Kinga’s Summits :

Cho Oyu (8201 m) – October , 2003 ;

Broad Peak (8047 m) – Julay 22, 2006 – The 11 woman ascent;

Nanga Parbat (8125 m) Julay 18, 2007

Dhaulagiri (8167 m) May 01, 2008  – first Polish woman

Manaslu (8156 m) October 5, 2008  – first Polish woman

Kangchenjunga 8586 m) May 18, 2009  – first Polish woman

Chronicles of the expedition, part 10.

Kinga Baranowska, first Polish woman to reach the summit of Kangchenjunga.

On 18th of May Kinga Baranowska as the first Polish woman (Alpinus Expedition Team, KW Warsaw) summited Kangchenjunga (8586 m) which is located in Nepal.

Kangchenjunga have been summited in high winds – however, descent on Kang is reportedly very difficult.

Details are also expected on the summiteers’ safe return in C4.

* Official site : – http://www.kingabaranowska.com/

** – all my post, select category :  – Kinga Baranowska

Kinga Baranowska pierwszą Polką, która zdobyła Kanczendzonge.

18 Maja 2009 Kinga Baranowska (Alpinus Expedition Team, KW Warszawa) stanęła, w późnych godzinach popołudniowych czasu lokalnego, jako pierwsza Polka na szczycie Kangchenjunga 8586 m) położonym w Nepalu.

Kronika wyprawy cz.10.

Relacja – Kinga Baranowska:

Jestem po. Na szczycie stanęłam późno, Góra niewyobrażalnie trudna i wymagająca, dla mnie najtrudniejsza ze wszystkich, na których do tej pory byłam. Jestem ekstremalnie zmęczona, straciłam tez głos od zimnego wiatru, ale tez szczęśliwa. Czeka mnie jeszcze trudne zejście do bazy z obozu IV. Górę tą dedykuje Wandzie Rutkiewicz. Więcej informacji jak zejdę do bazy.

18.05.2009

Jej atak odbywał się w grupie blisko 20 himalaistów z całego świata – głównie z Hiszpanii. Szturmowy obóz IV na wysokości 7700 m Kinga opuściła 30 minut po północy. A szczyt zdobyła po 16 godzinach wspinaczki o godz. 16.45. W ataku szczytowym towarzyszył jej Juanjo Garra. Kinga jest już bezpieczna w obozie 4.

Atak szczytowy odbywał się w bardzo trudnych warunkach, w potwornym wietrze i pyłówkach,  a do czwórki szli w śniegu po kolana.

Kinga jest pierwszą Polką na szczycie Kangchenjungi, jest też również czwartą kobietą, która zdobyła tę trudną górę. Kangchenjunga należy do tzw. wysokich ośmiotysięczników, a trudności w kopule szczytowej sięgają II i III stopnia trudności.

Kindze udało się to co nie udało się Wandzie Rutkiewicz, która zginęła 17 lat temu właśnie chcąc zdobyć szczyt Kangchenjungi.

Wchodząc na swój szósty ośmiotysięcznik Kinga zrównała się w „posiadaniu” z Anną Czerwińską. Daleko w przodzie są jednak czołowe himalaistki świata. Tego samego dnia na Kangchendzöngę weszła również Baskijka Edurne Pasaban, dla której był to już 12. szczyt w pogoni za Koroną Himalajów.

* posty o wyprawach Kingi na mojej stronie kliknij : Kinga Baranowska

Wkrótce album zdjęć z wyprawy – zapraszam.

** poprzednie posty :

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.9.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.8.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.7.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.6.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.5.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.4.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.3.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.2.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.1.

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 4. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 4. /Version english and polish/

- video – Kinga Baranowska w Kathmandu Kangch 2009

Sponsorzy wyprawy.

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

7 Night/ 8 Days Bhutan Tour. Bhutan Group Tours to Thimpu, Paro, Wangdi and Punakha Valleys.

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan offers Western and Asian tourist a unique and well preserved culture and heritage of this beautiful country. A majority of the Bhutanese people are of Tibetan origin and follow a sect of Tibetan Buddhism. One of the least densely populated countrries in Aisa, Bhutan offers a charming culture and hospitable people amongst a grand landscape of forested mountains and deep valleys gushing with clear rivers. Visit quaint villages with wooden singled rooms, great fortressed dzongs and Buddhist monasteries as you literally travel back in time. We offer short 4 to 5 day tours to Bhutan as well as week long tours to experience Bhutan’s famous western valleys. The longer Bhutan tours will take you to the central valleys of Bumthang and even to little visited far Eastern towns of Mongar and Tashigang. Join our Group tours to Bhutan or we can arrange customized private tour to Bhutan.

Day By Day Itinerary:

1 ARRIVE BHUTAN
Fly Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan.
Afternoon visit Museum and Paro Town. Hotel.
Flights are also available from Kathmandu and New Delhi.
2 PARO SIGHTSEEING
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3-4 hrs).
Overnight hotel in Paro.
3 THIMPU SIGHTSEEING
Drive Paro to Thimpu. Afternoon sightseeing.
Overnight at hotel in Thimpu.
4 PUNAKHA & WANGDUE SIGHTSEEING
Day Excurdion to Punakha & Wangdue valleys.
Overnight hotel in Paro.
5 PHOBJEKHA VALLEY SIGHTSEEING
Day excursion to Phobjekha valley.
Overnight hotel in Punakha.
6 THIMPU SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Thimpu. Afternoon free in Thimpu.
Overnight at hotel in Thimpu.
7 PARO SIGHTSEEING
Return to Paro. Afternoon in Paro.
Overnight hotel in Paro.
8 DEPARTURE FROM BHUTAN
Fly from Paro to Bangkok, Kathmandu or New Delhi. End of Tour.

* Source : – http://himalman.wordpress.com/ –http://www.sherpaclimbing.com/Bhutan/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

National Parks of Nepal (click to enlarge).

The Terai lowlands are defined by a belt of well-watered floodplains stretching from the Indian border northward to the first slopes of the Bhabhar and the Siwalik Range. This is the richest habitat in the land with tall grasslands interspersed with riverine and hardwood sal forest . Here one can see wildlife such as the swamp deer, musk deer, black buck, blue bull, the royal Bengal tiger, gharial and marsh mugger crocodile and the last of a breed of Asiatic wild buffalo. This area is also rich in birdlife with a variety of babbles and orioles, koels and drongos, peacocks and floricans, and a multitude of wintering wildfowl. There are five protected areas in Nepal – Koshi Tappu and Parsa in the east, Sukla Phanta and Dhorpatan for hunting in the west and Shivapuri in the. mid-mountain region. The Churia, also known as the. siwalik, is the southern most range of the Himalaya. No where do they rise above 1,220 meters, This range is famous for fossil deposits of Pleistocene mammals, among them 10 species of elephants, 6 rhinoceros, hippopotamus, saber-toothed cats, various antelopes and primates such as the orang-utan, long extinct in the subcontinent, Situated north of the Churia are broad, low valleys of the inner Terai know as the Doons. These valleys are not unlike the outer plains with tall elephant grass, swamps and ox-bow lakes where the last of the one-horned rhinoceros survive. Royal Chitwan National Park in the Inner Terai of central Nepal is the first and best protected area in the kingdom. Once one of the most famous big game hunting areas in Asia. Chitwan now offers protection to a large array of mammals such as the. one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, sloth bear and the gaur (wild bison) as well as more than 400 species of birds.

Higher in the north between 2000 and 3500 meters lies the Mahabharat Range with its oak crowned crests. The hills of this midland are covered by a moist temperate forest of deodar, oak, maple and birch in which are found deer, ghoral serow, leopard and monkey, The gorgeous multi colored lmpeyan pheasant (Nepal’s national bird) is also found here with other endangered birds like the koklas and Cheer Pheasants. Protected areas in this zone include Khapted National Park in the Far-West, Dhorpatan Hunting reserve, North-west of Pokhara and Shivapuri Wildlife Sanctuary near Kathmandu.

Higher still, nearer the snowline, are the alpine mountain flanks which are the haunt of snow leopard, which preys on blue sheep and the Himalayan tahr. Rarely seen are the wolf, black bears and lynx. The Sherpas, Manabga, and Dolpa-bas are some of those who farm and graze their livestock on the high mountain pastures. Langtang, Sagarmatha (Everest), Shey-Phoksundo and Rara National Parks are the protected high altitude areas of Nepal.

* Source :  –http://www.mountmerutreks.blogspot.com/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

Mountain biking in Nepal – Explore Himalaya.

With the mornings spent cycling above a sea of clouds, it would not be an exaggeration to call this a heaven for mountain bikers! Throughout the trip, support vehicles carrying all our gear will either follow behind us or be with us at the end of the day. Whether you ride for fun, or take it more seriously, challenges lie around every corner

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is itself an unforgettable experience, with the entire Nepalese Himalaya sprawling out below you. You will be met at the Airport by company representative to escort you to your hotel so, look out for Explore Himalaya signboard with your name on it.

Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a strange mixture of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Western influence. There will be a half day guided tour to Famous & biggest Hindu shrine PASUPATHINATH, largest Buddhist stupa in town BOUDHANATH, 15th century palace of 55 windows and & durbar Square at BHAKTAPUR.

Day 3 We begin with a classic 50 kms., mountain bike trail, at first on roads through Patan to Lubhu, climbing up the deteriorating track to the quiet Newari village of Sisneri. So near to Kathmandu, but away from the beaten tourist track, it is a photographer’s paradise, with the contrast of richly coloured villages against a backdrop of snow capped mountains. After a steep 500 metre climb, it is wild trail downhill to Panauti, home of the oldest temple in Nepal, the Indreshwar Hahadev. Reunited with our support vehicle, which could not follow us for the whole route, we camp beside the river at this idyllic settlement.

Day 4 We have a choice of the road climb up to Dhulikhel, or a more adventurous track, which goes more steeply up through terraced fields to the Buddhist pilgrimage temple of Namo Buddha and then down to Dhulikhel. This involves a ride of about 35 kms. Our camp at Dhulikhel offers fantastic sunset views of the great chain of the Himalaya.

Day 5 It is downhill on a little-used tarmac road towards the mediaeval town of Bhaktapur, where we will spend a long lunch exploring a wealth of his historic temples and courtyards. The afternoon is a steady series of switch-backs up onto the main ridge, where we find another spectacular campsite at the hill-station of Nagarkot.

Day 6 Himalayan mountain biking does not get much better than today’s ride. Early morning usually creates a sea of cloud in the valley beneath us, and we can look beyond this to a mountain panorama which stretches from Makalu to the Annapurnas. The riding terrain is also superb as we slowly make our way along an old jeep track, traversing the ridges of Kattike, Manichup and Chipu Dara. We must be very careful not to take a wrong turning on this part of the route, as the false descent will only mean a long carry back up to the ridge! After about 40 kms., we camp at Chisopani, just to the north of the main ridge. This is our last night camping, and we have magnificent views of the Annapurnas. Support vehicles cannot follow us along this part of the route and porters will carry our essentials to the campsite.

Day 7 Fit and well-acclimatized after the exercise of the last few days, we take the opportunity on our final day of biking to climb the valley’s second highest mountain Shivapuri 2732m, before plunging back to Kathmandu on one of the best downhill rides in the area, via the reclining Vishnu Temple at Budhanalikantha. A hot bath awaits us at the Hotel before we rebox our bikes and start the celebrations of completing a memorable ride.

Day 8 Depart Kathmandu (or stay longer for other activities)
Transfer to the airport in time to catch you flight home.

* Source :  – http://www.explorehimalaya.com/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

Most of the spots are situated to the north and northwest of the valley, in the vicinity of the Nagarjun Royal forest and the shiva puri watershed and wildlife reserve. Your rock climbing trip can therefore be combined with bird watching, game watching and experiencing some of the last of the valley’s wilds. Nagajuna is a verdant hill located to the northwest of the Swyambhu Stupa and believed to be the place where the famous Buddhist philosopher. Nagarjun meditated.

The cliff here is located inside the Nagarjun forest reserve suitable for both beginners and wall rats. The limestone rock face is about 12-15 m high and bears the remnants of earlier climbs. what purists would describe as “piton scarred ” or a defaced face. You could always do a free climb if experienced enough or use the friendlier chocks.

Another interesting rock wall is situated on the slope of Shivapuri hill to the north of Kathmandu . Drive approx. 9 km up to Budhailkantha, the shrine of the sleeping Bishnu, then walk west from the bus stop the Vishnumati stream through terraced fields and enters the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife reserve. The granite faces here lie scattered about, and the big cliff in the center is equipped with a single route.

The climbing site is best place for beginners, intermediate and professional climbers and has wide range of routes, Nagarjun is located 3 Km North West of Kathmandu Valley which is of about 30 min driving distance from the entrance gate we will hike for another 30 min to reach our climbing spot where we will practice our skill and learn the new techniques for Rock climbing, lunch will be served during the climbing.

* Source :  – http://www.kashualdesigns.com/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

The camp sets up service on or around April 1 of each year and remains at EBC until the end of spring climbing season (end of May.)  The experienced medical staff  treats all climbers and staff at EBC for a fee (similar to the operations at Manang and Pheriche) and will treats trekkers visiting base camp as well. In 2004 we collected advance funds from participating teams that allowed unlimited physician consultations to each climber, allowing budgeting for expedition teams and insurance for our clinic operations.  Our new clinic gives climbers and trekkers the freedom to pursue their missions and leave their health care needs to the professionals, and obviates the need to bring along a personal expedition physician. Of course, our mission to provide low cost medical care the native Nepali carries on at the EBC clinic as well.

Our staff is based at EBC and will not climb with any team, even in the event of emergency. Any medical emergencies occurring at advanced camps will be expected to be dealt with by the individual team in the usual manner. In addition, the HRA clinic will not supply teams with medications for their summit attempts. We will, of course, provide any radio or other non-climbing assistance we can from our base in case of emergency.

We hope that the clinic will be a permanent entity at Everest. If there becomes sufficient demand, services may be expanded to fall climbing season as well.
Like wise Dr. Ken Zafren visited Pheriche Aid-post and Everest Base Camp Medical clinic this spring 2004. During this time Dr. Zafren  visited HRA head office, meet the HRA staff and Chairman Mr. Ang Kaji Sherpa and General Secretary Mr. K. D. Khwanju. Dr. Zafren was very happy about the improvement made at the Pheriche Aid-post and the medical clinic at the Everest Base Camp. He thinks that the EBC clinic is another pioneering step of HRA which has become successful by the tireless effort of Dr. Luanne freer.

Volunteers are selected from a pool of previous HRA volunteers at our Manang or Pheriche posts.  For more volunteer information, please follow the link.

For more information about the clinic and to follow our daily progress in base camp, visit our home webpage at www.BaseCampMD.com.

* Source :  – http://www.himalayanrescue.org/

** See :

- Nanda Devi East Expedition 2009 part 1 : Polish to celebrate 70th anniversary of first ascent.

- Nanda Devi East Expedition 2009 part 2 : Polish to celebrate 70th anniversary of first ascent.

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 5. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz.5. /Version english and polish/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

One of the most important tasks of the HRA is to try to prevent deaths from Acute Mountain Sickness that confronts foreign trekkers. For the last thirty-five years, the HRA has helped make a safer Himalaya for tourism. Since its inspection, it has manned a small aid post in the Khumbu village of Pheriche at an altitude of 14,343 feet. The Pheriche aid-post is manned twice yearly during the trekking season by volunteer doctors. Similarly since November 1981 another permanent aid post in Manang, manned by volunteer doctors of HRA has been in operation. The Association has also opened various temporary post during season at various points like the Na Village in Rolwaling, the mouth of the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Gokyo Trail, and at the Gosaikunda Lake area.

HRA has published various pamphlets concerning mountain safety, especially dealing with the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), providing updated information on AMS as compiled by the HRA’s voluntary doctors, who have gained additional insight from research they have conducted. The HRA pamphlets are available in English, French German, Hebrew and Japanese.

A major credit in the formation of the Association goes to Dr. John Skow, an American national, who in 1973 went up to the Khumbu on completion of his assignment as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal and was distressed that many people were dying from Acute Mountain Sickness, and thought that something ought to be done about it. He called together a meeting of officials from the Ministry of Health, some doctors and few other individuals from trekking companies. Another meeting followed with more clear ideas about what to do. The persons from the trekking companies realised that since it was their clients who were affected most should take the initiative. Finally in the third meeting it was decided to form Himalayan Rescue Association with most of the trekking agencies contributing generously in its early days.

<>It was registered as a Nepali Volunteer Organization. Its initial approach to helping reduce the death and disability in the Khumbu region was to station a medical person at Pheriche. The chief function of a person at Pheriche would be to screen trekkers as they came through to help identify problems early, to render aid to those in trouble, to help evacuate people by whatever means were available, and also to do preventive education The first volunteer to work in this capacity was Danielle Laigret, French nurse who went to Pheriche in the fall of 1973.

The main players in the HRA, representing the trekking companies were Tek Chandra Pokharel, who at that time was with Trans Himalaya Trekking, and is now with Himalayan Journeys Late Mike Cheney and Dawa Norbu Sherpa, of Mountain Travel and Robert Rieffel, who was the Manager of Air France in Kathmandu, and author of the first good guide book to Nepal, called “Namaste Nepal”. And it wasn’t too much later that P.P Prasai and Elizabeth Hawley were also involved.

<>Mr. Tek Chandra Pokharel led the association as its founding Chairman from 1973 to 1978. The Association feels indebted for all the hardships he went through in providing special care to HRA during its formative as well as difficult times. It was his initiative that made individuals and institutions accept the Patronship of Himalayan Rescue Association. Without the collective support of its Patrons HRA would not have been able to make it to the position it is today. It is worth mentioning the name of its patrons.

1. Dr, John Skow, USA
2. Mr. Tek C. Pokharel, Nepal
3. Late Col. Jimmy Roberts, Nepal
4. Mr. Jyoti L. Khanna, India
5. Col. P. Ongdi, Nepal
6. Mr. William Reed, USA
7. M/S. Thomas Cook & Sons, UK
8. M/S. Embassy of the USA, Nepal
9. Mr. Jim Edwards, Nepal
10. Mr. Takshi Miyahara, Nepal
11. Prof. Y. Hayata, Japan
12. M/S. British Embassy, Nepal
13. M/S. French Embassy, Nepal

The ge-nerous contribution of the patrons kept the HRA afloat. It was in 1974 that Mr. Pokharel met Prof. Hayata and was able to impress on him to cooperate with HRA for the scientific study of Acute Mountain Sickness and to build some facility at Pheriche. Pheriche was chosen because it was here that most of the acute symptoms of AMS manifested themselves and where most of the death occurred of from where most of the evacuations had been made.

Prof. Hayata contributed more than US$ 50,000 at that time for the construction of the trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche and for the purchase of equipments and medicines. He further supported the Japanese volunteer doctors with round trip airfares from Japan as well as funds for their upkeep for a period of 5 years. Moreover Namka Sherpa, who suceeded Tashi was supported by Prof. Hayata for over six years. Prof. Hayata will forever be remembered as one who visualized the importance of HRA for Nepal as well as for study of AMS. in the Himalaya.

The first doctor involved at the time HRA was officially formed was Dr. John Dickinson, who was an internist at the Shanta Bhawan Hospital (now know as Patan Hospital). He was the first doctor to have handled most of the cases concerning Acute Mountain Sickness not only in Nepal but perhaps in the whole world. Any doctor who wanted to know anything on AMS consulted Dr. Dickinson. He wrote the first brochure on AMS for the Himalayan Resuce Association and no other brochures that have followed will ever match it.

A wonderful Sherpa was hired to man the “Clinic”. This was Tashi, an older Sherpa with incredible wealth of Himalaya mountaineering experience. He was the old breed of Sherpa; incredibly loyal, strong, self-assured, at peace with himself and the world and of impeccable character. He had traveled that whole of Nepal with Tony Hagen.

Another volunteer nurse by the name of Dolly Lefever from the United States was sent up to the clinic later in the fall of 1973, and she stayed until late January 1974. Tashi and she lived in a rented yak herder’s hut with a dirt floor, rough hewed beams and the usual stone masonry without any caulking or mortar. In other words, it was a rather limited accommodation. Dolly found life there in Pheriche a bit difficult, when the cold weather and winter storms set in, she and Tashi moved to Thyangboche, where wood was more plentiful.

The first physician who worked for the HRA was Dr. John Winter, who manned the Yak hut at Pheriche in the fall of 1974. There were quite number of cases of altitude illness and other medical problems, but no one died that had actually made it to the clinic. Dr. winter didn’t does research, but he did make some interesting observation. He felt that the onset of altitude illness was not related to the rate of ascent, and that it must be primarily an individual predisposition. Subsequent studies have shown this not be the case, but his observation on individual predisposition were interesting.

In 1974, Dr. Peter Hackett Trekked through with a Mountain Travel USA group. Peter had been hoping to train paramedics in Yosemite, but had no mountaineering background at that time. He got interested in the problems of AMS, and he decided to stay in Nepal and work at the yak herder’s hut in Pheriche, which he did for three consecutive seasons.

Peter’s first season was in the spring of 1975 and he lived with Tashi in the yak herder’s hut. It was somewhat primitive, and they were rather underfunded. Peter actually lived in a tent in the front yard, since this was preferable to the hut. Trekkers were not keen to come to the hut for advice so instead Tashi and Peter would go to the various lodges to meet the trekkers and talk to them.

Peter treated a lot of people and went out on several rescues. Fortunately nobody died. Peter returned to Nepal in the fall of 1975 and continued to work in the Pheriche, completely as a volunteer. He had been consulting with Dr. john Dickinson in Kathmandu and reading whatever he could find at the Shanta Bhawan Library on the subject.

Later peter was appointed to the position of Medical Director and he began to recruit other doctors to continue to operate the aid post at Pheriche.

As mentioned earlier it was about this time Professor Y. Hayata, of Tokyo Medical College, became quite interested in operating a research facility and clinic in the Khumbu region. Professor Hayata raised money for a high-altitude institute, and negotiated with the Himalayan Rescue Association. They built a clinic at Pheriche in the summer of 1975, and it is still the same clinic HRA is using today.

HRA was run under the able leadership of Mr. P.P. Prasai from 1978 to 1991. Mr. Prasai served as its chairman for 14 years! The association was very well managed during his tenure. Mr. Prasai played an important role in turning HRA into a well-established organization. During his 14 years of service as Chairman, Mr. Prasai contributed a lot in furthering the cause of the association as well as building its firm foundation.

There were four most significant contributions that Mr. Prasai made. First was upgrading of the Pheriche Trekkers Aid Post at the cost of million rupees from HRA’s own resources. His second contribution was the setting up of radio communication between Kathmandu, Pheriche and Manag at the cost of about US$ 5,000.00. The uncertain whether a call for emergency evacuation reached HRA or concerned agencies in time or not was finally over. Then came the establishment of Manang Trekkers Aid-post at the cost of pound sterling 30,000 donated by the British Embassy. Finally an administrative and information centre in Kathmandu was set up with the help of French Embassy which contributed US$ 25,000. Mr. Prasai’s contribution to the HRA shall always be remembered very fondly.

Since the year 1991, Mr. R.P. Pant, yet another energetic trekking organizer took over the charge of HRA and who continuing his responsibility eight years as a Chairman of HRA. A few of the important contribution he has made during this time is taking lead for rescue arrangement for 549 person and 62 dead bodies from Everest region (Gokyo area), Kanchanjunga, Manang in Nov. 1995 avalanche. Thus HRA could boost up its image in the international sector as successful rescue organizer. He made available of Rs.100,000 annual as donation from Nepal Government, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. Mr. Bikram Neupane is the present Chairman of the HRA and there are several projects such as, Pheriche Aid-post extension and renovation, Lecture hall in Manang, Permanent building in Kathmandu is under construction.

Dr. David Shlim was appointed by HRA to work in Pheriche in spring 1979. In 1980 David did another season at Pheriche, and was appointed the Associate Medical director David came back again in 1982, and still is the only person, other than Peter, to have done three seasons, although several volunteers have done two seasons. Dr. Buddha Basnyat became the Medical Director of the Association in 1992, and Dr. Shlim was appointed as a Medical Advisor by the HRA.

The HRA aid post in Manang was opened in November 1981, in the Nepal Mountaineering Association building at Ongre. In 1985 the HRA moved into a rented building in Manang the beautiful new clinic in Manang, funded by the British, was finished in 1991 and provides a more comfortable inpatient care and better living quarters. Mr. Ivan Goyzo Somlai had very important role in setting up Manang Aid-post.

In 1983 the HRA began double staffing both aid posts, which meant that it could keep a doctor at the post every day of the main trekking seasons. So, these days for doctors a year, often with their spouses and/or travelling companion, gain experience and offer service at the two aid posts.

There must be about 100 doctors who are alumni or the organization, any one can meet a former HRA doctor at almost any big meeting on mountain medicine. Some have even gone on to make careers in the field of mountain medicine.

In 1976 there came 14,000 trekkers to Nepal: by 1986 there were 49,000, during that time, AMS deaths among trekkers remained at 1 per year. So there was four-fold decrease during those years. These days trekking is continuing to expand, drawing less experienced people to trek, and having less experienced leaders to handle emergencies. As a result, the rate of serious AMS and death is increasing again.

The HRA has always provided free or nearly free health care to the local people living in both regions (Pheriche and Manang areas). In both areas, this is the only source of western medical care for the people, and they are very grateful. Service has also been extended to animals when possible! Thus, the HRA has been increase the safety of the trekkers encouraging tourism, which boots the Nepalese economy, and also use the donations and charges to the foreigners to provide much-needed care to the local people. Because rescue is difficult in Nepal, prevention becomes the key activity of the HRA doctors. This eventually evolved into a formal lecture each afternoon of the trekking season. These popular lectures have prevented more serious mountain sickness and deaths.

As mentioned earlier the HRA is a permanent body, which is essentially voluntary and entirely non-profit making. Most of its one hundred odd members are either in the trekking trade or interested in travel within Nepal. They include foreigners, foreign residents, but the majority of members are Nepali nationals. The membership is also open to organizations and agencies.

Every three years the HRA elects a body of nine members Executive Committee.

* Source :  – http://www.himalayanrescue.org/

** See :

- Nanda Devi East Expedition 2009 part 1 : Polish to celebrate 70th anniversary of first ascent.

- Nanda Devi East Expedition 2009 part 2 : Polish to celebrate 70th anniversary of first ascent.

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 5. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz.5. /Version english and polish/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

Kangchenjunga 2009 Expedition led by Kinga Baranowska.

Goal:

Kinga Baranowska wants to climb Kangchenjunga (8598 m) by normal (first ascent) route.

Accomplishment time:

01.04.2009 – 30.05.2009

Description of the expedition:

The team wants to climb Kangchenjunga (8598 m) by normal route. Polish Kinga Baranowska is attempting Kangchenjunga, as member in K2 Magic Line leader Oscar Cadiach’s Spanish team.

Kinga’s first 8000er was Cho Oyu in 2002. She topped-out Broad Peak in 2004, Nanga Parbat in 2007 and, last year, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.

Kinga Baranowska hopes to turn Kangchenjunga into her 6th 8000er.

Fot. Ferran Latorre

Fot. Ferran Latorre

Kangchenjunga 2009 Expedition – in review :

Kinga Baranowska and team are back from their last trip to C3. They’re now acclimatized and ready to launch a summit push.

* Previous story :

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 4. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 4. /Version english and polish/

Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 led by Anna Czerwińska.

Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 led by Anna Czerwińska ( The first Polish woman to reach the 7 Summits. ) ; the team : Ola Ihnatowicz, Justyna Szepieniec, Zbigniew Bąk, Dariusz Jasiński.

Goal:

The team wants to climb Dhaulagiri [8167] by normal route.

Accomplishment time:

17.03.2009 – 30.04.2009

Description of the expedition:

The team wants to climb the mountain by normal route.
Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres -26,795 ft)  can be translated as “White Mountain” and is situated in the western part of Kali Gandaki valley, about 33 kilometres from neighbouring Annapurna.  It is the seventh highest mountain in the world, first climbed in 1960 by Kurt Diemberger, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schabert and sherps: Nim Dorjee and Nawang Dorjee.

# 1985 A Polish expedition including the famed Jerzy Kukuczka climbs Dhaulagiri, via the standard route, in winter – first winter summit: they reach the summit on January 21.
# 1986 A mostly Polish expedition puts up the second South Face route, on the left side of the face, connecting with the Southwest Ridge route. They go above 7500 m but do not reach the summit.

Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – in review.

Anna Czerwińska and team are back from their last trip to C3. They’re now acclimatized and ready to launch a summit push.

* Previous story :

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 3. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 3. /Version english and polish/

Polish Tatra Rescuers Expedition 100 years of TOPR .

TOPR – Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 led by Ryszard Gajewski (Manaslu -8156 m n.p.m. – first winter summit), the team : Andrzej Mikler, Edward Lichota, Grzegorz Bargiel, Maciej Pawlikowski, Roman Mazik, Tomasz Witkowski.

Goal:

The team wants to climb Dhaulagiri [8167] by normal route and north-west wall [by japanese route].

* red – normal route ; * green – Japanese route.

Accomplishment time:

23.03.2009 – 14.05.2009

Description of the expedition:

The team wants to climb the mountain by normal route and north-west wall [by japanese route].
Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres -26,795 ft)  can be translated as “White Mountain” and is situated in the western part of Kali Gandaki valley, about 33 kilometres from neighbouring Annapurna.  It is the seventh highest mountain in the world, first climbed in 1960 by Kurt Diemberger, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schabert and sherps: Nim Dorjee and Nawang Dorjee.

# 1985 A Polish expedition including the famed Jerzy Kukuczka climbs Dhaulagiri, via the standard route, in winter – first winter summit: they reach the summit on January 21.
# 1986 A mostly Polish expedition puts up the second South Face route, on the left side of the face, connecting with the Southwest Ridge route. They go above 7500 m but do not reach the summit.

TOPR – Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 - in review :

Himalaya wrap-up: over on Dhaulagiri.

2009, May 02.

Dhaulagiri – it’s over

Expedition member Tomasz Witkowski writes today on the Dhaulagiri – TOPR website that forecasts show no chance of a window before May 14, the end of  accomplishment time. They organizing porters and BC is packed up.

* Previous story :

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 2. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 2. /Version english and polish/

Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 6.

KINGA BARANOWSKA RUSZA NA KANCZENDZONGĘ (8586 M).

Cel:

Celem wyprawy Kingi jest wspinaczka na Kanczendzongę (8598 m) – trzeci najwyższy szczyt świata.

Termin realizacji :

Wspinaczka planowana jest od początku kwietnia do końca maja.

Opis wyprawy:

Wejście na szczyt jest przewidziane ścianą południowo-zachodnią (tzw. drogą brytyjską – normalną). Na zdjęciach poniżej pokazano drogę na szczyt.

Fot. Ferran Latorre

Fot. Ferran Latorre

Relacje z wyprawy Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009.

Kinga Baranowska zakończyła swoje ostatnie wyjście do obozu III i teraz odpoczywa w bazie.  Będąc cały dzień w obozie III chciała razem z Alberto, by wyjść w stronę obozu IV (ok. 7700 m), ale generalnie nie byli zbyt rześcy. Powyżej trójki tak bardzo wieje, że ledwo co widać, więc zrezygnowali z tego wyjścia i wrócili do bazy.

* poprzednie posty o tej wyprawie :

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.7.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.6.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.5.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.4.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.3.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.2.

- Kangchenjunga Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Kingi Baranowskiej cz.1.

Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Anny Czerwińskiej.

Cel:

Celem wyprawy jest wejście na szczyt Dhaulaghiri (8167 m) drogą od strony północno-wschodniej.

Zespół :

Udział w wyprawie biorą : Anna Czerwińska, Ola Ihnatowicz, Justyna Szepieniec, Zbigniew Bąk, Dariusz Jasiński.

Dhaulagiri to siódmy szczyt Ziemi, wznoszący się na wysokość 8167 m n.p.m.

Relacje z wyprawy Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009.

Po nieudanej próbie ataku na szczyt Justyny Szepieniec, zrezygnowała ona z wyprawy 02.05.2009, a jako powód podała kolejną tragedie na Dhaulagiri czyli zaginięcie Irańczyka Mehdi. Od kilku dni brak jest innych informacji od tej wyprawy.

* poprzednie posty o tej wyprawie :

- Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Anny Czerwińskiej cz.6.

- Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Anny Czerwińskiej cz.5.

- Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Anny Czerwińskiej cz.4.

- Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Anny Czerwińskiej cz.3.

- Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Anny Czerwińskiej cz.2.

- Dhaulagiri Expedition 2009 – wyprawa Anny Czerwińskiej cz.1.

Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009.

Cel:

Celem jest jest zdobycie ośmiotysięcznika Dhaulagiri, a ponadto ratownicy chcą uczcić setną rocznicę powstania TOPR oraz przypomnieć udział Polaków w zdobywaniu tej góry.

“Na Dhaulagiri zamierzamy wchodzić dwoma drogami. Tzw. “stara kadra” będzie wspinać się drogą normalną, a młodzi pójdą na ścianę północną tzw. Drogą Japońską “przez gruszkę” – objaśnia taktykę kierownik wyprawy.

Relacje z wyprawy TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009.

Wyprawa TOPR na Dhaulagiri został zakończona, a oto jak do tego doszło.

Sobota 2009-05-02

Koniec wyprawy.

Kolejne dni działalności na Dhaulagiri nie przyniosły korzystnych rozstrzygnięć. W obozie drugim rozchorował się E.Lichota i zmuszony był zejść do bazy 27 kwietnia. W tym czasie R.Gajewski i M.Pawlikowski udali się z jedynki do obozu drugiego z zamiarem dojścia do trójki, którą mają założyć G.Bargiel i A.Mikler przebywający w obozie drugim.
W kolejnym dniu zespół z dwójki wychodzi w kierunku obozu trzeciego poręczując drogę do wysokości 7300m. Na miejsce tzw. dolnej trójki docierają na tyle zmęczeni, że nie są w stanie zakładać obozu i postanawiają schodzić na odpoczynek do bazy. Następnego dnia R.Gajewski i M.Pawlikowski podjęli próbę założenia obozu trzeciego. Niestety po dojściu do wysokości 7250m, nie udało się po raz kolejny założyć obozu trzeciego. Po czterodniowej działalności w górze zeszli do bazy pierwszego maja.

Z uwagi na prognozy pogody i margines czasu jaki pozostał nam na działalność nie planujemy już kolejnych wyjść i tym samym kończymy wyprawę. Piątego maja planujemy likwidację bazy i rozpoczęcie karawany powrotnej.
W Kathamndu będziemy ósmego maja wieczorem.

Tomasz Witkowski

* poprzednie posty o tej wyprawie :

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.8 – zakończenie wyprawy.

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.7.

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.6.

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.5.

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.4.

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.3.

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.2.

- TOPR – DHAULAGIRI 2009. Polska Wyprawa Ratowników 100 lecie TOPR cz.1.

** poprzednie posty :

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 5. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz.5. /Version english and polish/

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 4. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 4. /Version english and polish/

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 3. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 3. /Version english and polish/

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 1. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 1. /Version english and polish/

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 2. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz. 2. /Version english and polish/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

Mountain biking in Nepal

Have you ever wondered how would it be to ride alongside some of the tallest mountains in the world? Or crisscross the hundreds of valleys, inhabited by the indigenous people whose lifestyle has remained unchanged for centuries, through terraced fields, rice paddies, rivers and jungles.

This site brings you information about mountain biking in Nepal, the mystical place with 10 of the 14 tallest mountains in the world. See Nepal on a mountain bike. You will love it ! We at BikeNepal believe that bikes are the most versatile way of seeing Nepalese rural lifestyle and exploring “off the beaten track.” Join us for a bike ride and we will guarantee you the highlights of your entire stay in Nepal.Under Nagarkot Tour,  we offer two options. One goes to Nagarkot and returns via Changu Narayan temple. The second one goes to Nagarkot via Bhaktapur and returns from Sankhu, an old trading town and then to Boudhanath stupa.

Day 1: Kathmandu-Bhaktapur-Nagarkot (38KM/0600M)
Today we head east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is an ancient city, full of Newari art and cultural heritage. From here we head to Nagarkot on an excellent and quiet tarmac road. We gradually climb 20km uphill. When we reach the summit we will be rewarded with the panoramic views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas..

Mountain biking in Nepal : Nagarkot Tour

Day 2: Nagarkot to Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan (34KM)
The day starts with an exciting descent on single track. We pass through many rustic villages, with the mountain views following us! We reach the ancient Hindu temple complex of Changu Narayan. From here we continue downhill to Bhaktapur where we stop for a lunch. We then return to Kathmandu via the old road stopping at the mediaval town of Thimi, famous for its traditional masks and pottery.

* Source :  – http://www.kashualdesigns.com/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

Make no mistake, these are all challenging climbs with amazing scenery and a real feel for adventure. But they are not 8000m giants either, and adventurous travelers in reasonable shape and a great approach plan, should have a good chance at success on these peaks.

Some of the mountains that make the list include Mount Blanc in the Alps, which is considered the “birthplace of modern mountaineering” and is lauded for great trekking throughout the region. Of course, the 19,390 foot Kilimanjaro also makes the list as a must-go place for adventure travelers. Curiously enough however, they say a summit climb takes five days both ways, which isn’t true. It’s a minimum five days up, but you’re down in one essentially.

And if you absolutely must go to the Himalaya, Forbes Traveler recommends that you hit up Kala Pattar in Nepal. The mountain is a non-technical climb above 23,000 feet that offers stunning views of Everest and all the traditional Himalayan climbing experiences on a smaller, yet still challenging, scale.

This is a nice list for armchair mountaineers who are looking to bag a peak or two of their own without having the technical experience needed for something bigger. The altitude is often challenging enough, and these ten mountains offer plenty of adventure in their own right. I’ve certainly added a couple more to my list from reading it. How about you?

* Source : – http://www.forbestraveler.com/ – http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/

** See :

- Nanda Devi East Expedition 2009 part 1 : Polish to celebrate 70th anniversary of first ascent.

- Nanda Devi East Expedition 2009 part 2 : Polish to celebrate 70th anniversary of first ascent.

- Nanda Devi East Expedition 2009 part 3 : Polish to celebrate 70th anniversary of first ascent.

- Polish Himalaya Expeditions 2009 part 5. Himalaje 2009 – polskie wyprawy, cz.5. /Version english and polish/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.