Planning a helicopter tour of Everest? Nepal has some bad news for you

Helicopters are a key means of transport and crucial for emergency rescue in many of Nepal’s remote regions, often inaccessible by road.

For those who can afford the US$1,000 price tag, helicopters reduce the two-week long trek to Everest base camp to just a day – removing a key source of employment for Nepalis supporting those making the long hike in.

The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal grounded all helicopter flights to the region on Sunday citing security challenges.

It said local youths had erected barriers of flags at landing sites, and threatened action against pilots who land.