“Thame Tulku” 6-year-old Sonam is the reincarnate lama

On July 30, 2015, the village of Thame took part in a historic religious event: the new Rinpoche, or reincarnate lama, made his first trip in this life to Thame. Being recognized as the reincarnation of the High Lama, Nawang Tsering Dodub, 6-year-old Sonam will carry on the traditions and practices of a Tulku.

The young Rinpoche will carry on the traditions of Tulku

“Thame Tulku”, as he is now referred to, was formally taken to the Thame Monastery on July 30. He made his farewell from his home in Jorsalle, Solukhumbu into the Thame monastery, passing through Namche and other villages while being blessed and celebrated for his reappearance in this lifetime.

Making the journey from Jorsalle to Thame

The people of the Khumbu waiting to welcome the Rinpoche

Ready to welcome Thame Tulku back to Thame in a new life

In his previous life, he was born in 1955, as Nwang Shedrup Sherpa. In those times Nwang had no opportunity for formal education in Tibet as a Rinpoche should have had, due to the Chinese Invasion of Tibet. Thame Rinpoche was a great friend to many groups of Berg Adventures trekkers prior to his death in 2009, however, and we all have fond memories of his smile and his kindness. With great resources being integrated into the Khumbu region and in Kathmandu there is hope for a bright future for the Thame Tulku in this life.

BAI trekkers with Lama Nawang Tsering Dodub

Young Thame Tulku already seems familiar with an iPad!

In February 2015, another Lama known well to many Berg Adventures trekkers, the Tengboche Rinpoche, who has been abbot of the Tangboche Monastery since his birth in 1933, performed the hair-cutting ceremony for the young Thame Tulku in the sacred Maratika Cave southwest of Kathmandu.

While much of the destruction that happened in the Khumbu during the earthquakes took place in Thame, the celebration of an important leader returning once again points towards a great new beginning for the valley. What a beautiful thing to take place for Sherpa people of the Khumbu!

The people of the Khumbu ready to welcome and celebrate the reappearance of the High Lama

The main Gompa stone wall is now complete. They are now working on the inside of the Gompa. They have started to work on rebuilding the monk’s house and the kitchen.

The village of Khunde is working extra hard in this monsoon season. Thanks for the continued support with this great project!

Refilling the holes

Working on the monks house

Rebuilding the kitchen

Rebuilding outside in monsoon season is not an easy task .

But the people of the Khunde are in good spirits and very determined.

Thank you for your support!

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For more great information on training for travel visit our Expedition Prep page where you can find tips from Terri and more.

Since Friday June 19th they have had 6 carpenters in and more are coming as the days go on.

Here are some photos from the reconstruction:

Assessing the damage done to the monastery and stupas

The beginning stages of reconstruction

A community comes together to rebuild their monastery

Damage to prayer wheel

The earthquakes and aftershocks that recently shook Nepal caused considerable damage to many parts of the Khumbu, home of the Sherpas. The village of Khunde is Ang Temba and Yangzing’s home village. The sister villages of Khunde and Khumjung are places remembered fondly by BAI trekkers and climbers. Khunde suffered terrible damage to its monastery and to the beautiful stupas that welcome us to the village. The BAI community has already responded generously to help some of our Sherpa friends rebuild their homes. Now it is time to remember the community as a whole.

Damage to monastery and stupa

Normally, the local people would maintain these cultural monuments themselves, but due to their own dire situation, they are not able to do so. These cultural monuments are the foundations upon which the Sherpa community is built. The Sherpa people draw their sense of cultural and spiritual identity from these religious and communal hubs. So any further support towards the repair and reconstruction of these structures would be very much appreciated.

Damage in the village of Khunde

A message from the people of Khunde

Khunde Chamkang Monastery is located in the beautiful landscape of Khunde. Gyen Lama known as Tenzing Tsrultim initially founded the hermitage when he migrated to Khumbu from Sakya Monastery in Tibet.

Monastery in Khunde

Khunde Chamkang was established in hopes of preserving and fostering the ancient religious and cultural heritage of this location. Gyen Lama passed away in September 1993 leaving behind the Chamkang in incomplete condition. Over its lifespan, the Chamkang was extended several times.

Restoration committee in Khunde

Thus far, the restoration committee, which was formed after the earthquakes, has been successful in raising funds from the Sherpa communities worldwide including some organizations like Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation (SEHF), Himalayan Trust Nepal and we were able to do well in-terms of restoration of the Chamkang. The funds have been invested primarily in the first phase, which is the physical construction of the Chamkang.

There is much work to be done to the monastery

However, because of the high cost for the labor and the materials that need to be imported from Kathmandu, the committee is still seeking more support from national and international institutions in order to complete the proposed plan.

KKERG’s Future Plan

The beginning stages of the building has begun

Khumjung & Khunde Earthquake Rebuild Group (KKERG) is now seeking further support for the community buildings in these two villages. So far we have not seen any interest or resources allocated in the repair and reconstruction of cultural sites such as monasteries, Chorten, Manilhang and Mani walls from the government or aid organizations.

Berg Adventures Support for KKERG Cultural Site Fund

The generous donations from several BAI clients went directly to helping Khunde rebuild the structures. It has been a good start to the restoration process. Though it will be a long process, the immediate support from our trekkers and climbers is important in helping the village rebuild.

After receiving news about the support that the Berg Adventures community was sending to the village of Khunde, the people of the village were overwhelmed and extremely grateful. They would like to say THUCHEYE, thank you very much!

The village of Khunde says thank you!

By sending our support to the village of Khunde we are giving the Sherpas hope for the future of their village, their people and their cultural and religious identities.

For the next few weeks, as the rebuilding begins, we will be receiving updates from Ang Temba and the people of the Khunde so we can follow their progress.

Once again the village of Khunde thanks all of you for the amazing support and they hope to see you soon!

It was only a few months ago that Will Cruz, The Berg Adventures Sherpa Team, Wally and Deirdre from BAI office, and our crack video team, Dave Morton and Tom Grimshaw, sat getting buried at Everest Base Camp during the October 2014 snows that blanketed Nepal. Will had just accomplished the Guinness Book of World Records highest altitude gaming record on the summit of Kala Patar. Gamers and adventure lovers from around the world were watching. “Far Cry 4” was about to be released and we were in Nepal to be on scene in advance of the release.

In recent days we have been getting messages and calls from the Ubisoft team worldwide. Offices in the US and Canada as well as the Corporate Head Office in Paris have contacted us. Ubisoft remembers Nepal!

We think this fund raising campaign is a superb way to contribute. Double your donated dollars for relief to Nepal!

Nepal Region Earthquake Fund – Ubisoft OTG Don

From 2013, Todd Pendleton with Ang Tashi and Lakpa Dorjee. Ama Dablam View Lodge, Nepal. The spirit of love and optimism will endure in Nepal.

We want to report at the end of two long days that the Sherpa and other Nepalese friends that members of the Berg Adventures community know are fine. They have all communicated with us. Please feel free to contact us about anyone who you are wondering about, but know that if it is someone you trekked, climbed or toured with on a BAI trip in Nepal, they are well.

The two terrible earthquakes, with two separate epicentres, that occurred on April 25th and 26th, 2015, and the subsequent aftershocks, were perhaps inevitable. It has been known for many years that a quake at least as large as the 1934 event that destroyed the original Tangboche Monastery was a high probability event in Nepal. Many of our BAI clients who love Nepal will remember walking the narrow streets of Kathmandu and commenting “these buildings would crumble in an earthquake”. Some of these buildings did, including some of the priceless ancient temples of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares.

Most Nepalese people live simple, dignified but venerable lives. Whether you have been to Nepal before or not, you will also know that the spirit of Nepalese people and the kindness, grace and humility that they embody, shines through tragic times again and again. Life goes on.

Everest and the other supremely high and beautiful peaks above the Khumbu Valley draw us because of the sheer, unimaginably awesome power of nature. The are terrible, graceful, beautiful, endlessly life enriching places , and they can be fatal. The Sherpas know this religiously. Those of us with mountains in our soul sense it from deep within and are pulled back again and again to be renewed and to take spiritual nourishment, but we must also go with humility and remember that our motivations are our own; we are responsible for them.

Nepal has given so much to us and Nepal needs us now. Many people are reaching out and asking what can be done. We have some suggestions.

1. Set some funds aside and determine that you will watch Nepal over the next 6 months to one year to see where needs are highest. In the meantime, Core International and The Juniper Fund (links below) are two organizations we know personally will put money to work to empower people to live lives with dignity and self worth. Small scale. International relief and rescue missions from India, US, China, the UK and many other countries are sending aid into Kathmandu at this time. These are already funded. If we know of a medical or housing situation that cannot be handled without support in the coming days we will identify it and post where you can help. But for now get ready for the long haul in terms of helping Nepal. The rebuilding will take years and the needs for development that existed before the quake will remain.
2. Travel to Nepal. Sometime in the next two or three years if you can. If you have been before, return (you know you want to). If you have dreamed of going, go. Travel, tourism, culture exchange is one of the brightest things in Nepal’s future. You do not have to do a three week trek to Base Camp, although that is a wonderful trip if you can take the time. You do not have to go with Berg Adventures, you do not have to climb a mountain or raise money for a cause back home. Go for Nepal, go for yourself. Experience the people, learn and give.
3. Watch the Berg Adventures Facebook page and our blogs at www.bergadventures.com. We will keep tabs on rescue, relief and rebuilding efforts, and we invite you to participate.

Berg Adventures Recommend Organizations to Help People of Nepal:

• Core International
• The Juniper Fund

Past BAI Mount Elbrus climbers will tell you there is nothing like racing through the streets of St. Petersburg with runners from all over the world. Running either the 10 K or full marathon is also the perfect way to have one last work-out before attempting to reach 18,510ft/5,642m on Mount Elbrus.

Arriving a few days early in St. Petersburg will give you a chance to prepare for the race and fit in some extra sight-seeing. If you are wondering what you should do on your extra days read the article Things to Do in St. Petersburg, or sign up for the Elbrus expedition to experience Russia with Berg Adventures!

White Nights Marathon race map

Starting in downtown St. Petersburg

What a great way to experience St. Petersburg

Success!

Join us in Russia this June!

Camping on the banks of the majestic Lake Sary-Chelek

Perched high in the Tien-Shen Mountains of Central Asia is a region full of deep crystal lakes, great trekking passes and mighty mountain peaks. Lake Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve offers unique opportunities for trekkers to explore the high passes of western Kyrgyzstan.

Trekking through the Tien-Shen Mountain Trails

Beginning in the ancient city of Osh, at the base of Solomon’s Mountain (UNESCO World Heritage Site), this Berg Adventures itinerary is designed to introduce you to this fascinating region of Central Asia. From the 3,000 year old city, famous for the oldest and largest Asian outdoor market, to the remote passes of the Tien-Shen Mountains, this two week journey will be unlike any other, offering stark and beautiful contrasts in scenery, from desert to alpine forests.

From the ancient city of Osh to the lush green forests of the mountains

As an extension to the Tien-Shen Mountain expedition BAI will be offering a trip to Lenin Peak Base Camp. This 7,134 meter (23,400 feett) mountain is a towering gem of the Pamir Mountain Range, south of Osh.

Lenin Peak Base Camp in the morning light

Yaks and Yurts along the Silk Road! This is a superb opportunity to trek through two of the great mountain ranges of Asia, The Tien-Shen and the Pamirs.

We would love for you to join us on this special BAI expedition. For more information or to sign up for the memorable adventure contact us for details.

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• ALWAYS warm up (10 min full-body cardio)
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• ALWAYS perform each exercise using your full range of motion
• ALWAYS stretch after working out when muscles are most pliable

Sign up today to join Terri’s trip to Ecuador.

Contact us today about joining the expedition to Ecuador’s volcanoes from November 21 – December 05.

Happy training!

Whether it’s visiting an exciting destination, taking yourself to new heights, or just reaching a long term fitness goal, BAI is here to help you achieve your dreams! Check out this list of exciting adventures coming your way!

Perfect for any Trekker

Are you travelling in a big group or looking for a unique family adventure? Or are you looking to join a group of fellow adventure lovers to enjoy a great travel experience with? We have a few trips coming up this year perfect for travellers of all types. Check it out to see which is perfect for you!

Everest Base Camp

A classic Berg Adventures trip, a trek to Everest Base Camp takes you to the beautiful Khumbu region. Trekking to and staying in different villages is a great way for groups to immerse themselves in the fascinating Sherpa culture. The hiking is great for people of all ages and can be customized for those concerned about their hiking abilities. Contact us to inquire about our spring and fall treks!

Trekking through the stunning Khumbu region

Kilimanjaro

Looking to join in the fun spirit and great team camaraderie that Berg Adventures Kilimanjaro trips are known for? We have trips running in Tanzania almost all year round and can accommodate people of all different hiking levels. To add to an incredible African experience climbers can continue on for an exciting wildlife safari in Northern Tanzania.

Climbers celebrate in front of the new summit sign on Kili

Mount Elbrus in Russia

Every year Wally Berg and the BAI Russian guides and staff return to the Caucasus to climb to the highest point in Europe, Mount Elbrus. This is a journey that begins touring two iconic cities; St. Petersburg and Moscow and includes incredible climbing opportunities for those looking for an introduction to high altitude. Join us July 26 – June 12 for a true city to summit experience.

Pointing the way to the summit of Elbrus

Mount Ararat in Turkey

From ancient cities to snow-capped mountains our trip to Turkey offers an exceptional travel experience that will open your eyes to a whole new world. Roaming the historic streets if Istanbul, visiting the underground cities in Cappadocia, balloon rides over picture perfect sceneries and a summit of Turkey’s highest point, this trip really does it all!

Granddaughter and grandfather team take a break while climbing Mount Ararat

Great Learning Experiences for Mountaineers

Have you been looking to work on your mountaineering skills? Berg Adventures guides and staff (http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_main/guides.php) are always excited to help climbers gain the skills and confidence needed for climbing in altitude. The following trips are perfect for those looking to learn more about technical climbing.

Ojos del Salado

It may only be a few weeks away but there is still time to sign up for our 2015 Ojos del Salado expedition from February 15 – March 2() . Standing at 22,615ft/6,893m this climb is a way to learn the importance of acclimatization and preparing for high altitude mountain travel. Join us next month and stand on top of the world’s tallest volcano.

Summit success on Ojos del Salado

Bolivia

Colorful culture, breathtaking scenery and awesome climbing opportunities are just a few of the factors bringing Berg Adventures back to Bolivia every year. We offer a few different programs designed for beginner climbers or those looking to add some technical climbing to their list. There are a few spots left on our Sajama and Condoriri expedition this year from June 05-June 21. Contact our office for details!

Practicing glacier travel in Bolivia

Ecuador

Personal trainer Terri Truman has been offering us amazing information on how to train for mountain travel. Now Terri is set to embark on her own BAI adventure. She and her husband Tim will be travelling to Ecuador to climb four impressive volcanic peaks. She will be explaining her training process for climbers interested in a great fitness regime which you can read here. Join Terri and Tim from November 21 – December 5.

It’s an icy world on Ecuador’s volcanoes

Island Peak

In November of last year we had a team of three successful climbers reach the summit of Island Peak. Climbing in Nepal is always a rewarding experience and practicing your glacier travel techniques while standing under the great Himalayan giants is the ultimate adventure!

The spectacular summit ridge on Island Peak

Taking you to New Heights

Berg Adventures knows high altitude. We are here to take you to places not many people can say they have been. Whether it is an exotic and remote destination or a trip that has you standing on the high reaches of earth, we are here to take you there.

Carstensz Pyramid

If remote trekking, exotic cultures and technical climbing are what you are looking for then a trip to the remote jungles of Western Papua is perfect for you. A climb of Carstensz Pyramid is one unlike any out there. Contact our office about dates and prices!

Getting technical on Carstensz Pyramid

Ama Dablam

This classic Himalayan climb is technically challenging and thrilling at the same time. Berg Adventures guides will lead the route and fix it where necessary. Our climbing team will ascend one of the regions 6000m peaks in preparation for this impressive ascent. Join us in Nepal from October 17 – November 21 when we attempt the lofty summit of Ama Dablam.

Ama Dablam on Base Camp

Aconcagua 2016

Our first climb of 2015 was of Aconcagua. It was a fantastic way to start of the New Year as our Friends from Vancouver did it right with two team members standing on the summit and the rest reaching personal high altitude records. It is not too early to start planning for a summit of the highest point in the Western Hemisphere.

2015 Aconcagua summit team

Whatever your goals are BAI is ready to be a part of your next great adventure. Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your dreams into reality this 2015!

Don’t miss your chance to climb with Terri in Ecuador this November!

In 2014 we received plenty of helpful information from personal trainer Terri Truman on training for travel. In the past year her expertise in monitoring our bodies, proper exercises and conditioning have helped many BAI climbers prepare for their adventures in the mountains.

Now Terri is ready to take on her next great BAI adventure. Terri and her husband Tim are headed to Ecuador from November 21 – December 5 this year to take on some impressive volcanic peaks; Ruca Pichincha at 15,696ft/4,784m, Imbabura at 15,190ft/4,630m, Chimborazo at 20,701ft/6,310m and Cotopaxi at 19,350ft/5,900m.

Terri will be updating us on her training process as she prepares for her high altitude expedition. Her first step in preparing for climbing in Ecuador can be found in her article: “Training Program: Month One of Six”. Follow along as she gets ready to attempt these impressive peaks by following her articles on BAI’s Expedition Prep Page.

Trevor Stuart

Trevor’s first climb of this campaign will be on the BAI Aconcagua expedition from January 22 – February 11. A climb to 22,841ft/6,962m will be a great challenge for this inspirational fundraiser.

Trevor has always been passionate about supporting those affected by domestic violence. “As a child growing up I didn’t know these resources were available. There is a bigger need to help families like I was raised in. There are more and more women and children coming to the YWCA every year, fleeing domestic violence. They need more funding to accommodate that”.

After his attempt on Aconcagua this next month Trevor will return to South America with BAI in June, to Bolivia to climb four impressive peaks. But his ultimate goal, which he has begun planning with BAI, Mount Everest in March 2016.

Help support Trevor in his efforts to climb these impressive peaks all for an amazing cause

Donations can be made through the YWCA Lethbridge District website at: www.ywcalethbridge.org. The link will be under the tab called EVENTS on the website. Please take the time to read more about Trevor’s ‘Y’ and listen to his short YouTube video as well! You will get a great feel for who and what Trevor is all about.

To follow along as Trevor attempts these lofty summits check out Berg Adventures dispatch page for news and photos of his progress.

Paul Kitney started 2014 off with a climb of the second highest peak in South America: Ojos del Salado. He, Osvaldo and the BAI Bolivia climbing guides were our first team to reach a summit this year.

Thumbs up to starting the year off right with a summit of Ojos del Salado 22,615ft/6,993m

To continue off our success in South America our team of 9 climbers from Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and the United States were on the highest mountain in South America, Aconcagua at 22,841ft/6,962m.

Our Aconcagua team enters the beautiful Aconcagua Provincial Park

In February we had two very memorable climbs of Kilimanjaro:

First Danny and Hendrik, two friends from the United States traversed to the top of this seven summit mountain via the Umbwe Northern Circuit route. Crossing some of the more remote and quite trails they reached the summit just as a snow storm was about to hit. They made it down to their lower camp just in time with memories to last a lifetime.

Danny and Hendrik with their guides Emmanuel and Samson on the top of Kilimanjaro

While Danny and Hendrik were making it down Bharath Samrat and his team of BAI guides and staff and journalist Shelia Nykwist were trekking to the summit as the wind and snow were picking up. After a night of sleeping with strong winds and freezing temperatures the team made it down to celebrate the achievement of Bharath’s inspirational dream, reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340ft/5,895m.

The team after reaching the summit, just as the snow is rolling in

In March BAI embarked on a unique expedition to one of the most remote summits that we climb: Carstensz Pyramid in the jungles of Papua, Indonesia. Our team took on the ultimate challenge of trekking, exploring and climbing their way to the top at 16,024ft/4,884m.

Trekking through the exotic thick jungles of Papua

Carstensz Pyramid offered climbers some exciting traverses on their summit day.

Our first trip to Nepal in 2014 was with long time BAI climbers Dave Cohn, the Brown famil: Jim, Ryan and Jackson and their good friend Jim Allen. The team took to the trails experiencing the beautiful and colorful Sherpa culture and breathing the fresh mountain air as they reached Everest Base Camp at 17,500ft/5,334m.

The team in front of the ancient Tangboche Monastery

Jackson surrounded by the great Himalayan peaks

This year during our Bolivia Mountain School expedition we were so happy to be a part of Chris Von Gartzen’s Climb for Paws. This fundraising climb was a mountaineering expedition to raise awareness for the plight of street dogs around the world. Chris and Micheline Thibodeau spent a week brushing up on their mountaineering skills and summiting Pequeneo Alpamayo, the 17,618ft/5,370m glaciated peak.

Chris and Micheline on Pequeno Alpamayo summit day

Micheline went on to join our group of 6 climbers from Canada, the United States and Sweden as they set out to Russia to explore the famous streets of two of the world’s most fascinating cities St. Petersburg and Moscow before travelling south to reach the summit of Europe’s highest point: Mount Elbrus.

The after midnight sunsets along the stunning streets of St. Petersburg never disappoint

The team on the summit of Mount Elbrus 18,510ft/5,642m

In August we returned to Africa to enjoy the spirit and camaraderie that BAI Kilimanjaro climbs are famous for. This time the team experienced sleeping at high camp in the light of the Supermoon. Dancing, singing, incredible views and awesome team spirit were just some of the highlights of this fun-filled expedition.

Dancing and singing is what Berg Adventures Kili staff are famous for.

BAI climbers were some of the first to reach the summit and stand in front of the newly erected summit sign.

Dave Cohn certainly had a year of achieving goals. After trekking through the Khumbu in May he returned to BAI with another impressive expedition in mind. He travelled to Bolivia in August to first immerse himself in the rich Bolivian culture before moving onto the Cordillera Real to reach the summit of Pequeno Alpamayo. His summit day is one we will never forget!

Dave Cohn geared up for his summit day on Pequeno Alpamayo.

We were delighted to begin our busy fall season in Nepal off with father daughter comic duo Rich and Bonnie Alessio, a.k.a., the Grizzled Mountain Man and his trust sidekick the Sweaty Mess. This fun filled team trekked the Khumbu offering safety tips and entertaining explanations of the rugged mountain terrain as they made their way to Everest Base Camp.

Our comic book heroes high-five to a successful day of trekking in the Khumbu

A Guinness World Record was set and great adventure was had by all when BAI ran the Far Cry 4 “Quest for Everest”. With Dave Morton and Tom Grimshaw along to do the filming and Wally and Deirdre on hand along with Temba and the Sherpa staff, we ran what was most definitely the most unique trip on the BAI 2014 calendar. Will Cruz was the man of the hour when he set the record.

A unique experience for BAI; playing video games at 18,500ft5,650ft

Our final expedition in Nepal included three enthusiastic teams of trekkers and climbers.

Our Fall 2014 Expedition team at Everest Base Camp

Barbara and Scott Martyn travelled from Canada to reach the base of the world’s tallest mountain. Their adventure included a tour of the famous streets of Kathmandu, a trek through the scenic trails of the Khumbu, a hike up Kala Pathar and an afternoon standing in awe at Base Camp.

Barbara and Scott along the trails

After Ken Poskitt trekked to Base Camp with the fall expedition team he and his guide departed to explore some of the high reaches of the Everest region. Crossing some of the highest passes they made their way to Gokyo where they spent a couple nights in the remoteness of the edges of Gokyo Lake.

Ken stands proud at Everest Base Camp

As Ken was making his way off to the High Passes Bob Mangino and father and son duo Frank and Travis Brier were preparing for their attempt of Island Peak. Their summit day was full of success as they climbed to the summit of the glaciated peak in great time and enjoyed the amazing views of the towering Himalayan peaks surrounding them.

The Island Peak team enjoying the summit

Congratulations to all of our trekkers, climbers and expedition teams for their incredible accomplishments. Thank you to all of you at home who followed along on dispatches and supported our teams as they turned their dreams into realities. Don’t miss out on your next great adventure; contact our office for more information and to make your own great memories in 2015!