Yeti: The Himalayan Bigfoot?

TV Show Host Josh Gates with Footprint

Hollywood Version of the Yeti

From childhood and through the ages we've always heard about the illusive Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman. He's appeared in our cartoons, movies, and even on the news when one person or another claims to see him. But did you know, the Yeti gained his origin in Nepal?

You Westerners might be thinking: "But I thought Big Foot was sited on the opposite side of the world?" -- Well you would be right and wrong in that assumption. In fact, Big Foot and the Yeti are NOT one in the same. I guess you could say, the Yeti is the mountainous version of Big Foot. Is it a coincedence that two similar creatures have been spotted across the globe? I'll leave that for you to debate.

The Yeti actually has a long history in Nepal, and he was not, in fact, named  Yeti by Nepali people. In Tibet, he is known as ''Miche,'' or man bear. In Nepal he is known ''Bun Manchi,'' or jungle man. ''Mirka'' is also another Nepali name common in the area. Most all Yeti sightings have been in the Everest Region of Nepal--but others have occurred in parts of Tibet, Bhutan, and even the Annapurna Region of Nepal.

Analyzing a "Yeti" Finger

The Yeti started appearing in the Western culture in the 19th century. An early record of large, strange footprints appeared in the 1899 book, Among the Himalayas, by Laurence Waddell. The heat really turned up on the hunt for the Abominable Snowman in the 1920's. In 1921, Lt. Col. Charles Howard-Bury recorded finding large, strange footprints that he credited to a wolf, but stated that his Sherpa guide immediately corrected him saying it was from the "The wild man of the Snows." Again in 1925, N.A. Tombazi, a photographer for the Royal Geographic Society, wrote that he saw the ''creature'' at 4,600m., near the Zemu Glacier.

Yeti Skull in Tengboche

Fast forward to 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and guide Tenzing Norgay reported seeing large footprints while scaling Everest. They later started to doubt what they saw and eventually chalked it up as nothing more than a legend, althought Tenzing Norgay did report his father seeing the Yeti twice in his autobiography. In 1954, John Angelo Jackson was the first to trek from Everest to Kanchenjunga--at which point he photographed ancient symbolic painting of the Yeti at Tengboche Gompa.

Along the trail to Everest Base Camp, you will find a number of temples that hold supposed Yeti skulls. The most famous one can be found in Khumjung. These skulls have been examined by anthropologists, doctors, and scientists, but no one can prove anything.




What do you think?? Fact or Fiction?
 

Mountains & Monasteries

Tyangboche

If you dream of visiting the Everest Region, but you have limited time and/or trekking experience in Nepal--then the Mountains and Monasteries trek is for you. This 8 day trek is perfect for families and elderly people, as well. We recently had an entire family (Mom, Dad, 2 small children under the age of 10, and Grandparents) complete this trek with ease. They had a spectacular time amongst the world's highest mountains.

Phakding

This trek offers amazing views of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Peak 38, Amadabalm, and of course, Mt. Everest! As you travel through the world's highest National Park, you'll experience Sherpa culture at its finest, while walking amongst some of the Earth's most breathtaking scenery.

One major highlight of this trek is visting Tyangboche, one of the highest monasteries in the Khumbu region. Here, you will get a feel of the Sherpa people's religion--which is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

Between Phakding & Namche

The itinerary for Mountains & Monasteries is as follows:

Day 1: Fly out of Kathmandu- Lukla, trek to Phakding
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatization Day
Day 4: Trek to Tyangboche
Day 5: Exploration Day
Day 6: Trek back to Khumjung
Day 7: Trek back to Lukla
Day 8: Fly back to Kathmandu



If you're interested in booking this trip for you and your loved ones, or even if you want to go it solo -- Let us know!

The History of Everest

Mt. Everest

Nepal is home to 8 of the world's 14 highest mountains--including the mightiest of the all--Mt. Everest, known in Nepal as Sagarmatha, and Tibet as Chomolungma. The majestic and mighty Everest sits at 8,840m (29,002 ft).

The first record of Mt. Everest was in 1841 by Sir George Everest. Sir Everest, a British surveyor, recorded the location--and it wasn't until 1848 that another British surveyor recorded the height at an estimated 30,200 ft. from 110 miles away. The surveyor was only 1,200 ft. off -- not too shabby!

Mt. Everest was originally known as Peak XV--but in 1865, was renamed to Mt. Everest after Sir George Everest. It wasn't until 1907 that the Everest region was entered by foreigners, and mapped along the Dudh Kosi River, all the way to the Khumbu Glacier.

The Mt. Everest Committee was formed in 1920, in attempts to plan the summit of the mighty mountain. At this point in history, expeditions had reached the North and South Poles--Everest was the next likely feat for society.

In 1921, the Northern Route up Everest was established by Guy Bullock and George Mallory after 10 weeks of exploring the Northern and Eastern faces of the mountain. In 1922, 3 failed summit attempts were lead by Mallory, claiming the lives of at least 7 Sherpas in an avalanche on the 3rd attempt. When asked by reporters why he wanted to reach summit--he replied, "Because its there!"

In 1924, another British expedition lead by Lt. Colonel Edward Norton, set the height record for the next 29 years by Norton at 28,126 ft (8,570 m). In the same year, Mallory and Irvine attempted summit on June 8th, and lost their lives--The mystery of whether or not they ever reached summit still prevails to this day.

Edmund Hillary & Sherpa Guide

Edmund Hillary

The first flight over Everest took place in April of 1933--and a picture, worth its weight in gold, of the summit was taken. In 1936, the first light weight sets of radios were taken on yet another failed summit attempt. In 1947, after still having no successful summit attempts-- the Himalayan Committee of the Alpine Club and the Royal Geographical Society were formed in place of the Everest Committee. In 1950, after the Rana family was over thrown, the Nepalese borders were opened to foreigners and climbers were allowed to attempt summit from the South face.

In 1951, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, made his first failed attempt. It wasn't until 1953, 112 years after the first siting of Everest, that British Expedition team finally reached the summit of the mighty Mt. Everest--

                                                               The rest is history!

Fall Group Departures

If you’re travelling alone to Nepal this season and don’t want to trek alone, we have a number of groups that you can join. You can come into our office at any time, located on Mandala Street (Thamel) next to OR2K Restaurant—or next to Kathmandu Guest House (Thamel), to ask about any of our groups we have leaving.

If you want to book your trip before arriving and are wondering what groups are leaving when—Here is a list of the groups we have leaving the rest of this month (September) and October.

·         Sept 20^th, 2012 – Langtang & Ganja-La Pass (2 pax.)

·         Sept 23^rd, 2012- Nagarkot Trek (2 Pax)

·         Sept 23^rd, 2012- Annapurna & Dhaulagiri (1 pax)

·         Sept 28^th, 2012- Mountains & Monasteries Everest Region (6 Pax)

·         Oct 5^th, 2012- Annapurna Base Camp & Chitwan (2 pax)

·         Oct 5^th, 2012- Annapurna Poonhill (1 pax)

·         Oct 6^th, 2012- Annapurna Circuit (1 pax)

·         Oct 6^th, 2012- Annapurna & Dhaulagiri (2 pax)

·         Oct 7^th, 2012- Everest Base Camp (2 pax)

·         Oct 7^th, 2012- Everest 3 High Pass (2 pax)

·         Oct 7^th, 2012- Annapurna Circuit (1 pax)

·         Oct 9^th, 2012- Annapurna & Dhaulagiri (1 pax)

·         Oct 13^th, 2012- Annapurna Base Camp (1 pax)

·         Oct 14^th, 2012- Annapurna Circuit & Chitwan (4 pax)

·         Oct 14^th, 2012- Annapurna Base Camp (1 pax)

·         Oct 21^st, 2012- Everest 3 High Pass (1 pax)

·         Oct 22^nd, 2012- Annapurna Circuit (2 pax)

·         Oct 28^th, 2012- Mountains & Monasteries Everest Region (2 pax)

·         Oct 29^th, 2012- Langtang & Ganja-La Pass (2 pax)

·         Oct 30^th, 2012- Mountains & Monasteries Everest Region (4 pax)

·         Oct 31^st, 2012- Langtang Valley (2 pax)

As you can see, we have many groups of 1 and 2—We promise, your trek will be memorable regardless—but the more the merrier, right? If you have any interest in joining one of these groups—please let us know via email at   sales@treknepal.com or visit our website!

Group Joining

Many people set out to travel for different reasons. Some seek the unknown, some seek escape. Some seek adventure, while others seek relaxation. Some people travel in groups--and some brave people travel alone. Facing the world alone is an adventure indescribable to those who haven't done it. At times it can be lonely, and at other times you find yourself thanking the cosmos for your solitude.

Traveling alone gives you the benefit of choosing your own path, your own schedule, and your own "plan"--that is to say, if any real traveler actually has a plan. Regardless, traveling alone gives you FREEDOM. It is something so many of us crave, yet so few of us have.

While traveling alone has its benefits--it has its draw backs as well. Take Nepal for example--there are many things you can do alone, visit temples, shop in Thamel, volunteer, or hang out around the lakeside in Pokhara. Time and time again, however, many solo travelers want to indulge in the most popular activity in Nepal--trekking.

Trekking can be done alone--although, now there is a law that all foreigners must have a trekking guide--so the question is, while you're hiking for hours do you want to go it alone or join a group? There are usually long afternoons and nights in the village where many people speak little to no English, depending on the trek you take--so a little company might be nice for a week or two.

At Trek Nepal Int'l we offer group joining for all our outgoing treks. This gives you a chance to meet new people and enjoy rural Nepal in the company of other explorers like yourself.

But don't worry--you'll still have your freedom! You can choose your itinerary--and even break off from the group at a certain point with one of our guides, if you choose to explore another destination along the way!

So--what are you waiting for solo travelers? Join a group today and start your next Himalayan adventure!

Everest Three High Pass

      Are you an adventure seeker, but not quite ready to conquer the mighty Everest? Or maybe just looking for a more affordable option for your next Himalayan adventure? Everest Three High is the trek for you! 

       After flying into the scenic Lukla, you’ll head to the infamous Naamche Baazar, where you can find anything from trekking gear to knick-knacks for loved ones back home. You’ll trek through pristine pine tree forests, past ancient monasteries in Tyangboche, cross suspension bridges over the raging Dudh Kosi, and of course score amazing views to some of the world’s highest peaks. You’ll first mountaineer your way over the Chhukung Ri, where you’ll then cross your first high pass, Kongma La (5,535m). After experiencing the amazing energy at Everest Base Camp, you’ll be on your way towards your next pass, Cho La (5,330m). From there you’ll get the amazing experience of visiting the 5^th lake in the Gokyo glacial lake chain. After some R&R in Gokyo, you’ll head for your third and final pass at Renjo La (5,345m). This trek hits Everest region’s most sought after sites, as well as offers challenging treks that will leave you feeling more than accomplished.

 

       The people you’ll encounter in this region are generally Sherpa. Sherpa have a rich history, running closely in line with that of their Tibetan neighbors to the north. The Sherpa were a large part of the ancient Himalayan Salt Trail and have a long history of being some of the world’s greatest mountaineers. Their Red-Sect Tibetan Buddhism can be seen throughout the region in both art and architecture. You’ll definitely experience a local feel throughout the entire region, as culture & old values still reign supreme here. Make sure to try the delicious Sherpa potato pancake snack, “Riki-kur” & the yak’s butter & mature cheese blend called “Sorma.” You won’t be disappointed!

Click here to get yournext adventure underway!

Namaste from the Himalayas!

Trek Nepal INT'l

P.O.Box: 9947
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-4701001 (Sales)
Tel / Fax: 977-1-4700012
Email: clasadv@wlink.com.np, sales@treknepal.com
Url: www.treknepal.com, www.treknepalinc.com