UPDATE: All is well on the Manasulu so far. Two more days until we cross the BIG pass. Mike and I are trekking with a couple from Alaska and a couple from Colorado.
Manasulu Circuit with Mike Howarth (UK).
Mostly offline until about Nov 20th.
Category: hiking
delayed in Nepal
We’d planned to start trekking the Manasul Circuit (11 days) on Nov. 4th at latest.
Unfortunately government offices are closed for 3 days due to National holidays in Nepal.
Even the dogs are off work.
The city is lit up like Christmas in Canada.
So … our new start date is Nov 7th.
We’re doing the lightest, fastest trek allowed under Nepali law. Two hikers, one guide. Total cost is about $500ea.
The big news in Nepal is the upcoming election:
As the country goes to the polls on November 19, tussles among contesting political parties and election candidates could pose a bigger security threat than underground outfits or poll-opposing parties in the central Tarai, police have said. …
We’ll likely still be in the mountains during the election.
China and India …
China and India sounded a new optimistic tone in their relationship … as they signed an agreement to boost meetings between their militaries to avoid any repeat of this year’s tense standoff along their disputed Himalayan border.
The accord followed a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also had trade ties on the agenda as India seeks to gain greater access to Chinese markets and readjust a trade balance tilted heavily toward China. …
Rishikesh Adventure Sports
For centuries a Holy city, Rishikesh, India is today branding itself as an outdoor Adventure Sports centre. Especially for white water rafting. The Ganges here offers medium to rough rapids rated class 3 and class 4.
Bungee jumping was recently introduced, the only leap in India.
I’m here for trekking. But the trekking guides are NOT busy though it’s still high season.
My contact at Red Chili Adventures blames it on the Spring flooding which damaged many of the mountain roads. You can still see the damage here in Rishikesh.
In any case, I hope to survive a 9hr drive over those damaged roads tomorrow. En route to the Kuari Trek. Vistas of Nanda Devi.
I hear most of the flood damage has been cleaned up. In Rishkesh, it’s ongoing.
More Rishikesh photos.
32 Parents Who Nailed It On Halloween
Looking for Halloween costume inspiration?
It’s Durga Purja (Dasain) where I’m at, celebrated October 11-15th this year.
… Durga Puja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Thus, Durga Puja festival epitomizes the victory of Good over Evil. …
The Goddess requires blood sacrifice. I notice the goats of Dehradun, India are eating well in the days leading up to the Festival.
I’m here getting organized to head up into the Himalaya.
Hans Rosling: The best stats you’ve ever seen
I’m just finishing a BUSY World Gymnastics Championships, packing for my next destination — northern India. Hiking.
If you’ve got time for a laugh today, click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
You’ve never seen data presented like this. With the drama and urgency of a sportscaster, statistics guru Hans Rosling debunks myths about the so-called “developing world.
Professor Bill Sands recommended to me this unbelievably likable educator from Sweden.
eagle eye …
Little is known about this GoPro video filmed from the back of an eagle, save that it was filmed in the Mer de Glace area of Chamonix …
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
hiking Waterton
Brian and I took two of his sons and a friend to Waterton National Park. None of the teens had been there before.
We took them first to a classic destination – Red Rock Canyon.
Henry
Next day we did Canada’s Best Hike 1982 – Crypt Lake.
Akamina Parkway has been closed all season. The road washed out.
Waterton’s my favourite National Park
I don’t watch TV
… too busy doing cool stuff in the out of doors. Hiking. Cycling. That kind of thing …
🙂
Sunrise Point, Hurricane Ridge
They’ve had some INCREDIBLE weather up at Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park lately.
Opening up GREAT HIKING as the snow melts.
more photos from our day hike
Thanks Diana.
