Clean-up Expedition To Nepal Summer 2009

[shanja]

OK So Kyung Ah has given it the "double thumbs up", so here's the plan. A joint KOTR-KMPL clean-up expedition to Nepal for the summer 2009 season. This should fit well with weather and holiday availabilities for a few of us too.
Shawn will be there this Feb, so he might do some ground work to get a feel on things.:becky: I am sooooooo pumped about this plan, it will be awesome. If we pick a mountain that has technical sections we can divide the teams into those that will clean the lower/ easier/ safer areas and the dudes and dudettes that'll tackle the higher/ harder/ riskier slopes. With luck, the Nepalese might even waive our permit fees for this (low as they are). C'mon fellas and ladies, who's "in"?

[jsp1001]

I'd love to spend time on the rooftop of the world. Can you say more about what is involved? How long of a project? Are we basically picking up trash on the trail? Never having been there I dunno what is needed. Would there be time for just climbing/hiking?

Maybe one item on my bucket list will get ticked off sooner than later . . .

[mil-mil]

dates? gear? sounds like an amazing idea...

[shanja]

OK I'm gonna publicly name you guys. Joe Park, Mike Miller, Brandon Sherman, Kim Kyung Ah, Shawn Morrissey, Jake Preston.
These are the people who have called and e-mailed abut it already. Sorry no details are available yet. Shawn thinks 2009 Oct-Nov is a good date, I'm more inclined to try for Jun-Aug 2009 simply because that's when I have holiday time to go:o
Gear lists and such aren't avail yet...but think hiking, camping basic rope climbing and snow climbing as a start point.
If you are serious, you need to think also about insurance (travel) and also about vaccinations. Yes I hope there will be a few days at least at the start and end to explore K'du and so on. The hike in and exped itself (should it happen) would be a pretty amazing thing also...not just gruelling work!
YOU CAN HELP! - Research the clean-up expeditions from the past and look at possibe mountains in Nepal that are feasible (6000m and under, relatively easy). Then:

We can contact trek agencies in K'du via the net (search out reputable ones) and ask them about a cost estimate for providing a K'du to BC service (transport of our gear, permits, transport of trash out etc) and base it on say 15 people.
Please let me or Shawn know if you can help/ are interested. Thanks.

[shanja]

OK just a start point then. Here are 4 possible mountain areas we could aim at. They all have a general "trekking/ climbing schedule" of 20 days or less and are easily accessed. Now as I said our primary goal is rubbish removal, and a peak as a secondary bonus for those who wanted to take the chance. Look into these yourselves and see what you think.
1-Mera Peak (high traffic area so trash aplenty I guess) Khumbu Area
2-Island Peak
3-Pisang Peak
4-Lobuje East

[Hypoxic]

I have friends in Kathmandu, and one very close friend in particular, Balkrishna. He has a huge 5-story house where I always stay when I visit. He gives me an entire floor to myself, which is great so I can come and go as I please without having to disturb his family - especailly on nights when I hit up Freak Street for some tongba and stagger back in! :D Anyway, I think he'd allow our team to stay at his places during the stay in Kathmandu. He'll likely let us stay for free. On the return side, though, I believe it only proper to get our porter support from his company, Adventures Unlimited. He's a government registered company that has highly experienced porters and guides, some of them experienced on large expeditions to hills like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Gangapurna, etc. One of his guides is a camp cook and a dear friend of mine, Dom Tamang. I always try to help Dom and help put his daughter through school, so this kind of thing would help him out a lot. Guiding and portering is the only work he does. So, if no one objects to my personal matters regarding porters, and is keen for possible free accomodation in Kathmandu, then let's try to hook things up via Balkrishna.

[mil-mil]

sounds good to me. I don't see any down side to this at all. Free stay is more then enough reason for me to hire said friends guides/porters. Especialy if one is using the money to put his kid threw school. I see only positive in this venture.

[shanja]

Goes without saying that it gets my double thumbs up. I'm just glad to make sure our money would be going to a local operator, and one we can trust. Tongba in freak street?! Now that's a good reason also. Thanks everyone we have about 7-8 people already pretty well interested/ sure to join in.
Help out by starting your thinking now (even if you eventually don't/ can't join) about:
Vaccinations and meds (natural or whatever) you'll need.
Clothing and gear (with some extras for end of exped "donations" to villages, porters etc.
Fitness training and first aid courses - be prepared.
Sponsorship options - if you have a contact at an appropriate company etc mention it and asap we'll get a formal exped promo thing out to help sell it.
Holiday times and leave.
Costs. We think it'll run to about 2,000,000won a head, but who knows.

[nomadicmind]

Freak street! Why didn't anyone say there was a freak street? It'll be like coming home. Now I'm really there.
I don't have a bucket list, but I do have a "Things Morgan Freeman has done" list. Did he ever go to Nepal?

[ricardo]

i'm lurking on this thread.




(that's my way of saying i'm interested without being too committed)

[Hypoxic]

Freak street! Why didn't anyone say there was a freak street? It'll be like coming home. Now I'm really there.
I don't have a bucket list, but I do have a "Things Morgan Freeman has done" list. Did he ever go to Nepal?

He stood on the top of Chomolungma as God once...:D

I'd like to add one thing to Jake's list. For those seriously considering joining, please get educated on AMS, that is acute mountain sickness. It's a real potential problem, one that can be life threatening. I know some of us here have some extensive knowledge about it (not blowing my own horn, but I've spent a long time studying AMS and have a very good working knowledge about it). If so needed perhaps we can set up a seperate thread for health & safety/preparation issues regarding the expedition.

[shanja]

Well said. This trip, not to make it sound melodrmatic or anything, could be quite a tough little venture with some genuine health issues involved, including AMS (altitude sickness). I'll be sending out a pre-trip medical questionairre soon to anyone who expresses interest (even thread lurkers). This is not to scare or discourage anyone, but to keep things safe and help you plan as well. I'll be putting out other memos and such too with Shawn's help (and your help too! I don't want to be in charge of you and your trip!) on topics such as cultural hints and language, area back-ground, gear and equipment lists, conditioning and training, Kuhkri Rum versus Rahkshi moonshine etc etc etc. If you've been to Nepal before, or just on an exped/ mountain clean-up please put forth your suggestions too.
Even if you are less than 50% sure at this stage, consider setting aside some money each month and starting a little research and exercise.
Ladies might be interested to note the following point. Females typically sleep 2-3degrees (C) colder than men - so warmer sleeping bags/ clothes can be nice. Females and smaller males tend to suffer less from AMS than big beefy blokes as they have less muscle mass needing oxygenation. Super areobically fit men actually show biggest declines in performance at "high" altitude (it's a great leveller!:becky: ) - above 4000m. So girls you might well be the strongest people there, don't be intimidated by macho garbage boastings or warnings about trekking and the Hims.
Finally, even if it's not super hot, altitude and dry air suck the water out of you. Hydration, hydration, hydration! This is key to staving off AMS and to being strong and healthy always.

[shanja]

It may not be a necessity for every single person, but anyone seriously interested might also think about getting certified in first aid. I put a link to the Korean Red Cross where you can contact them about English courses. It's http://www.redcross.or.kr/www/eng/faq.jsp
Also if you are thinking of trying for a summit (or just high slope cleaning) try getting in some ice-climbing practice this winter (or anytime at O2 in Ui Dong North Seoul).
I'll try and set up a few dates for practicing some crevasse rescue systems (they also work as great haul systems to lift heavy loads of trash etc) and avalanche awareness. This shouldn't be a major issue, but we will all benefit from a little education here.
Another lesson/ topic might be on hygeine and waste collection/ packaging. We want to clean up the place safely and get it out safely.
I'll be getting some basic Nepali lessons too from a Nepali student here. A few words will go a long way to breaking down cultural barriers and making sure we don't come off as being "holier than thou" do gooders.

[Hypoxic]

Agreed. A few people should be certified in first aid. Like Jake said, it's great knowledge to have regardless.

I also agree that education on hygeine and waste collection/packaging may be imperative. To add to this, it's important that the expedition is thoroughly knowledgeable about the current packaging issues in Nepal. For example, plastic-bottled water is a major litter issue in the Himalaya. The plastic bottles are non-recyclable and inevitably end up as waste and litter. It would have to be a rule of the expedition to not use these water bottles (also, the water is often just tap water that goes through UV light testing) so as to minimize our own impact and not add to the problem we'll be trying to manage. Therefore, knowledge on how to prepare drinking water properly - boiling at altitude, how to use iodine, etc. - will also be necessary.

[shanja]

Just to keep this thread ticking over, I have done some more checking into things. There is a Nepali student here in Daejeon who I'm (hopefully) going to learn some basics from. The language looks to be somewhat similar to Korean in general grammar and ordering, and even a few words! Likewise anyone interested could look at getting themselves acquainted with some aspect of this exped and it's goals.
Shawn's suggestion to avoid bottled water (at least during the hike in and out stages - though in K'du itself I think we can find some brands that are using recycleable plastic, no?) is good, so we might need to make sure at least a few people have water filter pumps etc. Up higher, boiled CLEAN snow (not the dreaded yellow stuff) has never given me or anyone I know any "Delhi belly", and if you've been in Asia a whiles and been out eating street foods and such, you might have a good base layer of immunity to the milder bugs already (that was my experience when climbing in Tibet and Nepal with other foreigners who'd arrived from the states/ Europe - they got sick much more readily than those of us who'd been living in Korea).
Another issue will be creature comforts and the provision thereof. A basecamp (when we are actually at the mountain area - not trekking in-out) really needs to be comfy to maintain motivation and help keep the troops healthy (mentally and physically). It'd be great to have a solar powered generator to supply a bit of electricity to the mess tent for lights at night and maybe even a portable DVD player/ laptop (no internet though!). Sounds wantonly luxurious I know, but when you're there and working hard all day, it makes a big difference. Diesel/ Kero jennies (generators) are the norm, but heavy, dirty and noisy. Someone out there with experience in solar jennies wanna suggest something here?

I'm imagining the exped schedule will play out a bit like this:

Day 1- Arrive Kathmandu (can buy visa at the airport or ahead of time).
Day 2- Quick tour of K'du (Monkey Temple, Boudanath etc) and shopping.
Day 3-4 Sort out gear and paperwork etc, head off (by bus/ plane)
Day 5-10 Hike in to clean-up mountain area, staying o'night at tea-houses.
Day 11-14 Acclimatize and set up BC, start low altitude clean-up work.
Day 15-20 Acclimatize more and continue clean-up to higher areas.
Day 17-22 Summit party clean up highest areas and down.
Day 20-22 Break BC and send last garbage out (by Yak/ porter etc)
Day 21-26 Hike out
Day 25-27 Back to K'du etc
Day 26-30 and beyond, your free-time in Nepal. Enjoy!

The reason to get going outta K'du asap is weather (monsoon tails can be long) and also it's in the cities you have the biggest chances of getting sick and so on. Party hard and get sick when you finish!:p

We'll be at BC cleaning up for maybe 2 weeks, so make sure you have a greatly comfy camping system worked out! Two foam pads are worth the extra weight/ bulk on the way in (probably you won't be carrying it anyways), and a warm sleeping bag with liner is a must. A few books (light reading to share) and a guitar/ frisbee/ harmonica/ deck of cards etc keeps us all sane.

K'du is a great and super cheap place to pick up cheap camping/ climbing/ outdoor gear ex-expeditions from the gear stores that abound in K'du's Tamel district etc. I'd almost reccomend picking exped gear up here to save on travel weight....but not on the absolute essentials, they may not always be available in your size!

OK well that's all for now. Get wise about the trips possible demands and start figuring how you can prep in advance. It will be an abolutely unforgettable and awesomely grand adventure!

[Hypoxic]

Good stuff, Jake.

I spoke with my good buddy in Kathmandu, Balkrishna (goes by BK), this morning. The talk was mostly of my upcoming trip in February/March, but I did mention the expedition, and he's keen as of now. Now that our ideas are becoming more rounded, I'll be able to provide him with more details.

So, again, this is what I suggest:

- During our stay in Kathmandu, we crash at BK's place; he has a very large five-storey house, each floor seperately accessible from the outside stairwell; plenty of room for a small group of rugged and burly mountaineers. I believe that BK will allow us to stay gratis, or at least cheap (perhaps food costs).

- In return for BK allowing us to stay at his house, we make use of his trekking company to organize the essentials in terms of: guide (at least one may be necessary, even if only for helping with translation infield and keeping fickle porters organized - I've never made use of porters myself, but the stories of their stubborness is stuff of legend), porters, camp cook, yaks/horses, paper work, red tape, etc. I do think a gift for BK and his family (his wife and two exceptionally polite children) would be appropriate, too.

I'll keep everyone posted as I things develop on this.

[Katz]

Im interested but Im only available til Aug

[skinsk]

i'm lurking on this thread.
my thoughts exactly. . .

[shanja]

Thanks Shawn! I'll let you know more precisely what I think we need to put to him vis-a-vis detailed questions, but generally just need his opinion on feasability, area choice and a time frame (I'm hoping to keep it within 3 weeks or so).
Lurkers, thanks it's nice to know you ae out there. I'll be asking for more firm expressions of interest soon (but not a fully fledged comittment) so we can better communicate and prepare.
Kat, the exped would likely be scheduled in somewhere betixt mid-June to late Aug. I'll try and get that fixed up asap so you can get holiday times prearranged with schools/ bosses etc.
Even if this doesn't pan out precisely the way we are planning now, KA and I will be there and doing some stuff.
People seriously thinking should get vaccinations organized by April, and in training/ preparing to some extent asap.

[shanja]

For thoise interested I have an initial questionnaire I will e-mail you (if I haven't already). Please ask me to send this to you and tell me (in a pm not here) your email address. Lots of work to be done, and I wanna start delegating tasks and confirming things. Love you guys!

[Hypoxic]

I'd like to start encouraging interested people to ask any questions you may have regarding the expedition, the Himalaya, trekking, Nepal, or anything else pertaining to the whole wonderful package. Feel free to ask here or at the KMPL Facebook page where there is a discussion board for this topic. If you have any questions of a personal nature, you may ask them in PMs.

[shanja]

A good idea if you want to join in this is a CPR/ 1st aid course, and if you see the thread in the forums on CPR certs you can see we are trying to get at least 10 folks together to make it happen. Sign on if you are interested and details on cost, location, time etc will be posted soon (I hope:p ).

Also as for basic gear to take, it's all just common sense regular hiking, camping gear. Climbers note: If we hit up to clean to the summit you should not need plastic double boots, good proofed leather boots with crampon compatibility and super gaiters/ overboots would be fine. It won't be that cold. Hiking sticks with snow baskets and a hiking style ice-axe would also be great...if you lack these picking them up in K'du should be very easy and cheap. Leave your gri-gris at home, just an ATC/ tube etc for any belays. We'll need to be familiar with roped travel, snow travel, self arrests (we are a bad lot!), crevasse rescue and how to do ones toiletries whilst wearing multiple layers into a receptacle for latter removal to BC. Oh, sure sounds easy doesn't it? But there are some gruesome stories of alpine toilet accidents and embarrassments, believe you me!

[Hypoxic]

Just to add to Jake's post, if you don't have proper gear and the sort and fear the often hefty price tags that mountain products proudly boast, pretty much anything can be purchased cheaply (but at compromised quality) in Kathmandu. Most anything can be rented there, as well. Just something to consider.

And I'm hoping everyone will wait for my return before delving into the first aid course...:o

[jsp1001]

i'm seriously lurking too. I think a somewhat firm date would be nice so that we can make a decision. e.g. I have to start school mid August.

[shanja]

OK, I understand people want a firm date and details. So, I can tentatively say July 25 (sat) - Aug 22 (sat), which gives us 29 days inclusive. It's highly likely the exped would take a week or so less. Having viewed the schedules of other exped groups etc to the Chulu area of Manang Himalaya in Nepal (our best bet I think) and allowing for monsoon disruptions etc I think 22 days would be quite sufficient (say July 25-Aug 15).
Please post preferred dates here anyone who is a lurker, allowing a range of 22 days (if you can say a date with 3 days either side, all the better). As yet only a single person has bothered to fill in the requested info form, so it's hard for us organizers to know how serious people are. I realize it goes both ways, but let's try and commit to some details. Shawn will be in Nepal in a week or so and get a better idea of itinerary and costs etc.

[shanja]

So I think I've more or less been able to narrow the peak down to Chulu East (6534m) in the Manang Himalaya. There is also a nearby Chulu Far East (6081m) and a Chulu West (6441m) but Chulu East looks the more attractive peak for a few reasons, so get familiar with it if you are coming.
Although it'll be up to BK and his company exactly how we get there, I imagine it'll be K'du-Pokhara, then hike up to BC via the Marshyangdi and back va Jomsom to Pokhara and K'du. A circuitous trek, in and out via different paths should be possible.

I'm really keen that the climbing part be done safely and in good style. Chulu East (6584m) looks like it will give us a bit of scope to try an alpine/ semi-alpine ascent via a new route or variation. The "standard" route is the NE ridge, and is rated generally as an Alpine Grade (French) PD+ (Peu difficile), a new route we could expect to be stiffer...maybe AD+ (Assez difficile) or D (Difficile). You can all help by searching out photos of Chulu East and trying to pick out possible lines. Look for ice-cliffs, avo-chutes, cornices and so on.

Under training I've mentioned the desire to get a few prac days on roped travel and crevasse rescue. Let's work together to help each other be well prepared.

At BC we will all help clean up what rubbish we can find. With permission of the Sirdar/ Nepalis we can burn that which is combustible (fire is sacred to Tibetans and some Nepalis so they might be offended). Other stuff we will try and collect and sort into barrels for removal back to Pokhara (?).

As we will be at BC about a week, we will need build a toilet that captures our waste too, and we will need to pack this poo and paper out. I'm serious.

Thus we will need everyone to bring 5-7 pairs of cotton gloves (those dinky Korean white and red things perfect) and a pair of stronger work (leather) gloves). Lots of antisceptic handwash (better than soap) and so on.

I'm hoping that on the days when the climbing team takes on the mountain, the others will be able to rest or go off on a 2-3 day side trip. Bring some books, cards, camera, travel games, frisbee etc. It isn't meant to be all work and no play!

[shanja]

Good general info on the region can be viewed online at www.destinationmanang.com take a look. Really beautiful and varied scenerey even for those of us who've been in Nepal before, this area should be different again.

[Hypoxic]

I'm back and ready to help get this thing rolling. I got the map, Jake. Let's plan to hook up soon.

[shanja]

Great! Thanks a million gazillion Shawn. Would this weekend sometime work for you? I might be able to pop up Seoul-wise and see you. Brain (Brian123) from up near Inje in Gangwon-do is also really interested in getting in on this. Maybe we can coordinate something? Love to hear and see what you have to say about your recent exploits in the Hims too!

[Hypoxic]

Yep, this weekend would be fine. Maybe a hike with some good eats and drinks afterward. Let me know.

[shanja]

OK here is some mandatory viewing courtesy of Will in Daegu...very useful stuff indeed.
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=1939
On a different note, looks like we now have maybe 5 folks from KOTR plus a maybe 6th person. Anyone wanting to buy a great brand new guide book to hiking and climbing in Nepal pm me (Amazon stuffed up and sent me 2 copies), bargain at 15,000won (full colour 2008 edition).
Shawn I might be up this Saturday/ Friday...not sure will call you tonight after I finish classes at 7 and talk to KA and Brandon.
Those folks interested (Brian, Erica, Brandon etc) we were thinking of a shakedown ridge route in Seoraksan April 11-12.
Not too hard, but requires a bivvy and some teamwork...just a get to know each other thing. If you can make it and sounds good answer here please or pm/ email me).

[gt29905]

Hmm........... sometimes, it's only when you realize that you can't have something that you become acutely aware of how bad you want it. :doh:

There is no way that I could get that kind of time off from my Hagwon unless I quit. I couldn't/shouldn't do that.

Hey Jake, do you think you'll be organizing something like this again, as in the next couple of years? :o

[shanja]

Hey Gabe, yeah if this goes OK I'm sure I or someone on KOTR will be doing a similar trip again in the next year or so. Usually there is also the bi-annual summer and winter exodus of KOTRers to Vietnam, Thailand, China and Japan etc which though smaller trips are also great fun. If you need to change jobs and get a uni gig with better hols let me know. With a year or so of experience, good refs and a TESOL cert it is possible to land a uni job.

[jstarkweather]

Hey Shanja...what would be the possibility of a non-KOTR member that doesn't live in SK being able to go on the trip?

[shanja]

Yes indeed, if the non-KOTR person wants to join in, either as a full climbing member or as a trekking member (still getting to 5300m!) they would be welcome to join us. Just ask them to check the details thus far and send me an e-mail or facebook message. We will try and get costs etc hammered out asap.

[captainettegreen]

Hey Jake et al.
This trek looks fantastic. I've been planning on going to Nepal since I knew I was heading to Korea...and what better way to experience a place than through acts of altruism with great people!! Is it too late to voice interest in the trip? If not, I would love some of the info./surveys/whatnot you've sent out if possible (I'm a bit nervous about my readiness for such an expedition)! Unfortunately, I cannot make it to Seoraksan this weekend :(, but I'm glad to be on this thread to get updates!
Thanks and peace!

[captainettegreen]

A friend, working for Geographic Expeditions, graciously sent me this Altitude Tutorial (http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dqkk2w7_30g5qrv4hc). Hope it helps anyone with questions.
peace,
a

[shanja]

Alex I pm'd you, so yeah sweet I think you'd be quite welcome to join in. We are having a mini-conference in Seoul this Sat evening/ night (details on where/ when exactly I'll post later when I know) to discuss issues and details and costs. Thanks for sharing that tutorial great to have people volunteering good info and helping each other out.

[shanja]

OK eco-climbers with a lust for high and wild places (ie "you cats"),
post the sat mini-climb and meet and feed this is what we have got settled.
Brandon Sherman (nomadicmind) is taking point on air-tix
Brian (Brian123) is taking charge of vaccinations etc beta
Jake Preston (shanja) will be the gear freak rep
Shawn Morrisey (hypoxic) will puppeteer the ecological and cultural aspects
Erica Pfeifer (ericamp), Kyung Ah (naomi), Alex (capainettegreen) and anyone else interested...you have no specific tasks as yet, but it's important that you also try and ask questions, kick-in info on any relevant topic and just keep up with things too. Our Exped is pretty democratic, no formal leadership and that works well when we all communicae well and help out. There is definitely a buzz in the ether over this trip and it will be an awesomely grand undertaking! Get excited and get prepared! Vaccinations should be dealt with now, I'll let Brian tell you what you need.
Costs:Airfares are Brandons puppy, but from the meeting we can expect a rough figure of 7-900,000won a person return. It might be good to have "open-ended tix" too. Visas can be obtained on arrival in Kathmendu airport, but nowadays they only accept foreign currency for these! Not Nepali rupees and not Korean won. So you'll need US dollars, Euros or whatever. 30 day and 90 day visas are all they offer too...no more 45 day visas:( ...if we go over our 30 days we automatically have to pay the 90 day visa fee ($100US:eek8: ). 30 Day visas are $30US...right?
Budget totals: apart from airfares we are looking at about 2,500,000won each...though you may well need less. This will cover (correct me if I'm wrong):
3 meals a day, porters, tents (2pax/tent + mess tent, cook tent, toilet tent), sirdar (head Sherpa guide), permits, park fees, tour of K'du, and so on. It should also allow you shopping money and odds and ends...but how much you spend there is really up to you.
Kathmandu is experiencing some hard times as Shawn said, with electricity being rationed to about 4 hours a day in many areas. Don't bother bringing too many gizmos. But a book or two would be nice (2nd hand book shops a plenty in K'du).

PLEASE BE CULTURALLY AWARE. Nepal is both Hindu and Buddhist. In K'du predomindantly Hindu, in the hills Buddhist. Our Sirdar and Nepali Liaison Officer & friend "BK" is a Brahmin Hindu. Cows are scared there so let's not gobbled down a steak OK? Likewise in the trek and hills pass all stupas, chortens and religious monuments in a clockwise direction (on their left), greet people modestly with the palms together "Namaste" and avoid overly intrusive photography habits. I'm sure this as all uneccessary advice, you'd do it anyways...and remember not tank-tops, mini-skirts or obsene Tees.

Monsoon is a malarial time in Nepal, so be aware of this. Once we are above 2000m it's very unlikely we'll encounter a mozzie, but in the lower earlier stages it's likely. Wear light coloured clothes (mozzies like dark colours), wear no perfumes, use DEET insect repellent and common sense...Brian will tell you about meds for malaria.

NO PLASTIC BOTTLED WATER!!! The plastic used in Nepal is not recyclable and is a major cause of pollution. Iodine tincture drops are the best and cheapest/ easiset solution...but as Erica and Brian and Gabe said, they will also bring water filterers. Thanks!

Finally, DATES and TIME:
According to BK and Dom (Nepali end) the trip should take 20-25 days all up (revised from my pm-ed schedule), but allow an extra 5 days for delays, weather etc. So say 30 days.
If you need to leave earlier that should be very easy, as you can exit at various points on the way. Just post here about that issue and we'll try and work that in for you.
Start dates: As Eriica is working on 22nd July, we can work on leaving from Incheon on the 23rd July and finish up about August 21st or 22nd...remember that the 30 days visa is from day of arrival in K'du...not leaving Korea.
If these dates are really not good for you, then say so now! We need to get things set in stone asap.
Thanx!!!!

[captainettegreen]

Awesome, thanks for update; and thanks to you all for the work you did yesterday! I wish I could've been there :(. I will talk to my co-teacher/principal tomorrow about dates! and get back to y'all asap. Again, many many khamsahamnidas, you rock!

[Hypoxic]

Thanks for that breakdown, Jake. It was a wonderful meeting yesterday with some great food, greater discussion, and even greater people.

I have plenty more to share with everyone, and I look forward to our next meeting.

If anyone else is sitting on the fence about joining us, please don't hesitate to ask questions and get involved. You are welcome and we hope you can join.

I have a lot of info forthcoming - particularly within my duties as ecology/culture...er...guy - so stay tuned!

Be well.

[captainettegreen]

I'm in fo sho! My principal says he'll "think about it" which usually means yes. If anything, I'd have to duck out a few days early (the 16th instead of the 22nd). But I think I can persuade him to give me the time off with some unpaid days!! I'm stoked, any upcoming dates I should mark off on my calendar?
Peace

[Hypoxic]

I'd like to point out that Dom, and not BK, will be the sirdar. BK (which is his nickname; his full name is Balkrishna Burlakoti, and it's possible that he may be visiting Korea again in a couple months) will be helping in getting upper level things organized from the Nepali end. BK is indeed a Brahmin Hindu and one of the warmest people you're likely to meet.

Dom Tamang will be our sirdar. He's a member of the Buddhist Tamang tribe, cousins of the Sherpa people. He's tough as nails but soft as cotton. He knows the hills like few people I've met. He's full of bright spirits and takes care of those he treks/climbs with like they were his children.

Both BK and Dom are very close dear friends of mine and I'm really happy that all of you will have the opportunity to meet them. You're bound to make friends for life.

[shanja]

OK So let's see if we can meet up again in Daejeon on the weekend of Sat 9 and Sun 10 May. If you wanna/ can come down Fri then that is also cool (I usually have Fri free so we could do stuff then too).
If 9-10 May doesn't gel with anyone quickly say so and we'll make it 16-17 May instead.

[Brian123]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for a great weekend! I hope to see everyone at the Meet and Greet next Weekend!

I did a little digging around and have posted recommended vaccinations below:


Hepatitis A
Recommended for all travelers

Typhoid
Recommended for all travelers

Polio
One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult

Japanese encephalitis
For long-term (>1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially after dusk

Hepatitis B
Recommended for all travelers

Rabies
For travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given

Tetanus-diphtheria
Revaccination recommended every 10 years

Malaria: recommended for rural areas at altitudes below 1200 m (3937 ft) in the Tarai and Hill districts bordering India and for the areas of the inner Tarai valley areas of Udaypur Sindhupalchowk, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Dang.


While the decision to vaccinate is pretty clear for most of the aforemnentioned diseases, thier are a couple that may warrent discussion. Maybe Jake and Sean can provide a bit of advice as they have experience in these regions.

Malaria- to innoculate or not to inooculate. Will we be traveling in any of the regions mentioned above, and how long will we realistically be below 1200 m?

Japanese encephalitis: From initial RS, it doesnt seem necessary to innoculate, but may be safe to do so. It may be noteworthy to add various agencies recommendthis vaccination for living in Korea as well.Anyone contracted the disease/ know of anyone contacting the disease while in Korea?
Additionally, the WHO cites three major out breaks of this disease in Nepal over the past15 years, but the last major one was 10 years ago...

Overall, I feel it will largely be a matter of individual decison. While not being stupid, I personally tend to shy away from vaccinating unless I am compelled to do so.

Others may be more cautious. I would love to hear others opinions on the subject, and please dont hesitate to put me to work on this subject and have mefurther RS any aspect of this topic.

Brian

[shanja]

Thanks Brian! Great job with the RS on vaccinations. Most large hospitals can do all of these in Korea no probs, but they can be expensive (not covered by our health insurance).
Malaria is certainly one I'd look into more...different regions have different prophylatics due to regional resistances. We will be there in monsoon with lots of mozzies around K'du and the lower areas ( a few days-week)...so if the meds are simple and with few side effects it might be worthwhile...
Like you, I tend not to worry too much about excessive vaccinations. Rabies is very expensive and honestly I don't think it would be necessary... we are not likely to be around bats and we should all know enough not to get bitten by dogs, monkeys and so on...I've never had this as a problem in all my visits to rabies countries...the downside is if you do get rabies, it needs a full blood transfusion unless you had the vaccinations!
People should also think about meds for travellers diahorrea etc,that is likely to be your biggest concern by far, though most resolve themselves in 24 hours without treatment.

[shanja]

Uncle Jake's Gear Guide Part the 1th:
OK so if you have travelled/ backpacked/ trekked before a lot here will be redundant, and well known already. Still I'll touch on some basics and open the door to questions/ debate and suggestions.

Around town:
We will be in Nepal in monsoon. Think Korean summer essentially for the week or so we will be in K'du amd at the lower elevations. Humid, rainy and teaming with people (and on the lower trek stages maybe leeches!).
Bring a ligtweight simple set of clothes for town. This is the only time I'd say cotton is OK, on the trek it's a poor choice (reasons later). With luck we'll be able to leave town clothes and shopping extras in K'du whilst away.
Nepal is an admixture of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Hence I'd like to suggest that a slightly more conservative dress code be considered. It's not Bondi beach, nor Hongdae nor Sunset Strip...you'll see some other 'travellers' wearing mini-skirts, showing off their pierced navels, sporting mo-hawks and drinking a beer in the middle of the street in a "I smoke pot" Tee and cut off raggy jeans. But actually most Nepalis take this as an insult to their culture and you will look like an ignorant, try-hard, juvenile tool. By all means be yourself, I'm not saying pith hats and safari suits are de rigeur. Just don't go too far beyond the local exppectations of decency...especially when visiting peoples homes or temples etc.
That said it's nice to have some fun, non-trekking/ climbing clothes for the town...even if the nightlife there is curtailed somewhat by 4 hours/ day electricity it IS nice to dress up a bit. Umbrellas are a tad cooler than gortex at the lower elevations too. Sandals and runners are fine for this stage too...leave the trekking boots for the trail or you'll cook your feet.
Crime isn't a big issue - use common sense- but don't carry all your cash with you in one bag/ wallet. A money belt thing is good - and have the cash in small denominations - you don't want to look like a rich easy mark for scammers. Oh and some people like to have those white face masks if they are biking/ jogging in K'du's air.
On the trail:
Lower down it'll be hot and maybe rainy/ humid. Coolmax and it's ilk are awesomely better than cotton because they are lighter and dry so much faster. We won't be washing clothes (except by hand with organic biodegradable soap once a week or so) after we leave K'du!!! That's right - so pick clothes and gear that is light, fast drying and not too stinky. A scarf/ buff thing can be fabulous as a do it all sweat rag/ neck warmer/ dust mask and hat. Underwear is up to you, but changing u/wear and especially socks every day is a really really great idea.:becky: A stick of deodorant also helps. Socks should be wool blends with as much wool as you can afford. They don't smell, dry fast and keep their cushioning better than synthetics or cotton. For the lower trek, anklette socks might be attractive (humidity) but beware the leeches! They will crawl up your boots and onto your ankles like lightening! A rub of soap on the outsides of mid-calf length socks helps this. A bit. As you trek up you'll not be carrying a big burly sack or 60-90Litres. This is a holiday and that is stupid. We are hiring Sherpas to do this work (anyways we might be cleaning the trails and picking up rubbish - not easy with a giant pack!). So you'll only be carrying a nice light 30L (approx) daypack with a camera, water bottle (NOT bottled water), snack and a jacket etc. Be aware that because most of your stuff will be with the sherps, you need to know where it is and have any essentials (tampons, meds, chocolate stash etc) with you. A light rain jacket/poncho is good, though many find an umbrella stuck in their backpack cooler on the trail. By now you have donned the trekking boots/ trail shoes, but a pair of cheap plastic slippers in that 30L pack can be a godsend when crossing a stream or just to air your stinky feet whenever you decide to take a 20min rest or so....this really helps a lot with odors and foot fatigue avoidance. For pants I love wearing a kilt (our family has it's own tartan - Gordon highlanders), but I suspect that in Nepal this might be seen as "odd":suspiciou . Girls go ahead and wear a long (below knee) lightweight skirt...it's better than a pair of pants anyday! Leave the jeans too. Lightweight cargo pants/ or zip-leg pants are good...but some areas in Nepal think shorts are a bit offensive/ only for kids.
Trekking boots: A tome could be written on this topic. You need good strong supportive (ankle height) boots THAT FIT YOU and are broken in. Leather is stronger, much more waterproof and my choice, but it is heavy and hot. The modern gortex lined (ankle high) synthetic hiking boots are not bad...you tend to get what you pay for though and cheap ones can be nasty. As you will be doing a lot of walking (maybe as much hiking in a month as you do normally in a year or more!!:eek8: ), your boots, socks and insoles are really key to having a good time. Get some good gel insoles from a sports store they are worth it!
Trekking poles (1 or 2) also really save your knees and lower back. I used to think they were wanky Euro-try hard wussie toys, but I'm a convert now. You should be able to pick up a decent set cheap in K'du...no need to buy super expensive new ones.
AS we get higher up (over 3000m) the nights will get colder and the day a lot drier. A warmer jacket and maybe beanie (at night) will be good. Down beats everything everytime, but a simple fleece is probably OK.
Once we hit the real heights (4000m and up) a warmer pair of pants and warmer jacket (not needing waterproofing by now) might be good. If we find snow (likely at BC and the Thorung La Pass) gaiters to keep your feet warm and dry are great...and maybe even those dinky walking crampons (eisen). Only the climbers will need to have double plastic boots/ high altitude leather ones with gaiters; and I think if you don't already own a pair then you could probably rent in K'du...or buy a pair and you are set for ice climbing season!:p
Up in BC and so on:
Good warm down jacket and warm fleece pants and a good beanie. Several pairs of high socks and warm gloves (inner and outer gloves work well). I love thermals to add a layer of warmth without weight. A pair of quality sunglasses (wrap around style is best) and a sun-hat with neck flap (foreign legion style) is also essentail...the UV up there is KILLER!! Lots of sunscreen and lots of lip-balm and moisturizer.
Shawn reckons BK and co will provide our tents and cooks, but if you have a good (-15C or better) sleeping bag...maybe bring that. You can rent bags in K'du if you need to though.

[shanja]

:doh: I'm a goose. I was trying to plan a meeting for May 9-10, but just remembered that that is the day of the Wolchulsan "King of the Mountain" charity race
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1905&highlight=king+mountain
Kyung Ah, In-Kyung and I are entered in (and we are all going to Nepal too)...so the Daejeon meeting date might need be changed to the 16-17th unless there are objections, or alternatively you cats could come and "race" over the beautiful Wolchulsan peaks to raise money for an orphanage nearby that KOTRer Stuart Aird (goulash) helps out at. Then we could plan and play together....but for Alex and Brian this is a loooooooong way. Wolchulsan is in the SW tip of Korean mainland.:eek8:

[shanja]

OK Folks. Serious Uncle Jake time now. No more sky-larking malalarky and so on.
1-We need decide on a date NOW for next meeting. May 16-17 or 23-24 is the choice I'm giving you (it's in Daejeon and we can climb/ hike/ train apart from the meeting). Please POST HERE ASAP so we can schedule our lives.

2-Essential Gear for Trek (short list):
Sandals/ 30-45L day pack/ trek pole(s)/ water bottle or hydration bladder/ sturdy hiking boots/ wool blend sox/ sun-hat/ good sunglasses/ senses of humour, decorum and adventure/ gloves/ litter pick-up stick/ umbrella or raincoat/ camera etc

3-Essential Individual Gear for the Climbers (short list): Double Plastic Boots or leather alpine boots with supergaiters/ mountaineering style crampons/ mountaineering axe approx 70cm/ 1 snow stake or picket/ harness/ 3 locking biners large/ 1 long prussik loop(1.5m 7mm cord) + 1 short prussik loop (1m 7mm cord)/ 1 long sling (2m webbing min)/ down suit or down jacket and warm fleece pants with gortex shell pants/ googles or good sunnies (spare pair good idea)/ 5 regular biners/ 2 pairs really warm gloves or mitts/ 65L or bigger back pack (for rubbish removal rather than gear etc)/ foam mat or thermarest

A lot of the other stuff we'll need is group gear (like mountain tents and leading pro etc) and some stuff will be provided by the Nepali crew we are using (BC tents etc). As I learn more I'll update this list.

So lets set a date and get geared up...or ask about gear we don't have yet...it may be rentable or borrowable. Don't forget your vaccinations either, and think about joining a 1st aid course before we go (July 24th looks like the date I think).

[captainettegreen]

either the 16-17 or 23-24 is fine

[Brian123]

Both dates work for me as well.

I DO need a pair of DB plastics, a picket, and a cold weather down bag as well. I may need a parka if temperatures are expected to dip below 0 deg. Farenheit.

If people want to start listing items for purchase, I can start a master list for the group....

[shanja]

OK Brian I think getting a rental pair of DBPlastic boots in K'du should be easy enough...although you might wanna buy a cheap pair (ex-exped etc) so you can ice-climb in Korea etc all winter!:becky:
Tentative dates for us are:

Daejeon meet and so on May 16-17th
Seoraksan Ridge Climb on May 23-24th
1st Aid Course in Uijeongbu Seoul May 30-31

Mark in your diary plus quickly note HERE any probs/ clashes etc.
Thanks.

[shanja]

OK folks, just a brief update here.
We now have the following members confirmed:

Amanda (Mandalyn)
Erica (ericamp)
Jake (shanja)
Kyung Ah (Naomi)
Brandon (nomadicmind)
Brian (Brian123)
In Kyung (non-KOTR)
Alex (captainettegreen)
Shawn (hypoxic - probrbly not going to Nepal but co-ordinating much)
and possibly
Jana (kogooma)

If anyone else out there is interested please get in asap, because we are going to be buying tickets next month. Initial reserach has a return airfare around the 800,000won mark (including taxes), and dates of:
Depart Incheon - July 25th
Depart Kathmandu - August 25th (approx; earlier may be possible/ sufficient)

At the weekend May 16-17th meeting in Daejeon I'll show people the gear you need and how to rope-up for glacier travel and perform a simple haul rescue etc. We will also try and make a master list of what gear people need and see how much of it is able to be got/ rented in lovely K'du!

Have you lot sorted your meds/vaccinations? Hep A, B, Typhoid, malaria tabs, travellers diahorrrea tabs, tetenus, etc? Get thee to a hospital now and do it...it could save your life (or a lot of money and suffering).

Climber types, please bring a harness, 2 locking carabiners, 4 regular biners, 2 long slings, 1 long prussik loop (made from 2m of 7mmm cord) and 1 shorter prussik (made from 1-1.5m 7mm cord), a belay tool and a notebook (a digital camera would be awesome too for training records). You'll be using tis stuff in a bit of fun training drills.

Everyone, please bring a bit of patience, sense of humour and an appetite. I'd like to kick off the meeting/ formal chit-chat stuff kinda early on Sat(say 4pm), because Amanda needs to leave Sat evening for Busan and we should all have the evening free to feed/ drink and bond...I was thinking of hitting a local mountain restaurant that does great barley-rice and dong-dong-ju for dinner (vegetarian types well catered too)...so cheap but way delicious.
Sunday if people are interested/ free we could do some hiking/ climbing or extra training/ chatting whatever.

Finally, don't forget that this is to share info, experiences and ask questions. Be heard, listen to others and have a laugh. Cheers!

[Hypoxic]

I'm looking forward to hooking up with everyone. I'll be providing a brief breakdown of the environment/ecology/biodiversity of the region at the meeting. This will include a discussion on how to be eco-friendly while in the sensitive montane environment.

As Jake mentioned above, it's likely that I can't go. I just spent two months in Nepal and I can't afford another month away from work (also since the wife is going to Canada for three months to stay with my folks and study English). You have no idea how tough it is for me to help with organisation of the expedition while knowing that I'm likely not joining you all... :(

[Hypoxic]

I'd like to suggest something for the upcoming meeting. For the Sunday, how about we all head into some mountainous area around Jake's place and do a clean up? I think it would be appropriate if we get together and do what the chief aim of the expedition is: to clean up. Jake says he knows of some places that need some cleaning, and perhaps some other checking over. It could be done in about two or three hours, and we can do it as an official KMPL cleanup.

Thoughts?

[shanja]

Nice idea Shawn...Kyejoksan behind our place has a few hiking trails on it , and the base areas are often really filthy...maybe more from casual passersby than hikers but it's rubbish all the same. I think a few solid hours by 6-8 of us would easily remove a lot of that...and it's a very public area so with a KMPL-KOTR Banner and such te,orarily erected it'd be good publicity too (for us and the greener way of living).

On a seperate note; Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), Altitude Sickness , High Altitude Illness whatever you call it, here's a good link for the basic facts. I hope this serves as both a caution and as reassurance...we are very unlikely to be ascending faster than 400m a day at any point (except for the climbers who will probably go beyond this for a very short time - maybe):

http://www.basecampmd.com/expguide/amsprev.shtml

[Hypoxic]

I also have a medical guide to high altitude conditions written by doctors, with a vast section on AMS and all of its conditions. I'll make copies of those sections for everyone.

[shanja]

OK Dudes and dudettes, the time has come to be firm, yet fair, and pick out our travel dates. Ticket buying time is all but upon us!
Now remember, Nepal only offers 30 day and 90 day visa so even though it might be possible for people to arrive a day or so differently, we don't want people hanging around in K'du etc (at the beginning) burning up their visa dates waiting for others....if we finish early then you are free to spend any remaining visa time as you see fit of course.:p
That said I think we will have a few days up our sleeve...but lets keep them for the end of the trip just in case bad weather/ accidents/ landslides/ strikes etc cause travel delays somewhere along the way.
Currently we are looking at leaving dates of either night time Friday 24th July or Saturday morning 25th...the former would mean we fly during the night, and save a day, I just need to know from everyone if that is possible (and yes I know some of you may not be 100% sure of your schedule at that time just yet, but...talk to your boss and see what you can sort out).
We'd be looking to arrive then in Nepal (and hence start the visa duration) on either the 25th or 26th July giving us a maximum time frame of until August 30 or 31 to depart (then add a day to get back home).
People who need to leave early, we can probably (no promises) get you out after 3 weeks via Jomsom (or back down to Hongde) airfields to Pokhara and then bus to K'du. It might add to your cost slightly though.
I hope not too many bail too early though as we need hands to help with the work and share in the thrills. Once we finish the main business people are totally free to do as they wish.
So please check your calenders and bank accounts. Tell me asap when you can be ready to leave (date and time!) from Incheon airport, and when you must be back in Korea at the latest.
I may be asking you for tix money before the Daejeon meeting, so be warned! Thanks and best wiuth your semester, life, preparations and everything.
Kyung Ah and Jake.

[Brian123]

Hi All:

Hope everyone is well and getting excited for the upcoming trip!

I've attached a lik to a clinic web site providing travel vaccinations. They are not cheap, but I think for Nepal, necessary. the link is:

http://www.internationalclinic.co.kr/

If click on the "Travel Medicine" tab you will find info on all vaccinations the clinic offers. Scroll down further and you will find price info for each vaccination.

The clinic is located in Itaewon. I spoke briefly with a nurse, and her english was proficient. Apparently the doctor running the clinic speaks fluent english as well.

I would like to highight a couple points. TravelMD and the US CDC both recommend Typhoid and POLIO! if You have not already recieved your HEP A/B and are up to date with a Tetanus booster, definitely do so.

They also recommend,though to a lesser extent,(the language was not as strong) Jap. encephalitis and Rabies. Please check MDtravelhealth.com and (f nec) your current vaccination history before making an appointment.

A note on Rabies: Rabies is very prevalent in Nepal. It was specifically singled out (along with about 5 other countries) as one of the highest-risk countries for contracting the disease. Though the incubation period is usually several weeks to years, once it "wakes up" from its dormant state there is NO CURE and death is inevitable. What this means is that if anyone is bitten by ANY wildlife on the trip, you will immediatly have to evac to Kathmandu and start immediate treatment (i.e. your trip is over) which brings up another topic- evac. insurance.

I personally am going to get my Rabies shot- if you also want to go ahead and get vaccinated, please let me know b/c the clinic must have the vaccination delivered. While I believe we will only need one shot (see the clinics section on Rabies) becuase we fall under the infrequent exposure/risk catagory, we may potentially have to have a total of four shots occuring at day 0, 7,14, and 21/28. IT is an IM injection and hopefully we can self-administer the boosters if you live in a region far from seoul (if we even need the boosters)

There is a long list of precautions and recommendations for traveling in Nepal. I will continue to do RS and put together a presentation/outline of the necessarry info to share with the group at the upcoming meeting. We should also at least visit the subject of Evac insurance. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to send you links to insurance providers for americans- I also understand Brits (does that include Aussies as well in the insurance world) can obtain international evac for mountaineering relatively cheaply...

I am going to talk with the Doctor about otaining meds for diaharria, altitude sickness, a strong antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, as well as a precautionary painkiller. Does everyone feel comfortable contributing to the overall cost of the meds for a group med kit?

Thanks and feel free to contact me with any questions/comments/perspectives and/or corrected information if I am mistaken in any claims.

Look forward to getting together with everyone,

Brian

[shanja]

I think most travel insurance plans can cover you for medi-evac...you need to check though. Although it's possible we could need this, I think it's unlikely. Still the extra cost of heli-rescue on a 1 month insurance plan is very small and well worth it. Hunt around, I use samsung travel insurance and that covers me and KA nicely.
With regards meds, yes I think a group meds kit would definitely be the go...we could all discuss this at the meeting. Meds aren't cheap, and it'd be better to share the costs...as we are unlikely to all fall sick/ be injured, so indiv buying is wasteful. Thanks Brian great beta and RS.
Rabies...I'm looking into that. The big danger as I understand it is needing to get a blood transfusion if you hadn't gotten the "vacinations" prior - that risks major infections (Heps, AIDS etc) in a 3rd World Healt System. It is treatable if caught early enough after being bitten...the prior injections just give you more time and make the transfusions uneccessary. Well worth thinking about.

[Brian123]

I think Jake's right on regarding the Rabies. A pre-exped. vac doesnt negate post exposure treatment, it just buys you time. This is why it is rec. for persons traveling to remote environments. More or less, if you get bit without the vac. I think you just would need to leave, which would be a big bummer...Conversely, the vaccination (I believe) is about 190,000 won.

I didnt mean to scare anyone there...i DO feel everyone needs to look into these vac's themselves, though.

One last note, Malaria is still up for discussion, too. App. it is present in regions of Nepal, and you may want to look into taking anti-malarial meds if this concerns you.

Woohoooo!!!! Nepal '09!!!

[shanja]

Okey dokey folks, thanks for the great get together...if we were gonna have a rainy bum weekend then it's good in a way it was this one when we were basically just sorting details and so on...although I regret we didn't get glacier travel/ crevass rescue training done..we will at some point. Get a head start and at least do a book/ internet search on the topic with special regard to "haul systems" (the so called 'Z-pulley' and 6:1 variation thereof are the only 2 we'll bother with) and prussik knots (the 'standard prussik' knot plus either the 'klemheist' or 'autoblock' or 'bachmans'). The link on accidents and injuries to knots is a great source for this.

Phew! So to recap, we have:


Kyung Ah in charge of air tix now, and we'll need to be thinking about paying for those asap...say by early June.

Brandon in charge of designs for Tees/ banners etc - help him out with ideas and feedback please.

Brians done a great job of meds and vaccinations...he posted a great link to a clinic in Seoul. I'll help him put together a group 1st aid kit, but take care of your own allergy/ conditions meds yourself. Now he's focussing on a prospectus/ promo thing that we can use for publicity/ sponsorship appeals. Help him out with what you think it should say and show. A profile photo and short biog (age nationality and experience etc) should also be sent/ e-mailed his way asap!

Shawn as ever gave us a great intro to the bioviversity and ecology of the Himalaya, and on trekking in a minimal impact way. No bottled water, no wood fires and no leaving waste (human or material) anywhere.

I'm in charge of gear lists. So look over the lists I made in my ppt show and add any ideas or e-mail me asap what things you lack, and what you will need/ hope to get in K'du. For clothing/ boots also tell me your sizes!

Not sure on Seoraksan details this weekend...Brandon and I will get that out to you by tomorrow I hope.

[captainettegreen]

Thanks for the update Jake,
quick question, maybe other wanna know too...

can we pay for our flights individually at any time? or do we have to do pay as a group? Cause if we can pay any time, I'm getting antsy! and I'd pay for mine as early as today if it's kosher :)

peace, alex

[nomadicmind]

Alright, as far as Seoraksan...
I'm working on getting some beta, but it should be ok with my memory of the route. Hopefully we'll have more to go on than that, however. The route requires a (slightly illegal) bivvy. No camping in the park proper, but the route does take more than a day. Of course, all of this is purely hypothetical speculation... if the legality of the proposal causes some to balk, there are plenty of tasty multi-pitches there as well... we can decide when we get there. That would be, hopefully, Friday night. I have a favorite Jim Jil Bang that I like to stay at, but some people may not be into that particular scene. A minbak for them. We would get going fairly early, and if we make a good pace, bivvy at sundown. The ledge, as I recall, accommodated 3 comfortably. How many will we be? Could pull off a tight 6 or seven, I think. The next morning, the route is more or less over, we hike back, and people can get buses back by 3.
So, gear. If we keep it to one team, we can get away with one 60 meter rope. Two teams, two ropes, but as we have one guide, two teams may be one too many. A handful of cams, and a set of draws, maybe some slings. We might practice roping up here if we feel like it. Bring lots of water... 1.5 to 2 liters a person. Bring approach shoes if you have them, comfortable climbing shoes if you don't. Food is good, one cook stove, pots, ramen, some booze perhaps. A bivvy sack is nice, as is a sleeping pad, though you may find that bulky. A good sleeping bag, of course.
There is an issue of filling out permits. I'll look into this, tell you what I find. Any other questions, you know what to do.
B.

[nomadicmind]

So, to reiterate, everyone who is coming on this trip, please let us know when you can get in to Sokcho, and your preferred accommodation. If you haven't tried Jim Jil Bangs, I recommend the experience. Of course, some people can't handle gettin' nekkid, so minbaks are a less relaxing alternative, if we must.

[shanja]

I'm sorry to say I'm out. Sorry guys (and girls) but Uncle Jake needs a break and has to get some other things sorted. I'll do as B asked and contact the KNPS and see about the permit situation and get back to you. This is definitely a great trip, and you guys will have a wickedly great time. Good for everyone to do a few things with a slightly different mix of peoples too...lets you take on some responsibilities and of course gives you all a well earned break from my ravings.

[gt29905]

Jake, you and your ravings will be missed!

Brandon, I've got lots of questions.

Will we rappel down the way we came or will there be a walk off or a rappel down the other side of the mountain?

I'm asking that because I'd like to be able to stash some gear at the base of the route, but if that would mean a long hike back to that spot then I might just haul the shite up with me.

What is the grade of most difficult stretch of rock that we will encounter?

You say that one party would only need one rope, I assume that would be because there are fixed anchors every thirty meters?

What is the biggest piece of pro that I will need to bring?
I don't like lugging the big cams unless i need to.

I think climbing in two parties wouldn't be such a bad idea. It will give more people the opportunity to lead and if the leader from party two is always following the last member of party one then we won't get lost. Of course this depends on how many people we've got going.

I'm definitely in and I know Dave is in.

Oh yeah, I'm going to be the lameO and spoil the naked fun. I'd rather stay in a Minbak, sorry Brandon you'll have to wait a little longer to catch a glimpse of my mighty man junk.


Couple more things, I have no Idea of where it is that I'm supposed to travel to. Brandon if you wouldn't mind listing the name of the town that I'll be heading to and any travel beta about the route from Seoul I'd really appreciate it.

Also, the earliest possible time I can leave Seoul will be 9 O'clockpm on friday night.

[nomadicmind]

No problem. You'll be heading to Sokcho, which is perhaps 4 hours out from Seoul. The latest I've left was 11 pm, so you'll be fine. There aren't any really hard pitches as I remember, mostly 5.9 or less. Some of it is some very heady, very exposed slab, however. As far as gear goes, we'll be making a circle. We might be able to arrange things so that you can leave some gear with the minbak and get it back when you come down (wishing again for a Korean speaker). As far as ropes, I only have a fifty. The longest rap is just shy of 30 meters, so someone else will have to supply rope(s). This isn't a just a multi pitch... a lot of it is exposed, scary *** scrabbling. You do not want to drop your camera.
There is a minbak just outside the park, but I don't know about getting a room at 3 or 4. We could try. As far as trad gear goes, I'll bring what we need. If, for whatever reason, I don't come, bring two or three mid size cams. I'll try to get a number to you.
Things that could, at this point, derail the route:
Weather... this looks ok so far, but it's hard to understate how screwed we would be if it started raining on us mid route.
Permits: I don't understand this yet, what I know is this... while it's technically illegal to do what we're doing, we can still turn in a form stating that we are in the park and climbing, to cover everyone's *** should the worst happen. I don't want to do this route if we don't turn this in. When I did it before, we had a Korean speaker who was familiar with the process. I am going to need some info from everyone involved before we all set out. Naturally, I have no idea what info I need, yet. Hmm. Perhaps we should have started planning a little sooner. Anyway, I'm working on finding out what I need to know. It's crucial that we know who is in on this. I will probably be calling.
It can be said, however, that there are some beautiful multi-pitches in Seoraksan, so if nothing else we can always get some good climbing in. If we do that, we'll be wanting a more extensive trad rack.
So, for now, it all rests on permits. We'll see what we see.

[Brian123]

Do you knowthe name of the peak/route (korean and/or english?)

Would loveto try and find out a little more info before the weekend.

[nomadicmind]

Ok, everyone who wants to do this should PM me their cell phone and foreign ID numbers. Need em by tomorrow evening or no dice. It's important. I'll email them to the park service, and hopefully it should go through. Again, no permit, no climb, for me anyway.
The route is called ulsanbawi na-deu-ri gil.

That is all.

[Brian123]

Hi all:

I was hoping to gauge everyones committment to this route, and see if there was any interest in switching to a more established route (or at least a route that we have more info. on )in the park.

If everyone is keen on this route, all are committed to a group traverse, and we can find some good beta on the route, Im in. Please let me know soon, though, as Brandon needs info. for permits.

[nomadicmind]

Got a bug, so there isn't any chance I'm going now. Best of luck to everyone.

[shanja]

Guys sorry but I didn't get the files on permiits until late last night and it'd be impossible to translate and fill them in with all your details before due time today...so you might just mosey up and try your luck or do some great multipitching trad in Seoraksan. Up past the Pisondae shelter area (30 min walk in from park entrance)...you could multiday it still by staying at Pisondae shelter (need sleeping bags and mats is all). The rock there is phenomenal! KOTR search climbs has the area and routes listed too.

[shanja]

Oh and don't foregt there are great KOTRers in Sokcho who'd be keen to show you the routes too. Try calling Greg "punchy" or Grace Hahm and setting something up.

[gt29905]

No worries Jake, Thanks for all the info.:)

Yeah, we might try contacting those peeps for some route beta and whatnot.

[shanja]

OK folks so KA gets her new passport Wednesday so after that at any time pretty much we can book the tix...so be ready to send the dosh (I'll let you cats know exact amounts asap)...at the mo' we have tix from Incheon to K'du OK, but the return is on standby. Send me your prefered/ necessary return (depart from K'du) date or you'll just get Aug 23rd OK? Oh and passport details (number, issued, exires, full name as in ppt, nationality). You could scan and send this too...safety back-up. Make sure you get travel insurance sorted out too.
I think we'll all need to kick in about 10,000-20,000 each to a team 1st aid kit as well...but I'll talk to Brian about that and we'll get back to you all asap.

[nomadicmind]

Alright, here are some t-shirt designs. They will be cleaned up before they're printed. Colors can be changed easily. I understand the front is go, so which back is everyone into?
I think it will be cotton, probably 10,000 a piece. Will let you know when we find out about printing.

[nomadicmind]

whoops... forgot to put them here.

[shanja]

I love all the designs. KA and I are checking Tee shirt makers today...it may be possible to get coolmax. We will hit you back asap with optioons. Well done B, great work with the designs. Please everyone involved have a say about designs and options too. Or we'll decide for you.
All tix are reserved too. We are all leaving same day/ time/ flight which is July 24th (Fri) at 3.15pm so be at the airport by 1pm! All except Brian coming back on Aug 21st (Fri) at 10.15pm (depart K'sdu time), so people have time to get back home before work on Monday. Not as long a s we would have liked but best we can do. Thanks bigtime to Kyung Ah for sorting all that out.

[shanja]

This is the best I can do for now...so much will depend on weather, Dom and BK and everyone else agreeing, being healthy etc.
D1 (July 24th) Arrive K'du 9.20pm ish. Dinner/ greet our Nepali members.
D2 (July 25th) Tour and Shop for missing odds and ends.
D3 (july 26th) Take 9 hour bus trip to Besisahar. O'night here.
D4 (July 27th) Trek about 6 hrs and 600m elevation gain (EG) to Bahundanda (1300m). O'night here.
D5 (July 28) Trek about 8hrs and EG 400m to Tal (1700m) O'night here.
D6 (July 29) Trek 3.5hrs and EG 300m to Bagarchhup (2160m) O'night.
D7 (July 30) Trek 4.5 hrs and EG 500m to Chame (2670m) O'night.
D8 (July 31) Trek 4.5 hrs anf EG 500m to Lower Pisang(3200m)
D9 (Aug 1) REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY YOU'LL WANT IT.
D10 (Aug 2) Trek 5hrs and EG 250m to Braga/ Manang (3540m)
D11 (Aug 3) REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY?? TOURO DAY???
D12 (Aug 4) Trek 2 hrs and EG 450m to Ghusang (3900m) O'night
D13 (Aug 5) Trek 2 hrs and EG 300m to Ledar (4200m) O'night.
D15 (Aug 6) Trek 4 hrs and EG 700m to Base Camp (4930m)
D16 (Aug 7) REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY YOU'LL WANT IT NOW!
D17 (Aug 8) BC area clean. Kyung Ah B/day. Evening carry to ABC ??
D18 (Aug 9) BC area clean and climbers to high camp (5530m) and back.
D19 (Aug 10) BC clean/ rest climbers to high camp, and summit 6584m
D20 (Aug 11) BC rest, climbers summit and down to BC. Erica B/day
D21 (Aug 12) Break Camp, trek 5hrs to Thorung Pedi (4500m) O'night
D22 (Aug 13) Trek 9 hrs over Thorung La pas (5416m) down to Ranipauwa/ Muktinath (3760m) A HARD DAY!!!
D23 (Aug 14) Rest and Relax...lots of sightseeing here.
D24 (Aug 15) Trek 4 hrs to Jomsom (2720m) and fly back to Pokhara.
D 25-7 (Aug 16-18) Relax and sightsee in amazing Pokhara and area.
D28 (Aug 19) Bus to Kathmandu - no idea how long, guess 7hrs?
D29 (Aug 20) Tour and so on in K'du Valley -awesome!
D30 (Aug 21) Pack, play and pray. Visa expires and fly out 10.15pm

As you folks can see Brian is up against a really tight timetable. So we need to get outta K'du asap when we get there. I've allowed 3 acclimataization days on the way up...they speed NOT SLOW the ascent, fear not...we might be able to dispense with the earlier one, but...
I have also allowed 3 days for the climbers to climb and clean the hill above BC (Aug 9-11) which is reasonable, but weather could muck us up easily.
Days 6 and 7 could be rolled into one day safely (still very low) but people might be hurting to push that much so early...I dunno??
Likewise Days 12 and 13 maybe could be pushed into one day, but it's a big jump in EG (3500-4900m) and might risk AMS...though it is still lowish and we should be acclimatized enough.

SHAWN you know the area and so on, PLEASE look over the trek itinerary and see what you think. Brian, we will do our best to work you in here, but you may have to bolt from BC back to Humde at 3260m back the way we came (all down hill but looong way) to fly out to Pokhara and K'du. That might be faster than going over the Thorung La Pass...Shawn??

Shawn wrote:
The schedule looks good. The first few days are really gentle ascents and it would be possible to go a little farther without putting excess fatigue on the team or compromising the acclimization schedule. As an alternate plan, I might suggest:

D1: Besi Sahar to Bahundanda
D2: Bahundanda to Tal (a little long, a little tough)
D3: Tal to Danaque (Danaque is roughly 30 or 40 minutes past Bagarchhap. Please take time to note the memorial of the people who died in a devastating avalance that swept through and destroyed Bagarchhap in 1995. It's a small humble memorial at the entrance of the hamlet)
D4: Danaque to Chame. I also suggest this because it will allow the team some more time in Chame, a lovely little village where langurs flit and scurry about the close cliffs to the north. It's worth pulling off your boots, sitting back with some local tea, and watching those amazing cousins of ours put all of our collective mountaineering skills to shame! Also, Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district (some think it's Manang village itself, but nope it's Chame). I think it would be good for the team to visit the administrators at the headquarters. They are, after all, our hosts. If weather holds, there are also views of Lamjung Himal, and Annapurnas II and IV from Chame.

A couple hours beyond Chame you'll cross a suspension bridge that will be your first marker indicating your arrival at 3000m (the bridge is actually closer to 3100m). From that point, slow and steady is the order of the day!

Brian, yes, as Jake suggested, it may be faster for you to go back to Humde and catch a flight there; however, you'll have to get that taken care of before you leave Kathmandu. Few flights go in and out of Humde weekly. Most of these flights go to Pokhara but there are some chartered flights to Kathmandu. I guess the flight will burn you anywhere between $60 to $90 (I'm uncertain though as I've never used this or any airport in the Annapurna region). Once you decide, I'll get a price estimate from Dom.

I'm still awaiting a reply from Dom and BK. Please be patient: Dom doesn't own a computer and BK's internet is sometimes only available between 8:00pm and 8:00am, and that's only if the government hasn't turned off the electricity.

[shanja]

OK so by noow we know most of the basic details and each other. Brandon has put together a dble sided T-shirt and we have a T-shirt printer willing to let us do a minimum of 20 Tees. The problem is our exped has at most 13 members (incl Shawn, BK and Dom), that would leave us with at least 7 extra shirts and they are costing (production costs) 15,000won a pop. That leaves "us" out of pocket by 105,000won!!!! Yikes!
So would anyone else like to buy a Tee and support the KOTR-KMPL Clean-Up Exped? The Tees will be in Cobalt blue with printing front and back...Brandon will post the designs so you can see...very classy and with both Logos. Any size you want is available, and at 15,000won these will be great souveneirs and guarantee you a lot of luck with the ladies/ fellas when you have a night on the town. Interested? Post your size and so on here. We'll need to get money in advance by transfer, and possibly charge 3,000won to post it to you.

[gt29905]

I'll buy a medium shirt. But I'd rather just pay cash and pick it up in person rather than pay the postage. Hope that's cool.

[Hypoxic]

Just to point out, K in KMPL is "Korean" not "Korea". Please make sure this is corrected before the design hits the printers.

[Hypoxic]

A couple KMPL council members are likely interested in getting a shirt. I'll let you know. Like Gabe, I'll just pick the shirt up at some time. I'm sure the printing will be done by the time we have our next meeting, or perhaps the one after.

Regarding sizes for BK and Dom: Dom and I are about the same size, so I suppose a large for him. BK is a little chubby around the middle, not fat, but larger than I, so maybe one size up for him would suffice.

Again, please rectify the typo; it's "Korean" and not "Korea" Mountain Preservation League. Thanks.

Thanks, Brandon, excellent work!

[nomadicmind]

Here's a quick sketch of one of the colors we looked at. We're looking at single color printing. Olive was another option, I'll throw that one out there too. Since nobody expressed a preference one way or the other for the back, this is the one I've chosen (typo no longer a problem). I think it looks better in monotone than the other. So now I really do want to hear some feedback from people on colors. Our hands are tied with the shirt color, but we have plenty of choices for ink.

[nomadicmind]

here's some more. These would be cleaned up before printing.

[Hypoxic]

Okay, I've heard back from BK. He was a little late getting back to me because his wife - a wonderful woman that I hope you all have the chance to meet (she makes a stellar butter potato curry that you may have the chance to try!!) - had an operation and has to spend the month in recovery. She's doing well though, just bored waiting to back on her feet.

Anyhow, this what BK has to say:

2500$ per person for the expedition is right.

His brother-in-law, Shyam, has been in touch with ACAP and NMA about helping us out in some regard. ACAP wanted to know if we were an apline organization. Shyam told them we are a joint exped between an alpine org and an NGO. BK believes this will be more meaningful to ACAP, especially since the exped's focus is environmental.

BK will arrange all carrying (ie porters) and transport from Jomsom to Pokhara of the trash collected.

He will arrange the necessary transport: private bus transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return. Flight from Jomsom.

He will arrange the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. He wants to know what category of hotel the team wants to stay in.

For Brain, BK is concerned about flights out of Humde. Although the team will be in the rainshadow, the monsoon may be full tilt in the Pokhara region, grounding planes. He suggests just going over Thorong La to Jomsom. You could leave from BC when you need to with a guide and cross Thorong La and make your way to Jomsom. You could do it in two hard days. Another option is trekking all the way back to Besi Sahar and getting a bus to Kathmandu. You're going to have to make a decision very soon.

He needs to be kept posted so he can have everything ready and running smoothly when the team arrives.

How many people in total are going? Is it 13? Are there any special things that BK needs to know about in order to prepare or to make everyone comfortable? Please let me know so I can put all info to BK.

Thanks, gang.

[Hypoxic]

I'm partial to black, so I like the black printing.

[shanja]

Tell BK many thanks a million times (same for Shyam) and best to his wife for a speedy and full recovery.
I think as far as Hotels go we would be looking at the budget end....though by the time we get back to Pokhara I'm sure we'll be needing a good hot shower and a few touches of comfort. Otherwise, bugalow/ backpacker type level is OK.
All our tix are confirmed now Incheon -Hong Kong_ Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Hong Kong...we are awaiting the Hong Kong to Incheon leg to be confirmed (any day now I expect).
Total as it stands is 9 (nine) of us from Korea...with possible drop-out of Amanda and a possible inclusion of Jon Brown (he'll know by Monday exactly; Amanda will know by?????)
Gear-wise we are all-right except Brian, Brandon and Alex (and maybe Jon and maybe Erica???) will want to rent double plastic boots and crampons. I don't know their sizes...hopefully they will tell you asap. The same people might also need rent mountaineering axes (70cm).
Will BK be providing sleeping bags or should we bring our own?
Likewise will his company provide tents and sleeping pads? How about for the mountain (climbing) team? I can bring my own - just need to know.
Actually a list of NOT INCLUDED things in the 2500$ would be really useful, that way we can bring it from here.
For Brian an option would be that we switch from Chulu Central/ west to Chulu East. This would shorten the trip and logistics by 2 or 3 days I think as the approach is made from earlier on turning off the main trail between Upper Pisang and Braga, then up past Julu to BC at 5334m then up a col and the E and NE ridges to the summit at 6429m. It's an easier climb and might actually need more cleaning as it's more popular. From BC Brian could be back in Humde in a single hard day I think. The rest of us could of course still continue up and over the Thorungla Pass to Jomsom, maybe with an extra day or two in hand. WHAT DO YOU THINK (EVERYONE)???

PS I like the White printing as it looks good on a dark blue...kinda icy like, but both are groovy. The actual blue is somewhat darker than these thumbnails.

[Hypoxic]

Tents and the sort will be provided. Of course, sleeping bags and anything really can be provided, but I assume everyone will like to use their own gear. If you are missing a certain piece of equipment, consider buying it if you think it'll be useful to you in future. If not, a list of things that will be needed may be helpful. For example, if two people need down sleeping bags, let me know so BK can arrange bags for you.

Likewise, I'll ask BK just what exactly $2500 gets each person.

About shirts, Mr Park Seong-jae, the KMPL's awesome chief researcher would like one, medium size. Other council members may want one, still waiting to hear back. How many left overs do we still have?

[shanja]

I think Brandon would need to buy/ borrow/ rent a sleeping bag as his transparent body tissue might get chilly:smow: at 6,000m.
We can set one aside for as many extra people as necessary. The minimum order is 20, the maximum is a gazillion trillion and 2.
Brian I've nearly finished a medicines (not vaccinations) and so on list that would see us by. Will post that with biogs for Kyung Ahs two friends (and pix) asap.

[nomadicmind]

here's what I meant to post

[shanja]

And what I meant to post was that it was Brandon's sleeping bag that was translucently thin, and thus more like a skin than a himalayan bag....not that B himself has a ghoulishly pale epidermis, in fact B's skin is a robustly tanned and vivaciously opaque hide that quite admirably stops his bones and guts from falling out.

[Hypoxic]

I dig the green shirts. I prefer earth tones.

[captainettegreen]

I dig the green too! I think a medium would do me just fine. Also, paying in person would make me a happy woman!

Okay...so I did a little research regarding money and money related stuff in Nepal. I bet Shawn and Jake, and whoever else has been to Nepal can offer more concrete advice. But this is what I've dredged up on the internet!

Bank hours are short (looks like M-F: 9-3). Everything seems fairly accessible in Kathmandu—atms and internet café’s alike. We might have to worry about electricity cuts, however. Again, we’ll have to use foreign currency for many of our purchases (visa, permits and trekking fees?? I even saw that some hotels will require this…). Traveler’s checks in either Pounds Steling or American Dollars are recommended if you want to go the traveler’s checks route. We will need cash for non-bank or hotel related transactions.

There is also a 1,700 Rupee departure tax (to be paid in Rupees) to keep in mind.

money stuffs:
http://www.visitnepal.com/travelers_guide/money_banking_in_nepal.php
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/186/money/Indian-Subcontinent/Nepal.html



The three holidays we should be aware of:

-Rakshya Bandhan (Janai Purnima). Aug. 5
“ Hindus change the janai (sacred thread) which is worn by looping over the left shoulder. A special fair is held in Gosainkunda, Rasuwa district on this day. Pilgrims garland the statue of Shiva and throw coins at a sacred lingam in Gosainkunda.

In this festival people also receive a yellow and orange “protective bandâ€Â� called rakshya bandhan from a Hindu priest. Wearing this thread around your wrist is said to protect you from evil and bring good luck. It is also common in the plains for the sisters to put Rakhi, a thread, on their brothers’ wrist.”

-Children’s Day: August 20 (Day before departure, so probs change money before hand if need be)

-Krishna Janmashtami: August 14
“ Janmashtami celebrates the birth of one of the most famous Gods of Hindu religion, Bhagwan Krishna, on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana or Savana. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star). Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as “Rohini” nakshatra and Ashtami may not fall on the same day.

public holidays: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/186/public_holidays/Indian-Subcontinent/Nepal.html

Any correction/critique more than welcome!!!

Hope you are all well and had an educational time at CPR classes!!

[Hypoxic]

Hey, Alex, how's it going?

Thanks for the info. Just a couple things from experience:

Bank hours are short (looks like M-F: 9-3).!!

Currency exchangers in Thamel stay open till late into the evening, some even later into the night. These are all government run, legitimate, fast, and offer the same rates as banks. No one will have to step foot in a bank to change cash. Don't forget to bring your passport to the exchangers!


We might have to worry about electricity cuts, however.

Power outtages are a certainty in Kathmandu (some parts of the hills, too, though these days most places are running on solar). They don't effect money exchangers though as they all generally use calculators. Outtages also only effect restaurants and pubs in their service of certain foods, usually desserts.


Again, we’ll have to use foreign currency for many of our purchases (visa, permits and trekking fees?? I even saw that some hotels will require this…).

You'll only need foreign currency for the visa fee at the airport. For permits and the sort only Nepali rupees are accepted. No hotels demand foreign currency. Indian rupees used to be accepted in the Kathmandu valley, but now you'll be hard pressed to find anyone to take them. So, be weary of this if someone offers you change in Indian rupees. Unless you want a souvenir or plan on visiting India, don't accept them. Demand Nepali rupees.

In the hills, it's Nepali rupees in cash only. Some "large" centres in the hills may have currency exchangers but don't depend on this possibility, especially given the time of year.


Traveler’s checks in either Pounds Steling or American Dollars are recommended if you want to go the traveler’s checks route. We will need cash for non-bank or hotel related transactions.

Euros are also fine.


There is also a 1,700 Rupee departure tax (to be paid in Rupees) to keep in mind.

Yes, don't forget to keep this amount for departure from Tribhuvan International. Note that taking Nepali rupees out of Nepal is technically illegal. You won't be searched for them spefically or anything and I doubt rupees would be confiscated if found, but it is a law. I have plenty of rupees lying around though. :D Also note that money exchangers in Thamel do not change Nepali rupees back into foreign currency (some might, but it's very unlikely). You'll have to change your rupees back into a foreign currency at the airport when leaving. The best thing to do is pay your departure tax, get the sticker showing you've paid, go to the exchangers, and get your rupees turned into whatever currency they allow (USD, Pounds, Euro, are most common). Note that when you change your rupees back into a currency at the airport, it may be required that you show one of the exchange receipts that you get when you change currency into rupees. Keep one of these receipts just in case.

[shanja]

OK so we have had at least 6 hits for extra tee buyers...and that's great....but many (any?) more are also welcome!
On a more sombre note, and as I had said at the Daejeon meeting a few weeks back, it is looking less likely that KA and I will be able to go (not to rule us out definitely at this point, but be aware and prep'd for the possibility). This would gut us both, especially as we gave up making mini-Jakes/ Kyung Ahs for this trip (and at our grandparentally old age that is a an issue) but with things going the way they are I thought it only fair and honest to note this possiblity asap for everyone. We will do everything possible to stay aboard the trip, but everyone needs to think about what would happen if we were to pull out....we'd still be (like Shawn) non-attending supporters in any way possible. I hope you'd all go and kill us with jealousy.
Jon Brown has said he could and would join in, very keen and solid - some of you know him already and he has my thumbs up from all points of view.
OK well as far as air tix go, we are still awaiting confirmations on the return leg to Korea, be patient and hopefully they will turn up OK. KA will call them again tomorrow to see if we are off waiting lists.
Peace and best. Fingers crossed.

[Hypoxic]

I'll hopefully hear back from BK soon about the costs, Jake. Let you know as soon as I do. Have you and Kyung Ah considered or discussed the possibility of just one of you going?

[Brian123]

Hi All:

I was wondering what the current status on our ticket situation is?

Best,

Brian

[shanja]

Hi all,
The situation on air tix is this:
We are all confirmed from Seoul to K'du BUT not on returns.
If the return seats aren't available by Wednesday 17th we are automatically erased from the reservations/ standby list (airline ticketing rules) and need to re-enter new dates and apply again (for both thee and return trips).
I really thought that they would be confirmed last week, but alas they are cutting it fine.
If these tix don't swing, then the next best tix price for our scheduled dates would be significantly more (about 1,000,000won each return).
Kyung Ah is trying hard to find better deals in case these fall through, but keep your fingers crossed, as it's not looking like there are many 'cheap' ticket options at this stage.

[Hypoxic]

I got in touch with BK this morning. He'll get back to me ASAP with detailed costs of the exped. These costs will also likely include hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, buses for travel, etc.

The Nepal Mountaineering Association has informed us that they can provide royalty assitance if we are members of the Corea Alpine Club. Anyone willing to join the CAC, and soon? It could mean some standard help, and apparently cash help, from the NMA.

Dom is currently in Tibet so I haven't been able to talk with him. He'll be back in Kathmandu in about ten days.

I'll get back everyone soon.

[craigle-rock]

Here's the thing:

it should be understood first off that i right yesterday learned of this exped. i get in in two weeks and am hyper-interested in getting in on this. i'm selling my car which will land me the loot to do it. are there certain dates yet? i might have looked right over it in one of the posts.

a simple bullet point recap will help me with my planning. and how rapidly i'll need to change my regimen of plain living into a hellacious jogging-all-the-time type living:Cry:. unless of course it's closed. in which case...

so it goes.

Craig mc

[shanja]

Dear all, sorry to be the bearer of the bad news, but with 3 people already pulled out and KA and I also more or less in the same boat, and air tix being outstanding on the standby, we are having to scrap/ delay the Exped until a later date. Sorry that all the hard work, passion and so on has gone to naught, but that is just the way it goes sometimes. It was valuable experienvce and we can use a lot of it when we reschedule the trip.
Our apologies and thanks especially to Dom and BK in Nepal, and to Shawn who did so much to get the idea off the ground.

[Hypoxic]

That is a bummer. Nonetheless, like you said Jake, the experience of organizing the whole thing was certainly great for all of us. I'll break the news to BK and to Dom, who'll be back in Kathmandu from Tibet at the end of this week.

Let's get on rescheduling though, as soon as it seems feasible. I think with more time to consider and plan, a winter '09 or spring '10 expedition may certainly be doable.