Dec
07
2009
Mountain climbing locations vary in altitude but many of them are in of sub zero temperatures. There are different techniques required for climbing in ice covered terrain and it’s much different than climbing in dry terrain. While it is more challenging than other forms of climbing, ice climbing can be the most rewarding and exhilarating.
Many techniques that are used in other types of climbing are used in ice climbing but the challenge is altogether different. There are definite differences in the equipment used for ice climbing. For example, ice climbing boots require more insulation than for alpine climbing since it’s important to keep ice and snow from entering the boot.
Spiked soles that clamp to the soles of your boots, called crampons are required for keeping traction on the ice. There are special techniques used for trekking on ice. Using a large ice pick, you use an overhead swing to penetrate the ice in front of you. When you’ve determined it’s secure, you kick your crampon fitted boot into the ice. Once you are sure you’re secure these two steps are repeated.
While hiking and climbing, a pro is used much like in traditional climbing but the protective devices used in ice climbing take on a different aspect. Single, twin and double rope ascents are still used but ice screws are commonly used. Ice screws are hollow tubes that have teeth on one end and a hook on the other end. They’re placed and secured into the ice and the hook on the ice screw is for attaching to.
The ice itself is sometimes used as a pro. There are two common methods; the V-thread and the Bollard method. In the V-thread method, a pair of holes are drilled diagonally into the ice and their holes connect to make a “V” shape. A sling is threaded and then attached to a rope and harness. The ice is quite strong and there is little risk of giving way. With the Bollard method a rope hold is carved into the ice and a rope is looped over the piece of ice. The ice is strong enough to hold one or two climbers depending on their weight. There is a risk to using ice as a pro since it is an unpredictable medium but many climbers prefer it.
Ice climbing utilizes many of the same techniques as traditional climbing but with some different equipment. Many climbers find that ice climber is more adventures and provides them with a more rewarding feeling. If you’re a climber, you should give ice climbing a try for a true adrenaline rush.
Nov
29
2009
Nepal is well known for being one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The magnificent mountains, rustling rivers, colourful people, religions and rich cultural heritages make Nepal a travellers paradise.
Mantled with the high Himalaya to the north, Nepal is a land of scenic splendour, age-old temples, diverse cultures, exotic wildlife and some of the friendliest people in the world. All these combine to offer a medley of experience to the visitor in a country that stretches roughly 885 km east to west and 193 km north to south. Little wonder, those visiting Nepal return home with a longing to come back again and again.
Very few countries in the world can offer as many varieties of adventure tourism packages as Nepal. Of the 14 peaks above 8000 meters in the world eight are located in Nepal. It is the land Mount Everest (8848 meters), the highest peak in the world and other 1310 mountain peaks.
For those who can not withstand the rigorousness of mountain climbing there are mountain flights which fly around the Mount Everest and provide a close look of the top of the world. Trekking is the best way to get to interesting and remote mountain villages of Nepal and to enjoy views of the famous peaks together with their lifestyle untouched with modern civilization.
River rafting represents another major attractions. Within distance of 100 miles, one can see the topographical variations with the rivers rising from the higher points near Nepals Tibetan border and then dropping dramatically to lower levels the plains bordering India.
For the less adventures, Pokhara, the lake city of Nepal, is not to be missed. You can do swimming, canoeing and boating along with the sightseeing of majestic panoramic views in its background. Pokhara is a tropical spot with an altitude of about 900 meters from where one can see the mountain crossing over 8000 meters.
Kathmandu possesses several historical monuments, old palaces and palace squares, shrines and temples, ageless traditions and legends all make it a living museum that any visitor would cherish its vivid memory in ones heart for ever.
The Nepali national meal is daal bhaat tarkaari (spiced lentils, boiled rice, vegetable curry). This is served in most Nepalese homes and teahouses. If rice is scarce the grain part may be cornmeal mush called Ato, barley, or chapatis (whole wheat ‘tortillas’). The meal may be accompanied by dahi (yogurt) and a small helping of ultra-spicy fresh chutney or achar (pickle). Traditionally this meal is eaten with the right hand.
The weather is probably the best guide for deciding when to plan your trip to Nepal. October and November are considered the best times of the year. The monsoon will have just ended, and clear skies with optimal temperature will prevail. The main festivals of Dashain and Tihar (Hindu equivalent of Christmas in terms of festivity) fall during these months. However, this is also the busiest tourist season, and the main tourist centers and trekking trails tend to be crowded with travellers like you.
This is definitely the best time to travel to Nepal. With the conflict ended tourism is gearing up again and now the prices are excellent so dont miss this opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Nov
28
2009
We are a group of Malayan, We often take adventure tours and this time to Vietnam is Fansipan.Get pick up at Laocai train station and transfer to Sa pa, we stopped at Hotel, got a room for shower, breakfast, prepared our gears for the coming trek.
On the way trekking Fansipan Mt, Vietnam
Driving by Jeep along a up-down, zig-zag road to get the mountain pass to start our hike. The first sight to us is the large mountain, the trek at the beginning is quiet easy. we are all eager to conquer.Lunch was good, much better than I had expected. We had baguettes, tomato, cucumber and cheese followed by pear. I had read someone else’s blog about their trip up Fansipan and they had eaten rice, noodles and an increasingly rancid piece of pork for 4 days.After lunch we actually had to loose high to get to the camp to where we were going to sleep. There was another big river to cross but this time there was a bridge so we got across with dry feet. Camp 2 was just on the other side and consisted of a couple of wooden buildings.After getting cleaned up and changing into dry clothes we were served up a massive banquet of really tasty food. We had stir fried chicken and mushroom, beef and onion, tofu, potatoes, cabbage, rice and more. There was twice as much as we needed.After that it was straight to bed. We slept in the camp that our guide and porter had made, it is really fun, the camp is bigger enough for our group. Our place to sleep was well prepared, we had thick mattress and sleeping bag. It was fairly comfortable and it didn’t get cold during the night.In the morning we were served up a really massive bowl of vegan noodle soup with a fried egg on top. It was tasty but way too heavy for 6:30 in the morning. None of us managed to eat more than half of it.Another hard day to conquer the roof of Indochina, this day We had to head up to the top from 2200m, then down to the camp at 2800 for the night. The hike was really true for mountain climb, the higher we climb, the better landscape we enjoy.We were at the top at about 1pm, had a lunch on a big rock in windy and sunny noon, Life is fantastic!Back to the camp at 2800m at about 5pm, we spend this night in a cottage make by the national park. To congratulate the winners of Indochina roof, our guide killed a pig that they had carried all the way up from Sa pa to make barbecue, we had some wine too.The last day seemed to be easier to us, we went all the same way down to Tram ton Pass then took a Jeep to Sa pa. Got a room with hot shower.This was the best trip I had done in Vietnam.Source: Petercampel’s traveler from TravelPod BlogRecommendation for Trekking Fansipan , Vietnam: Sapa Travel Guide Trek Fansipan Tours
Nov
25
2009
Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth as measured by the height of its summit above sea level. The mountain, which is part of the Himalaya range in Asia is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China. There had been 3,050 ascents to the summit by 2,062 individuals.
Climbers range from experienced mountaineers to relative novices who count on their paid guides to get them to the top. This means climbers are a significant source of tourist revenue for Nepal.
There are great trekking tours available which is available to anyone who can walk for a few hours per day. These tours start in Nepal in Kathmandu and are very popular.
Mt Everest has an undeniable ability to seduce Explorers, Travellers and Climbers alike. With its breathtaking views and fascinating Sherpa people there is something for everyone to guarantee the experience of a lifetime.
Mt. Everest, so called after the first person to record its height, Sir George Everest, translates in Nepalese and Tibetan as Goddess in the Sky and Mother Goddess of the Universe, demonstrating the immense respect and reverence that the locals have for this awesome mountain. It is 29,029 feet high but it rises a few centimetres each year due to the huge geological forces acting on it.
The weather you will experience on Everest is extreme and rather unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for all eventualities. Spring is the high season for trekking, but warmer weather can mean there is a larger cloud cover, which obscures many of the fantastic views that are part of this once in a lifetime trek. For those willing to brave the colder temperatures of autumn and winter this is not such a problem.
A large problem on Everest is that as you reach higher altitudes the oxygen content of the air dramatically decreases. At 20,000 feet there is only half as much oxygen in the air as you are used to and by the summit oxygen is reduced to only a one third.
There are two times of year when conditions are most favourable for a trek to Everest Base Camp, either in the pre-monsoon springtime or the post monsoon autumn. Although, it is possible to join Treks that run almost all year round.
The main problem experienced on Everest is altitude Sickness, this is definitely something to take seriously and to take precautions against. There is no way of telling how it will affect you until you are at high altitude.
The easiest and most effective way to limit the effects of altitude sickness is by ascending the mountain slowly and giving your body time to acclimatise to the height. Above 10,000 feet (Base camp is at 17,500) you should aim not climb more than 1000 feet per day.
You also need to stay warm and conserve as much energy as possible, drink water and above all listen to what your body is telling you, if you don not feel right don not push yourself to hard because you may push yourself out of the trek altogether.
Make sure you pick the right trip for you, make sure you give yourself time to acclimatise to the altitude even if that means flying out a few days before your trek starts.
The Sherpa people are invaluable in making any expedition to Everest whether it be to Base camp or even Summit. They will carry your gear, food, tents and it is important that they are respected. They take great pride in their Mountain Climbing Heritage and without them you will not finish the trek
Wether you join a trekking tour or climb all the way to the top, it will be an experience to treasure for a long time!