Nepal suspends helicopters in Everest region after protests

Helicopters are a key means of transport and crucial for emergency rescue in many of Nepal's remote regions, often inaccessible by road. But they have also been increasingly used to airlift mountaineering teams and tourists over the challenging terrains in the Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest. For those who can afford the $1,000 price tag, helicopters reduce the two-week long trek to Everest base camp to just a day -- removing a key source of employment for Nepalis supporting those making the long hike in.