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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 8,013 m 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 moves toward the Eastern Himalaya, 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.Numbur
resembles a breast, and is believed to be the maternal
source in the sky providing pure milk the Sherpas of
Solokhumbu. 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 Nepalis 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. |
