Kathmandu: A rescue helicopter sent to pick up trekkers has crash-landed near Lobuche Mountain in Nepal's Mount Everest region, according to a senior police official.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Manojit Kunwar, Chief of Solukhumbu District Police, said that the Altitude Air helicopter skidded while landing at a helipad in Lobuche at around 7:50 a.m.

He confirmed that the pilot, who was the only person on board, was rescued and taken to Lukla Airport. The helicopter suffered partial damage to its tail and remains at the accident site.

Lobuche Mountain, which has two peaks Lobuche East (6,119 meters) and Lobuche West (6,145 meters) — is popular among trekkers and climbers. It is often used for acclimatisation by mountaineers preparing to climb higher peaks, including Mt. Everest (8,8

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