The Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has imposed a complete ban on unregulated commercial helicopter flights within its area. In a public notice, the municipality stated that the decision was made due to the negative impact of such flights on forests, the environment, biodiversity, local businesses, and tourism.
According to the decision, effective from early 2025, all commercial helicopter flights are strictly prohibited except for rescue flights, officially approved cargo flights, and mountain flights operating below 4,300 meters in altitude.
However, the municipality has issued a renewed warning after discovering that some helicopter and trekking operators have been violating the rules. The notice makes it clear that any consequences arising from unauthorized flights will be the sole responsibility of the helicopter companies, tour operators, and the tourists involved.
The municipality has called on local organizations, civil society, trekking operators, guides, and residents to help enforce the decision and urged people not to believe misleading information about any regulation changes. The notice, signed by Municipality Chair Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, stresses the need for strict monitoring and cooperation to prevent violations.
