Page 4 - Himalayas

HAL's light utility helicopter completes hot and high altitude trials

HALs indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) demonstrated high altitude capability in hot and high weather conditions in the Himalayas for about 10 days. A comprehensive test plan was executed at Leh (3300 metres above mean sea level) in temperatures up to ISA (international standard atmosphere)+320C which included envelope expansion, performance and flying qualities, Bengaluru headquartered HAL ( Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) said. The LUH took off from Leh and demonstrated its hot and high hover performance at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at 5000 MAMSL, an HAL statement said on Wednesday. The helicopter also demonstrated its payload capability in Siachen glacier high altitude. During the trials, pilots landed the helicopter at the highest helipads of Amar and Sonam, it said. "HAL has once again proved its indigenous capability in design & development", the statement said. The Army version of LUH is now ready for Initial ...

50% jump in lakes from melting ice: Threat of Kedarnath like tragedy rises

There are 2028 glacial lakes and water bodies in the Himalayan region catchment which contribute to rivers flowing across India

Geothermal springs in Himalayas release large amount of carbon dioxide

The Himalayas host hundreds of geothermal springs and they release a huge amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to a study

Book review: Deep engagement with Himalayas, empathy for conservation

Stephen Alter's book reflects not just his encyclopaedic familiarity with the world's highest mountain range but also passion for its conservation, writes Shyam Saran

Glacier meltdown

The Himalayas are losing 8 billion tonnes of frozen water annually

8 climbers go missing en route to Nanda Devi summit; rescue team deployed

Others in the group, who had turned back earlier, told officials late on Friday that their fellow climbers had not returned to base camp as planned

In the company of snow-capped Himalayas, here is the roadway to heaven

The pass itself is completely covered in snow even in summer, and has a smattering of shops offering Maggi noodles and hot tea

Blissfully off-grid

A laidback vacation in Pangot and Kilbury is the perfect antidote to the perils of city life

Journey to infinity: Adventurous trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan

To get to Tapovan, one has to cross the glacier, which is treacherous, even dangerous