For the traveler who is unable to make a
trekking trip to the mountains either because
of lack of time or physical fitness, or
due to sheer want of the adventure streak,
there are mountain flights to simulate the
experience.
The one hour flight takes
you within camera range of some of the highest
peaks in the world, and cruising this close
to the awe inspiring massifs of rock and
ice, is an out of this earth experience.
The aircraft takes off and heads eastward
and almost immediately, the peaks come into
view. The first peak that appears on your
horizon is the majestic Gosaithan, standing
8013m tall. To its right, appears Dorje
Lhakpa (6966m), looking like a massive figure
of 8, lying prone and covered in snow. To
its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms
over the Kathmandu valley.
Next on your vision is Choba Bhamara , rather
small in this company at 5,933m, but singularly
stubborn as it remains unconquered to this
day. Then comes Mt. Gaurishanker (7,134m)
standing out sharp and conspicuous –Hindus
believe that lord Shiva and his consort
Parvati protect this mountain.
As the flight moves towards the Eastern
Himaliya, a succession of majestic mountains
follows. Melungtse, with a plateau- like
top stands at 7,023m; Chugimago is at 6,297m,
and still remains to be scaled. At 6,956m,
Mt number resembles a breast, and is believed
to be the maternal source in the Sherpas
of Solukhumbu. Then, Karyolung a gleaming-
white mountain at 6,511m, and Cho-Oyu, the
sixth highest in the world at 8,021m.
The last and most exciting stretch of the
journey takes you close to the 7,952- tall
Gyachungkang, which is considered an extremely
tough climb. To its right is Pumori at 7,161m
and Nuptse at 7,855m. Finally, there is
Mt. Everest itself (8,848m), called Sagarmatha
by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans.
It is an altogether different felling as
one comes face to face with the world’s
tallest and most enigmatic of mountains.
Mountain flights are offered
by a host of airlines and all the flights
leave Kathmandu between 07: 00 and 09:30
A.M.
Click
here for The Spectacular Himalayan Panorama |
