Tour operator puts ‘terminal velocity’ within reach

Specialist independent tour operator, High & Wild, is offering thrill-seekers the experience of a lifetime with the creation of its Everest Skydive. The 15-day high-octane programme is open to licensed skydivers as well providing a truly unique opportunity for people with no previous parachuting experience to jump as tandem passengers.

Participants will get as close to heaven as possible as they freefall from 29,500 feet taking in Everest (29,035ft) and some of the world’s other highest mountains. The drop zone (landing site) is also the highest in the world.

The Everest Skydive has been meticulously planned over the past two years and is the brainchild of High & Wild founder Nigel Gifford, OBE, who is himself a skydiver with 1,000 descents to his name.

The programme has been put together to ensure an unforgettable experience from start to finish with full training and safety equipment provided.

The Everest Skydive team itself has unrivalled experience and skill including a world record holder with 5,000 dives and 2,500 tandem under his belt. Much of the team are also Everest mountaineers so are familiar with the terrain and climate conditions.

The first Everest Skydive trip is scheduled for October 2008 to fit in with the high-altitude weather patterns. The programme begins with a couple of days in Katmandu for familiarisation and safety briefings before a six-day acclimatisation trek.

The Everest Skydive will be made up of a group of 24 people and costs £12,675 for a licensed skydiver and £16,870 for tandem passengers. Partners and observers can join the trip for £3,750. Prices do not include international flights or personal insurance.

For bookings and further information go to Highandwild.co.uk/everestskydive.