The early morning Himalayan Mountain flight was about to end as the STOL Twin Otter prepared for landing by quickly dropping into the river valley below. Amid the silence was the rush of excitement, as 16 trekkers craned their necks toward the cockpit, eyes fixed on an impossibly small landing field. Everyone breathlessly burst into applause as the plane safely touched down. I was greeted by the fresh Himalayan air and a sign that read: "Welcome to Tenzing Hillary Airport- Lukla Elev. 9350 ft."