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AirIndia0001 · Member Joined: 28 Sep 2007 Posts: 391

HIMALAYAN HOLIDAY 2.0

This is my First TR on this forum so comments and suggestions are eagerly awaited.

Background:
Diwali was round the corner and since my parents were in based in Kathmandu this time, I decided to join them for a short but well-deserved holiday.

Itinerary
Part 1: DEL-KTM on IC
Part 2: Everest Experience Mountain flight on BHA
Part 3: KTM-PKR-KTM on YT
Part 4: KTM-DEL on IC

As my vacation time was short, I decided to stick to the legacy carriers AI/9W for my DEL-KTM-DEL leg of the trip. I finally booked on AI after factoring in the ticket price and seat availability.

1) DEL-KTM

The efficient Meru cab arrived on the dot at 5am and I was on my way. Reached IGIA Terminal 2 in about 25 minutes. Showed my e-Ticket and ID to the otherwise bored looking CISF personnel at the entry gate and walked up to the AI/IC check-in counters located in check-in row F.
IC was checking in all three of their early morning flights together with 2 counters for Y and 1 counter for J class passengers. IC896 – Jaipur, IC843 – Kabul, and IC413 – Kathmandu.
This led to a rather long queue and my turn came after waiting a good 40 minutes. The check-in staff at the counter confirmed what was apparent, that our flight was going 100% full.

IC Check-in Counter

FIDS

I was through Immigration and Security Check in about fifteen minutes and after having a look around the duty free area I made my way to our assigned gate for our flight, Gate 1.

DIAL Duty Free

IC896, which was arriving from Dubai, and heading to Jaipur was delayed by more than 2hrs30mins. Incidentally, as our departure time approached, delays were announced for both the Kabul and Kathmandu flights as well. The delay in our case was attributed to the late arrival of our aircraft from Sharjah on the SHJ-LKO-DEL run and some Maintenance work.

Sector: DEL – KTM
Flight No: IC413
Aircraft: Airbus 320-231
Aircraft Reg. No: VT-EVT
ETD: 07:40 ATD: 08:50
ETA: 09:20 ATA: 10:50
Seat: 23A

Finally boarding was announced at 08:25am and we were bussed to the aircraft. After boarding formalities were completed, the orders to arm doors came at 08:50am and pushback was commenced at 08:53am. Thereafter, we waited patiently for the LH 340-300 bound for MUC to jump queue, and then, followed it all the way, till our eventual smooth takeoff from the main runway at 09:10am. The captain came over the address system and announced that we will be flying over the cities of Aligarh, Lucknow, the plains of UP and finally on to Kathmandu for an actual flying time of 1 hour 15 minutes.

LH 340-300 from MUC

IC413 Boarding

View of T3

LH 340-300 departs to MUC

Legroom

As I flipped through the IC in-flight magazine “Swagat”, kept in the seat pocket, I came across this map showing AI’s Intl route network. Shocked

Swagat

Forty minutes into our flight we were rewarded with spectacular views of the snow covered Himalayan peaks in the distance. This sight continued all the way up to KTM. Breakfast was soon served but it failed miserably to even come close to the high catering standards that AI/IC are otherwise known for. The non-veg option consisted of a tasteless omelet, a cold croissant, butter and jam along with coffee. There was no drink service being offered, not even for J class.
Soon enough we started our decent and at 10:50 local time we made a smooth touch down at Tribhuvan Intl Airport. As we exited the runway, I spotted a Bahrain Air A320 readying itself for departure. As our aircraft came to a halt in its parking bay, I noticed a Silverjet B767 parked at the far end of the ramp. Two days later, and it was still in KTM but now parked at a different location on the other side of the runway. Any ideas, as to what it may be doing in KTM?

The Himalayas emerge in the distance

Bahrain Air 320 leaves for BAH

Silverjet 767 at KTM

Our Aircraft VT-EVT

I was one of the last to disembark and thanked the crew before leaving. We were bussed to the arrival section and made our way to the immigration area. I filled up the Nepali arrival card and medical form for H1N1 and submitted the completed H1N1 form to the medical staff manning the counter. Meanwhile a large crowd of foreign visitors had gathered and was waiting patiently in line to get their Nepal visas processed. Indian nationals are thankfully exempted of going through this hassle and taking advantage of this I quickly passed through an empty immigration counter. Showed my Indian passport and submitted the Arrival card. It took a good 15 minutes for my luggage to arrive on the conveyor belt. I walked out of the arrival hall and hired a prepaid cab to my hotel.

RATINGS:
Ground Handling: 3/5
Punctuality: 3/5
Aircraft: 3/5
Cabin Crew: 4/5
Food: 2/5
Overall: 3/5

2) Everest Experience: Mountain Flight

Next Morning, I was back at the Domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Intl Airport for my “Everest Experience” Flight. I had booked myself on Buddha Air’s Everest Experience Flight leaving KTM at 07:45am.
I had heard beforehand that the domestic terminal resembled more of a “bus” or “train” station rather than a conventional airport. The scene as you step inside is completely hilarious… and one has to shell out NPR170 (INR106 approx) per person to experience this ancient marvel!!!
Wonder how much of that money is actually ploughed back in for the Terminals maintenance and upkeep.

KTM Domestic Check in

Buddha Air Mountain Flight Check in

There was utter chaos in the check in area as several domestic and mountain flights were scheduled to depart at around the time. I paid the NPR170 departure tax and checked in for my mountain flight.
In a few minutes I was past the security checkpoint and stepped inside the departure hall. One can easily make out who amongst the passengers are taking these sightseeing flights as majority of them were just armed with a camera and a pair of binoculars maybe.

Most of the few rows of seats available in the hall were occupied and many more passengers were left standing. The FIDS, actually a small television screen was placed in an obscure corner of the hall, was down and probably in need of maintenance. Almost all flight announcements were being shouted out and a lucky few were also being called over a public address system.

KTM Domestic Departure Hall

Our 07:45am flight was rescheduled to depart at 08:00am. Every few minutes, a propeller driven plane would buzz past the terminal. Dorniers, Twin Otters, Jetstreams, Beechcrafts… they were all there, with an occasional ATR thrown in for added “tadka”. Besides the larger Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines, I spotted Nepal Airlines, Tara Air, Sita Air, Agni Air and Guna Air.

Sector: KTM – KTM (Everest Experience)
Flight No: BHA 201
Aircraft: Beechcraft 1900D
Aircraft Reg. No: 9N-AEW
ETD: 07:45 ATD: 08:00
ETA: 08:45 ATA: 09:00
Seat: 2A

We were asked to board at 07:50am and fourteen (9 Westerners, a family of 4 US-based Bangladeshis and myself) of us hopped into a small bus, which would take us to our aircraft.

SNIAS AS 332 Super Puma (9N-RAJ). The Nepali PM had used it the day before to tour flood affected areas.

Nepal Air Force HS748 (RAN-20)

Our Aircraft 9N-AEW

Boarding was completed extremely quickly and we were ready for our take off roll by 08:00am sharp. As I sunk into my seat, to my horror I noticed a prominent brown tinge on my glass window and immediately brought that to the notice of the lone FA and flight crew. As compensation they offered me unlimited access to the cockpit to experience the views from there. The FA quickly touched up her makeup while the safety instructions audio was being played out. We lined up on the runway and were soon airborne. As our aircraft started climbing to a cruise altitude of 25000ft, the majestic Himalayan peaks soon came into view and looked awesome in the early morning sunlight.

The FA started moving from seat to seat pointing out the various peaks as an army of cameras began clicking frantically.
One by one we were then invited to the cockpit to experience the panoramic view from there. The Cockpit Crew went to great lengths to satisfy us, often bending and crouching to let us get the best camera shots. The FA was well trained and could easily tell each peak from the other.

One of my most cherished moments came when I saw and captured Mt Everest in its full glory. WOW!!!

Mt Everest

Soon it was time to return and with a heavy heart we descended back towards Kathmandu.

Jet Airways 737 bound for DEL

QR330

As a parting gift, each of us was presented with a souvenir certificate having a picture of Mount Everest as a backdrop.
It said “I did not climb Mt Everest… but touched it with my heart”

RATINGS:
Ground Handling: 3/5
Punctuality: 4/5
Aircraft: 4/5
Crew: 5/5
Overall: 4/5

3) KTM – PKR

On day 4 we headed to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna mountain range of the Himalayas and offers some stunning mountain views. Besides, it is home to a beautiful and serene lake from where Pokhara derives its name. It is a must visit place for anyone interested in mountaineering.

Booked our tickets on Yeti Airlines. They operate the 30-seater, Jetstream-41 turboprop aircraft on this route.

We reached the airport about 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time, paid the departure tax and checked in for our flight. The agent issued us our boarding passes, which were minus any seat numbers. Seats fill on an “as-you-board” basis (like erstwhile Air Deccan). Our boarding passes had the name and image of the Jetstream 41 aircraft printed on them.

The scene in the departure hall was pretty similar to what I had witnessed two days ago. One thing I noticed was that almost all of the ramp action at the KTM domestic terminal happens during the morning to afternoon hours. This is so because there are currently only two airports in Nepal with night landing facilities – KTM and Biratnagar (BIR).

Sector: KTM – PKR
Flight No: YT 133
Aircraft: Jetstream 41
Aircraft Reg. No: 9N-AHV
ETD: 11:50 ATD: 11:50
ETA: 12:20 ATA: 12:20
Seat: 9A
Loads: 100%

The call to board the waiting bus was shouted out at 11:40am and within minutes we were off to board the aircraft. Parked next to us was another Yeti J41, 9N-AHY and beside it my companion on the Mountain flight, Buddha Air’s 9N-AEW.

9N-AHY and 9N-AEW

The only FA on the flight closed the door and we pushed ahead for the long takeoff roll to the runway. As per the announcement made by the FA, the flight time would be 25 minutes and cruise at an altitude of 10500ft.

We were soon airborne and as soon as the seat belt sign was switched off the FA came along and distributed specially packaged packets of peanuts. This was followed by a glass of soft drinks. That done, our FA having nothing else to do, quietly settled down in her crew seat. Our aircraft was clean and well maintained. The seats had foldable trays at the back but no armrests on the “A-column” seats.
We banked right and made a quick decent onto the Pokhara airstrip. The small terminal building looked neat and well maintained. I was the last to disembark after thanking the crew and taking the mandatory cabin shot.

Pokhara Airport

J41 Cabin

As we trooped into the arrival section and waited for our baggage to arrive, Kathmandu bound passengers had already started to board the aircraft.

A Quick Turn Around

Pokhara Airport - Baggage Claim

Our bags arrived and we made our way out of the airport and to our hotel.

RATINGS:
Ground Handling: 3/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Aircraft: 4/5
Cabin Crew: 3/5
Refreshment: 3/5
Overall: 3.6/5

4) PKR – KTM

After spending two wonderful days in Pokhara, it was time to head back to the hustle-bustle of Kathmandu. Post lunch we checked out of the hotel and made our way to the airport. After paying the departure fee of NPR170 each we checked in for our flight. This time the YT boarding cards carried the name and image of an DHC-6/300 Twin otter. I wondered and hoped silently whether we will be flying this aircraft instead.
There were 4 flights departing in succession to KTM that afternoon but all (except Buddha Air’s ATR42) were running with extremely light loads averaging around 30-40%.
The reason – Today was “Bhai-Dooj” festival. Diwali is big in Nepal but Bhai Dooj (or Bhai “Tikka” as the Nepalese call it) is even bigger. The entire nation comes to a virtual standstill. It meant that very few people were actually flying.
The incoming flights had even lighter, single-digit loads. An incoming Sita air flight had just one passenger and a crew of three while another inbound Guna air aircraft had eight people disembarking.

Soon enough our designated Jetstream 41 came into view and landed about 10 minutes behind its schedule time. Boarding was announced and we walked up to the aircraft. One look inside and the impact of the holiday hit us. The interiors were dirty and the toilet was starting to emanate a muffled but foul smell. Thankfully the crew sprayed some room freshener.

YT 168 Boarding

YT 168 Interiors

Sector: PKR – KTM
Flight No: YT 168
Aircraft: Jetstream 41
Aircraft Reg. No: 9N-AHW
ETD: 16:05 ATD: 16:20
ETA: 16:30 ATA: 16:45
Seat: 10A
Loads: 13/30 (43%)

The aircraft door was closed and we taxied to the runway and took off. The morning clear skies had by now given way to cloudy weather, making it difficult to see the Himalayan peaks.
The FA distributed the packaged peanuts followed by the soft drinks to the passengers. This aircraft was fitted with cup-holders instead of backseat tables.

Inflight Service

After 25 minutes of flying we landed at Kathmandu. The International terminal was buzzing with activity with a QR330, EY332, RA757, IC320 and an ArkiaFly737 parked side by side.

ArkiaFly 737

Agni Air JetStream-41 9N-AIO

We disembarked and boarded the bus, which took us to the arrival drop-of shed. Here, we collected our bags and walked out to the parking area.

RATINGS:
Ground Handling: 2/5
Punctuality: 4/5
Aircraft: 2/5
Cabin Crew: 3/5
Refreshment: 3/5
Overall: 2.8/5

5) KTM – DEL

Finally, the day of my departure back to Delhi had arrived. After having my lunch I left the hotel and reached the International terminal about 30 minutes later. Once inside, I got my baggage screened and walked up to the IC check-in counter. The check in staff told me that while J was going full, Y had about 90 people on the passenger list. With my bags checked in, I was on the escalator to reach the immigration area. Another 5-10 minutes later I was through with the immigration formalities. With plenty of time to kill, I roamed around the duty free area. Bored, I sat for a while. Finally, I walked through Security and reached the Departure area.

TIA Intl Check In Area

Way to Immigration Area

Way to Departure Area

All IC flights depart via Gate 1. The enclosure is separated from the other gates due to the security requirements of the Indian Govt. Since IC 748 (an A319) to CCU was scheduled to depart before us the seating area was already packed to the brim.

Sector: KTM - DEL
Flight No: IC814
Aircraft: Airbus 320
Aircraft Reg. No: VT-EYK
ETD: 16:15 ATD: 16:35
ETA: 17:30 ATA: 17:55
Seat: 25F

Boarding call for IC814 was announced at around 04:15pm local time. We were bussed to the waiting aircraft in a Nepal Airlines Couch. After passing through the ladder point checking I boarded through the aircrafts rear door. Orders to arm all doors came at 16:35 and pushback commenced at 16:38. As we waited for the takeoff roll to commence, I spotted one of the Fokker100 of the erstwhile Cosmic Air parked at a remote spot across the runway. Just as focused my camera phone on the aircraft, the IC A319 lifted off the runway at that exact spot.
Next it was our turn to power down the runway and lift off into the evening skies over Kathmandu.

IC 814 Boarding

QR 330 arriving from DOH

I was focusing on the Cosmic Air Fokker100 when this IC A319 decided to barge into the frame Very Happy

As soon as the seat belt signs were switched off, the FA’s distributed the Indian Immigration cards and H1N1 medical forms.
Meanwhile the Himalayan peaks in the distance glowed in the evening sun. I instantly located the peaks of the Annapurna Himalayan range.

Thereafter the cabin crew commenced the onboard meal service.

Drinks: Alcoholic/ Non Alcoholic choice appeared decent. I opted for Coke instead.
Roasted Peanuts to go with the drinks
Sandwich
Pastry
The Non-Veg casserole comprised of
Boneless Chicken and
Chicken Patties
The food was hot and tasty and I really wonder what came over IC during my outbound flight to KTM.

A while later, we began our decent over Delhi and touched down on the new runway at 17:55 IST. Our Aircraft came to a halt in one of the remote parking bays across T2. Parked a short distance away, was the red nosed 777-200ER VT-AIK. Another notable sighting was a 737-400 of Pamir Air.
Again I was one of the last to disembark. As I was taking a parting shot of the cabin, one of the two FA’s manning the rear stations offered to take my picture. Took a couple of joint snaps with them before thanking them and disembarking from the front exit door.
My bag arrived within minutes of me reaching the baggage claim area and I was soon on my way home. Thus ended my memorable holiday to Nepal.

RATINGS:
Ground Handling: 3/5
Punctuality: 4/5
Aircraft: 3/5
Cabin Crew: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Overall: 3.6/5

Hope, you enjoyed reading this trip report. Do write back and let me know your feedback.

Regards
AI1

747-237 · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:33 am Post subject: Re: HIMALAYAN HOLIDAY 2.0

ryder1650 · Member Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 554

Great Trip Report. Thank you.

vivekman · Member Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 1897 Location: BOM

Nice trip report. Brought back memories from my Nepal trip in November last year. Smile

My aircraft for the mountain flight was also 9N-AEW. Looks like it is a dedicated Mountain flight aircraft.

I had flown on Nepal Airlines from DEL to KTM and back. Here is a link to my TR for comparisons with IC Wink

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/138345

- Vivek
_________________
Boeing makes planes. Airbus makes videogames!

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: HIMALAYAN HOLIDAY 2.0

Nimish · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:48 pm Post subject:

Great TR - and the pictures were excellent!
_________________
We miss you Nalini!

karatecatman · Guest

Great read!!! Any (distant) pics of the Indian Airlines stepladder security check?

Manish Soni · Member Joined: 09 Sep 2009 Posts: 102 Location: LHR

Simple & Beautiful Report, was nice to read, thanks.

sriramhariiyer · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:29 pm Post subject:

Nice TR Manish! Smile

The pictures of the mighty snow capped Himalayas are awesome. And good catch of the LH A340 and the Bahrain Air A330!
_________________
Regards,
Sriram Hariharan

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:37 pm Post subject:

me111993 · Member Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 3225 Location: MAA/AMD

Lovely pics and an Excellent TR!!! Keep it up Very Happy

avbuff · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031

Nice TR ... the pictures were excellent.

AirIndia0001 · Member Joined: 28 Sep 2007 Posts: 391

Thanks a lot everyone for the encouraging words... will surely do a better job next time Very Happy

@ 747-237, Spiderguy252 ... yes that QR is an A320-200 ... Embarassed

@ Vivek... I remember throughly enjoying reading your TR posted last year ... in fact the 2.0 in my Subject line was honouring the fact that this is the second TR on the subject ... cheers!!! Very Happy

@ KCM... Since I was ticked off at DEL during boarding, I was a little extra careful on the return leg. Anyways... I did manage to click one photo... alas, the crucial details got hidden by the stupid door of the bus Mad

Maybe, if one looks carefully, one can make out the makeshift checkpost on the left

rgds,
AI1

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Nice crisp TR.

It brought back my memories when I did the mountain flight in 2004.

Sri_Bom

AirIndia0001 · Member Joined: 28 Sep 2007 Posts: 391

Thanks.. Sri_Bom. Your inputs on the Mountain Flt were a great help. Smile

rutvij · Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:54 am Post subject:

I have the itinerary laid out for my next Trip, courtesy this TR. Thts very detailed. Keep up the Good Work.

AirIndia0001 · Member Joined: 28 Sep 2007 Posts: 391

Thanks Rutvij Smile