White Mountain is one of 15 summits in California over 14,000 feet. Along with Shasta it is the only other 14,000+ mountain in California outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains. One of the oldest permanent settlements in North America was located 12,600 feet up one of the sides of White Mountain. This is the highest of the former permanent Indian settlements; there are several encampments slightly lower in elevation. The dirt White Mountain road … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France
Chamonix sits almost in the shadow of western Europe's tallest mountain, Mount Blanc at 15,780 feet in the far southeastern part of France. The town is nestled in the middle of a narrow valley surrounded on both sides by the towering peaks of the Alps. Chamonix is located at about only 3400 feet but it has the feel of being much higher because of the large mountains, glaciers, and snow fields that surround it. The Chamonix Valley stretches … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a small town of about 2000 people with one stoplight in the entire town. Its most well known for three things; gateway to the Alabama Hills, a popular location for filming movies, television shows and commercials and home of the Whitney Portal Road leading to the Mt. Whitney trail head (this road starts in town). Incidentally Mt. Whitney was first climbed by three residents of Lone Pine on August 18, 1873. The town also offers … [Read more...]
Nepal
The format of this guide differs slightly from the others. This guide is partly a journal of the author's experience in Nepal. Highlights covered in this guide include the capital city of Katmandu, Royal Chitwan National Park, and a hike to near Everest Base Camp, on a 18,200 foot mountain called Kala Patar. Nepal is a country that I will never forget. It is the land of the rising mountains, mountains that rise so high, you can not imagine … [Read more...]
Nepal – Temperatures
The following is a list of average temperatures for Katmandu which is at a low elevation and Namche Bazaar which is around 12,000 feet in the Himalayas. The temperatures are in degrees Celsius. KATMANDU - Month (Max/Min) Jan (17/2) Feb (21/3) Mar (25/9) Apr (27/11) May (28/16) Jun (28/19) Jul (28/20) Aug (27/20) Sep (26/19) Oct (25/12) Nov (21/8) Dec (19/3) NAMCHE BAZAAR - Month (Max / Min) Jan … [Read more...]
Nepal – Travel Facts
All foreign nationals except citizens of India need visas. Single entry visas are issued for up to 30 days. However, they can be extended for up to 3 months. Trekking permits on the other hand are needed if you plan on hiking in the Himalayas. These permits can be obtained from immigration offices in Katmandu. The time zone is GMT/UTC plus five hours and 45 minutes. Electricity is 220 volts. Weights and measures are in the metric system. The … [Read more...]
Nepal – The Flight
We flew from Los Angeles in the early morning. The total flying time is about 19 hours from LA to Katmandu. We flew Thai Airways. As far as I am aware there are still no nonstop flights between those two cities. We made stops in Seoul, South Korea, and a 12 hour layover in Bangkok, Thailand. On the connection flight to Katmandu make sure you request tickets for the right side of the plane because then you will be able to see the Himalayas. There … [Read more...]
Nepal – Helicopter Flight
From Katmandu we took an old Russian military helicopter to our base hiking elevation of 9000 feet, in a small town called Lucla. I am glad that we took a helicopter because the runway in this town begins on the edge of a steep cliff, with nothing but hundreds of feet of air between you and the bottom of the ravine. At the time of our trip this runway as gravel at best (since paved) and is situated on a fairly steep slope. The runway is steep … [Read more...]
Nepal – Immunizations
Some of these shots are required, some are recommended. General Diphtheria-tetanus - you should have had a booster shot within the last 10 years. Gamma globulin prevents Hepatitis A and also has some effects against tetanus, rabies, and measles. One interesting note that I read in one of the pre trip literature packets is that the World Health Organization has established that there has not been a case of reported AIDS in over 20 … [Read more...]
Nepal – What to Bring
Besides the medication and medical kit there is quite a bit that the trekker can bring. If you are going to hire a porter, put what you can into your bag and worry less about the weight. If you are going to carry your own pack you must prioritize what is really important to you on backpacking trips, and consider weight as a factor. If you are not planning on backpacking this list will still help you in your packing. Some of these items may be … [Read more...]
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