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Watch Manali's snow clad peaks from air
by Rajiv Kimta
Manali: At a time when people in North India are keen to avoid the intense heat, there are some who are enjoying a breathtaking view of snow-clad peaks and scenic valleys of the Himalayas. Tourists visiting Manali are using private helicopter services to explore new tourist destinations in the Himalayas. According to Himanshu Sharma of Himalayan Heli Services, this novel mode of sightseeing has been welcomed by tourists visiting Manali. "Tourists mainly come to see the snow here. So the tourists are delighted whenever they get an opportunity to see the Himalayas from a height of about 14,000 feet," said Sharma. Sharma believes the helicopter rides are popular as tourists do want to save ample time. Commenting on the tariff structures, Sharma says that for a five- minute, 10-minute and 15-minute joyride, the charges are rupees 1,500/- to 3,000/- and 4500/- per head. Those availing short rides, this exhilarating experience of watching the snow capped hills and green valleys is unforgettable. "We enjoyed the ride very much because we could see the Himalayas and snow-clad mountains closely," said Rajat, a tourist. "We enjoyed it a lot. It was fun to see the snow-capped peaks from a height. It was a good experience and, we will definitely go for a helicopter ride again whenever we visit this place," said Vinod, another tourist.
The helicopter rides continue till mid-June and are out of operation from
July as the monsoon sets in. Manali is situated near the end of the Kullu
valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breathtaking.
If there are well-defined snow capped peaks, the claear Beas River on
one side, the other side has, are Deodar and Pine trees, tiny fields and
fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favourite resort
for trekkers wanting to go ahead to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar
regions in Kashmir Valley.
-June 6, 2006
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