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HimalayaNet #97 (August 2002)Welcome to the latest edition of HimalayaNet, the online newsletter of the Himalayan Explorers Connection.Please send all contributions to himalayanet@hec.org, and remember to include your membership number if you'd like to post a message. Scott Dimetrosky Executive Director, HEC IN THIS ISSUE: HIMALAYAN NEWS 1. OVER 500 FEARED DEAD FROM FLOODING AND LANDSLIDES IN NEPAL 2. NEPAL COURT REJECTS APPEAL TO RESTORE PARLIAMENT 3. NEPAL PLANE CRASH KILLS 18, BUS CRASH KILLS 45 4. NEPAL UNITY CALLS FOR PEACE 5. OVER 500 NEPALIS CHEATED OF RS 156M BY US ATTORNEY 6. HIGH ASIA PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 7. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE SOUGHT FOR TIBET 8. LETTER INVITING TOURISTS TO NORTHERN PAKISTAN 9. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR PAKISTAN HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CONNECTION UPDATES 10. NEXT ISSUE OF HIMALAYAN NEWS IN THE MAIL 11. HEC SLIDE SHOWS WITH CHOKPA SHERPA IN COLORADO 12. HEC PORTER ASSISTANCE PROJECT: KILIMANJARO UPDATE 13. VOLUNTEER NEPAL HIMALAYA UPDATE 14. HEC SEEKS VOLUNTEER TO HELP IN KATHMANDU OFFICE FOR FALL 2002 15. JOIN PEMBA SHERPA ON A KILIMANJARO CLIMB MEMBER POSTINGS 16A. LOOKING FOR GUIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ANNAPURNA 16B. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN NEPAL 16C. LOOKING FOR CLIMBING PARTNER FOR OJOS DEL SALADO, CHILE 16D. LOOKING FOR AN HONEST AND RELIABLE TREKKING OUTFIT IN KATHMANDU 16E. LOOKING FOR PARTNER FOR TIBET TRIP MONTHLY FEATURES 17. INTERNET CONNECTION: WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB (NEPALWATCH) 18. UPCOMING EVENTS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYNET HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ********************************************************************** HIMALAYAN NEWS ********************************************************************** 1. OVER 500 FEARED DEAD FROM FLOODING AND LANDSLIDES IN NEPAL http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/6686f45896f15dbc852567ae00530132/a97de8e9278af6dd85256c130058ecda?OpenDocument During the past few weeks the onset of the monsoon in the South Asian region has intensified causing widespread flooding in north-eastern India, Nepal and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh and Nepal the flooding has been accompanied by severe landslides and river erosion. This latest increase in flooding has further aggravated the suffering of the millions of people affected by this years monsoon. An additional matter of concern is the exceptionally high snow pack and glacial melt-rate being observed in the Himalayas which is adding to the already swollen river volume. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DOHM) the heavy monsoon rains from the 21-24 of July were the highest recorded in the past three decades. The monsoon is causing major suffering and destruction in the eastern, central and some parts of western Nepal. The death toll has risen to 422 with 173 still missing (11 August) and aerial assessments indicate massive destruction, particularly in the hilly regions. Some 260,000 people in 47 of the 75 districts have been severely affected. So far, around 32,000 people have been made homeless as their houses have been washed away by flood waters. Roads and highways in many parts of the country have also been damaged or wiped out. The highway that links the Kathmandu valley with other parts of the country such as Prithivi, Tribhuwan and Arainko has been severely damaged in several places. As a consequence, transport by road into and out of the area was initially impossible. Damage to some water supply systems in the Kathmandu valley was also reported. Increased incidence of such diseases as encephalitis, typhoid and dysentery has been reported in some of the flood and landslide affected areas such as Morang, Sunsari, Mohattari, Saptari, Siraha, Jhapa, Chitawan and Nawalparasi districts. The Nepal Red Cross Society and the International Federation, in co-operation with the ICRC, will provide emergency relief assistance to 20,000 families in 30 Districts and reconstruction of houses for 200 of the most vulnerable families in mountainous districts. At the same time the three organizations will maintain their response capacity for disasters currently under alert such as drought and population movements in the fluid political situation currently existing in Nepal. Immediate Needs Food: River erosion and siltation as a consequence of flash floods have lead to loss of agricultural soil while long-term water logging in large areas results in loss of crops. Consequently, the most vulnerable group in the flat areas, belonging to the Musahar caste who are dependent on manual work in the paddy fields for their main source of income, are now facing difficulties in earning a living. The most vulnerable among this group will be targeted, such as single headed households, the elderly and the disabled. Family kits: River erosion, flooding, flash floods and landslides have resulted in losses of homes and property in all affected districts. The family kits provided by the NRCS provide the beneficiaries with shelter and in addition give psychological support in the continuing monsoon. Water purification tablets: The concentration of families in evacuation areas as well as contamination by flood waters, increases the risk of waterborne diseases in the affected areas. Provision of water purification tablets will reduce these risks. Shelter/Houses: Although people have lost their houses both in the low-lying areas and in the mountainous districts, a rehabilitation program in the low-lying areas is not applicable as people traditionally build their houses with low cost material available locally (cow dung and thatch). However in the mountainous areas, the distribution of building materials and support to construction will assist people to rebuild their homes and their lives. At the same time the support re-enforces the NRCS advocacy role towards the authorities aiming for their support to provide people with safer land to rebuild their homes. How to make donations to Nepal Red Cross: Red Cross Marga, Kalimati Post Box No. 217, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: +997-1-272761 nrcs@nrcs.org http://www.nrcs.org/ Or also visit: http://www.sfo.com/~khein/nepal28/index.html#nepal_disaster ********************************************************************** 2. NEPAL COURT REJECTS APPEAL TO RESTORE PARLIAMENT By Gopal Sharma http://in.news.yahoo.com/020806/64/1ta94.html KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Nepal's Supreme Court rejected on Tuesday a clutch of petitions seeking to reinstate the Himalayan kingdom's parliament in a ruling that cleared the way for fresh elections later this year. The country's parliament was dissolved last May and early elections ordered after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba failed to win the support of the ruling Nepali Congress party to extend emergency rule to battle an increasingly violent Maoist revolt. Elections will be held in the poverty-stricken nation wedged between India and China on November 13, a year-and-a-half ahead of schedule. King Gyanendra has asked Deuba to remain as caretaker prime minister until the vote is held. The court ruling was in response to a string of writs filed by more than 60 former deputies who said Deuba's move to dissolve parliament while the country was under emergency rule was unconstitutional. "The prime minister has the prerogative to dissolve the House of Representatives," said Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya, chief justice of Nepal in his judgment. "The constitution does not prevent the prime minister from dissolving the House of Representatives even during this state of emergency." Nepal has had a string of revolving-door governments as new coalitions have formed. This election will be the fourth since 1991 in a country where Maoists rebels are fighting to replace the constitutional monarchy with a one-party communist republic. Reinstatement of the 205-member parliament would have meant fresh political instability, since the ruling party lost its majority after it split in the row over the dissolution. Political analysts said the quarrel over prolonging emergency rule was mainly to do with a long-running feud between Deuba and his predecessor, Girija Prasad Koirala. Deuba's Nepali Congress party, which wanted the insurgency tackled under a new anti-terror law, expelled the prime minister from its ranks, saying emergency rule curbed civil liberties. The 50-year-old centrist party has divided into two with Deuba forming one faction. Both parties call themselves the Nepali Congress. Election Commission (EC) could announce its verdict as to which faction of the Nepali Congress-Deuba or Koirala-is the mainstream Nepali Congress sometime next week (August 26), officials at EC indicated at the conclusion of a week-long debate participated by lawyers of the two NC factions here Monday (Aug 19). While the lawyers pleading on behalf of Deuba asserted that the Prime Minister should not be made partyless and that the general convention was held in a short period of time during the week-long debate, former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala's lawyers accused Deuba and his supporters of unlawfully breaching the party's constitution. The final day of discussion remained quite tense as both sides came up with strong criticisms against each others. So much so that the microphone on the table was snatched by both lawyers of both sides. ********************************************************************** 3. NEPAL PLANE CRASH KILLS 18, BUS CRASH KILLS 45 KRISTI NACHNE CHOUR, Nepal (Reuters) - A plane carrying foreign tourists slammed into a mountain in bad weather in Nepal on Thursday, killing all 18 people on board. The Shangri-la Air Twin Otter carrying 13 Germans, three Nepalese crew, a Briton and an American crashed mid-morning just minutes before it was due to land in the city of Pokhara, Nepalese officials said. The tourists had been booked on the same flight from Jomsom to Pokhara on Wednesday when it was aborted because of bad weather, a German embassy spokeswoman told Reuters in Pokhara, about 85 miles northwest of the capital. Villagers said it was raining and the crash area covered in thick, heavy clouds at the time of the disaster, the fourth involving commercial airlines in the Himalayan kingdom in three years. "The plane broke into several pieces and the bodies were scattered over a small area with many trees and bushes,'' airport official Gopal Chandra Thapa told Reuters. Another airport official in Kathmandu said all 18 bodies had been brought to the capital Kathmandu in a military aircraft. Wreckage and clothing littered the thickly forested hillside near the village of Kristi Nachne Chour, about three miles southwest of Pokhara airport. As it came down, the plane cut down trees, scattering debris and tearing a deep gash in the earth. ``I heard a loud noise,'' villager Purna Bahadur Thapa told Reuters. ``It was cloudy and we could not see anything. We ran from our village and climbed up the slippery hillside and found the plane in pieces. Most of the Germans, seven women and six men, were from southern Germany although some were from Berlin, the embassy spokeswoman said. ``They had finished a trek and they were on their way back,'' she told Reuters. Despite the constant rain and heavy clouds, hundreds of villagers stood around the area watching civil aviation officials sift through the wreckage. Shangri-la Air deputy managing director Kishor Silwa told Reuters the plane slammed into the side of a mountain at an altitude of about 4,600 feet. He said the Canadian built aircraft was in good condition and had no maintenance problems. ``These aircraft have been flying in Nepal for the last 30 years,'' Silwa told Reuters by phone. He said Shangri-la had three Twin Otter aircraft, including the one that crashed, adding the rugged planes with their short take-off and landing ability were ideal for Nepal. It was the airline's first crash in three years of operation. Silwa said Nepal did not require light planes to carry ``black box'' flight recorders and he believed the plane was not fitted with one. Bus Crash In western Nepal, a bus driver was trying to pass another vehicle on a mountain highway Thursday when he lost control, sending the bus into the rain-swollen Trishuli River. The 45 people on board were feared dead, police official Shyam Gharti said. The accident took place at Nagali Khola, about 70 miles west of Katmandu. ``The bus had been stalled for over 14 hours last night due to a landslide and the driver was probably in a hurry to finish the journey,'' Gharti said. ********************************************************************** 4. NEPAL UNITY CALLS FOR PEACE Open Letter to the Prime Ministers of Nepal and the United Kingdom and to the President of the United States Dear Sirs, We, a group of professionals working in Nepal, would like to express our grave concern about the military assistance which several foreign countries are considering providing to Nepal. We greatly appreciate the widespread concern for Nepal's dire situation, but we strongly believe that at this point foreign governments, instead of providing military assistance, should orient aid towards dialogue, development, and true security measures for the following reasons: Without social and political reforms, the conflict cannot be solved. The Communist Party Nepal Maoist (CPN - Maoist) has flourished in areas of stark poverty. The midhills suffer from neglect, ecological degradation, and social exclusion. Most recruits come from rural youth belonging to these marginalized areas. It is well known that rural poverty and urban corruption are the roots of the conflict. The international meeting of donors on Nepal held in London in June 2002 affirmed an urgent need to tackle poverty, discrimination, corruption, livelihoods and human rights, as well as security. It urged real reform in political leadership and governance and inclusive decision-making, targeting firstly the poorest areas of the country. The Maoists have now shifted their once pro-people policies to the destruction of past development gains that the people rely upon. We believe that intensive government commitment to radical reform has great potential to win back the support of the mass of people. In the words of World Bank Country Director, Ken Ohashi, in The Kathmandu Post (May 28): "Now is the time for the establishment to recapture the space occupied by the insurgents with a strategically focused development plan that is actually implemented... there are no short-cuts or magic formulas. It simply has to be won by leadership, commitment, and hard work." Military aid will almost certainly result in increased human rights violations. We recognize and deplore the violence, destruction of infrastructure and negation of human rights that the CPN (Maoist) party has sanctioned and now intensified. Nothing can excuse their brutal actions or their stance against individual freedoms. Yet, one also cannot ignore that they started from idealist commitment to greater justice in Nepal and that this violence cannot be an excuse for the State to be equally aggressive We recognize the responsibility of the Royal Nepalese Army to protect the Nepalese people, their state infrastructure, and the State itself against threat. While we empathize with the inexperience of the army in fighting this type of situation and their small force size, we can however not ignore that numerous organizations, such as Amnesty International, have documented that the army is also guilty of gross human rights violations. Furthermore, the police operations of the late nineties occasioned alarming human rights violations which are broadly believed to have inflamed the growth of public support for CPN (Maoist). On both sides, Nepalis are dying - Nepalese men and women who could be committing their lives to national development. Both sides have reportedly caught, abused, and killed civilians, and thus mocked the human rights accords Nepal has signed. Although a bitter war is being fought in Nepal, there is still scope for non-violent resolution. Three months ago, the CPN (Maoist) offered to resume negotiations with the government; the Prime Minister turned this down. This decision must be reconsidered. Preparing mechanisms for mediation and negotiation will not be an easy task, especially because the insurgents in the past betrayed the government, but they are the only paths to long lasting peace. Ignoring the Maoists as a political force and resisting political reforms might seem an option now, but it will exclude a large section of Nepalese society and increase instability in the long run. Military aid that can be used for lethal actions is inappropriate for foreign donors. Foreign donors should speak out against the mentality of measuring victory by body counts. We believe that a primarily military "solution" will only bleed Nepal of its people and its resources, for many years. This democratic nation needs help through conflict mitigation. Foreign donors can contribute through monitoring and raising awareness of human rights, promoting security through protection, advocating tough campaigns against corruption, and possibly giving training in mediation. Pulling both sides together into strategic and transparent development is the immediate need. We are aware that the path to peace in Nepal may not be smooth or quick. However, we invite concerned governments to support the Nepal government in the following measures to address the root causes of the conflict, thus enabling the beginnings of true peace in Nepal: 1. End the State of Emergency; reinstate freedom of the press and improve the functioning of civil society. 2. Start mediation with the CPN (Maoist) leadership to bring them back to the democratic process. 3. Promote human rights through training of the security forces, and through radio or other campaigns aimed at the Maoists. 4. Coordinate strategic security with development aid to Maoist affected communities. 5. Accelerate the implementation of decentralization programs. 6. Provide welfare for widows, orphans and those injured in the conflict. 7. Encourage changes in the Constitution to insure a just society. Nepal Unity Kupondol, Lalitpur P.O. Box 10546 Kathmandu, Nepal Phone 523822 francesk@wlink.com.np ********************************************************************** 5. OVER 500 NEPALIS CHEATED OF RS 156M BY US ATTORNEY By Prateek Pradhan NEW YORK, Aug 9:Over 500 Nepalis are on the verge of losing about Rs.156 million, and the prospective U.S. working visa, as the attorney they hired got arrested by the federal agents in the allegation of fabricating fake labour document. Approximately over five hundred Nepali workers got in touch with the lawyer, Samuel Kooritzky, believing his claims that he would find an employer for them, and also file for "labour certificate" in the labour department. It all started from Jan. 2001, when the Clinton administration passed a law to provide legal status to all the immigrants who could obtain sponsorship from the employees, with the payment of additional $1,000 fine. Attorney Kooritzky, 63, and his accused accomplice engineer Ronald W. Bogardus, 65, exploited the opportunity to cheat both the government and the vulnerable immigrants. They advertised widely among South Asian community that they would help both legal and illegal immigrants achieve labour certificate, which could be used to apply for permanent residency with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). According to federal agents Kooritzky and friend Bogardus, who as allegedly obtained the names of local businesses, prepared 2,700 fake employer's documents and submitted to the labour department. The list of victims include Nepali, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Koreans and other Asians. "According to our estimates, over 500 Nepalis have become victim of the attorney's wrong doings, and in average all of them have already submitted $4,000 each," said Rom Ghimire, one of the victims from Dallas, Texas. "We just knew that a reputed attorney named Kooritzky was getting us the work permit, but we did not know that he was cheating us and also the US government," said Suraj K.C. from Dallas, Texas who has submitted US$ 4,000, as the first installment of the fee totaling to $11,000. All the Nepalis who paid Samuel Kooritzky or his law firm Capital Law Centers, for the work permit and permanent residency status, were shocked and panicky when The Washington Post on 25 July reported that Kooritzky and Bogardus were arrested by the federal agents. "We don't know what to do next, we are confused and worried," said Kiran Panta, another victim. "All of us friends thought it was an opportunity to achieve work permit, but it turned out to be a great fraud," he lamented. When contacted at Kooritzky's office in Arlington, Virginia nobody replied the phone. Even Indrajeet Kaur, an Indian employee who was looking after the cases of South Asians has left a pre-recorded message in English and Hindi that status of all the clients could be told only after two weeks, "because of the present situations." Nepalis are worried that they might become victim for no mistake of their own. "As per the government provided opportunity, Nepalis hired the lawyer, it was not our mistake if the lawyer turned out to be a goon. I hope the US government would look into the matter sympathetically," said Rom Ghimire. Alike Ghimire, all Nepalis are now looking toward Nepali organizations to salvage them from the problems. The embassies and lawyers of other countries have come forward to the rescue of their people. Yun Jung Yang, a Korean immigration lawyer, as quoted in The Washington Post, mentioned that Kooritzky's problem should not harm the immigrants. "The immigrants are entitled to a benefit, which they sought through the lawyer. He's allegedly taken that away by filing the fraudulent labour certificates," she said. Binod Rokka, a foreign associate attorney and president of Alliance for Human Rights and Democracy in Nepal is sure that victims would get their money back as the government had already seized the property of the alleged lawyers and his accused accomplice. However, he said, "It would be better for Nepalis to find other employer to sponsor them, and continue the process." According to Rokka it would be more on administrative discretion to let the immigrants continue with other advocates and other employees, under the same facility which they wanted to use through Kooritzky. "It is unfortunate that Nepalis do not check the right people before taking their assistance. I think it would be better if they withdraw from Kooritzky soonest possible," said Khagendra G.C., a Nepali attorney based in New York. Many people in Texas and in Washington D.C. came to know about the Kooritzky's offers through Manish Pokharel, who is also the president of Nepali Youth Organization. People who went through Pokharel want his organization to step in. Others are colluding to knock on the doors of Nepal Embassy in Washington D.C. Pokharel thinks Neapalis should wait before the court decision on the case. "My offer to help Nepali friends has put me in odd situation, however, no Nepali should suffer from the attorney's fault" he said. Jaya Pratap Rana, ambassador of Nepal to the USA, commenting on the issue said, "Either legal or illegal, we are concerned about Nepalis living in this country. We are in wait-and-see situation now. If the need be, we will take up the issue to the concerned authorities." ********************************************************************** 6. HIGH ASIA PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST In recognition of the International Year of the Mountains, the Himalayan Research Bulletin is sponsoring a photography contest/exhibit to celebrate High Asia: the Himalaya-Hindukush-Karakoram-Pamir, Tibetan Plateau, and adjacent highlands. Please contribute your finest images. Categories: People, Homelands, Wildlands Submission: Submit color or black and white slide duplicates, prints, or electronic images. Please limit submissions to one entry per category. Please do not submit original transparencies or negatives--entry images will not be returned. Entry prints should not be framed or mounted. Be sure to label each entry with the photographer's name, phone number, address, and email address (if any). Mail slides or prints to: The Himalayan Research Bulletin Geography Department Portland State University P.O. Box 751 Portland, OR 97207 USA Submit electronic images to: hrb@pdx.edu (In the subject line please write: IYM photo entry.) Closing Date: Entries must be received no later than September 30, 2002. Photographers will be notified by October 15, 2002 if their entries have been selected for exhibition. Final winners will be announced at the close of the exhibit in December 2002. For additional information visit: http://www.himalayan.pdx.edu/PhotoContestDetails.htm ********************************************************************** 7. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE SOUGHT FOR TIBET Trace Foundation is a non-profit organization headquartered in New York City. The foundation funds and implements initiatives related to social, cultural, economic and environmental development in Tibetan communities in the Southwest and Northwest regions of China including Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Trace Foundation seeks a Field Representative for Qinghai Province, a role integral to the success of the foundation's mission. He/she will be based in Xining and will spend 50% of time on management and administrative issues and 50% of time on program work. The Field Representative will be responsible for running a program in the field of education, rural development or culture; Supervising local staff and coordinating implementation of their program work; Facilitating professional development of local staff; Liaising with local government and maintaining good community relations; Facilitating cooperation and networking among international and local staff, grantees and other contacts; Collaborating with foundation management and other field representatives on field policies and guidelines; Cooperating with program staff from NY and other regions on specified aspects of program implementation; and Managing financial and administrative aspects of field office. In order to succeed in this position, the Field Representative must have a minimum of five years experience in program design and management; Experience and expertise in one of the following fields: education (curriculum development, bi-lingual education), rural development (public health, rural community development, rural economic development) or cultural preservation; Fluency in English and Chinese (required), and knowledge of Tibetan (preferred, Amdo dialect an advantage); Experience using participatory methods and/or field research methods; Three years experience working in an expatriate environment, minimum one year in China; Experience working in rural areas; Staff management experience; and A graduate degree in the field of education, development, anthropology or other related discipline. Trace Foundation offers an excellent salary and benefit package. For consideration, please send your CV and cover letter to Pat Melleby, Trace Foundation, 31 Perry Street, NYC, NY 10014 or trace@trace.org attn: FRX. Cover letter must be written in English and include your salary requirements. ********************************************************************** 8. LETTER INVITING TOURISTS TO NORTHERN PAKISTAN Dear Friends, As I have the privilege to know most of you, because of my duties at the Hunza, Baltit Fort (http://www.spark-dir.com/baltit) where I met you most, I feel to extend to you all the summer greetings from Hunza valley. Here we are having a great apricots season, I wish you to be here and share with you the delicious apricots. But alas - we find hardly any foreign tourists because of the unrest mostly in Asia. Despite the peaceful situation in Pakistan in general and particularly in the northern areas, it is almost impossible to convince the world easily about the hospitable environment for tourism here. I can reckon that, eventually the tense situation between India and Pakistan will ease settling down. However, we all here pray for peace and prosperity to return soon. But I believe that, despite the enormous physically distances between us, our emotional and spiritual bonds may remain even stronger, and thus work together for a better world and the sake of humanity. Sincerely to you all E.U.Baig Curator Hunza-Baltit Fort Mail: - GPO BOX 584 Gilgit: 1500 Northern Areas PAKISTAN ********************************************************************** 9. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR PAKISTAN August 12, 2002. Several recent attacks on Christian facilities indicate that they are being targeted by terrorists. The U.S. Consulate in Karachi is closed indefinitely for security review. Coupled with the July conviction and sentencing of four men charged with the kidnapping and murder of an American reporter and the ongoing concern for further terrorist actions against American citizens in the region, the Department of State again reiterates its warning to American citizens to defer travel to Pakistan and strongly urges American citizens in the country to depart. Although the high level of tension between India and Pakistan has subsided, the risk of renewed tensions cannot be ruled out. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Pakistan dated July 19, 2002. For full text of warning: http://travel.state.gov/pakistan_warning.html ********************************************************************** HIMALAYAN EXPLORERS CONNECTION UPDATES ********************************************************************** 10. NEXT ISSUE OF HIMALAYAN NEWS IN THE MAIL HEC members should have received the next issue of Himalayan News (our hardcopy newsletter) by now. If you havn't received it please contact us at info@hec.org. Nonmembers - remember that we put quite a lot of time into these updates, and that membership makes these emails and our projects possible. Those that listen to NPR without joining and read these emails should feel especially guilty. If it's keeping you up at night (and even if it's not) why not go to www.hec.org and join? Members - thanks always for your support! ********************************************************************** 11. HEC SLIDE SHOWS WITH CHOKPA SHERPA IN COLORADO Chokpa Sherpa had never been to a modern city before. She had never seen a highway, washing machine, a toilet, or even running water. That was until May, when Chokpa arrived in the United States greeted by her son, Pemba Sherpa, and numerous television and news representatives. Chokpa Sherpa is here in the U.S.A. is to help the HEC raise funds for a "Sherpa Heritage Model School". The funds for this project support the location of a building, supplies, and teachers for a boarding/day Model School in the Solu-Khumbu (Everest) region in the Himalayas. Chokpa, her son Pemba, and HEC Executive Director Scott Dimetrosky presented slide shows in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins in support of the school project. With nearly 100 people at every show, Chokpa was fearless, standing in front of the room and telling stories about life in Nepal and the U.S. She even shared her insightful observations, proclaiming that there were too many freeways in the U.S. and not enough barley fields. ********************************************************************** 12. HEC PORTER ASSISTANCE PROJECT: KILIMANJARO UPDATE The HEC Porter Assistance Project is also now developing a Porter Clothing Bank for Kilimanjaro. We hope to launch the new clothing bank in time for the December 2002 climbing season. HEC board member Ken Stober, along with Executive Director Scott Dimetrosky, are off to Africa at the end of August to evaluate the equipment needs and potential partners. Please contact ken@hec.org if you are interested in serving on an advisory committee for the project. ********************************************************************** 13. VOLUNTEER NEPAL HIMALAYA UPDATE Due to the political violence in Nepal the HEC - along with a number of study abroad programs - was forced to cancel our spring and fall 2002 Volunteer Nepal Himalaya Teaching program. This was a difficult decision for us, and we are extremely disappointed that the schools, families, and participants can't share and benefit from this unique program. We are still hoping to run the spring 2003 program, however, so if you are interested please contact us. If you are interested in going sooner, remember that the HEC publishes the Nepal Volunteer Handbook with leads on over 50 NGOs and volunteer programs, many of whom are still looking for volunteers. ********************************************************************** 14. HEC SEEKS VOLUNTEER TO HELP IN KATHMANDU OFFICE FOR FALL 2002 The HEC is looking for an individual who would like to volunteer in our Kathmandu office in fall 2002. This is a volunteer position, but the rewards will be tangible - updating our Nepal Volunteer Handbook, developing the Porter Assistance Project, and assisting with our other projects. We are looking for at least a two month commitment from someone who has spent at least six months in the Nepal. If you are interested please contact info@hec.org ********************************************************************** 15. JOIN PEMBA SHERPA ON A KILIMANJARO CLIMB Pemba Sherpa, who grew up in the Everest region of Nepal and has guided over 20 treks to the region since moving to the U.S. in 1990, will now be organizing a climb of Kilimanjaro in January 2003. The climb will be a fundraiser for the HEC Porter Assistance Project, which will be opening a Porter Clothing Bank in Africa in December 2002. If you are interested please contact us at info@hec.org ********************************************************************** MEMBER POSTINGS ********************************************************************* 16A. LOOKING FOR GUIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ANNAPURNA I am looking for a good, independent, English speaking guide to accompany a party of two or three people on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary from late October to late November 2002. Please email your recommendations for guides you have used or of whom you have personal knowledge. Betsy Mark, bmark4@juno.com 16B. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN NEPAL Seven years ago I adopted my daughter, Rama, from Nepal. When I arrived in Nepal, I found Rama had a younger sister. My wife and I have decided that with the current problems in Nepal that we would like to either adopt her sister or help her here to go to school. She is now about 11 years old. Any ideas or thoughts on this? Bob Pyke, repyke@infi.net 16C. LOOKING FOR CLIMBING PARTNER FOR OJOS DEL SALADO, CHILE Experienced Himalayan traveler heading to Chile November 6-23, 2002, and looking for climbing partners for Ojos Del Salado. Please contact me if you're interested. Jonathan Stewart, jonathan_stewart@yahoo.com 16D. LOOKING FOR AN HONEST AND RELIABLE TREKKING OUTFIT IN KATHMANDU Can anyone suggest how I might identify an honest and reliable trekking outfit in Kathmandu? The choices are endless and I'm not sure where to begin...Recommendations are welcome. Cary Farley, ripogenous@yahoo.com 16E. LOOKING FOR PARTNER FOR TIBET TRIP This October I want to go to Nepal via Everest Base camp and Rongphu Monastery, catching a 4WD from Shigatse. If anyone is interested in sharing a vehicle let me know. Also, I've read in the Lonely Planet that I may be able to catch the bus to Lhasa from Xining for only 800 yuan. Has anyone done this? Tammy Mazure, tmazure@hotmail.com ********************************************************************** MONTHLY FEATURES ********************************************************************** 17. INTERNET CONNECTION: WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB (NEPALWATCH) Nepalwatch, a recently initiated Yahoo newsgroup, offers members a way to share information on Nepal. Members are welcome to post news items from international media sources, questions or comments about the current political situation, or any other relevant piece of information. There are usually not more than 10 postings a week. To join, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NepalWatch/ ********************************************************************** 18. UPCOMING EVENTS September 11, 2002 Mountaineers Unite For 9-11 Memorial Expedition On Mt. Elbert The World Peace Foundation of Nepal is sponsoring a joint Nepal-American Memorial Expedition to Mt. Elbert, Colorado, on September 11, and invites anyone who is interested to join them. "We are doing this as a gesture of upliftment in difficult times, to counteract feelings of helplessness," says Madhav Prasad M.P.] Bhandari, Chairperson of the World Peace Foundation in Nepal. "We wish to bring people together in the spirit of healing through nonviolent means." You are cordially invited to join the climb or to come and offer prayers throughout the day on September 11th. For further information, contact Pam Whitworth at pamwhit@kdsi.net September 14, 2002: Detectives of Everest Author to visit Tualatin, Oregon REI Jochen Hemmleb, researcher/historian on both the 1999 and 2001 Mallory & Irvine Research Expeditions will present a slide show and discussion at Tualatin, Oregon REI on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30pm. Headlines raced around the world when George Mallory's body was found high on Everest in May 1999. When Ghosts of Everest: The Search for Mallory & Irvine was published in 1999, it was widely praised in the media. An intense debate was re-ignited: What happened to Mallory's partner, Andrew Irvine? Did they make it to the top? In 2001 the team returned in search of further clues among the high camps on Everest's north side. Now the story continues in Detectives on Everest: The 2001 Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition. December 10-13, 2002: Himalayan Biodiversity Conference In commemoration of The International Year of Mountains (IYM) 2002 and The International Year of Eco-tourism, 2002, I am pleased to convey you that the Himalayan Resources Institute (HIRI) Nepal in collaboration with Biodiversity Research Group (BRG), Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, Ecological Association of Nepal and Nepal Biotechnology Association (NBA), are going to organize an International Conference on Himalayan Biodiversity on December 10-13, 2002 in Kathmandu, Nepal. We would like to invite you to contribute your working papers in the conference. Mr. Ram Bhandari, President Himalayan Resources Institute (HIRI) E-mail: hirinepal@mail.com.np New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal ********************************************************************** CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION (UPDATED AUGUST 2002) ********************************************************************** Explore Himalaya offers legendry adventure holidays to all destinations in Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, and Bhutan. Hard or soft Himalayan treks, mountaineering expeditions, mountain biking, Mt. Kailash pilgrimage and Tibet overland by 4WD Jeep. Special discount for HEC members. Fax: +977 1 252115, Tel: +977 1 252990 sales@explore-himalaya.com www.explore-himalaya.com Join the Himalayan Explorers Connection in the Himalayas! In October 2002 Pemba Sherpa leads an 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@hec.org NEW INEXPENSIVE HIMALAYAN CLIMBING AND TREKKING with Daniel Mazur. Prices reduced due to recent events. Full service low cost expeditions inside Nepal, Tibet and China: Amadablam, Pumori, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna. Check out our NEWEST "LOW-BUDGET" TOURS: Mustagh-Ata, Cho-Oyu, Everest, Mt Kailash, Tibetan 7000 meter peaks, and 6000 meter trekking peaks in Nepal and Tibet. Phone: 206-329-4107 summitclimb@earthlink.net www.summitclimb.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. 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 Circle the 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 trips@circletheplanet.com http://www.circletheplanet.com Himalayan Treasures and Travel. We have seats to Kathmandu all the time. Call us for the best price and best service. We book for many HEC members and give HEC discounts! Call 800-223-1813 or 510-222-5307. govindsh@himtrek.com http://www.himalayantrekking.com. ********************************************************************** 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@hec.org or call (303)998-0101. Bridges-PRTD: Join the fourth expedition of our Himalayan volunteer and academic program in Spring 2003. Study tourism development and implement development projects in the spectacular and remote Rolwaling valley, including the installation of the first hydro plant and the inauguration of a climbing school for tourists. Open to students and other interested adults. www.bridges-prtd.com or e-mail sicroff@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@hec.org ********************************************************************** HOW TO POST ON HIMALAYANET (1) Send your HimalayaNet postings to himalayanet@hec.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@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@hec.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. Corporate memberships are also available. 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@hec.org http://www.hec.org |
