Back in 2014, I was immersed in the bustling life of Delhi, working with a renowned media house in marketing and sales. My job often took me to embassies, offering fascinating glimpses into diverse cultures and diplomatic circles. It was during one such visit to the Nepal Embassy that I first encountered a vision that would linger in my heart for years to come.
As I waited in the lobby to meet the ambassador, a striking photograph caught my attention. It depicted people enjoying breakfast with the mighty Mount Everest towering majestically in the background. Intrigued, I asked the ambassador about it, and he shared that the picture was taken from the Hotel Everest View, where guests could dine while gazing at the world’s highest peak. Captivated by the idea, I eagerly researched the experience, only to find that the helicopter trip to the hotel was far beyond my budget at the time. My friends were equally unenthusiastic, so the dream was shelved—but not forgotten.
Fast forward to 2024, a decade later. Now living in the Netherlands, I planned a trip to India in March to visit family. These trips always included a getaway with my girlfriends, and this time, we chose Nepal. As soon as the tickets were booked, the dormant dream of seeing Mount Everest while sipping chai resurfaced. This was my chance.
We planned a five-night itinerary: three nights in the serene town of Pokhara and two in the bustling capital of Kathmandu. Pokhara offered us adventure and tranquility, but the real highlight awaited in Kathmandu. My helicopter ride to Hotel Everest View was scheduled for March 3, 2024.
Unfortunately, the unpredictable Himalayan weather had other plans. All flights were canceled due to bad weather, and my heart sank. With only one more morning before my flight back to Delhi, I clung to hope. Over dinner that evening, I nervously shared my worries with my friends. Just then, my phone rang—it was the airline. The forecast for the next morning was clear, and they would pick me up at 6:15 am. Excitement replaced my anxiety, and sleep was impossible.
The next morning, the airline car arrived punctually, and we headed to Kathmandu airport. After formalities, we met our pilot, who briefed us on the safety protocols and flight itinerary. By 7:30 am, we were airborne, soaring through the golden light of sunrise, the Himalayan peaks slowly revealing themselves as we climbed higher.
Our first stop was the Lukla helipad, a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu. Known as the gateway to the Everest base camp trek, Lukla introduced us to the breathtaking beauty of the Khumbu region. From there, a short flight brought us to Pheriche, a picturesque village surrounded by towering peaks. Despite the biting cold of minus 10 degrees, the sheer beauty of the snow-blanketed landscape was spellbinding.
At 8:52 am, we embarked on the final leg of our journey. As the helicopter climbed to 5,250 meters, the vast expanse of the Himalayas unfolded beneath us. Peaks like Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, and, of course, Everest surrounded us in a surreal panorama. Flying over Kala Patthar, the closest vantage point to Everest, was an awe-inspiring moment that felt like stepping into another world.
Finally, the helicopter descended toward the Hotel Everest View. Sitting on the terrace, with a steaming cup of masala chai in hand and Mount Everest seemingly within reach, I was overcome with emotion. The view that had captivated me a decade ago at the Nepal Embassy was now my reality. It felt like a conversation with an old dream, fulfilled at last.
As I returned to Kathmandu, reunited with my friends, and later flew back to Delhi, I carried with me a profound sense of accomplishment. That morning in the Himalayas wasn’t just a bucket-list moment; it was a testament to the power of dreams and the beauty of persistence. Ten years after it was first imagined, my breakfast with Mount Everest became a story I will cherish forever.
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