Elite Traveler Spring 2021

GL IDE OVER THE HIMALAYAS NEPAL

Klaus Ohlmann, a German glider pilot who holds a whopping 36 world records, is considered to be the most successful glider pilot of all time. The ‘wave rider’ Ohlmann was the first person to fly over Mount Everest in a glider, but with this experience from Untold Story, you could be next in line. The custom-built glider has highly specialized oxygen systems on board, allowing it to fly over 26,500 ft (for comparison, local microlights and paragliding companies offer flights up to 13,120 ft). Using a strong band of wind that undulates as it flows over the mountains, Ohlmann uses the updrafts of air to gain altitude and reach speeds of around 200 miles per hour. This understandably requires incredible skill and experience, of which Ohlmann has buckets — he holds the record for flying the longest distance and the fastest speed. Before taking flight, you’ll spend a few days acclimatizing, meeting your flight team and getting to know the aircraft. Untold Story can also arrange for other enriching experiences in the region: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal, with an expert in spirituality and religion; join conservationists to track the endangered Royal Bengal tiger; or hike to the World Peace Pagoda, built by the Buddhist monks of the Japanese Nipponzan Fujii organization. Best for Those who are definitely not afraid of heights From £225,000 (approx. $306,100) per person. Contact Mark Allvey, cofounder, team@untoldstorytravel.com, +44 776 284 8888, untoldstorytravel.com