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November 15, 2015

Scenic Flight over the Himalayas

Asia Hiking & Trekking Traveler Stories

All Nine Himalayan 8,000 Meter Peaks in One Day!

The Paro-Delhi flight is a delight on a good day and this was one of those days when it was pure magic. Out of my plane window, the peaks of the Himalaya were in clear view. I was so excited, taking photo after photo of the mountains, even though I’ve seen them innumerable times. Very few others on the flight showed much interest, except when Everest was mentioned, yet this was probably most passengers’ first view of these peaks. Only a couple Indian kids showed interest, “Papa, snow mountains!” “Yes, beta, they are just mountains, let me sleep.”

First came Kanchenjunga at 28,162′:

A snow-covered mountain range stretches above the clouds under a clear blue sky, with scattered clouds in the foreground. The terrain transitions from snowy peaks to rocky lower slopes.

Second, from east to west, was Makalu (27,762′):

Aerial view of a snow-covered mountain peak surrounded by other snowy mountains under a clear blue sky, inviting travelers to embark on an unforgettable adventure above the clouds.

Then Everest (29,029′) and just to its right, Lhotse (27,940′):

Aerial view of the snow-covered Mount Everest and surrounding peaks rising majestically above the clouds under a clear blue sky.

Fourth was the massif of Cho Oyu (26,906′), left, and Gyachung Kang (26,089′) on the right:

Snow-covered mountain range with prominent peaks reaching above the clouds under a clear blue sky. The lower elevations have less snow and more rocky terrain.

Fifth was Shishapangma (26,286′):

Snow-capped mountain peaks rise majestically above the clouds, with a bright blue sky in the background.

Then the triple peaks of Manaslu. Manaslu (26,759′) is on the left and Baudha is on the right:

Snow-covered mountain peaks rise above the clouds under a clear blue sky.

Then came the Annapurnas. To the extreme left is Annapurna 1 at 26,545′. Can you spot Machapuchare (22,943′) on the far right?

Aerial view of a mountain range with snow-covered peaks, scattered clouds below, all under a clear sky—truly a scene from above the clouds.

The last of the big massifs was Dhaulagiri. Here is Dhaulagiri 1 at 26,795′:

Aerial view of snow-covered mountain peaks with clouds hovering at lower elevations. The largest peak, rising boldly above the clouds, is surrounded by other rugged, smaller peaks.

I hope to always have the wonder of a child.

-Photos and text by WT Trip Leader Hashmat Singh

You can see these stunning vistas on our Scenic Everest Flight!

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