Nepal: See Mt Everest from a helicopter, and do a little trekking too

Get a close-up view of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks on a tour of Nepal that includes travel in a private helicopter. Participants take hops from capital city Kathmandu to see elephants in Chitwan National Park and mountain villages around Pokhara during a 15-day tour of the Asian nation.

Sightseeing begins in Kathmandu with three days exploring the city and nearby Pashupatinath to see the Lord Shiva temple, Boudhnath and Bhaktapur.

From there it’s on to the national park to see elephants, rhinoceros and other wildlife while staying at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge.

The wilderness retreat offers an opportunity to meet the local Tharu villagers, unwind, go bird watching and take walks in the area.

Other trip highlights include a three-day trek from Pokhara to mountain towns where participants visit schools and meet the locals and a tour of terraced farmlands in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

When: The trip is offered on customized dates starting Oct. 1 to April 30.

Price: $10,965 per person, double occupancy; $400 discount for those who reserve by Sept 15. It includes helicopter transportation, accommodations, some meals and guided tours. International airfare is extra.

Info: Geringer Global Travel’s Discover Nepal by Helicopter, (877) 255-7438