Thomas Cutler asked:


American Kite Surfing Association is the leading organization for kite surfers in North America. Founded in 2006 by two extreme sport enthusiasts, membership is anticipated to exceed 30,000 before the end of the year. The purpose of the enterprise is to bring heightened awareness to this fast-growing, dynamic, and fun sport. A vast array of information, products, and techniques are available to the visitors of the AKSA website, www.kite-surfingusa.com. After more than a decade of popularity through Europe and Australia, active North American extreme sport athletes are recognizing the maximum adrenaline rush through kite surfing. According to Cathi Long, co-founder of AKSA, “The exhilaration of hang time in kite surfing is unbeatable…kite surfers are simply the sexiest athletes.” AKSA will select 50 leading industry product manufacturers to highlight and profile throughout an extensive national media outreach campaign.

Kite surfers are advised to keep all equipment in the car and should never leave wind to find wind. Kite surfers must always check and double-check gear before it’s windy to be ready at a moments notice. Since the wind is very unpredictable kite surfers must be aware; it can be gusty, stronger on the outside, building, dropping, changing directions, or be accompanied by rain or lightning. It is critical to evaluate the hazards of the location and the ability to deal with them.

According to Logan Long, co-founder of AKSA, “No matter how good you think you are, you can get messed up….a broken line, a kite that has been let go, a wrong turn so be warned. Kite surfing buddies are very helpful.” Long also noted that, “Kite surfing is a great work out for your whole body: legs, abs, arms, lats and shoulders.” A yoga session before kite surfing is an excellent idea. Keep hydrated and carry protein bars for calories.

This dramatic interest in the athletically demanding sport has given AKSA founders encouragement about the value of their newly founded organization. Logan Long, co-founder of the association was not surprised by the results; “It’s just simply the biggest adrenaline rush available. The combination of air, water, land, wind power, physical strength and balance the force of nature are the qualities that attract Kite Surfers.”

Arturo asked:


Have you considered giving the sport of rock climbing a try, but dont know where to begin to learn all you would need to learn to be a rock climber? Look no further than an indoor rock-climbing wall.

An indoor rock-climbing wall allows you to learn in a safe and secure environment where a fall from the wall wont mean a fall to your death. You can find an indoor rock- climbing wall at any rock climbing gym. These types of gyms have become quite popular, so there are many of them around. To find one is easy, just look in your local yellow pages, or do some research and find a rock climbing gym online.

You will love learning on an indoor rock-climbing wall. A fully trained and experienced staff is usually on hand when you join a rock climbing gym. There you will be surrounded by people who share your interest in the sport of rock climbing. People of all rock climbing experience levels will be there, not just pros.

When you learn rock climbing at an indoor rock-climbing wall at a climbing gym, you will become familiar with all the safety techniques and procedures that are involved. They are many, as rock climbing is not always the safest sport. You will have to make quick decisions and be light on your feet and ready for anything, when you go rock climbing.

At an indoor rock-climbing wall at a climbing gym, you will become familiar with the terminology that is used and all of the gear that the sport entails. It can be a costly sport with having to buy special shoes, harnesses, ropes, and backpacks to name just a few. You dont have to be particularly athletic to enjoy rock climbing; you need to be graceful and light on your feet.

Anyone at any age can learn to rock climb. All it takes is the desire and some determination. The best place to perfect your moves and techniques is at an indoor rock-climbing wall at a rock climbing gym. It will be there that you will get ready to take on your first sheer cliff challenge.

Arturo asked:


A rock climbing gym is the perfect place to get you started in the sport of rock climbing. In a rock climbing gym, you can learn all the safety techniques and safety procedures you will need in order to be a successful rock climber. You cant just decide to go out and climb some rocks; that can be dangerous. You need to be aware of the perils you may encounter while rock climbing, as well as be properly outfitted when it comes to equipment. You can learn all this and more, when you join a rock climbing gym.

A rock climbing gym is a great place to meet new people who share your interest in the sport of rock climbing. You can find out where to purchase the best gear for the best prices, as well as find out about great rock climbing destinations.

A rock climbing gym is great for winter when it is too cold to rock climb; unless of course you are into ice climbing, but that is a whole other story. You can go to the rock climbing gym anytime, whether its raining or snowing or below freezing. You can practice the latest moves you have learned when you belong to a rock climbing gym, before you use it on the real rock face. You can perfect your techniques and get instruction on the best way to implement them.

A rock climbing gym allows you to climb whenever the urge hits. No planning for the weekend, and being disappointed if you are rained out, you can go and climb anytime you like when you belong to a rock climbing gym. You may be able to get discounts on some of your gear, and if youd like, you can join a rock climbing league or team, and begin competing in the sport of rock climbing.

The sky is the limit for possibilities when you decide to join a rock climbing gym. You will be among people who share your interest and wont think you are crazy for talking about rocks all day long. You can become a seasoned rock climber in no time, when you practice and climb at a rock climbing gym. Before you know it, people will be coming to you for advice.

Morten Svenningsen asked:


 

Whether you’re into rock climbing or bird watching, on a tight budget or have money to hire porters and guides, you can always find a suitable trekking route in Nepal. A trip to the Nepal Himalayas is a fantastic experience for most of us, offering views of snow-capped mountain peaks and a chance to meet indigenous mountain peoples who live almost cut off from the rest of the world.

 

All that’s required of you is that you like walking in the nature. You don’t have to be super fit for every trek, but the better shape you’re in, the easier your trek will be. The top season for trekking in Nepal is October-November and February-April. In the summer months the monsoon clouds obscure the grand views most of the time and in the winter months the high mountain passes are closed by heavy snow-fall. But with the right knowledge, you can always find a good trek in Nepal. Just browse through this list to get an overview of your options.

 

 

 

Nepal’s Western Region

 

1. Simikot, Humla

You can fly in from Nepalganj and maybe read –Spy on the roof of the world– by Sydney Wignall before you go. Permits are 90$ /person /week.

 

2. Rara Lake

4 days walk from Jumla to this the largest lake in Nepal. Getting to Jumla though is either a plane/helicopter trip or a several days long jeep ride on a mountain road that’s still under construction — and will be for any foreseeable future.

 

3. Upper Dolpo

First of all, see the movie –Himalayan Caravan – L’Enfance d’un chef– (Eric Valli 1999, Oscar nominated). It’s mandatory! Might want to pick up one of his books as well. Having done that, you’ll want to go to the Phoksundo Lake, which you can do in 1 week or as part of either the 15 day Dolpa Experience Circuit or the 20 day Dolpa Heritage Trek, all out of Juphal –airport–. Another couple of one-week’ers are the Sundaha Nature Trek and the Sahartara Tour. Expensive permit are required, as in Upper Mustang it’s $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days. No lodges. Annual number of visitors are in the low hundreds.

 

4. Lower Dolpo

Permits are 10$ /person /week. You might have to fly in from Nepalganj. Don’t expect lodges here, so bring your own camping gear.

 

5. Upper Mustang

10 days. Home to the ancient kingdom of Lo, still in existence – sort of. Hefty permit required north of Kagbeni, $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days.

 

 

 

Annapurna Region

 

6. Dhaulagiri

20-30 days to complete the circle around this 8000+’er. Bring good boots and sleeping bag!

 

7. Annapurna Circuit

2-3 weeks minimum. This is where everyone goes. Except me. In the high season it gets rather crowded and is more appropriately named the Annapurna Circus. Lodges and tea-houses are everywhere. The Thorung La high pass (5400 m) usually closes down in the end of November. If you bring your own camping gear, there’s also good possibilities of doing side trips off the beaten track. ACAP entry fees stand at 2000 rupees.

 

8. Jomsom & Muktinath

You can fly into or out of Jomsom, a days walk from Muktinath, and hike to or from Pokhara in about 1 week. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site nestled at 3800 m. It’s on the Annapurna Circuit.

 

9. Annapurna Sanctuary & ABC

10-14 days, 2000 rupee ticket. Another popular option, since it’s shorter and a little less demanding than doing the full Annapurna Circuit.

 

10. Ghorepani, Poon Hill

5 days out of Pokhara, it reaches 3200 meters and is accessible all year round. Famous for it’s views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and rhododendrons in the spring.

 

11. Panchase Peak & Ghandruk

Another holy mountain, this one a couple of days walk west of Pokhara. Ghandruk is 3 days further and it’s home to the Annapurna Conservation Project and a whole lot of Gurung people.

 

12. The Royal Trek

4 days out of Pokhara. With altitude no higher that 2000 meters it’s open all year round.

 

13. Siklish, Begnas Lake, Lamjung

1 week return trip from Pokhara, 10-12 days through Lamjung to Besisahar. Lodges should be available, 2000 rupee ACAP permit required.

 

14. Manaslu

3 weeks, circle around this 8000+ m twin peak that can be seen all the way from Kathmandu. Pass over Larkya La at 5110 m. There’s no lodges and the mandatory permit stands at almost $100 /person /week.

 

Central Nepal

 

15. Trishuli – Gorkha

The easy way: 4 days along the route that Prithvi Narayan Shah took in 1768. Apparently has village lodges and stays under 2000 m all the way.

The hard way: 2-3 weeks on remote, off the beaten track. Passes over Sing La (3570 m) and by the Jogeshwar kund (4500 m). Camping gear required.

 

16. Ganesh Himal

No lodges, rough and remote. But wow, wouldn’t I like to go there! The highest peak is well over 7000 meters, and it’s prominent view from Kathmandu makes it all worthwhile if you like to brag about your adventures when you get back to civilization!

 

17. Tamang Heritage Trail

8 days, lodges still under construction.

 

18. Langtang & Gosaikunda / Panch Pokhari

1-2 weeks minimum. Third most visited in Nepal, after Annapurna and Everest. Fairly easy, not too crowded, especially the Gosaikunda lake area (4400 m) which is arguably the most scenic. Langtang Valley has lodges every hour or so all the way to Kyanjing Gompa (3900 m), the Gosaikunda trail has fewer, but still enough for short days. Gosaikunda features the annual Janai Purniam festival and from there, you can walk back to Kathmandu in 2-4 days. Entry fee 1000 rupees.

 

19. Helambu

½-1 week, more jungle than mountains but still a rough trail. Tea-houses available if you don’t get lost like that Australian guy. Distant, but awesome mountain views before you get too close to the mountain bases. –Walking distance– from Kathmandu, circuit from Sundarijal to Nagarkot (4 days).

 

20. Namobudda

1 day, one of the few quickies you can do when the noise and pollution of Kathmandu starts to get on your nerves. Take the bus to Dhulikel and start walking.

 

21. Rolwaling & Gauri Shankar

2 weeks or so. Get up close and personal with Gauri Shankar (7130 m) and it’s glacial lakes. Good view of Everest etc. Unspoiled landscape, permission still required but check with Nepal’s Tourism Board when you get here. There’s rumors that they’re making this one permission free.

 

22. Chitwan Chepang Hills

7 days in the Middle Hills. No Himalayas and no higher than 2000 meters so it could be a good winter trekking possibility. Good view of the (distant) Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Gurja Himal and Manaslu, but the main attraction is the nomadic Chepang people who live as hunters and gatherers. There’s also a fort, a waterfall and some caves along the route together with 400 bird species. Start in Hugdi on Prithvi Hwy, end Shaktikor in Chitwan. Homestays are on the route.

 

 

 

Everest Region

 

23. Everest Base Camp & Kala Pathar

2 weeks out of Lukla, 3 out of Kathmandu/Jiri with return flight from Lukla. If you don’t have a spare $50.000 lying around for an Everest climb permit, you can just settle for this Base Camp trek. Most people seem to choose the Tengpoche route to KP, which stands at 5630 m.

 

24. Mera Peak

2-3 weeks out of Lukla, 6500 m. A popular expedition/climb that requires some basic mountaineering skills, but without being too technical. Long march in, 2 high camps.

 

25. Island Peak

3 weeks out of Lukla. At 6100 meters, this trek is not for everyone. Although not very technical, it is a demanding snow climb. Views are everything you could ever dream of.

 

26. Gokyo Lakes, Peak & Renjo La

2 weeks out of Lukla. High pass at 5400 m. Lakes at 4800 m, peak at 5500 m. Some lodges along the trail. Great Everest views.

 

27. Pikey & Dudhkunda Trail

1 or 2 weeks in the less -much less- visited southern part of Solukhumbu. Both the Chiwong and the Thuptenchoeling Buddhist Monasteries are world renowned, the former famous for the Mani Rimdu Dance Festival, the latter is the biggest monastery in Nepal.

 

 

 

Nepal’s Eastern Region

 

28. Arun Valley – Makalu Base Camp

3 weeks out of Tumlingtar/Khadbari. You’ll get up to 5000 meters and still be 3500 meters short of the summit! Either go same way back or climb a couple of 6000′ers into the Khumbu region.

 

29. Kanchenjunga

3 weeks out of Taplejung, 3rd highest mountain in the world. Don’t rely on finding any lodges here. Permits are 10$ /person /week.

 

30. Pathibhara

1 week out of Taplejung. The Pathibhara Devi shrine is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. There is lodges along the route.