   
HimalayaNet #59 (June 11, 1999)
Welcome to the latest addition of "what's
up" in the Himalayan region. I
imagine the monsoon rains have arrived, much to the delight of the farmers.
Most of us will stay away to avoid the leaches. However, our brave and
fearless leader is heading over to the Himalayas tomorrow. Have a great
time Scott and Karen. We expect a full trip report upon your return!
HEC members!! Do not hesitate to send contributions in for the next
newsletter. Let's continue to be resources for one another and for the
people of the Himalayan region. Just make sure you send us your membership
number along with your submission.
Namaste!
Carrie Seitz
himnet@hotmail.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. LATEST KAILASH INFO FROM JAMIE MCGUINNESS
2. NEW LONELY PLANET TIBET BOOKS AVAILABLE
3. IDEA TO OVERCOMING OXYGEN DEPRIVATION
4. 1999 SCHNEIDER MAPS OF THE KHUMBU (EVEREST) REGION FINALLY AVAILABLE
5. RURAL EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT (READ) SEEKS LIBRARY DONATIONS
6. SEEKING INFORMATION ON POKHARA UNIVERSITY
7. ROCK & ICE MAGAZINE SEEKS INFORMATION FROM TRAVELERS
8. HIMALAYAN STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM SEEKING APPLICANTS
9. SELF-SUPPORTED WOMEN'S CLIMBING TEAM REACHES THE SUMMIT OF CHO OYU
10. NEW "OXIMETER" TO MEASURE ACCLIMATIZATION
11. NEPALI CONGRESS PARTY WINS ELECTIONS IN NEPAL
12. ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER BOOKSTORE SPONSORSHIP
13. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION
14. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
15. HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET
16. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET
17. HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYANET
18. HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
19. HOW TO ADVERTISE ON HIMALAYANET
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1. LATEST KAILASH INFO FROM JAMIE MCGUINNESS
Jamie just returned from Kailash (via Simikot) and sends us the latest
report:
I am not sure what is happening at the border, mostly because when we
crossed we didn't know about the embassy bombing and therefore didn't
ask. However it was certainly the reason that we were fined so much ($750
for some problems with our paperwork). We were not harassed and didn't
experience any anti-USA sentiment, but perhaps people going over now will
have problems trying to get in. Usually these things die down quickly
though.
Starting in Simikot can be tricky - we a Dutch couple who waited 10 days
for
the Nepalganj-Simikot flight! The southern route track, which used to
be so
shocking, has been tamed with bridges at all the strategic places and
metalled roads across most of the treacherous sand patches. We only had
to push the truck once. So this is a fast good route in to Kailash. In
a couple
of years this "road" will be ready for tour buses.
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2. NEW LONELY PLANET TIBET BOOKS AVAILABLE
The HEC has just received the New Lonely Planet Tibet books, hot off
the
press. LP has done a great job updating the Tibet "bible". The
new edition
has excellent maps, historical sections, religious features (including
a
section on "Important Figures of Tibetan Buddhism"), and travel
advice.
Unquestionably the best Tibet guidebook currently available. Available
through the HEC at (303-998-0101) for $17.95 [$16.15 for HEC members].
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3. IDEA TO OVERCOMING OXYGEN DEPRIVATION
This correspondence is prompted by just having seen the 1996 filming
of
Everest. My name is Michael Buccilli. What I am about to share with you
may
have already been considered and applied. Nevertheless, I will share it.
With the use of food grade hydrogen peroxide H2O2,it may be possible to
overcome some of the problems of high ascents. H2O2 (commonly known as
hydrogen peroxide) has been used for many years to treat a variety of
disorders. Its first reported use was by a French chemist Louis-Jacques
Thenard in 1818. Fundamentally, hydrogen peroxide is a water molecule
with
an extra atom of oxygen added. Foregoing the historical and chemical
particulars at this time, what I am suggesting to you, I have not seen
any
written literature on, nor am I a mountain climber. Baring my experience,
it
is difficult for me to comment first hand on its effectiveness in such
an
extreme set of conditions. However the problem remains the same-- how
to get
a greater supply of oxygen to the blood. It is logistically a simpler
matter
than carrying heavy containers (but not at the expense of completely
eliminating bottled oxygen.) It is more simple because all that is needed
is
to add H2O2 to water and drink this potentized solution. At this point,
I
welcome any comments or feedback on this subject. Thank you
mjbucc@iss.dccc.edu
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4. 1999 SCHNEIDER MAPS OF THE KHUMBU (EVEREST) REGION FINALLY AVAILABLE
The HEC has just received the 1999 Schneider maps of the Khumbu (Everest)
region of Nepal. After being on backorder for months, they've finally
arrived in time for the monsoon. So, you'll need the contour lines to
figure
out where the heck you are in all the rain. Cost is $13.95 for nonmembers
and $12.60 for members of the HEC. Call 303-998-0101 to order or e-mail
info@mountainexplorers.org
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5. RURAL EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT (READ) SEEKS LIBRARY DONATIONS
READ is a 501c3 non-profit corporation aimed at improving education in
Asia
and South America. The largest project has been the NEPAL LIBRARY PROJECT,
the construction of a network of village libraries in rural areas. The
goals are to equalize access to books between the city and country; promote
rural literacy for children as well as grown women and men; encourage
the writing, printing, and publishing of books in Nepali, and make these
libraries not only self-supporting, but economic contributors to village
life. To date, READ has built 16 rural village libraries in Nepal. In
addition, READ is working with the Japanese to build libraries in the
northern Terai area in sites where the Japanese have constructed hospitals.
To supply the
libraries, READ has also put more than 17,000 NEPALI books, from pre-school
readers to adult literature, into villages. To support libraries, they
have a series of sustaining projects including a furniture factory, a
sesame oil press, and a stationary store and tea shop. Additionally, READ
has become the lead trainer for rural and urban lending libraries in the
country.
WHAT TO CONTRIBUTE:
Money to build libraries, support sustaining projects, and train librarians:
Each library costs about $17,000 for construction, books, training, and
the
sustaining project. This is the best gift you can make. For $200, World
Book
will ship 2-year-old encyclopedias anywhere in the world. World Book
Encyclopedias are the only English Books we generally supply because the
goal is to put Nepali books into Nepali villages.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE: Send donations to READ, 976 Tee Court, Incline Village,
NV 89451. READ is a non-profit 501c3 corporation and all contributions
are
tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Dr. Antonia Neubauer. Phone: 1-800-670-6984.
E-mail: travel@mythsandmountains.com. You might also want to check out
the
library section of our website: www.mythsandmountains.com.
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6. SEEKING INFORMATION ON POKHARA UNIVERSITY
My name is Harihar Bhattarai. I would like to know about Pokhara University
(if they have e-mail and web address please let me know). Please give
a
detailed description including location, departments, student size,
officials, etc. I am particularly interested to know who is Dr. Purushottam
Baskota, VC of the university. Give his description too. Contact me at:
hpbhatta@hotmail.com
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7. ROCK & ICE MAGAZINE SEEKS INFORMATION FROM TRAVELERS
Rock&Ice magazine is searching for climbers, mountaineers, guides
and
travelers who would be willing to provide current information on expeditions
or climbing trips within the last year. The second Superguide will be
a
world-wide travel guide coming out in November 1999. The Superguide will
include sections on all seven continents: Asia, North America, South
America, Africa, Australasia and Antarctica. Recent and useful information
regarding travel and climbing in these areas will be essential for creating
the Superguide. Please include a brief summary of your most recent journey
and any current information regarding weather, conditions, issues, price
changes or other necessary news.
Please send contributions to:
Rock&Ice
Attn.: Superguide
603A South Broadway
Boulder, CO 80303
or
e-mail: mail@rockandice.com
subject: Superguide
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Christopher Jerard
Editorial Assistant
Rock&Ice magazine
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8. HIMALAYAN STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM SEEKING APPLICANTS
Himalayan study-Abroad program: Apply NOW for Fall 1999 or Fall 2000.
Are
you looking for a program to study abroad in someplace really exciting?
How
about the Himalayas of Nepal? In the fall of 1999, "Bridges: Projects
in
Rational Tourism Development" will lead multidisciplinary teams of
university students to Khumbu and Rolwaling, Nepal, where we will spend
3
months studying tourism development, and formulating and implementing
development projects compatible with the students interests and skills
as
well as community needs.
Mini-project options include:
* Civil Engineering (waste disposal, trail stabilization, renewable energy,
flood control);
* English language training;
* Land Use and Community Development;
* Gender Issues;
* Hotel Management:
* Folklore (as an "amenity resource");
* Environmental Protection;
* Agro-technology;
* Commercial organization;
* Tourism promotion ... and other fields
Students may opt to work individually or in pairs: if you do not already
have a field of personal interest, you may work with another team member.
This program involves quite a bit of trekking; you must be in good physical
condition, or psychologically prepared to get into shape very quickly.
If
you feel that you could contribute to this program, please see the Bridges
Website for details (www.bridges-prtd.com). Applications now being accepted
for Fall 1999 and Fall 2000 expeditions. Contact: Dr. Seth Sicroff,
Director, Bridges: Projects in Rational Tourism Development
e-mail: sicroff@bridges-prtd.com
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9. SELF-SUPPORTED WOMEN'S CLIMBING TEAM REACHES THE SUMMIT OF CHO OYU
A group of women from the United States summited the peak of Cho Oyu
at the
end of May. Not only did they summit, but they did it without the assistance
of porters or supplemented oxygen! Quite a feat. You can check out the
details of the climb at www.womenclimbers.com
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10. NEW "OXIMETER" TO MEASURE ACCLIMATIZATION
Nonin Medical, of Plymouth, Minnesota, recently sent us information about
their new "Sportstat Pulse Oximeter." The device is a small
(2 oz.)
instrument that measures blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Users
need
only insert a finger in the instrument. Nonin hopes to alert users to
the
potential onset of acute mountain sickness (AMS), and (we assume) more
serious altitude related illnesses such as edema. Contact Nonin Medical
at
(612)553-9968 or visit their Web page at http://www.nonin.com
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11. NEPALI CONGRESS PARTY WINS ELECTIONS IN NEPAL
The General Election for 2056 has been concluded. There are 205 seats
for
the total no of house of representatives. A party needs 103 seats to form
a
majority and form the new parliament.
As of May 23 the election result declared 197 seats by the following
parties:
The Nepali Congress 107
Nepal Communist Party(United MarxistLeninist) 67
Rastriya Prajatantra Party 11
Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP)(communal of Terai) 5
National People's Front (NPF)(communist) 5
Nepal Workers and Peasant's Party (NWPP)(communist) 1
United People's Front (UPF) won one seat each. 1
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12. ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER BOOKSTORE SPONSORSHIP
This newsletter is sponsored in part by www.AdventurousTraveler.com.
Check them out for the most complete collection of Himalayan guidebooks,
narratives and maps on the internet. Give them your HEC membership number
for a 10% discount!
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13. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION
(updated 11 June 1999)
TREK PARTNERS WANTED
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
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!). Other
upcoming trips: Ama Dablam Sept 14 - Oct 18, 1999 ($4,000), Kanchenjunga
trek and Tengkoma climb (just opened trekking peak) Oct 11 - Nov 4, 1999
($2,080). Can also arrange individual/group holidays to all destinations
in
Nepal, India, and Tibet. High altitude treks & climbing, mountain
biking,
and white water rafting. 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). 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!
The Asian Trail is your FREE downloadable guide to work, travel, and
adventure in Asia. Job listings too! Get your copy of The Asian Trail
at
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
Ticket Planet. We are America's leading round the world air consolidator,
and also your Nepal airfare experts. We can get seats to Kathmandu when
others can't. We broker over 50 airlines. We have over 15 years of
experience pricing international airfares. Please contact us at (800)
799-8888, (415) 288-9999, fax (415) 288-9839, see our website
http://www.ticketplanet.com, or email us at himalayas@ticketplanet.com.
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VOLUNTEER/STUDY ABROAD
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.
Himalayan Study-Abroad Program. Applications now being accepted for Fall
1999 and Fall 2000. Participants
will study tourism development along the Everest route, then design
community development projects for remote Rolwaling valley, according
to
individual interests and community needs.
Info: www.bridges-prtd.com
Contact: sicroff@bridges-prtd.com
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