Published August 08, 2010
The High Life
Golfing in the Himalayas
Everest.
The name alone conjures up images of weathered Sherpas, frozen tundra and the world’s greatest explorers
racing each other to the top.
Also: golf.
Welcome to
Nepalese Heli-Golf, a guided tour of the highest tee-off spot on the planet, taking
reservations now.
In short, it’s Nepal’s answer to Pebble Beach, settled 14,500 feet above sea level and just 15 miles
from Mount Everest. You’ll start out in Kathmandu, where you’ll take an early-morning helicopter ride
over Everest’s base camp and up into the clouds. Destination: the Kongde Lodge.
The course here is only two holes, but that thin air will give your drive some serious hang time. (Think of
the Himalayas as the moon, and you’re an astronaut.) But be warned: if you slice, your ball will be headed
straight for a gorge—so don’t count on getting it back without a Sherpa.
After that, you’ll head back to your hotel, tour the temples of Kathmandu and prep for your crucial golf
excursion the next day. A full 18 holes await you on the more down-to-earth golf course at the nearby
Gokarna Lodge—the former course of the Nepalese Royal Family.
No Sherpas required.
VITALS
Nepalese Heli-Golf
Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
800-999-1758
official website