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The
aircraft takes off and heads eastward and
almost immediately the peaks come into view.
The first peak that appears on your horizon is
the majestic Gosaithan, also called Shisha
Pangma, standing at a height of 8,013m. To its
right appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), looking
like a massive figure of eight lying prone and
covered in snow.
To its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over
the Kathmandu valley.
As the plane glides
along, you get closer to these giants. Next
on your vision is Choba Bhamare, rather
small in this company at 5,933m but singularly
stubborn as it remains unconquered to this
day. Then comes Mt. Gaurishanker (7,134m)
which resisted all attempts to conquer its
summit until 1979. This mountain stands
out sharp and very conspicuous during the
flight and Hindus believe that Lord Shiva
(Shanker) and his consort Parvati protect
this mountain.
As the flight moves toward the Eastern Himalayas,
a succession of majestic mountains follows.
Melungtse, with a plateau-like top stands
at 7,023m. Chugimago, at 6,297m, still remains
to be scaled. At 6,956m, Mt.Numbur resembles
a breast, believed to be the maternal source
in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas
of the Solokhumbu. Then comes Karyolung,
a gleaming-white mountain at 6,511m resplendent
in the morning sun. Cho-Oyu is the sixth
highest mountain in the world at 8,021m,
and appears stunningly beautiful.
The last and most exciting stretch of the
journey takes you close to Gyachungkang,
which stands at 7,952m and considered an
extremely tough climb. To its right is Pumori
at 7,161m and Nuptse at 7,855m, also called
west peak signifying its location in relation
to Mt.Everest. Finally, there is Mt. Everest
itself (8,848m), called Sagarmatha by the
Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans.
It's a different feeling as one comes face
to face with the world's tallest mountain
standing there in all its splendid glory,
beautiful and enigmatic. |