Perhaps
the most exciting flight in the world, now with the introduction
of pressurised aircraft in Nepal the Everest experience has
become
a lot more so. Planes are able to fly higher and a lot closer
to Everest and the other great peaks that surround it. Flights
lasts an hour, they fly every day (early morning) during the
season time. You will witness most of the world’s highest
mountains from a very close range.
Soon after take off to their far left visitors are able to
see Gosaisthan, also called Shisha Pangma standing at the
majestic height of 8,013m. Immediately to the right of Gosaisthan
is Dorje Lakpa (6,699m), a mountain resembling a figure 8
lying down and covered with snow. To the right of Dorje Lakpa
is Phurbi-Ghyachy, which looms over the Kathmandu valley.
As the plane moves towards Everest, the mountains come towards
you, next in vision is Choba-Bhamare, at 5,933m it is not
high by Nepali standards yet is singularly stubborn as it
has never been climbed. The real journey begins to enfold,
prominent in sight is the spiritual mountain, Mt Gauri Shaker.
Lord Shiva and his consort Gauri are said to protect this
mountain, height of 7,134m. The summit has had a history of
unsuccessful attempts it was not until untill 1979 that the
first successful summit and return was completed. Gauri Shankar
is sharp focus and very conspicuous during the mountain flight.
As the plane travels further east a succession of inspirational
mountains follow, Melungtse, a plateau-like mountain stretches
up to 7,034m, Chugimago at 6,297m is still a virgin peak.
At 6,956m. Number Himal resembles a breast, maternal source
in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpa's of the Solu
Khumbu. Next is Karlyalung, an intensely white mountain at
6,511m it gleams with the rising sun.Cho-Oyu is the eighth
highest mountain in the world reaching a height of 8,201m
appears stunningly beautiful from the aircraft, followed by
Gyanchunkang, at a height of 7,952m, considered an extremely
difficult climb. To the right of Ghanchungkang is Pumori (7,161m),
which means West Peak, signifying its direction from Everest.
Finally, there’s Everest (8,848m) itself, known as Sagarmatha
by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans ‘meaning
mother of the universe’ in both languages. Much has
already been written about Everest, but to actually witness
it face to face during a mountain flight is an unforgettable
experience which will remain with you, if not for ever, for
many years to come. |
