Precaution to avoid altitude at Kailash Mansarovar
The famous Hindu pilgrimage site- Mansarovar Lake in Kailash lies at 4,556 meter (14947.5 ft) above sea level and is located in Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Substantial number of pilgrims from India and other nationals visit there via Nepal route and prolonged high altitude journey via Tibet. From that perspective, Kathmandu has been established as a gateway to Mansarovar-Kailash area. Majority of the travelers are oriented about the arduous journey that they have to pass through, but few of them face sheer difficulty due to their age, health and acclimatization problem.
Highest place to cross while circumambulating Kailash Mountain is Drolma La Pass which is 5,636m. Since people are prone to altitude sickness above 3000 m, it’s necessary to take precaution to avoid unfateful event while travelling. It has been reported that the death of six Indian pilgrims in Kailash Mansarovar recently in Tibet is clearly due to altitude sickness, not because of starvation. In the past, many people died in this area because of the altitude reason, more than with any other causes.
Major entry points of Kailash Mansarovar are Kodari and Hilsa in Nepalese side. However, Kodari is the only entry point that has been linked with Kailash by motorable road. Distance between Kodari and Kailash is approximately 800 km and it takes minimum five days to reach there from Kodari.
Acclimation is considered as the best and most effective precaution to avoid such sad situation. Apparently traveling to Kailash from Nepal side has become popular due to its natural landscape which is suitable for gradual acclimatization. Therefore, it is highly recommended to spend a few days in Nepalese pilgrimage sites like Muktinath and Gosaikunda situated in higher altitude before proceeding to Kailash in Tibet.
Apa reaches summit of Mt Everest, makes it 19
Legendary Everest summiteer Apa Sherpa (49 years old) has set a new record on Mt Everest by reaching the summit of the highest peak in the world for the record 19th time. He reached the summit at 8:30 pm on Thursday leading an Eco-Everest Expedition 2009.
Apa reached led the expedition to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas. Apa unfurled a banner reading “Stop Climate Change, Let the Himalayan Live” on the summit. He also placed a bumpa, handed over to him by the Rimpoche of Tengboche Monastery Ngawang Tenzin Zangpo.
Mr. Apa Sherpa was felicitated by Nepal Tourism Board and other travel related associations on 26 May for his successful ascent of Mt. Everest for nineteen times. He placed a banner with a slogan of “Stop Climate Change, Let the Himalayas Live” on the summit.
Phurba Wins Everest Marathon
Phurba Tamang (21) from Lukla has won the seventh edition of the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon on May 29. Phurba, who was the runner-up last year, finished the race in 3hrs. 40 minutes and 46 seconds. Phurba’s elder brother Raj Kumar, finished runner-up with the timing of 4hrs, 7mins and 2 seconds and Sandeep Rai of Solukhumbu finished third in 4 hrs, 9 mins and 48 seconds.
The runners participated in the even despite heavy snowfall in the Everest base camp. The snowfall had almost led to the cancellation of the event. The marathon could take place after snow started melting.
In the women’s category, Mingma Chemji Sherpa stood first with the timing of 5hrs, 5 mins and 31 seconds. Angfuti Sherpa and Migmafuti Sherpa were second and third completing.
Athletes of the Indian Army dominated the foreigner’s category with Shyam Kesho finishing first with the timing of 5hrs, 36 mints and 46 secs. Om Kumar and T Ganapati were second and third respectively. The India athletes had prepared for the marathon at the world’s highest altitude in Sikkim.
Tourism fraternity observes World Environment Day
Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) together with various travel trade associations jointly organized a clean-up and tree plantation programme to celebrate the World Environment Day on June 5. This year’s slogan for the World Environment Day celebration was ‘Your Planet Needs You, Unite to Combat Climate Change’.
Tourism entrepreneurs, representatives of trekking agencies, conservationists, students, media persons and local community actively participated in the ceremony. Over 500 saplings were planted in the 1.5 km stretch on the banks of Bishnumati River near Shovabhagwati temple. They also cleaned the Bishnumati River. Nepal Mountaineering Association will manage the area.
Speaking on the occasion, various speakers underlined the need to preserve our fragile environment from the threat of pollution and impacts of global warming. They also requested all concerned to take immediate initiatives in protecting our environment.
Annapurna Trek & Lhasa Overland tour gave me good memories…
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I would also like to thank you (chet) and your company Himalayan Glacier Trekking for all your information, organizing my treks and tours and help during my stay in Kathmandu. I still have good memories of my Tibet trip (Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland tour ) and my Poonhill trek (Annapurna Trek ) with your company (beginning of December). The Poonhill trek, the mountains, the people, the nature and the whole experience was great! Especially the mountains, I love them! For me, with almost no experience with trekking, it was really a challenge. Sometimes hard (for example the more then 3000 steps to Ulleri) but most of the time manageble. And the view from Poonhill was unforgetable!! |
| I was very happy that you’ve found a nice and friendly guide for me. Sushil was always happy, singing Nepali songs and polite enough to wait for me after every little break I needed. When I was struggeling with the steps he was trying to help me (for example: making an extra walking stick, or just asking me how I was doing). He has even tried to learn me Nepali but sometimes I needed my energy for walking instead of Nepali lessons.
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland tour was amazing tour I really enjoyed it too. The Tibetan guide, jeep, driver and all the service was excellent except high altitude. The places where I’ve been sleeping on trek where sober but fine, after a walk you don’t need more than a shower and a nice bed. The choices of breakfast, lunch and dinner where also fine. I was suprised to see lasagne and mexican food on some menu’s;-)I’ve no complains about the trip or your company, you did very well! I am very satisfied with your company Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Thanks again for your help! Thank you for sending Sushil (guide) with me during this trek. Greetings Dita Dita Roetert Steenbruggen |
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South Africa to Everest Base Camp
“Our entire experience with Himalayan Glacier was excellent, and in fact got better and better as we went, especially when it was most important (deep in the mountains). From a well-constructed, informative and easy to use website, to the fast response and super-professional service provided by Naba out of Kathmandu, to the extremely competent and confidence-inspiring leadership in the mountains of Hom and his team, our Everest Base Camp trek-of-a-lifetime was exactly what we wanted it to be and more. The environment and overall scenery we experienced on our Everest Base Camp Trek was absolutely spectacular, Kala Pathar before sunrise was brilliant, and Chukkung Ri is a must if you’re up to it. All made so much better by the first-world professionalism of Himalayan Glacier.We would unconditionally and unreservedly recommend Himalayan Glacier to all.”
 Everest base camp photo by warren king south-africa-11 |
 Photo by: Warren King, South Africa |
 Chiplung, Near lukla Photo by: Warren King, South Africa |
 Place after Namche: Photo by Warren King, South Africa |
Warren King
Sarah King
Andy Vogel
April 2009
South Africa
When we were finally on the top of the Island Peak
It’s difficult to translate in words what we felt and what we saw when we were finally on the top of the Island Peak.
The day was absolutely fantastic – we were very lucky. We have reached the top of the Island Peak mountain at 09:00h in the morning and everything was just perfect. What sensational views! Everywhere we looked at we just could see big mountains. It’s amazing!
We would like to thank our climbing guide Mr. Pen Sherpa for his great professionalism. He has a great knowledge about these mountains.
We sincerely think that he is one of the best climbing guides we may find in Nepal. The two young sherpa that were with us were also very friendly and kind always worried with our well be and hydration. We only disposed of 2 weeks to be in Nepal and climb the Island Peak and Himalayan Glacier has an option that turned our wishes possible. What we did was very hard and atypical when climbing in Himalaya.
We would like to thank Himalayan Glacier Trekking for taking care of all the arrangement and for having understood our needs. Without their help our dream of climb a peak in Himalayan would have been impossible.
To climb Island Peak only in two weeks it’s important to be in a very good physical condition since you will have to walk 6-7hr in average per day. You don’t have time to acclimatize well. You have to do it wile you are walking and you will always sleep at high altitudes so it’s important to drink a lot of liquids and eat nice and energetic food. It’s very easy to loose the appetite at high altitudes.
For those people that like us don’t have much time to climb in Nepal, the good news are that there are agencies like Himalayan Glacier that can arrange a plan that fills your needs.
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Best regards
Pedro and Sílvia and Group
Spain
Island Peak climbing
March 2009
2nd International Sagarmatha Day celebrated- 29 May
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Mountaineering Association along with travel related institutions organized various programs on the occasion of 2nd International Sagarmatha Day - 29 May. Morning procession started from Nepal Tourism Board premises to tourism hub Thamel with the participation of national and international Everest summiteers, various organizations, tourism professionals, public.
On the same day Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation conferred Everest Summiteers Mt. Everest Golden Jubilee Celebration Medal. Mr. Pemba Gyalze Sherpa was honored with Sagarmatha National Award for his daring contribution in saving lives of fourteen people above 27,000 ft on K2, the world’s second highest peak. He was also declared Adventurer of the Year 2008 for his adventurous effort by National Geographic magazine. Similarly, Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone Management Committee, Namche, Solukhumbu was honored with Tenzing Hillary Sagarmatha Award for its contribution in the conservation of environment in Solukhumbu area. Both of the awards were distributed by Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
After Annapurna Base camp trek
We had an awesome trek to Annapurna Base camp.
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We lucked out with perfect weather, and had clear views all along the trail. We so grateful that we were directed to Himalayan Glacier Trekking company and matched up with Iswor as our beat guide. We were a bit apprehensive at first, but all of our fears were allayed as soon as we started. Iswor was amazing guide for Annapurna Base camp Trek. He was very informative, patient, high professional and even taught us some Nepali. Because our entire trip to Nepal was spent trekking, we were so happy to have Himalayan Glacier and Iswor to tell us stories of his life and life of the Nepali people that we would otherwise not have experienced. Iswor treated us like family. We felt like he cared more for us and our wellbeing, than any other guide we saw on the trek. My experience and impression of Nepal is in the highest regard, much due to Iswor. We met an English doctor on the plane on my way home, and he is planning on trekking in Nepal. we immediately gave him Himalayan Glacier agency , Iswor’s name and other information. After telling him our experience with Iswor and his company, he was impressed and wants to contact them when it is time to trek. we plan on always recommending Iswor and his company to friends that want to trek in Nepal.
Elaine N. Chow
Taranto, Canada
May 2009
Island Peak climbing and expedition 2009
In this April’09 we decided to climb the Island Peak using the services of Himalayan Glacier. The acclimation, going to Everest Base Camp and Kala-Pathar, is a very nice trek and we were so lucky each day with weather. After used the Khangmala pass, we arrived to the Island Peak area and, after two days, we achieved the summit using the Base Camp and high camp (for a better acclimation). It was a sunny day but only us did the peak this morning! We were alone in front the Lothse wall! We came back to Luckla without any problem and still with good weather (a lot of mantras had been done!).
Everest view from Kala-Pathar
The support, help, and friendly and reasonable company of our guides, porters, and drivers was excellent in our trip. Specially thanks to Parkesh (trek-guide), Tiangzin (climbing-guide), and Chet (supervisor). I can highly recommend the Himalayan Glacier Trekking and staff for anyone who is planning to visit their country.
Jaume Rigau & Marc Rigau
Spain
Island Peak climbing and expedition 2009
Jayant - trek to Everest Base Camp
Today April 24 is the rest day at Namche Bazaar (11300 ft) - we hiked up 2600 feet yesterday after crossing the Hillary Bridge. Boy that was a steep hike!
On April 22, we finally got out of Kathmandu to Lulka airport. When you get a chance, go to maps.google.com, find Lukla, Nepal, and watch the landing at Lukla airport to appreciate what the pilots need to do to get us there. Brian from our group is a pilot, and even he was impressed.
Everest Region Trek 2009 - Jim Marx
While visiting my son Nick in Vietnam in November, I took a side trip for a 15 day trek in the Everest region of Nepal. I flew to Kathmandu, and on to Lukla to begin the trek. I hiked for 7 days to reach elevations over 5,000 meters or 16,000 feet. For the next five days I hiked around those elevations to the Everest Base camp, Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters or 18, 188 feet, over the Cho La Pass, and up Gokyo Ri. From Gokyo Ri there is a spectacular view of four of the world’s six highest mountains including a great view of Mt. Everest. The last three days were spent hiking back down to Lukla for a flight back to Kathmandu. It was a great experience that I highly recommend.
