Perhaps the most exciting flight in the world, now with the introduction of pressurised aircraft in Nepal the Everest experience has becomeEverest Flight 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.