Precaution to avoid altitude at Kailash Mansarovar
June 23, 2009
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
June 22, 2009
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
June 22, 2009
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
June 22, 2009
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…
June 12, 2009
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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
June 2, 2009
“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
