Dear Lykkers! The Himalayas, Earth's grandest mountain range, offer an experience that no traveler can forget, especially when viewed from the sky.

Majestic peaks piercing the clouds, deep valleys blanketed in snow, and sprawling glaciers are all visible from above, creating a truly awe-inspiring panorama.

<h3>Flying Over the Himalayas</h3>

<b>Popular Flights:</b> Several countries, including Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet, offer flights over the Himalayas, each providing a unique perspective on the mountain range. In Nepal, scenic mountain flights departing from Kathmandu are extremely popular. These flights, often lasting an hour, give passengers breathtaking views of the Everest region, with flights coming as close as possible to the towering peaks. Bhutan offers flights where you can see the eastern Himalayas, while India and Tibet provide equally incredible experiences of the vast range.

<h3>The Majestic Peaks</h3>

<b>Mount Everest:</b> Known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, rising to a staggering 8,848 meters. An aerial view of Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you glide above the clouds and gaze at its mighty snow-covered summit. The sight of Everest emerging from the vast expanse of the range is something that no words or pictures can fully capture.

<b>Kangchenjunga:</b> As the third-highest mountain on Earth, Kangchenjunga straddles the border between Nepal and India. This colossal peak, reaching 8,586 meters, is famous for its five snow-capped summits, which are a sight to behold from the air. The immense glaciers flowing down its sides and the intricate patterns of snow-covered ridges are absolutely mesmerizing.

<b>Makalu:</b> Another towering giant, Makalu stands at 8,485 meters and is known for its sharp, pyramidal shape. A flight over the Himalayas allows for a bird’s-eye view of this magnificent peak, with its steep slopes and awe-inspiring glaciers reflecting the sunlight.

<h3>Valleys, Glaciers, and Rivers</h3>

<b>Glacier-Carved Valleys:</b> As you soar above the Himalayas, you'll notice the deep valleys carved out by glaciers over millennia. These valleys, some of which are home to remote Himalayan villages, stretch far below, filled with the snowmelt that feeds into rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra.

<b>The Khumbu Glacier:</b> A major highlight of any aerial tour of the Himalayas is the Khumbu Glacier, located near Mount Everest. The immense glacier is a sea of blue ice, twisting and winding its way through the rugged mountain terrain. From the air, its sheer scale is fully visible, making it one of the most striking natural wonders in the region.

<h3>Best Time to Experience Aerial Views</h3>

<b>Seasonal Changes:</b> The best time to take an aerial flight over the Himalayas is during the autumn and spring months. From September to November and March to May, the weather is clear, and the skies are free from the monsoon clouds that often obscure the peaks. During these times, the snow-capped summits glisten under the sunlight, offering pristine views that stretch for miles.

<h3>Aerial Photography in the Himalayas</h3>

<b>Photography Tips:</b> For photographers, capturing the Himalayas from the air is a dream come true. The challenge, however, lies in the quick nature of the flights and the ever-changing lighting conditions. To capture the best shots, use a fast shutter speed to account for the plane's movement, and make sure you have a polarizing filter to reduce reflections on the airplane windows. Keep your camera ready as the views can change rapidly with each twist and turn of the flight.

<h3>Cost and Accessibility</h3>

<b>Flight Prices:</b> Scenic mountain flights over the Himalayas typically cost between $150 to $300 USD, depending on the airline and the length of the flight. Helicopter tours, while more expensive, ranging from $500 to $1000 USD, provide a closer and more personalized experience.

<b>Helicopter Tours:</b> For a more immersive experience, helicopter tours offer a unique opportunity to land at base camps, fly closer to the peaks, and even step out onto glaciers. These tours are more expensive but worth every penny for those looking to experience the grandeur of the Himalayas up close.

Experiencing the Himalayas from the air is unlike any other adventure. From the towering peaks of Everest and Kangchenjunga to the intricate valleys and glaciers, the aerial scenery of the Himalayas reveals the true scale and magnificence of the range. No matter you're an adventure seeker, a photographer, or a traveler looking to see the world from a new perspective, an aerial tour of the Himalayas is an unforgettable experience that should be at the top of every traveler's bucket list.

The Himalayas from 20,000 ft.

Video by Teton Gravity Research