the ban was illegal, arguing that national park authorities lack the jurisdiction to restrict helicopter operations. They urged that helicopter services should continue.
The ban significantly affects Nepal’s helicopter industry, as 60% of business is generated from the Everest region. However, essential flights, such as medical evacuations and shipments of necessities for expeditions, will still be permitted.