In March of 1999, the Guinness Book of Records bestowed
upon Hotel Everest View the title of Highest Placed Hotel
in the World. This hotel is situated 13,000 ft (3,964 m)
above sea level in Sagarmatha National Park in the
Southern Khumbu region of Nepal. With its luxurious
accommodations, guests stay overlooking the Himalayan
peaks and Mt. Everest.
A Japanese construction company, Trans Himalayan
Tours Ltd, built the Hotel Everest View in 1968. In
October of 1973, the hotel opened its doors for the first
time. The hotel was built with the intentions of
attracting wealthy Japanese tourists seeking luxurious
getaways that offered a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest.
In order to accommodate tourists, the Shyangboche airstrip
was built to receive private plans and helicopters.
Unfortunately, the Japanese tourists encountered some
difficulties adjusting from a lower altitude to 10,000 ft
above sea level. Tourists flying into the Shyangboche
airstrip from Japan experienced horrible motion sickness,
including nausea and vomiting. Even though Hotel Everest
View offered a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks and
high-quality accommodations, guests were unable to enjoy
themselves.
Hotel management tried desperately to resolve the issue by
supplying guests with oxygen tanks, but the problem still
remained. It was after several deaths were reported that
the government finally took action and forced the
Shyangboche airstrip to shut down, leaving Japanese
tourists to fly into Lukla (9,200 ft) and walk three-days
up the mountainside.
Elimination of chartered flights into Shyangboche airstrip
caused a devastating affect on tourism for Hotel Everest
View. Very few tourists would endure the three-day hike up
the mountainside to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
Business declined rapidly and left the facility bare.
Since than, the Shyangboche airstrip has reopened to
transport gear and supplies to Mount Everest. Tourists
that are accustomed to the altitude fly into Shyangboche
airstrip to visit the Hotel Everest View.
Tourists still climb up the mountainside from Namche
Bazaar, in the Himalayas, to stay at Hotel Everest View.
Although the menu has changed from ravishing meals to
light food and hot and cold beverages, this Japanese run
establishment's accommodations are still breathtaking. For
a reasonable rate ($170-$270 per night), guests can enjoy
a luxurious room overlooking the surrounding peaks.
Hotel Everest View is staffed with Sherpa people, who are
natives to the Mt. Everest region. 'Om mani padme hum', a
Tibetan Buddhist mantra, is inscribed on the hotel
interior walls. These ancient stone carvings serve as a
constant reminder of the Sherpas' deep religious beliefs.
A Sherpa tour guide is on hand for guests.
Plane or helicopter charters are available for guests that
desire a more direct flight to the hotel. Guests may also
take advantage of a 50 minute flight over Shyangboche from
Kathmandu and walk 45-minutes up the mountain trail to
Hotel Everest View.
Reservations and transportation can be arranged through:
Hotel Everest View
P.O. Box 1624
Durbar Marg
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-01-224854
Shyangboche: 977-038-40118
Fax: 977-01-227289
Credit Cards Accepted
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