From Karachi (OPKC) to Ahmedabad (VAAH)
From Karachi we leave Pakistan by crossing the Indus River Delta. This area, unlike other deltas we have visited, appears monotonous in the simulator. The stage is a succession of plots of different colors without much contrast.
As a result of the use of the river upstream, the amount of water reaching the delta has been substantially reduced, changing the extent of the delta and causing the Arabian Sea to enter the area.
The area is home to one of the rarest and most threatened cetaceans in the world, the Indus River dolphin, according to WWF a population of just 1000 specimens survives in the delta area.
We leave Pakistan to enter India where we will continue our journey landing in the city of Ahmedabad.
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Many congrats, bro. Less pictures but better pictures would be highly appreciated!
Thank you ERIXX!!. I will do my best, could you point me some you like the most as reference.
You already did the best, friend! Just saying that some are repetitive.
But maybe it is your home land or region and each is special for you!
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From Ahmedabad (VAAH) to Indore (VAID)
We take off from Ahmedabad under a morning fog that disappears a few miles from the city to head towards the Narmada River, India’s 5th river flows from East to West of the country, and we will use it as a reference on our trip.
We fly over the Karjan Dam over a tributary of the Narmada and the Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary,
then fly crossing the Sardar Sarovar Dam considered the second dam in the world by volume of concrete. The project began in 1961 and completed its execution in 2017 is an essential infrastructure for the supply of drinking water and for agricultural use. The dam is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of red hills covered with humid forest that is worth exploring.
We ascend to contemplate the course of the Narmada from the heights following the course and turn left to land in Indore, also covered in fog, and sitting on some hills above the river valley.
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From Indore (VAID ) to Jabalpur (VAJB)
We took off again on a foggy morning heading southeast until we reached the Indira Dam, an immense engineering project to improve the water supply and generate 1GW of electricity for the area. Designed by the PM, Indira is the dam with the largest volume of accumulated water in India.
We follow the course of the Narmada to fly over the city of Bhopal, capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh on its left bank, where one of the worst industrial accidents happened in 1984 killing half a million people.
Persistent fog does not allow us to visit the city, and we head southeast again towards the Narmada and follow the course of its tributary on the left side, the Tawa River on which, a dam has been built that serves as a refuge for a wide variety of migratory birds and endemic fish.
We leave the reservoir to enter the territory of the Satpura National Park, one of the main sanctuaries of the tiger, a beautiful landscape of humid forests and gorges, whose name comes from the Sanskrit 7 mountains.
We landed again surrounded by fog at Jabalpur.
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From Jabalpur (VAJB) to Korba (VAKO)
We depart from Jabalpur to return to the Narmada course and fly over the Bargi Dam, one of the first dams constructed along the Narmada River, which serves both irrigation purposes and generates 90MW of electricity. After passing the dam, we enter the forests of the Kanha National Park, one of the largest national parks and tiger reserves in central India.
The park’s terrain is a combination of tropical rainforest, meadows, and bamboo landscapes. In addition to the Bengal tiger, the park is home to the Indian leopard, dhole, sloth bear, and Indian jackal.
We then turn east towards the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve and Tiger Sanctuary. Apart from its ecological significance, this mountain range separates the rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal apart from being the source of the Narmada River.
Finally, we leave Amarkantak and land at the foothills of the Korba Mountains.
From Korba (VAKO) to Patna (VEPT)
Today marks the commencement of our journey towards the Himalayas.
Our initial route takes us northward, crossing the Hasdeo Bango dam, which was constructed in the 1960s on the Hasdeo River. Shortly thereafter, we reach the Guru Gashidas National Park, a region renowned for its picturesque hills enveloped by humid forests.
Proceeding northeast, we encounter the second dam in India, after the Indira Dam that we visited earlier in our expedition. This dam, erected on the Rihand River, boasts an electricity generation capacity of 300 MW.
Continuing along the Rihand River, we arrive at the confluence with the Son River. Here, we will observe the cliffs on the river’s left bank, part of the Kaimur Fauna Sanctuary, apart from biological and scenic value, in the area have been discovered prehistoric rock paintings and stone inscriptions.
Our journey then progresses along the Son River until it merges with the Ganga, culminating with our landing at Patna airport on the right bank of the river.
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From Patna (VEPT) to Katmandu (VNKT)
We leave Patna, built on the ruins of Ptaliputra, founded in the fifth century BC, to follow the course of the Gandak River, one of the main tributaries of the left side of the Ganga that will lead us through the plains of the Gages plain. This vast plain lies between the Himalayas and the plateaus of central India and has been formed by the alluvium of rivers coming from the Himalayas. Its rich soil makes it one of the most productive areas on the planet and historically empires and cultures have flourished in it
As we approach the Himalayas, we turn east to visit the Chitwan National Park. Located in the lush inner Terai region of south-central Nepal, the park covers an area of roughly 932 square kilometers. Originally demarcated as a rhinoceros sanctuary in the 1960s, Its later inscription as a World Heritage Site recognized its extraordinary biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and the pivotal role it plays in preserving endangered species such as the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger.
Chitwan National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
When we reach the end of the park we turn north to land in Kathmandu, base for most of the activities in the Himalayas
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From Katmandu (VNKT) to Langtan (VNLT)
A long time ago the surface of what is now India moved at considerable speed in a northerly direction towards the lands of Central Asia. The impact was inevitable. The energy released in this collision caused the rocks of the contact zone to rise, forming an immense stone wall that extends north of India.
The formation of this mountain range had enormous consequences on the topography and climate of the area and the planet, as well as forming one of the most impressive landscapes on our planet.
We take off from Karmandu heading west until we reach Annapurna. Located in the heart of the Himalayas. Her name, in Sanskrit meaning “goddess of harvests” or “goddess of abundance,” reflects the cultural and spiritual reverence that has inspired local communities for centuries. The massif stretches for about 55 kilometers and groups several peaks, of which Annapurna I is the most imposing, reaching an altitude of 8,091 meters above sea level, making it the tenth highest mountain in the world.
Very close to the Annapurna is the Dhaulagiri. Its name comes from Sanskrit—where dhawala means “dazzling” or “white” and giri “mountain”—which translates to “white mountain” or "dazzling mountain"2. With an altitude of 8,167 meters, Dhaulagiri I is positioned as the seventh highest mountain in the world and is the main summit of a massif that stretches for about 120 kilometers, from the Gandaki River in the west to the course of the Bheri River.
Annapurna and Dhaulagiri form the frames of the Kali Gandaki gorge, a canyon known to be one of the deepest on the planet, in which the terrain descends more than 7,000 meters from the towering peaks to the banks of the river
On the other side of the Himalayas we turn east over the Tibetan plain to reach Lake Pelkhu Tso located at 4,591 meters above sea level, it reaches about 6 kilometers in its narrowest partThe lake is endorheic, which means that it has no water outlet
From the lake we enter the heart of the Himalayas again to descend surrounded by mountains to the Langtan runaway.
From Lagtan (VNLT) to Paro (VQPR)
We take off from Langtan ascending as quickly as possible to reach the top of the mountain range avoiding the danger of mountain walls, once at the top we fly towards Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world, standing majestically at an altitude of 8,188 meters above sea level, Its name, meaning “Turquoise Goddess” in Tibetan, reflects the stunning blue hues that often cloak the peak under the sun’s embrace.
Continuing our journey, we approach the majestic Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, Known locally as “Sagarmatha” in Nepali and “Chomolungma” in Tibetan, This colossal mountain has long been a beacon for adventurers and mountaineers since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first conquered its peak in 1953 and today looks like a tematic park surrounded by debris of human activity.
Our flight then takes us past the serene beauty of the Tibetan plain to the left , a stark contrast to the towering peaks until we reach Jomolhari. Often referred to as the "Bride of Kangchenjunga, It forms a natural border between Bhutan and Tibet, The mountain is a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists, whether for this reason or for others the surrounding landscape brings back memories of the beginning of time.
From here we enter the valley that will lead to landing in Paro amazed by the beauty of the valley and the expertise of all pilots using this airport in their professional routine.
From Paro (VQPR) to Gongarr (ZULS)
The Paro Valley is reminiscent of a paradise whether you have to land or take off, we leave the valley behind to visit two lakes with deep spiritual significance in Tibet.
Yamdrok Lake is an endorheic lake, meaning it has no outlet. It is mainly fed by glacial meltwater and streams, and its contents remain confined within its natural basin. The lake is situated at an altitude of about 4,441 meters above sea level. For centuries, Yamdrok Lake has held profound spiritual significance for Tibetan Buddhists. It is considered one of the four sacred lakes of Tibet and is believed to be the terrestrial embodiment of a protecting goddess. Pilgrims and monks often journey to Yamdrok Lake to perform rituals and seek blessings, making it an important site for meditation and prayer.
Nam Tso, also known as Lake Nam, translates to “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan. is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. It stretches approximately 70 kilometers in length and 30 kilometers in width. The lake is surrounded by the towering Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range, with peaks that sometimes reach over 7,000 meters, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to the serene waters of the lake.
Nam Tso holds profound spiritual importance for Tibetan Buddhists. It is considered one of the three holy lakes of Tibet, alongside Yamdrok Lake and Lake Manasarovar. Pilgrims from all over Tibet and beyond undertake arduous journeys to the lake to perform kora, a pilgrimage circuit around the lake, seeking blessings and spiritual purification. The lake is believed to be the terrestrial embodiment of the goddess Dorje Ge, and its waters are regarded as sacred.
Tomcat cockpit is a wonderful place for enjoying this place that even in the simulator transmits peace and serenity.
The lake is very close to Lasha where we land at the international airport located in the wide valley of the Tsangpo River
From Gongar (ZULS) to Chabua (VECA)
We take off to visit the Potala Palace, the official residence of the Dalai Lama, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. The palace is an imposing building raised on the so-called Red Hill at an altitude of 3600 meters, we leave Lasha, capital of the Tiber, to join the course of the Brahmaputra River, which means ‘the son of Brahmā’ in Sanskrit. One of the longest rivers in Asia, known in Tibet as Tsangpo, runs eastward across the Tibetan plateau, forming a wide valley surrounded by mountains forming a unique landscape
Upon reaching the eastern end of the Tibet the river meets the Namcha Barwa mountain or Namchabarwa with 7782 meters above sea level, from here, the river changes course to descend south through a succession of gorges and narrow valleys, known as The Grand Canyon of the Yarlung Zangbo, with a length of 400 km the river descends 3000 meters from the beginning to the end of the canyon.
Trying to follow the course on this stretch is a challenge that offers us the reward of an unparalleled landscape.
Finally, the river reaches the plain to form, together with the Gang,one of the most important deltas in the world a. We land at Chabua airport surrounded by a beautiful sunset reflected in river waters.
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From Chabua (VECA) to Banmaw (VYBM)
We say goodbye to the Himalayas by visiting the Hkakaborazi National Park. Located in the Northern Ranges of Myanmar, within the park is the Hkakabo Razi Mountain, the highest peak in Myanmar. We take off following the Bramaputrha plain in an E-NE direction to follow the course of the Noa Dehing and continue following the peaks that form the border between India and Myanmar until we reach the vicinity of the Hkakabo Razi in the heart of Hkakaborzzi National and on the triple border between Myanmar, China and India.
Hkakaborazi Park is remarkable for Evergreen forests; hill pine forests; moist upper mixed deciduous forests; contain the headwaters of Ayeyarwady, the most important river of Myanmar and home of the black orchid and other exotic orchids.
From the park turn heading south descending crossing the Northern Ranges into the wide valley of central Myanmar through which the rivers that originate in the northern mountains flow. We cross the Ayeyarwady River, which winds through the region, before landing at Banmaw Airport. This airport, formerly a Japanese Air Force base, now serves as an important connection point in the region and offers us a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
From Banmaw (VYBM) to Kyaukpyu (VYKP)
Note : Since a week ago I have changed our fleet for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the transfer has been very good, most of our aircraft from 2020 have been successfully transferred to 2024, the first flights on the new platform have been loved, we especially like the light management that significantly increases immersion, flight dynamics and EFB.
We take off from Banmaw heading south to fly over the edge of the mountain ranges of eastern Myanmar, low mountains covered with tropical forests that are becoming forest reserves.
At the height of the Se Taw Gyi dam, we turn west to cross the central plain through which runs the Ayeyarwadi River that we have seen rising in the mountains of the North in the previous stage. In the middle of the plain rises the silhouette of Monte Popa, a 1500-meter-high stratovolcano with religious and mystical significance, with several temples on the summit.
We reach the Arakan Mountains that separate the west coast of the country from the waters of the Bay of Bengal over the Monechaung Dam that collects the waters of the east face of the Arakan Mountains, the western slope drains into the Bengal Bay forming an intricate set of channels that varies with the height of the tide.
From Kyaukpyu (VYKP) to Yangom (VYYY)
We leave behind the islands of western Myanmar flying over the tropical forests of the Arakan Mountains, cross again the plain dominated by the Ayeyarwadi to find the Bago Yuma Mountains, where there are three dams with hydroelectric exploitation.
A wish: Could be the small size, smaller than this, or sizeable.
The rivers that supply these dams flow into the Sittaundg River which forms a small valley to its mouth at Mottama Gulf.
We landed in Yangon (Rangoon, former Myanmar capital) situated at the convergence of the Yangon and Bago Rivers, making it a key waterway junction. The most iconic landmark is the Shwedagon Pagoda, a shimmering gold temple that dominates the skyline and draws pilgrims from all over the country.
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From Yangom (VYYY) to Dawei (VYDW)
Myanmar is described as a kite-shaped countr today we’ll fly by the tail of the kite along the Malay Peninsula, a narrow strip of land in Southeast Asia that connects the Asian continent with the island region. This peninsula is shared by Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, and is surrounded by the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east.
Along the peninsula in a north-south direction the Tenasserim mountain range forms the natural border between Myanmar and Thailand. We are entering the Monsoon season that extends from May to October, the air coming from the Andaman Sea loaded with humidity causes abundant rainfall as the mountains meet.
When we flew over the Vajiralongkorn dam, one of the largest dams in Thailand, we turned west to land on Andaman Sea coast, at Dawie airport, surrounded by a wall of tropical forest that should be separated from the runway by a few meters.
From Myeik (VYME) to Kawthoung (VYKT )
The coast between Myeik and Kawthoung, at the southern tip of Myanmar, is a paradise of unspoiled nature that stretches along the Andaman Sea. This section stands out for being home to the Mergui archipelago, made up of more than 800 islands of various sizes, each with its own charm and mystery.
The region also has the presence of the Moken. Also known as “sea gypsies”, they are a semi-nomadic ethnic group that inhabits mainly the waters of the Mergui archipelago, as well as coastal areas of Thailand and Myanmar. Their lifestyle is deeply tied to the sea, where they spend most of their time aboard their traditional boats, known as kabangs.
The beauty of the area and the level of immersion that the simulator has achieved is extraordinary, I hope the photos speak for themselves of this wonder of nature
We land in Kawthoung on the border between Thailand and Myanmar that forms the mouth of the Kra Buri River in a beautiful landscape that we note down to revisit when we complete our WWW tour.
From Kawthoung (VYKT) to Surat Thani (VTSB)
When I have received the pleasant surprise of having SU2 available, we run to try it in an extraordinary landscape near Kawthoung, where we landed a few days ago.
We took the Cessna Cancellor that we have fallen in love with and that we had set aside because in msfs2020 it did not fly smoothly. A short distance from the departure airport is the Khao Sok National Park, established in 1980 to protect the rainforest of southern Thailand, and in the middle of it is the Chiao Lan reservoir, a reservoir, also known as Lake Ratchaprapha, was created in 1982 after the construction of a dam that flooded a wide valley covered in tropical rainforest. The result is a crystal clear lake surrounded by limestone mountains and lush forests, a landscape that seems to come out of a dream.
We visited the lake at sunset amazed by the reflections of the mountains in the still waters of the lake, the vegetation of the hills silhouetted against the horizon and the colors of a sunset between clouds.
We land at the nearby Surat Tani Airport, built on the flat lands that end at the coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
Although the photos do not reflect the beauty of the experience with the simulator, I hope they serve as an invitation to visit this area with the technological wonder that msfs 2024 gives us. Thank you Microsoft.Asobo for making us dream
