Explore the Himalayas with Google’s very own yeti

The Google Creative Lab team has launched yet another app: this time, it’s a cartoon yeti named Verne that gives you a virtual tour of the Himalayas. With the help of the Unity game engine, Verne: The Himalayas lets you trudge through the world’s highest mountain range.

Google’s Creative Lab has a portfolio of very, umm, strange apps. From an app that lets you switch lips with someone else to an app that lets you find all the important tourist sites in augmented reality, the team hasn’t exactly been shy when it comes to experimenting.

Well, if you’ve been itching to experience the Himalayas, Verne is here to help you out! It’s actually a very cool idea. Google Maps has already brought 3D imagery to other iconic sites such as Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and the Grand Canyon, and this time, it’s on top of the world’s biggest mountain range with a 500ft tall companion named Verne.

You are in full control of Verne: once you enter the mountain range, you are given a map, and you are guided throughout your expedition with detailed instructions and information. The fun part is you don’t just hike up various trails. You fly across the snow-covered winter wonderland, slide down steep hills, and hang-glide from one peak to another.

As we’ve come to expect from Google, everything is very well-executed: beautiful graphics, realistic sound, and highly interactive. Just wait till the sun goes down, and there is a whole new world to be explored.

If you’re geographically inclined or just curious about what is practically our world’s roof, Verne: The Himalayas might be worth a try. I spent a few minutes playing around with it and had a bunch of fun while learning a thing or two. Plus, Verne is just adorable.

Apps like this are just the beginning of what virtual worlds and 3D imagery can bring to our lives: imagine exploring the pyramids or walking around the Taj Mahal in your very own bedroom or in a classroom half-way across the world.

If your phone is running on Android 4.4 or higher, give Verne: The Himalayas a go by downloading it from the link below. What other famous sites would you want to explore? Let us know what you think in the comments below!