Overview

As the aircraft takes off, heads towards the east. You see Gosaithan (8,013m), also called Shisha Pangma, standing at the majestic height of 8013M. Immediately to the right of Gosaithan, there appears Dorje Lhakpa (6966M), a mountain that looks like the number 8 lying down and covered with snow. To the right of Dorje Lhakpa  is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu valley.

As the plane glides along, the mountains come closer and closer. Next on the vision is Choba-Bhamare, the smallest one of the lot at 5,933M but singularly stubborn as it has never been climbed. Then appears the mountain, which is not only prominent in sight but also in spirituality – Gauri-Shankar, Lord Shiva (Shankar) and his consort Gauri are said to protect this mountain, at the proud height of 7,134M, and the summit had a history of unsuccessful attempts till 1979. Gauri- Shankar is sharp and very conspicuous during the mountain flight. As the plane moves towards the land of the rising sun, the eastern Himalaya, a succession of glorious mountains follow Melungtse, a plateau- like mountain, stretches up to 7,023M. Chugimago at 6,297m is still a virgin, waiting to be climbed at 6,956M.

Number Mountain resembles a breast, the maternal source in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas of the Solukhumbu. Next is Karyolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6,511M, gleams with the rising sun. Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8201M, it appears stunningly beautiful from the aircraft.

Next on the menu is Gyachungkang, at a majestic height of 7,952m, considered an extremely difficult to climb. To the right of Gyachungkang is Pumori (7,161M). As one get closer to Everest, there’s Nuptse (7,855), which means West Peak, Signifying its direction from Everest. Finally, there’s Everest (8,850M) itself, known as sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. Much has already been written about Everest, but to actually witness it face to face during a mountain flight is something else. Even while it looms there in front of the eyes, it remains an enigma, this highest spot on earth.