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HimalayaNet #56 (9 March 99)Namaste and tashi-delek, Himalayan Explorers Club:This is the fifty-sixth issue of HimalayaNet created to promote communication among our members. Note that we have a new, automated mailing list, yaHOO!. Also look for the trip reports archive coming soon. Remember, when sending e-mail for the newsletter, post to HimNet@hotmail.com. --Steve Almeroth
1. NEW HIMALAYANET MAILING LIST: HOW TO SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE *How to unsubscribe to Himalayanet 1. NEW HIMALAYANET MAILING LIST: HOW TO SUBSCRIBE AND UNSUBSCRIBE We've entered the 21st century here with our new mailing list server.
HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET: To unsubscribe, write a message to mail-request@mountainexplorers.org, with the message "unsubscribe himnet_Mail_List" in the body of the message. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET: To subscribe, write a message to 2. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TREKKING PARTNERS I am looking for climbing partners to spend two weeks climbing Mera or Island Peak from 27 March through 11 April 1999. I have climbed in the Washington Cascades in the US for 6 years. I have all my own alpine climbing gear here in Kathmandu. I am presently in my 7th month of teaching science at the American International School in Kdu. Please call me at home 370-012 or work 270-482 to plan this grand adventure! --Joyce Block joyce@wlink.com.np 38 year old female seeks trekking partner to "teahouse" trek from Jiri to Kala Pattar and Mt. Everest Basecamp and back to Lukla the first week of April 1999. Anticipate the trek lasting approx. 21 days. Will be taking the bus to Jiri and flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla. Please contact me at morrisda78@aol.com Looking for trekking partners for part or all of an extended Himalayan trip. Will include Pakistan (possible Karakoram traverse near K2), Tibet (Mt. Kailash and Lhasa), Nepal (Everest region). Dates are July-Dec 1999. Call Gordon at 970-927-9637 I am looking for information on how to organize an independent (low budget) trip to Mt.Kailas this year, possibly May/June. Travelmates welcome! Mark Zelechowski markz98@hotmail.com CLIMBING PARTNERS wanted for technical climbs in Himalaya Nov 12 - Dec 15,1999. This is my first trip to Nepal so I know little about the area. I have climbed (ice and trad) extensively in Colorado and Utah and am climbing Rainier in August. Not interested in climbing K2-like epics but would like to get on something moderately challenging. Please email at kokinis@cs.utah.edu or call at 801 534-0871. Cheers, John Kokinis 3. DANA ISHERWOOD PLANS PRIVATE MT. KAILAS TRIP September 9 (from the US) to October 9, 1999. Meet in Kathmandu, fly to Lhasa, two days in Lhasa, visit Gyangtse and Shigatse, drive across Tibet on the Northern route to Mt. Kailas, walk the three day kora around Mt. Kailas, visit Lake Manasarovar, and return to Kathmandu via the southern route. This trip is unique in that Lama Kunga Rinpoche, founder of the Ewam Choden Tibetan Buddhist Center in California, will act as our teacher to guide our thoughts and add meaning to what we see not only at Mt. Kailas, but in the monasteries and sacred sites we visit along the way. The Rinpoche is a master teacher who is well known for his lectures on the nature of Tibetan Buddhism. The cost of $5400 is competitive with commercial trips doing much less and with much larger groups. This will be a small group of no more than eight. For a detailed itinerary, leave a voice or fax a message at (925) 254-0739. --DANA ISHERWOOD dana1@earthlink.net 4. NEVADA WIER, ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHER, OFFERS DENVER WORKSHOP A program on The Spirit of Nepal will be held Friday evening, April 16th at Montview Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado, US. The following day she will offer a one day intensive Adventure Travel Seminar from 9 AM to 5 PM. Her presentation will include how to approach and photograph people, cross-cultural considerations in foreign countries, tips on equipment and technical concerns in different travel and outdoor environments etc. This program is for amateur and professional photographers interested in delving into the world of adventure travel photography. No previous experience required! Registration required, there will be a $75 fee for the day. Both programs are sponsored by the Montview Nepal 2000 worktrip committee. For more information contact Lynn Hetterich at: teamhet@thedenversite.com or call303-393-7908. 5. GREG MORTENSON SPEAKING IN GOLDEN, COLORADO Colorado Mountain Club & American Alpine Club host Greg Mortenson's heart-lifting motivational slide show "Where Spirits Soar" at the American Mountaineering Center at 7:30 PM on Friday, March 19th. Through insightful commentary and stunning photography, Greg shares stories of how a 1993 climb of Pakistan's K2, "The Savage Mountain" changed his life. Since K2, Greg has devoted his life to assist remote mountain villagers of this remote region with community based projects to help preserve their unique cultural heritage and build their future. Greg has survived relentless intelligence investigations, an armed kidnapping and candid debates with Islamic Mullahs, all to help a few rag-tattered children and women in an area forgotten by most people. Greg received the American Alpine Club's 1998 David Brower conservation award for his efforts. 7:30 PM Friday, March 19. 6. PAKISTAN SLIDE SHOW IN BOULDER Masood of Concordia Expeditions will be giving a slide show at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, Colorado, on March 11 (starting at 8PM). Masood has a great presentation that includes some great historical photographs of Northern Pakistan. If you have questions contact Masood at info@concordiaexpeditions.com 7. TRAVEL WARNINGS FOR NEPAL The following is the latest travel warning issued by our Embassy. We distribute these messages via our warden network. If you are a resident in Nepal and would like to be on the warden network, please provide me with contact information, including a fax number, email address, and a description of where your office is located in Nepal. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Thank you, Micaela Schweitzer (usembcon@mos.com.np) Important Travel Warning: January 17, 1999 The previous advisories against travel to Salyan, Rolpa, Rukum, Jajarkot, and Gorkha districts remain in effect. Additionally, as noted in previous advisories, travelers should exercise caution when traveling to Kabhre, Sindupalchowk, Dang, and Dolpa districts. Citizens desiring additional information should contact the consular section, American Embassy, Kathmandu, at 411179. 8. BOOK SUGGESTIONS FROM SALLY OLDS I'd like to respond to Lesley Brand's question about books. One good audiocassette that goes with a book is "Nepali for Trekkers: Language Tape and Phrase Book" by Stephen Bezruchka, author of the classic guide "Trekking in Nepal." The book & tape are available from the HEC (303-998-0101). And a good book and tape series for teaching yourself Nepali is "Basic Course in Spoken Nepali" by Tika B. Karki & Chij K. Shrestha. This is published by the authors and is available through the HEC. Pilgrims Book Store and Mandala Point Book store in Kathmandu also carry it. "Nepali Aama" by Broughton Coburn (Anchor Books) is a wonderful book of photos, with text that consists mostly of quotations from an elderly Gurung woman, who's funny, salty, wise and strong. She was the author's landlady when he was teaching as a Peace Corps volunteer and staying with Aama in her village home. You get an intimate portrait of Aama and of Nepali village life. "The Violet Shyness of Their Eyes" by Barbara J. Scot (Calyx Books) is about the people the author met and the experiences she had while teaching for several months near Pokhara. "Against a Peacock Sky" by Monica Connell (Viking) is an evocative
study of villagers and village life by an Irish anthropologist. 9. HEC RECEIVES NEW NEPALI LANGUAGE TAPES The HEC has just received a new three-tape series for learning Nepali! The series is a companion to "A Basic Course In Spoken Nepali" and has the same name. For those that want to really learn the language, these tapes (combined with the book) are the best resources available. The series sells for $21.95 ($19.75 for HEC members). To order contact the HEC at (303)998-0101 or e-mail info@mountainexplorers.org. 10. PASCAL HAS BASIC QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO BRING TO NEPAL I am planning a trip to the Kumbhu region starting April 12 till may 12 this year. I had a couple of questions concerning mainly things to pack. I will try to trek from Lukla to Kallappattar then Everest basecamp, and find my way back to Lukla passing by Cho la Pass and Gokyo Ri. I have been told that I could expect alpine spring weather (light snow, temperature raging from 0f to 60f ). I am planning taking some lightweight leather boots and a good assortment of liner socks and wool. I own a pair of serious mountain boots but find them only useful in heavy snow. I will bring gaiters and Gore-Tex shell pants. On another subject, I have a 5f synthetic sleeping bag, I am counting on sleeping in tea house all way, any thought on the rating, is it warm enough? As for money, I understand that US currency is a must, but how much should I bring? As for rupees notes, are they simply piece of paper with hand writing on them or printed currency? Pascal Van Strydonck PVanStry@vegas.cirquedusoleil.com 11. OBSERVATIONS FROM KATHMANDU I took a group of twelve Nepal-first-timer-friends to Nepal back in November. One of the fella's just submitted this account of the trip to his companies magazine. I felt that since it was so well written you should see it, perhaps there is a place for it in one of your up coming HimNet's ? Enjoy, it paints a good picture. Cheers, Harry harry.spencer@delta-air.com The smog was noxious, thick, and choking. It source was clear, every vehicle belched dark clouds of exhaust; from the small three wheeled jitneys, to motorized carts, to diesel buses - if it had an engine, it gave out brown fumes. As a first impression of Kathmandu, the smog is terrible. But through the smog the riot of shops, houses, and buildings of Kathmandu emerge. It is a vibrant, exotic, multicultural melting pot. Nepalis of many backgrounds and colorful dress, Tibetans, Indians and Pakistanis, tourists, mystics and hippies all busily making their way through the crowded streets. Most are dodging traffic, diverting around street vendors and the crowds they draw, or gliding into a storefront. It was a marvelous first glimpse of Asia for me. The complete story can be found on the Web at 12. GARY LOOKING FOR TRAVEL FROM KATHMANDU TO LHASA INFO Looking for information on travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa. How easy is it? What is the best way to do it? Can you get across the border by bus now? --Gary [gary@nic.gbm.net] 13. ANNAPURNA LOOP SLIDE SHOW A one hour slide show and talk of trekking the Annapurna Loop in central Nepal will be given by Phill Hunsberger who traveled this route in 1993 and 1996. Mr. Hunsberger and friends covered this 200 mile loop using a popular guide book and staying in Nepali lodges along the way as it recommended. Their 16 day trek took them over Thorung La Pass at 17,669 feet. This event will take place at 7:30 pm Wednesday, April 14, 1999 at the Plymouth Friends Meeting, Butler & Germantown Pikes, Plymouth Meeting, PA (near Philadelphia). This is a regular meeting of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club and admission is free. For directions or more information: Phill Hunsberger [hunsperg@aol.com] 610-759-7067; Rajat Tanden [rajattandon@erols.com] 610-917-0262; AMC web page www.erter.net/~dvmc 14. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION GUIDES CHO OYU -- Fall 1999 expedition to Cho Oyu is still seeking members. Paolo Paglino, an Italian UIAGM certified guide, will be leading the trip. Cost is only $6,500, very reasonable for this 8,201 meter peak (the 6th highest mountain in the world). If you're looking for a great high altitude experience, this one is it. For more information contact adventur@mos.com.np Pakistan with Pakistanis: Concordia Expeditions, your premier connection to Pakistan, offers superior and affordable adventures to K2, Hunza, Snow Lake, Chitral, and the Karakoram Glaciers. Contact Concordia Expeditions, PO Box 4159, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (719) 395-9191, info@concordiaexpeditions.com, http://www.concordiaexpeditions.com. Explore Himalaya: Individual/group holidays to all Destinations in Nepal, India, and Tibet. High altitude treks & climbing, mountain biking, and white water rafting on the wild waters of Himalayan rivers. Full/part services for mountaineering expeditions, cultural tours, and wildlife safaris. Over ten years experience organizing holidays in the Himalaya for English and American clients. Contact Suman Pandey, PO Box 4902, Kathmandu, Nepal, Fax: 977-1-252115, e-mail: adventur@mos.com.np Join the Himalayan Explorers Club in the Himalayas! Pemba Sherpa leads the Annapurna circuit and Chulu East climb (March 1999), and the Arun Valley and Island Peak (September 1999). Jamie McGuinness, author of two Nepal guidebooks, leads a Classic Everest Trek (March and May 1999), Ladakh (September 1999), and Putha Huin Chuli (7,000m!) climb October 1999). Contact us for more information at (303) 998-0101, or e-mail info@mountainexplorers.org. JOURNEYS International. Nepal, Ladakh, Bhutan, Tibet, Mongolia, Burma. Since 1978, group, individual, family, and research travelers have chosen JOURNEYS based on our reputation for reliable, locally-based services and expert, friendly local leadership. In all Himalayan and South Asian destinations we handle flights, outfitting, permits and reservations, and keep you healthy. Join our group departures or set off on your own personally-guided expedition. Phone (800) 255-8735 for your free color catalog and full details. Or e-mail info@journeys-intl.com, http://www.journeys-intl.com. KE Adventure Travel. Unique trekking, climbing, mountain biking and cultural journeys throughout Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, China, Bhutan, Sikkim, Ladakh, Bolivia, Peru, Patagonia, Ecuador, Russia, Africa & more! Contact us for a free, color brochure. (800) 497-9675, ketravel@rof.net, http://www.keadventure.com. NEPAL, TIBET, SIKKIM, LADAKH, & BHUTAN. Scheduled treks & tours with USA leader of 33 Sierra Club Himalayan trips. From $800. Custom itineraries. Off-the-beaten track areas. Environmentally sensitive and porter friendly. E-mail: peter@lotusnrg.com.np, Website: www.instantweb.com/p/peterowens, or phone: (800) 223-1813 or (510) 222-5307. World of Wonder Adventures, Inc. specializing in adventure travel--WOW! Takes you to places you've always wanted to go, to do the things you've always wanted to do, at a price you can afford. Our exciting schedule of upcoming adventures includes Nepal, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, Jamaica, Fiji, and the beautiful Oregon Coast. For more details call toll free 1-888-4-wow-fun, e-mail us at wowadventure@earthlink.net, or see our webpage: http://www.wowadventure.com.
Adventurous Traveler Bookstore offers the world's most complete selection of outdoor travel books and maps. Books, maps, and videos for the entire Himalayan region. Call (800)282-3963 or order on the web at http://www.adventurousTraveler.com. HEC members get a 10% discount! Get the Asian Trail, the zine of work and adventure in Asia. Each issue contains information on working and traveling in Asia. Job listings too! Four issues only $6.00/Foreign $15.00. The Asian Trail, 1440 Coral Ridge Drive, # 164, Coral Springs, FL. 33071 http://www.asiantrail.com Himalayan Treasures and Travel. We have seats to Kathmandu all the time. Call us for the best price and best service. We book for many HEC members and give HEC discounts! Call (800) 223-1813 or (510) 222-5307, govindsh@himtrek.com. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HEC's "Volunteer Nepal Himalaya" offers participants a unique opportunity to volunteer in local Sherpa village in the Himalayas. Participants spend the first ten days in Kathmandu, doing an orientation in Nepali language and culture. Volunteers then fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region of Nepal, and teach English in a Sherpa school for three months (while living with a family). While not teaching, volunteers will be free to stay in the village or explore the endless trails and villages of the Khumbu region. Upcoming programs Sept-Dec 1999 and Feb-May 2000. For more information, please contact the HEC at info@mountainexplorers.org or call (303) 998-0101. Volunteer on a farm in Ladakh through the International Society for Ecology and Culture's Farm Project. Ladakh (sometimes known as "Little Tibet") is a predominantly Tibetan Buddhist region in the extreme north of India. Volunteers live and work with a Ladakhi family on a traditional Ladakhi farm. Farm stays are a minimum of one month, and are available throughout the summer. Volunteers are responsible for transportation to and from Leh, a $300/£200 placement fee, and a small fee of 20 rupees (about 70 cents) per day, to be paid to the host family in exchange for room and board. If interested, contact ISEC, P.O. Box 9475, Berkeley, CA 94709; or call (510) 548-4915, (510) 548-4916 fax. HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET To unsubscribe, write a message to mail-request@mountainexplorers.org, with the message unsubscribe himnet_Mail_List in the body of the message. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET To subscribe, write a message to mail-request@mountainexplorers.org, with the message subscribe himnet_Mail_List in the body of the message. HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYANET (1) Send your HimalayaNet postings to himnet@hotmail.com. Be sure to include your membership number in your email. Only members can post on HimalayaNet. If you've lost your membership card, email the hec at info@mountainexplorers.org). (2) Put your email address at the bottom of your posting. (3) Send responses to postings directly to the author at the address listed. (4) If you receive responses to your posting, please send the moderator (himnet@hotmail.com) a summary if the topic is of general interest so it can be sent it out to all members in the next issue. HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION The HEC is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that assists both locals and travelers to the Himalayan region. Members can receive e-mail, postal mail, and faxes, store luggage, and browse through trip reports at our Clubhouses in Kathamandu and Islamabad, Pakistan. In addition, members receive discounts with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and travel agents. Members also receive our quarterly hard-copy newsletter, Himalayan News. For more information about the HEC please visit our Web page at http://www.mountainexplorers.org,
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