Ang Tshering writes from Nepal - August 2010

Dear Everestnews.com,

Namaste and warm greetings from Nepal.

It is with a very heavy heart that I’m writing to you. As many of you may have already heard, a plane crashed due to bad weather to the south of Kathmandu as it was diverted away from Lukla. Unfortunately, all 11 passengers and crew members succumbed in the accident. Our deepest condolences go to all family and friends of the deceased.


The monsoon has proven to be very damaging in the whole region. As many of you know, floods and landslides have been affecting Nepal, China, and Pakistan. Our prayers are with the victims.

Summary of Pakistan Expedition 2010:

I have heard from friends and groups that floods had also effected the expeditions of various groups as it made it very difficult and dangerous for them to return back to civilization from their expeditions.

However a good news is that, Mingma Sherpa of Nepal summatted Nanga Parbat and G-I despite the difficult conditions. He has now climbed 13 peaks among the 14 eight thousanders. The entire Asian Trekking family and I would like to congratulate Mr. Sherpa for his achievement (being the first Nepali to climb 13, 8000 Peaks) and wish him all the best for the last peak left, Mt. Kanchanjunga (in Nepal), which he is planning to climb in spring 2011. As always, I have extended my support to his historic climb. Our congratulation also goes to all other summiteers of mountains in Pakistan this summer.

The Search for Aubrey Sacco

In May, at the request of the family and the US Embassy in Kathmandu, Asian Trekking launched a search effort to find a missing trekker.

Aubrey Caroline Sacco was trekking in the Langtang National Park when she was reported missing. Her last known whereabouts were in the Lama Hotel Area on the 22nd of April. She was trekking alone.

Asian Trekking, local organization and individuals coordinated a search and rescue effort in the Langtang National Park and the adjoining region. Unfortunately, the search produced no results. Our heart goes out to family and friends of Aubrey.

I extend my continued support to the family. If anyone should hear of any news of Aubrey, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

Forth coming Expeditions in Autumn 2010:

Amongst the many climbing expeditions that are planning to come to Nepal and Tibet this Autumn, a Japanese team is attempting to scale the highest peak in the world without oxygen via south side (Nepal). Similarly, from the North Side an Italian and a Spanish Team will be attempting the Hornbein Couloir route on Mt. Everest.

Tree Plantation at Lakhuri Bhangyang:

Asian Trekking organized a tree plantation event at Lakhuri Bhanjyang on 27 July. Staff of Asian Trekking and locals and school children from Lakhuri Bhanjyang village participated in the day-long program and planted more than 800 new trees. Despite the leeches, we had a great day filled with activity and laughter on the muddy slopes.

Concern over Climate Change

At the initiative of the Government of Nepal, the “Summiteers Summit to Save the Himalaya” awareness rally will be held on September 21 at 4:00 pm in New York.

Everest Summiteers from Nepal and climbers from around the world will march through the streets of New York, towards the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in front of the United Nations Building. The program aims to highlight the impact of climate change on the Himalayas during the UN General Assembly, which is held at the same time.
I greatly appreciate our government’s active concern on environmental and climate change issues, something that we have been advocating for many years. If you are interested to join us at this important event in New York, please get in touch with me and I can give you more information.

Dawa Steven Sherpa’s presentation at American Alpine Club:

The American Alpine Club recently organized the Exit Strategies Conference, which included general/plenary sessions, poster presentations, field-proven techniques and opportunities for focused problem solving. Top land managers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and wilderness participants from around the globe attended the conference to discuss and formulate strategies for managing human waste in remote areas. My son Dawa Steven was invited to give one of the key note speeches. He presented a detailed report on our Eco Everest Expeditions and our continued efforts to protect and preserve our mountains.

Lastly, I am very proud to inform you that my son Dawa Steven Sherpa was overwhelmingly elected as an Executive Member of Nepal Mountaineering Association. The election was held on 15 July 2010. As a Central Board Member, he is now heading the Conservation and Environmental Protection Committee.

Once again, I hope this information has been interesting and helpful to you all. I greatly appreciate your concerns for the Mountains.

With kind regards,

Ang Tshering Sherpa

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