Viewing the Himalayas from an airplane window is an extraordinary experience—you feel like a bird soaring above the mountain range.
Recently, I happened to take a flight from New Delhi to Leh, Ladakh (Kashmir, India) for a birding trip. Knowing the flight cruises above the Himalayas, and desiring to get an aerial view of the magnificent mountain range, I had reserved a left window seat in the front (avoiding obstruction of view by the airplane wings). As I settled into my seat, a blend of excitement and anticipation filled the air.
Minutes felt like hours as I waited for the defining moment. Which came after a while—a sliver of white in the distance. It was a snow-capped peak in the Himalayan range, emerging from the clouds like a guardian. Soon multiple peaks emerged, revealing themselves in all their glory.
Brimming with excitement, I pulled out my DSLR camera. With the lens fixed on the window pane, I began capturing the unfolding beauty. The snow-clad mountains bathed in the soft morning light resembled colossal pieces of art crafted by nature’s hand. With each click of the shutter I froze the timeless beauty.
Gliding over valleys, I could see winding rivers, lush forests, and quaint villages nestled amidst rugged mountains.
Though Leh city was still quite far away, the view from the plane was already breath-taking what with snow-capped mountains extending as far as the eyes could discern. The towering trans-Himalayan peaks appeared to usher me into the forthcoming ten-day adventure exploring Ladakh's diverse landscapes.
As the aircraft touched down and passengers began to disembark, a profound realization washed over me: I had just witnessed a sight that has ignited the creativity of countless poets, artists, and seekers for centuries. The enormity of the Himalayas, and the realization of my minuscule presence in the vast expanse of the mountain range, brought on a feeling of humility. The stunning Himalayas left an enduring impression on me.
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