My most recent trip to Everest wasn’t on foot on a Himalayan trek, but by air. I took a spectacular helicopter ride to the Himalayas early in 2009, hopping between the various Luxury Lodges that serve the Everest trekking routes along the Sola Khumbu.

Although they each have their own character, all the lodges share a warm and friendly welcome, and provide comfort you’ll really appreciate after a hard day on an Everest trek. Of course, they all have a spectacular view from the bottom of the garden!

After a refreshing cup of tea at Pangboche, the highest lodge at 3,900 metres, we decided to take a quick diversion up to Everest. I was keen to see the ultimate Himalayan trekking destination from the air. As the pilot put-on his oxygen mask, I was a little alarmed to notice there wasn’t another one. However, it occurred to me that if anyone's going to pass out I'd rather it was me than him.

Sadly high winds prevented us from reaching the best viewpoint of Everest - but that's exactly as it should be: the mountain is for Everest trekkers and mountaineers - not hotel inspectors!