Flying Mavic drone in Nepal 2017

Hi

TL;DR
Did some research online, spoke to Annapura Tourist rep they recommends using an agency. Anyone recommend one? Or has been through the process?

I want to fly my Mavic in Nepal in Annapura for my YouTube channel to create a Non-commerical video. I thought I would create this thread to collate some of the information I've found so far, get info from people who know the details of the actual process and update it once I get more info.

After doing some research the Nepalese aviation authority's latest rules are on https://www.caanepal.org.np/drone/ A summary of the process (which may or may not be out of date) http://en.nalibeli.org/index.php/Drone_Operation_Permission:_Civil_Aviation_Authority_(CAAN)of_Nepal#Process indicates it takes 3 days. It seems you need permission from Department of Tourism AND Ministry of Home Affairs. It also seems that yes you can fly drones lighter then 2kg with less issues then bigger ones but you can't film or take pictures but not sure if there's a way to get special permission.

So I went to the tourist office in Kathmandu and spoke to a rep of the region where I would fly the drone. He said I should find a agency which could all the paper work for me. I'm currently in Kathmandu and here for a month so hoping to get permission.

Has anyone been through the process?

Can you tell more, what kind of agencies does it need, he spoke? and need an officer to be with?
Good Luck!
Cheers,

I think he was indicating that the travel agencies. He said it might be easier to deal with an agency from kathmandu, I am guessing because it might require contacting the Ministry of Home Affairs depending on the route you taking.

So, have you already contacted an agency to arrange needed documents?
Wish you All the Best!

"you can fly drones lighter then 2kg with less issues then bigger ones but you can't film or take pictures"

What would be the point then? Just the enjoyment of flying one?

Also remember that at high enough altitude the drone might not be able to fly or it might be difficult to control. Does the manufacturer give the upper operating limit for the drone?

No not yet. Im talking to a few but by the looks of things most people don't bother asking for permission and not many agencies are aware of the procedures involved.

"you can fly drones lighter then 2kg with less issues then bigger ones but you can't film or take pictures"

What would be the point then? Just the enjoyment of flying one?

I think you've just answered your own question.

Also remember that at high enough altitude the drone might not be able to fly or it might be difficult to control. Does the manufacturer give the upper operating limit for the drone?

Yip, I am planning to fly between 2000-3000m but may go around the 4000m mark heading to the peak. The mavic has been given an upper limit of 5000m. People reading this should also be aware that at lower temperatures the battery are not as efficient so "warming" them up may help but allow for a great degree of buffer. During "regular" operation you may get around 20-25mins of flight time, I am assuming about half of this as the little guy needs to work much harder.

If people have experience in flying altitude around 2000-4000m I like to hear from you. I've only flown at around the 1500-2000n mark

Considering the amount of drone footage available from above 5000 meters, including Mavic flights, I think you’ll do fine. Having an extra battery in your backpack/somewhere warm could be smart.

Battery specs say do not operate below -10° C but we all know there are safety margins included and the battery generates heat in-flight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqhtk64lquo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYlM6fKGjzE

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