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HimalayaNet #89 (December 2001)As many of you have likely heard by now, the Maoists of Nepal have launched an aggressive new offensive following the collapse of talks with the government last month. The attacks have led the Nepalese government to declare a state of emergency and the U.S. State Department to issue a travel advisory.This normally joyous season, therefore, is now tainted with fear and uncertainty for many in Nepal, particularly those that depend on tourism to earn their livelihood. For all our readers we wish for the return of peace for this holiday season and the upcoming year. Thanks again for your support, Scott Dimetrosky Executive Director, HEC IN THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS 1. MAOIST REBELS LAUNCH NEW OFFENSIVE IN NEPAL 2. TEXT OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRAVEL WARNING FOR NEPAL 3. PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF RECENT TRAVEL IN KHUMBU REGION 4. RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE FROM NEPAL TOURISM BOARD 5. PERSONAL UPDATE ON TRAVEL TO PAKISTAN 6. TEXT OF U.S. TRAVEL WARNING FOR PAKISTAN HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CONNECTION UPDATES 7. PORTER ASSISTANCE PROJECT: THANKS FOR CONTINUED DONATIONS 8. VOLUNTEER NEPAL HIMALAYA UPDATE 9. JOIN THE HEC KHUMBU REFORESTATION PROJECT 10.HELP SUPPORT THE HEC THROUGH YOUR INTERNET SERVICE MONTHLY FEATURES 11. INTERNET CONNECTION: WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB (WELCOME NEPAL.COM) 12. DID YOU KNOW? THE MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS OF NEPAL MEMBER POSTINGS 13A. LOOKING FOR NEPALI-ENGLISH OR SHERPA-ENGLISH LANGUAGE TAPES 13B. LOOKING FOR TREKKING PARTNERS FOR SUMMER 2002 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYNET HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ********************************************************************** LOCAL NEWS ********************************************************************** 1. MAOIST REBELS LAUNCH NEW OFFENSIVE IN NEPAL The Maoist rebels of Nepal stepped up attacks against the Nepalese government on November 25, 2002, with the bloodiest outbreak of violence in a six-year communist insurgency. According to reports, more than 40 policemen, seven soldiers and at least 70 Maoists were killed in a nighttime attack at Salleri, district headquarters of Solu. After the attacks by Maoist rebels Nepal's constitutional monarch, King Gyanendra, met with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and declared a state of emergency, suspending most civil liberties and authorizing the 50,000-man army to join the police in battling the five-year old insurgency. The government also declared the Maoists terrorists. The government of Nepal has also asked India for helicopters and ammunition to fight the Maoist rebellion. A spokeswoman for India's Ministry of External Affairs said India's prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, had assured King Gyanendra, "that India was ready to extend whatever assistance was required." The World Reaction The United States asked Maoists fighting for a communist state in Nepal to lay down their arms and pursue peace talks with the government, an official American government statement said. "The Government of the United States of America condemns recent Maoist attacks, and we call upon the Nepal Communist Party (Maoists) activists to lay down their arms and pursue their goals peacefully, within the democratic framework established by Nepal's constitution," the statement released by the U.S. embassy said. The heads of mission of the European Union in Kathmandu "regretted" the escalation of Maoist violence as the United States firmly condemned the Maoists attacks. "It is with very deep regret that the EU heads of mission have observed the major violent attacks against the government of Nepal and its security officials as well as against infrastructural targets, on a carefully planned and systematic basis across various parts of Nepal since 23 November," the statement said. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said he was deeply concerned with the flare-up in Nepal and regretted the breakdown of talks between the government and rebels to negotiate a peace. Annan "regrets that the insurgents abandoned peace talks with the government that started last August," his spokesman Fred Eckhard said in New York. Maoist Reaction Maoist rebels answered the government's decision to mobilize the army against them with another attack on a police post, killing four policemen and wounding six others about 250 miles west of the capital, Katmandu. On November 29, 2001 Maoist rebels attacked a Coca-Cola factory today on the outskirts of Katmandu. The rebels planted two bombs at the site, causing some damage to the factory. No one was killed or wounded, officials said. Gunmen also robbed and shot dead a security guard from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal's capital, Katmandu. The guard was killed near the compound of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), about five miles from the embassy. Reports of skirmishes continue to be reported, but a news "blackout" has limited the details and accuracy of these reports. ********************************************************************** 2. TEXT OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRAVEL WARNING FOR NEPAL Nepal Public Announcement U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman December 4, 2001 The Department of State warns Americans to defer travel to Nepal. Americans in Nepal are urged to avoid travel outside the Kathmandu Valley, particularly by road. Violence by Maoist insurgents and fighting between Maoists and the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) has escalated in many parts of Nepal since the end of the cease-fire on November 23. Apparently in preparation for a bandh, or general strike, called for December 7, Maoists planted several bombs in various locations in Kathmandu on December 3. One of these bombs exploded in a carpet showroom frequented by tourists in Jawalakhel, resulting in several casualties. Maoists have thrown petrol bombs on vehicles of Government officials. Improvised bombs were found attached to Maoist banners in Kathmandu City near Thamel, where the highest number of tourists is located, and on a bridge in Lalitpur. There is the possibility for further intimidation by Maoists leading up to the December 7 bandh within and outside Kathmandu. Outside the Kathmandu Valley, the situation is tense and uncertain. Fighting between Maoists and the RNA is underway near some traditional tourist areas. Among several incidents, RNA personnel were attacked on the main road from Kathmandu to Tibet along the Bhote Koshi River, a popular rafting destination. A battle occurred in the Solu Khumbu region near portions of the Everest trek. In the tourist center of Pokhara, a small bomb exploded at a municipal office on the night of November 23. Because of multiple military operations in areas that have not typically seen Maoist violence in the past, the potential for violence anywhere, even in traditional tourist areas, cannot be ruled out. The potential exists for Americans to be inadvertently caught up in the violence. The security situation in various parts of Nepal may change at a moment's notice. Due to the state of emergency declared on November 26, communications and in-country air travel essential for medical evacuations may be disrupted. At this time, the U.S. Embassy has restricted all non-essential travel outside the Kathmandu Valley by official Americans. Given the Maoist call for a general strike on December 7, American citizens in Nepal are urged to exercise special caution from sunset December 6 until late evening December 7 and to avoid nighttime travel on both dates. Americans should closely monitor the Department's website at http://travel.state.gov. For further information on travel to Nepal, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet on Nepal at our website and the American Embassy in Nepal's home page at http://www.south-asia.com/USA. Americans living in or visiting Nepal are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nepal and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Nepal. The U.S. Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) (1) 411179; fax (977) (1) 419963. U.S. citizens may also register by e-mail by accessing the Embassy's home page. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement for Nepal dated November 27 to update the security situation and expires March 2, 2002. See http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department Travel Warnings ********************************************************************** 3. PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF RECENT TRAVEL IN KHUMBU REGION Denver, Colorado December 19, 2001 I arrived in Kathmandu 17 November and stayed in the heart of Thamel at the Kathmandu Guest House. With all the hype about the Maoist activity, Kathmandu seem fairly normal. However, it was very evident that the number of tourists were down from prior visits around the same time of year. Most shop owner friends of mine indicated that this had been a very quite fall season. The closest we came to Maoist activity was on our way to Lukla. Friday, 23 November we attempted to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla but were unable to land at Lukla due to fog so we were diverted to Phaplu. Phaplu is about a two day walk from Lukla or about 8 minutes by plane. We spent the night a Phaplu and left early Saturday morning On Sunday afternoon the Maoists attacked the Phaplu air field and destroyed the tower, apparently there were causalities on both sides but no tourists were involved. Later, we met a woman who was trekking from Jiri to Namche. She reported that one night she was staying in a teahouse that was filled with Maoists (likely on their way to Salleri). She stated that the Maoists did not threaten her or even ask her for money. As for trekking (November 24 to December 10) from Lukla to Kala Pattar with side trips to Thame and Khumjung I felt totally safe. There was some concern about the Maoist activity expressed by other trekkers but to my knowledge it was only concern. Every evening there was a radio tuned into the BBC and we would get bits and pieces of information about what was happening in the Kingdom. On the return trip to Namche around 8 December, there was a 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew which was strictly enforced. The Army has a Post on the outskirts of Namche and one could hear the sounds of automatic gun fire as they were "practicing." But I never saw any Army types in Namche proper. There did seem to be a lot of Army helicopter traffic around the Syangboche airstrip. At Lukla the planes kept arriving, weather permitting, and so did the trekkers. The new and improved Lukla Airport is really special. Most of the people I met along the trail expressed how safe they felt and thought the Maoist activity was blown out of proportion for the Everest Region. For other parts of the Kingdom the warnings and concerns may have been more in line. In the 1 1/2 days I spent in Lukla I did not see any Army types or for that matter a gun. Would I go back to Nepal? If I had the time I would have left yesterday. There was not one time I felt threaten or concerned about my safety either on the trek or in Kathmandu. The news always sounds worst when you're not there. Namaste, Joe Bozzuto, mabubu@ix.netcom.com ********************************************************************** 4. RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE FROM NEPAL TOURISM BOARD Press-Release: Nepal Today (Nepal Tourism Board) 27 November, 2001 In the aftermath of violence in certain parts of the Kingdom like Dang, Syangja, Solukhumbu a state of emergency has been declared in Nepal as of 26th November 2001. It is expected that security will be further beefed up and better situation of law and order will prevail in Nepal. Despite the common perception that the word "Emergency" conveys to the casual observer, visitors to Nepal can experience near normalcy in most of the prominent tourist destinations within the country. Emergency in the present context refers to a temporary suspension of political activities by various parties, and more of a preventive measure. It is pertinent to note here the opinion of the British Government as mentioned In the travel advisory issued on the 26th of November: "... and we (do) not believe that tourists or, tourist destinations are yet under threat"..."trekkers must remain on established routes, in groups and with reputed trekking agencies". Such statements emphasize the fact that travel to and within Nepal is still relatively a safe and enjoyable experience provided minimum caution is exercised. In addition, it would help the authorities to maintain better safety through extra security measures. However, we would like to advise tourists to preferably use the services of registered and reputed travel/trekking companies and use registered hotels. Tour operators and trekking personnel affirm that holidays in Nepal, in Kathmandu or most areas, are as safe as always. All airlines and airports are operating normally. It is especially important to also note that tourists have never been the target of any violence, ever. The Nepal Tourism Board will be posting updates on its website www.welcomenepal.com on a daily basis under the heading "Nepal Today' in its home page. All concerned are requested to go to the site or send email to concerned service providers or to the NTB, should there be any further queries. ********************************************************************** 5. PERSONAL UPDATE ON TRAVEL TO PAKISTAN A lot has happened since I sent my last update (Oct. 30, 01) on traveling to Pakistan. The war in Afghanistan is literally over, along with the downfall of Taliban and religious extremism in the region. For people in Pakistan, the daily life was never affected by the war and business went on as usual. At start of the crisis, all foreign embassies evacuated their non-essential staff and families. Most European embassies have now given a go ahead for everyone to return. The American embassy is also supposed to be considering allowing families to return. If anyone is not back, it is because of the Christmas break. Not only are these foreigners coming back, a whole new slew of UN and new NGO staff is coming in the country to work on the Afghanistan crisis. The war in Afghanistan had some unexpected positive affects for Pakistan. For many years the Government of Pakistan and people were afraid to challenge the religious extremists because nobody knew their power. Everyone assumed that they had enormous "street power." This episode, however, has led the government to now go after the extremists or terrorists of Pakistan, which is expected to improve the overall "law and order" of our country. Although the anti-US sentiments were initially high because of the bombing of innocent Afgan civilians, the fate of Afghanistan has been accepted by most in Pakistan as something that the Taliban brought on to their own country. Afghanistan also provided a haven for many accused of terrorist activities in Pakistan. In the past, the Government of Pakistan had failed to convince Taliban government to extradite them back to Pakistan. Now many of them have either perished with the Taliban or have been apprehended. In my last update, I advised people who were planning to visit Pakistan to delay their visit until the "dust settles." I am happy to say that the "dust has almost settled." The campaign in Afghanistan is still on but for all practical purposes life has returned to normal in Pakistan. In my opinion, travelers should feel safe to proceed with their plans to visit Pakistan. Please feel free to contact the HEC clubhouse in Islamabad if anyone needs any assistance regarding their travel to Pakistan. Ovais Ashraf Islamabad Ovais Ashraf, hec@trivor.com.pk October 30, 2001 HEC Clubhouse Islamabad, Pakistan ********************************************************************** 6. TEXT OF U.S. TRAVEL WARNING FOR PAKISTAN Despite Ovais' sense that Pakistan has returned to normal the U.S. Department of State continues to issue a warning: "December 13, 2001: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Pakistan. In neighboring Afghanistan, U.S. forces are engaged in military action against the remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist al-Qaida network, including international terrorist Usama bin Laden. While the Government of Pakistan has expressed its full support for the international campaign against terrorism, some public sympathy and support for the former Taliban regime, as well as for bin Laden, still exist in Pakistan, and the presence of indigenous sectarian and militant groups in Pakistan requires that all Americans in or traveling through Pakistan take appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness. Events in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence.... All American citizens in Pakistan are urged to consider their personal security situations and to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well being, including consideration of departure from the country. Consulates in Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad remain available for emergency services to American citizens on a limited basis. However, from time to time, the missions in Pakistan have and will continue to temporarily close or suspend public services as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy. The U.S. Embassy also urges all American citizens to defer travel to the tribal areas of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province until further notice. The Government of Pakistan requires all citizens of countries other than Pakistan and Afghanistan to obtain permission from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department prior to visiting these tribal areas which lie outside the normal jurisdiction of the Government of Pakistan." For the full text of the travel warning visit http://travel.state.gov ********************************************************************** HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CONNECTION UPDATES ********************************************************************** 7. PORTER ASSISTANCE PROJECT: THANKS FOR CONTINUED DONATIONS It's now the end of 2001 and it time to reflect and send thanks to the many people that have helped make HEC programs possible. The Himalayan Explorers Connection Porter Assistance Project has grown since its inception in the spring of 2000; one element of the project is to provide clothing to porters. Since the program started we have received nearly 4,000 lbs. of donations and have outfitted over 700 porters with high quality outdoor equipment. This clothing comes from donations from companies and individuals. HEC would like to thank the following companies that made the clothing-lending program possible. These companies share the same believe that taking care of porters is the responsibility of all of us. So please support these companies when it's time to purchase your next new outdoor product or deciding to visit a ski resort. It's your support that allows them to continue to help the HEC Porter Assistance Project. Cagoule Fleece -- www.cagoulefleece.com/home.html Leki USA - www.leki.com Montrail - www.montrail.com Mountain Gear -- www.mgear.com Outdoor Products -- www.outdoorproducts.com Patagonia (Dillon, Maine) -- www.patagonia.com Rollens Sunglasses -- www.rollens.com Sierra Designs - www.sierradesigns.com The North Face (Corporate and Boulder, CO) - www.thenorthface.com Tres Gatos Trading Company Wyoming Wear - www.wyomingwear.com Big Sky Resort - www.bigskyresort.com Breckenridge Ski School - www.breckenridge.com Mammoth Mountain Ski School - www.mammothmountain.com Thredbo Ski School (Australia) -www.thredbo.com.au Telluride Ski School -- www.tellurideskiresort.com Vail Ski School - www.vail.com Banff Mountain Film Festival - www.banfcentre.ca/cmc/about_film.html Outdoor Retailer Magazine - www.outdoorretailer.com Island School (Hong Kong) - www.island.edu.hk Union Elementary School (Vermont) -- mps.k12.vt.us/ues/uesindex.html Jon Krakauer Memorial Fund -- www.commfound.org/grants/everest.html We wish to also thank all the individuals (to many to name) who have donated clothing, provided funding, carried an extra bag to Nepal, and have volunteered their time to the project. Thank You! The HEC Porter Assistance Project works in partnership with Porters' Progress (an initiative of the HEC and Nepalese registered NGO) and the International Porter Protection Group. Thanks to all that helped this year. For more info about the HEC Porter Assistance Project and all HEC projects go to www.mountainexplorers.org. If you would like to contribute to the program please contact Ken Stober, HEC Development Director at ken@mountainexplorers.org ********************************************************************** 8. VOLUNTEER NEPAL HIMALAYA UPDATE The fall 2001 VNH teaching program just ended, and the volunteers are all returning to the U.S. The culture shock of returning to the U.S. is never easy! One volunteer reports: "I had the best journeys of my life during this program. I made new family members that I will visit again as often as I can in my life. I taught the best, most beautiful children in the world. I became part of a culture without expecting it to conform to my desires and was rewarded by its inherent kindness. My advice to future participants is to go to sleep with the family, wake up with the family, try out some farming (your height should be handy with the apples), drive Zupkyas from time to time, lose the toilet paper, see how the namlo feels, and generally forget whatever the heck you are back home. I've been spending the last couple of weeks re-assimilating into American culture (which is made even more difficult with the stuff that happened while we were away). I don't think I'll ever make it back to being a total American again. " If the political situation allows we still plan on running the spring 2002 program, which begins February 1, 2002. If you are interested please contact us soon. Jane Sabin-Davis, jsd@ucinet.com ********************************************************************** 9.JOIN THE HEC KHUMBU REFORESTATION PROJECT The HEC, Manaca.com, and the Everest Foundation are teaming up to help a local community forestry group plant 20,000 trees in the Khumbu region in Nepal. The 16 day trip departs from the U.S. on April 20, 2002, and includes six days working side-by-side with a local community forestry group to collect soil, prepare the soil, and plant the saplings. There is also an optional six day extension to the Tengboche Monastery. For more information please contact us at info@mountainexplorers.org or visit http://www.mountainexplorers.org/club/reforestation.htm or www.manaca.com ********************************************************************** 10. HELP SUPPORT THE HIMALAYAN EXPLORER'S CONNECTION THROUGH YOUR INTERNET SERVICE! Inertion.com is working with the HEC to provide high quality, low cost Internet access to the organization's supporters through the MCI and AT&T networks. 10% of all proceeds are donated to the HEC, or to the non-profit of the your choice. The service is value priced at just $17.95 per month (25% less than AOL) for unlimited access to the Internet and email, with no set-up fees. This is a great time to get on the Net, or if you already have Internet service, why not switch and let your monthly dollars make a difference for something you care about. Worried about changing your email? Our partner service re-route (www.re-route.com) makes that a painless process and helps you notify your current contacts of the change. We hope you'll take this opportunity to make a difference by joining the Inertion family. To sign up or find out more, visit us at www.inertion.com or call 1-866-446-3784 toll free to request your startup CD. Thanks for helping to make a difference. ********************************************************************** MONTHLY FEATURES ********************************************************************** 11. INTERNET CONNECTION: WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB (WELCOME NEPAL.COM) Visit www.welcomenepal.com for geographic, cultural, and general travel information about Nepal. Produced by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Also an excellent resource for information on Nepal holidays. Note: Stan Armington, author of the Lonely Planet:Bhutan guidebook, informed us that the Bhutan statistics on the November 2001 HimalayaNet featured Web site were not verified from a reputable source and were most likely fictitious. We apologize for this oversight. 12. DID YOU KNOW? THE MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS OF NEPAL The Northern Himalayan People In the northern region of high Himalayas, the Tibetan speaking, the Sherpas, the Dolpas, the Lopas, the Baragaonlis, the Manangis live in different settlements scattered along the country. The Sherpas are mainly confined in the east in the Solu and Khumbu region. The Baragaonlis and the Lopas live in the semi- deserted area of the upper and lower Mustang in the part of the Tibetan plateau in the rain shadow area; the Managis in the Manang district and the adajcent areas; and the Dolpas in the highest settlements on the earth in the Dolpa district of Nepal ( in the west) at an altitude of above 4000 m. The Middle Hills and Valley People In the middle hills and valleys, there coexists numerous ethnic groups. Among them are the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of Brahmans and Chhetris. The Brahmans and Chhetris have long dominance in all pervading social, religious and political realms. There are also some occupational castes e.g. the Damai ( tailor), Sarki ( Cobbler), Kami (Blacksmith) and Sunar (Goldsmiths). Though, there exists numerous dialects, the language of unification is the national language, Nepali, an Indo- Aryan language. Ethnic Diversity in the Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu Valley represents a culture cauldron of the country. The people from different stereotypes, come together, presents traveller a unique melting pot of cultures. Kathmandu is predominantly inhabited by the Newars. These people have managed to integrate both Hinduism and Buddhism to such an exceptional extent that their culture has developed into a unique one. Today many Newars are traders. Newar families , who had resided in the valley for centuries , had also travelled across the country to develop trade. The Terai People The main ethnic groups in Terai region include the Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, Majhi and other populace which have roots in India. They speak different north Indian dialects - Maithili, Bhojpuri etc. The fertile plain of Terai, generally known as "grainary of Nepal" has great agricultural value. Most of the inhabitants live on agriculture. There are , however, some occupational castes e.g. Majhi ( Fisherman), Kumhal (Potter) and Danuwar (Cart Driver). ********************************************************************** MEMBER POSTINGS ********************************************************************** 13A. LOOKING FOR NEPALI-ENGLISH OR SHERPA-ENGLISH LANGUAGE TAPES Our Sherpa friends have recently moved to the U.S. (we are now in the process of getting their kids over as well). Does anyone know of any Nepali-English or Sherpa-English language tapes or books that exist, to help them learn English? We are also looking for books to teach them reading and writing skills as well. Gordon Janow, gjanow@alpineascents.com 13B. LOOKING FOR TREKKING PARTNERS FOR SUMMER 2002 I am looking for trekking partners to join me in the Himalaya for 2-4 weeks in early spring or summer of 2002. My preference would be a camping trip to Annapurna, Everest, or Tibet. I could even could venture into less beaten trails. My goal is to have: more interaction with Nepalis & their culture, above average adventures, and a good team. I will likely also volunteer in Nepal. Samy Aly, aly_sami@hotmail.com ********************************************************************** CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION (UPDATED NOVEMBER 2001) ********************************************************************** ARUN TREKS & EXPEDITIONS. Personal Service. Good Value. Great Times. Trekking, Climbing, Mountaineering, Horseback & Overland Touring. Asia, Africa, S.America, Europe. Customized itineraries and group discounts available. Please contact us for further information. Phone: 888-495-8735 or 512-407-8314 info@aruntreks.com http://www.aruntreks.com EARTHBOUND EXPEDITIONS - Himalayan Adventure Travel. Join us for small group, eco-friendly, impeccably planned treks, tours, climbing, and guide services to the Himalaya, from the high peaks to the lowland jungles. Special SPRING trips to Mustang and Mera Peak. Phone: 716-317-4964 www.trekthehimalaya.com damian@trekthehimalaya.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 adventur@mos.com.np Join the Himalayan Explorers Connection in the Himalayas! In March 2002 Pemba Sherpa leads Everest trek with Island Peak. The trip include an excursion "off the beaten path" to Sewangma, where Pemba grew up and the location of the HEC Bridge Project, and to the Sano-Gomela School project. Phone: 303-998-0101. info@mountainexplorers.org A HIMALAYA, AFRICA, ACONCAGUA INEXPENSIVE climb with Daniel Mazur. Amadablam, Kangchenjunga, 7000m snowpeaks, EVEREST, Cho-oyu, Manaslu, KILIMANJARO-TREK, Kenya rock climb Phone: 206-329-4107 summitclimb@earthlink.net www.summitclimb.com Ladakh, India; captivatingly beautiful mountain desert-scapes and Tibetan nomads. Kanchenjunga, Nepal; huge rewards for the intrepid, classic trekking as good as it gets. Everest with Jamie McGuinness, who wrote the guide book to it...Wild treks, but as fun as they come. http://www.project-himalaya.com NEPAL, SIKKIM, BHUTAN & TIBET. Scheduled treks & tours with USA leader of 33 Sierra Club Himalayan trips. From $425. Custom itineraries too. Off-the-beaten track areas. Environmentally sensitive and porter friendly. Peter Owens' Asian Treks. Phone: 800-223-1813 or 510-222-5307 petertrek@worldnet.att.net http://www.instantweb.com/p/peterowens Discover the Himalayas with local expert Pemba Sherpa at Sherpa Ascent International. Cho Oyo expedition September 2002, two spot left. Ama Dablam and Island peak climb in March and October 2002. Around Annapurna trek and more. Proceeds also support HEC projects. Phone: 888-568-8924 pemba@sherpaascent.com www.sherpaascent.com World of Wonder Adventures, Inc. - The adventure travel specialists that personally take you to the places you've always wanted to go, to do the things you have always wanted to do. Visit our website at http://www.wowadventure.com for upcoming adventures including Everest Base Camp and Mt Kilimanjaro - Africa. 888-4-WOW-FUN wowadventure@earthlink.net ********************************************************************** 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. ********************************************************************** 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 Connection at info@mountainexplorers.org or call (303)998-0101. Bridges-PRTD now accepting applications for Fall 2002 expedition (Sep 7 - Dec 10, 2002). This study/volunteer work program focuses on tourism development in a remote valley of Nepal; includes full Everest trek, optional excursion to India. $1800 plus personal expense. Open to students and non-students. www.bridges-prtd.com or e-mail seth@bridges-prtd.com 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 ********************************************************************** HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYANET (1) Send your HimalayaNet postings to himalayanet@mountainexplorers.org 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@mountainexplorers.org) 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 CONNECTION MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION The Himalayan Explorers Connection (HEC) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to promote a better understanding of and respect for the environment and cultures of the Himalayan Region. The HEC coordinates education, assistance, and cross-cultural experiences for members, volunteers, trekkers, and Himalayan residents. Members can receive e-mail and postal mail, store luggage, use our Internet phone to call the U.S. (no cost), 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 contact us at: Himalayan Explorers Connection PO Box 3665 Boulder, CO 80307 Phone: (303)998-0101 Fax: (303)998-1007 info@mountainexplorers.org http://www.mountainexplorers.org |
