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HimalayaNet #75 (October 21, 2000)Namaste, and welcome to the 75th edition of HimalayaNet, the online newsletter of the Himalayan Explorers Club. Note that we are considering a new name for the Himalayan Explorers Club, and are looking for reader input.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. HEC SEEKS INPUT ON NEW NAME 2. HEC GOMELA AND CLOTHING BANK PROPOSALS ON WEB PAGE 3. TEACHING POSITION AVAILABLE IN NEPAL VILLAGE 4. OUTWARD BOUND NEPAL SEEKS PROGRAM MANAGER 5. IMPORTANT SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS 6. PAKISTAN TREKKING UPDATE 7. CALL FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN NEPAL TO HALT MAOISTS 8. CALL FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN NEPAL TO HALT MAOISTS 9. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TRAVEL ADVICE/COMPANIONS 9A. MEMBER SEEKS TREKKING CO. INFORMATION FOR NEPAL 9B. PARTNERS FOR ROLWALING VALLEY 10. ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER BOOKSTORE SPONSORSHIP 11. 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. HEC SEEKS INPUT FOR NEW NAME We're considering changing the name of the Himalayan Explorers Club and are seeking input from all HEC members and readers of HimalayaNet. The HEC was formed in 1996 with inspiration from the South American Explorers Club, which has Clubhouses in Lima, Cuzco, and Quito. Since our early days we've initiated and participated in many volunteer, cultural exchange, and development projects in Nepal and Pakistan. So, we're considering a new name that might sound less informal than a "Himalayaphiles" club. We're currently considering two names: a. Himalayan Explorers (dropping the word Club) b. Himalayan Environmental Coalition Any thoughts on these two names? What about a new name that we could use? One that keeps the HEC acronym? Please contact us at info@hec.org ********************************************************************** 2. APOLOGIES FOR LAST ISSUE OF HIMALAYANET We apologize for those of you that received an intrusive ad for a visa card in the header of your last issue of HimalayaNet (#74). Unfortunately, egroups was recently sold to Yahoo and suddenly moved their more subtle ads from the footers to the "hit you in the face" header. We've requested a "no ad" version of egroups via phone, fax, and e-mail, but without a response. So, should their be ads contained in this issue, look for the next issue in a new group service called listbot. ********************************************************************** 3. HEC GOMELA AND CLOTHING BANK PROPOSALS ON WEB PAGE The HEC has written two grant proposals for which we are seeking funding; the proposals can be seen at our Web site: http://www.hec.org/club/about/assist.htm. In brief they are as follows: Our Educational Grant will renovate and expand the current Sano-Gomela school to include Grades 6 & 7. This will not only improve the school, but will reduce the high dropout rate from primary school to secondary school because the students will be able to study locally. The outstanding costs for renovation are approximately $4,514, plus $6,220 to hire two additional teachers for the new grades. In addition we would like to extend the HEC Volunteer Nepal Himalaya Teaching Program to the entire school year, include additional schools, and identify alternative sources of funding for staff. This will allow us to attract more qualified teachers to the region and improve the quality of education that the students are receiving. The costs to expand the program are approximately $40,028 over four years. Our environmental grant will continue our Clothing Bank Lending Program for porters so that they will be adequately equipped when providing services to trekkers. The majority of porters working today are sent into the Himalayas dangerously unequipped and unprepared for the cold, the altitude, and the now. There are no solid statistics on how many porters are injured or killed every year, but estimates range from a dozen deaths to upwards of thirty, and the cases of cold-related injuries (such as hypothermia, snow blindness, and frostbite) number well into the hundreds. All are preventable. The cost for this program is $18,364/year for three years. In addition we want to establish a permanent HEC Regional Office in Lukla or Namche, the starting point for the majority of Everest treks, which would house the Clothing Bank and employ a full-time environmental educator, who could work with tourists during the trekking season and with lodge owners, guides, and porters during the off-season. This person would offer educational opportunities similar to those offered in Kathmandu. The cost for the combined programs is about $27,000 /year for three years. All donations to assist us in these projects are U.S. tax-deductible. Please contact us at info@hec.org or (303)998-0101 for more information. ********************************************************************** 4. 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. 5. OUTWARD BOUND NEPAL SEEKS PROGRAM MANAGER A group of business leaders have been exploring formation of an Outward Bound school in Nepal. After some experimental courses and extensive review of operations at other Outward Bound schools worldwide, the Board of Outward Bound Nepal seeks an experienced Program Manager to develop a business plan and begin operations. The appointment is for an initial period of six months and the Program Manager will report to the Board of Outward Bound Nepal through the Chairman, Raut Chhetry with guidance from Outward Bound International Executive Director, Ian Wade. The Program Manager must be willing to tackle a variety of tasks that may be needed to start an Outward Bound school focused primarily on serving Nepalese participants. This may include marketing, staff development, program design, and financial management/fundraising. Accomplishing these tasks will require a staff person with considerable Outward Bound experience, ideally at a senior management level. Experience of living in another culture will be valuable. The person selected will need to be energetic, optimistic, entrepreneurial, patient and self-motivated. Initial screening will be done by Ian Wade, Executive Director of Outward Bound International. Final selection will be done by the Chairman of Outward Bound Nepal. Applicants should send letters of interest addressing in detail how they would approach the tasks outlined in the Job Description. A resume of experience and statement of the skills they bring to the position is also requested. Send applications to: - Ian Wade, Executive Director Outward Bound International 1600 West 6th Avenue, Suite 204 Vancouver, BC V6J 1R3 Canada ianrwade@aol.com Email or fax applications if possible. The position has a compensation package, including round trip airfare, housing, and salary of US$1,000/month. Starting date is January 1st 2001. Phone: (604) 737-3067 E-Fax: (786) 513-0413 ********************************************************************** 6. IMPORTANT SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR U.S. CITIZENS The Department of State is extremely concerned about the possibility for violent actions against United States citizens and interests throughout the world. Several U.S. Embassies, including those in Damascus and Brussels, have recently been the target of violent anti-American demonstrations. On October 12, 2000, several American citizens were killed, and many more injured in an incident involving a U.S. Navy ship in port in Aden, Yemen in what may have been a terrorist attack.. In addition, anti-American demonstrations continue to take place in countries throughout the world in response to tensions and violence in the Middle East. Some of these demonstrations have become violent and difficult for local authorities to control. U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness to reduce their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail from unfamiliar source with suspicion. As always, American citizens traveling abroad should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. In addition, U.S. Government facilities have and will continue to temporarily close or suspend public services as necessary to ensure the safety of its personnel. Current information on post operations is also available on the internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and Regional Travel Brochures. American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before proceeding to that location. Department of State travel information and publications are available at internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine. ********************************************************************** 7. PAKISTAN TREKKING UPDATE Pakistan's politics may have fostered it's reputation as a dangerous place, but Pakistan's Karakoram and Hindukush mountains are still some of the finest trekking regions on the planet. We just returned from 3 months of trekking there, and can report that the people are friendly and the trekking is fantastic. The negative international publicity Pakistan gets means that you can walk on even the most popular routes without seeing other trekkers, and the local people almost bend over backwards to welcome you. One of our top goals was to visit the newly opened Kilik and Mintaka passes (as reported in HimalayaNet 63). These passes on the border with China are ancient trade routes, a part of the famous "Silk Route." You can't cross these passes into China, but you can visit these historically significant and amazingly scenic passes with no permit required. From Gilgit, the main town along the Karakoram Highway, take a bus to Sost, the last Pakistani town on the road to China. From Sost, local vans take you the 15 km to Misgar village. You can camp in the village, or stay in the old British officer's residence. Misgar villagers have divided the Mintaka Pass trek into 4 'stages'. If you hire a local man to go with you he will carry a 25 kg load (he'll use his donkey for this), and you pay him 250 rupees per stage (a US dollar is currently worth about 55 rupees). If he carries no load, you pay him * wages (ie, 125 rupees per stage). Its 2 stages from Misgar to Murkushi, where the routes to Kilik and Minataka divide. When going to Mintaka, we suggest you camp at the end of the 3rd stage (a 2-day walk from Misgar), and day-hike to the pass and back.. From Murkushi, it's also 2 stages to Kilik Pass. Camp at Sad Buldi (one stage from Murkushi) and day hike to the pass and back. Some easy snow peaks near the pass offer good views without too much effort. The Kilik pass is wide and gentle - actually a huge grassy alp. The trails are broad, easy to follow, and probably the easiest trails in all northern Pakistan. We really recommend this trek as an easy classic. We also pioneered a new route between the Batura Galcier and the Chapursan Valley, via the Werthum Pass (5200 meters). This is a much tougher route than Kilik or Mintaka, but not a technical one. Several easy snow peaks at the head of the Werthum Valley offer fun for mountaineers. If you are trekking the Batura Glacier, consider returning via the Werthum Pass into Chapursan. You can get to Raminj village quickly, or you could combine the trek with the Lupgar Pir Pass trek. It takes 5-6 days to trek from Passu to Raminj via Werthum Pass. In Shimshal we crossed the Mai Dur Pass (5700 meters). This was first crossed in 1925 by the Visser-Hooft expedition, but has been neglected ever since. The views of the Hispar Muztagh from the pass are superb, and we were fortunate to see lots of blue sheep on both sides of the pass. The pass itself requires a 50 meter rappel on the north side, which had a 10 meter vertical cornice when we were there in late June. Still, it's a cool route, and going from Shimshal village to Mai Dur, then over the Mai Dur Pass to the Ghujerab Valley, and back to Shimshal by the Boesam Pass (the standard trekking route), makes a fantastic loop trek of about 9-10 days. We did more exploring and trekking, but want to mention these new routes to HEC members. They are all in Gojal, the area of upper Hunza populated by Wakhi people. They are friendly and very hospitable, and welcome visitors to their summer yak pastures. This is the most peaceful part of Pakistan, and if you are looking for open, uncrowded trekking, this is the place to go. For full details, check out our guidebook "Trekking in the Karakoram & Hindukush" (Lonely Planet Publications). We also have some images, reports and statistics on our Web site. John Mock & Kimberley O'Neil http://www.mockandoneil.com ********************************************************************** 8. CALL FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN NEPAL TO HALT MAOISTS In the fall of 1998, I spent almost six weeks in Bandipur, two hours east of Pokhara, writing a Master Plan for the village. As a follow up to that experience I wrote the article on "coaches vs players" (HimalayaNet #66) that generated a large debate among HEC readership. I have just received a report from a "very reliable source" concerning the situation in Bandipur today. The Maoist have been growing stronger and more active. They have extorted payment from at least one "rich" home owner and are also making threats against government servants such as teachers and businesses. Bandipur has been controlled by the communist party (but not the Maoists) for some time, to include the period of our visit. It is little wonder that almost nothing has been done to improve the commerce of the village. I am sure the communists expect "the government" to take care of them. As for the Maoists, this kind of environment is ripe for Maoist propaganda. There is great poverty and little chance of escaping it, especially in the rural areas. All this reminds me of the early 1960's in Vietnam. So what needs to be done now? Perhaps the international community, led by the US, should launch a large, integrated, volunteer effort that focuses on three spheres--education, health, and commerce. Each of these must be done currently. The Peace Corps, for example is focusing on education and other AID organization are focusing on health, to include birth control. It is the third sphere, commerce, that needs work. Nepal should request that the International Executive Corps (IESC) or Citizens for Democracy Corps (CDC) establish offices throughout Nepal and bring in business volunteers. My wife Pam and I have done volunteer work with both organizations in Russia, and it does make a difference. They are both very professional and know how to get things done. In order to make this concept work the Nepalese need to create their own, nationwide, "Center for Volunteerism." This center would be a clearinghouse for volunteer projects and it would be closely tied to IESC or CDC. The Center would do a comprehensive needs analysis and then request follow up with business volunteers to implement business ideas. Nepali business people would be integral to the process, not only as managers of the IESC or CDC offices but also to do the needs analyses in the villages and districts, with volunteer help. There are many small business opportunities that could be identified and developed, with just a little funding. For example, I identified two dozen ideas in Bandipur, but funding was needed for implementation. Often funding can be in the hundreds of dollars or perhaps up to $5,000. This small bit of money, by western standards, can be a huge multiplier if managed, and if corruption is preempted. I further believe that many of the charitable organizations that come to Nepal should be controlled by the Center for Volunteerism. A mini business plan should be required clearly laying out what is to be done and how the projects will be implemented over the long term. This plan should be prepared and approved by the Nepalese before the charitable organization arrives in country. With a focused volunteer effort, we can stop Maoist propaganda at its grass roots. We can take the game away from them and help the Nepalese build prosperity, one step at a time. A five to ten year business plan will be needed to effectively implement this program and funding by USAID and other countries will be required. The bulk of this funding will be necessary to pay for plane tickets to Nepal for volunteers and give them a small per diem and adequate housing for their volunteer work. Also funding will be needed for the Nepali run IESC or CDC offices. It would be interesting to get readership response to this idea. Ralph G. Rosenberg Certified Management Consultant 29330 County Road 358A Buena Vista, CO 81211 Tel: 719-395-0668 Fax: 561-679-6430 ralphpamr@aol.com ********************************************************************** 9. HEC MEMBERS LOOKING FOR TRAVEL ADVICE/COMPANIONS 9A. MEMBER SEEKS TREKKING CO. INFORMATION FOR NEPAL I am planning my first trip to Nepal and am looking at several companies. I would like to hear from anyone that has trekked with Journeys International or Peter Owens Asian Treks. Thanks Tammy Webb tswebb@home.com 9B. PARTNERS FOR ROLWALING VALLEY I'll be heading over to Nepal in November to check on HEC projects around Lukla and Namche, and am considering returning via the Rolwaling Valley. I'm seeking one or more trekking partners to join me. Scott Dimetrosky, HEC Director scott@hec.org ********************************************************************** 10. 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! ********************************************************************** 11. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION (updated September 19, 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@hec.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@hec.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@hec.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@hec.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.hec.org/, or contact us at: Himalayan Explorers Club PO Box 3665 Boulder, CO 80307 Phone: (303)998-0101 Fax: (303)998-1007 mailto:info@hec.org |
