| HimalayaNet
#61 (August 15, 1999)
Namaste, and welcome to the 61st edition of
HimalayaNet, the online
newsletter of the Himalayan Explorers Club.
The HEC would like to congratulate Carrie Seitz and Scott Douglas, who
recently announced their engagement! Carrie has been working as the HEC
intern and HimalayaNet moderator, and many of you remember her from the
Clubhouse in fall 1997. Unfortunately, Carrie is now to busy to moderate
HimalayaNet, so once again we are in need of a new moderator. Please contact
us if you are interested!
Also, lots of questions below from HEC members planning trips to the
Himalayas.
And finally, thanks to Tom Fitzgerald for his editing assistance in a
past
edition of Himalayan News.
Please remember to send all contributions to himnet@hotmail.com. Please
also remember to include your membership number if you'd like to post
a
message.
Namaste!
Scott Dimetrosky
Director
Info@hec.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. LOVE AND MARRIAGE: HIMALAYANET NEEDS NEW MODERATOR!
2. HEC AWARDED GRANT FROM JON KRAKAUER'S EVEREST '96 MEMORIAL FUND
3. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TRAVELING COMPANIONS
4. FOLLOW-UP ABOUT HYRDOGEN PEROXIDE: DO NOT USE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE
5. SEEKING INFORMATION ON USE OF TINNITUS AT HIGH ALTITUDE
6. NEPAL GOVERNMENT BANS 3-WHEELERS IN KATHMANDU
7. SEEKING SUPPORT TO IMPROVE HIMALAYAN RESCUE ASSOCIATION PHERICHE POST
8. STATE DEPARTMENT WARNING FOR TRAVEL ABROAD
9. TRAVEL QUESTIONS FROM HEC MEMBERS
9A. SEEKING RECENT INFORMATION ON LADAKH
9B. BEST WAY TO GET FROM DELHI TO NEPAL?
9C. QUESTIONS ABOUT ROLWALING AND LANGTANG
9D. HOW TO BEST AVOID CROWDS AND MAXIMIZE EXPOSURE TO NEPALI CULTURE?
9E. HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THE COMPANY NEPAL VISION?
9F. BEST WAY TO GET TO POKHARA AND CHITWAN?
9G. QUESTIONS ABOUT ANNAPURNA AND MUSTANG
10. 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. LOVE AND MARRIAGE: HIMALAYANET NEEDS NEW MODERATOR!
While the HEC was thrilled to learn about the recent engagement of Carrie
Seitz, we were sorry to find out that her schedule was now too busy for
her
to moderate HimalayaNet. Planning a mountain wedding in Crested Butte,
a
remote honeymoon in Alaska, and starting a new teaching position in Golden
will keep her busy during the next year. So, we ask all Himalayan
aficionados: is anyone interested in moderating HimalayaNet? It only takes
about one hour a week, and keeps you in touch with over 2,100 Himalayan
enthusiasts throughout the world. Anyone interested, please contact the
HEC
at info@hec.org
*********************************************************
2. HEC AWARDED GRANT FROM JON KRAKAUER'S EVEREST '96 MEMORIAL FUND
The HEC would like to thank Jon Krakauer for awarding us a grant from
the
Everest '96 Memorial Fund. The fund was established with proceeds from
his
best-selling book "Into Thin Air". The HEC will use the grant
to update our
Web page and place our Nepal Volunteer Handbook online.
*********************************************************
3. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TRAVELING COMPANIONS
Looking for someone to hike the Annapurna circuit in mid to late October
for
3-3 1/2 weeks. Will be in SE ASIA prior to Nepal but I can be reached
at
ksworld2our000@hotmail.com My current plan is to fly into Khatmandu on
the
16th of October and fly out to Hong Kong on the 18th of November. I would
love to trek with others!! Please contact me. Katie
Looking for companion to complete Northern traverse of the Himalayas.
Kathmandu-Mt. Kailash-Kashgar-Hunza-Rawalpindi. Older gentlemen looking
for
an experienced trekking companion share expenses of 4+ weeks of great
adventure in May 2000 with services of guide and jeep. Please call Stan
Golderg at 303-443-9959 (fax 303-442-0652) if you are interested.
Is anyone going to Mustang this fall? My name is Jill and I am an amiable
well traveled photojournalist hoping to hook up with a small group making
the Mustang journey, starting early September, (or later). Please contact
me
at tseringd@pacific.net.sg. Thanks Jill
*********************************************************
4. FOLLOW-UP ABOUT HYRDOGEN PEROXIDE: DO NOT USE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE
In issue #59 of HimalayaNet Michael Buccilli suggested taking foodgrade
hydrogen peroxide H2O2 to overcome some of the problems of high ascents.
Anthony Borel responded in HimalayaNet #60:
WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!! DO NOT consume hydrogen peroxide totreat
oxygen deprivation. This recommendation is HARMFUL AND COMPLETELYUNFOUNDED.
Anthony Borel is correct. Not only is this dangerous and would not give
any
extra oxygen (since it would form in the gastrointestinal tract and not
in
the lungs as Anthony Borel says), but the quantity of oxygen would be
insignificant. I hope nobody tries this idea.
Ken Zafren, MD, FACEP
Associate Medical Director (North America) Himalayan Rescue Association
10181 Curvi St.
Anchorage, AK 99516 USA
*********************************************************
5. SEEKING INFORMATION ON USE OF TINNITUS AT HIGH ALTITUDE
I would like to hear from anyone having knowledge about tinnitus at high
altitude or having had such an experience. If you also know of any weblinks
to the subject I will very thankful to receive them. Thanks.
Gonzalo Velez
rotas@rotasdovento.pt
*********************************************************
6. NEPAL GOVERNMENT BANS 3-WHEELERS IN KATHMANDU
On July 22, the Nepal government voted for a complete ban on the operation
of the diesel operated 3-wheelers (known also as blue tempos). The ban
will
be effective from the middle of September. These diesel vehicles contributed
to the excessive air pollution in Kathmandu, and the government hopes
that
the ban will be a step towards improving the air quality of Nepal's most
populous city.
*********************************************************
7. SEEKING SUPPORT TO IMPROVE HIMALAYAN RESCUE ASSOCIATION PHERICHE POST
In March-April, 1999, my adult son and I trekked in the Everest region.
Anyone who has trekked in Nepal knows of the wonderful services provided
by
the HRA(The Himalayan Rescue Association). This volunteer group provides
medical services to trekkers and local people and is staffed with Doctors
(who are not paid) from Europe and North America. The HRA has aid posts
at
Manang on the Annapurna circuit, and at Pheriche, on the route to Everest.
However, the post at Pheriche is old and in need of repair or replacement.
Money is tight. So, while meditating on a particularly challenging stretch
of trail, the "light" went on. Why not recruit "This Old
House" to refurbish
the aid station at Pheriche? What a great idea, I thought, and my son
and
most others we mentioned this to on the trail, agreed. So, I e-mailed
TOH
(contact@thisoldhouse.org) and urged them to consider this as a project.
The
reply - an e-mail form letter saying that I had to snail mail to get any
consideration. So, I did. The reply - a postcard. Now-I can't say that
I am
optimistic that they will go all that way to rebuild a rock structure-but,
who knows.
So, let's see if we can get an E-MAIL CAMPAIGN going to TOH. It's easy
to do
and who knows, it might just work. You could be the next person who needs
their Gamow bag! Think about it!
Namaste-Gib Clark
gjclark@telusplanet.net
P.S. The snail mail address is:
This Old House
c/o WGBH Educational Foundation
125-Western Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
*********************************************************
8. STATE DEPARTMENT WARNING FOR TRAVEL ABROAD
The Department of State reminds American citizens worldwide of the need
to
remain vigilant with regard to their personal security. The department
is
not issuing this public announcement in response to any one particular
threat or event but to emphasize its ongoing concern for the security
of
Americans overseas. In addition to our overall concern, there is always
the
possibility that terrorists may take action against Americans and American
interests on or around significant dates such as the anniversaries of
the
August 7, 1998 terrorist bombings of our embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and
Dar
es Salaam, Tanzania, and the August 20, 1998 U.S. strikes against terrorist
targets in Afghanistan and Sudan.
The Department of State continues to receive reports that prompt concern
about the safety and security of both official U.S. Government personnel
and
private American citizens. We take this information seriously. As a result,
security has been increased at U.S. government facilities worldwide. At
times, a number of our posts have had to temporarily suspend or limit
services to the public, and others may have to do so in the future. U.S.
citizens traveling or residing abroad are urged to review their security
practices, to remain alert to the changing situation, and to exercise
caution.
In addition, terrorists, including Usama Bin Laden (who has been indicted
for the 1998 bombings in Africa and for threatening to kill American
citizens outside the United States), continue their threats against the
United States and have not distinguished between military and civilian
targets. The potential also exists for retaliatory acts against U.S.
citizens in response and to the U.S. worldwide pursuit and apprehension
of
terrorist suspects.
Americans should keep a low profile, vary routes and times for all required
travel, and treat mail from unfamiliar sources with suspicion.
American citizens traveling or residing abroad should contact the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information
on
security conditions. In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad
should consult the Department of States public announcements, travel
warnings, consular information sheets, and regional travel brochures.
This public announcement supersedes the June 10, 1999 "Worldwide
Caution"
public announcement, and supplements the June 22, 1999 "Worldwide
Caution
Kurdish Reaction" public announcement to update the information and
to note
that there is always a possibility for terrorist actions on or around
significant dates. This public announcement expires on November 4, 1999.
*********************************************************
9. TRAVEL QUESTIONS FROM HEC MEMBERS
Note: Please respond directly to the HEC member. And, members, please
summarize all helpful responses so we can post them in a future issue
of
HimalayaNet.
9A. SEEKING RECENT INFORMATION ON LADAKH
Does anyone have current information on visiting Ladakh? My plans are
to fly
to Delhi and then up to Leh to see the monasteries along the Indus river,
ie
Lamayuru, Basgo, Alchi, Rizong, Likir, Hemis, Shey, Thikse etc. then to
take
the road south over the Taglang La to Tabo and eventually Manali, Mandi,
and
Chandigard. Is travel to Leh allowed? Is the road south from Leh over
the
passes open? Has anyone done this trip this year or since the fighting
started in Dras and Mulbeck? Indeed, any information out there would be
most
welcome. I've been to Leh twice so I know the territory but I don't know
the
military or road situation.
Many thanks.
Robert Burns, rob14.burns@juno.com
9B. BEST WAY TO GET FROM DELHI TO NEPAL
Just joined the Himalayan Explorers Club and am hoping to go from Delhi
to
Nepal by land. Also hoping to stop in Varanasi & Bodhgaya en route.
Please
share any past experiences or tips. What's the best way to do this? What
should it cost? Is it possible?
Thank you,
Paul, pauliwop@hotmail.com
9C. QUESTIONS ABOUT ROLWALING AND LANGTANG
(1) I would like to hear from people who have crossed the Trashi Lapcha
pass between Rolwaling and Khumbu. I hope to cross from Rolwaling to
Khumbu in early November 1999. I would like to know how much trouble
others have had crossing the pass with porters. Might it require rapelling
off ice screws or fixing lines for porters? How serious is the rockfall
hazard?
(2) I would like to hear from experienced climbers who may be interested
in
sharing the cost of a trekking peak permit for climbing Ramdung Peak and
the cost of a self-contained trekking staff for traveling through Rolwaling
during the last 3 weeks of October 1999.
(3) I would like to hear from people who have climbed Yala Peak in
Langtang. I would like to know how serious the glacier is on this climb
so
I can plan whether or not to bring full crevasse rescue gear and look
for
an experienced partner.
(4) How might the Nepal versions of ciprofloxicin or norfloxicin compare
to the U.S. pharmaceutical grade in terms of quality?
Please reply on email by mid-September to: cbrogers@socrates.berkeley.edu
9D. HOW TO BEST AVOID CROWDS AND MAXIMIZE EXPOSURE TO NEPALI CULTURE?
#1)I am going to spend 4 weeks trekking the Annapurna circuit beginning
October 8 of this year. I am learning some Nepali in hopes of staying
in
homes instead of the tea-houses wherever possible. What else can I do
to
maximize my experience of Nepali culture and life and minimize the
inevitable contact with other trekkers? I am a single woman & will
either
hire a female guide or hook up with a like-minded trekker in Khatmandu.
#2)In addition to Helambu, what other areas can I trek through, either
in
addition to or instead of Annapurna, that do not require self-sufficiency,
where I can maximize my experience of Nepali culture and life and minimize
my contact with hordes of other trekkers?
#3) Okay. Annapurna, four weeks, October. What clothing did YOU take
and
what did you actually use?
#4)Any advice on choosing a guide OR anyone have the name and/or contact
information for a particular guide you loved?
#5)My mother would love to know that her globe-trotting daughter is going
to
be safe. So if any of you have the inclination, please feel free to pop
her
a reassuring e-mail at mumsy@hermanfamily.org.
Thank you!
Leih, herman.petunia@hermanfamily.org
9E. HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THE COMPANY NEPAL VISION?
Has anyone heard of the company Nepal Vision? I am doing a trek with
them
and as a single woman and would like some feed back if anyone has any.
Thanks!
Doris, dklingbe@epsb.net
9F. BEST WAY TO GET TO POKHARA AND CHITWAN?
Looking at second trip to Nepal, April 2000, this time Annapurna region.
First hand knowledge appreciated regarding inter-country travel from KTM
to
Pokhara (probably take bus) and 10-12 day teahouse route with no more
than 2
steep days(wife doesn't want more than that). Also, options from Pokhara
to
Chitwan. Any other random thoughts appreciated.
Doug Kelley, dkelley@avistacorp.com
9G. QUESTIONS ABOUT ANNAPURNA AND MUSTANG
I'm going trekking in Nepal with a buddy, first 3 weeks of March, 2000.
Right now, I'm leaning towards Annapurna. I'm considering doing Pokhara
to
Josom, and possibly on to Mustang. Questions:
1) Will this popular trek be insanely crowded that time of year?
2) Is it a good idea (if we go from Pokhara to Jomsom) to fly out of Jomsom
back to Khatmandu, to avoid backtracking? Are there lots of good side
trips
along the way?
3) Is it worth going on to Mustang? Could we take care of the logistical
arrangements from Pokhara, or would we need to do so in Khatmandu?
4) Any other suggestions for trekking routes that time of year? We're
both
in good shape, and have had plenty of backcountry experience, though we're
not planning on doing this trip self-supported. And while I hate to admit
it, this will probably be the only time in our lives that we get to Nepal
(at least for the next twenty or thiry years).
Thanks a bunch for the help,
Chris, hawkins@eden.com
*****************************************************************
10. 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!
*****************************************************************
11. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION
(updated 11 June 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: 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 (October 1999, ONLY TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE). Everest trek with Island
Peak in March and Ocotboer 2000. Info@hec.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.
*************************************************************
VOLUNTEER/STUDY ABROAD
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
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@hec.org or call (303) 998-0101.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIMALAYANET
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HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYANET
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Be sure to include your membership number in your email. Only members
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HOW TO ADVERTISE ON HIMALAYANET
- Ads for trekking partners are free to HEC members. Just e-mail
himnet@hotmail.com
- Others that wish to place advertisements can contact the HEC at
info@hec.org
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