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 heights peaks in the world,
and cursing 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 in your
horizon is the majestic Gosaithan, standing
8,013m tall. To its right, appears Dorje Lakpa
(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
than 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 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 to the
Sherpas of Solukhumbu. Then, Karyolung, a gambling–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 7,952m 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 Sagarmath by the Nepalis and
Chomolungma by Tibetans. It is an altogether
different feeling as one comes face to face
with the world’s tallest and most enigmatic
of the mountains.
Service providers
Mountain
flights are offered by a host of airlines. Buddha
Air offers several flights a day, the other
being Gorkha Air, Necon Air, Mountain Air, Cosmic
Air and Royal Nepal Airlines. All the flights
leave Kathmandu between 7.00 and 9.30 a.m. Buddha
Air flies 19- seater American Beech 1900D aircraft.
Gorkha airlines and cosmic air operate 19- seater
German Dornier 228s. Mountain air lies 1900C
Beech aircraft, RNAC operates 44-seater Avros
and 19-seater Twin otters, while Necon Air has
44-seater Avros and ATRs. Please check timing
with local operators.
Helicopter and air craft are also available
for chatter use, especially for group treks
and expiations. STOL (short take off and landing)
airstrips are located through hour the country
