Mountain flight in Nepal is once in a lifetime experience.I never imagined in my wildest of dreams that one day , I would be able to see Mount Everest from my own eyes , right there in front of me. My husband had always wished to see it , and he convinced me to book tickets for mountain flight by Buddha Air-Who actually say this to be “The best mountain flight in the world”.
Although tickets were costly but it turned out to be one of the most memorable flights of my life. It gave me my moments of eternal bliss to see most of the worlds highest peaks. It covered most of the Top 10 peaks of the world , most of which are in Nepal ( Except Nanga Parbat in Pakistan and K2 in India).
The flight also boasts of closest view of Mount Everest from naked eye , unless you are actually climbing it. I was not very sure of what kind of experience that would be , but I got up early in the morning and boarded taxi to leave for airport. My husband was very excited and he looked up to sky again and again to check the clarity.
We took a flight from Buddha Air from Kathmandu domestic airport. The weather was good and more importantly clear. We took 7.30 flight and boarded the plane. At the onset of flight we were given broachers to see all the peaks. All of us were given window seats to see the peaks.
As the flight reached up above the clouds , we were able to see four peaks. The air hostess came to us and started telling us about the peaks. Suddenly, the plane got lively with many voices since all the travellers got excited. The first four peaks are Langtang Lirung (7234 m) , Shisha Pangma (8013 m) , Dorje lakpa (6966m) and Phurbhi Ghyachu (6637m). Our excitement knew no bounds as we saw these peaks from the left side of aircraft.
As we moved further , there was Choba-Bhamre (5870 m) and just adjacent to it was the mesmerizing twin holy peaks of Gauri-Shankar (7134 m). This was absolute moment of internal bliss for me , as I saw clouds coming out of these peaks. It actually reminded me of Lord Shiva with holy ganga flowing out of his hairs. Then there was lovely Melungtse (7182 m) which stood alone , away from Chugimago (6297 m) and Piferago (6620 m). I was enthralled as I knew I was slowly approaching the Greatest of them all.
The plane slowly moved ahead and we saw Numbur (6957 m), Karyolung (6511 m ) , Cho-Oyu (8201 m) , and Gyachung Kang (7652 m) with Pumori (7161 m).They all form multiple peaks to the left of Mount everest.
And finally the moment of a lifetime came as I saw the Greatest of them all – The Tallest Peak in the world – Mount Everest at 8848 m. It stood tall and magnanimous with two brothers /shoulders – To its left Nuptse (7855 m) and to right , Lhotse (8516 m). My excitement knew no bounds as I saw these peaks. Mount Everest stood tall and I stared at it quietly. My husband clicked pictures and kids were also very happy to see it. I had seen something eternal , like I saw God in front of me. I then knew why my husband insisted for this flight.
Then came the actual surprise for me. The pilot called us into the cockpit , one by one and showed us Mount Everest from close quarters. Now I could see Everest from the front. I also saw Kunchanjunga range from far away.
There was Ama –Dabhlam (6812m) in front of Mount everest and Chamlang (7319 m) to the right of it.
The last peak we saw was Makalu (8463 m), beyond which Kanchanjunga ranges start. Our plane turned back from here and now we could see all the peaks from right side.
We also saw world’s highest market – The Nemchi bazaar (3450 m) – A hub for mountaineers.
Overall, this was indeed a memorable experience in all. This is actually a rare and fulfilling experience which cannot be expressed , although Ive tried to write it. Even while closing, I feel like going back to Himalayas and start a new adventure of trekking.
A must must experience if one is visiting Nepal or if anybody wants to see the magnimous beauty and see the Everest and Himalyas.
How to do Mountain flight
Book advance tickets with Yeti or Buddha Airlines
Nidhi KM
©Viharin.com
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