HimalayaNet #65 (December 20, 1999)
Namaste, and welcome to the 65th edition of
HimalayaNet, the online
newsletter of the Himalayan Explorers Club.
Our moderator, Kathie Mears, is currently reading this e-mail in Nepal.
She'll be heading off to the Everest region in a few days.
HEC members should also be enjoying the latest issue of Himalayan News,
with
articles on Krakauer's charitable donations, monsoon trekking, and homestay
opportunities. Nonsubcribers (you know who you are :>) can receive
the
newsletter by supporting the HEC with a tax-deductible donation.
We wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season!
Namaste!
Scott Dimetrosky
Executive Director
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. RESISTENCE TO LUKLA AND JOMSOM AIRPORT CLOSURES IN NEPAL
2. WOODY STRONG SUFFERS KIDNEY FAILURE
3. EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS NEEDED FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
4. TRAVEL UPDATE FOR PAKISTAN
5. Y2K WARNING FROM UNITED STATES EMBASSY IN NEPAL
6. FEEDBACK FROM JEFF GREENWALD'S ARTICLE ON MUSTANG
7. SEEKING ASSISTANCE TO LOCATE AND SPONSOR NEPALI CHILD
8. SPACES AVAILABLE FOR HEC EVEREST TREK
9. THE ANNAPURNA SCHOOL: LOOKING FOR TEACHER
10. HEC MEMBERS SEEK TRAVEL COMPANIONS/ADVICE
10A. SEEKING INFORMATION ON FLYING OUT OF SHYANGBOCHE
10B. SEEKING TREKKING PARTNER FOR EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
10C. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON MAKALU TREK
10D. LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK ON SIKKIM, KANGCHENJUNGA, AND MAKALU
10E. SEEKING IDEAS TO STUDY CULTURAL LANDSCAPE IN NEPAL
11.ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER BOOKSTORE SPONSORSHIP
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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
*********************************************************
1. RESISTENCE TO LUKLA AND JOMSOM AIRPORT CLOSURES IN NEPAL
KATHMANDU, Dec 1 - The government's decision to close down the airports
at
Lukla and Jomsom for repair next year is coming under criticism from those
in the tourism industry.
The two airports will be closed down from May next year for at least
14
months for repair and upgrading. May, however, is the peak mountaineering
and trekking season and the closure of these airports will hamper the
flow
of trekkers into the mountainous areas.
The government made the decision to close down the two airports along
with
some others for 14 months -- starting May to complete the renovations,
extension and tarring of runway, and construction of terminals.
Aviation officials, however, claim that the renovations will be intensified
in the off-season. According to them, the airport will open for two and
half
months from October when the tourist flow increases. They also claim that
with another parallel runway, the flights will not stop; however, experts
and technicians state that this will not be a practical alternative.
Most of the private airlines operate in this sector and it is regarded
as a
major portion of the profit since these routes are mostly used by foreign
tourists that pay as much as three times domestic passengers do.
During the tourist season, more than 30 planes land daily at Lukla airport
and at least six flights operate even during the off-seasons. At the Jomsom
airport, 12-15 planes land every day and 2-4 planes operate even during
the
off-season.
Shree Ram Subedi
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2. WOODY STRONG SUFFERS KIDNEY FAILURE
[EDITORS NOTE: Woody and Penny Strong have been delivering books, clothing,
medical supplies, and lots of love to Nepal for 27 years. They were featured
in our winter 1997 newsletter]
Dear Friends, as many of you know, Woody Strong was not in good health
when he and Penny left for Nepal on November 7th. They returned to Colorado
last Sunday because his condition was rapidly deteriorating, in fact,
his kidneys
failed and he required dialysis. Now in Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs,
Woody's doctors have determined that there is nothing more, medically
speaking, that can be done for Woody. I spoke to Penny this morning (December
16) and she told me that he has accepted this as has she.
They are working on getting Woody home where he wants to spend his remaining
days. I am sure we will all keep Woody and Penny in our thoughts and prayers.
I will let you know any new information as soon as possible.
Namaste and love, Susan Benjamin
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3. EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS NEEDED FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
I am performing research on distribution and diet of the endangered giant
woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), a four-foot-long,
cliff-dwelling creature of Northern Pakistan that was thought to be extinct
until my rediscovery in 1994. I plan to work for approximately a month
in
Gulmit, Hunza region, Northern Areas, Pakistan in May 2000. Work would
involve camping and climbing up or rappelling down cliffs to caves where
the
squirrel may sleep during the day, and capturing the animals (elevation
approx. 11,000-13,000 ft). If you would like to visit and climb in some
of
the most spectacular scenery in the Karakorams while helping out on a
program to save a (very attractive) endangered species, please contact
me at
the e-mail address below. Please note that while in-country costs during
the
work would be covered, we cannot cover travel costs to and from Pakistan.
Peter Zahler
Wildife Conservation Society
piz@forwild.umass.edu
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4. TRAVEL UPDATE FOR PAKISTAN
[EDITORS NOTE: For the latest information on Pakistan HEC members can
contact the Islamabad Clubhouse at our new e-mail address:
hec@trivor.com.pk]
We are pleased to inform all our friends and business partners who may
be
concerned about the situation in Pakistan that the climate for tourism
in
the country has substantially improved as even normal urban crime has
declined with no report of any sectarian or terrorism related activity
anywhere in the country. Meanwhile a new government comprising senior
technocrats and managers who enjoy a reputation of honesty is being formed
to conduct accountability, bring in transparency and ensure good governance.
The public is fully behind the above objectives of the forthcoming
government. We hope you will help allay fears in your immediate circle
of
influence about the situation in Pakistan that is being misrepresented
by
vested interests in international media. Not that our society does not
believe in democracy but that it wants a practicing democracy as we see
it
in the West, not a sham version of it in which feudal goons entrench
themselves in seats of power through fraudulent elections.
We do hope Pakistan will find her place on your promotional activities
as we
are observing 2001 Visit Pakistan Year.
Thanks and best regards
Nazir Sabir
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5. Y2K WARNING FROM UNITED STATES EMBASSY IN NEPAL
Embassy of the United States of America
Kathmandu, Nepal
December 8, 1999
Important Security Announcement for American Citizens
In preparation for the possible disruption of certain services as a result
of the so-called "Y2K bug," the American Embassy at Kathmandu,
Nepal has
made arrangements to guarantee to official Americans the availability
of
fuel, cash, and medical supplies at the turn of the year.
While the Embassy does not expect severe shortages of these or other
items
in Nepal due to Y2K, it is important that Americans here recognize the
possibility of shortages of certain items and take prudent measures to
ensure they have adequate quantities on hand should problems arise. Please
note that the Embassy will not be in a position to supply unofficial
Americans here with fuel, cash, or routine medical supplies and services
during this period. For further advice on preparations for Y2K, please
see
www. redcross.org/disaster/safety/Y2K.html or www.fema.gov (Y2K and You).
The Embassy has made arrangements to provide limited medical services
to
unofficial Americans in the event of a disruption of normal health care
delivery systems. In such a case, American citizens unable to secure
adequate medical care as a result of Y2K may call the Embassy at 410531.
Please note that these arrangements are intended only as a precaution
against Y2K-related disruptions of heath care delivery and are not intended
to supplement normal health care services available in Nepal. As always,
Americans facing medical emergencies may call the Embassy for assistance.
Finally, in advance of possible Y2K-related workload, routine consular
services for Americans will be suspended for the first two weeks of 2000.
Those planning travel early in 2000 are advised to check their passports
for
sufficient validity. Citizens needing notarization of legal or other
documents are advised to seek that service in the next three weeks.
This Announcement will expire on January 17, 2000.
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6. FEEDBACK FROM JEFF GREENWALD'S ARTICLE ON MUSTANG
[Editor's Note: Jeff Greenwald, author of "Mr. Raja's Neighborhood"
and
"Shopping for
Buddhas", wrote an article on Salon.com about a planned road through
Mustang,
http://www.salonmagazine.com/travel/feature/1999/11/06/mustang/index.html]
I read that article in Salon, and my own feeling (just call me paranoid)
is
that the Chinese have given so much "aid" to Nepal, especially
in the form
of roads, because they're preparing the way for the invasion, or at least
making it easier for themselves next time they have a fight with India.
It's
hard to believe that they're concerned about the plight of the porters
who
"shlep" tons of stuff up and down the Kali Gandaki. I am eager
to ask my
friend Lama Kunga, who comes from Lo Monthang, how he feels about this
development. I have a feeling that he will tell me that any way to get
more
goods into Mustang must be a good thing.
The first time he stayed here in New York with me, I asked him what he
liked
best about it here, and he replied without hesitation that everything
was
very clean and there was plenty of FOOD. We kui ros tend to view Nepal
as
our own Himalayan theme park, since we don't have to spend the winter
in Lo
Monthang living on a diet of tsampa and salt tea, and we take things like
flashlight bulbs for granted. Last winter there was a famine in Jumla,
and
government assistance was little and very slow. If they'd had a road,
do you
think the people in Jumla would have worried about the encroachment of
modern civilization on their ancient culture?
I'd like Nepal to stay pristine and lovely, too, but my husband, a Bhotia
from Wolongchung Gola, says that the first thing he'll do when we win
the
lottery is to improve the trail up the Tamur to Wolung so it won't be
so
hard for people to get to market. In years past, before I met him, I gazed
longingly up that trail from Dobhan and dreamed of walking it (it's
restricted) but he thinks I'm haawaa khuskeko, and says when we win the
lottery we'll hire a helicopter to get there! Fortunately, we're not
holding our breath, and at least one of us will enjoy the walk.
Suzanne Delaney
Suzannji@aol.com
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7. SEEKING ASSISTANCE TO LOCATE AND SPONSOR NEPALI CHILD
My name is Rosie Ritchison. I live in the USA. I visited Nepal in December
of 1997. During my last day in Kathmandu, I met a young girl, who eventually
took me to her home. I have thought of her so often. She was a very bright
and friendly 7-year-old. I know there are organizations who help find
sponsors for children to help with their education. I would like very
much
to find this girl and sponsor her. The problem is, I did not think of
this
at the time, and did not ask her last name. I know her first name, her
sister's name, the size of her family, approximately where she lives,
(on
the road that leads to Swayambhunath from the Hotel Vajra.). I have photos
of her, and one of her father in the shop where he works, also near the
hotel. Do you know of any organization who could help me find this girl
and
determine if she would be eligible for sponsorship? Any help you could
give
me in finding a way to do this would be greatly appreciated.
Rosie Ritchison
justrose@kiva.net
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8. SPACE AVAILABLE ON HEC EVEREST TREK
Pemba Sherpa, who was born in the Khumbu region but currently resides
in
Denver, will be leading HEC trips to the Everest region in spring and
fall
2000. He will lead the classic trek in the Everest region, including Kala
Pattar and Everest Base camp, with an optional climb of Island Peak. Both
trips also include an "off the beaten path" excursion to Pemba's
village
where he grew up, and dinner with Pemba's mother! For more information
contact the HEC at info@mountainexplorers.org
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9. THE ANNAPURNA SCHOOL: LOOKING FOR TEACHER
A small, privately funded, summer boarding school in Pokhara is looking
for
a native English speaking teacher. The Annapurna School will be in it's
second year with 2 classes of approximately 20 students each. The school
serves young people, age (8 - 15), from the mountain region, who are either
too remote, or too poor to have had the chance to attend school.
The curriculum focuses on Nepali reading and writing, beginning spoken
English, and rudimentary math skills. We are looking for someone to teach
English, (there will be 2 professional Nepali teachers), and to help
supervise the overall running of the school and well-being of the students.
This is a volunteer position, but room and board will be provided along
with
a stipend. Your co-workers and host while in country speak English and
are
experienced in the needs of westerners living in Nepal. For more
information, call me:
Tim Olmsted, at 970-879-0731, or e-mail me at tim@amigo.net.
*********************************************************
10. HEC MEMBERS SEEK TRAVEL COMPANIONS/ADVICE
Note: Please respond directly to the HEC member.
10A. SEEKING INFORMATION ON FLYING OUT OF SHYANGBOCHE
I am a new member of the HEC and recently learned that there is a helicopter
option out of Shyangboche north of Namche Bazaar. Has anyone flown out
of
Shyangboche? What did you think? How should I go about getting a
reservation?
Jeff Fisher
jfishbon@aol.com
10B. SEEKING TREKKING PARTNER FOR EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
I'm planning on trekking to Everest Base Camp the first three weeks of
April
and am looking for someone to travel with. I'm hoping to hire a local
guide
and a porter. Please call me if you are interested in joining me (I don't
have e-mail!).
Dana Jones
(206)285-7164
10C. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON MAKALU TREK
I am planning on trekking to Makalu base camp in April of 2000. I would
like
information on trekking peaks in that area. Also, what are the trails
and
passes like between Makalu BC and the Island Peak area? Do they exists
and
what is the difficulty? Thank you. Mark Chin mark_chin@yahoo.com
10D. LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK ON SIKKIM, KANGCHENJUNGA, AND MAKALU
I would like to talk to other members who have trekked independently
(or in
a small group) in Sikkim and also to Kangchenjunga and Makalu base camps.
In
Sikkim, is it now necessary to go through a travel agency, and do you
need a
trekking permit to trek from Yoksum to Goecha La? Are there other areas
now
open for trekking in Sikkim? Can a person trek to the base camp of
Kangchenjunga on the Sikkim side? What is the maximum allowable stay in
Sikkim? Is it possible to cross the Kang La from Sikkim to Nepal? Since
I
want to enter Nepal from Sikkim, is it possible to get trekking permits
from
another town instead of going to Kathmandu? I would like to talk to someone
about the difficulty of the Kangchenjunga-Makalu routes as compared to
the
treks around Annapurna and to Everest base camp. Please contact me at
orcuttrc@aol.com Carolyn Orcutt
10E. SEEKING IDEAS TO STUDY CULTURAL LANDSCAPE IN NEPAL
I am going to Tibet and Nepal on a semester abroad program and am trying
to
find contacts in Nepal which might help me find a village or area in which
I
could study the cultural landscape- specifically how the community uses
the
space they have to provide shared and private spaces. I am also interested
in where children play and what role do trails and rural areas play for
the
community. If you have any ideas or advice for me, I would really love
any
help- even a name or an address or a region you recommend. Namaste! Molly
Holmberg, holmberg@middlebury.edu.
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11. 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!
*********************************************************
12. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION
(updated 19 December 1999)
GUIDES
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: Can 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 with Island Peak in March and October 2000. info@mountainexplorers.org
or
call (303)998-0101. All trips also include an excursion "off the
beaten
path" to the village where Pemba grew up.
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
Trek with independent guide Dan Tamang. Camping or teahouse treks. Trekking
peak & high altitude experience. Treks with porter(s) as required.
English
spoken. P.O. Box 13607 Kathmandu, Nepal. E-mail: glonet@wlink.com.np.
Fax:
(00)977-1-416835. For U.S. references contact Rick Brown
(rbbrown@hotmail.com) or Gary McCarthy(mccarthy@gci.net).
NEPAL, TIBET, SIKKIM, PAKISTAN, & BHUTAN. Scheduled treks & tours
with USA
leader of 33 Sierra Club Himalayan trips. From $400. Custom itineraries.
Off-the-beaten track areas. Environmentally sensitive and porter friendly.
Peter Owens' Asian Treks. E-mail: peter@lotusnrg.com.np Phone:
(800)223-1813 or (510)222-5307. Website: www.instantweb.com/p/peterowens
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, Baja Mexico, Spain and
the
Oregon Coast.. For more details call toll free - 1-888-4-wow-fun or e-mail
us at: wowadventure@earthlink.net, http://www.wowadventure.com
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
Avia Travel. Competitive fares to Asia, especially Nepal, Pakistan, and
Thailand though major consolidators. Established since 1987, recommended
by
Lonely Planet as "reliable source" for discounted fares. Customized
land
packages into Asia and small group adventures. Call (800) 950 2842 or
(415)536-4155; avia@avia.com, http://www.avia.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, http://www.himalayantrekking.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
*********************************************************
VOLUNTEER/STUDY ABROAD
Himalayan Study-Abroad Program. Applications now being accepted for 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
Volunteer Nepal Himalaya offers participants a unique opportunity to
volunteer in Sherpa villages in the Himalayas, near Mt. Everest.
Participants spend the first ten days doing an orientation in Nepali
language and culture. Volunteers then fly to Lukla, the gateway to the
Khumbu (Everest) region of Nepal, and teach English in a Sherpa school.
Accommodations are with local families. While not teaching, participants
work on community service projects or explore the endless trails and
villages of the Khumbu region. Upcoming programs in Feb-April 2000, Sept-Nov
2000, and Feb-April 2001. For more information, please contact the Himalayan
Explorers Club at info@mountainexplorers.org or call (303) 998-0101.
The Nepal Volunteer Handbook offers potential volunteers everything they
will need to know about volunteering in Nepal, including a personal skills
assessment, background on the history of foreign assistance in Nepal,
tips
for ensuring a worthwhile experience, and information on over 50 volunteer
leads. The Handbook sells for $20 and is available through the Himalayan
Explorers Club. For more information please contact the HEC at (303)998-0101
or e-mail info@mountainexplorers.org
The Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) is again looking
for
experienced volunteer English teachers to teach Basic English and advance
Language Course for trekking industry and lodge owners staff. These courses
will help to provide a solid foundation in spoken English to trekking
sirdars, sherpas, cooks, and kitchen staff with an emphasis on
trekking-related vocabulary. In addition to English instruction, four
Sunday
workshops will provide presentations and practical demonstrations by experts
on acute mountain sickness, eco-trekking, first aid, and food handling
etc.
For more information and registration, please contact: PT Sherpa"Kerung",
Executive Director KEEP, tour@keep.wlink.com.np
The HEC has learned that there is an opening for an experienced English
(ESL) teacher in Nuwakot, Nepal. Nuwakot is an historic hill town about
3
hours from Kathmandu, near Trisuli Bazar, and offers views of the Ganesh
and
Langtang Himal to the North. The position is in the Nuwakot High School,
where the students are between 14 and 20 years old. Class size will be
about
20 students. The position is for about one year (a nontourist visa will
be
arranged), and will begin in the next few months. Room and board will
probably be provided, but candidates must pay their own airfare to Nepal.
Applicants must have experience teaching English as a second language
(ESL)
and send resumes (C.V.s) to the Himalayan Explorers Club at info@mountainexplorers.org
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