About
Mountain Flight
For
the traveller who is unable to make a trekking trip to the mountains
either because of lack time or physical fitness, or due to sheer
want of the adventure streak, there are mountain flights to simulate
the experience.
For
millennia, the Himalayas have had a grip on the world's imagination.
The sheer majesty and grandeur of the lofty, snow-capped mountains
have inspired awe, curiosity and reverence.
Tens
of thousands of visitors from the world over come to Nepal annually,
as English climber George Leigh Mallory would say, because they
are there. But not all who visit the Himalayan kingdom can afford
the time and the stamina to be on the mountains. You can, however,
afford to be with us on our exhilarating Himalayan Spectacular that
shows you the mountains from the closest range possible.
What
to expect during the flight? 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 8,013m
tall. To its right, appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), 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 Bhamare, 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 move toward the eastern Himalaya, a succession of majestic
mountains follows. Melungtse, with a plateau-like top stand at 7,023m;
Chugimago is at 6,297m, and still remains to be scaled. Mt. Numbur
stands at 6,956m. Then, Karyolung, a gleaming-white mountain at
6,511m, and cho-Oyu, the sixth highest in the world at 8,021 m.
The
last and most exciting stretch of the journey takes you close to
the 7,952m tall Gyanchungkang, 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 feeling as one comes face to face with the world's tallest
and most enigmatic of mountains. Mountain flights are also conducted
from Pokhara.
Can
we charter? Helicopters and Aircraft are also available for
charter use, especially for group treks and expeditions. STOL (Short
Take Off and Landing) airstrips are located throughout the country.
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