mont bla bla

Kaza

2009-09-07T03:45:00.001-07:00

After getting stranded again on Rohtang Pass road, finally reached Kaza last evening. A gruelling 11 hours on the road and a well earned rest at the Himachal Tourism Hotel Spiti. It was good to see the young cook from Kullu is still there and he almost made us feel at home with a fantastic meal.

We seem to be lucky weather wise this time, though the September wind is already biting cold. Its going to be some cold nights up ahead at Parang La I am sure. Arranging transport to Kibber and permits is on top of my agenda today. Shopping for 12 days for 13 people is also happening right now. Off to Kibber tomorrow. The highest village (4250m) connected with a motorable road and electricity.

Some of us have gone to visit the nearby Dankhar Gompa, while the not so lucky ones are happily roaming in the streets of Kaza.

Since we were lucky enough not to get stranded in Kunzumla due to untimely snow fall ( read in the newspaper at Losar Police post that this snowfall broke 54 years record), I am hoping that we will make it through the next 2 weeks with safety an success. Crossing of Parangla (5580m) is the most demanding part of this 2 week trip, but what interests me more is the exit route chosen. Instead of following the obvious path to Leh after reaching the Tso Moriri , I am inclined to follow the valley of Phirtse Fu and cross Telkon La (5050m) and reach Pang, the road head.

Looking forward to do some exploring up the KIbber valey and towards kanamo (5900m) and Shilla( 6130m) Peak. It can be a good acclimatisation day for the team as well. The small peak on the left of Parangla is also in my mind. Lets see how everything goes. Safety comes first!

Next contact with internet wil be around 24 Sep. Till then good bye and peace!

--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
Optional Number :+91 92305 11139

a train, a bus and manali

2009-09-05T02:02:00.001-07:00

Kolkata to Delhi.The train journey was a nice surprise. Actually. Rajdhani Experess, haven't been on it for long time. And now I must admit that the experience is better. It has improved, the whole experience. Remarkable food especially, when this is included in your train ticket price; matters. But what matters most is panctuality of the train. And this time it was a ten on ten.

Whenever I am taking a train ride, all these comparisons come into my mind. The European trains ( especially the Swiss, French and German) are great. They are meticulously perfect on time, they are clean and look modern. The one long distance Russian train I was on was a train from Moscow to MIn Vody. It was great and different experiemce altogether. It lacked the look may be, but there was no shortage of quality of service on board. I was particularly impressed by the one lady conductor who was literraly taking care of everything in one coach. From checking our tickets to cleaning the floor. The look may be was mechanical and the built was a typical Soviet type; but I must admit there was certain warmth about it. This warmth is completely missing in European trains. The Eurpoean trains may be faster, and has more on time performances; it still lacks the human touch. The Swiss Jungfrau railway is admirable for the engineering achievements and service etc, but what it lacks is human touch. Technology and quality of service come first. Human touch later. Money first, convenience later.

Indian trains on the other hand are human first and then everything else come into the picture. The on time performances are improving. Surely we do not hear about abnormal delays any more and the cleanliness and hygiene has improved on board ( still no where near comparable to Western Standards though). Its diffrent, indeed!

Delhi as always was hectic. Running around and talking business is all I did in day. Not just meeting my clients for the upcoming trek; I had to take advantage of being in Delhi and meeting the IMF and updating the October Expedition scenario.

I have always preferred the overnight bus ride from Delhi to Manali, over flying to Kullu and the taking a taxi to manali. Not only it saves cash, but also it saves time. Instead of sleeping one night in Delhi, we are now in Manali. All the Adventure Mania boys are here too. Its a nice temperature and we are not missing the Delhi or Kolkata climate a bit.

Tomorrow we are off to kaza. A long day ( 11 hours approx) over Rohtang Pass and Kunzum pass( 4550m) and into spiti. Crossing the Great Himalayan range and into lahoul and the to the middle country of Spiti. After 2 nights in kaza we wil set out for Kibber (the highest village, connected by road 4200m) and then onwards and upwards to Parangla and Tso moriri). Adventures ahead.

This is how things are happening and I am not complaining.

Hoping to get some interest from climbers for satopanth (7075m) and Shivling (6593m) for 2010. Hope and thats the best policy sometimes. There is internet connection in Kaza. If it works , will probably do one more post before the trek.

--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
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Elbrus Album

2009-09-01T00:59:00.001-07:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/anindya.adventuremania/ElbrusRace?feat=directlink

Here is the link to the images from Elbrus Race 2008. I have added some new pics to this album from the Speed Climb organizers website. Here you can see the almost photo-finish between me and Martin on top of Elbrus.

--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
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of mangroves, tigers & a medical boat

2009-08-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

A boat. looks ordinary from outside. Just like the boats that ferry tourists on river cruise in the Sundarban, bringing thousands each year to it's famous Tiger Reserve. Not like the huge ones used by the West Bengal Tourism. But the smaller ones which are more efficient.

I am planning to buy one.

and then, I am going to convert the interior of this boat into a medical unit. Not a very sophisticated one. It will have only the basic gears and facilities of a primary health center.

why?

while working at Cyclone hit (Aila) Bali island and its neighborhood, I was shocked by the sheer access problem to the remote islands and villages. Villagers have no access to primary health care in some villages. In most of the cases, they have to travel a long way to nearest towns; either to a private doctor or to a Government run clinic ( which is either un-manned or ill equipped in most cases).

What if I can start a project that will run this boat; which is in effect a 'mobile medical unit'...

working 365 days...run and manned by locals...all we need is some one trained in nursing and basic first aid.

this is still an idea...

I know this thought needs refining, some fine tuning and lot of planning and preparations..It will not be easy. It will take lot of commitment in the beginning. But it is not impossible.

But I also know...that when this idea has come in my mind..I will do it.

I can not do it all on my own; because most part of the year I am in the mountains. If you it's a stupid plan that's bound to fail, and I should forget about it; please let me know.

But if you feel otherwise, and feel like joining me or putting a word of advise in ear; you are most welcome.

--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
Optional Number :+91 92305 11139

Ladakh Beckons

2009-08-27T06:12:00.001-07:00

There is this restlessness back on my feet, back on my mind and soul. It happens. Always. Without fail. It has been happening to me since I was a kid. A kid with no concentration on syllabus and classrooms. A kid with distant, dreamy eyes lost in his own journeys in his own head. That restlessness has not left me. Not yet. I remember one night when a camping trip was canceled and I was depressed. I had to go pitch my tent in our backyard. Man, it gave some outlet. I just had to go outdoor! Literally! And so I kept on sleeping in a hammock ( and when it rained, I moved inside a 1960s Japanese ridge tent that belonged to my uncle).

Now that I manage to make a living out of the great Indian Outdoors; that restlessness has only increased. I want to see more, I want to learn more from whatever is out there.

Off to Spiti and Ladakh next week. This time I will be leading a German group over Parangla and finally to the Tso Mo Riri. From Delhi we will be driving to Manali and then to Kaza. Two long days on the road. After a days rest and acclimatization at kaza, we will be heading for the road head.

I am not yet fully organized regarding this trek. The Expedition to Peak Kellas in North Sikkim ( which is coming up right after I finish this trek) have been keeping me busy ( with all its paper works and babudome). Had to lose a fantastic opportuntiy to spend the weekend at Forest Rest House in Dooars as well. But I really have to put things together in the following days. Well, sacrifices made for greater cause and hope all will fall in to their respective places...in due course! Amen!!!

--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
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me, monsoon & me: some photos

2009-08-27T01:44:00.001-07:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/anindya.adventuremania/MonSoon?authkey=Gv1sRgCJCpoqLHw8bPtAE&feat=directlink

click on the link above to go to the album
--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
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volunteers needed in Swiss Alps- check out this great video

2009-08-24T08:56:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKIqGYRuvbk
I loved this. You will too!
--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
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Bureaucracy and Indian Mountains

2009-08-23T04:06:00.001-07:00

On June 4, 2009, quoting a survey done by Hong Kong-based firm, Political & Economic Risk Consultancy (http://www.asiarisk.com/subscribe/dataindx.html), Indian newspapers flashed a Reuters news item saying that Indian bureaucracy was least efficient among 12 Asian economies whereas those from Singapore topped the chart. The 12-page report based on a poll of 1,274 expatriates working in 12 Asian nations, went to an extent of terming India's bureaucracy "suffocating". It also said that working with the country's civil servants was a "slow and painful" process.

At first, like any proud Indian, I did not get carried away by this survey report. You see these Hongkong and Singapore guys living in their hyper sanitized world do not have a clue about the other factors that influence Indian Bureaucracy. You know politicians, intelligentsia etc. Surely we never are short of our very own spiced up logic and reasoning ( or should we say 'excuses'). Let me share my latest encounter with my own country's ' Babudome'.

I was in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim this week. Going to the mountains and not climbing or hiking is not fun! But I was pursuing a paper work related to a very interesting mountaineering expedition in North Sikkim. It is part of my job as an expedition outfitter. After getting green signals from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation; it was the Sikkim state government clearance we needed. Indian Mountaineering Foundation, the central body for all mountaineering activity in the Indian Himalaya had already forwarded our Expedition files to all the concerned departments. Seemingly I only had to show up and pay the royalty money and get the clearance note.

But when I asked to whom ( to be specific to which department ) we should make the payment, confusion prevailed. What followed was a confused bouncing from Tourism to Home, Home to Forest department; and then Forest to Home again and finally to Forest. With the serious look in the each clerk and officer's face; I felt like getting close to some answers. But at the end of the trip there was still no definite answers! No one had a clue!

So the Sikkim Government has decided to charge 3 times additional royalty charges on peaks within it's territory ( on top of the royalty being paid to the IMF at Delhi); but do not have a clue who will collect the fee and how much. Trust me high officers sitting in their fancy chambers really made phone calls to each other only to find out no one knows the specific information.

So now that 'we' ( read 'our Government') have decided to make money out of the Himalayan summits; 'we' will figure out a way to squeeze out precious dollars from the climbers pocket and will make speeches at the end of the day " Mera Bharat Mahaan" , The bureaucrats at Delhi and Sikkim will meet time again and discuss the new fee structure. They will leave no stones unturned and will even fly to the corners of the planet ( by spending public money of course!) and import new and fantastic ideas back home.

Efficiency at work and quality of service can wait, another hundred years maybe, and we can always find a scape goat to put the blames on! "Jai Ho"
--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
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Swiss Alps photos

2009-08-07T23:10:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends,

I have posted some of my pictures from the Swiss Alps in this album.
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/anindya.adventuremania/MyPilgrimageToTheBerneseAlps?feat=directlink

cheers!
Raja

--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
Optional Number :+91 92305 11139

paperwork blues

2009-08-05T04:43:00.001-07:00

I will tell you how it is going so far! I am talking about this expedition we are planning in North Sikkim. The mountain is called Kellas and it is 6680m. It is named after Dr. A. M. Kellas, one of the highest authorities of high altitude human physiology. Its a British- American Expedition led by Dr. Jeremy Windsor and I am proud to be a part of it. If we make it, it will be a first ascent and a tribute to Dr. Kellas.

I consider myself lucky to be able to work in the Indian Himalaya. No where else one would find as many unclimbed peaks, unexplored glaciers. Surely one life time is not enough! I live my passion and enjoy my job. Just to be able to be in the mountains is rewarding enough. But sadly as everything else in life also is, there is a constant, never ending pain. A kind of reality that we learn to live with; make treaty, or sometimes even a compromise!

It has not changed since the British left. It is the mountain of paper works! Probably one of the most significant part of any Himalayan Expedition. So long the freedom of the hills and spirit of adventure! They can only come if and when you have the right papers signed, right number of files moved, spoken to the right people and of course the right currency paid ( in this case it happens to be US$ and a whole lot of it).

we just need the following departments' clearance for this expedition:

Indian Mountaineering Foundation
Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi
Home Department, Government of Sikkim
Tourism Department, Government Of Sikkim

And I am beginning to feel glad that we have got the clearance from the first 4 departments already! Only one to go.

And you thought these mountain guides' are free from the boredom (burden) of desk job? Not in India you don't. :-)

--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
Optional Number :+91 92305 11139

My pilgrimage to the Bernese Alps- a short report

2009-07-18T10:33:00.001-07:00

The Berner Oberland Trio: Eiger- Monch-Jungfrau

As the rock step became unstable and never ending; we were still struggling to get to the South East ridge of Jungfrau. Last night when we last looked at the map, it all looked so obvious. For a team of experienced rock climbers and high altitude mountaineers, this 4000er seemed more like a tourist mountain. It took us a while to realize yet again that a mountain is a mountain; no matter how many times it has been climbed in the past; or how many guide books has been written on its routes. We were surprised at the grade of difficulties we were facing that morning. The guide books described the SE ridge of Jungfrau as PD and we were almost certain that it was going well beyond that scale. Well, the guide book was not wrong; it was us on the wrong side of the ridge. I felt tired and sleepy as I climbed and tried to be careful and safe on the rocks. The snow ridge was within striking distance, but we knew it will not bring any comfort to our ascent. We have already lost 2 vital hours on this perilous traverse and with the rising sun; snow was getting softer each minute. A scary scramble followed by a snow plod. Does not make a perfect alpine ascent; does it? But sometimes thats all you get. Never under estimate a mountain; I told myself. I learn to be humble every step, onwards and upwards.

The Jetlagged climber

I have never felt so much jet lagged ever before as this time. I dont know why it happened; but the flight to Munich from Delhi via Dubai ( and 19 hours in transit- 9 in Dubai, 10 in Delhi) seemed to have taken its toll. Inspite of the special treatment from the Airlines at the Delhi airport; my body was reacting strange this time. It felt like that I needed to acclimatize to the alpine air.

I started from Kolkata on the morning of July 9; reached Delhi at around 2.30 in the afternoon. I had to wait in the International terminal for 10 hours for my flight to Dubai and then another 9 hours in the transit area in Dubai. When I finally made Munich it was July 10, 13.30 hrs. Martin came to meet me at the airport and we took the S-Bahn to the Munich HBF ( main station) , had a coffee and parted. Martin was heading to Berlin to meet his parents and me to Meiringen. My train to Meiringen via zurich was not untill 4.30 pm and I was glad to see Alan and Sandra waiting for me there. It took 5 hours from Munich and thanks to the smooth driving by Sandra I reached the MCI campsite at Innertkirchen close to midnight.

Didnt get any sleep for the past 48 hours and it was the same that night.

6 days...4 summits...not bad eh

July 11: Climbed Schwarzhorn after a long walk from Grosse Schiedig. There was a via ferrata on one of its ridge. This was my first ever via ferrata and I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly. The wearther was not pleasant and I was feeling tired and sleepy all the time. I never got time to get rid of the jet lag. Although I thought walking and climbing could be a great way to smash the jet lag down.

I was wrong. I got my first ever alpine summit today though.

July 12: The weather forecast for the rest of the wek was not encouraging at all. The Mittelegi hut on Eiger was closed for uncertain time. This was notgood news for the few dreamers (like me) who were really keen to climb the famous and classic ridge of the Eiger this time. But when you are in the Bernese Alps; you are not short of famous( almost iconic) mountains to climb. So the Team Eiger decided to move up to the Monchjoch hut. George, sandra, PJ, Michael, and Anthony climbed Monch that afternoon; and I decided to sleep, a much deserved one perhaps. They climbed Monch that afternoon while I slept.

July 13: Started from the Monchjoch hut at 4 am, traversed the glacier and started gaining the rocky ridge that will finally lead us to the SE ridge of Jungfrau via Rottasattel. Lost 2 vital hours on the loose and treacherous rock step only to realize that we were on the wrong face of the ridge. We manage to climb it without any trouble (other than losing precious time) and continued to Rottasattel. The bergschrund ( a massive crevasse guarding the bottom of Rottasattel) did not pose too much problem and we were soon on the saddel. TJust as soon things started to look a bit easier for us, the weather decided to turn hostile and we had to do the snow and ice climbs to the summit in near zero visibility. The summit shot of Jungfrau (the one with the prayer flags) will show the kind of visibilty we had then. The paryer flags I bought in Manali after coming down from Manirang is now on top of Jungfrau. After a total of 11 hours and patient pitch by pitch climb down of the face, we were back in the safety zone.

George and the rest of team decided to take the evening train down to Grindelwald and I decided to stay another night at the Monchjoch hut. The plan was to climb Monch next morning and the I was keen to do it solo. So after an hour of slow snow plod I was back at the hut. Heidi, the lady in charge of the reservations of the hut was surprised to see me back and got even serious when she she heard my plan to solo Monch next morning. To her I was not only a single Indian climber; but the weather forecast for the next day was not particularly encouraging. But when I said to her that I am a professional mountaineer and I guide in the Indian Himalaya; she was a bit assured I guess.

It felt like home in the hut that night, and Heidi remembered my lactose intolerance problem and got a nice specially cooked meal for dinner. Finally could sleep well that night.

July 14: Started from the Hut at 6.45 am and reached the top of Monch at 8.25 am. Very windy morning and climbing the knife edge ridge near the summit got interesting with each step. I must say the concentration and commitment brought me to another spiritual level altogether. I was very glad whehn I was at the top. Took a lot of photos and caught a glimpse of Eiger and its South ridge. Next time Eiger...I will come back. Have to. Climbed down to the hut without any problem, met Heidi to reassure her of my safe return. She was glad to see me back. After a cup of coffee I headed down to Grindelwald valley. What a day.

July 15: Back at the campsite at Innertkirchen, it felt like coming home. Meeting Alan and Margaret felt like family. I felt blessed and lucky to have such friends and to be able to live such a life. walked down the Aare river gorge to Meiringen and visited the Sherlock Holmes museum. Coffee, good food and some time with friends. Thats what you call life.

July 16: After a rest day I was keen to climb again; at least one more summit. Alan suggested the walk up to the tierberg glacier. That will give me access to peaks like Susten horn and others. I was keen to do something solo. But got a curious opportunity to guide some one in Alps. Could not resist the chance and ego satisfaction invloved I guess. So approached Hans ( a nice guy from Norway- with no glacial or altitude experience) if he would join me to climb. He agreed readily and we were soon at the Tierberg hut. Alan was there again for us driving us close the road head.

It took us 1.30 hours to climb to the hut, took a short break to eat my apple struddle ( bought from the local bakery of Innertkirchen) and give instructions to Hans regarding glacial walk techniques etc. After another 2 hours we were on the summit of Mittl Tierberg. I traversed to loose rocky riodge towards the Hinter Tierberg only to be warned by the unstable character of the rocks. So we had to be happy with just one summit this morning.

And there ends the summit fever....

The meteo or the weather forecast for the alps continues to be bad to worse...and I have now travelled down to zurich (actually I am camped comfortably and Anne and Sepp,s house at Stafa; one hour from zurich, having redwine and good food. Life is good at the moment while its raining hard outside. saw in the tele that it has been snowing down to 1000msl and literally all climbing to 3500-4000m summits is at halt. My days at the alps are coming to an end. Still hoping to make a 5th summit if the weather breaks and gives an window of opportunity. But should not be greedy. After all mountains have not taught me that. It is humility and patience I have learnt. But still.....

My gratitude goes to Alan Tees, President of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland ( now called Mountaineering Ireland ) for inviting me to this alpine meet. It has enriched me with new ideas and strengthened me with the experience gained on the snow of Bernese Oberland. My love and respect for Margaret, who was always there for me, like my mother and pampering me.

Thanks and regards to my friend Martin, Hilde, Sepp and Anne for food and shelter....after all thats all I have ..thats all I treasure...friendship...

My pilgrimage to the Bernese Alps- a short report

2009-07-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Pilgrimage to the Swiss Alps

2009-07-07T10:16:00.001-07:00

In 48 hours I will be on my way to take part in the Summer Alpine Meet of Mountaineering Ireland (previuosly known as Mountaineering Council of Ireland) http://www.mountaineering.ie/ It is the National governing body for the sport of mountaineering in Ireland.

I have this rare privilage because of Alan Tees, President, Mountaineering Ireland. I owe this opportunity entirely to him. He is a prominent personality in the world of mountaineering and an active & prolific rock and ice climber. I am putting a couple of links to articles published in Sunday Journal on him:

http://www.sundayjournal.ie/sunday-interview/MOUNTAIN-MAN.4352328.jp

http://www.sundayjournal.ie/features/Peak-to-Peak.4205167.jp

The location of this Alpine Meet will give me an opportunity to attempt famous and formidable peaks such as the Eiger, Monch, Finsteraarhorn and Jungfrau. To climb the ridges, cols, aretes of any of these peaks is any alpinist's dream and I am fortunate enough to come one step closer to that dream!

Following is a link to Wikipedia on Bernese Alps:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernese_Alps

also attaching a map and some photos. These are taken from the net. In two weeks from now I will have my own photographs posted on this site! Now thats exciting!

questions I ask me

2009-07-04T03:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes its obvious; sometimes not! The question is whether I am a complete idiot or a partial one? I sometimes get confused myself. I commit myself to projects that are going to trouble me financially. I do expenditures that only increases my stress. I regret it; but never seem to learn from it. In the end of it all, simply blame it on my spirit of adventure! Thats easy.

It is true that I have always been inclined to dreaming; rather than calculating risk benefit ratio. I have been a dreamer, I still am and do not know where and how the end shall be.

But without my dreams where would I be today? I would be stuck in that same pharmaceutical sales job of course! But look at me, I have have travelled far corners of the planet, made friends, met many people, experienced culture , vast and varied and tasted the freedom of being in nature and the great outdoors. When I look at my climbing gears I find it amazing to believe that in past 7 years I have done 20 major Himalayan expeditions. It took my uncle Sujal Mukherjee 25 years to take part in some 30 montaineering expeditions. Some more summits in other continents and many unforgettable journeys.

My travels have always enriched, inspired, fulfilled myself. And at the same my travels always increased my apetite for more. Wanderlust, I guess one could say!

But this passion costs me dearly and there comes a point when I ask myself if its rational? any more? No body sponsors an Indian individual mountaineer for his dream adventures. And why should anyone do that? In India we have got far more serious causes to spent money on! But can I stop this journey now? Or should I?

I guess not!

Off to Swiss Alps...the Bernese Oberland in a few days. Here is a chance for me to climb some of the finest and famous peaks of Swiss Alps. Thanks to Alan Tees (President, Mountaineering Ireland), I can be part of their Summer Alpine meet. This will be in Innertkirchen (somewhere close to Luzern and Interlaken).
http://www.mountaineering.ie/events/viewdetails.asp?ID=170

relief effort to the victims of cyclone aila in sundarban tiger reserve

2009-05-30T05:06:00.001-07:00

This morning Subroto, Raja and Abhijit started for the road heads of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundarbans_National_Park).

This time we were not going for a pleasant river cruise. We were not in holiday mood at all. We had collected medicines, food, clothes for victims of cyclone Aila. We could get in touch with our friends in Bali island. They had come down to God khali jetty in a boat to meet us.

It has been almost an week since the cyclone visited the mangrove delta tiger reserve. But in most of the remote villages there is still acute shortage of water, medicines and food.

I have attached some pix from our today's venture (May 30, 2009). Now with more knowledge of what exactly is in need for the helpless people of Sundarban, we are organizing another relief effort on June 4, 2009. Anyone interested to join hands with us can send me email or call.
--
Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
Optional Number :+91 92305 11139