Divine International Explore & Treks

2010-09-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our blog have moved to http://blog.divineexplore.com.sg.

Insider Tips : Kathmandu - An Exclusive with Deepak

2009-12-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

Get magnificent views of Mount Everest without trekking. Then take in the temples or shop for local arts and crafts.

By Tan Yi Hui
ST Life! Travel 1 Dec 09

When it comes to Kathmandu, Nepal, Mr Narayan Bahadur Shrestha knows it like the back of his weather-beaten Sherpa hand.

Not only does the 36-year-old Nepalese run a trekking agency based in Kathmandu and Singapore, he is also an Honorary Public Relations Representative from the Nepal Tourism Board.

“Kathmandu is much more than just a transit point for trekkers. You could shop there for exotic spices, authentic Nepalese tea and carpets,” says the Singapore permanent resident who is married to a Singaporean.

Kathmandu, situated about 1,400m above sea level, is the capital and largest metropolitan area of Nepal. The country’s history dates as far back as the 12th century and the cradle is the Kathmandu Valley, with the rich heritage of the Newari indigenous people from the region.

Here are his tips on touring the spiritual city.

CULTURAL IMMERSION
Pashupatinath Temple is the biggest Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bagmati river in the eastern part of Kathmandu. A taxi ride from the city centre to the temple takes half an hour and costs about $4. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is renowned as one of the sacred places to observe cremations. Only Hindus, however, are allowed to enter its premises. Non-Hindu visitors can view the temple only from the other bank of the Bagmati river.

About 15km south of Kathmandu is Bungamati Village. It is a pleasant traditional Newari village dating back to the 16th century. Manay master wood carvers and sculptors live there.

Mr Shrestha says:“I would recommend this village to visitors who are interested in photography or painting.”

EXOTIC SHOPPING
Thamel, the city centre of Kathmandu, has excellent variety of shops offering items from traditional Nepalese arts and crafts, handmade clothes and pottery to jewellery and antiques. A pashmina shawl, made of fine cashmere wool, costs between $6 and $20. Carpets are a big business in Nepal and carpet weaving is a beautiful traditional art. For carpet shopping, head to Jawlakhel, located in the neighbouring Patan city, south of Kathmandu, a 45-minute drive away. Mr Shrestha says: “Nepal presents an exciting shopping opportunity for all those who love non-conventional stuff.”

MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Swayambhunath, or Monkey Temple, is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. It offers a glorious sunset view of the whole Kathmandu Valley and Langtang mountain range on a clear day. The complex consists of shrines and temples and is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. For an even more majestic view without having to trek, check out Nagarkot, a popular area with hill resorts boasting magnificent scenery of the eastern Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, says Mr Shrestha. It is a two-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu with lots of lovely quaint houses and paddy fields along the way.

BITES AND SIPS
Bhanchha Ghar Restaurant is a Nepalese restaurant in a traditional three-storey Newari house in Kamaladi, next to a Garnesh temple. There is an upstairs loft bar where you can stretch out on handmade carpets and cushions for a drink, snacks and a cultural show. He says: “ Try to arrive before 7pm. After the show, go downstairs for an excellent set menu of traditional Nepali dishes and delicacies. When I host dinner for my guests here, we usually go for the set Nepali Thali consisting of curry chicken, bitter vegetable, wild boar meat, dhal, rice, momo, fried potato and dessert. A meal for two, including drinks and alcohol, may cost about $40.” And finally, to unwind, head down to the Himalayan Java Café in Thamel. The place offers about 100 varieties of coffee and other beverages, according to Mr Shrestha. A cup of good coffee costs around $4. He adds: “ Its range of ice-blended coffee is one the best in town.”

Bhutan : A Trekker’s Paradise

2009-11-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

The majesty of the snow-laden Himalayan mountains, rising abruptly from the plains of the Indian subcontinent is a sight beyond comparison.

Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayas to the east of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim and to the south of the autonomous region of Tibet. When you fly into Bhutan on a clear day from Delhi and Kathmandu, you will see 8 of the 14 highest mountains of the world, including Mt Everest, as well as a range of impressive Bhutanese peaks to the east. Silence besets the passengers on the Druk Air flight as they experience the awe-inspiring approach to Paro airport.

On a Bhutan trek, views of mountain ranges soaring to above 7000m are enjoyed in all their splendor – the lofty Jumolhari (7314m), the pointed Jichu Drakey (6794m), Thsering-Gang (6789m), Masang-Gang (7149m), Gangkhar Puensum (7239m) and many others.

Most of the trekking routes in Bhutan are in the central and northern areas, known as the Higher Himalaya. Trekkers start from altitudes of around 2400m and cross passes as high as 6000m. The lower altitude winter trekking routes that range between 1300m and 1800m enable the less hardy trekker to enjoy the beauty of a semi-tropical and tropical climate.

All the treks are a paradise for lovers of flora, fauna and photography. Bhutan has close to 700 species of birds. Of these, 24 are registered as endangered species. There are 46 species of rhododendron with at least 4 found only in Bhutan. The Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Golden Langur and Takin are some of the rare animals that can be found in Bhutan.

The trekker will often feel transported a hundred years or more back into the past. The way of life in the countryside has changed little: subsistence farming is the norm in Bhutan and the culture is strongly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism and the rigours of living in the mountains. However, there are many anachronisms that pleasantly remind us of the present, one of them being the eloquent English skills of even the smallest primary school children who will greet you with “Hello sir, hello madam” as you approach their village.

We have a range of trekking routes suitable for the first timers, the adventurous and the hard core trekkers. Take your pick!

Best Season: Nov - Feb Low Altitude Treks (Grade 1 – 2)

11 Days Bhutan Samtegang Trek & Cultural Tour

14 Days Punakha Winter Trek

Best Season: Mar - Jun (for alpine flowers) & Sep - Nov Medium Altitude Trek (Grade 2 - 3)

15 Days Bumthang Cultural Trek 10 Days Gasa Hot Spring Trek & Cultural Tour (Nov - Feb)

10 Days Bumdrak Trek with Cultural Tour

12 Days Chelila Nature Trek with Cultural Tour

Best Season: Mar - Jun and Sep - OctHigh Altitude Treks (Grade 4)

12 Days Druk Path Trek with Cultural Tour

12 Days Drakey Pangtso Trek with Cultural Tour
14 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

For more info, visit www.nepalexplore.com.

Romance in the rough

2009-10-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

Straits Times 13 Oct 2009

Romance in the rough

By Tan Yi Hui

For some newlyweds, honeymoons are all about having an adrenalin rush in a rugged environment.

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Introduction

When climbing a mountain in Nepal last year, Ms Alice Giam was floored by altitude sickness. A ruggedly handsome Nepalese man who was on the same trekking team carried her on their two-hour journey back to the safety of the base camp.

She was so moved that she would have married him right there and then if he had asked. Only thing was, she was already married to him. Ms Giam and Mr Narayan Shrestha was on their honeymoon.

For most people, honeymoons mean romance and relaxation but there are adventurous couples who literally venture off the beaten path, looking for an adrenalin rush or a rugged experience to mark their marriage.

So why do some newlyweds rough it out? Mostly, it is because they share a love for the outdoors.

Mr Shrestha runs a trekking agency in his country and met Ms Giam when she signed up for one of his tours.

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Story

On a misty mountain path more than 4000m above sea level, Ms Giam is decked out in trekking gear as she stands firm in the chilly wind. It is her third day waiting for her husband to return from Island Peak, a 6190m summit in the Himalayas in Nepal.

Finally, familiar shapes appear through the mist. She strains to see if he is among the trekkers and spots him in his red jacket. She runs to embrace him, almost tripping over rocks in sheer relief and joy.This reunion scene straight out of a Hollywood movie was the highlight of the couple’s honeymoon last year.

They met two years ago on a trekking trip in Nepal. Ms Giam, a Singaporean, was a first-time mountain climber and her guide was her future husband.

Mr Shrestha, a Singaporean permanent resident, runs a trekking agency based in Nepal and Singapore.They got married last year and went on an 18-day trip to scale Island Peak. Such a trip costs about $3600 a person, including airfare from Singapore, but the couple paid only a fraction of the price because they went with their own agency.

Ms Giam quit her events planning job to join her husband’s company after the wedding.She says:” We went on a few trekking trips when we were dating, but I’m not as strong as he is and I do get altitude sickness. Two weeks before the honeymoon, I had nightmares about it. But he had been wanting to tackle the peak and since we were married, we thought, why not do it together? If I had backed out, it would have spoilt the mood.”

Sure enough, at 5000m above sea level, altitude sickness hit her. She could have descended to safety of the base camp with escorts, but Mr Shrestha insisted on carrying her down himself – a two-hour trek – before resuming his journey towards the summit.

Chuckling fondly at the memory, Ms Giam says:” Somehow, I felt like, oh, I chose the right husband.”She waited anxiously for three days for his return.

As his birthday fell on one of those days, she had prepared an apple pie for him. Laid out in candy on the pie were the words “Happy Birthday, Deepak”.

Accommodation throughout consisted of Spartan trekkers’ lodgings with “wooden walls so thin you could hear the person next door snoring””.

But Ms Giam says:” Romance doesn’t have to be about lying on the beach. It’s about the little things that you do for each other on a trip.”

She and Mr Shrestha are not done yet. They intend to hit a new high when they have children one day.

Says Ms Giam:” We’ll take our kids to Everest.”

Message from Kagbeni

2009-10-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

Kagbeni

An sms appeared on Deepak's handphone 2 nights ago :

"Namaste Deepak and Alice from Kagbeni. We have had a fabulous trek. Hard sometimes but worth every minute. The crew is what makes all the hard parts easier. Thank you both for making such thorough arrangements. See you in Singapore. Don can bring anything you need to send to Nepal. Regards, Angie"

What wonderful news, Angie, to know that you are at the tailend of your Mustang trek(after almost a year of planning???). Today, Dhruba said you are on the way back to Kathmandu. We're sure Tin and Khrisna did a great job looking after you ladies. Can't wait to see you both and the gorgeous photos (and maybe some behind the scene stuff..keke).

Take a Moment

2009-08-06T06:10:00.002-07:00

"Stars for a Cause" on Channel U showcased Taiwanese Linda doing volunteer teaching in Nepal. Deepak and I caught this episode together at home. Linda's experience tugged my heartstrings towards the end of the show, simply because I was watching this with a living example of village kid beside me.

Watching this episode reminds me yet again that no matter how many years we have brought individuals and schools to help the village schools and communities, there is so little we can do to help them each time. Over the years, although we have seen some results, it is still so minute when I step back to look at the whole picture.

And then I looked at Deepak.

At a tender age, he understood that his family could not afford for him to further his education even though he was able to enter Secondary stage. He heard his first English word from an English trekker in the village. He decided to move to Kathmandu city to seek a future and not burden his family financially. He seeked various jobs and finally landed as an office boy in a travel agent and worked his way up - no one can imagine the extreme hard work he put in, including sleepness nights around the clock. And then he went on to learn English, Mandarin, computer, business etc. Today, he is Managing Director of Divine International.

I am so proud of him.

I thought : What if he had never left the village and continued to herd cattles and work in the plantation?

I cried.

Tibet Adventure

2009-07-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Horsemen around Lake Namtso

Chih Lin, Siang Yu, Ethan and Leonard embarked on their graduation trip to Nepal and Tibet in May this year. They had intended to do a long trip to Tibet until they saw what we have on trekking in Nepal.

Deepak put together a 19-day Ghorepani Trek and Central Tibet Tour for the bubbly group. For their Central Tibet Tour, the excitement includes crossing Nyalamu pass (3800m) and Lalung La pass (5082m), Tashilunpo Monastery, Lake Namtso Drepung, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, crossing the Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m) Pass, Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery.

Over a KFC dinner last week, we were happy to learn that they are out in the working world now and reminiscing the trip has brought back wonderful memories and lots of laughter!

Looking through their trip photos, we could literally felt their excitement along the trip. I was most impressed by the shots taken at Lake Namtso and the sun tanning yaks along the beautiful shores against the backdrop of snow peaks.

Their customized itinerary is as follow while all photos featured are copyrighted with compliments from the group.

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu – Pokhara - Birethanti
Day 3: Birethanti- Ulleri
Day 4: Ulleri - Ghorepani
Day 5: Ghorepani – Poonhill - Tikhedhungga
Day 6: Tikhedhungga – Birethanti - Pokhara
Day 7: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 8: Kathmandu - Zhangmu
Day 9: Zhangmu - Nayalam
Day 10: Nayalam - Tingri - Latze
Day 11: Latze - Shigatse
Day 12: Shigaste - Gyantse (3950m)
Day 13: Gyantse - Lhasa (3650m)
Day 14: Lhasa - sightseeing
Day 15: Lhasa - sightseeing
Day 16: Lhasa-Lake Nam Tso-Lhasa
Day 17: Lhasa – full day free and easy
Day 18: Lhasa – Kathmandu - Nagarkot
Day 19: Nagarkot- Kathmandu- Singapore

Click here to view photos their Tibet journey.

Click here to view other info on Tibet

Trekking Jomsom (Noreen & Aden)

2009-07-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Trekking the classic Jomsom route

Noreen and Aden approached us earlier this year for their trek to Jomsom, Nepal. At their request, Deepak put together a 19-day program covering the classic Jomsom route, whitewater rafting in the famous Kali Gandaki River and Chitwan National Park for a safari experience.

The Kali Gandaki River is one of the major rivers of Nepal and a left bank tributary of the Ganges in India. The headwaters of the river are formed at an altitude of 3,900 m in the Mustang region of Nepal, which borders Tibet. The river is notable for the deep gorge through which it flows and for a large hydroelectric facility in Nepal.

Deepak happened to be in Nepal while they were there so they met up for meals. It was unfortunate that the rafting at Kali Gandaki (Grade 4-5) did not happen due to transport strike. However, we managed to turn the situation around and arranged for rafting at Trishuli River (Grade 2) – well, not a total loss after all.

Rinji was their chief guide for this trek and apparently a joy to have around. Though a senior guide, Rinji still comes across as rather shy and can be quite stiff around strangers. That said, he is one real popular guy among our trekking groups!

Their customized itinerary is as follow while all photos featured are with compliments from Noreen and Aiden.

Day 1: Arrive - Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu – Pokhara - Birethanti
Day 3: Birethanti - Ulleri
Day 4: Ulleri - Ghorepani
Day 5: Ghorepani – Poonhill - Tatopani
Day 6: Tadapani - Ghasa
Day 7: Ghasa - Tukche
Day 8: Tukche - Marpha-Jomsom-Kagbeni
Day 9: Kagbeni - Muktinath
Day 10: Muktinath - Jomsom
Day 11: Jomsom - Pokhara
Day 12: Pokhara - Kali Gandaki Rafting
Day 13: Kali Gandaki Rafting
Day 14: Kali Gandaki Rafting - Pokhara
Day 15: Pokhara - Chitwan National Park
Day 16: Chitwan National Park
Day 17: Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu
Day 18: Kathmandu
Day 19: Kathmandu - Departure

Click here to view their trek photos.
Click here to view other Jomsom or lower Mustang itineraries.

Post Everest Catch Up

2009-07-08T00:24:00.000-07:00

Front Row (L-R)
Priscilla, Yuki, Cherry, Kim Boon, Wenting, Xin Fang,

Back Row (L-R)
Mui King, Yvonne, Mrs Ang, Yihui, Peh Gee, Jane, Esther, Lihui, Alice, Joanne

Last Saturday (4 Jul), I had the pleasure to be invited to the "Post Everest Gathering" with the SWET and the Christ Church Sec Team at Mui Kiang's house. It was informal yet nice as we are able to catch up with one another more intimately on one of their most adventurous gig in Nepal.

The ladies of SWET looked good after weeks since their return and the Christ Church girls seemed to have recovered from their withdrawal syndrome (Well, I suffered that for a month when I returned from my first Nepal trip).

As much as I have read about climbing Everest, I could not resist chatting with Jane and Lihui about the reality of overcoming the Hillary Step. What was it really like trying to cross the final hurdle to reach the Summit? Were their oxygen tanks at the Balcony when they descend?

Hearing from the horse's mouth, it was indeed a challenge at the Hillary Step, mainly you need to use all your might to pull yourself up the rocks and the slipperyness did not help. By the time you were done, you would have been extremely exhausted. And thank God, the replacement oxygen tanks WERE at the Balcony waiting for them. We had all read horror stories about the tanks being stolen upon descend. If so, one can hardly last till Camp 4 from Summit.

*Shudder*

I finally got to chat with the CCSS girls on their sentiments of the journey to EBC. Though 2 of them did not make it there, I sensed they understood a lot more about their own fitness, teamwork, overcoming difficult times and what really matter in their own journey.

And of course, everyone was asking for their handsome Uncle Deepak who was still in Nepal. Well, it will not be the last time we are all going to see one another - for our friendship will still go a long way.

A phone call from Kathmandu

2009-06-06T19:25:00.001-07:00

Last night while I was having my dinner, I received a phone call from Kathmandu. It was a man's voice on the other end and he kept saying Hello to me and repeating his name. I literally took 10 seconds before I started to exclaim: "Omg, you're JB!".

It was really warm to hear from JB who was my ex-colleague from my exhibition days almost 8 years ago. I made some good buddies during my tradeshow stint in Korea and JB was one of them. We had some good fun, talked about life and future and they bring me for Korean food.

JB got my contact through another Korean buddy Dean who has since settled in the States with his family. He casually mentioned about his trip to Nepal just the day before departure to Dean and was shocked to learn that I had married a handsome Nepalese guy and living in Kathmandu.

Interestingly, JB called up Deepak in Kathmandu and introduced himself to get my contact. And more interestingly he requested for Deepak's help to arrange for a helicopter tour to Everest.

I had a short catch up over the phone with this long lost buddy and was equally excited that he had settled down and was in Kathmandu to visit his in-laws who live in Kathmandu and own a business. By the end of our conversation, I was hopeful we would meet in Kathmandu the next time, since we are likely to travel in and out of Nepal due to family ties.

Deepak managed to arrange the flight for him and his family and they had arranged to meet in town for a quick discussion on the logistics. It all felt so surreal but the episode really took place. My Nepalese husband get to meet my long-lost Korean friend in Kathmandu discussing about helicopter flight while I sat in Singapore, missed the chance of meeting and wondered how their meeting would be like.

Amazing.

Christ Church Secondary Girls Team at Everest Base Camp

2009-06-05T02:04:00.000-07:00

Christ Church EBC Girls with SWET at Everest Base Camp

The EBC Girls were back!

Known as the Centre of Interest in Outdoor Education, Christ Church Secondary School started planning for an 18 day trek to Everest Base Camp since last year. Emulating after the Singapore Women Everest Team, this adventure team was made up of 3 female teachers (Ms Puah, Mrs Ang, Ms Tay), 6 girls (Cherry, Wenting, Yuki, Xin Fang, Priscilla & Cheryl) and a female trip leader from YMCA. They have only one goal – to trek to Everest Base Camp (5360m) and meet up with the Singapore Women Everest Team (perhaps).

It was an honor for Divine to be given the opportunity to collaborate with the school again for the third time in their outdoor adventures. We were very excited about bringing the girls to the Everest Base Camp and back safely.

During the trip briefing at the beginning of the year, many parents were listening intently what to expect for their daughters who were training rigorously then. Deepak, being the representative official from Nepal Tourism Board, gave parents more insights to Nepal and its mountains. No questions went unanswered, we were glad we gained their support and understanding by the end of the session. Thereafter, our efforts were focused on making all arrangements to ensure the girls’ successful journey to the Base Camp.

In March, Deepak and I were back in Kathmandu for work and home visit. We met the team upon their arrival. Not leaving anything to chance, we conducted yet another detailed briefing over lunch and made sure everyone absorbed the information and was well-prepared. Everyone was excited about the impending journey even though they had seen photo slides and were briefed by their teachers. I should have videoed their little ‘Diamox* Ceremony’ over dinner. I have not seen anything as hilarious as what they did – must ‘yum seng’ with the Diamox pill* before swallowing!
(*Note: Diamox is the most tried and tested drug for altitude sickness prevention.)

The EBC Trek we had planned for the group was a well-paced one including acclimatization days and buffer for possible flight delay. As the altitude got higher, the more challenging it got for them. We were back in Singapore during the course of their trek but monitored the journey everyday. Their chief guide Tin would call us from various phone points to report safety.

After almost trekking for almost 10 days, 6 of them made it to the Everest Base Camp (5360m) and met up with the Singapore Women Everest Team. The experience of having made it there and meeting up with their mentors was exhilarating! For these teenagers who grew up in the tropics, I would say it was no mean feat.

They had seen for themselves how a Base Camp dotted with expedition tents looked like, experienced the wonders of standing triumph at the foothill of Mount Everest and understood in this journey that nothing is impossible if they set their hearts to it. It was truly an experience of a lifetime for them.

It must have felt surreal upon return to the city. The team was back in Singapore on 13 April. Guess what? They are now known as the ‘EBC Girls’ in school and I believe whom many regard as role models because of what they achieved.

With the victorious return of our very own Singapore Women Everest Team and the inspiring journey made by the Christ Church team, I wondered, what would our very own Everest be?

Perhaps we can take a moment, think about a seemingly impossible task for ourselves and set our mind (or heart) to achieve it? I am sure the achievement will impact and change the way we live.

For now, these amazing EBC Girls seem to be aiming for Island or Mera Peak next.

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Click here to see the girls’ gorgeous album of their Everest journey.

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What The EBC Team Says

The overall organization is good. I enjoyed being able to meet up with Tin & Khrisna, working with them again in the trek and seeing the smiles and satisfaction in my girls. Divine provided excellent service. Both the guide, assistant guide and even support staff like Dhruba, Pasang & yourself doing the administration and hotel arrangement has been great in adding value to the whole trip!! Thks. I would like to explore Mustang, Green Lake (Sikkim) and Tibet next with Divine.

Ms Phua Mui Kiang, Teacher

The guides are very friendly and helpful. I will travel with Divine again and explore Nepal again because of this experience.

Mrs Ang – Lim Li Hoon, Teacher

The trip organization is excellent! Very friendly, effective. Divine’s staff and services exceeded my expectations.

Yvonne Tay, Teacher

The trip organization is excellent. Very responsive and attentive team. Very at ease knowing that my guide is well prepared.

Melissa Mak, Trip Leader

I enjoyed the nature, the beauty of the mountains. Divine staff were efficient. Great job and keep up the best work! :) It was the best trip I ever had. Definitely I’d recommend to everyone. I would like to explore water rafting and Mera Peak next in Nepal.

Cherry Fan Li Wen, Student

The trip was well organized and I enjoyed having our guides with us. Excellent service and awesome staff. I would want the same guide on the next trip that I am going. Would like to explore Island Peak.

Noriyuki, Student

I enjoyed the snow fight and treks the most in the trip. Excellent and awesome guides. I want the same guide for every of my trip (Uncle Tin!). I would travel with Divine again and explore ABC and Island Peak.

Tan Wen Ting, Student

The trip was fun! Learning and trekking together with the teram and guides. They are very nice people and the service is good.

Ng Xin Fang, Student

The trip is very good. I enjoy dinner time most. I would like the same guides on my next trip. I would like to explore Island Peak.

Priscilla Yau, Student

The trip was very good. Enjoyed the company of the team and the guides along the trek. Very good service. I would like to explore Mera Peak.

Cheryl Koh Tian Yi, Student

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IN THE MEDIA

Singapore women reach Everest Base Camp
Posted: 09 April 2009 1036 hrs

Nepal: The team of Singapore women climbers have reached Everest Base Camp, bringing them closer in their attempt to scale Everest. In an update emailed from the camp which stands at 5300 metres above sea-level the women said they were spending time getting acclimatised.

"After close to five years of preparation, we're finally here!" said a member of the NATAS SWET team in an email sent through a communication platform set up with support from Singapore telecommunications firm SingTel. The six-member team ascended Everest Base Camp (EBC) from Lobuche high camp (5,200m) climbing over rocks and boulders in the darkness.

Although the team's EBC 'home' for the next two months is at a height of 5,300m which is higher than most mountains in the European Alps, it didn't prevent visitors from dropping by.

Giving the women a pleasant surprise were students and teachers from Singapore's Christ Church Secondary School. They had treked hills to pay the visit which saw the students leaving littles notes written on song sheets while the teens made their journey to meet the Everest team.

"This journey was meant to inspire and instill confidence in the students and as a gesture of encouragement to the team" said a member of Singapore's first women Everest team.

"We were immensely touched and inspired by their visit... We were very encouraged by this and impressed by the strength and perseverance they have displayed in making their way here. They said that this was their little way of reminding us of Singapore, but to us, their presence have already brought 'home' to us, right here in the Himalayas."

The team of led by student development officer Jane Lee, 24; training facilitator Sim Yihui, 26; copywriter Esther Tan, 26; pharmaceutical-product specialist Lee Lihui, 27; business owner Joanne Soo, 38; and army officer Lee Peh Gee,32; embarked on their historic climb on March 21.

Click here to read original post on Channel News Asia online.

Fairfield Methodist School - Service Learning in Sikkim March 2009

2009-06-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

Audrey learning knitting from Sikkimese students

Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) embarked on a Service Learning Trip in Sikkim recently in March. As long time partner with the school for programs in Nepal, it was exciting as we ventured together into Sikkim - one of the most beautiful states in India. Some of the breathtaking highlights of Sikkim includes its mountains (Mt Kangchendzonga – the world’s third highest mountain), lakes (Tsomgo Lake), monasteries (Rumtek Monastery) and scenic villages (Lachung). Popular with travellers seeking the road less travelled, Sikkim is also a trekking paradise tucked away in North India.

Peter, who is a very experienced trip leader and a dear friend led the trip. We had to transit overnight in Kolkotta before proceeding to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

For this trip, we had chosen to partner with Bojogari Junior High School for our program. On the first day in school, the assembly made a deep impression on all of us. Everyone was punctual and gathered at the assembly ground. All the students from the junior classes to the higher levels sang the prayer and anthem with pride and emotion. Looking back, I wondered if I ever sang our national anthem with the same pride. Our group was given a warm welcome by the school and was treated to a dance performance by the students.

In the few days that we were there, our students were tasked to complete 2 sets of painting jobs. The majority gave a new coat of paint to an independent block donated by the Rotary Club. The creative ones (surprisingly most of them boys) drew wall paintings in the nursery class. Interestingly they did have ‘hidden talents’ and were able to work very well together to complete the wall murals. I must say the end result was commendable. Together, teachers and students created life-like images of Bugs Bunny, Tasmania Devil, Mickey Mouse, Tweety Bird etc for the nursery class! Even the local teachers and students were impressed.

We had specifically arranged for teacher and students to learn not only one but three languages – Hindi, Bhutia and Lepcha, in the lesson exchange segment. It was obvious the local students enjoyed learning Mandarin from our students. All of them enjoyed having time to interact with one another learning the local handicrafts and playing games in the outdoors.It was indeed both touching and encouraging to witness the bonding of the students from both schools irregardless of race, language or background.

Singapore students are fortunate to be born in a developed country with a developed educational system to pave their learning journey. However they always have much to learn about humility, contentment and priorities and needs in life when they visit the developing countries or states. For this trip to Sikkim, they have definitely brought back very unique experiences and yearning to do more in community service in their own capacity.

From the Divine team, we certainly would like to give a vote of thanks to the school organizing team who worked hard to make the trip possible, the teachers on the trip who shared our passion and complemented our efforts in leading the programs. And to all you boys and girls, for the wonderful friendship that will last for a long time to come. (Yes, we will still meet when we next come by school)

And to Peter, a great job done, yet again!

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Click here to view the trip photo album.

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Click here to view feature article of the trip by Sikkim newspaper Now!

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What Some of Our Students Says

It was an enriching experience that touches my heart not only the activites but the people, I came back a changed person. Divine staff have exceeded my expectations. They were caring about our needs, they shared experiences that enriched my life and they were friendly even though sometimes strict. I learnt that I am fortunate that I was born in Singapore, to have family that I have and all the things around me are put into my life to mould me.

Jonathan Fong

The program was good and it was orderly and well organised. Divine’s staff had met my expectations especially Mr Peter Soon who ensures our safety. The students were participating at all times and he also keep us in order at all times. I learnt to cherish what I have and also treat everyone equal and with respect. I also learnt humility. I wish we could go trekking to know more about Sikkim. I would like to explore the mountains in Sikkim.

Jason Yeo

The overall program was well planned. Mr Peter Soon was always welcoming and being the one there to guide us. I learnt about humility and the attitude for learning. I would suggest a longer duration for interaction with the kids. Many of us just started to bond with them but now we are leaving. I would definitely want to visit Sikkim again and Mt Kanchendzonga, the world’s third highest mountain. More hiking!

Russell Ng

The program is very beneficial and the organisation very efficient. The trip was very well planned and execution smooth. Divine’s staff are also very friendly and sociable, making the trip very enjoyable. I learnt to be appreciative of what you have even though no matter how small. Also I’ve realised that we are very fortunate to be born in Singapore. The trip duration can be extended so we have more time to interact with the local children. This would help us learn more of their culture. I would want to visit Sikkim again and if possible I would love to trek and have school exchange program too.

Vincent Tan

I’ve learnt all the things I would never have learnt in Singapore. Material wants and superficiality are absent here in Sikkim. Instead, humility and simplicity of life is evident. It teaches me that you don’t need material wants to make you happy but just appreciate the simple things in life.

Prasanna Lynelle Chua

Face to Face with Youngest Nepalese Everest Climber

2009-06-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

Left to Right : Deepak, Tempa, Tshering & daughter

A dear friend of ours, Tshering, informed us before the Chinese New Year that his younger brother Tempa was in town recently. We agreed to meet up for dinner after our Sabah trip.

Although I have long heard of Tempa (his full name is Tempa Tsheri Sherpa) who is the youngest Nepalese climber to summit the Mt Everest in May 2001, I have never met him personally.Face to face, Tempa exudes warmth and was really nice to talk to. He spoke really good mandarin and we could converse with this common language.

He is currently pursuing his Degree in Business Management in Wuhan, China. Interestingly I found out there is a huge cohort of Nepalese who are pursuing their Medical Degree at Wuhan University.Tempa showed me his five fingers which he had to part with due to frost bite. It was just too cold up there at the South Summit. It is a real pity for a smart lad like him but he showed a lot of courage and nonchalance.

I asked Tempa “Did you ever regret overcoming Everest but losing your fingers?”He answered: “No, I do not regret. I am a Sherpa, my father climbed, my brother climbed. Climbing is in our blood.”

Kent Ridge Secondary - Service Learning in Nepal 2008

2009-06-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Kent Ridge Students at Nagarkot, Nepal

We organised Kent Ridge’s service learning trip to Nepal in November 2008.

We first met Sujeetha and Ms Lim in August for a trip discussion in August. It was the school’s first trip to Nepal and no one knew what to expect. When the trip was confirmed, everyone - teachers, students and even ourselves were really excited.

In the following couple of weeks, the Kent Ridge team went into an exciting phase of trip preparation from interaction programs to cultural showcase. We had also nailed down the project work for the trip, which was to reconstruct the volleyball court for a village school in Nepal. Sujeetha, Ms Lim and Ms Chua did a great job of leading the team and keeping them in line with the trip’s objectives.

Parents were equally enthusiastic when they learnt more about Nepal and the trip at the briefing session.

The trip turned out to be an amazing one for Deepak who personally led the trip. Everyone was very involved in their given tasks and gave their best in showcasing our ethnic culture through costume dress-ups. Our Nepalese kids were taught teeth-brushing techniques, oragami, art and craft which was a real eye-opener for them. The 2 huge beach balls which was brought over from Singapore certainly kept everyone happily occupied during break time!

The Kent Ridge team donated books, t-shirts, stationary, brushes and toothpaste sets to the school. Mr Pitam, the school principal, was really moved to receive such generous supplies on behalf of the school.

Towards the end of their service learning days, the team put up a collage made up of instant photo prints - all the very memorable times spent at the school, for everyone to view. Every Nepalese kids were also given their very own piece of printed t-shirt which made them really exctited!

By the end of the trip, it was a paradigm shift for everyone in their perception of Nepal. The visit to the country and the days of interaction with the locals helped deepen their understanding of the country which they previously knew only as a ‘third world country’ through the media. The harshness of life in Nepal had not only taught our students not to take things for granted but also to learn to appreciate what their parents was able to provide them.

Deepak and I are looking forward to their next trip and working with all the friendly and wonderful teachers who made the trip possible.

To view photos of the trip, please click Photos.

To view behind-the-scenes shots, see Previous Post.

To read the Thank You card that touched us, see Previous Post.

You can contact us if you wish to find out more about our trips or to organise a school trip.

Second Singapore women team reaches Everest summit

2009-06-03T22:17:00.001-07:00

938 Live l 22 May 2009 l 1011 hrs

SINGAPORE: Two more members of the NATAS Singapore Women's Everest Team have reached the summit of Mt Everest, 8,850 metres above sea level.

39-year-old Joanne Soo and 32-year-old Lee Peh Gee reached the summit of Mount Everest at 7.41am and 8.11am Singapore time respectively. The two women are currently making their way back to Camp 4.

The women from the first Singapore team - Jane Lee, Lee Li Hui and Esther Tan - are back at Everest Base Camp.

Team leader Jane Lee said: "All of us are very pleased and very happy, and I'm extremely proud of the team. Having stood on the peak of Mt Everest is like a dream come true. "The sense of fulfilment was extremely strong after finally being able to step on top of Mt Everest - after waiting, planning and training for the last five years."

The sixth climber, Sim Yi Hui, who had to turn back after experiencing chest pains, has recovered and is doing well. The 27-year-old training facilitator at Raffles Junior College suffered an inflammation of her sternum and ribs due to heavy breathing at high altitudes. She said: "At that point, it was very difficult for me to make a decision because I knew... it might be my final chance to go for the summit. But yet I knew that if I had gone on, my condition might deteriorate because at high altitudes, you never know what could go wrong. "It's very difficult to perform any rescue situation. I didn't want to put my other teammates and climbing sherpa at risk as well."

Her two team mates Joanne Soo and Lee Peh Gee are scheduled to reach base camp on Sunday afternoon.

The women's trainer and base camp manager, Lim Kim Boon, said: "I'm very proud of them. They are very determined. They set a goal and after so many years, they still stick to it, so... when they saw their dreams come true, we're really glad."

When asked about the future, Jane Lee said: "Well, I'm hoping that Mt Everest would open more doors for the team. Although Mt Everest is sort of our final climb, I'm hoping that together as a team, this will bring us more opportunities because we've met so many more people here, people who have climbed other places and people with much more experience. "We're hoping that after this, we will get our chance to continue our climbing as there are so many other mountains in the world. So, this will not be the end of our women's Everest team."

PM Lee congratulates Singapore Women's Everest Team

2009-06-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

Channel NewsAsia
23 May 2009 0940 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated the members of the Singapore Women's Everest Team on their successful attempt to reach the highest peak in the world.

In a congratulatory message released Saturday, Mr Lee described it as a major milestone for Singaporean women and the local sporting fraternity.

He added he was deeply impressed by their meticulous preparation, determination, courage and tenacity. Mr Lee also noted it took more than five years of hard work, in physical training, team building and fund raising in order for the team to make it to the top of the world's tallest mountain, 8,850 metres above sea level.

Two more members of the NATAS Singapore Women's Everest Team, 39-year-old Joanne Soo and 32-year-old Lee Peh Gee, scaled the summit of Mount Everest on Friday at 7.41am and 8.11am Singapore time respectively. T

he women from the first Singapore team - Jane Lee, Lee Li Hui and Esther Tan - reached the peak on Wednesday and are currently back at Everest Base Camp.

Team leader Jane Lee said: "All of us are very pleased and very happy, and I'm extremely proud of the team. Having stood on the peak of Mt Everest is like a dream come true."

Singapore's first ladies on Everest 2009

2009-05-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

TODAY Online.com
Thursday May 21, 2009
By Low Lin Fhoong

ARMED with a banner and placards, Republic Polytechnic students Atiqah Zaini and Renuka Singh were 3,519km away from Nepal, home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.

But that didn’t stop the 19-year-olds from sharing the joy - and the thrill - felt by the first Singaporean women to conquer Everest.At 3.45am yesterday (6am, Singapore time), Ms Jane Lee, Ms Esther Tan and Ms Lee Li Hui became the first Singaporean women to summit the 8,850 metre peak, located on the Nepal-China border.

The trio are part of the six-member National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (Natas) Singapore Women’s Everest Team.Ms Lee Li Hui, 27, was the first to reach the summit at 3.45am; followed by Ms Tan, 26, at 3.54am; and team co-leader Jane Lee, 25, at 4.43am.

The three women could not be contacted yesterday as they were still descending the mountain. They were scheduled to reach the Everest base camp tomorrow.

But their trainer, Mr Lim Kim Boon, who is also their base camp manager, offered a glimpse of how the women felt to be on top of the world, literally.“They are very excited except that the scenery is not as good as they had expected. And they all were very, very happy and very thrilled,” Mr Lim told Channel NewsAsia.

News of the three women’s Everest feat spread quickly among the 30-strong Mountaineering Alps Club at Republic Polytechnic, where Ms Jane Lee works as an experiential education officer and Ms Lee Li Hui, an academic associate.

By 1pm, about 80 students and staff had gathered at the Republic Polytechnic Centre to celebrate the women’s triumph.“They’ve made the school proud, and the country proud by being the first women’s team here to summit Everest,” said Ms Singh, who is one of the 10 female members of the mountaineering club started by Ms Jane Lee last September.Added Ms Atiqah, a second-year business computing student: “Jane’s our role model ... I want to be in her shoes one day, and conquer Everest.”

THE LONG JOURNEY

The Everest team left for Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 21. They had spent two months acclimatising and preparing for their summit attempt.It had been a tough journey for the women, who witnessed avalanches on the Khumbu Icefall during their third acclimatisation cycle.

The team were also forced to postpone their first summit attempt on May 11 and 12 due to weather changes. Last Friday, Ms Jane Lee’s team left the Everest Base Camp (5,300m)and began their push for the summit from Camp 4 (7,950m) at about 8.on Tuesday, before reaching the top yesterday morning.

The second team of Joanne Soo and Lee Peh Gee are scheduled to leave Camp 4 tonight for their summit attempt.Co-leader Sim Yi Hui, 27, who is having chest pains, will not be making the attempt.The team’s Everest success comes just five days short of the 11th anniversary of the first Singaporean ascent by Khoo Swee Chiow and Edwin Siew, who planted the flag in 1998.

The women’s triumph has been hailed as “another historic achievement” by their patron, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan.“They have once again demonstrated what our people can do against all odds when we set our minds to it ... I hope it will inspire many more Singaporeans to go forth and pursue their passions and achieve their goals,” Dr Balakrishnan said.

At the homes of the three women, the mood was not just one of joy but also relief.Ms Jane Lee’s father, Mr Lee Hua Nam, told 938LIVE: “I was very emotional when I heard the news, because I feel that mountain climbing is too strenuous and difficult… At least (now), she has a good result from it.”Ms Tan’s elder sister, Alice, said: ““My first thought when I heard the news was, thank God! ... We’re all elated and grateful that the training and hard work has paid off.”

The six women are expected to return to Singapore by June 15.

Cellphones to ring on Everest Summit

2009-05-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Nepal Telecom (NT) is planning to expand its cellular mobile service in the Everest region, enabling climbers to make and receive calls at the summit of Mt Everest (8,848m).

The NT plans to install a V-SAT station at Gorak Shep, a plateau near Everest Base Camp, which will be linked to Kathmandu. NT hopes that it will help people make and receive calls from the summit of the tallest peak in the world."

The installation of V-SAT will help bring the majority of the Khumbu region into NT's cellular mobile coverage. It will be completed by July," an official of the NT claimed. NT already has BTS at Lukla and Namchebazaar.

Until now, climbers have been using expensive satellite phones to communicate with their friends and relatives from the summit. The expansion of NT's service is expected to help thousands of trekkers and mountaineers who visit the Everest Region every year.

TAAN news

Dinner with Singapore Women Everest Team in Nepal

2009-05-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

A rare kodak moment for Nepal and Singapore Women Everest Team

Everyone enjoying themselves in the traditional Nepalese dinner setting

Two Everest team exchanging mountaineering tips and experience

Deepak with NTB officials

Non-stop conversation among the climbers

Deepak with Kim Boon, the SWET's coach

A toast to Summit Success!

A wonderful demonstration of the Nepalese dance

Dancing with popular Nepalese folklore Resham Firiri

Group photo with NTB officials, Nepalese & Singapore Women Everest Team

The amazing ladies

Joanne, Esther, Lihui, Alice, Deepak, Jane, Yihui, Peigee, Kim Boon

The Singapore Women Everest Team (SWET) made their way to Nepal on 21 March. While in Kathmandu, the team was busy with preparation for their camp supplies and trip arrangements. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) hosted a welcome dinner for the team the next day at Bhojan Ghar, a restaurant which serves traditional Nepalese cuisine with cultural performance. That evening, Deepak and I met up SWET. The six ladies looked good and were looking forward to the dinner. Kim Boon – their beloved coach and the seventh member of the team, was present as well. We had one more Singaporean guest – Tse Liang, an NTU student on internship with The Nepali Times, was invited as well. It felt more like a Singaporean gathering in Kathmandu!

The dinner was really happening. The NTB had invited some mystery guests to the dinner. Guess who turned up? It was the members of the Nepal Women Everest Team who had summited Mt Everest in June 2008. (See previous post)We were honoured to have them join us for dinner. No prizes for guessing what happened next : the ladies from the two teams were happy to meet one another and could not stop talking about their experiences. All of us had a hearty time over dinner and the cultural show was a great hit with everyone. The ladies really had a good time dancing with one another and I guessed it was the first time they had sampled traditional Nepalese cuisine in such an environment. They were always busy with trainings when they were in Nepal previously.

When it was time to leave, there was a hint of nostalgy in the air. Over the dinner, new friendships were forged and the team would be leaving for Everest soon. We ended the session with the essential group photo for momento and had them sent back safely to their hotel.

Click here to track the SWET’s journey to Mount Everest.

Jane, Yihui, Joanne, Lihui, Esther, Pei Gee:
All the very best in your summit bid and most importantly, return safe and sound.

Training Chung Cheng High Yishun at Bt Timah

2009-03-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

Taking a water break after 20 mins into the training session

The 2nd water break in the forest trail

Staircase climbing

The Summit!

The guys having fun before heading down from the Summit

The final round of staircase

Just one more...........

It was an exciting morning as we all gathered at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for our training session with Chung Cheng High Yishun. They will be leaving for Nepal on 11 March to trek Ghorepani and do some service learning after their trek. Everyone was in good shape after weeks of training in the school ground. We all did the forest trail and stair climbing and ventured all the way to the summit. Being with the students always reminds me of my own school days. We were not that lucky to have overseas trips and what more trekking in Nepal! It was an ungorgettable experience for me to trek Ghorepani and I hope it will be so too for Chung Cheng. Kudos to the teachers that made all these possible for them!

R&R in Sabah, Borneo

2009-02-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

The local coffeeshop which we tried different kinds of noodles

The exterior of the coffeeshop

Chendol at Baba and Nonya

Peranakan food at Baba and Nonya

Zen Garden room exterior

Grounds of Zen Garden Resort, outside Kinabalu Park

Restaurant managed by the Sutera chain in Kinabalu Park

Lounge besides the restaurant

What a gorgeous fried rice

Sumptous lunch in Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park as the backdrop (reminds me of the Amazon!)

Stairways into the park and off to Mt Kinabalu

Deepak posing before heading to the Botanical Garden

View of Mt K from Zen Garden Resort

Breakfast at Zen Garden Resort

Finally, we saw the Rafflesia sign along the road

On the way to the Rafflesia spot

The Rafflesia bud

Not allowed to climb in so...

We were away in Sabah over the Chinese New Year. it was the first time Deepak was visiting Sabah as a tourist and not a trip leader for our annual Mt Kinabalu expedition with schools and organisations. This photo series is a makan showcase more than anything else.

You can view the main album here.

Briefing for Ghorepani Trek at Chung Cheng Yishun

2009-02-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

Teachers, parents and students settle down for briefing

Everyone watching the video clip

Deepak begins his presentation of Nepal

Deepak and I were at Chung Cheng High Yishun last Saturday to brief all parents, teachers and students on their 11 days trip to Nepal. It was really nice to see many parents turned up for the briefing. Except for one parent who had been to India, none of the parents had been to Nepal or the Himalaya. We also met up with the VP Mr Toh who was jovial and told us that he had been to Nepal once many years back. The school is very supportive of the trip, their teachers and students.

We played a video clip for parents to have an overview followed by a detailed day to day run down of the trip. We also touched on the relevant travel information when visiting Nepal and advised the students on their trekking gear. Everyone was very attentive to us during the entire briefing. We believe the video and past experiences of various schools did alleviate many doubts and concerns of parents.

Deepak is always cautious to set the expectations of everyone heading to Nepal, to make them understand that they should have no expectations of a third world country and that they are there to learn and not enjoy.

We are looking forward to our Bt Timah triaining session with the kids and of course, to a successful trek in Nepal!

Briefing for Everest Base Camp Trek at Christ Church

2009-01-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone listening intently so as not to miss out details

Deepak paying attention too!

Q & A session with Deepak

We were at Christ Church Secondary School for a briefing session last night. As a centre for outdoor excellence, the school has organised many outdoor trips for its students.

We had the pleasure of participating in their trip to Annapurna Base Camp in 2007 and climbing Mt Kinabalu (see previous post here) in 2008.This round, we are really excited to be able to support YMCA for all its ground operations in Nepal for this amazing all-girls team to trek to Everest Base Camp!

It is inevitable for parents to worry for their girls going on the trip as everyone is a novice when it comes to trekking. What more, with little understanding about Nepal except its famous Moaist fightings and the perception of lack of food in Nepal....little do they know that millions of tourists flock there every year to do what their girls are doing! :)

Anyway, it helped that Deepak, as an officer from Nepal Tourism Baord and trek consultant, was there to share with views and gave an update of the current situation. Having been on part of the trek last year, I urged the girls to be clear in their objective and keep in mind what will motivate them on the trek. It is important to be focused and not habour any thought of giving up before trying.

It was wonderful to gain the parents' understanding (and a granny was there too!) at the end of the session. We look forward to assist the team in their quest and working towards a successful trip together.

Happy Chinese New Year 2009

2009-01-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

A yak walking in Dingbuche within the Everest National Park.

Dear all,

In the auspicious year of the Ox, we would like to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year! In good times or bad times, let us look forward to a better tomorrow everyday. Stay Happy!

Yours Sincerely,

All of us at Divine

Kent Ridge Secondary - Thank You Card

2009-01-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

Words cannot express our appreciation enough. Thank you very much.
Ms Sujeetha, Head of Department

~~~~~~~~~

Dearest Deepak,
Sincere thanks for all your effort! Your commitment and patience have certainly impressed me. I also enjoyed all your sharing of the Nepali culture and lifestyle. Thank You for everything! You have sone an excellent job!
Ms Lim, Teacher

~~~~~~~~~

Dearest Deepak,
It is a comfort to have you with us all this while. Your care, patience and attentiveness is greatly appreciated. Your smile never fails to brighten up our day. We’ve learnt a lot from you this trip. Sincerely, thank you.
Ms Chua, Teacher

~~~~~~~~~

Thank you so much for everything. Your patience inspires me. We will really miss you. You are very kind. Thank you so much.
Syubri

~~~~~~~~~

Thank You for this whole awesome trip and taking such good care of us.
Karina

~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for everything especially during the four hours trek! Thank You!
Felicia

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks a whole lot, Mr Deepak, for everything.
Peinah

~~~~~~~~~

Thank You for guiding us along in the trip.
Frederick

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for being so very patient with us!
Claudia

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for being patients and all.
Natt

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks a lot! Danyabad!
David

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for your guidance!
Azraa

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for guiding us for the whole trip!
Khalid

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks! We will be missing you!
Joanne

~~~~~~~~~

Thank You Very Much!
Indah

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for guiding us along!
Diana

~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for everything.
Fatimah

~~~~~~~~~

Thank you very much!
Yong Wen

~~~~~~~~~

Thank you so much!
Maxine

Kent Ridge Secondary in Nepal 2008

2009-01-13T21:50:00.000-08:00

Sent-off at Changi Terminal 2

Briefing upon arrival in Dhulikhel

Breakfast at Dhulikhel

Loading the luggages

Trekking from Dhulikhel to Nagarkot

Photo opportunity with Deepak

Toast and potatoes - Breakfast at Nagarkot

Eggs and Vegetables - Breakfast at Nagarkot

Beach ball for break time at village school

Oragami session

Teeth brushing techniques

A group shot with ethnic costumes from Singapore

How about a cake to celebrate the success of the trip?

Jake receiving his participation certificate from Deepak

The result of this trip - a brand new volleyball court

Kent Ridge Secondary School was in Nepal for their service learning trip in November 2008. If you have read about their trip and viewed the trip photos on our website www.nepalexplore.com , take a peek into those behind-the-scenes shots here. Our Singaporean students and teachers are really a great bunch of people to be with!

The All-About-Nepal Dinner at Vince's

2009-01-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

Deepak and Angie engrossed in the Mustang trip discussion

Gift from Angie - Beautiful painting of Annapurna Range

Our talked-about out of print book - 'East of Lo Monthang'

Deepak and I were invited to dinner at Vince's place at Bt Timah tonight. It was a joy to get together with everyone after so long. It reminded me of the first dinner we had at Angie's about a year ago when Deepak was planning their Everest Base Camp Trek and Panchase Trek in Nepal. Thereafter we met up for dinner at Shin's place after the trek.Tonight we had gathered again to conclude the Mustang/Jomson Trek which Angie, Don, Grace and Chia Chi are going for this May. Deepak also had an intensive discussion with Shin about a group painting trip to Nepal. Shin does wonderful water colour painting and it would be her second trip to Nepal to paint. We were all reminiscing about our last Nepal trip as we flipped through Vince's album and our Island Peak album.

I also brought back 2 very interesting books - Mastering Light & Shade in Watercolour by Mr Ong Kim Seng and East of Lo Monthang - In the Land of Mustang by Peter Matthiessen kindly loaned to us by Shin and Angie respectively. According to Shin, Mr Ong is famed for his paintings which he did in Nepal. Indeed, when I flipped through the gorgeous hard cover book, the paintings of the Nepalese architecture and daily lives stood out. And it was love at first sight when I set eyes on Angie's book on Mustang. First of all, the book is already out of print which makes it really precious (well, at least for all of us Mustang fans) and what more, who can resist the gorgeous photographs when you turn the pages?

The icing on the cake must be the gift from Angie - a painting of the Annapurna range in West Nepal. I had mentioned over the last luncheon that I loved a painting of the Everest by popular Nepalese painter D Ram but did not managed to get it. This gift from Angie more than makes up the regret I had, simply because it is a gift from a very special friend. Thank you so much Angie. The painting is now sitting nicely on our pink wall. It's a great piece to have for our nice cozy living room!

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) at ITB Asia Singapore 2008

2009-01-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

NTB officials and participants at NTB Booth (Deepak on extreme left).

NTB Booth

Edwin Siew at NTB booth

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) exhibited at one of Asia's premier travel trade show ITB Asia held in Singapore from 22 - 24 October 2008. Deepak and I were busy at the tradeshow floor promoting Nepal as a travel destination at the NTB booth. It was a hectic three days event with lots of follow-up work everyday after the show ended. The interesting thing was, at this trade show meant for trade visitors, we spoke to many who were enquiring about Nepal for their personal trips! I guess Nepal still stirs in the hearts of many as THE destination to visit once in their lifetime. And for those who have been, only they know why they kept returning. We were happy to play host to Deepak's colleagues from the NTB Kubil and Hikmat. They both loved Singapore food! It was also to meet Edwin who came to visit everyone at the booth. Edwin was one of the member of the first Singapore Mt Everest Expedition Team to summit Mt Everest on 25 May 1998. The show was a success for the NTB as we managed to raise awareness of Nepal's tourism scene to many agents who visited and participated at the show. Having returned from the Island Peak Expedition ourselves in early October, it was a joy for Deepak to share his climbing experience at the booth. We are looking forward to the next ITB Asia where we can create greater awareness about Nepal's political stability and travel highlights!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008

2008-12-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

This is us at the the Namche Bakery during our Island Peak Expedition this year

Hi all,

Namaste!

It’s been a truly rewarding and exciting year for us in 2008 at Divine.

For a start, more of you avid travellers and trekkers seeked us out to plan your trips to Nepal and around the Himalaya. It was our pleasure to have you travel with us and thank you for trusting us with your travel and trekking plans. It has been very enjoyable discussing your trips with you and even more so when you returned to share your travel tales with us. Thank you very much for all your feedback, photos, gifts and most of all, friendship. To those of you who recommended your friends and families to us, we thank you deeply for your support and hope we have served you all well.

To all teachers, despite the hefty planning, admin and operation work for each of our projects together, we salute you for your professionalism and tireless enthusiasm! Thank you for your constant feedback, sharing and trust. It is always a great learning experience as we work together to shape programs, learning objectives and travel needs for our students. Your insights are invaluable and we hope to incorporate more of them in next year’s programs. Besides, sports and CIP in the village schools, we are exploring cultural exchange programs and arrangement with the local Nepali schools in the city. We will continue to refine and explore new programs so they are customised to meet your objectives and remain relevant to your students’ learning needs.

This year we incorporated Divine as a private limited company and moved our office from Paya Ubi to Serangoon Avenue 4. We obtained our travel license and are working from a fully equipped home office. We always try our best to keep our office in pristine condition until the arrival of new travel brochures! Well, right now, the Kashmir collaterals are sitting in one corner right behind Deepak’s space. Interestingly, most of you are keen to check out our new office and we most certainly welcome you! I am trying to learn how to brew a good cup of masala tea so we can welcome you with a touch of Nepal when you next visit us.

At the end of year 2007, Deepak was appointed the Honourary PR Representative of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Singapore. We got real busy managing “Naturally Nepal Evening”, a roadshow and networking session for tour agents and operators at Traders Hotel. We had the pleasure of the Singapore Women Everest Team joining us at the event and introduced the iron ladies to the NTB officials. We helped organised a Nepalese song and dance item for Fairfield Methodist Secondary School when the school celebrated International Friendship Day. In August, NTB participated at the inaugural ITB Asia 2008, the largest travel trade show held in Suntec Convention Hall. Again, we helped put together the exhibition booth and had a successful presence at the event. In between events, Deepak played host to the Tourism Minister, NTB CEO and other NTB officials who came by Singapore.

On the media front, it has been an exciting time for us too. In 2007, NTUC Lifestyle magazine featured Nepal as the travel destination in its November issue on both its Chinese and English magazines. We met up again with the Chinese editorial team this time. We shall not reveal the content of the feature article but you can watch out for it in the February 09 issue of NTUC Lifestyle. We also appeared in ST Life! Travel to advice on last minute getaway to Nepal. You can view these articles in http://www.nepalexplore.com/media.asp. We were also approached to assist as a fixer for an episode on the ‘Culture X’ series in September (shown on Arts Central, now known as ‘OKTO’). It was great fun for our team in Singapore and Nepal as we made travel arrangements, co-ordinated the project, arranged for acting cast and even our staff doubled up as the main cast! Some of you may have recognised Subas and Tshering and wondered how come they were on TV…you were not seeing things, they were indeed filming for the documentary series! You can view the process here at http://divinesingapore.blogspot.com/2008/08/filming-in-nepal.html

Since the inauguration of our blog, many of you have shared that you enjoyed reading our blog. Thank you for visiting our blog. Despite running crazy schedules at work, we will continue to keep the stories coming in. Guess what, the best part of maintaining the Divine Blog is that we never run out of stories! As much as we enjoyed writing it, the constant challenge is to ensure consistency in uploading them. Usually we are not able to do so in Nepal due to extremely slow uploading speed. Hence, the lapse of inputs while we are away. :P That said, although our inputs may not be real time, the contents are certainly REAL and heartwarming. So, keep reading!

Moving on to 2009, while we work on other tourism-related projects and look to extend our marketing efforts to more parts of Europe and Asia, we also hope to open up more destinations. We also discovered many of you first timers favoured doing the easy trek route in Nepal. We will explore more easy treks so you can enjoy the great outdoors and nature in a stress-free manner. Obviously the toilets and showers will not be as comfortable as home but hey, ain’t this what adventure is all about? :)

That said, we do hope you would graduate from the easy trek routes and take the step to explore the other popular treks around Annapurna, Langtang and even Everest regions. If you talk to those who have been, the gleam in their eyes and the excitement in their speech will definitely spur you with a “Why not?” With a good sense of humour, some curiosity and belief in your ability, you can certainly achieve what many of us have. If you have been dreaming about doing THE trek and are unsure or have no time for guide books, talk to us. Let us help you turn your dream into reality and look back with a smile.

As for corporate clients, we are happy to continue customising your travel itinerary for that very important corporate retreat! Well, the price of air tickets are not exactly in our favour now. However, we are optimistic for next year as we begin planning new corporate trips in Spring (March to May) and look forward to falling ticket prices to the Himalayan countries!

As the end of the season and the year draws near, we are also looking forward to a much needed rest over the yuletide holidays. It is always good to be home – of course we meant Singapore – we look forward to meet up all of you either for good food or kopi and most of all, we would love to spend some time with our family and usher in the new year. Of course, for those of you who have been waiting for our return to discuss your trips, it is business as usual at our Serangoon office. We are closed on public holidays but will be contactable anytime. We will be away before the Chinese New Year but no worries, we will update our travel schedule when it is near.

Till then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Enjoy your holidays to the fullest and see you soon!

Yours truly,
Deepak and Alice

Our Travel Schedule in December 08

2008-11-20T01:37:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

Deepak and I will be in Nepal from 1 to 22 December. The best way to reach us is via email in our absence. Do include both our emails in your enquiries. We may not be able to check our emails if we are trekking, travelling or managing school trips. Otherwise,we will respond to your emails as soon as we can.

We are not able to check emails on these days :
Deepak : 1 - 8 Dec 08
Alice : 1 - 5 Dec 08

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to hear from you!

Warmest,
Deepak and Alice

Parent Briefing Session at Kent Ridge

2008-11-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

Parents and students listening intently to Deepak

Deepak addressing parents' concern

Deepak wrapping up the 2 hour session

Last week, we had a briefing for parents on the impending School CIP trip to Nepal. This is the first trip to Nepal for all the students and none of the parents have been to Nepal. However, they were very supportive and turned up to understand more about the country and what their kids would be doing there. Most of them were less apprehensive about letting their kids go to Nepal after seeing how beautiful the country is and detailed account of where the group will be and the activities they will be involved in. The 2 most commonly asked questions are :

a. Is it safe?

Our answer: It is very safe in Nepal since its general election on 10 April his year. Everyone goes about their daily life as normal as it is in Singapore.

b. How much money to bring?

Our answer: Not much, as everything is included in the package so parents do not have to worry about any extras.

It was really nice for parents to offer to donate items to our Nepalese kids and touching to see the effort students put in to prepare for the trip - be it fund-raising drive, personal handicraft making, relentless online research for materials, planning for on-site activities. Teachers too, are sparing no effort to ensure this a successful trip for students.

We are looking forward to this trip as much as everyone else!

Journey to Island Peak : Behind the Scenes

2008-10-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

First day at Lukla before start of trek.

Our room at Phakding.Looks like a typical Chinese Wedding Suite!

Guides and porters having their meals, the usual Dahl Baht (Lentil with rice)

Tin,our assistant guide for this trip,behind the well-stocked counter in Phakding

Porters resting on the way to Monjo

One porter hurt his leg. Deepak and Minma deliberating solution.

Slurping RaRa noodle soup at Shyangbuche

Enjoying tea break at a german cafe in Namche - our treat of the day

Shopping for food in Namche to be cooked at Base Camp and High Camp

Flush toilet in Everest Hotel at Namche!

The most delicious Dahl Baht at lunch point before Tengbuche

Slogging away in the wee hours on the way to Island Peak

Deepak standing proudly with Minma on top of Island Peak with Divine Flag

Specially baked apple pie for Deepak after his summit on his birthday

Everyone of us - trekkers, guides and porters having a celebratory dinner upon return to Lukla

Deepak brushing his teeth early morning at Lukla before fly-off

Retrieving our luggage at Kathmandu domestic airport

Our first meal at Everest Steak House in Thamel immediately upon return to civilization

So, you have read about our journey to Island Peak last month. And you have seen Deepak, Ham and Minma as our 'poster boys of the month' standing smugly on top of the peak. This mini album allows you to peek into what went on behind the scenes of this ardous yet delightful trip.

P/s: For those who wish to read about our journey and view the main photo album, you can do so at our website www.nepalexplore.com.

Dashain in Nepal 2009

2008-10-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have the chance to celebrate Dashain in Nepal!

Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon. Thorough out the kingdom of Nepal the goddess Durga in all her manifestations are worshiped with innumerable pujas, abundant offerings and thousands of animal sacrifices for the ritual holy bathing, thus drenching the goddess for days in blood.

In the first two days of the festival, most families will be eating meat as they offer animal sacrifices to the Gods. We had mutton in the house but we skipped the animal killing process and bought instant meat from the neighbourhood butcher instead.

On the third day, Deepak took me on an excursion to Kathmandu Durbur Square to witness the prayer crowd and soak in the festive mood. The Taleju temple at Hanuman Dhoka is opened for the public only once a year on this day. Thousands of people go and pay their respect to the goddess day. Temples of mother goddess are filled with people from dawn till dusk. On this day the official military sacrifices are held in the 'Kot' courtyard at Hanuman Dhoka. The government allows foreigners to witness this function so hundreds of tourists and diplomats eagerly gather here. Animals mostly black buffaloes are slaughtered by hundreds to honour Durga the goddess of victory and might and to seek her blessing. Military bands play war tunes, guns boom and officers with beautifully decorated medals in full uniform stand there. When the function ends the courtyard is filled ankle deep with blood. On this very day the god Vishwas Karma, the God of creativity is also worshiped. All factories, vehicles, any machinery instruments and anything from which we make a living are worshiped. The locals also give sacrifices to all moving machinery like cars, aeroplanes, trucks etc. to get the blessing from goddess Durga for protection for vehicles and their occupants against accidents during the year. The entire day is colourful.

It was a real eye opener and I bought a new set of Kuta from my favourite local market area Asan Tol. The streets were so colourful! Somehow it made me look forward to Chinese New Year back home where everyone was happy and busy for a common celebration.

The fourth day (actually the tenth day of the entire festival) is the 'Dashami'. On this day we take tika and jamara from our elders and receive their blessing. We visit our elders in their home and get tika from them while our younger ones come to our home to receive blessing from us. The importance of Dasain also lies in the fact that on this day family members from far off and distant relatives come for a visit as well as to receive tika from the head of the family. We were due to return to Singapore on this day, Hence we had scheduled our tika session in the morning.

I was really happy that we were able to spend this important festival with mom as our work and travel schedule always seem so hectic. Now we have to make sure we will be in Singapore for Chinese New Year!

Singaporean dinner in Nepal

2008-10-16T01:37:00.000-07:00

Clockwise from left: Edwin, Maria, Jaws, Baohua, Koh Shiuan, Me, Deepak,
Linda, Jennifer, Ham

Deepak and I hosted dinner for 8 Singaporean friends who were in town (Kathmandu). Edwin and Maria had jsut moved to Kathmandu and managed to settle in nicely in a studio apartment -like accommodation right in the heart of the city. Linda, Koh Shiuan, Jaws and Baohua returned from an enjoyable Langtang Trek. Ham and Jennifer deserved a good meal after an ardous Island Peak Expedition with Deepak. We reckoned everyone missed Singaporean food and decided to have the welcome-farewell party at our place instead. The spread of the evening were :

1. Chicken mushroom soup with Bak Kut Teh spice sachet

2. Prawn tempura

3. Cabbage with heh bee hiam (dried shrimp mixture)

4. Cauliflower with oyster mushroom

5. Fried toufu with Heinz bean meat suace

6. Chinese style curry chicken

7. Canned peaches and honeydew for dessert

It was really satisfying to be able to lay the table full of goodies in Kathmandu (although slightly more challenging in the kitchen and getting the ingredients, some 'direct imports' from Singapore! Haa!). However, we got worried when everyone did not arrive by 6:30pm. The vehicle was supposed to pick everyone from the hotel at 5:30pm. Due to bad traffic condition, our guests arrived at only about 8:30pm, mostly famished! The good thing that came out of this traffic drama was that they finished most of the food!

Personally I was looking forward most to my curry chicken and mom's recipe of the fried toufu. We all ate, exchanged trek stories and Maria was filling us with snippets of funny encounters in the period of settling in the city.

It was really nice having friends over at home with lots of laughter in the house. Next we'll be thinking about what to serve when our Hong Kong friends come over to Divine Homestay in December....

Briefing for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

2008-09-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just two years ago, I met Peter and his group of enthusiastic trekkers and trekked alongside them to Poonhill in Nepal. Both our treks were arranged by Deepak. Last Sunday, I joined Deepak to brief almost the same group of trekkers - friends and families who aimed to complete the ABC Trek this November. It's rather surreal how all of us got together again after two years.It was sure inspiring to see everyone listening intently to Deepak as he ran through the day-to-day journey in one of the most popular treks.

At the Taj

2008-09-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Last month we arranged a trip to India's Golden Triangle for two friends Jana and Tricia. The route covered Delhi-Jaipur-Agra and the highlight being the Taj Mahal. I had a lot of fun sharing my experience from my Rajasthan circuit backpack trip in 2006 with the ladies before their trip. I really love Tricia's idea of wearing a tailor-made Punjabi at the Taj. Check out their gorgeous photos!

All photos courtesy of Tricia.

ITE College East at Island Peak

2008-08-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sitting on top of Island Peak

Eight students and three teachers from ITE College East went to scale Island Peak (6160m) in Nepal this April. It was a memorable experience for everyone even as Deepak and I were stationed in Singapore tracking their progress everyday. Six of them eventually reached the peak and we were really proud and happy for the students who made it despite the cold and weariness in the long trek.

We got the pictures from Trevor, one of the lecturers who led the trip, recently and this is the one that touched me.

How did it feel like to sit on top of the peak and view the world below? You probably have to climb it yourself to get the answer.

---------------------------------------------------
ITE Newsletter : InfinITE Issue 93 , April - May 08

Conquering Island Peak in the Himalaya
Dream Big, Dream Bold
by Hajijah Korning

PANCHIR Sherpa kept urging me: ‘Just a little bit more, a little bit more…’ I felt my energies draining away, but I told myself that this was my once-in-a-lifetime chance and I have just got to do it! Picking up whatever little strength I had left, I trudged on…” recalled Mohd Firdaus Mohd Rashid, a second-year Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Sport Management) student at ITE College.

Mohd Firdaus was part of an 11-member ITE team comprising eight students and three staff, who set off on an expedition to the Himalayan Everest Base Camp and Island Peak on 18 March 2008 as part of ITE’s Global Education Programme.

Test of Mind Over Matter
On 30 March 2008, four students and a staff member left Base Camp at 0300 hours to attempt the 6, 189-metre Himalayan Island Peak at freezing temperatures. An arduous 10-hour climb later, 20-year-old Mohd Firdaus, accompanied by Mr Darrel Kon, Deputy Director/School of Business & Services (Operations & Projects), ITE College East, successfully made it to the summit.
Three other members of the team – Leroy Peh Jing Jie and Ho Zi Jie, both Nitec in Electronics Engineering students, and Yong Kai Xiang, a Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Sport Management) student, managed 6,160 metres, but their final push had to be aborted due to harsh wind conditions.

A beaming Mohd Firdaus shared: “When I reached Island Peak, I was overjoyed and could not help crying uncontrollably. It was really a test of mind over body. I was very tired, but I refused to stop. I was fortunate to climb when the dangerous weather conditions had not yet set in. The experience was exhilarating, and the lessons learnt will stay with me through life.”

Valuable Lessons Learnt
Mr Trevor Ian Lim, a Sport Management lecturer at ITE College East and Leader of the expedition team, said: “Through this expedition, students learnt what cannot be learnt in the classroom: Values such as commitment, resilience, perseverance, discipline and teamwork. The students dared to dream big and bold, and I am sure with this experience, they have developed a wider perspective of life and gained confidence and independence.”

Click here to read the original post of the college's newsletter

Filming in Nepal

2008-08-18T03:09:00.000-07:00

Our first collaboration with 3rd Floor Pictures for their filming assignment in Nepal rounded off successfully over National Day. The film production company needed someone to manage their travel arrangements for this assignment and sought Deepak's assistance. It was an interesting process as we tossed story ideas and helped make all the arrangements including casting, site visit and the neccesary logistics. The shoot turned out great and Dhruba sent some pictures which I thought are rather interesting. The episodes shot in Nepal are meant to be aired in the series Culture X which is showing now in Arts Central, every Thursday at 10pm. I'll keep everyone posted on when these episodes are airing. Meanwhile, have a peek into what went on behind the scenes!

The Divine Family

2008-08-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

Clockwise from left standing: Tin, Wang, Rinji, Dhruba, Deepak, Subas, Pasang, Tshering, Alice

When Deepak and I were back in Nepal in June, one of my task (admist setting up our homestay program) was to organise a staff photo session. We had one session end last year but for everyone, it was the first time they had to do it.When we finally got it organised, it rained on photoshoot day! Anyway, I did not get smarter this time. June is monsoon season in Nepal and I had to do this in this season.Ha! Dhruba made the arrangement this time. Everyone was early and looked great in their new Divine t-shirts. And since they had to gather at 8am, I reckoned everyone have not had their breakfast. I engaged Tin and Khrisna's help in the kitchen and made breakfast for everyone - Bread with choice of luncheon meat and sardine plus horlicks!

Finally, when it was time for photoshoot, the sky was bright and it was sunny. We tried to be creative and this photo you see is the result of our fun photo session!

Hwa Chong in Nepal

2008-08-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hwa Chong Institute Service Learning in Nepal (Dhruba in front row,2nd from left)

A group of 20 students and 3 teachers from Hwa Chong were in Nepal for their service learning trip in June this year. We have enjoyed putting together the trip for them as much as they have enjoyed and learnt much from this trip. Dhruba, our manager was in charge of the 'group's welfare' when they were 'up in the mountains' serving the community. All the students said they learnt a lot from Dhruba and Dhruba said he was touched by their action and commitment in fulfilling their role. When we were back in our Nepal office, he handed me 3 sheets of hand-written notes given to him by all of them,I sat down immediately to read them. What lovely words from a great team!

Some excerpts from them:

~~~

Hello Mr Dhruba! You have a really great guide/translator/teacher for the past few days. Your guidance has been the most priceless and I can't simply imagine how our work would be like without your concerted efforts! Thank you very much for your patience in guiding us for the past few days and also for tolerating whatever mistakes we have made. Thank You! - Jensen

~~~

Hey Mr Dhruba, thank you for your utmost dedication and care for us, even when we can be more trouble than help at times. Thank you for inspiring us in the area of service to the world with your own life stories and for telling me all about Nepal which I wouldn't have known otherwise. You made the trip as enjoyable and memorable as it could be. - Jerry

~~~

Hello Mr Dhruba! Thanks for always being around, making sure that we were all taken care of in our stay in Nepal. I'm really impressed and motivated by your knowledge of Nepal's history and background. Your telling us that our presence is felt by the children helped to encourage and motivate some of us during the service. Definitely, this trip wouldn't have been as enjoyable and fruitful without your care and concern. Thanks! - Melvin

~~~

Mr Dhruba! I can't put my gratitude for you in this short length message but all I wanna say is that you're been an inspiration - not just for the Nepalese kids, who should look up to you and strive to achieve what you have, but also as a greater inspiration to me: your passion and involvement in community service makes me want to emulate you and reignited my flame to help those in need around the world. Reast assured that I'll study doubly hard now to be financially sound in future then I can also take up jobs in NGOs to make the lives of the poor better.:) I really appreciate all the work that you did to make our stay in Nepal a pleasant and memorable one. I truly enjoyed talking to you to find out more about Nepal's present economic and social status. I agree wholeheartedly with you that the standard ofliving in Nepal should be improved yet it must strike a harmonious balance with the preservation of the beautiful Nepalese culture. Let's pray that someday this balance can be attained. :) - Kheexuan

~~~

Hey Mr Dhruba! Thank you for being such a helpful and friendly guide to us throughout this trip. We'll miss you! - Aileen

~~~

Hello Mr Dhruba, Thank you for being such a wonderful host, guide and teacher for the past 2 weeks. Your knowledge of Nepal'sculture and historical background truly impresses me while your courtesy and benovelence has really touched me. You have made this trip a truly memorable one for me and I feel you are a great leader,an example that we students from Singapore and the Nepalese students should look up to. Hope to see you in Singapore. - Xiayan

~~~

Hey Mr Dhruba! Thank you so much for your care and concern for us.Throughout our stay inthe school you had put in so much effort in making sure that we were safe and sound. I'm also truly impressed by your vast knowledge of the Nepal history and culture, your passion for the children of Nepal and the country itself indeed touched me. Thank you somuch. I sincerely wish you all the best in your future endeavour, hope to see you again! - Zhaoxiang

~~~

Always firendly, always approachable, ever so patient and helpful. Mr Dhruba you have been a great guide throughout. I'm really impressed and inspired just by working alongside your colleages and you. As all of us grew into our various jobs and responsibilities, your knowledge and passion have engendered a more successful process where our efforts cometo fuition at the end of the day.I sincerely hope more individuals in Nepal are endowed with your inherent qualities and work together to create a synergy strong enough to drive the nation forward. - Ming Yeung

~~~

Thank you so much for being there for us all the time. You have been an amazing guide and host to us. I will always remember what you have taught us. :) - Jingbo

~~~

DearestMr Dhruba, Manay thanks for being an excellent host and guide for all aspects of the trip. Thanks for tolerating all the last minute requests and helping us with all the arrangements. Your Nepalilessons were certainly enrichingand entertaining. It has definitely helped us understand Nepal much better. - Huifen

~~~

Le Restaurant

2008-06-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

It has been three days since we returned to Nepal. I was hoping to get some mental rest here and catch up with some backlot and work planning for the coming peak season. However for the last 2 days, we were somehow trying to settle back into our life here and suffering from fatique at the same time. Hence we did not achieve much in terms of work but spent more time talking to family and staff.

Today as we woke up at 6:30am (nepal time), we decided to take a break from the usual routine and have our breakfast at Annapurna Hotel – our usual hangout for coffee breaks and occasionally breakfast. We took time to catch up with the local news and political development while enjoying our favourite croissant and cappucino.

Next we hopped on to our grocery shopping at Bhat Bhateni, the Kathmandu’s version of Carrefour. Feeling drained after our intensive rounds from the first to fourth levels of the mall, we stopped by Le Restaurant for lunch. I ordered our favourite Chicken Wings On Fire, Spaghetti Bolognaise and two ice lemon tea. The chicken wings have been on my order list since I discovered it in my few visits last year. What’s so special about it? The flavour, the presentation and THE CHILLI. The ice tea was a pleasant surprise.I believe it’s the sweet lime (used commonly here for drinks) did the trick. It gave a subtle frangrance to the otherwise plain ice tea. That,coupled with aesthetics, made the drink really ‘cool’ (pun fully intended). The Spaghetti Bolognaise was very well done in my opinion but alas, we were quite full after the chicken wings and could not enjoy the wonderful pasta. If you have the chance to come here, I’ll recommend their coffee. It always makes my afternoon relaxing sipping a well-made cup of coffee and catching up with a copy of the Nepal Travel Trade Report.

Well, it was back to work after lunch.

As always, I look forward to my next visit to Le Restaurant.

At the Art Exhibition

2008-06-14T05:41:00.001-07:00

With Sock Hoon with her painting Mountain Country - Nepal

We attended an art exhibition at the Tanjong Pagar CC today. A good friend of ours Sock Hoon, who travelled to Nepal with a group of good natured aunties in 2006 under Deepak's arrangement, invited us to view the showcase of water colour paintings. It's interesting that she has chosen Nepal as her subject in her various paintings. Her showcase included Village Girls, Nepalese Boy, Pottery Worker, Old Lady, Flower Seller, Street Smoker and the one in the picture, Mountain Country - Nepal. We met up with her teacher Adelene Tan who was really friendly and graceful. I liked Sock Hoon's painting of Village Girls which was printed on her invite card. Deepak and I bought the painting. I reckoned it would sit nicely in our new office.

Naturally Nepal Evening

2008-06-13T19:39:00.001-07:00

Nepal Tourism Board and Singapore Women Everest Team

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organised a trade event on 12 June 08 themed as "Naturally Nepal Evening". The event facilitates the networking between Nepali tour operators and Singapore travel agents. The hosts included Ms Ujjwala Dali from NTB Nepal, Mr Deepak Shrestha from NTB Singapore, Mr Ashok Pokharel from PATA/NATO Nepal. Guest speaker Mr Swami Honorary Conul General of Nepal was invited to give an opening address at the event. Members from the Singapore Women Everest Team (SWET) turned up at the event and was warmly received by the hosts.

The event allowed intimate B2B discussions and the audience was given an overview of Nepal's tourism scene through a slide presentation and video viewing.

TTG Asia reports the event as follows:

Nepal NTO set to woo Asian visitors

Karen Yue, Singapore (2008-06-13)

THE Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has embarked on a sales mission to Chiang Mai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang to promote Nepal as a travel destination.

This follows the new-found political stability in Nepal, which has injected an overall sense of confidence among the tourism players.

The Himalayan city recorded over 500,000 international visitors in 2007, up 27.1 per cent from 2006, and saw improved air access through nine new international airlines serving the destination.

Asian cities contributed excellent growth in visitor numbers for Nepal in the past year. China took the lead with an increase of 120.9 per cent, followed by South Korea at 78.7 per cent and Singapore at 70.1 per cent.

Nepal-based Shangri La Tours director and Nepal Association of Tour Operators vice-president, Mr Ashok Pokharel, said even in the uncertain times of the country's elections in April, bookings dipped only a mere three per cent.

At present, Silkair, Flyyeti.com, Royal Nepal Airlines, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Etihad Airways, Jet Airways, GMG Airlines and Biman Bangladesh Airlines fly direct to Tribhuvan International Airport in the capital city of Kathmandu.

NTB has also introduced a range of soft adventure tours, such as hiking, jungle safari, cable car rides, butterfly watching and flights around Mount Everest, for the average traveller.

Dedicated pilgrimage and meditation tours have also been introduced through partnerships with monasteries across Asia.

After almost six months of preparation for this event, we are glad it closed on a good note with publicity from the trade press.

Heart to Heart

2008-06-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

I found this card in Deepak's luggage. It was given to him by FMSS students. They are such great kids full of big hearts. I know Deepak was able to reach out to them in their Nepal service learning trip as he is genuinely passionate about giving these children the best of their experience. He wants them to understand that they are very lucky human beings to be provided a conducive environment and that they should not take education for granted. Just look at what the kids in Nepal have. Not much in terms of material but a simple heart and thirst to learn. I believe both countries benefited from their interaction. And I hope we are able to do this for as long as we can. Deepak has taught me the meaning of life. It is about giving when you are able to and always give my 101% best in everything we do. It's interesting what the kids have to say...

~~~~~~

On behalf of Team C

Thanks for being such an encouragement and blessing to each of us and also touching out lives so greatly. Also, thanks for your smileeach morning which brightens our day always. Thanks for being there! We really appreciate you. You are very patient and indeed have a heart for the students in Nepal. Thanks for setting a good example for us to follow! And showing us the true meaning of service and compassionand sacrificial love. We love you and we'll miss you. Please visit us often!

~~~~~~

On behalf of Team B

We want to wish you the best in all that you do and may you fulfil your wish and desire to improvethe schooling system in Nepal. We want to thank you for taking such excellent care of is and ensuring that all of us are fit and healthy and have enough to eat. Thank you for your patience and kindness.MayGodbless you in all that you do and please visit us in Fairfield soon! :)

~~~~~~

On behalf of Team A

We would like to say a big THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. We really appreciate the amount of effort you have put in to make this trip a very memorable one. You have been a teacher, a guide, a companion and a friend at all times to us. We would like to wish you all the best for you and your family. Hope you will carry on this great work for the education of Nepali kids. Dhanyabaad, God Bless! Always in our love you will remain.

~~~~~~

And this is from me : I am so proud of all our work and effort.

Thank you for showing me what is selflessness.

The trip of a lifetime

2008-06-10T04:23:00.000-07:00

Today, Deepak returns from Sabah after one week of school trip to scale Mt Kinabalu with Christchurch Secondary. Today is the second time since April that I have seen teachers and students returned from a trip with a life-changing experience.

What really touched me was the bond between each individual with Deepak. The depth of friendship was unmistakably strong. I did not make it for this trip but the lovely card pieced together by Mui Kiang told me the memory of this expedition holds a special place in everyone's heart.

~~~~~~

"Hello Mr Deepak :) thank you for helping me climb to the peak of the mountain. And thank you for helping me feel warmer when I started crying. This is my best trip ever!

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Yo!Mr Deepak! You totally rock man! Thank you for the so many things you have done. For always smiling. For always asking whether the food is good although you always get the same answer. For picking me up when I fell, literally. For always doing your best in whatever you do. For being great!

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Thanks Mr Deepak. You are the best! our kindness, kind-heartedness has made me realise that we need to be caring and sympathetic. You are my model!

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Hi Deepak, thks for making this Mt K trip so enjoyable. Your great service, generosity and great knowledge has really made the difference. I also want to learn fromyou in the way you handle such situations.

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Dearest Deepak, this is definitely the most complete and best Mt K trip I have experienced in my 3 trips to Sabah. Your 1st class service and hospitality is the highlight of the entire journey. You have spared no effort to ensure that we get the best. You have made me look forward to climbing Mt K in 2009 and stirred my interest in Nepal. Thanks a million for all your help and generosity during this trip. Really hope we will be able to work together again soon.

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I would like to thank you Mr Deepak for helping me climb the mountain. I'll support you all the way Mr Deepak!

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Deepak, thanks for everything! Indeed it is great having you as our guide! Learnt a lot from you! Look forward to another trip with you! May God bless you with doublefold of blessing in everything you do!

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Mr Deepak thanks for your help and support. You are really a great person. This is my best school trip out of Singapore. Thanks for everything. Stay happy. And thanks for the jacket! It really helped me to keep warm. May god bless you!

Ten Nepali women summit Everest

2008-06-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

Very few people might have imagined that women from various geographical locations of Nepal could summit the world's tallest peak- the Everest- and that, too, together in the spirit of inclusion.

Ten Nepali women involved in the First Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition did it, conveying a message that Nepali women are capable to overcome such tough challenge.

All the expedition members led by Susmita Maskey reached the top of the Everest this season.

The women team members were felicitated on behalf of people of Kathmandu on Friday amidst a ceremony. They were felicitated as per the Newari tradition. People from various parts of the city welcomed them with vermilion and flowers as they arrived in the city on a vehicle. Later Maskey said that they could step on the highest peak of the world due to best wishes of the people all over the country. Talking to Nepalnews, she said they would promote women expeditions to increase the number of women in this field.

The first women journalist to summit the Everest and a team member, Shaili Basent said her confidence level was enhanced with this success. Pemba Dorje Sherpa, who guided the team to the top, said he found it easier to lead the Nepali women to the highest peak than the foreigners. During the program, Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat said Nepal witnessed two historical events this year—one the declaration of country a republic and success of inclusive women's team to summit the Everest. "So, we have to celebrate both events with a great joy," he added.

Source : www.nepalnews.com

Into Thin Air

2008-06-01T18:58:00.001-07:00

I picked up this book recently and could not put it down since the first page. I thought perhaps it may intrigue those of you who have always wondered what it takes to venture out to Mt Everestand attempt to summit.

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster is a bestselling non-fiction book written by Jon Krakauer. It details the author's May 10, 1996 ascent of Mount Everest, which turned catastrophic when eight climbers were killed and several others were stranded by a 'rogue storm'. The author's expedition was led by the famed guide Rob Hall, and there were other groups trying to summit on the same day, including one led by Scott Fischer, whose guiding agency, Mountain Madness, was perceived as a competitor to Rob Hall's agency, Adventure Consultants.

In the book, Krakauer writes about the events leading up to his eventual decision to participate in an Everest expedition, despite having mostly given up mountain climbing years ago. Initially, Krakauer, being a journalist for adventure magazine Outside, stated that his intentions to climb Everest were purely professional. The original magazine story was to have Krakauer climb only to base camp, and report on the commercialization of the mountain. However, the idea of Everest grabbed him and reawakened his childhood desire for climbing the mountain. Krakauer asked his editor to put off the story for a few months so that he could train for a climb to the summit. From there, the book chronologically moves between events that take place on the mountain and the unfolding tragedy which takes place during the push to the summit. In the book, Krakauer alleges that essential safety methods adopted over the years by experienced guides on Everest are sometimes compromised by the competition between rival guiding agencies to get their clients (some with little or no mountaineering experience) to the summit. One of the most dramatic and well-known stories in the book is the experience of Beck Weathers. Comatose and twice left for dead by other climbers, Weathers suddenly awakened after more than 12 hours of lying in the sub-zero temperatures. In spite of horrific frostbite on his hands and face, Weathers got to his feet and staggered into camp. Every climber was shocked at his survival, and after a dangerous high-altitude helicopter rescue, Weathers made it off the mountain alive.

Enjoy reading.

Chicken Rice

2008-05-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching an episode of Channel 8's "Xi You Ji" hosted by TV host Belinda. In this episode she visited a Singaporean Joe and his wife Carol who set up a restaurant and settled in Tibet. In the midst of building up an F&B career, the couple took time to reach out to the employees and their families.

Two scenes struck a chord string in my heart as I was watching it. There was a scene where Joe, Carol and Belinda were playing frisbee leisurely outside their beautiful housing estate in Tibet. Life is just so different outside Singapore. There is still the stress of work and career but the stress of material fulfilment is comparatively smaller. Spiritual fulfilment seems to be the key to happiness and a meaningful life. In Nepal, business is not about working 9-6 in the office and counting every cent behind closed doors. It is also about extending care and concern to everyone in the family. Subas just had a new born daughter last year. Tin needs to learn French and upgrade himself. Wang is picking up the travel trade and is attuning well to guidance. When I am in the house, Khrisna will sometimes make coffee for breakfast, just like the good old days when he was my porter on my Ghorepani trek. Dhruba come take care of our mom when she is not feeling well. I'm always fascinated when the whole courtyard is full of cooking wares and cartons of food prior to a camping trek. The cooks never fail to answer my questions through my translator - either Pasang, Tin or Khrisna. The entire experience of living and working in Nepal is just so out of the world. Everyone that I worked with is just like family. And watching the episode brought back all these memories.

Before Belinda left, she made hainanese chicken rice as a farewell dinner forJoe and Carol. When we had good friends Henry and Jenny over at our Nepal house, they made the most delicious chicken rice I ever had out of Singapore! With our limited kitchen utensils and ingredients, this is certainly an amazing feat. Like Belinda, we took a long time in the kitchen.But I remembered I was almost drooling every minute and couldn't wait for a taste of home cooked favourite after almost two months in Nepal. Till today, I am proud of the ginger sauce which I created for the dish, thanks to the inspiration from Soup Restaurant's famous samsui chicken with ginger sauce. There was no recipe for the important chilli sauceso we made do with 'my sauce'. I thought it turned out great! We had a lot of laughter in the kitchen. The weather was cold. After all that frying, boiling and chopping, Henry, Jenny, Deepak and I sat in our dining room enjoying the fruits of our labour - home made hainanese chicken rice. I never knew that such a simple dish connects us Singaporeans so well. And I never truly appreciated the taste of chicken rice until I had it out of singapore, in an exotic country like Nepal, warmly prepared by our wonderful friends.

It really makes me ponder about the small things in life. I look forward to my next visit back to Nepal.

Maybe Bah Kut Teh would do the trick when we next have our friends over in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp and Panchase Trek Briefing

2008-03-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone at the dinner table (Deepak in orange on the right)

Deepak and I were invited to Angie's house last night for dinner and to conduct a briefing for their trip to Nepal in April. Some of them are going for Panchase Trek and some are challenging themselves by going on the Everest Base Camp Trek.

This is the second time that we have a really appetising dinner in this beautiful home - and with some very nice folks.

Shin wants to paint in Nepal. Chia Chi was reading our travel notes diligently when we arrived. Gin Song had concerns over toilets enroute his trek and provokes Angie quite a bit over this :P. Grace have practical concerns - injuries, safety, womens' matter, level of trek difficulty etc. Angie and Don - our hosts - do their best to calm everyone's nerves prior to the trek. Basskaran made everyone laugh at his highly intellectual jokes. Vincent and I have one thing in common - our love for photography! After a good dinner and lots of laughter at the dinner table, we finally proceeded to the living area and began our briefing for the Panchase and Everest Base Camp Treks. Everyone has a customised itinerary as they are meeting on different days and going on different treks. Best of all, Don and Angie's children are joining them in Nepal from the United States! I can already see the glimpse of excitment and anticipation in their eyes.

With the map spread over the coffee table, Deepak took everyone through a day by day briefing covering elements such as views, level of difficulty, distance, meals, medication etc. It is important that the right expectations were set before a group departure and that everyone is well prepared physically and mentally.

I told Vincent I'll be looking forward to see his photos upon his return. Basskaran said he will get his secretary to disseminate his emails as and when he is able to write during his trip. It would be interesting for our readers to track the journey of this super energectic grand-dad in his first Nepal trek! Our gathering ended slightly past ten at night and everyone left with a good smile on their face!