HimalayaNet #57 (16 April 1999)

I have taken over the job of organizing and compiling the HimalayaNet
for Steve Almeroth. My name is Carrie Seitz. Some of you may remember
me from the Kathmandu Clubhouse during the fall of 1997. Drop me a
line and say hello! Keep those submissions coming! Just be sure to
put your Member number with it.

Carrie Seitz
HimNet@hotmail.com

IN THIS ISSUE...
1. SPRING ISSUE OF HIMALAYAN NEWS IS AVAILABLE
2. TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR U.S. CITIZENS TRAVELLING TO NEPAL
3. NEW LOCATION FOR HEC PAKISTAN CLUBHOUSE
4. NEW MT. EVEREST FOUNTAINPEN TO BE MARKETED
5. HOW TO BE AN AIR COURIER (OR HOW TO GET A CHEAP FLIGHT)
6. FIRST SNOWBOARD DESCENT OF TENT PEAK IN THE ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY
7. MEMBERS SEEKING TRAVEL PARTNERS
8. USED MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS FOR SALE
9. INFORMATION REGARDING NEPALI HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
10.SEEKING TRAVEL STORIES FOR NEW BOOK
11.CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION

*How to unsubscribe to Himalayanet
*How to subscribe to Himalayanet
*How to post on Himalayanet
*Himalayan Explorers Club membership information
*How to advertise on Himalayanet

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1. SPRING ISSUE OF HIMALAYAYAN NEWS IS AVAILABLE

The spring issue of the Himalayan News is hot off the press! Stories
include an inside look at Greg Mortenson's "Climb of Courage" to K2
and the intimate relationship that he has developed to its land and
people since that time. Also featured is an article that presents two
sides to the clean up efforts at Everest Base Camp-to clean, or not
to clean? Lastly, author Jaime McGuiness(author of "Trekking in the
Everest Region" and "Trekking in Langtang")shares with us his latest
adventures in Tibet. Don't miss it! Remember, that you must support
the HEC by joining as at least a Basic Member to receive the hard
copy Himalayan News.

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2. TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR U.S. CITIZENS TRAVELLING TO NEPAL

In the lead-up to national elections May 3 through May 17, there has
been an increase in the number of violent activities perpetrated by
Maoist insurgents. Most of these incidents have been in districts
traditionally known to be Maoist strongholds. However, recent reports
indicate that Maoist violence is likely to increase, and that the
potential for violence extends to areas that have in the past been
relatively free of Maoist activity.

In particular, Maoist groups have declared April 9, which is the
anniversary of the lifting of the ban on political parties, as a
"special day to invade enemies." Recent statements by Maoists, as
well as police reports, indicate that Maoist groups intend to target
local senior government officials and government facilities on that
date. This could indicate that violence will increase throughout
Nepal and extend into the Kathmandu valley.

Increased Maoist activity is also possible during the period from
April 19 until the first round of balloting on May 3, and during the
two-week period leading up to the second round of balloting on May
17. Accordingly, the American Embassy in Kathmandu will restrict the
travel of its employees. Except in essential circumstances, travel
outside the Kathmandu valley by U.S. Government employees will be
prohibited on April 9 and between April 19 and May 17. American
citizens are advised to exercise additional caution during this time.

In addition to the travel restrictions mentioned above, the U.S.
Embassy in Kathmandu forbids travel by U.S. Government employees to
or through Rukum, Rolpa, Jajarkot, Gorkha, Salyan, and Sindhuli.
U.S. citizens in Nepal are urged to contact the consular section of
the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu to register and to obtain updated
information on travel and security within Nepal. The consular section
is located at Pani Pokhari, telephone 977-1-411-179. Additional
information on travel and security in Nepal is available in the
Departments Consular Information Sheet for Nepal.

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3. NEW LOCATION FOR HEC PAKISTAN CLUBHOUSE

Visiting Pakistan this summer? Please note that the HEC Clubhouse has
recently moved! The new address is:

House 14A, Street 63
F-8/4, Islamabad
Pakistan
(92-51) 282-146
(92-51) 251-221 (Fax)
himexp@trango.sdnpk.undp.org

Directions: Islamabad is divided in sectors in a square grid. Each
sector is designated from F to I (north to south) and 6 to 11 (east
to west). Each sector is divided into 4 subsectors, numbered 1 to
4. The clubhouse is located in Sector F-8, subsector 4.

From Airport, go past the Zero point all the way to commercial strip
of Islamabad, known as Blue Area. Go past two traffic signals at
either side of the Blue Area strip. At the next traffic signal
(about 50 yards), turn left on Nazim uddin Road. At the first
traffic signal (about 50 yards) turn right into a service road.
Enter Street 48 (second left), go past Iraq Embassy (a landmark known
to taxi drivers). The clubhouse is located at the intersection of
St. 48 and St. 63 (first intersection).

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4. NEW EVEREST PEN (NO KIDDING)

In the latest Everest mania, Krone, LLC has just released a new "Sir
Edmund Hillary Mount Everest Pen." To quote from the brochure:

"Since 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary became the first to reach the
summit, only a few people have achieved this elusive goal. However,
more than 170 individuals have perished in the quest. Not only does
the summit area of Mt. Everest consist of ice and snow, but also
exposed rock. Specimens of this rock were collected by three of the
world's most accomplished mountaineers on their successful
expeditions to the summit. Stones were then cut with gem-like
precision by Krone, LLC and carefully mounted in the cap of every
pen...The Krone Limited Edition Everest Pen is a lasting tribute to
those who would dare to dream the greatest of dreams, to stand on top
of the world."

The HEC has (at least) two responses:

1)The "few" that have summited Everest now stands at hundreds of
people.

2)Should mountaineers be removing rocks from the tops of mountains and
selling them?

Send your responses to himnet@hotmail.com. And, of course, to order
a pen call 847.215.0011 in the United States. Only 1,088 pens were
produced, and they sell at the bargain price of $1,400 each.

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5. HOW TO BE AN AIR COURIER (OR HOW TO GET CHEAP FLIGHTS)

Recently, I received some information on creative ways to travel. One
of them is to be an air courier, and the other requires a bit of a
flexible schedule. You simply deliver merchandise to the other side
of the world for a particular courier service. Your cost? Nothing but
a free ticket overseas! BEWARE, however, there have been many scams
surrounding this cheap way to travel. There are rumors (I do not know
of any proven cases-does anyone else?)that it is a perfect way for
smugglers to get the job done. My advice? DO RESEARCH on the company
you try to deliver for before you set foot on the plane. And, Oh
yeah, make sure you know what you are delivering!

Carrie Seitz

Here is the info:

If you're asking about the cheapest airfare from Point A to Point B
on a certain date, visit www.itn.net/airlines or www.travelocity.com,
or just do a web search for "Airfares." We're not travel agents, so
we don't book flights or give price quotes. If you live near the hub
of an airline, check out their web site. They often post last-minute
deals. You may also want to try some travel consolidators such as
Airhitch 212-864-2000
Globe Travel 800-969-4562
Airfare Busters 800-232-8783

If you want to be an air courier, check out:
Air Courier Association
800-282-1202 http://www.aircourier.org
International Association of Air Travel Couriers
561-582-8320 http://www.courier.org
World Courier Inc. 800-223-4461

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6. FIRST SNOWBOARD DESCENT OF TENT PEAK IN THE ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

I just returned from the Annapurna Sanctuary last December. My
partner and I have climbed Tent Peak (tharpa chuli, 5630m) and
achieved what is likely to be the first snowboard descend (although
due to poor snow conditions, we had to stay on the glacier rather
than descend from the summit down through the gullies on the south).
This is an easy to moderate snow climb with some exposure once on the
summit ridge, or you can climb up the slabs on the south on rock
(many variations possible) and higher up on 50° snow. 2 days from the
base camp lodges.

We also attempted a new route via the e-ridge on Hiunchuli (6441m).
We found that this is a major climb to its length (we planned on 5-6
days on the mountain., but felt it 'd take more depending on
conditions). Getting up onto the ridge poses the first problem (steep
mixed climbing; protection???). Once on the ridge, there are several
more crux sections with rock and ice and mixed. The obvious gully is
on its north side, just above Annapurna bc lodges goes with schottish
4 and drops you out high on the ridge with several crux sections left
on mixed, rock and ice. The W-ridge has been climbed -- this is a
major undertaking on very exposed and steep mixed (mostly snow) faces
and ridges. Complicated route finding in some places.

Bill 0'Connors book "Trekking Peaks in Nepal" is the best resource to
find your perfect climb. Note that although called trekking peaks,
most of them are serious enough and often pose difficult climbing in
high altitude! Enjoy - this is a wonderful place to go.

Markus

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7. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TREKKING PARTNERS

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

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

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8. USED MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS FOR SALE

I live in Tokyo, and recently picked up a pair of size 12 Koflach
Arctis Expedition plastic mountaineering boots from an outdoor goods
store here. I paid only 9800 yen, which translates to about $80. The
price is this low because they are the old style, and there are not
many large feet here in Tokyo. There is one pair remaining, size 12.5
European, 13 U.S. If there are any mountaineers in HEC with large
feet, they can benefit from a very good deal. I'd be happy to forward
them. Again, these are the old style, with large lips in front and
rear to accept step-in crampons, even with overboots. They come with
both standard and expedition inners.
Sam Neal
sjn1@cornell.edu
Member #B1560 -- recently renewed.

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9. INFORMATION REGARDING NEPALI HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

One of the things that travelers to Nepal are interested in is
holidays. The Nepalese calendar for the year 2056 (April 1999 to
April 2000) has finally hit the streets. Potential visitors to Nepal
can check dates for major holidays at our web site:

http://www.fihp.com/festivals.html

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10. SEEKING TRAVEL STORIES FOR NEW BOOK

There is more to life than school and work and I need your help
proofing it. I'm collecting travel stories from young people from
around the world for possible publication in a book. It will not be a
book written by professional writers, but by people like you and me
who have a story to tell and a desire to tell it. I'm looking for
stories that show others what it's really like to travel and maybe
even inspire them to do so themselves. So, if you've ever traveled,
worked, volunteered or studied abroad and have a story to tell, I'd
love to hear from you!

For more information or to submit stories (between 750 and 2500
words), questions and comments contact me at: Martine Klaassen,
email: martinek@home.com, 1103, 950 Jervis Street, V6E 2B4,
Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Please include your home address and a short biographical note
including the country you're from, in which country your story took
place, what you did while there (e.g. taught ESL, studied etc.) and
other interesting things about yourself.

Thanks for helping me proof that there's more to life. I look forward
to receiving your story!

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11.CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION
(updated 16-Apr-99)

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: Join us in fall 1999 on Cho Oyu (only $6,500!). Can
also arrange individual/group holidays to all destinations in Nepal,
India, and Tibet. High altitude treks & climbing, mountain biking,
and white water rafting. Full/part services for mountaineering
expeditions, cultural tours, and wildlife safaris. Contact Suman
Pandey, PO Box 4902, Kathmandu, Nepal, Fax:977-1-252 115, e-mail:
adventur@mos.com.np

Join the Himalayan Explorers Club in the Himalayas! Pemba Sherpa
leads Everest trek and Island Peak climb via the remote Arun Valley
and Island Peak (September 1999). Jamie McGuinness, author of two
Nepal guidebooks, leads the Classic Everest Trek (May 1999) and more.
Info@mountainexplorers.org or call(303)998-0101.

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 or 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 or e-mail us at wowadventure@earthlink.net

TRAVEL

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 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.