Bishnu Experience Nepal

Development Journalism Journey to Mahendranagar

2012-02-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Media in Far West:
In far west region, there are 141 registered newspapers including 41 dailies, 8 bi-weeklies, 91 weeklies and 1 fortnightly. Out of them only 35 newspapers are in publication. In electronic media 11 FM radio stations are in operation.

Development Journalism Journey to Myagdi

2012-01-25T01:33:00.000-08:00

About NMDC:

National Media Development Center (NMDC) is the pioneer organization working for the empowerment of the rural media in Nepal. Since its establishment in February 2007, it has provided 47 theme-focused reporting skill development trainings in 42 districts of Nepal. In last five years, it has provided Health, Development and remote district focused Basic/Intermediate/Advanced journalism trainings to 1119 journalists (474 women) working in 67 out of 75 districts of Nepal.

About Myagdi, Beni:

Myagdi is the trans-Himalayan district. The headquarter Beni is situated at the banks of holi river Kali Gandaki and Myagdi Khola. Around Dhaulagiri trekking and expedition, Dhorpatan Hunting reserve and Muktinath trekking starts from Beni. We can reach Beni in three hours drive from Pokhara, and several hotels with Wi-Fi are available.

Media in West Dev. Region:

There are 272 registered newspapers including 56 dailies, 2 bi-weeklies, 180 weeklies and 34 fortnightlies in 15 out of 16 districts (Manang having no newspaper) of west dev. region of Nepal. Among them only 68 are in publication.

Summary Report

Development Journalism Training (DJT), 15-19 January 2012 Beni, Myagdi:

National Media Development Center (NMDC) has successfully organized the first five day DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM TRAINING focused on- education, health, gender and good governance from 15-19 January, at Beni, Myagdi. There were 22 journalists including 10 women from 6 districts . NMDC is organizing five such trainings with the support provided by Australian Embassy to Nepal under the Direct Aid Program (DAP).

Inaugural Session:

Chief Guest, Australian Ambassador to Nepal HE Susan Grace had inaugurated the first five-day training at Beni on 15 January 2012. HE Susan Grace inaugurating the training highlighted the role of an independent and professional media for the promotion of development activities of the region, consolidating democracy and supporting peace process in Nepal. She said Australian media are independent and responsible, the government responses upon news reports. During key note remark, the Ambassador also shed light on the development support provided by Australian government to Nepal in Health and Education.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal
HE Susan Grace addressing the session

In the brief inaugural session, CA Member Mr. Govinda Poudel, Chief District Officer Mr. Krishna Prasad Gyanwali, Local Development Officer Mr. Chakrapani Sharma, Central Committee Member of FNCCI, Medical Officer, representative of political parties were present. All the guest speakers had highlighted the need and importance of the training.

'The journalists will be able to move one step ahead by making local news understandable to local people', addressing the inaugural session chief trainer Prof. R.K. Regmee said.

NMDC President Mr. Bishnu P. Sharma had briefly informed the objective, contents and modalities of the five day training.FNJ President Surat K.C. had chaired the inaugural session.

Training Session

Key trainers Prof. R. K. Regmee and Mr. Shreeram Singh Basnet had facilitated the five day training using different training tools. The training session was conducted taking various module. The key modules were presentation and various exercises. Trainees had participated in all exercises and presentations.

In the exercise note taking, reading, listening, real life case sharing, survey, question and answer on the themes, presentation, vocabulary test and news writing were included. In five days training, the participants were involved in more than 23 exercises. In the training, there were 22 working journalists including 10 women from Mustang, Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Kaski and Shyangja districts. Among the participants 6 were from radio, 2 from TV, 11 from print and 3 were new.

Note Taking Exercise

In five day's training the participants had gained in-depth knowledge on health, education, gender and good governance and several reporting tools. They also internalized on the techniques how they should report on development issues. Training has developed their reporting confidence.

Real Life Case Sharing:

Ms. Mithu Acharya, Child Protection Officer, Mr. Gopal Rijal, teacher, Dr. Kalyan Sapkota, medical officer, Mr. Chakra Pani Sharma Local Development Officer, and Mr. Krishna Gyanwali, CDO had shared their working experience with the journalists as real life case presentation. The presentation facilitated the journalists to clearly understand the real situation on different themes in the district. This helped them to identify several development issues and problems faced during implementation.

Application

How can the trainees implement the learned skill in the development journalism training? Practical information and useful reporting tools in four themes of development journalism training such as – health, education, gender and good governance were discussed in the first session of the last day. The trainer informed the journalists that they can plan for news, interview, news analysis, articles, comments, editorial, column, serial, presentation, feature story in all themes such as-health, education, gender and good governance discussed in detail in the five day training. A table for news writing on different themes on different days was also provided to the trainees.

Pre and Post Training Evaluation:

Pre-test evaluation

Pre-test and post test evaluation had been conducted to evaluate the basic skill and knowledge of journalist on planned training themes in the first and last day of the training. There were eight questions in pre-test and 22 questions in post test training evaluation.

The pre-test shows that only 15% participants had basic reporting and theme based knowledge. Nearly 40% had little idea on the themes.

On post training evaluation, out of 22 participants 68 percent had responded correctly on all questions raised on the training themes.

Closing Session:

A brief closing session had been organized at the end of the session on the fifth day. Local Development Officer Mr. Chakra Pani Sharma had distributed the participation certificate to the trainees. Mr. Tara Nath Sharma and Ms. Shivai Gwalan had shared training experience from among the trainees. Both of them said that this training have developed their writing confidence, provided in-depth knowledge in given themes such as gender, health, good governance and several tools for reporting.

NMDC President and Trainer Mr. Regmee addressing the session had urged the journalists to be more organized, responsible and professional in journalism. Ghan Shyam Khadka former FNJ President had chaired the session.

Trainees and Trainers with the Ambassador

Training Achievement

a) Twenty-two journalists including 10 women (45 percent) from 6 districts gained thematic knowledge on different themes of development journalism and several practical tips and skills on development reporting.

b) Themes of development journalism were found directly relevant to newsroom practice particularly reporting and editing.

c) Practical portions of the training enhanced trainee journalist's reporting skill.
d) Real life case presentation from local experts provided practical information to trainees.

Everest View in three hours Hiking

2011-12-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

By: Bishnu Prasad Sharma

Annapurna Range from Chandragiri

Nagarkot, Shivapuri, Nagarjun, Chandragiri and Phulchowki hiking hills around Kathmandu made geographically it - a Valley. All hills provide unique and beautiful long-range Mountain View, cultural sites and live village life. It may be hard to believe but the truth is that we can see several mountains above 8000m including the highest peak of the world, the Mt. Everest from Chandragiri 2555m, easily reachable in three hours hiking from Pharping, Machhegaun, Matatirtha or Thankot-Kathmandu. Eight mountains above 8000m Dhaulagiri-1, Annapurna-I, Mansalu, Shishapangma (Tibet China), Cho-oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu are clearly visible from one-neck-stand. This is the rarely available view-point in the world. At Chandragir from Champa Devi side Everest is very clearly visible.

Mt. Manasalu from Chandragiri

What usually the urban based Nepalis interested to do during holidays? High ranking officials and so called elites are proud of playing cards and drink whisky. Youngsters- often love to visit nearby cottage restaurants to drink beer. A small number of youths are found interested in hiking, trekking and temple-visit. Like in Europe, we do not have hiking culture. It's a pity.

Every day and night, we see the snow capped high mountains, amazing view of sun-rise and sun-set. But, if anybody asks about the name of the nearby mountains- we easily smile and reply saying 'no'.

Ganesh Himal

I had this exploration in two chilly mornings on 24 and 31 December 2011, where I found the beautiful view of long rang of mountains starting from Dhaulagiri to Makalu east Nepal. Unnoticeable thin wind from north of Kathmandu-the Langtang range was chilly. Small trail under bushes leads straight up providing the smell of different flowers whether you climb from Thankot or Kirtipur. At start, bird's twittering, cold wind, view of Manasalu, Ganesh and Langtang Himalayan range had provided wonderful combination of happiness.

Rasuwagadi-Langtang

In two hours of climbing from Machhegaun, one can easily reach at the small pass leading the trail left to Champa Devi hill and Chandra Giri hill to the right. And from Matatirtha, we can reach in two hours at Deurali.

A bottle of water, coke, dry noodle and Bhujiya was our hiking lunch in both days, we took it at the pass under warm morning sun.

It was unexpected surprise for me when I saw unbelievable and clearly recognizable view of Mt. Everest guarded by two gigantic mountains at the right corner of Chandragiri before top.

L Shishapangma, Dorjee Lhakpa and Gaurishankar

I never had such magnificent long Mountain View from the hills nearby Kathmandu, though I had been at Nagarkot, Shivapuri and Nagarjun (Jamacho Peak) several time. Though far in distance,the mountains in the eastern region were looking brighter and luring under the dark-blue sky. The weather was fantastic.

Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan Range

From the first point, the Mountain View starting from Ganesh Himal, Rasuwa Gadi, Langtang, Dorjee Lhakpa was extending until to Everest and Makalu to the east. This view from the middle of the hill made me sure that there should be some point from where Manasalu and Annapurna range will surely be visible.

In half an hour of slow climbing from the small pass, dense forest is finished. A steep sloppy grass hill approached before us. I was hurried to find out the point from where Dhaulagiri to Everest view could be seen.

Long mountain range

Cho-oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Everest and more

My assumption became true in no time. We stood at a previous point that allowed allowed to have the magnificent long-long Himalayan range starting from Annapurna in the west to Mt. Everest and Makalu to the far east. It was an unbelievable magnificent view point of the mountains just after three hours of Hiking from Kathmandu. I danced with happiness. I was as excited as in
Cherkori Peak-at Langtang, French Pass at Dhaulagiri and Kalapather-at Everest.

The mountains clearly visible from this point starting from west to east were Annapurna South, Annapurna-I, III, II, Machhapuchhere (dark and dim), Lamjung Himal, Manasalu, Ganesh Himal-I,II,III, Rasuwa Gadi pass and peaks at Tibet, Langtang Lirung and long Langtang range, Shishapangma, Dorjee Lhakpa, Gauri Shankar, Number, Cho-Oyo, Pumori, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. The range extends further east, I'm not sure if we could recognize Kanchanjunga. The view extends until south crossing several shouldering hills to Terai.

I find out the point on 31 December from where Mt. Dhaulagiri above 8000m range was visible. I did it. Except Kanchanjunga, we can see all mountains above 8000m from Chandragiri including Shishapangma-in Tibet. There is one point at Tibet, China from where we can see Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho-oyu and Shishapangma, the five peaks above 8000m.

L Dhaulagiri under cloud, R Annapurna Range

Long mt range

My hobby is trekking. I've trekked most of the famous trekking routes of Nepal and Mt. Kailash circuit in Tibet. Starting from west Nepal, I've done around Dhaulagiri, around Annapurna, Annapurna B.C., Beni-Muktinath, Langtang-Gosaikunda, Helambu-Panchpokhari, Everest region-Gokyo-Chola Pass-Kalapather-Everest BC and Island Peak high camp. In Tibet, I have been at Everest BC, Manasarobar and Mt. Kailash Circuit.

Cho-oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu

I'm interested to taste the beauty and virginity of Great Himalayan Trail –Nepal part. Small trekking area so far, I've covered in Nepal Himalayas have encouraged me to continue.
At the moment, I felt myself proud when I became able to see so long
Himalayan range extending from western region Annapurna to Mt.
Everest and Makalu to the far eastern region of Nepal. I enjoyed very much. I got an opportunity to taste the beauty of Himalayas once again just after three hours of HIKING from Kathmandu.

When I got down from the ridge, the valley was still dozing under thick, black and polluted fog and the litters presented by young girls and boys at and around Champa Devi Temple were on the wing over it.

La Montée est Finie: Langtang Trekking Full of Adventure and Excitement By: Bishnu Prasad Sharma

2011-12-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Raining and snowing started together while trekking to Tharepani from Phedi. On the 10th day of our trekking, we had started from Gosaikunda at 7:00 am for Tharepati crossing Lauribina Pass 4610m. It was the most tiresome, awful, difficult and memorable day of the Langtang-Gosaikunda trekking to all of us, whereas the most exciting, glorious and magnificent was The Cherkori Peak 5000m at Kyanzin, Langtang.

Gagesh Himal I,II,III from Lauribina Pass

Louis was feeling bit tired after Ghopte 3430m, as we had crossed Lauribina Pass 4610m from Gosaikunda lake 4380m, the same day having high altitude climbing and getting down through a steep rolling stone along with snow and slippery trail. We had to ascend up to Tharipani 3700m all the way. All of them were aware of Nepali trekking trail, as one had to get down to the bottom of the river, then ascend up the same distance to get a tea house which exactly doesn't resemble with map explanation.

At morning, till Lauribina Pass the weather was clear and bright allowing us to have the panoramic view of Langtang at right corner then coming to Ganesh Himal-I, II and III, Manasalu and Annapurna II to the far left. Previous night's snow was not melting, so, the lakes and sky were becoming dark blue in white background. It was so rarely available view from the Lauribian pass-the white ground, dark and blue lakes, black rocks and the snow capped high mountains that no one were willing to get down the steep and boring trail. Pascal and myself were behind making some photograph. I need to wait for his printed photos.

Surya Kunda, at Lauribina Pass

We have to cross several unnoticeable and boring passes after Phedi via Ghopte before arriving at Tharepati. The trails with big boulders, rolling stones, rocks and steep is more dreadful at the time when there is snowfall, rain, hunger and tiredness as we had.
At the bottom of the second last pass to Tharepati, Louis, 64, tired, wet by snow and rain, hungry and thirsty looked at me and asked politely - "How long will it take to be in the lodge. Is La Montée est Finie? ( Is ascending finished) Throwing the snow piled on the top of his backpack, I told him, "It will take about one and half hour and there is little La Montée to complete." To make his steps fresh from tiredness, I had told him that it will take only half an hour and the La Montée was nearly finished, though we had to walk more.

Gabi & Mano at Lauribina Pass

We all were tired and wet. Pascal, Marius and Dominique and I were walking together following the steps of Louis. There was non-stop rain and snow. As we were walking, we had not felt cold. Claudine, Mano, Muriel and Gabi were in front of us and Hem had already been to Tharepati to make rooms sure.
Soon after the major small passes finished and our lodge was seen in dim light, without caring of a gentle climb, I told them in French language "La Montée Finie" the climbing now is finished. Louis really became very happy. New blood circulated on him. He was excited. His steps became faster than before. It was cloudy, raining and snowing.

Tharepati

Tharepati was looking dim-white as darkness was approaching. Pascal, Marius and Dominique had noticed that there was still little La Montée to cross ahead and I as usual was telling a lie. But, finally in twenty minutes, the Montée was really finished and we all were at Gosaikunda Lodge in Tharepati. Though getting dark, Tharepati was looking like a beautiful girl with white shawl on her brown shoulder.

It was not an easy day to most of my brave friends who had crossed their 60 springs. Whether it may be Montée or descend, they were strong enough and had crossed all other trekkers passing as by Yak herders. After 10 hours of arduous climbing and descending in a high altitude, rough road, snow and rain, we all safely were at the lodge.

Discussion on first trekking day

Though, terribly hard day due to snow and rain, we had gained precious experience of both good and terrible weather. 'Ttiredness' had been vanished away with a bowl of soup, macaroni, momo and fried potato cooked by beautiful Sherpani providing us the most exciting experience of the trekking at Tharepati.

Bee Hive at cliff

Langtang is one of the famous valleys having several snow capped mountains, Tamang and Sherpa people, rivers, forests, paradise of summer flowers, waterfalls diving from tall cliffs, flora and fauna preserved under the Langtang National Park (http://www.visitnepal.com/nepal_information/nepalparks.php#LangtangNational Park). With eight French members, our 13-day long trekking was started from Kathmandu on 5th November, though Mandala Painting of Claudine was incomplete at Bouddhaath. It took us nearly 9 hours by Bus to reach Shyafrubensi crossing Dhunch administrative headquarter of Rasuwa district. Though, just north from Nepal's capital city Kathmandu, it is one of the remotest districts of Nepal. Due to jagged, toothed and narrow road at some points, I strongly recommend to hire a Land Rover for a safer and comfortable journey to Shyafrubensi. Anyway, we had enjoyed the Trisuli River, rice field and the people working in the field, though in some places we had to push the Tata bus.

Am I beautiful ?

A trail leads to Kerung, Tibet, the traditional route to Nepal and Tibet along the Bhote Koshi river. We had to cross the Bhotekoshi river through a suspension bridge following Langtang river, the other side of the valley, after showing trekking permit to the police sitting at the corner of the road. After breakfast at Shyafrubensi, we started our trekking. There is a small village just after the bridge where one can see the prayer's flag and a beautiful point where Bhotekoshi and Langtang river shakes their hands and flow together.

Crossing Ghopcha Khola first day

Crossing another narrow and short suspension bridge over Langtang river nearby, we had to follow Langtang river-towards our trekking destination. We're 14 in number including 8 French members, 4 local porters, 1 Sherpa and myself. The long caravan of the trekkers along the Langtang river was looking amazingly attractive.

Usually, weather from November to Feburary is very clear and warm during day, and chilly in morning and night at above 3000 m. It is freezing cold above 3500m at night, especially from 15 December to middle of February in Nepal. Cludine and I had decided to do this trek from 5-17 Novemebr, ultimately to avoid bad weather. This year too as in previous year, there was good weather only for one week in October.
The weather was becoming cloudy from the beginning of November. I was not sleepless, as we were not using any flights. Usually, if it is Everest Trekking, we do not sleep dreaming about the weather for the flight to Lukla the following morning. My conviction or let's say expectation was that there will be rain and the weather after rain will be clear. Mostly, we have such experience in winter.

Before starting trek, I'd requested to all my friends not to be too far from each other while walking along the trail and not to feel walking competition, in contrary, they needed to enjoy the mines of beauty of the Langtang valley. My friend Hem Khatiwada, editor of Rasuwa Khabar, weekly had been given the job of trekking Sherpa, so, he was in front of the members and I myself was behind. We, people from developing countries do not know the real taste and value of nature as the European, American, Japanese and the people from highly developed countries do.

What plant is this?

From the beginning, I was deeply impressed from the friendliness, openness, and gentleness of my French friends. They were discussing about the plants, vegetation, people and so on. I was feeling proud when they were enjoying looking at the plants, vegetation, waterfalls, landscape, Langtang River, bee hive on the tall cliff etc. In Nepal, honey –hunting is very famous and adventurous work. Every year, few people die during honey hunting. They hunt hanging in an open space on a hand –made- grass-rope.

Kyanzin Glacier

Though, the weather was not favouring us, but we were laughing and enjoying. We had tea break at Pairo about two and half hour from Shyafrubensi. At around 11:30, we were at Bamboo Lodge for lunch (name of the place), where there are four lodges. During lunch, rain drop started. Everybody had put on their rain coat and plastic before we headed to Rimche.

In hours of continuous ascend along the Langtang river and forest, we were at Lama Hotel. From here, the area becomes wide. There are about ten lodges at Lama Hotel. As, it is the main destination of trekkers from Shyafrubensi and Langtang returners, usually the lodges are full of tourists. Together, we had little confusion about our first day stop at Bamboo, as I'd forgotten to mention them about the changes we had made in our previous program during briefing. In previous program, we had to be at Ghora Tabela. When, I explained them that the weather was not good and it would be long for the first day, then everybody had agreed upon the changes made.

Due to bad weather many Lukla flights were cancelled. So, Everest trekkers were rushing to Langtang and Gosaikunda area. Due to this, we had to be more cautious about rooms in the lodges for our big group in whole trek. Otherwise, it is known for less crowded area.

Langtang before Ghore Tabela

Everybody sitting in front of fire cheered up with happiness when I informed them about the stars shining in the sky. Our friends were looking young and their faces bright with happiness in the morning, the third day, on 7 November. I was more confident for a good weather after rain. The rain may have for two or three days in winter, then it will stop. The changed weather had made me happy from inside. To make them feel happy was my mission. It took nearly two hours to be at Ghora Tabela. Before, we had a chance to see the peak of Langtang and Langtang Lirung at the bank of gurgling Langtang khola. The long and wide Langtang valley, Kyanzin, Cherkori peak, Dorjee Lhakpa, Langshisha ri, were welcoming us. Everybody was smiling and busy taking pictures with hot lemon at Ghora Tabela.

It was the first time in the fifth day that my friends were experiencing sun-warm since they landed in Nepal on 3rd Nov. '011. We had lunch at Thanshyap 3120m having the full sleeping view of Langtang Lirung. This is my favourite place in Langtang region.

Sherpa Women at Langtang vill

Talking with the village people, distributing pens and pencils to school children, tasting fresh Yak curd, capturing photos of the mountains, forest, long suspension bridge, Mani walls, Chortens, stone-script, stone inscription with images of Buddha, Padmasambhava, Milarepa, Chakra, Mandala prayer flags, water run Mani wheels, we reached at Langtang village. Claudine, Gabi, Muriel and Mano had also managed to have little shopping on the way in a small shop owned by local Tamang and Sherpa women who were looked like Tibetan in face and their costume.

Cludine & Dominique: Pen for school

Most of the villagers send their children to Dhunche and Kathmandu for education though there is a primary government school. Local inhabitants work in the field and grow potatoes, wheat and barley. They produce milk from Chauri mountain cow, and Yak is famous animal of the region. There are two cheese factory in Langtang and Kyanzin village. In summer, they take their Yak and Chauri to Langshisha Kharka up to 4800m altitude.

Langtang is the biggest village of the region. In local language 'lang' means Yak and 'tang' means disappear. It is believed that in ancient time a yak while grazing in the Langshisha Kharka (grazing land) had been lost, and never came back since then, it is said that it is called 'Langtang'. The valley is the paradise of flowers during summer.
Weather was with us. The following day became competitively better. All friends were very happy and becoming stronger. Muriel had cold from the beginning but she was always on her spirit. Louis and Dominique were in front. Claudine was busy to give pen and pencils to the children and taking pictures. Pascal was changing films in his non-digital camera and Marius had no leisure from filming. Gabi was observing the area; Mano was not behind to capture photos by her professional camera.

Monastry and Langtang at Kyanzin

Just before Kyanzin village and Kyanzin monastery, Kyanzin Glacier, Kyanzin mountain and Langtang welcomed us on our fourth trekking day from Kathmandu. In two and half hours, we were at Kyanzin Gomba from Langtang. We took the room at Mountain View lodge, to save time; we asked to prepare lunch and went to visit the Kyanzin Monastry.

Very close to the monastery, there is a Swiss government supported old cheese factory. Testing the mountain cheese, we had a close view of the old monastery. While looking the 600 years old Kyanzin monastery, one can easily assume that much attention for its preservation is not given by the authority. The old and valuable books and images were stolen many years ago from the monastery.

Langtang Mt. & River

The attractive old wall paintings still lure the tourists. This is the last destination of Langtang trekking. Many trekkers staying here for few days, explore the regions such as Langshisha valley, Yala peak, Cherkori peak, crossing Gangja la pass to Helambu and many more.
According to our pre-plan, we started towards Langshisha Kharka-the most beautiful, long and deep valley of Langtang region having in front view of Langshisha Ri-6310, Dorjee Lhakpa 6966, Gang Chenpo 6388m, Naya Kang, Gangala pass, Langtang river and the gigantic Langtang II and Kyanzin watching just behind us. Until the altitude of 4800m, there is a grazing land where one can see Yak grazing and milking the Chauri during summer. We crossed the old abandoned airport built in 1950 together with the cheese factory in 1955 with the financial support provided by Swiss government. Strong wind from Langtang valley and Langshihsa Ri recommended us to go back. On the way, we climbed nearly 300 meter from the Langshisha valley up to 4100m leading the trail to Cherkori.

Sunrise at Langtang

It developed the confident for us to climb Cherkori the following day. Everybody was exciting to kiss the flattering prayer's flag on the top of Cherkori along with several mountains extending far until to Tibet.

Moon rise & Sunset at Cherkori

In previous night together with dinner, evaluating our team's strength and spirit, we had decided to climb Cherkori Peak 5000m ( 5000m in altimeter, 4984 in the map) higher and difficult than Kyanzin Ri 4773m.

Dorjee Lhakpa and Gang Chenpo

On 9 November, the 5th trekking day, taking breakfast at 5:30 am, we had started our peak climbing trek at 6:00 am from Kyanzin 3730m. to Cherkori peak. Kyanzin ri, Cherkori, Yala peak and Langshisha are the famous destinations from Kyanzin village. Yala peak 5500m needs two extra days and climbing gear.

We started climbing up gently. All were on their own pace. The sun was shining and the Cherkori peak was peering us from top on our every step and breathes we took. Not in altitude, but in climbing trail and size, Cherkori is more steep and gigantic than Kalapather 5550m in Everest. We had to climb from north ridge at the beginning having the view of gigantic Langtang II, Langtang Lirung, Lirung Glacier, Kyanzin Glacier and the deep steep white-gravel slope just left side of the trail.

Langtang & Kyanzin from Cherkori

In some places, due to landslide, there was a very narrow trail rarely enough for our footstep. A little mistake may throw us to the unending dive of the gravel slope heading to Kyanzin valley.

We gradually followed the left corner before coming up to another ridge that was leading to the top of Cherkori.

The last ridge stretching from north to south was more steep and difficult part of the climbing. It was also difficult to find the foot prints over the stones in some places that easily lead to wrong direction. However, it did not happen, as there was good weather allowing us to view the top. During snowfall and thick fog, we should be very careful in the mountains. A small negligence easily takes our life.

Picnic at Cherkori

Down to Kyanzin from Cherkori

My problem during high altitude is that it takes long time to start, if I make a stop over. So, slowly, I need to continue. Pascal 65 and Marius 55 our two strong friends were guiding and looking other friends who were climbing up at their own pace. Before me was Mano-who of course looks like sportswomen. She reached on the top in 2:55 hours, me following her in 3:00 hours from Kyanzin. Within few minutes, we all were on the top of Cherkori Peak 5000m.

The sun was shining. The prayer flags were flattering on the top of Cherkori. There was big valley and white mountains all around us. We had grasped each other and shared happiness. Except a narrow valley of Langtang river at the bottom to the west, in all other direction, we had the view of several beautiful Himalayan peaks. We had 360 degree view of the snow capped mountains extended until Shishapangma to the north in Tibet.

Far Left Shishapangma, Langshisha ri, Yala Peak and DL

What we had seen at top starting from left to right were Langtang Lirung, Langtang II, Langtang range, Lirung Glacier, Kyanzin Glaier, Kyanzin, Yala Peak, Shishapangma, Penthang ri, Langshisha ri and Dorjee Lhakpa. And, from east to south corner were Gang Chenpo the beautiful sitting mountain, Nayakang and Ganjala. The grazing valley at this altitude is extending until to Yala Peak and goes below to Langshisha Kharka. The Mountain View we saw from Cherkori is similar in wideness and panorama that we see from Kalapather, Everest. The beautiful view of Everest we see is from Kapapather 5550. This valley looks more wide and flat than in Everest from Kalapather. We all were so proud that we had the opportunity to have such magnificent view. Thanks to the weather.

Dorjee Lhakpa DL

Cludine in memory of her relative had put a prayer flag on the top along with her beautiful red scarf that she was wearing during cold evenings of the treks. For a moment, we're with her wishing peace to the departed soul.

After having full satisfaction of the Mountain View, we had enjoyed Tibetan bread, Cheese from Kyanzin, boiled egg and hot lemon as our packed memorable and historical Cherkori picnic. The wind started to be stronger. All trekkers of other group had already left the top. Mountain crows started to come to taste the dropped over Tibetan bread.
When we were about to start our journey back, looking at the happy mountain crow, Pascal said, "If I reborn, I want to be a mountain crow and fly over the white mountains". We internalize his feeling and started journey back to Kyanzin. We took another trail from east south ridge to get back. It was rather easier than the first ones-we took at the morning.

Pascal & Bishnu Cherkori

Due to moon light night, the stopover at Kyanzin had become more interesting. To have the night view of mountains during moonlight was new experience to some of us. Recollecting the days' strenuous climbing and the magnificent view of long mountain range and glaciers, everybody was waiting to fly over the white peaks lying inside the sleeping bag in frosty, the last night at Kyanzin.

As in other days, we started at 7:00 in the morning from Kyanzin for Lama Hotel on the 6th day of our trekking. We were compelled to take the same lodge due to unfair local business competition. As usual, Claudine, our trekking commander and food President had prepared the list of dinner items and following day's breakfast asking each individual what they like to eat from the meal items given in lodge-Menu. This was somehow a small task to be taken during the trekking. Sometime, we had taken Dal Bhat to economize our time, than taking Momo, Spring Roll etc.

On the 7th day, we're at Thulo Shyafru a big Tamang village situated on the bottom ridge of Lauribina range. We could notice that the weather was changing where mountains and hills were wearing Saris of black clouds. I was praying for good weather for one day and that was for Gosaikunda to Tharepati. It would be too difficult to cross the pass and getting down if there will be too much snow. In much snow, it is difficult to find the right trail that might lead to unending path. With the celebration of Marius's birthday, we had ended the day.

Stupa at Thulo Shyafru

It was all the way climbing from Thulo Shyafru to Lauribina having a very beautiful tall pine and rhododendron forest. We had seen monkeys. We have to come back to see Red Panda, Leopard and Musk deer.

Big Meal

After visiting the cheese factory, Monastry and taking lunch at Sin Gompa, we had been at Mountain View lodge, at Lauribina at around 3:30 pm, the weather was gloomy. Due to bad weather, my friends became unable to see long mountain range that is extending from Langtang and Dorjee Lhakpa in the east corner Ganesh, Manasalu and Annapurna-II in the west.

The morning of our 9th day was different. Together with us, there were around 60 tourists taking their pace at lauribina Montee at an altitude of around 4100m heading to Gosaikunda.

House at Thulo Shyafru

The Lauribina montee is popular because during the full moon of August, many pilgrims visit Gosaidunda for holy bath. And, many of them become sick and forced to stop their journey. Cloud was playing hide and seek game with the mountains allowing us to have rare view of Ganesh Himal.

At around two and half hour, we arrived at Gosaikunda the holy lake having first view of Sawaswoti and Bhairab Kunda. Louis was feeling little bit tired as he was also not taking enough food, though he was not feeling any altitude sickness, so I was not worrying about. After lunch, for acclimatization, we had climbed up to Surya Kunda and had circled around the Gosaikunda lake with pleasure.

Gosaikunda Lake

It is believed that Lord Shiva being his throat burn after drinking poison reached in this area, he forcefully threw his trident from where cold water soared-up, then he drank the water and cooled down the burning throat. In the same place, at an altitude of 4380m from the sea level, a lake was formed and it was named Gosaikunda (Gosai means Shiva and kunda means pond) a holi lake where every year thousands of both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit and take bath to wash sins committed knowingly or unknowingly at the time of their life period.

Still village people believe, if somebody dies in this region, they directly reach to heaven. Same belief is taken in Mt. Kailash circle and Mansarobar lake. The same water coming down from the Gosaikunda is known as Trishuli river. In this area, it is said that there are 108 lakes including small and big. Normally, we can see seven lakes including Saraswati, Bhairab, Gosaikunda, Surya Kunda and other three small ones. Except Surya kunda all other lakes flow and join to Gosaikunda.

Dorma La Pass at Mt. Kailash 2009

The other think, I remember while looking the rocks, structure, cliff, stones in and around Gosaikunda, I found some similarities as in Mt. Kailash. The area of Mt. Kailash is huge, wide and and long. Similarly, bigger is the Manasarobar lake where the whole sky can rest.

Manasarobar Lake in Tibet,

The nature of the rocks in Gosaikunda and Mt. Kailash looks similar. And, another interesting part is that there are several lakes nearby Mt. Kailash region including Manasarobar as in Gosaikunda area. Due to these similarities, I assume that Gosaikunda might be the sister of Manasarobara.
I have two reasons; they are religious and geographic. According to Hindu religion, Mt. Kailash is Lord Shiva himself. Shiva with his partner Parbati being white duck swim in Manasarobar.

Mt. Kailash, Tibet AR of China

In connection to Nepal, Shiva created Gosaikunda to cool down his poison-burn throat. And in terms of structure and vegetation- the rocks, rolling stones and boulders seem similar. Because of the altitude and vegetation similarities, I feel that Gosaikunda is the sister of Manasarobar in Tibet. ( I have included three photos of Dormala Pass 5670 m, Mt. Kailash and Manasarobar to for information)

The night was cold at Gosaikunda. After breakfast, at 7:00 am, the 10th day of our trek, we started our arduous day for Tharepati vai Lauribina pass and Ghopte. At starting, the weather was magnificent. The valley was looking white and lakes dark blue. I have explained in detail the experience of this day in the beginning. Whether we climb from Tharepati to Gosaikunda or from Gosaikunda to Tharepati-it is the difficult part of the Langtang trekking.

Trees before Sin Gomba from Thulo Shyafru

As, I mentioned in the beginning chapter, the trekking from Gosaikunda to Tharepati became very tiresome and boring as it started raining and snowing after lunch in Phedi. We all were fully wet due to rain and snow when we had been at Tharepati after 10 hours of tiresome walking. Before us, there were other 6 members staying in the lodge. We tried to dry our most wet clothes hanging over a small rope tied over the oven. We had felt relaxed. Though very tired, all my friends were very very happy as we had completed the most difficult la Montée and the most important part of the trekking.

One of my friends and former diplomatic mission senior officer Mark Larsen shared about trekking- "It was wonderful to hear from you and to hear that your latest trek went well. I remember Laurabina pass well and fondly, though I got dangerously cold trying to linger up there in a windy snowstorm last time I crossed it. In fact that trip turned out to be a rough one. It rained so heavily on my way down that I trotted downhill all the way from Gosainkund lake to Dunche in a single day. Of course the sun came out as I walked into Dunche. And my thighs ached from the long, long downhill. Your trip sounds wonderful and I can't wait to see the pictures. I have always crossed Lauraibina from the Helambu side and can't imagine slogging up to Gosainkund from the west. So steep and unrelenting."

I fully agree with my friend, it was my third time coming down from Lauribina pass to Tharepati and all the time having very boring weather. This time, at least we had marvellous weather at the morning.

Wall Painting at Sin Gomba

Though there were three days left to complete our trekking, I had a feeling that it was already finished. The next morning on the 11th day of our trekking, Tharepati covered under white snow was looking more young and beautiful. Fingering out the Lauribina pass far up to the mountain under snow and bulk of clouds from where we had descended previous day, we started our trek to Kutumsang. It was one of the easiest day-all the way getting down. We had forgotten about the weather as it was not improving, and most importantly, we had already seen the mountains which we would have seen in good weather.

Oh la la Montée ! Muriel heading to Gosaikunda

The 12th day planned for Chisapani from Kutumsang was bit longer, up and down than previous day. For about two hours from Kutumsang to Chipling, the motorable road had made the trail boring. It made us little happy where we (few of us) had seen a couple of musk deer grazing just above the road. At around five in afternoon, we had been to Chisapani. It was windy and cold. We had enjoyed the last night eating and drinking together with porters.

On the 13th day of our trekking, 17 November 2011, we were at Sundarijal at round 11 am. The preserved forest of Shivapuri National park had succeeded to impress our friends. Gabi and others were excited when they saw different types of orchids in the forest. So our Langtang trekking had been completed at Sundarijal gaining lot of high mountain experiences.

Cludine, Muriel & Bishnu

I have got an opportunity to make trekking with many foreign friends and have done some famous trekking such as Everest BC, Kalapather, Gokyo and Chola-pass in Everest region, Thorong La (Around Annapurna), Beni-Muktinath, Annapurna BC, and Around Dhaulagiri in Annapurna area in Nepal and Mt. Kailash circuit and Manasarobar in Tibet. I have gained lot new experiences from this trek. We had become from friends to family members.

Langtang, though old in trekking route first investigated by H.W. Tilman in 1949 is not developed properly. Still, there is unfair competition among the lodge owners and shop keepers.

Cludine- Am I lost in Langshisha Kharka ?

Namaste ! Can you hear me ?

I feel shy to write down here the story of two tea shop owner women who had fought and get blooded on their faces in the matters related to sell few cups of tea to the trekkers.The basic thing such as toilet, ropes to hang wet clothes and sanitation has to be improved in the local lodges. My suggestion is that a visit managed by Langtang National Park to local hotelier in Annapurna area might be a good lesson for lodge owners. Most importantly, they have to stop unfair competition.

Finally, this trek became so influential that it touched my heart. We all became too close and at the end it became a very good family.

The farsighted leadership of my old friend Claudine, Gabi's close monitoring, Pascal's guardianship, Louis's respectfulness, Mano's boldness, Marius's support and openness, Dominique's curiosity to lean and Muriel's sincerity had made the trip a grand success, memorable and marvelous. My friend's hand written evaluation is posted here as images.

Our old relationship with Claudine and other members has become deeper. Invaluable culture that I learned from the French people will be my great property. I wait for another harder la Montée to cross together. I'm now so proud that I have so many beautiful and lovely friends in France. On the last day at airport, Muriel told me- " Do not say good bye, say, see you again". I repeat her –'Atu te lah', a bientot !'.

Exciting Holiday: Lumbini to Darjeeling

2011-10-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

A travel experience starting from Lumbini the birth place of Lord Buddha , Janakpur, Dharan, Illam to Darjeeling is coming soon. Wait please.

Be safe

2011-09-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Nepali members, my family members being at N.J., USA, Bihadi Parbat, different VDCs of Baglung , Chitwan, Rupendehi and Kapan Kathmandu are safe. During quake I was walking towards Hadigaun form Kapan. Felt safe and threatened under open sky and hanging naked electric wires.
more details go
http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/09/18/top-story/strongpowerful-quake-rocks-nepal-claims-five-livesstrong/341004.html

Dr. Bhattarai: Listen the Soul of the Citizen

2011-08-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Nepal has got 35th Prime Minister (PM), that's actually not a new matter to Nepali citizen as well as international friends. In the recent past not before one decade, we have seen PM who tried to destroy the nerve of democracy. Without delay, we have seen parliamentarian who has been defeated for 18 times in PM's contest, not only this, we have tested the efficiency of acting PM for the period of one year and finally we tested the action of tiger-like but vegetarian comrade PM in a short span of time. All were successful to make the citizen desperate.

Sati Sal ( family of sorea robusta) is really strong. All so called Sati Sals except one of the transitional political forests of Nepal have been fallen down without showing a single finger of their strength. Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai is the only one remaining Nepali People coined Sati Sal. It's the time to watch him. Nepali people have expected a new agenda/ action from him at this critical and transitional situation. He is the last thin thread of hope of the people to clear the blocked fence of peace and constitution drafting process. People are more hopeful because he has tried to show changes when he was finance minister two years ago.
Another reason seen behind to trust him is that he has a 40 -year national development plan, others even did not have the vision of four- hour.
Who supported him? Why did they support ? How all the pieces of broken glasses joined together ? How were few key political stake holders of the government making industry remained out? Let's not talk about. Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh has telephoned, congratulated and invited him to visit India and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan also congratulated Bhattarai. Nepal needs it.

It is hundred percent sure that Dr. Bhattarai will do some new thing memorable programs to the people as outgoing Minister Gokarna Bista did, even though he might not be able to complete constitution making and peace establishment process due to internal party conflict and weak political backing. Let's hope for not taking too long time for portfolio sharing among the supporters.

People's expectation from you is that do not forget people's pain and expectation, take action reading the meaning of the soul of the people, be honest, people will be around you to support .

Another truth having with the people is that if you fail, you will never get another opportunity, because new emerging young and dynamic leaders are sitting behind you. Be careful and congratulations!

Childhood Recalled

2011-08-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

-Bishnu P. Sharma Parajuli

My grandfather (mother side) who was 86 years old, slowly pulled my right hand and put something like paper in my palm. I looked and found it was one rupee note. I looked at wrinkled face, there was deep love flowing for me from his eyes. He walked about three hundred meter from house at a point to farewell me from where he could see for long time.

This was an event took place before 12 years when I had been at mother's birth place to visit grandparents. This time when I visited, memories of the past came like the rising waves of Kali Gandaki river in the month of August. At Janai Purnima this year, I visited Mama Ghar which should be first during Purnima. It was really exciting, memorable and lovely though I could only remember grandfather and grandmother around the corners of the region. Both of them have passed away many years ago. Now, I can only recall my parents too, who also put away their burden many years ago.

Mama Ghar is always a very lovely and interesting place to visit especially at childhood. Though far, I remember, I visited Mama Ghar every Dashain sometime with my mother and sometime with other relatives until I completed my high school in the village. Dashain most interesting for me was to collect coins from grandmother, mama, grandfather and other relatives. I remember, once at around B.S. 2027, I had collected rupees 13 which was much at the time and I always remember my excitement and attachment with the coins given by grandmother and grandfather. For me, rupees thirteen was enough for a year.

The past memories surpassed in my mind one after another like the white could crossed rapidly the deep green hills, valleys and streams. I looked and looked for a long time where I had said good bye to my grandfather and grandmother.

This year too became similarly memorable. My grandfather had ten brothers. Two of them are still living in Kalungkhola, Baglung. This time, at Janai Purnima, I had an opportunity to meet and talk with them. Grandfathers I met this time are at the age of 94 and other 83 living with grandmothers who are relatively younger than them and able to take care. We all had tears and laugh together when we were fully engaged in wearing holy thread. I recalled those days, when I was with my mother at my childhood, where she used to talk about her life at my birth place at Bihadi, Parbat. Within the happiest moment, I also thought that will I be able to see them again. I am not sure, though I love to go there. I asked myself- why I was there after 12 years and not at least at two years intervals. The life is so terrible, too difficult to manage when you get involved with life-world.

This year's Purnima became really memorable. After completing five day's Journalism Training at my home district, I ran away to my mother's birth place-Mama Ghar to Kalungkhola, Baglung and solely recalled my childhood. The luring deep greenery all around the corner, waterfalls, gurgling river Kali Gandaki, Modi Khola and many other streams had welcomed us opening their soul.

Surprising, most interesting and historical part of the trip was that we four generations my elder sister's youngest son, I myself, my Mama, and my mama's Mama were together during this purnima. Keeping lovely memory in the mind and saying good bye to grandfathers, grandmothers and Mamas, Maijus, brothers and sisters, river Kali Gandaki, Modi Khola and deep green valley, we entered in the valley of human being-the Kathmandu Valley. In three-half-day time, we had trekked about 17 hours, crossed suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki for four times from three different places and passed several hills, rice fields and the lovely villages and relatives.

Intermediate Journalism Training for the Young Women Journalists of Nepal

2011-08-19T05:45:00.001-07:00

8-12 August 2011 (23 - 27 Saun 2067) Kusma, Parbat
National Media Development Center (NMDC) is a pioneer journalism training organization is Nepal. Since its establishment in Feburary 2007, it has provided THEME focused reporting skill development training to 1043 the journalists working in the remote districts of Nepal.
Intermediate journalism training prioritized to young women reporter in the district is a part of the training supported by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal.

NMDC has successfully conducted Intermediate Journalism Training (IJT) in three places, by making higher number of young women journalist's participation than project plan. As per the plan to organize training in districts, it has completed the five day residential training in Panchthar-east, Doti-far-west and Parbat-mid-hill west, and the remaining one training will take place from 22-26 August at Dolkha. In three trainings, news reporting capacity of 66 young journalists had been enhanced. Among them 64 were women journalists.

This is the report of PARBAT training.
NMDC has organized a 5-day "Intermediate Journalism Training" to the young women journalists at Kusma, Parbat, west Nepal. Twenty-one young reporters including one male and 20 female working journalists actively participated in the training. The training was conducted from 8 to 12 August 2011. Out of 21 participants, 14 were from FM radio stations, 4 from print media, 1 from Television and 2 were fresh. The participants were from Shyangja-2, Parbat-14, Baglung-3 and Myagdi-2.

Media activity in district headquarter Kusma has been increased than years ago. This became possible after establishment of three FM radio stations and eight weekly newspapers and simultaneously, it attracted young people in journalism. The most attraction here is the Didibahini FM Radio Station wholly managed and operated by women. Bhola Sharma, a senior journalist informed that they are preparing to publish a tabloid daily. Together with the increase in media outlets, professionalism among the journalists and awareness level of the people is positively raising, he added. "Trainings were not provided. This five day training has helped very much to young journalists to enhance their news writing skill", Santosh Thapa, Secretary of FNJ said. Parbat, Shyangja, Baglung and Myagdi are gradually becoming media-active districts. Among them Baglung is vibrant in radio and print media. The main theme of this five day Intermediate Journalism Training is to sharpen the news collecting and reporting skills of the young reporters of Nepal.

The curriculum of the five day Intermediate Journalism Training (IJT) has been designed in the modality that even the fresh participants learn several news gathering and reporting tools, whereas it enhances the reporting capacity of the working journalists. Practical based curriculum has been designed making consultation with media experts, trainers and media specialist of the U.S. Embassy. Senior Nepali media trainers, practitioners including media experts from the Embassy were resource persons. The class presentation, class exercise, field visit, news writing, news presentation and immediate feedback had inspired the young reporters about the necessity of study and hard working to practice journalism.

Expressing about the training's achievement, Jhau Maya Hitang participant from Parbat said, "This is my first training and this has developed my confidence to write news.I will study more to continue journalism".

"It has not been long since I started journalism. I used to feel shy even to speak. After this training, I learned about source, how to reach at source and how to write news. I am feeling very happy", Indira Sharma, Parbat sharing her training experience said.

"The level of this training is very high. The content of the training are also very useful for me. It has encouraged me to move ahead. I'm inspired from this training and I'll also encourage to other friend to involve in journalism profession, Puja Malla from Myagdi said.
"This training has increased my confidence to make journalism as profession", Dilipashree Adhikari, Shyangja
" From this training, I learned how to write news, and how to find source. " Sita Pandey, Shyangja
"I used to write hard news. I was interested to write feature article and feature news but was unable. Now, after this training, I'm able to write feature news. I'll write.", Renu K.C. Baglung.

According to media representation 14 were from different FM Radio Stations, 4 from print media, 1 from TV and 2 were fresh.

The key objective of the five day training was to strengthen and enhance the capacity of young journalists giving priority to women.
NMDC had organized this training in coordination with Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Parbat Branch. In a brief inaugural session, Bed Bahadur Karki, Chief District Officer of Parbat district inaugurating the five day training shed light on the lack of professional journalism. The tendency of prioritizing to negative news should gradually be given less space, he proposed. Planning Officer of District Development Committee (DDC), and local journalists shed light on the importance of the training. Trainer Kishor Karki, NMDC President Bishnu P Sharma had informed the participants and guests on the objectives, contents and modalities of the training.
All participants actively participated in the five day training. Journalists openly discussed on the problem they faced and mistakes they committed during reporting. All trainees said that class exercise, opinion writing, news observation, field visit and news writing and presentation had helped them to sharpen their reporting skill and made them courageous. Their class and field visit for news writing assignment had justified it. The special presentation by Ms. Heather Steil and Mr. Arun Poudel on Social Networking media: The challenges of new media in journalism was major attraction for participants. They learned about the benefit and detriment, and verification problem of new media.
At the end of the training session, Local Development Officer (LDO), Narhari Baral had distributed training certificate to the participants. Vice-President of FNJ had chaired both inaugural and closing session.

Young women are found fascinated toward journalism across the country. Rise in the women's number in mid-hill districts joining in different media outlets along with running FM radio stations by women is admirable matter. Women participants at Parbat were also found motivated and committed in journalism. This training has become successful to add them energy and has succeeded to inspire them to accept journalism as profession. If we can conduct such programs in small but city-oriented districts, it would highly support to develop professional journalism and make the citizen aware and responsible.

Nepal Family Health Program NFHP-II Selected NMDC's Proposal for "Promotion of Health Journalism in Nepal"

2011-07-15T00:12:00.000-07:00

JSI Research & Training Institute, Nepal Family Health Program NFHP-II Selected NMDC's Proposal for "Promotion of Health Journalism in Nepal" NFHP II is implemented by JSI and funded by USAID.

NMDC is proud to share its achievements with Nepal Government, donor communities, journalists, friends and well-wishers that NMDC's proposal on "Promotion of Health Journalism in Nepal" submitted to Nepal Family Health Program NFHP II (JSI Research & Training Institute/ USAID) to provide health journalism training and fellowship to the working journalists has been selected after a careful scrutinization of a number of proposals by Proposal Selection Committee. We are very happy that our tireless effort to promote health journalism and our devotion to empower rural media once again has been recognized.

The key objective of the project is:

to enhance knowledge of local level journalists on health system and services
to encourage local health journalist in building cordial relationship between local health personnel and district health office/facilities
to empower local journalists by enhancing their analytic health reporting and writing skills

Under this small project, a 3-day Health Journalism training will be organized in two places (Hetauda and Surkhet) with the participation 40 working journalists from 20 NFHP II program districts. At least 120 in-depth health news/articles produced by trainees during 6 month period after the training will be awarded as fellowship.

National Media Development Center (NMDC) established for the promotion of provincial media is the pioneer organization working for the development of health journalism in Nepal. In last four years, it has provided health journalism training to 308 mid-career journalists on RH with the supported by OSI, Ipas Nepal and U.S. Embassy. I highly would like to recognize and remember to NMDC's Trainers, Volunteer- Consultants, Members, Foreign Friends, Journalists, NMDC Trainees, FNJ Center and Branches, Friends and Well-wishers.

At this moment, I'd like to repeat our commitment to work for the promotion of Health Journalism and Empowerment of Rural Media in Nepal.

District Focused Journalism Training for Democracy Building: NMDC's Effort

2011-05-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

District Focused Journalism Training for Democracy Building: NMDC's Effort

Bishnu P. Sharma Parajuli

President

In the capital, journalists do not pay much attention and give less importance on the capacity building trainings, interactions, workshops and seminars. There is similar influence and tendency in some big towns outside the capital. Beyond those handful areas, there is great importance and demand of such programs; however, such programs are not carried in those parts of the country, where it is needed in real sense. Among them, most of the districts lie in mid-hill, upper hill and few shadowed districts of Terai zone. Government and non-governmental organizations reach only to those places where air services and good roads nearby highways are available. Therefore, journalists working in the upper hill districts always left behind from skill development opportunities.

In Kathmandu, the journalists do not take maximum benefit from the above mentioned programs such as training/seminar, undermining its value and importance, though they may put high value. There are mainly two reasons behind this tendency. First, time shortage of the journalists working in mainstream media, and second, devaluation of programs saying- "what is there, we know all that what they say" a king of mentality of being 'self-informed or self-knowledgeable'. If the journalists prepare themselves for proper documentation of the Theme Based innumerable information that are regularly available in the capital, it not only helps to disseminate true and verified information but also provide great support to enhance the skill of the journalists.

National Media Development Center (NMDC), taking into account of the situation, is working for the empowerment of rural media by providing Theme Based skill development trainings to the journalists working in the remotest districts of the country. Though, its aim is to support on media management, currently, it is focusing only to journalism trainings. The district based trainings have become successful to sharpen the reporting skill of the journalists and, it had also supported for the development of quality journalism in the country.

In this report, brief information about the training, number of participant journalists in different trainings, districts from where the participants participated, and its impact in the society is given.

NMDC is devoted to safeguard pluralism by empowering rural media. For this, from its inception, it is providing skill development trainings to the journalists working in the districts, especially on Basic, Reproductive Health (RH) focused Health and Civic journalism. Since its establishment in Feb 2007, it is organizing district focused skill development trainings as well as national and international level limited seminars. More than 95 percent of the center's programs are based in districts. NMDC confining to journalism training- has provided different types of Theme Based trainings. Major trainings are regional level Reproductive Health focused Health Journalism, remote district and disadvantaged community and women focused Basic and Intermediate Civic Journalism, and writing skill development trainings. During this period (May 2007 to April 2011), altogether 914 journalists from 60 districts including 366 women have been benefited from two to five days' theme based trainings/workshops.

Health Journalism

NMDC is the pioneer organization providing reproductive health focused five day health journalism training in

Nepal

. Starting from December 2007 to August 2010, it has provided training to 308 mid-career journalists representing from 54 districts. Among them, 139 were women. The training period was from two to five days, major theme of the trainings were- reproductive health, avian influenza, gender health, safe abortion and SRHR. All trainings were conducted carefully following the training guidelines and curricula developed after consultation with media trainers and theme experts.

Together with trainings, other activities under health journalism component, NMDC carried were post-training monitoring, Health Journalism Feature Bulletin publication and Health Journalism Award to the outstanding trainees. The result of post-training monitoring in health shows that all 308 journalists are involved in journalism profession, among them more than 75 percent journalists had been found involved in preparing health news/feature stories at least once in a week and around 25 percent of the trainees had expressed that they plan to be a professional health reporters. Brief impact of health journalism training is given below:

1) The first achievement/success indicator of the project is maximum use of learned skills by the trainee journalists;

2) The second impact of the training is publication/broadcast of quality news/stories on different issues of public health in different angles by the trainee journalists;

3) Giving maximum priority on public health both by local and national media outlets- FM radio, TV channels and newspapers is another greater achievement;

4) The fourth achievement of the training is allocating time and space for public health news both by local and national media outlets;

5) Another successful indicator of the training is paying high and immediate attention on published /broadcast news by government health institution, local government, CBOs and INGO officials;

6) Another major news impact of the training is to instigate health consciousness among the local general poor people on the health area such as 'one should be healthy', 'we can be healthy', and 'treatment cures diseases' by listening to the radio programs developed by trainee health reporters. The number of patients visiting in the hospital for check-up has been increased.

7) Career development of the trainee journalists.

8) Promotion of the journalists.

The news, articles and feature stories related to women especially on uterus prolapse got maximum space and time in the local and national media of the region of far-west, mid-west and west region of

Nepal

. Journalist's work became successful to bring actual picture of women's health. During training period, a trainee of Bajura , Arjun Shah wrote two news stories in Kantipur daily, and in the third day- Kantipur daily had published an editorial relating the health news of Bajura. Therefore, there was a very influential impact of the health training-which needed be continued for years to come. Taking into account of

Nepal

's current health scene, training programs ranging from 3-5 days on the areas such as –non-communicable diseases under which 43 percent people die, climate change and its impact to health should be organized.

NMDC, in first and second –phases had organized health journalism trainings in different districts. The number of participants according to district representation is given below:

Far-West Nepal: Kanchanpur-13, Bajhang-2, Dadeldhura-4, Achham-1, Kailali-15, Doti-1, Darchula-2, Bajura-2 and Baitadi 2, total 42 (9 districts),

Mid-west Nepal: Surkhet-13, Jajarkot-3, Dailekh-6, Pyuthan-4, Bardia-16, Dang-7, Banke-10, Rolpa-3, Rukum-3, Salyan-2, total-67 (10 districts),

West Nepal: Baglung-9, Myagdi-2, Parbat-3, Kaski-6, Shyangja-2, Tanahu-12, Lamjung-1, Gokha-2, Palpa-2, and Arghakhanchi-2, total 41( 10 districts),

Mid Nepal: Kavre-14, Sindhupalchowk-3, Kathmandu-45 ( Including Avian Influenzam Gender Health and Safe Drinking Water), Nuwakot-2, Rasuwa-3, Dolakha-13, Sindhuli-3, Rautahat-2, Bara-2, Parsa-3, Makwanpur-2, Chitwan-4, Ramechhap-1, Mahottari-1, Sarlahi-1, Dhanusha-1, Dhading-1, and Lalitpur-1, total-102 (18 districts),

East Nepal: Jhapa-15, Illam-2, Morang-3, Sunsari-15, Saptari-2, Siraha-1, panchather-1, total- 39 (7 districts).

In two- first and second phase programs, 43 outstanding journalists including 27 women were awarded by health journalism award. It had provided 10 regional level five-day health journalism training, one- five day advanced health journalism training, one-three day safe abortion reporting training , one-two day gender health and SRHR reporting training one two day avian influenza reporting training and one –two day safe drinking water training in different parts of the country.

2. Basic and Intermediate Journalism Training:

NMDC's most important, most focused and most prioritized training program is remote district focused basic journalism training. The five day trainings are provided to the districts where there are no journalism colleges and training opportunities. In the first phase, it has provided trainings to the mid-hill districts of

Nepal

. The districts and number of participants of the first phase training were as follows. Dadeldhura-20, Pyuthan-21, Rukum-27, Myagdi-29, Nuwakot-22, Parbat-23 and Udayapur-27, In second phase, focused to the disadvantaged community of the remote districts are Rasuwa-32, Ramechhap-23 and Dailekh- 26, Darchula-22, Mugu- 24, Panchthar-25, Doti-20, and Bajura-22. Altogether 363 journalists including 164 female from 15 remote districts had taken basic journalism training.

In the second phase, it is focusing to upper hill-remote districts focusing to women and disadvantaged.

Though, the basic trainings are shorter in terms of days, they are found very effective for district working journalists. The participants mostly are young people having higher secondary level education and practicing journalists in local FM radio stations and tabloid newspapers. They do not have journalism education and training opportunities as colleges are unavailable and no organizations provide such trainings as the areas lie in remote districts and are difficult to reach there. Because of these reasons, participants give much attention on the training and try to take maximum benefit from rarely available trainings. The curricula have been designed after consultation with journalism professors and trainers. It is updated on regular basis. The trainings are found completely successful to handover journalism skill to the practicing journalists of the districts.

3. Civic Journalism:

Civic Journalisms is our third component under training part. The participants are mid-career journalists. After the training, they become able to bring unnoticed but very important civic issues in the media and inform the citizen. At first, it had provided training in Palpa. Thirty two journalists representing from Palpa-25, Gulmi-2, Rupendehi-1, Kapilbastu-3, and Shyangja-1(5 districts) were the trainees. Similarly, training was organized in Surkhet in 2008. In the training, there were 49 journalists representing from five districts. They are Surkhet- 29, Banke-4, Bardiya-5, Dailekh-6, and Jajarkot-5. Similarly, in the program of Kathmandu, participants were as following-Kathmandu-39, Lalitpur-10, Bkhaktpur- 4, Nuwakot-1, Kavre-1 and Sindhupalchowk-2, total 57.

In second phase, civic journalism training was organized in Baitadi-far west

Nepal

. Journalists represented were from –Baitadi-13, Kanchanpur-6, and Darchula-6. There were 25 journalists from three districts. In the program organized at Makwanpur there were 28 journalists from 7 distrcts. There were- Chitwan-5, Nawalparasi-2, Bara-2, Parsa-4, Rautahat-2, Sarlahi-1, Makwanpur-12.

In the third phase, NMDC in coordination with FES Nepal have organized civic journalism training in Bajhang one of the remotest districts of

Nepal

to 32 journalists including 9 women.

In total, there were 223 journalists from 27 districts in civic journalism including 57 women.

4. Journalism Writing Boot Camp:

NMDC had organized a - five day journalism writing boot camp to the young reporters of

Nepal

with an objective to enhance journalism writing skill focusing to English media reporters. There were 20 participants including 6 women representing from print, TV, online and media colleges.

Apart from journalism training, NMDC has also organized national and international level policy dialogues on- conflict management, constitution making process and government spokesperson and press etc. NMDC's training at a glance is given as under.

NMDC Training at a Glance May 2007- April 2011 Including Bajhang
Topic	Male	Female	Total	Dist.
Health Journalism Training	169	139	308	54
Basic/Intermediate Journalism Training*	199	164	363	15
Civic Journalism Training	166	57	223	27
Journalism Writing Boot Camp	14	6	20
Total	548	366	914
* Training organized districts only counted

4. Future Plan:

Major future proposed programs of NMDC are as follows:

a. Organize third phase, five-day residential health journalism training in four regions inviting working journalists from 28 districts that were not included in NMDC's first and second phase's health focused training. The districts that were not included are: Dolpa, Jimla, Kalikot, Mugu, Humla, Salyan, Nawalparasi, Kapilbastu, Gulmi, Mustang, Manang, Rupendehi, Dhading, lalitpur, Bhaktpur, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Ramechhap, Dhanusha, Udayapur, Khotang, Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, Bhojpur, Dhankura, Terhathum, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung.

b. Organize one-three day health journalism training focused on safe abortion, gender heath and SRHR, covering five districts of Karnali-Humla, Mugu, Jumla, Dolpa and Kalikot.

c. Organize two types of Basic/Intermediate Journalism Training under Rural Media Empowerment Project 2007-2017:

i) Second Phase Basic Journalism Training prioritized to disadvantaged community. The districts are: Darchula, Mugu, Dailekh, Bajura, Ramechhap and Taplejung.

d. Collect documents and carry study and research on the development of Nepali journalism

Open Society Institute (OSI), U.S.Embassy, FES-Nepal, Family Health Division-Ipas Nepal, Department of Information, UNESCO-Secretariat are providing support. NMDC organized all trainings in coordination with District branches of Federation of Nepali Journalists.

Kindly provide suggestions and feedback for improvement to: bishnu@nmdc.org.np or in the address given below at the end of the page.

Shyangboche-Everest Trek: Short But Exciting

2011-05-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Shyangboche –Everest Trek: Short but Exciting

by:Bishnu Prasad Sharma

We had forgotten seven-hour long tiresome waiting at Kathmandu's domestic airport to fly to Lukla, when we had very pleasant weather at Namche allowing us to have the view of Kongde, Kusumkangru and Thamserku. I had noticed a charming smile in the face of my friend Igor and his 12 years old daughter Ekaterina, being busy to capture the magnificent, panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Amadablam and the mountains seen from Namche from Shyangboche in third day morning of our trekking. They looked magnificent because of the fresh snow and bright morning sun.

"Is that Everest? Come, I'll make photos of you in front of Everest", Igor asked his daughter to stand before at Shyangboche and captured many photos by pretty good new professional camera. I was enjoying upon their happiness which was one of my goals of the trip. I'd been to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar and other parts of Khumbu region for several times since April 1994. For me, interesting was to take change to capture a photo of Khumbila- a holy mountain of Khumbu region covering with little snow.

Igor is my friend from

Russia

. We know each other since one decade. We together have done memorable trips including Lhasa-Manasarobar and Mt. Kailash circuit, Annapuran B.C. and many more. This time, he handed over a responsibility to make a trip to Shyangboche with one night stop over at Everest View Hotel- the best and the hotel situated at the highest elevation from the sea level in the world at 3800m with his 12 years old daughter.

Bishnu and Kongde

It was a bit challenge for me, but I had convinced him with my little high altitude trekking experience that there will be no problem at all, and in case anything happened, I had confidence to handle them properly. Because it was below 4000m. Though, it was an altitude challenge to her as she had come from St. Petergsburg. I was committed and prepared to make this short five day trip (27 -31 March 2011) a grand success.

Terribly long waiting at Kathmandu domestic airport for Lukla flight due to cloudy weather had made them tired and me nervous. At around 1330 hrs. on 27 March 2011 when all passengers were boarded in Tara Air and tightened seat belts, their face was like a rose flower melting the day long hunger. But suddenly, our face including mine dried immediately when our flight turned back to Kathmandu within 15 minute due to thick cloud and rain. We're waiting for the last call that could be cancellation or also a last attempt to Lukla. The last chance, we had taken was at 1430 hrs. at the same day and finally we were at Lukla, I could realize a smile on my face, though the flight had crossed several bunch of thick cloud. All passengers in the plane were silent perhaps praying for Everest the last desire. Lukla is the gate way for Everest trekking.

Igor and Laxman a friend of mine doing both porter and guide's role were ahead of us at our first days' trek to Phakding. I felt uncomfortable, when she walked down on stone stair giving all weight to legs and unbalancing the body weight. Immediately, I moved ahead of her and asked to step-down slowly in the stone stair with full control over body weight, so that one could be safe from straightly falling down. She followed my suggestions in no-time and started to walk slowly. I became happy and my worry about it was over. I had never been in a trek with my kids at her age, but when we were together, they were already strong enough to trek. We're on time in Beer Garden Lodge at Phakding where my friends already had a cup of black tea.

Second day, planned for Namche was totally non-stop rainy day making us difficult to trek. I was suspecting that she might have little head ache during climbing up before Namche (3440m) as it will be over 3000m. But, before this, after lunch at around 2800m, she had severe headache. I asked her to drink water and walk very slowly taking long breadth in every two –three steps. She did exactly what I asked and it helped her.

"Bishnu, I've headache, some strange sound in my ear, my head is moving round and feeling tired", Ekaterina told me about one hour after lunch. At the moment, I got little nervous, though I had pre-expectation of that situation. We took several short stops. I took her in a tea house, provided a cup of black tea, and after ten minute rest, she felt better and we started, but slowly. Drink and slow walking is the best way to avoid altitude sickness at the beginning unless it becomes further difficult.

There was similar headache at the climbing before Namche, but I was not scared. Slowly but at the good spirit we had been at Namche together with little snow fall and cold wind. I could not stop crying, when she saw her father at the lodge and said 'pappa' in a childish and innocent voice. With full of tears and becoming proud, Igor congratulated on her strength and spirit. When all had tears of happiness, the snow was also falling, most probably congratulating her. This was over. Another big concern for me left was weather. Will the father and little daughter be able to see the mountains tomorrow? Despite unsure, I was telling them that the next morning will be bright, because it is not a rainy season.

Exactly that happened. The following morning was with sunshine and they were able to see all the mountains from Shyangboche. It was their good luck. At the days, when we reached at Shyangboche, the Everest View Hotel was empty which was fully booked one year before, when I had tried to book for them. The reason behind was that the Korean group, who had booked the room were unable to come due to flight cancellation of the previous days' continuous rain and snow.

So, in a short period of time, just in five days' the little beautiful girl had so good experience such as long awaiting in domestic airport without breakfast and lunch, the adventurous flight to Lukla, trekking in a rainy day, little high altitude sickness, rain and snow and finally friendly blue sky and the panoramic view of mighty Himalayas including the Everest. photo Everest (l)Amadablam (r)

In the high altitude trekking, you have to depend upon your own strength. It is fatal to be fast to get to your friend who might be better in walking than you. Do not worry for him; he/she will be waiting you at the lodge with a cup of black or Nepali Masala tea with milk and sugar. Be slow and safe, beautiful and luring Himalayas are always in front of you.

For comment please write: bishnu@nmdc.org.np or sharmap_bishnu@yahoo.com