HALO Skydive Over Mt Everest

The adventure

Most skydives start over farmland. This one starts at up to around 29,500 feet above the Himalaya, almost level with the summit of Everest, after a flight up from the Khumbu with the world's highest peaks filling the windows. Breathing bottled oxygen, you shuffle to the door in a heavy jumpsuit, gloves and goggles, with the air outside far below freezing.

Then you go. Freefall in such thin air is faster than usual, and for a minute or more you drop past a skyline of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam with nothing but the wind in your ears. Under canopy the scale finally sinks in, as glaciers, monasteries and Sherpa villages drift up to meet you, and you land at Syangboche, one of the highest drop zones on Earth at about 3,800 metres. Events have been rare, which only adds to the mystique.

Why it’s epic

Jumping from up to around 29,500 feet, close to the height of Everest's 8,849-metre summit.
Freefall views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Landing at Syangboche above Namche Bazaar, one of the highest drop zones in the world.
Combining the jump with a trek through the Khumbu to acclimatise.

What it is

Skydiving near Everest means jumping from around 23,000 to 29,500 feet above the Himalayas.

How to do it

Everest Skydive runs occasional events with tandem and solo jumps for licensed skydivers, including treks in the region.

Top tip

Solo jumps need an advanced skydiving licence and many jumps of experience.

Need to know

Events run only occasionally, so register interest early and plan around the organiser's dates.
Tandem passengers need no licence, but solo jumpers need an advanced licence and a lot of experience, so check the organiser's current requirements.
You'll spend several days acclimatising at altitude first, and insurance must cover skydiving and helicopter evacuation.
Try a tandem skydive at home first to see how you handle freefall.

Plan this trip

Rough cost: £5,000 or more per person, including flights from the UK
Time needed: 2 weeks
Best time to go: October to November
Fly into: KTM airport

Aircraft, oxygen systems and Himalayan logistics make this one of the most expensive skydives in the world.

Make it happen

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Why it’s on my list

Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.