himalayas

Winners of the GIVEAWAY of Anmol’s book - Wanderings in the Land of Mist - A complete story of Mussoorie!  : Arjun Harish & Vijaya Bhat

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to founder of Kannur City Heritage Foundation, Muhammed Shihad as he takes us to Kannur!  

Today's destination: Kannur, Kerala

Nearest Airport: Kannur international airport (CNN)

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur Railway station, CAN

Packing: Pack light clothes for humid weather

Time of the year: Dec-Feb

Length of the itinerary: 3-4 days

Itinerary Highlights: 

• Shihad talks about the history of Kannur, previously known as Canonore and its significance as a port city. 
• We talk about the Mapilla bay, the origin of its name and the various travellers who visited including Marco Polo, Fahien and Ibn Batuta
• We also discuss the St. Angelo fort, the history of all the three colonial powers who rule there and a recent discovery of cannonballs in the premises. 
• Shihad also talks about the St. John’s anglican church which is nearby and the rich archives it holds. 
• Our next stop is the Arakkal museum as we talk about the only muslim sultanate of kerala, their allies, the matrilineal system of succession they follow and much more. 
• Finally we chat about the mouthwatering cuisine of Kannur as well as the cultural festivities like Theyyam.  

Links:

Whatsapp: +91 8377024979

Email: mail@cityheritage.in

Link to website: www.cityheritage.in

Link to Kannur City Heritage’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/city_heritage/

Link to Shihad’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore_with_shihad/

Photo by s.hri on Unsplash

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email: themusafirstories@gmail.com

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In May 2023, Debbie Bulten etched her name in mountaineering history by accomplishing what many thought impossible. Scaling the heights of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, and seamlessly transitioning to conquer Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain, Debbie's achievement is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her journey is a testament to human resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams.

• Witness Debbie's historic ascent to the summit of Everest, the ultimate pinnacle of mountaineering.
• Embark on the journey from crossing yak bridges in the Khumbu Valley to navigating the perilous Khumbu Icefall and conquering formidable ice walls on the ascent.
• Experience the breathtaking beauty and challenges of high-altitude climbing.
• Follow Debbie's decision to summit Lhotse, a choice she prepared for but confirmed only after successfully summiting Everest and returning to high camp, adding an extra layer of challenge to her extraordinary adventure.

Don't miss this captivating episode as we explore Debbie Bulten's Everest & Lhotse Expedition—a tale of triumph, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of adventure. Tune in now to uncover the remarkable story behind one of mountaineering's greatest accomplishments.

00:00 Introduction to Debbie Bulten and her journey to Everest base camp

01:45 Challenges of crossing yak bridges and acclimatization process

02:54 Importance of acclimatization and climbing high, sleeping low

04:33 Encounters with yaks, logistics of transporting gear, division of gear

06:20 Scenic views along the trek

09:36 Goal for this year, back to ultra running, training

10:13 presence of prayer flags all over the Khumbu Valley

10:50 Description of base camp life and layout

13:08 Challenges of illnesses at altitude and difficulty of recovery

17:45  Eating at high altitude

18:50  Everest horseshoe

19:40 Traditional "puja" ceremony and rituals before climbing

20:43 Safety precautions during ladder crossings and navigating shifting ice

24:14 Camp routine, prior experiences, and hazards of the Icefall

30:13 Explanation of safety measures while climbing

30:58 Account of a fall resulting in knee surgery

36:16 Advice on managing fear

39:38 Description of the immense landscape of the Himalayas and the unique experience it offers.

40:22 Recount of a challenging climb and the physical demands of navigating through ice walls and crevasses.

45:15 Discussion on coping with extreme cold during expeditions, emphasizing hydration, nutrition, and high-calorie snacks.

46:30 Challenges of eating and digesting food at high altitudes, stressing proper hydration to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

47:05 Methods for managing bodily functions in extreme conditions, like using a portable bathroom inside the tent.

48:01 Overview of the route from Camp 2 to Everest summit, including acclimatization and final ascent.

50:15 Importance of minimizing time in the "death zone" above 26,000 feet due to oxygen deprivation.

52:17 Description of the steep ascent from high camp to summit ridge.

58:05 Emotional significance of summiting and focus on the challenging descent.

1:00:26 Everest Summit video

1:01:11 Lhotse summit and view of Everest with blowing snow

1:01:48 Difficulty of summiting Lhotse, decision to summit Lhotse after Everest

1:03:40 Descent to camp 2, discussion about the intense challenges faced during the climb

1:05:14 Risks of altitude sickness and  the importance of watching out for each other.

1:07:53 Passing by those who don’t make it home

1:09:21 Discussion on risky activities like skydiving, contrasting with the perceived risks of climbing.

1:10:18 Arrival at Camp 2

1:11:05  Journey back to base camp from Camp 2, with relief and celebration upon arrival

1:13:23 Emotional reunion with family upon returning home, highlighting the support and understanding received.

1:13:40 Gradual sharing of experiences with friends and family, allowing for reflection and processing of the challenging climb.

EPISODE CREDITS

SPECIAL THANKS TO DEBBIE BULTEN for photos, videos and for sharing her story

Hosted, Directed, Edited and Produced by Lori Ference

Thanks to Madison Mountaineering for footage of the Western Cwm

“Sunshine” by SergePavkinMusic Music by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay

"Happy Warm Days Music" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay

© 2024 Lori Ference

LINKS
Be sure to subscribe to Explore with Lori Ference on YouTube 
Website
Instagram 
Spotify
Facebook

Adventure Travel, India, Himalayas, Trekking, Rafting

Vaibhav Kala
Founder
Aquaterra Adventures

Guiding since the beginning of organised and serious adventure travel in the early 90s, he has been at the forefront of conceiving, planning and executing trips that were considered too audacious to run.
Those were the days of the telex, fax and shell accounts were barely getting through.

We are different in terms of sheer range of trips, the consistency with which they are run, and the quality and safety of each trip. Our trips are less flash-in-the-pan and more consistent departures, into more and more remote regions, valleys and trails.

Vaibhav is responsible for helping open up remote Himalayan valleys to adventure tourism, and has helped open up Indian river running like none before – with rivers like the Tons 19 years after it was run in its entirety, the Siang (Upper Brahmaputra), Subansari, Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh, the Pindar. Several of these trips are run by our company alone.

https://aquaterra.in/

Summary

Vaibhav Kala, from Aquaterra Adventures in India, shares his journey in adventure tourism and the challenges and successes he has experienced. He discusses the appeal of the Himalayas and the combination of mountain climbing and river rafting in his business. Vaibhav emphasizes the importance of choosing the right operator and setting expectations for adventure travelers. He also highlights the impact of adventure tourism on local communities and the need for safety regulations in the industry. Vaibhav shares information about the Himalayan Adventure Challenge and the growth of adventure travel in India.

Takeaways

• Adventure tourism in the Indian Himalayas offers a unique and diverse experience for travelers.
• Choosing the right operator is crucial for a safe and enjoyable adventure travel experience.
• Adventure tourism can have a positive impact on local communities by supporting the local economy.
• Safety regulations and standards are important to ensure the well-being of adventure travelers.
• Adventure tourism can create lifelong memories and experiences for travelers.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Listen to the episode and answer 3 simple questions linked in the URL below: https://forms.gle/V383GKghqBfarsNi6

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to columnist and author, Anmol Jain, as we discuss his book Wanderings in the Land of Mist - A complete story of Mussoorie! 

Today's destination: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, DDN

Packing: Pack warm clothes

Time of the year: All year round, except monsoons

Length of the itinerary: 3-5 days

Itinerary Highlights: 

• Anmol provides an overview of the origins of Mussoorie, the founding fathers and how the town was established
• We also talk about some of the folklore around Lord Balram and his abode in the Bhadraj hills, as well as the temple that still stands. 
• We talk about Landour, its origins, the convalescent depot, the cantonment and some of its important locations. 
• We then talk about the important personalities of Mussoorie and their connection to Mussoorie, including 
• Capt. Young
• Sir George Everest
• Jim Corbett
• General Dyer 

• We talk about Mussoorie’s infamous title of the “Pleasure capital of the Raj”, the wild parties and the separation bells. 
• We talk about the urban legends and haunted stories, including the human oil extractors and dancing mistress. 
• We speak to the evolution of brews and breweries in Mussoorie, including the IPA and VAT 69
• We close the episode with some remarkable stories that deserve to be in the movies!

Links:

Link to buy Anmol’s  book: 

https://www.amazon.in/Wanderings-Land-Mist-Complete-Mussoorie-ebook/dp/B0CG6M5L8C

https://rupapublications.co.in/books/wanderings-in-the-land-of-mist-the-complete-story-of-mussoorie/

Link to Anmol’s website: https://anmoljain.in/

Link to Anmol’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anmolj_75/

Link to episode on Landour: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jyTU9Q4fQK8AIkB0mBqbM?si=K_qBTWhzRAKbRKlCRbKrRg

Photo by Soham Kalghatkar on Unsplash

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Attributions speaks with Finu Shrestha about climate change's impacts on the Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountain ranges ice pack and glaciers. We talked about what kind of effects are being felt in the mountains, how the glaciers are responding to warming, weather pattern changes and water security for billions of people across Asia that rely on Himalayan and Hindu Kush glaciers and snowpack that feed some of Asia's largest river systems.

Finu is a Remote Sensing and Geo-information Analyst at The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and has been working on issues affecting the region for over a decade including glaciers, glacier lakes and glacial lake outburst floods also known as GLOFs.

Web: ICIMOD
LinkedIn: Finu Shrestha

We’re going up in the world this week – longitudinally and latitudinally, with the GOAT of endurance, adventure Gothic, Michelle Paver.

Michelle joins me for a big conversation about her novels Dark Matter and Thin Air – two of the most effective ghost stories of the 21st century. One takes us to the Arctic, the other to a Himalayan peak, both places littered with the dead… who may still be around.

We talk about how ghost stories work, their tradition and what perhaps differentiates them from horror. We consider the challenge of writing heroes with imperial perspectives, and Michelle relates her own, eerie, dangerous experiences out in the frozen wilds.

This is perfect winter listening, even if we did record it in July. 

Enjoy!

Books mentioned:

Wolf Brother (2004), by Michelle Paver

The Abominable (2013), by Dan Simmons

30 Days of Night (2002), by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith

The Others of Edenwell (2023), by Verity Holloway

“The Kit Bag” (1908), by Algernon Blackwood 

Cold Earth (2009), by Sarah Moss

Number 90 and Other Ghost Stories (2000 rpt) B.M. Croker

A Beleaguered City (1871), by Margaret Oliphant

The Long Tale (Tail) of Dogs in Fiction (Esquire)

Support Talking Scared on Patreon

Come talk books on Twitter @talkscaredpod, on Instagram, or email direct to talkingscaredpod@gmail.com 

Using high-resolution satellite images. Dr. Nithiyanandam, Head of Geospatial Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution, analysed three operational dual-purpose airports and two airbases under construction in Central Tibet, namely, Shigatse Peace Airport, Lhasa Gonggar Airport, Nyinghchi Manling Airbase, Shigtase Tingri Airbase, and Damxung Airbase.

According to him, “China's rapid construction pace and utilization of cutting-edge technology indicate its commitment to maintaining a long-term presence in the region”, located very close to the Indian borders. In this episode, Shrikrishna Upadhyaya quizzes Nithiyanandam on China’s PLA Air Force’s capabilities in the region, construction of underground facilities, strategic location of the airbases, and lessons for India.

Reading: Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin: Rapid Military Infrastructure Expansion in Tibet: A Satellite Imagery Analysis

Join OpenTakshashila, an initiative by the Takshashila Institution, to creat a global and open community with a strong and unwavering commitment towards meaningful and thoughtful policy discussions.

Do check out Takshashila’s public policy courses: https://school.takshashila.org.in/courses

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Welcome to a special re-broadcast of of this discussion with Marti Spiegelman in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day 2023

In today’s discussion on Indigenous beliefs, we will revisit a topic that was discussed in some detail in our earlier episode on shamanism, but from some differing perspectives. Our esteemed guest, Marti Spiegelman, actually has mixed feelings about using the term “shamanism” when describing the spiritual practice, believing the term has become too much of a generalization and a catchall. Whatever we may choose to call it, Marti is deeply involved in reconnecting the modern world with an ancient wisdom with which we have lost touch. This ancient wisdom involves the immediacy of experience and in turn a profound attunement with the universal consciousness. She emphasizes that this is not some sort of esoteric past-time, but very practical knowledge which will grant prosperity in our individual lives and a tremendous benefit for humanity.   

Marti Spiegelman holds a BA in biochemistry from Harvard University, an MFA in graphic design from the Yale School of Art and Architecture, and has advanced training in neurophysiology, psychology, and anthropology. Her executive mentoring and initiation programs – Foundations of Precision Consciousness and The Shaman’s Light Program – are dedicated to helping today’s changemakers and visionaries, across all professions, embody and apply timeless indigenous wisdom to the evolution of consciousness and thriving in today’s world.

Marti is also co-founder, with Todd Hoskins, of the ‘Leading from Being’ podcast and leadership training. She was a presenter at TEDx Berkeley 2011 and is widely known for her work in weaving indigenous principles of consciousness with modern genius to ignite quantum leaps in the ways we live, work, and create together.

https://pc.martispiegelman.org

Hello, it's Baskar Sundaram here, inviting you to join me in a truly intriguing episode. Today, I'm going to share the incredible journey I embarked on to Luxembourg, a captivating land rich in history, adorned with picturesque villages, majestic cathedrals, and enchanting castles.

Come, let me take you through my adventures of hiking the magical Mullerthal Trail, fondly known as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland. It was a trek that stirred up echoes of my earlier expeditions in the majestic Himalayas.

During this journey, I had the fortune to spend time with a dear friend of mine, an NLP trained primary school teacher. She ushered me onto a path of self-discovery, nudging me to confront challenges and open myself up to life-altering perspectives.

Together, we dived into "The Big Five For Life" by John Strelecky, a profound exploration of the question: What are the five things you most want to do, see, or experience while you're on this wonderful planet? This exploration led me to a profound contemplation about my life and desires.

In this episode, I grapple with the sobering reality of our finite time on Earth and share how this revelation imbued me with a newfound urgency - an urgency to live each day to its fullest. Together, we'll delve into the world of self-discovery, personal change, and growth.

This episode is all about shifting our perspective, focusing on the myriad opportunities that encircle us, and leveraging them to unleash our full potential. It's about cherishing and measuring our days not merely by their count but by the rich experiences, personal growth, and fulfillment they bestow upon us.

So tune in, embark on this exciting journey with me, and perhaps, you too will find the inspiration to uncover and pursue your own "Big Five." Let's start making each day count, together.

Join the ladies on a nuclear filled Yeti adventure as we tackle the final part of our Mr. Everest series. Things may or may not get a little bit sexy. Don’t forget to pack some corn dogs!

Nuclear Device Lost in Himalayas References:

 Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Devi_Plutonium_Mission#cite_note-wired-1

New York Times - Desai Says Us Indian Team Lost Atomic Spy Gear No Comment From US - https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/18/archives/desai-says-usindian-team-lost-atomic-spy-gear-no-comment-from-us.html

The Better India - Nanda Devi Nuclear Device Expedition Captain Sanmohann Singh Kohli Central Intelligence Agency America Intelligence Bureau India Secret Government Mission Raini Uttarakhand Glacier Burst History Myster https://www.thebetterindia.com/253759/nanda-devi-nuclear-device-expedition-captain-manmohan-singh-kohli-central-intelligence-agency-america-intelligence-bureau-india-secret-government-mission-raini-uttarakhand-glacier-burst-history-myster/

Wired - CIA Himalayan Spies https://www.wired.com/2013/04/cia-himalayan-spies/

Economic Times - James Bond in the Himalayas and the Secre of the Nanda Devihttps://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/james-bond-in-the-himalayas-the-buried-secret-of-nanda-devi/articleshow/65350186.cms

Yeti Spaghetti Resources:

Wikipedia

Moss Gate - Yeti Information Sheet https://www.mossgate.lancs.sch.uk/serve_file/570306#:~:text=The%20yeti%20can%20stand%20at,they%20said%20was%20a%20Yeti. 

CNN - Yeti Scientific Proof Study https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/28/health/yeti-scientific-proof-study/index.html)

The Lost Kingdom of the Yeti (Mark Evans, 2018)

On Exhibit - The Yeti Memo https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2017/09/28/on-exhibit-the-yeti-memo/#:~:text=It%20stipulated%20that%20the%20Yeti,rupees%20to%20the%20Nepalese%20government.

BBC - Yeti finger mystery solved by Edinburgh scientists https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-16264752)

Snowed in with the Yeti: An Erotic Monster Romance by Brigid Finn https://www.amazon.com/Snowed-Yeti-Erotic-Monster-Romance-ebook/dp/B0BLSTMGZL

Seduced by Bigfoot and Ravaged by the Yeti: The Secret Adventures of a Fertile Housewife - Eva Roche-Poésy https://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Bigfoot-Ravaged-Yeti-humiliation-ebook/dp/B01E66FG9I

Kept Warm by a Yeti: A Monster Erotic Short Story - Mei Kaera https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLHTCYRB/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle?caller=Goodreads&tag=x_gr_bb_kindle-20

Saved by the Yeti -  Lilith Leana https://www.amazon.com/Saved-Yeti-Monster-Erotica-Stories-ebook/dp/B0BL6DDKNL

Write us some of your cringe stories at [nervouslaughterpodcast@gmail.com](mailto:nervouslaughterpodcast@gmail.com)

The socials: 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nervouslaughterpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NervousLaughterPodcast

Twitter - https://twitter.com/NervouslaughPod

Bernd Zangerl a bouldering legend from Austria. We talked about his early climbing and making the 2nd ascent of Dreamtime, some of his proudest FAs, how he recovered from a career-ending injury in 2016, his mindset for highballs, meditation and the power of the mind, believing in love, our impact as climbers, sustainability, and discovering world-class bouldering in the Himalayas.

Check out The Nugget on YouTube:

youtube.com/@thenuggetclimbing

Check out Crimpd!

crimpd.com

Or download the Crimpd app!

Check out Athletic Greens!

athleticgreens.com/NUGGET

Use this link to get a free year's supply of vitamin D + 5 travel packs!

Check out Rocky Talkie!

RockyTalkie.com/Nugget

Use this link to get 10% off your first order of backcountry radios!

Check out Rumpl!

rumpl.com/nugget

Use code "NUGGET" at checkout for 10% off your first order!

We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:

• Leo Franchi, Michael Roy, David Lahaie, Robert Freehill, Jeremiah Johnson, Scott Donahue, Eli Conlee, Skyler Maxwell, Craig Lee, Mark and Julie Calhoun, Yinan Liu, Renzollama, Zach Emery, and Brandt Mickolas

Become a Patron:

patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing

Show Notes:  

thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/bernd-zangerl

Nuggets:

0:04:02 – Where we each are in the world, and Bernd’s travels to the US

0:05:15 – Magic Wood, and the impact climbers have on the environment

0:08:02 – How to pronounce Bernd’s name

0:08:53 – Bernd’s background in climbing, a near miss in the mountains, and falling in love with bouldering

0:13:21 – The impossibility and culture of bouldering

0:15:00 – “Bouldering is the kindergarten, but also the pinnacle of climbing.”

0:16:50 – Dreamtime (8C), and learning about hard boulders by reading magazines

0:21:25 – Reducing boulders to each single move, and holding positions for training

0:24:41 – The bouldering culture in the early 2000s

0:27:29 – Finding the most pure motivation in finding and developing new boulders

0:29:22 – Spending eight years and 1000+ tries to send First Try (8B+)

0:34:02 – What he learned from First Try

0:38:56 – Nalle on Burden of Dreams, and the randomness of bouldering

0:39:43 – Sending La Proue (8B) in Cresciano, and lightness of the heart

0:41:20 – Openness of the heart, Buddhism, and believing in love and the good things of life

0:42:57 – Bernd’s childhood, and why traveling is important to him

0:44:29 – Traveling with Fred Nicole to Hueco Tanks and Rocklands

0:48:00 – Feeling and knowing

0:49:41 – Developing boulders in the Himalayas, and finding Rakchham

0:57:17 – Why Bernd decided to publish a film about Rakchham, and what it’s like to travel there

1:04:06 – Sustainability

1:08:39 – How internet changed traveling

1:10:34 – Disconnecting

1:11:52 – Shangri-La

1:13:29 – Working on a guidebook for Rakchham, when to go, and plans to go back

1:16:04 – Getting the locals interested in climbing

1:20:41 – Bernd’s projects in Rakchham, and the potential and rock types

1:25:06 – Doing the FA of Shantaram in Norway

1:34:05 – Patron question from Simon, and Bernd’s serious injury in 2016

1:39:41 – The healing power of the mind

1:42:31 – Into the Sun, and Bernd’s headspace for highballs

1:50:39 – 29 Dots (14m/45’ highball)

1:58:45 – More about his recovery from his injury, and connecting of the East and the West

2:03:53 – Bernd’s advice, and brushing

2:07:47 – Bernd’s diet and lifestyle

2:10:39 – Meditation

2:14:59 – Bernd’s unique approach to warming up and finger training

2:23:50 – Shake, shake the body

2:25:31 – Being pulled into the present

#049: "Listen my child. You should not and cannot fail to be aware of yourself, which is nearer to your heart. Cultivate that awareness. Silence and meditation are the twin aids to peace, power and prosperity." – Mahavatar Babaji

*Trigger Warning: In this episode, you'll hear some sensitive topics such as NDE (near death experiences). So if you got little ones around, please grab your headphones now.

This is part 2 of my interview with last week's guest, Rahul Panchal, a Creative Strategist and Rebirth Facilitator.  Did Rahul meet Babaji?! Tune in to find out!   In today's interview (Part 2), we dive into: 

1. Las Vegas: Filming a teacher facilitator workshop for his new friends
2. Heading to the Himalayas for the first time
3. Seeing Babaji in the Mahavatar Babaji Cave
4. A year later: Magical encounter with homeless man on Venice Beach
5. Revisiting Himalayas: Rahul's vision and visiting family in India
6. The Pure White Light: The creation and what the rebirth workshop is about

Join our Boom Vision family and hit subscribe!  Follow me on Instagram @benjaminyeh

If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, head to:
https://www.benjaminyeh.com/ep-49-himalayas-babaji-with-rahul-panchal-part-2

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks with Ila Reddy, a returning guest and listener as she takes us to the ancient kingdoms of Newar. 

Today's destination: Nepal

Nearest Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, KTM

Nearest Railway Station: N/A

Prerequisites:  N/A

Packing: Pack according to the season

Time of the year:  September - Feb

Length of the itinerary: 9 days

Itinerary Highlights: 

• Ila takes us overseas as we discover the Newari capitals of Nepal - Patan, Bhaktapur along with other places like Panauti and Bharatpur! Historically, the Nepal valley and adjoining areas made up a confederation known as the Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century, Bhaktapur was its capital, when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Lalitpur (Patan), were established. 
• The trip was done with the Community Homestay Network (CHN). The Community Homestay Network (CHN) is a social enterprise that supports a network of homestays run by local women and families across Nepal. Their homestay model provides hosts with an additional source of income and the opportunity to meet travelers from around the world, while travelers get a taste of the local way of life. 
• The best part is that 80% of the revenue goes directly to the community and is used for family and household expenses, education, personal development, community activities, and community development
• We begin the journey by flying into Kathmandu and making our way to Patan/Lalitpur, one of the ancient cities of the Newari kingdom. 
• The Durbar Square is one of the iconic locations of Patan that is made up of a number of temples and provides a view into the wonderful architecture of the region. 
• The prominent temples of Patan Durbar Square include:: Krishna Temple, Royal Palace Patan, Jagannarayan Temple, Keshav Narayan Temple, Char Naarayan Temple, Golden Temple and others. 
• On the east side of the square looms the impressive Ancient Royal Palace, which dates back to the late 1600s. With its red-brick walls, tiered rooftop pavilions and latticed window screens, the palace is a shining example of traditional Nepalese architecture.
• The next stop is the Golden Temple Also known as Kwa Bahal and Hiranyavarna Mahavihara, this Buddhist monastery takes its English name from the beautiful golden metalwork which adorns its façade. We also speak of the rich traditional food from Nepal - including local candy, thalis, daal and sabzi. 
• The next pitstop is Bharatpur - to experience the life of the Tharu community that lives around the Chitwan national park. Besides the rhinos and mustard fields, the experience is all about the time spent with the community, sampling their way of life, food and celebrations! 
• Ila makes a short trip back to Patan again, which they used as their base camp. In this leg, Ila covers the Paubha painting workshop which she was a part of. The painting is native to Nepal and is similar to the Tibetan Thangka paintings and involves detailing of Hindu mythological figures and deities and Mandalas. Paubha painting is treated as a form of meditation by its practitioners, and mastering the pattern of even a single leaf, wave, or cloud can take weeks.
• The next stop from Patan is Bhaktapur, another of the capitals of the Valley. Bhaktapur, the "City of Devotees," is also known for Newar traditions, food, and artisans, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal
• The Bhaktapur Durbar Square - is similar to the one in Patan, except that the temples are more massive. There are several smaller squares or chowks and the one with pottery shops was particularly beautiful. Like Patan, the area is best explored on foot and the local mitho doi (similar to Bengali mishti doi, or sweet curd) is a must-try!
• Ila moves to Panuati after spending time in Bhaktapur -  Panauti is a historical city in Nepal, originally it was a small state given by King Bhupatindra Malla as a dowry to his sister. 
• Ila explores a few temples, walked around the market and alleys, and even made a day trip to Namobuddha Monastery, located atop a hill and offering exceptional views of the snow peaks.
• The final stop is a quick return to Patan where Ila takes part in a Ranjana lippi workshop, the traditional script of the Newari people as well as a quick visit to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath temple and a sound bath meditation!                                                                            

Links:

Link to Ila’s substack:

https://ilareddy.substack.com/

Link to blog posts: 

https://ilareddy.substack.com/p/nepal-part1

https://ilareddy.substack.com/p/nepal-part2

Link to Community Homestay network:

https://www.communityhomestay.com/

Link to Ila’s episode on Nagaland: 

Ep. 110: Headhunters of Nagaland with Ila Reddy The ...Applehttps://podcasts.apple.com › podcast › ep-110-headhu...

Photo by binaya_photography on Unsplash

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Angela Benavides is a High-Altitude Mountaineering and Climbing journalist for Explorers Web - https://explorersweb.com/

PLEASE SUPPORT the families of Sherpa and mountain workers who have died while working in the mountains, check out this video: https://youtu.be/Htd_l89ejJY

The two Polish climbers mentioned in the video who flew in from Kathmandu to rescue Carlos Soria on Dhaulagiri are Bartek Ziemski and Oswald Pereira.

As of May 18 there are over 200 summits of Mount Everest with hundreds of others still moving forward to make their attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Everest.

There are eight deaths as of May 18th, including for Sherpa, an Indian woman attempting to become the first to climb Everest with a pace maker, a Moldovan climber named Victor Brinza fell ill at South Col and passed away.

The weather is holding. Families around the world anxiously await news from their loved ones to hear a report from the mountain 

And if any of you watch my shorts, you’ve heard about new records Kami Rita Sherpa has summited Everst for the 27th time, he is 53 and the holder of the record for most summits of Everest

And Kenton Cool has summited Mount Everest for his 17th time, becoming the person with the most summits for a non Nepali.

And a 16 year old climber from China….The Chinese girl Sui Cho Yuan successfully reached atop Everest via the south slope at 5:42am on May 15



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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SHERPA OR MOUNTAIN WORKER DIES ON A MOUNTAIN CLIMBING EXPEDITION? 

TODAY I HAVE DAVID MORTON HERE TO talk about The Juniper Fund, its beginnings,  and the important work they’re doing in Nepal to help the families of Sherpa who have lost their lives guiding and working in the mountains.

For Sherpa throughout the Khumbu Region of Nepal, the dangers of guiding climbers to the world’s highest peaks like Mount Everest, with the ever-present possibility of accidents, avalanches and the extremes of weather and altitude became no more evident than last month when a serac fall took the lives of three Sherpa in the Khumbu Icefall of Everest. Ab0ut one-third of the more than 300 deaths on Everest over the past hundred years  have been of Sherpa guides, according to the Himalayan Database, a mountaineering record-keeping body. 

In 2014 after the tragic avalanche there that claimed the lives of 16 sherpa and high altitude porters, massive strikes in Base Camp and beyond forced the hand of the government to increase the life insurance on a death there to $15000….however, the strength of the Nepal rupee has significantly diminished and that amount is now worth far less since it is paid in rupees. 

Many times these mostly men who die in the mountains are the sole or primary breadwinners for their families and those survivors have precious few resources to fall back on. In 2014 I visited several families while filming a documentary on Everest  that took a drastic turn after the avalanche. It was a deeply moving experience for me and my friends who were taking part in the expedition. 

A year before that two longtime friends and Himalayan guides, David Morton and Melissa Arnot Reid, started a non profit organization called The Juniper Fund, set up to help a couple families they knew who had their primary breadwinner lose his life during expeditions they were on.

For more information about The Juniper Fund visit their website:
https://www.thejuniperfund.org

In 1996 author Jon Krakauer joined a Mount Everest expedition to document the recent commercialization of the world's highest peak. As an experienced alpinist, Krakauer understood the inherent dangers of climbing at extreme altitudes, but nothing could have prepared him for the events that unfolded on May 10-11, resulting in one of the deadliest days in the history of Everest.  Into Thin Air recounts the entire expedition in vivid detail from the recollection of those who survived and questions how money effects decision making in a high altitude life and death situation.Released in 1997, Into Thin Air is a national bestseller, was adapted into a movie and is considered a must-read adventure book. 

In this episode of All Things Policy, Amit Kumar quizzes Anushka Saxena on the reforms of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the relevance and scope of the PLA's military drills and power projection at home and abroad, and lessons for India.

You can follow Shrikrishna Upadhayaya on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shrikrishna5 

Amit - https://twitter.com/am_i_t_kumar
Anushka - https://twitter.com/SaxenaAnushka_

Check out Takshashila’s courses: https://school.takshashila.org.in/

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Dee Flower made her dreams come true over her life. Her book, "Where The Wind Wills," tells her story of visiting over 40 countries on six continents and embracing cultural differences while seeing all humanity as one tribe.

Dee shares why it's never too late to live the life you have dreamed about and how patience is the solid force necessary for waiting for the opportunities to show up for you to grab them.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Kaye Bentley, founder of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, has a passion for her town and its history. And bringing people together. Find out why taking a tour provides the opportunity to learn about the destination and the culture.

Tune in to these wonderful conversations! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

2 chingus, 2 chingus y una troca

¡Hoy hay [K-Concert Café] de NCT 127! En este episodio te contamos acerca de nuestra experiencia integral en su concierto llevado a cabo el 28 de enero en la Ciudad de México.

Hay mucho fangirleo, pero como siempre, no todo es baile y diversión, pues hacemos review completo del evento; el antes, durante y después, para contarte la "carnita", las críticas y todo el chismecito de este concierto que nos traen los chicos de NCT 127 .

*Cuéntanos a quién te gustaría ver en vivo, o a cuál concierto vas a ir próximamente para vernos allá ;)

*Aquí te dejamos el [K-Concert Vlog] que mencionamos, para que no te pierdas del contexto y chismecito visual: 

K-Concert Vlog 05: NCT 127 MÉXICO 2023 [NEO CITY - THE LINK]

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