Imagine falling through space…passing through the clouds as you descend towards the ground. That is exactly what you will experience in every dive. How long you freefall will depend on how high you are when you first take that jump!
It’s interesting to note that it is less dangerous to sky-dive than driving your car. Yet, it is considered an extreme sport. The thought of jumping out of an aircraft is scary or flying at 13,500 feet in an airplane with the door open. Yes, you are fearful about the unknown and the outcome, but, lookout adrenaline junkies, this is your day! Skydiving does involve risk. You can be seriously injured or killed skydiving, but like all things, the level of risk can be managed.
Where can you go Skydiving in Nepal?
In Nepal, you will find only one operator (Everest Skydive) and crew for sky diving, but they are in two locations. The Khumbu Region, and Pokhara, offering the dive in the autumn each year at Pokhara at the Pame Lauruk dropzone. While sky diving, be sure you make a mental note that in this country, it is one of the top locations in the world to dive. Should you visit the other four, you will see quickly how Nepal is at the top. With Mount Everest and then Himalayans, nothing could beat this duo. The costs varying on which dive you are taking and several are for your wild side beginning Friday through Monday!
Special Requirements to Free Fall in Nepal
Everest skydivers must be in good health and at least 18 years of age. However, physical disabilities would not disqualify you for the jump.
- The minimum weight is 98 pounds.
- The minimum height 4ft 11 inches.
- All tandem students must be able to lift their legs to 90 degrees to their body for a period of time.
- Wind conditions must be approved before anyone can jump.
Medical Requirements
Our recommendation is to see your general practitioner for advice on your travel destinations. Altitude is not a problem in Pokhara with 2,713.25 feet of elevation around the drop zone.
Preparation for Skydiving
- Be sure you have studied or researched the facilities/drop zones. There is always one better than the others. Check on which drop zone is the best.
- Understand the drop zone and how they operate with safety in place.
- Be sure NOT to eat a heavy meal. Eat light, but pack snacks.
- Dress according to the recommendation for clothing and shoes.
- Enjoy every minute of your jump and do not forget to BREATHE.
What type of clothing is required at Pokhara?
This area is primarily warm except for the winter season which is from November through January. The time of year for this extreme sport adventure is during November, the weather is cooler in the mornings and at night. It warms during the day so come prepared with a light jacket o sweater. Temperature averages around 70 degrees, a very pleasant day. Shoes are another matter. No sandals in the jump, but running shoes with closed toes.
Cost of Skydiving in Nepal
The cost varies depending on where, what type of jump, however, the estimated cost as of 2021, ranges varies between $5,000 and $25,000. Please see your travel agent for up-to-date prices. Prices are subject to change without notice. It also depends on what kind of dive you want to do.
Everest Skydive offers skydiving in Pokhara as well. They are the only company operators in Nepal, so be sure to contact them for your price quotes.
General rules for visiting Nepal
- Every country has its sensitive areas. Please ask permission before taking photographs.
- Be respectful of places of worship and temples.
- Look away from beggars and do not encourage them.
- When bickering in the marketplace, do not offer too much or pay too little.
- Do not reveal your money.
- Respect the local customs.
- Do not waste water unnecessarily.
- Attn. Women: Do not wear revealing dresses or tops.
Departure for the Jump
When arriving in Kathmandu, it’s best to enjoy local tours so you can become acclimated to the altitude. After acclimating, you will then take a puddle hopper to one of the world’s most dangerous landing strips: Lukla Airport. The runway at Lukla’s AMSL(Above Mean Sea Level), is 1,729 feet and sits between a mountain-sized rock and the abyss at 9,300 feet. It’s the closest thing to landing on an aircraft carrier I can think of, says Tom Noonan, an executive director of Everest Skydive. A pilot himself These pilots are some of the best I’ve ever met, according to Noonon.
The instructors and jumpers board an AS350 B3 helicopter, on the jump day and ascent the Himalayas, a 15-minute flight. This is a particularly difficult trip as they must move almost 2,000 pounds of equipment up the mountain.
If you are departing Pokhara for your skydive, here are a few helpful hints/recommendations.
Where do the jumps take place?
The jump from Pokhara takes place approximately 6.83 miles north of Pokhara lakeside. This area is a non-alcoholic location next to a river, surrounded by hills. Upon landing, the jumper will have the sensation of an intense deceleration, but it only lasts a few seconds. The dive itself only takes about five to six minutes with 50 seconds in free fall.
What time of year can you skydive?
Skydiving in Nepal is only available during October and November. Days of operation are Wednesday through Saturday. Skydivers can choose to land in either Syangboche Airport or at the base camp of one of the most iconic mountains in the Khumbu, Ama Dablam. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, days available to skydive are only Friday-Monday for 2021.
A Word of Advice
Be sure you take out traveler’s insurance. It can assure you medical care and evacuation should it become a necessity. It should cover the cancellation of flight/tour fees, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, and emergencies for the jump over Everest?
Tip:
The Ultimate dive is held only once a year in November when the Everest Skydive expedition offers one of the highest commercial-free fall experiences in the world. It is an 11-day trek through Nepal that ends with two tandem skydives from more than 23,000 feet above sea level (AMSL). Costs: $$25,000 and up.
