Skydiving in Nepal: Everest Skydive and Himalayan Expeditions

 

Skydiving in Nepal combines helicopter flights, high-altitude parachute jumps and close-up views of the Himalayas. With Sherpa Adventure, you can join an Everest Skydive Expedition or plan a bespoke Himalayan skydiving trip in remote and unconventional drop zones. Our programs welcome experienced skydivers seeking solo sport jumps and first-time participants looking for a tandem skydive with a qualified instructor. Beyond the jumps, the journey takes you through the Everest region, combining trekking, Sherpa culture and time in the mountain town of Namche Bazaar.

Email us at md@sherpaadventure.com to discuss your expedition.

Everest Skydive at a Glance

 

Everest Skydive Overview
Expedition Detail Overview 
Destination Everest region, Nepal
Standard expedition duration 12 дней
Operating season October–November
Main drop zone Syangboche Airfield, above Namche Bazaar
Jump aircraft Airbus H125 / AS350 B3 helicopter 
Planned exit altitude Approximately 23,000 ft above sea level
Jump height above ground Approximately 6,000–10,000 ft, depending on the jump profile 
Jump options Tandem and solo sport jumps
Package options Two or three jumps, with additional jumps on request
Tandem experience requirement  No previous skydiving experience required 
Maximum tandem passenger weight  95 kg 
Solo experience requirement  At least 500 previous jumps and technical team approval
Optional extension Everest Base Camp trek

Jump schedules, exit heights and flight operations depend on weather, local conditions and the operational team’s assessment.

 What Makes Skydiving in the Everest Region Different?

An Everest skydive brings together several experiences in one expedition: flying into Lukla, trekking through the Khumbu Valley, acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar and jumping from a helicopter with Himalayan peaks in view. The landing area at Syangboche sits above 10,000 ft, making this a high-altitude skydiving environment. The expedition therefore includes acclimatization, specialist oxygen systems, drop-zone orientation and support from an experienced aerial and ground team. For travelers who want an adventurous day followed by a comfortable place to rest, the program combines mountain activities with hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and lodge stays in the Everest region.

When Does the Everest Skydive Expedition Operate?

Our Everest Skydive Expeditions run from October to November. These autumn months are selected for their generally clear skies and favorable wind conditions, offering opportunities for Himalayan views and helicopter operations. The expedition includes time for preparation and acclimatization before jumping begins. Final jump timing is determined by the team according to the weather and operating conditions.

Tandem Skydiving in Nepal

A tandem skydive allows you to experience the Himalayas from the air without previous skydiving experience. You jump securely attached to a qualified tandem instructor, who manages the parachute system and guides you through the procedures. Before the jump, the team explains the helicopter exit, body position, parachute descent, landing procedures and relevant safety precautions. You also receive a briefing on the high-altitude environment and oxygen equipment. Our Everest tandem packages offer two or three jumps at Syangboche, with a freefall camera flyer included in the listed expedition options. The maximum tandem passenger weight is 95 kg. Participation remains subject to the expedition team’s assessment and applicable health and operational requirements.

Solo Skydiving for Experienced Jumpers

Experienced sport skydivers can apply to join the expedition for solo jumps over the Everest region. Solo participants must have completed at least 500 previous jumps, and every application requires approval from the technical team. This review helps establish suitability for the demands of high-altitude skydiving and the Syangboche landing environment. Solo packages offer two or three jumps with a freefall camera flyer. Additional jumps can be requested and are subject to operational availability.

Bespoke Himalayan Skydiving Expeditions

Alongside the Everest program, Sherpa Adventure offers bespoke Himalayan skydiving expeditions in remote and unconventional drop zones. These trips are planned around the participating group, its experience and its objectives. Proposed locations require technical assessment, appropriate permissions, aircraft access and suitable ground support.

Contact us to discuss your preferred expedition format, whether you are an experienced skydiver exploring a new location or a group interested in a tailored Himalayan adventure.

Everest Skydive Expedition Overview

 

Arrive in Kathmandu and Meet the Team

The standard 12-day expedition begins in Kathmandu, with the described departure arriving in mid-October. You spend two nights in the city, meet the skydiving crew and prepare for the journey into the mountains. A guided sightseeing day introduces you to Kathmandu, while a welcome dinner provides time to get to know your fellow participants and expedition team.

Fly to Lukla and Trek Through the Khumbu Valley

From Kathmandu, take a domestic flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Its mountain setting and distinctive runway make the arrival a memorable start to the expedition. A two-day trek then takes you through the Khumbu Valley to Namche Bazaar. Along the route, you pass mountain settlements and enjoy Himalayan scenery while gradually gaining altitude. Sherpa guides and porters support the journey, and time with the expedition crew offers opportunities to hear about their skydiving and mountaineering experiences.

Settle into Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is the main cultural and commercial center of the Everest region. Built around a natural mountain amphitheater, it has lodges, shops, cafes and views of the surrounding peaks. Namche serves as the expedition base for approximately six nights. The program includes additional time here for acclimatization, equipment preparation, briefings and familiarization with the drop zone.

Prepare at Syangboche Airfield

Syangboche Airfield lies approximately an hour’s hike above Namche Bazaar. Its open plateau serves as the expedition’s main drop zone and operational base. A local Buddhist lama conducts a puja, a prayer ceremony offering blessings for the expedition and its participants. The crew prepares equipment, marks the landing area and coordinates the helicopter. The jump pilot and Director of Skydiving Operations then explain the plan, with further preparation from the jumpmasters and tandem instructors before boarding.

Experience a Helicopter Skydive in the Himalayas

Jump flights use Airbus H125 / AS350 B3 helicopters, flown by experienced Nepal mountain pilots. For the planned high-altitude jump, the helicopter climbs for approximately 15 minutes before the team exits at around 23,000 ft above sea level, with Mount Everest in the background. The longer freefall profile lasts approximately 40 seconds before parachute deployment. A freefall camera flyer records the experience as you descend toward Syangboche. Jump profiles can vary across the expedition. A subsequent jump may include a shorter freefall and more time under the parachute to enjoy the Himalayan scenery. For participants choosing the three-jump package, another longer freefall is planned, subject to conditions.

Return to Kathmandu and Celebrate

After completing the jumps, the group returns to Namche before trekking down to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu. A farewell dinner brings the team together to celebrate, watch jump footage and receive expedition achievement certificates.

High-Altitude Skydiving Preparation and Support

Skydiving in the Himalayas requires specialist preparation. The expedition brings together jumpmasters, tandem instructors, drop-zone safety officers, pilots, medical personnel and ground crew.

Preparation and operational support include:

- Acclimatization time in the Everest region.

- Drop-zone familiarization and pre-jump orientation.

- Briefings on jump procedures and safety precautions.

- Freefall oxygen systems supervised by oxygen specialists.

- Weather monitoring and air traffic coordination.

- Drop-zone preparation and equipment logistics.

- Medical and rescue personnel supporting the expedition.

These measures help manage the demands of the environment. High-altitude skydiving remains an adventure activity with inherent risks, and the team may adjust operations when conditions require it.

Can Family and Friends Join Without Jumping?

Yes. Non-jumping companions can join the expedition to experience the Everest region and share the occasion.

Available arrangements include:

- Flying to Lukla and trekking with the skydiving group.

- Traveling to and from Namche by helicopter for the event.

This allows family and friends to take part in the mountain journey without making a skydive.

Extend Your Trip to Everest Base Camp

After the skydiving program, you can extend your stay with an Everest Base Camp trek. The extension continues the Himalayan experience beyond Namche Bazaar, following the famous trekking route deeper into the Khumbu Valley. Additional time and arrangements are required and can be discussed when planning your expedition.

What Is Included?

The Everest Skydive Expedition package includes:

- Jump coordination and execution by an experienced high-altitude skydiving team.

- The number of tandem or solo jumps specified in your selected package.

- Helicopter jump operations using Airbus H125 aircraft.

- A freefall camera flyer for the specified jump packages.

- Freefall oxygen systems supervised by oxygen specialists.

- Tandem parachute systems with automatic activation devices (AADs), harnesses, jumpsuits, goggles, gloves and helmets, as applicable.

- Medical and rescue personnel.

- Sherpa guides and porters throughout the expedition.

- Five-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and lodge accommodation during the mountain expedition.

- All meals during the expedition.

- A welcome dinner and farewell celebration in Kathmandu.

- One day of Kathmandu sightseeing with a guide and private vehicle.

- Airport transfers and domestic flights specified in the itinerary.

- Transport of personal and team equipment by helicopter, yak or porter, as required.

- Government permits and taxes.

- Drop-zone preparation, weather forecasting and air traffic management.

- A two-minute edited expedition video for each skydiver.

- An expedition jacket, cap and T-shirt for each skydiver.

- A certificate signed by the expedition leader, jumpmaster and pilot.

The final itinerary and booking proposal specify the inclusions for your selected program.

 What Is Not Included?

- International flights and Nepal visa fees.

- Personal expenses, including Wi-Fi, telephone calls, laundry, packaged snacks and bottled beverages.

- Personal trekking clothing and equipment.

- Personal insurance, including travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation and baggage cover.

- Customs duties and import tariffs for expedition equipment arriving in Nepal as air or road cargo.

Your insurance arrangements should specifically address the activities and altitudes included in your expedition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skydiving in Nepal

 

Can beginners join the Everest Skydive Expedition?

Yes. Beginners can participate through tandem jumps with a qualified instructor. No previous skydiving experience is required, although participant suitability must be assessed by the team.

Where do the Everest skydives land?

The main drop zone is Syangboche Airfield, approximately an hour’s hike above Namche Bazaar in Nepal’s Everest region.

How high is the Everest skydive?

The planned helicopter exit is approximately 23,000 ft above sea level. This is different from the height above the landing area: jump heights are approximately 6,000–10,000 ft above ground, depending on the profile.

How many jumps are included?

Packages are available with two or three jumps. Additional jumps can be requested, subject to conditions and operational availability.

Is oxygen provided?

Yes. The expedition includes freefall oxygen systems for skydivers, supervised by oxygen specialists.

What experience is required for solo jumps?

Solo applicants need at least 500 previous jumps and approval from the expedition’s technical team.

Is skydiving photography included?

A freefall camera flyer is included in the specified two-jump and three-jump expedition packages. Each skydiver also receives a two-minute edited expedition video.

How long is the expedition?

The standard Everest Skydive Expedition lasts 12 days, including time in Kathmandu, travel to the Everest region, trekking, acclimatization and jump operations.

 

Plan Your Skydiving Expedition in Nepal

Experience the Everest region through a journey that combines trekking, Sherpa hospitality and high-altitude skydiving.

Contact Sherpa Adventure to plan your Everest Skydive or bespoke Himalayan skydiving expedition.Share your preferred dates, group size, skydiving experience and whether you are interested in tandem or solo jumps.

Email us at md@sherpaadventure.com to discuss your expedition.