No Climbing Required!

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 25 August, 2024

Exploring the World’s Majestic Mountains Without Breaking a Sweat

Imagine soaring above Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, without the need for climbing gear or braving the icy winds. Or picture gliding through the Swiss Alps on a scenic train ride, surrounded by snow-covered peaks that stretch endlessly. While scaling these majestic mountains might seem impossible for many of us, their beauty isn’t just for the daring mountaineer. Thanks to modern transportation, some of the world’s most famous mountains are now accessible to all.

From flight-seeing tours to cable cars, there are countless ways to experience these incredible peaks without ever lacing up a hiking boot. If you crave breathtaking vistas and high-altitude thrills with a touch of comfort, buckle up and let’s go on a journey to explore the world’s most iconic mountains—no climbing required!

Everest Flight-seeing

There’s something undeniably magical about the Himalayas. While climbing Everest remains a challenge that only a few adventurers attempt each year, you can still experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the tallest mountain on Earth without the need for ropes, crampons, or weeks of gruelling effort. Instead, you can take to the skies on an unforgettable flight-seeing tour over the Himalayas.

As you board a small aircraft, anticipation builds among fellow passengers. The plane quickly ascends and before long, the Kathmandu Valley falls away. It is replaced by a panorama of rugged terrain and glistening peaks. As the flight progresses, the pilot often points out key landmarks and peaks, each one with its own story and significance.

Soon, the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Everest comes into view, standing tall at 29,032 feet (8,848 meters). From the plane, you can see Everest’s iconic pyramid shape, its summit often draped in a plume of snow whipped up by the high winds. The proximity of the aircraft allows for unparalleled views of Everest’s formidable South Face, the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, and neighbouring giants like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.

The Swiss Alps by Train

The Glacier Express, often dubbed the world’s slowest express train, offers travellers an unparalleled journey through the Swiss Alps, providing a front-row seat to some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery—all without breaking a sweat. The Glacier Express operates between two of Switzerland’s most famous alpine towns, Zermatt and St. Moritz, taking passengers on a seven-and-a-half-hour adventure across 291 kilometers (about 180 miles) of spectacular terrain.

As the train winds its way through the Alps, it crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and climbs over the Oberalp Pass, reaching an altitude of 2,033 meters (6,670 feet). Highlights of the journey include the stunning views of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, the Rhine Gorge—often referred to as the "Swiss Grand Canyon"—and the towering Landwasser Viaduct, an architectural marvel that seems to defy gravity as it spans a deep ravine. Onboard, the experience is just as delightful. The Glacier Express features comfortable seating, large panoramic windows, and a dining car where passengers can enjoy a three-course meal while taking in the views.

Patagonia’s Beauty on Horseback

Nestled at the southern tip of Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Known for its towering granite peaks, sprawling glaciers, and emerald lakes, this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is one of the most visually stunning places on Earth. While trekking is a popular way to explore the park, there is a less strenuous and equally immersive way to experience its beauty: horseback riding.

Horseback riding in Torres del Paine offers travellers a unique opportunity to connect with the park’s breathtaking landscapes at a relaxed pace. With the help of local guides, visitors can travel through a variety of trails that wind through lush valleys, across flowing rivers, and up to vantage points with jaw-dropping views of the park’s most iconic features, like the Paine Massif and the famous “Torres” (towers) themselves. The routes taken by horseback tours in Torres del Paine vary, but many include a visit to the scenic Laguna Azul, where travelers can admire the stunning blue waters against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks.

The Canadian Rockies: Banff Gondola

The Canadian Rockies are a sprawling mountain range renowned for their rugged beauty, glacier-carved landscapes, and pristine wilderness. This iconic region is home to some of the most stunning scenery in North America, with towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and expansive forests. Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Gondola is a spectacular way to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies from above.

The journey begins at the base of Sulphur Mountain, just a short drive from the town of Banff. From there, a modern, fully enclosed gondola cabin whisks visitors up to the summit ridge, ascending 698 meters (2,292 feet) in just eight minutes. As the gondola climbs higher, the views become increasingly breathtaking. To the north, the town of Banff and the winding Bow River lie nestled in the valley floor, while all around, jagged peaks rise against the sky. Upon reaching the top, visitors are greeted by a stunning 360-degree view of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the nearby Lake Minnewanka.

The Majestic Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, or "Fuji-san" as it is affectionately called in Japan, is not just a mountain; it is an icon. Rising to 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), it is the tallest mountain in Japan. While the idea of climbing Mount Fuji to witness the sunrise from its summit is a bucket-list item for many, not everyone is equipped or inclined to make the challenging ascent. Fortunately, there are several ways to experience Mount Fuji's grandeur without scaling its heights, one of the most popular being a visit to the 5th Station.

Located about halfway up the mountain, the Mount Fuji 5th Station is easily accessible by bus from major cities like Tokyo and offers stunning views of both the peak and the surrounding landscapes. As the highest point reachable by vehicle, the 5th Station sits at an elevation of around 2,305 meters (7,546 feet), providing a close-up view of the summit and a panoramic outlook over the nearby valleys and, on clear days, even as far as Tokyo and the Pacific Ocean. For those interested in exploring further, there are several short trails around the 5th Station that offer scenic walks without the intensity of a full summit climb.

Table Mountain by Cable Car

Table Mountain, with its flat-topped summit and towering presence over Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. While many choose to hike up the various trails leading to the top, there is a much easier and equally rewarding way to experience the splendour of Table Mountain: the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

The journey to the top takes about five minutes, but it's packed with excitement. As the cable car ascends, passengers are treated to a 360-degree rotating view, allowing everyone on board to take in the full panorama of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

At the summit, which sits at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level, visitors are greeted with stunning vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can see Robben Island to the north, the Cape of Good Hope to the south, and the sprawling city of Cape Town below. The unique flat top of Table Mountain is often covered with a "tablecloth" of clouds, adding a mystical element to the already dramatic scenery.

The Great Dolomites Road

The Dolomites, a breathtaking mountain range in northeastern Italy, are renowned for their dramatic limestone cliffs, deep valleys, and lush alpine meadows. For travellers looking to experience the grandeur of the Dolomites without the rigours of mountaineering, the Great Dolomites Road offers a perfect alternative.

The Great Dolomites Road, or "Grande Strada delle Dolomiti," is one of the most scenic drives in Europe. Stretching over 100 kilometres (about 62 miles) from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, this iconic route winds through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Dolomites, offering travellers a chance to experience the region's beauty from the comfort of their car.

As you drive, you’ll pass through picturesque villages, dense forests, and vast meadows dotted with wildflowers. One of the most remarkable features of the Great Dolomites Road is the Pordoi Pass, which sits at an elevation of 2,239 meters (7,346 feet) and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. The pass is a popular spot for a break, with a cable car that takes visitors up to the Sass Pordoi, a summit that provides a 360-degree view of the Dolomites and beyond.

So which of these incredible experiences will you add to your travel bucket list? No matter where your travels take you, remember that the world is full of accessible wonders just waiting to be discovered. That’s it from me this week, until next week, keep Celebrating Life!