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HimalayaNet #76 (November 2000)Namaste, and welcome to the 76th edition of HimalayaNet, the online newsletter of the Himalayan Explorers Club. Thanks to members for sending us your suggestions for the new name of the Himalayan Explorers Club - we'll likely become the Himalayan Explorers in the next month or two. We'll keep everyone posted.Also, the village of Nuwakot is still looking for an experienced English teacher for a one year position. This is a great opportunity for someone with the right credentials. Please send all contributions to himalayanet@egroups.com, and remember to include your membership number if you'd like to post a message. We are also very interested in sharing any travel information or updates you may have received from other HEC members. Kathie A. Mears HimalayaNet Moderator IN THIS ISSUE: 1. TEACHING POSITION AVAILABLE IN NEPAL VILLAGE 2. PAKISTAN VISA RULES RELAXED 3. DHARMSALA HOSPITAL SEEKS DOCTOR FOR TIBETANS 4. DROKPA: PARTNERING WITH PASTORAL HIMALAYAN COMMUNITIES 5. MOUNTAIN CLIMBER FALLS, INJURED IN HOME ACCIDENT 6. KATHMANDU WORLD HERITAGE STATUS UNCERTAIN 7. ORGANIZATIONS PRESERVE UPPER MUSTANG HABITATS, CULTURE 8. PAMELA CARSON, ETC FOUNDER, LOSSES BATTLE TO CANCEL 9. SEEKING INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROJECTS 10. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TRAVEL ADVICE/COMPANIONS 10A. TRAVEL COMPANIONS TO EXPLORETHE KANGCHENJUNGA REGION 11. ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER BOOKSTORE SPONSORSHIP 12. 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 ********************************************************************** 1. TEACHING POSITION AVAILABLE IN NEPAL VILLAGE The HEC has learned that there is an opening for an experienced English (ESL) teacher in Nuwakot, Nepal. Nuwakot is a 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 non-tourist visa will be arranged), and will begin this winter. Room and board will be paid, but candidates will have to pay their own airfare to Nepal. Applicants must have experience teaching English as a second language (ESL) and send resumes to the Jane Sabin-Davis at jsd@ucinet.com. ********************************************************************** 2. PAKISTAN VISA RULES RELAXED Note: Usually new government rules take a while to get to the frontline, so I recommend that people check with the Pakistan embassy or consulate in their area before traveling to confirm that these regulations have become effective. --Ovais Ashraf, Islamabad office, HEC. Article is from the Islamabad "Daily Dawn" ISLAMABAD, Oct 26: In an effort to further soften the recently announced visa policy, the government has allowed tourists from around the world, except those from India or foreign nationals of Indian origin, to fly to Pakistan without getting prior clearance from their country's missions abroad. Mr Pasha explained that, with the exception of Indian or foreign nationals of Indian origin, all tourists would be issued 30-day landing permits at Pakistan's airport or other entry points upon their arrival. Regional passport offices can grant an entry visa up to three months on application within validity of a landing permit. Further extensions of up to three months can also be granted by these offices on application. These passport offices will also allow one or two re-entries to the tourists on application, charging a visa fee as fixed on a reciprocal basis, subject to a minimum of 10 US dollars. As announced earlier for Northern Areas, the deputy commissioner Gilgit has been authorized to allow extensions in visas and one re-entry to the tourists in NA. Ovais Ashraf ovais@comsats.net.pk ********************************************************************** 3. DHARMSALA HOSPITAL SEEKS DOCTOR FOR TIBETANS The Tibetan Delek Hospital in Dharmsala, India, has an opening for two physicians: one physician from now through March 2001 and another physician from April to July 2001. The hospital, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, has about forty beds. It deals with all non-surgical problems. Patients with tuberculosis are the single largest group. The nurses are Tibetan. All speak their own language, English and Hindi and act as translators for western doctors. The doctors are a mixture of Tibetans trained in the Indian medical system and western volunteers. Their numbers vary but four is usual. Western doctors work there for a minimum of six months. About 70% of the patients are Tibetan, the rest are local Indian people or western tourists. The TB program is complex, well documented and integrated with the Indian national protocols. The hospital runs field trips to surrounding Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh whose day to day needs are met by basically trained health workers. These trips are immensely rewarding for volunteers, both culturally and medically. There is no pay. A room and basic food (basic Tibetan food is quite basic) are provided free of charge at the hospital. All other expenses are the volunteer's responsibility. £1500 covers the lot for six months. Several volunteers have said that this was the best six months of their lives. The opportunity to work with two ancient cultures, both extraordinarily different from our own, and practice a high standard of medicine without constantly tripping over cables and tubes, is a rare privilege. Contact: Dr. Alan Munro alan.munro@virgin.net or the hospital at: delek@nde.vsnl.net.in More information is available at: http://www.inverness-pgmc.demon.co.uk/Dharamsala.htm ********************************************************************** 4. DROKPA: PARTNERING WITH PASTORAL HIMALAYAN COMMUNITIES DROKPA means "nomad" in Tibetan. It is also a new 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that partners with pastoral communities in the Himalaya to implement creative and effective community health and environmental initiatives. DROKPA introduces appropriate technologies, provides vocational training, and fosters scientific, cultural and educational alliances between indigenous and western systems of knowledge. DROKPA works with ethnically Tibetan pastoralists in remote and mountainous regions of the Nepal Himalaya, where few economic opportunities exist and the subsistence base is extremely marginal. In these high altitude communities, food demand outstrips agricultural production and fuel sources are incredibly scarce. Consequently, men spend months away from home laboring and women and children spend hours each day collecting what little fuel is available in these harsh climes - animal dung and thorny shrubs. Moreover, government services - including schools and health posts - are virtually non-existent. DROKPA is implementing an alternative energy project in the Dolpo region and supports traditional medical systems in the Himalayan region. DROKPA is seeking matching funds to help these traditional Tibetan medicine institutions through institution building, strategic planning, and sponsorship for students of Tibetan medicine. Funds will strengthen local health care delivery systems by helping to: support a traditional medical school; establish medicinal plant nurseries and regional pharmacies; provide Himalayan physicians (amchi) with ongoing professional training in the form of conferences, workshops, and publications; and coordinate training and collaboration between amchi and biomedical health care practitioners. DROKPA 98 Main Street P.O. Box 303 Tiburon, CA 94920 (607) 277 5985 [phone & fax] nomad@drokpa.org [email] Ken Bauer, President Sienna Craig, Chief Executive Officer ********************************************************************** 5. MOUNTAIN CLIMBER FALLS, INJURED IN HOME ACCIDENT LJUBLJANA (Reuters) - Slovenia's top climber survived the first solo ascent of the world's seventh highest mountain unscathed, but he broke both legs and sustained heavy internal hemorrhaging after falling into a three-meter (yards) deep hole in his house, which is under construction. Tomaz Humar last year pulled off a mountaineering feat hitherto considered impossible - a solo ascent of the southern face of the 8,167-meter (26,795 feet) Dhaulagiri in the Nepalese Himalayas. But the house proved more than a challenge for the 31-year-old. "The patient is feeling well and will stay in hospital another 10 days, but full recovery might take several months," Anton Praprotnik, who operated on Humar for six hours, told Reuters. ********************************************************************** 6. KATHMANDU WORLD HERITAGE STATUS UNCERTAIN Subject: UN Wire: World Heritage Status of Kathmandu Valley From UN Wire, Monday, 25 September 2000 A high-level UNESCO delegation arrived in Nepal yesterday to begin an inspection of a World Heritage site threatened by uncontrolled development (BBC Online, 24 Sep). The Kathmandu Valley, which includes Hindu and Buddhist temples and religious centers as well as three royal palaces, has been described by UNESCO as showcasing "Nepalese art at its height." Yet rapid social and economic development have posed problems for the management and preservation of the site since it was added to the UNESCO list in 1979. "The major problems are the demolition of privately owned traditional buildings and construction of houses without approval from the municipalities and Department of Archaeology," said Keshav Raj Jha, Nepal's permanent delegate to UNESCO. UNESCO has warned Nepal since 1993 to comply with a series of guidelines on how to preserve the area or face possible removal from the list of World Heritage sites (Agence France-Presse, 24 Sep). The delegation will recommend to the World Heritage Committee whether Kathmandu Valley should remain on the list or be reclassified as an endangered site (BBC Online). Links: BBC Online: Crunch time for Nepal heritage valley http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/south_asia/newsid_939000/939670.htm UNESCO: Kathmandu Valley http://www.unesco.org/whc/sites/121.htm Re-posted to the Mountain Forum with permission from UN Wire, Wednesday, 20 September 2000: ********************************************************************** 7. ORGANIZATIONS PRESERVE UPPER MUSTANG HABITATS, CULTURE Three international organizations have joined Nepal to preserve habitats and culture in the Upper Mustang area of northwest Nepal. The UN Development Program, the Global Environment Facility and American Himalayan Fund each contributed to the $2.2 million project. The program aims to integrate indigenous pastoral knowledge into Nepal's natural resource management plan. It also seeks to provide a better understanding of the area's resources and wildlife, and promote the positive affects of the tourism industry. A long-term goal of the project is to foster sustainable biodiversity conservation by including the active participation of local people, monasteries and government officials in conservation planning (UNDP release, 18 Sep). Upper Mustang's high-altitude rangelands are home to several endangered animal and plant species, including the snow leopard. Besides conservation, the three-year program also aims to preserve the area's Buddhist cultural heritage. A Buddhist historical site in Upper Mustang is being considered for nomination as a World Heritage site (UNDP Newsfront, 19Sep). ********************************************************************** 8. PAMELA CARSON, ETC FOUNDER, LOSSES BATTLE TO CANCEL On October 6, 2000, Educate the Children lost its founder and former Executive Director, Pamela Carson, after a three-year battle with stomach cancer. To the very end of her life, despite the seriousness of her illness, Pamela remained a tireless supporter of ETC and its mission. We will miss her tremendous energy and commitment, which built ETC from a one-woman operation in her living room into a viable, high-quality international development organization. Memorial services were held in Ithaca, New York, Kathmandu, Nepal, and at Sogenji Temple in Okayama, Japan. One thousand thirty butter lamps were lit for Pamela at Swayambhu monastery in Nepal, and 30 monks chanted for the peace of her soul. Pamela and her family have requested that donations in her memory be made to the founder's memorial Fund we have established at ETC. This fund will be used to support the continuation of ETC's work in Pamela's honor and memory. Contact ETC at info@etc-nepal.org ********************************************************************** 9. SEEKING INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROJECTS I am studying Sustainable International Development for my master's degree here at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. Part of my study is a nine-month internship in a developing country. For my internship, I would like to work in the area of appropriate technology, more specifically sustainable energy in villages in the Himalayas. My research to date has focused on solar and biogas implementation projects. I am trying to locate some NGO's in Nepal who may support internships in Appropriate Technology. I would appreciate any information. Matthew J. Arner Sustainable International Development Program Brandeis University Waltham, Massachusetts, USA arner@brandeis.edu 617-489-4579 ********************************************************************** 10. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TRAVEL ADVICE/COMPANIONS 10A. SEEKS TRAVEL COMPANIONS TOEXPLORETHE KANGCHENJUNGA REGION Looking for anyone interested in exploring the Kangchenjunga region. The trip will be flexible. You are welcome to join for all or part. We will journey up the Lhonak glacier towards Tibet. There will be a chance to bag one or two unexplored +6000 meter peaks. The trip will be from 26 March until 11 May of 2001. Please contact me if you are interested. Dave Haun davehaun@exploringearth.com ********************************************************************** 11. ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER BOOKSTORE SPONSORSHIP This newsletter is sponsored in part by http://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 November 5, 2000) GUIDES ARUN TREKS & EXPEDITIONS specializes in treks, climbs and mountaineering expeditions in the high Himalaya. Top western and local guides. Small groups ensure high quality, superior personal service. Customized itineraries and group discounts available. Please contact us for further information. Phone: (888) 495-8735 Email: aruntrek@onr.com Web: http://www.aruntreks.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 October 2000 and March 2001, info@mountainexplorers.org or call (303) 998-0101. All trips also include an excursion "off the beaten path" to Sewangma, where Pemba grew up and the location of the HEC Bridge Project in November 2000. 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 A HIMALAYA CLIMB with Daniel Mazur. Inexpensive, well organised. 7000 and 8000 metre peaks. Beginner and expert routes. tel: 406-363-7747, email: himalaya_inc@cybernet1.com, 2 WEBSITES: www.shishapangma.com & www.nojintangla.com Discover the Himalaya with local expert Pemba Sherpa. With over 14 years of experience, HEC trip coordinator Pemba and his international guide team offer trekking, climbing, and cultural journeys to Nepal, Tibet, and Ladakh. Proceeds also go to support the HEC school and bridge projects in Nepal. For free brochure contact: SHERPA ASCENT INTERNATIONAL Phone: (888) 568-8924 E-mail: pemba@sherpaascent.com Web: http://www.sherpaascent.com NEPAL, TIBET, SIKKIM, PAKISTAN, & BHUTAN. Scheduled treks & tours with USA leader of 33 Sierra Club Himalayan trips. From $425. Custom itineraries. Off-the-beaten track areas. Environmentally sensitive and porter friendly. Peter Owens' Asian Treks. E-mail: petertrek@worldnet.att.net 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 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 Email us at: himalayas@ticketplanet.com ********************************************************************** VOLUNTEER/STUDY ABROAD Volunteer Nepal Himalaya offers participants a unique opportunity to teach English in Sherpa villages in the Himalayas, near Mt. Everest. 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. 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. Contact the HEC at (303) 998-0101 or info@mountainexplorers.org The Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) is looking for experienced volunteer English teachers to teach English and educational workshops for sirdars, sherpas, cooks, and kitchen staff. For more information please contact: PT Sherpa"Kerung", Executive Director KEEP tour@keep.wlink.com.np ********************************************************************** HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET To cancel your subscription to HimalayaNet, e-mail a blank message to himalayanet-unsubscribe@egroups.com ********************************************************************** HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET To subscribe to HimalayaNet, e-mail a blank message to himalayanet-subscribe@egroups.com ********************************************************************** HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYANET (1) Send your HimalayaNet postings to himalayanet@egroups.com. Be sure to include your membership number in your E-mail. Only members can post on HimalayaNet. If you've lost your membership card, E-mail the HEC at info@mountainexplorers.org. (2) Put your E-mail 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 (himalayanet@egroups.com) a summary if the topic is of general interest so it can be sent it out to all subscribers in the next issue. ********************************************************************** HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION The Himalayan Explorers Club (HEC) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to promote a better understanding of and respect for the environment and culture of the Himalayan Region. Members can receive e-mail, postal mail, and faxes, store luggage, and browse through trip reports at our Clubhouses in Kathmandu and Islamabad, Pakistan. In addition, members receive discounts with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and travel agents. Members also receive our hardcopy newsletter, Himalayan News. For more information about the HEC please visit our Web page at: http://www.mountainexplorers.org/, or contact us at: Himalayan Explorers Club PO Box 3665 Boulder, CO 80307 Phone: (303)998-0101 Fax: (303)998-1007 mailto:info@mountainexplorers.org |
