Typical. We come all this way to straddle the "roof of the world" and the friggin plane won't take off! Mind you, the fog was rather dense! Yet, while rival airlines - with rather befitting names like Yeti and Buddah Air - remained stranded on the Tarmac (and the number of cancellations mounting) we were somewhat relieved to find ourselves being ushered onto the runway where we were greeted by one of Agni Air's rusty 12-seaters. On spotting our winged chariot for the first time, I must admit, we both muttered a small prayer before clambering aboard.
But even a two hour delay (we'd been at the airport since 5.30am) and rumbling bellies couldn't mask our excitement at heading into the mighty Himalaya. Once the twin-propellers finally got us air born we settled back and admired the views. And what views. The way the mountain range suddenly juts up from the valley floor is mesmerizing - luscious green hills transformed into towering white peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see.
It's said that the Himalaya is shifting north east at a rate of 2.5 inches a year, while the fault
system responsible for this mountainous mass continues to eat India at a similar rate (what a shame we can't somehow speed this up). Just what exactly is going on below Terra firma to create this geographical marvel I'm not sure - despite a degree in physical geography - but it sure makes for a great view!
The only downside to our little foray into the mountains is Lukla, the airport and jump-off point for the Everest, or Sagarmatha, National Park. Just imagine a 200m stretch of concrete dangling precariously from the mountain-side. That's Lukla airport and it makes for one scary mother of a landing!
But even a two hour delay (we'd been at the airport since 5.30am) and rumbling bellies couldn't mask our excitement at heading into the mighty Himalaya. Once the twin-propellers finally got us air born we settled back and admired the views. And what views. The way the mountain range suddenly juts up from the valley floor is mesmerizing - luscious green hills transformed into towering white peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see.
It's said that the Himalaya is shifting north east at a rate of 2.5 inches a year, while the fault
system responsible for this mountainous mass continues to eat India at a similar rate (what a shame we can't somehow speed this up). Just what exactly is going on below Terra firma to create this geographical marvel I'm not sure - despite a degree in physical geography - but it sure makes for a great view! The only downside to our little foray into the mountains is Lukla, the airport and jump-off point for the Everest, or Sagarmatha, National Park. Just imagine a 200m stretch of concrete dangling precariously from the mountain-side. That's Lukla airport and it makes for one scary mother of a landing!
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