Vortrag auf der Festveranstaltung "22 Jahre Nepalmed" von Nepalmed e.V. am 14.05.2022 in Leipzig
NEPALMED e.V.: Zweiundzwanzig Jahre Ehrenamt für Nepal
Für die Festveranstaltung zum 22-jährigen Bestehen des Leipziger Vereins Nepalmed e.V. am 14. Mai 2022 bietet das Zeitgeschichtliche Forum Leipzig den feierlichen Rahmen.
Ab 11:30 Uhr gibt es Vorträge und eine Gesprächsrunde mit dem nepalesischen Botschafter S.E. Ram Kaji Khadka und dem Konsul Ram Pratap Thapa. Den Höhepunkt bildet ein spannender Vortrag von Christof Nettekoven.
Am 14.05.2022, Beginn 11:30 Uhr, Vortrag um 13:20, Ende gegen 14:20
Zeitgeschichtliches Forum, Grimmaische Str. 6, 04109 Leipzig
Karten an der Tageskasse und unter info@nepalmed.de - www.nepalmed.de
Nepalmed e.V. Spendenkonto: Volks- und Raiffeisenbank Muldental,
IBAN: DE67 8609 5484 5000 1667 76, BIC: GENODEF1GMV
A portrait of a Sadhu from Nepal made it on the Dec. 2020 Cover of Touriosity Magazine as well as a little report of my Caucasus Trip during Corona in 2020.
Wednesday 22.07. 13:00 MESZ (DE time) Osprey Europe presents a Live Q&A on their Instagram page:
Osprey Europe podcast FULL INTERVIEW online now:
WEGEN CORONA ABGESAGT! Karakorum Vortrag am 18.04.2020 auf dem Jugendzeltplatz Bonn
18.04.2020 WalkOnTheWildSide und Scouting Bonn e.V. auf dem Jugendzeltplatz Bonn,
Venner Str. 54
Godeshöhe, Bad Godesberg.
Vortrag: "KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan"
Festival Start: ab 10:00 bis 20:00,
Vortrag Start: wird noch festgelegt.
Venner Str 54, 53177 Bonn
Eintritt frei!
DAV Köln berichtet über die Nalakankar Expedition
Neuester Expeditionsvortrag am 15.11. um 19:00 bei WalkOnTheWildSide
Asian Alpine e-News reports about our Nalakankar Expedition
AAJ 2019 reports about our 2018 exped and includes our 2017 tour in Julian´s exploration report of Far West Nepal
Touriosity Travelmag reports about our Nalakankar Expedition 2018
Vortrag: "Das andere Afghanistan" im Franziskushospital Aachen, 09.05.2019
09.05.2019 Franziskushospital Aachen
Vortrag "Das andere Afghanistan - Bergsteigen im Wakhan Koridor"
Donnerstag 09.05.2019
Start: 18:00
Gruppenraum der Physiotherapie
Morillenhang 27
52074 Aachen
Radio Bonn/Rhein Sieg lädt zum Interview mit Volker Groß:
General-Anzeiger Bonn berichtet:
DAV Köln 3/2018 berichtet über die Mugu Expedition 2017:
Das AMERICAN ALPINE JOURNAL 2018 berichtet über unsere MUGU Expedition 2017:
Das American Alpine Journal berichtet über unsere drei Erstbesteigungen tief im Kangla Himal in West Nepal - weit weg von den tobenden Massen, im Mugu umd Humla Distrikt.
Die Printausgabe AAJ 2018, Vol. 60, Issue 92 wird im Sommer 2018 erscheinen. Bis dahin gibts die Online Ausgabe des AAJ hier zu lesen!
The American Alpine Journal - annual magazine by the American Alpine Club collecting reports and articles of the world´s first ascents and new routes all over the mountain ranges year by year - reports on our three first ascents in the wild West of Nepal, deep in the Kangla Himal in 2017. The print is coming out in summer 2018, AAJ 2018, Vol. 60, Issue 92. The online report is already here!
Vortrag: "Mugu Expedition - im wilden Westen Nepals"
Vortrag über die MUGU Expedition 2017 - Bergsteigen im wilden Westen Nepals:
Eine Reise durch die atem-beraubende Hochgebirgs-landschaft im entlegenen Westen von Nepal. Durch suptropische Täler mit dichter Vegetation, wilden Affen, Schlangen und Bananenstauden entlang der letzten Siedlungen mit ihren gastfreundlichen Menschen und spannenden Kulturen hinauf in die karge Bergwelt aus Fels und Eis bis auf die unbestiegenen Gipfel des Himalaya.
Wann?
Freitag, 01.06.18 um 20:00 Uhr
Wo?
Kita St. Laurentius,
Roncalli Str. 27
53123 Bonn
Touriosity Travelmag presents our Mugu Exped in their 2/2018 print:
Asian Alpine News reports about our MUGU Expedition 2017:
Der Deutsche Alpenverein berichtet über die MUGU Expedition 2017:
Der Deutsche Alpenverein (DAV) der unsere exploratives Projekt tief in den Himalaya 2017 unterstützte, berichtet ausführlich über unsere Tour mit drei Erstbesteigungen. Auf der Suche nach unbestiegenen Bergen in unberührten Tälern, immer dem Entdeckergeist des klassischen Alpinismus folgend.
The German Alpine Club (DAV) supported our expedition into the mighty Himalaya, exploring the blank on the map. Now you can read the detailed report on the DAV website. We want to thank you for supporting our exploratory tour and with it the true spirit of discovery, the original root of mountaineering.
Frisch aus dem Druck: Das ALPINE JOURNAL 2017 berichtet über unsere Karakorum Expedition
Further dates of speeches, reports & multivisionshows, film festivals:
14.05.2022 22 Jahre NEPALED e.V.
Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig, Grimmaische Str. 5, Leipzig
Festveranstaltung ab 11:30, Vortrag "Mugu & Humla - der wilde Westen Nepals" um 13:20, Social Media: NEPALMED e.V.
18.04.2020 WEGEN CORONA ABGESAGT!
WalkOnTheWildSide und Scouting Bonn e.V. auf dem Jugendzeltplatz Bonn, Vortrag "KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan"
Festival Start: 10:00 bis 18:00, Vortrag Start: wird noch festgelegt.
Venner Str 54, 53177 Bonn
28.03.2020 WEGEN CORONA ABGESAGT!
20 Jahre NEPALED e.V. "Mugu - der wilde Westen Nepals"
Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig; Grimmaische Str. 5; Leipzig:
Festveranstaltung ab 11:30; Vortrag um 14:00
15.11.2019 WalkOnTheWildSide Bonn, Multivisionsvortrag: "Nalakankar - der wilde Westen Nepals", Verkaufsräume WalkOnTheWildSide, Eifelstr. 10-12, 53119 Bonn,
Start 19:00, Einalss 18:30
09.05.2019 Franziskushospital Aachen, "Das andere Afghanistan - Bergsteigen im Wakhan Koridor" Donnerstag 09.05.2019, Start: 18:00, Gruppenraum der Physiotherapie, Morillenhang 27, 52074 Aachen
01.06.2018 Kulturverein Lessenich e.V., Multivisionsvortrag "MUGU Expedition - Bergsteigen im wilden Westen Nepals", Kita St. Laurentius, Roncalli Str. 27, 53123 Bonn, Start: 20:00
23.11.2017 DAV Oldenburg, Multivisionsvortrag "KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan", Kulturzentrum PFL, Peterstr. 3 in 26121 Oldenburg. Start: 19.30
22.11.2017 DAV Bremen, Multivisionsvortrag "Das andere Afghanistan", Kletterzentrum Bremen, Robert Hooke Str. 19, 28359 Bremen, Start: 19:00
21.11.2017 DAV Hannover, Multivisionsvortrag "Das andere Afghanistan", Freizeitheim Döhren, An der Wollebahn 1, 30519 Hannover, Start 19:30
19.11.2017 DAV Goslar, Multivisionsvortrag "Das magische Shaksgam Tal - ein schmaler Grat zwischen Erfolg und Tragödie", Vortragssaal des Landkreises, Klubgartenstr. 6, 38640 Goslar, Start 17:30
17.11.2017 DAV Minden, Multivisionsvortrag "Das magische Shaksgam Tal - ein schmaler Grat zwischen Erfolg und Tragödie", Aula Rats-Gymnasium, Königswall 28, 32423 Minden, Start 19:30
16.11.2017 DAV Lübeck, Multivisionsvortrag "Das andere Afghanistan", Tus 93 Lübeck, Schlutupstr. 37, 23566 Lübeck, Start 19:30
15.11.2017 DAV Hamburg, Multivisionsvortrag "Das andere Afghanistan", Hamburg Museum, Holstenwall 24, 20355 Hamburg, Start 19:00.
14.11.2017 DAV Kiel, Multivisionsvortrag "Das andere Afghanistan", Christian Albrechts Universität, HS 4, Olshausenstr. 75, 24118 Kiel, Start 19:30.
12.05.2017 KultimO e.V., "Das magische Shaksgam Tal - ein schmaler Grat zwischen Erfolg und Tragödie" in der Stadtteilbibliothek Dottendorf, Dottendorfer Str. 41, 53129 Bonn, Start 19:30
13.03.2017 DAV Mühlheim, Multivisionsvortrag: "Das andere Afghanistan", im Saal des CVJM-Hauses in der Mülheimer Altstadt (Teinerstrasse 3-5, Mülheim-Stadtmitte) Start: 19:30 (Einlass 19:00)
08.03.2017 DAV Darmstadt
Multivisionsvortrag "Das andere Afghanistan" im Alpin- und Kletterzentrum, Lichtwiesenweg 15, 64287 Darmstadt. Einlass: 19:00, Beginn: 19:30
13.12.2016 Kulturverein Lessenich-Messdorf
Multivisionsvortrag "KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan" in der Kita St. Laurentius, Messdorfer Str. 221 in 53123 Bonn-Lessenich, EINTRITT FREI!
22.11.2016 GLOBETROTTER München
Multivisionsvortrag "KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan" Globetrotter Store Isartorplatz 8-10 Start: 20:30 (Einlass 20:15)
Das American Alpine Journal 2017 berichtet über unsere Karakorum Exped
In der neuesten Print Ausgabe des American Alpine Journal (AAJ 2017) berichtet über unsere beiden Erstbesteigungen tief im Central Karakorum von Baltistan:
"Unclimbed beauties! A German Alpine Club (DAV) expedition to a remote glacier in Pakistan this summer made two first ascents and came away with photos of many unclimbed and beautiful objectives. Feast your eyes....http://bit.ly/2d3RePV"
Online ist der Bericht hier zu lesen: AAJ online .
Freunde & Unterstützer unserer Expedition:
Beste Beratung in Sachen Outdoor Ausrüstung bekommt man bei Daniel & Thomas von WalkOnTheWildSide, die ihre Leidenschaft zum Beruf gemacht haben und diese auch leben! Zwei coole Jungs die auf jede Frage eine Antwort haben und sich Zeit für ihre Kunden nehmen.
Kommt einfach vorbei: Walk on the Wild Side, Eifelstr. 10-12, 53119 Bonn
Oder Online: www.WalkOnTheWildSide.de
LYO FOOD supports our Himalaya Expedition 2017 with freeze-dried food, saving weight and energy not only for the transport but also for preparation.The nutrition is having a key role on a mountaineering expedition. Only while maintaining a well-balanced and high-calorie diet it is possible to generate maximum performance under extreme conditions. The LYO EXPEDITION meals fulfill this demand with 100% natural ingredients, no artificial additives, no extra sugar, no palm oil no preservatives! Only the best taste!
We are very happy to welcome MSR Mountain Safety Research as a new partner in our expedition family for the new Himalaya Expedition 2017!
The pioneering outdoor company MSR supports us with their innovative and lightweight mountaineering tents like the Advance Pro, Access and Remote Series as well as their reliable cooking stove systems Windburner and Reactor. On our expedition into the farthest reaches of the globe we can fully trust in their reliable gear in every situation and severe conditions.
A big Thank you to LA SPORTIVA for supporting our latest project with their experience, innovation and quality shoes for practice, along the approach and finally to the mountains of our Himalaya Expedition 2017. "Innovation with Passion" is their credo - and we share the same passion for the mountains!
Wir freuen uns besonders über die Unterstützung durch LA SPORTIVA - die Experten für Trekking-, Kletter- und Expeditions-bergschuhe. Mit der Erfahrung, Innovation und Qualität von La Sportiva wird unsere explorative Himalaya Expedition vom Anmarsch bis auf den Gipfel rundum unterstützt.
When every gram counts on an explorative expedition into the unknown, it is great to have a partner like THERM-A-REST who supports us with their reliable gear like their NeoAir XTherm mattresses that offer the best warmth-to-weight ration available by far. This way we can save a lot of energy on the exhausting approach and keep warm&cozy at night in high altitude on the climbs.
Wir bedanken uns für die vertrauensvolle Zusammenarbeit bei unserem langjährigen Partner OSPREY Europe. Osprey unterstützt unsere explorative Himalaya Expedition 2017 u.a. mit innovativer Ausrüstung wie den ultraleichten Kletterrucksäcken der Mutant Serie, bequemen Tragerucksäcken der Atmos Serie mit viel Stauraum und Trinksystemen für lange Anmarschtage.
OSPREY EUROPE supports our exped with their innovative high end gear like backpacks, light summit packs and drinking systems. On challenging expeditions into the wild and unknown only the highest quality products can take this challenge and lead to success. Further does Osprey´s commitment as an outdoor industry leader in sustainability, environmental and social concerns perfectly fit into our exped´s philosophy.
Wir freuen uns PETZL als offiziellen Unterstützer unserer “Himalaya Expedition 2017” vorstellen zu können.
Wir teilen den Pioniergeist von PETZL, die seit über 40 Jahren neueste Lösungen und Innovationen anbieten, die es Profis wie auch Sportenthusiasten ermöglichen die entlegensten Gebiete zu erforschen. Gerade auf unserer explorativen Kleinstexpeditionen zur Erkundung unberührter Gebiete tief im Himalaya können wir uns auf die zuverlässige High-End-Ausrüstung von PETZL bei möglichst geringem Gewicht verlassen.
We are proud to announce PETZL as our official supporter with their innovative high end gear like ice tools, crampons, harnesses, helmets, headlights. On challenging expeditions into the wild and unknown only the highest quality products can take the challenge and lead to success.
We share the same pioneering spirit with PETZL, their passion for exploration. Since more than forty years Petzl continues to invent products and provide solutions that allow sports enthusiasts and professionals to access some of the most inaccessible places.
Just as we explore unclimbed peaks in the blank on the map deep in the mighty Himalaya.
Wir bedanken uns bei LEKI für die Unterstützung unseres neuen HIMALAYA Projekts 2017. Wie auch auf den vergangenen Expeditionen hilft uns Leki auch auf den schwierigsten Anmarschrouten in unwegsamen Gelände und bei den Materialstransporten immer im Gleichgewicht zu bleiben - wir vertrauen der Qualität von Leki Stöcken!
Our team is happy to receive an active support by LEKI - technology and brand leader in the field of poles and glove systems. No matter how difficult the approach routes are, no matter how heavy our packs are, LEKI poles will give us balance in every situation.
DAV German Alpine Club reports:
The German Alpine Club DAV published our Expedition Report 2016. Thanks to the official support by the DAV we for our expedition to Baltistan, exploring pristine Maedan Valley and its nameless & unclimbed 6.000ers - with two first ascents! With our explorations in untouched side valleys and glacier areas with many future expedition targets for generations of climbers to come, we want to give back as much as possible. Read our report and interview and the section of further tour suggestions to find out more about possible targets of unclimbed peaks for your future expedition.
DAV Köln "Gletscher Spalten" reports:
Vortrag am Di. 13.12. um 19:30 in Bonn: "KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan"
Am Dienstag den 13.12.2016 findet um 19:30 der Vortrag "KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan" in der Kita St. Laurentius, Messdorfer Str. 221 in 53123 Bonn-Lessenich statt.
EINTRITT FREI!
Mit ganz neuem Material von 2016!
Pakistan ist wild, die Natur eindrucksvoll – und unbeherrschbar. Die Menschen sind religiös, die Geschichte allgegenwärtig. Christof Nettekoven berichtet in seinem Multivisionsvortrag von abenteuerlichen Reisen und Bergexpeditionen aus den letzten Jahren tief in das Karakorumgebirge in Baltistan, Hunza, Shimshal und Chitral. Ganz aktuell wird die Karakorum Expedition 2016 geschildert, bei der gleich zwei 6.000er erstbestiegen wurden. Neben den Erstbesteigungen namenloser Gipfel wird ausführlich über die abwechslungsreiche Kultur der verschiedenen Bergvölker berichtet. Die bunte Vielfalt an Bergstämmen wird besonders bei den „ungläubigen“ Kalasha aus Kafiristan an der afghanischen Grenze deutlich. Die Kalasha verehren ein ganzes Pantheon an Göttern, brennen Schnapps und bauen Wein an.
In einem weiteren Kapitel begleiten wir Samina aus Shimshal, die erste pakistanische Frau, der eine Erstbesteigung eines 6000ers gelang. Das Ziel ihrer Mission ist größer als jeder Berg, denn sie möchte die Frauen eines ganzen Landes zu einer aktiveren Teilnahme in der Gesellschaft inspirieren. Damit liegt ihr Fokus nicht nur auf einem einzelnen Berg, einem Gipfel, sondern auch auf dem Wunsch einer jungen muslimischen Frau nach Gleichberechtigung und Anerkennung in einer von Männern dominierten Gesellschaft in einem streng islamischen Land – Pakistan.
"KARAKORUM - Menschen, Kultur und Bergsteigen in Pakistan" Vortrag bei Globetrotter München:
Pakistan ist wild, die Natur eindrucksvoll – und unbeherrschbar. Die Menschen sind religiös, die Geschichte allgegenwärtig. Chris Nettekoven berichtet in seinem Multivisionsvortrag von abenteuerlichen Reisen und Bergexpeditionen aus den letzten Jahren tief in das Karakorum Gebirge. Neben den Erstbesteigungen namenloser Gipfel in Baltistan, Hunza und Shimshal wird ausführlich über die abwechslungsreiche Kultur der verschiedenen Bergvölker berichtet. Die bunte Vielfalt an Bergstämmen wird besonders bei den „ungläubigen“ Kalasha aus Kafiristan an der afghanischen Grenze deutlich. Die Kalasha verehren ein ganzes Pantheon an Göttern, brennen Schnapps und bauen Wein an.
Multivisionsvortrag "Karakorum"
Dienstag, 22.11.2016
Globetrotter München
Isartorplatz 8-10
Start 20:30, Einlass 20:15
Unsere Doku "Das andere Afghanistan" wird auf dem 13. Bergsichten Festival in Dresden 12.-13. November 2016 gezeigt
12. -13.11.2016 13. BERGSICHTEN FILM FESTIVAL DRESDEN
Filmdoku "Das andere Afghanistan"
Samstag, 12.11.16 um 10:30 im Bergsichten Kino
Sonntag, 13.11.16 um 17:30 im Bergsichten Kino
Hörsaalzentrum der TU Dresden
Bergstr. 64 01069 Dresden
Touriosity Travelmag reports on our Karakorum Expedition 2016:
The mountain special issue of the Touriosity Travelmag (September, 2016) chose our tour as their cover story. Read more about our Expedition deep into Central Karakorum of Baltistan. Our search for unclimbed peaks led into pristine valleys of the border area of China and Pakistan:
Sneak Preview: a first trailer of the Karakorum Exped 2016 is online
The Team just returned from Pakistan with two successful first ascents!
Touriosity Mag (4/2016) reports on Karakorum Expedition preparations:
This year´s project "HIMALAYA Expedition 2017" leads us into the mighty Himalaya range of Nepal, exploring the blank on the map in untouched valleys and unclimbed peaks.
Our Team is very happy to receive so much Love from our Supporters like PETZL, DAV, OSPREY, MSR, Thermarest, LEKI, Touriosity Mag, climbing and outdoorsports retailers and many more - without your support such an expedition into the unknown would not be possible!
Thank you very much for your support!
Stay tuned for more news from the tour here or on our seperate Youtube Channel!
4. International Ethnografic Film Festival Marburg
Das IV. International Ethnografic Film Festival in Marburg zeigt unseren Exped Film "Das andere Afghanistan":
ORT: Trauma im G-Werk / Afföllerwiesen 3a, 35039 Marburg // http://www.cafetrauma.de
WANN: 31.10-01.11.15
Bereits zum vierten Mal präsentieren das "One with a Movie Camera Festival" ein breites Spektrum dokumentarischer Filmarbeiten, die immer wieder aufs Neue die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer Symbiose von Wissenschaft und Ästhetik ausloten.
Zwei Tage lang – jeweils von 12-23 Uhr erwartet die BesucherInnen eine spannende Auswahl an ethnografischen Filmen. Viele der Filmschaffenden werden dabei persönlich vor Ort sein und dem Publikum einen Einblick in die vielfältigen Formen und Arbeitsweisen dieses kulturwissenschaftlichen Filmgenres gewähren. Heimat und Identität, Vertreibung und (Re-) Migration, Computerwelten und die Welt des Essens … sind einige der zentralen Themenkomplexe, die sich im diesjährigen Programm ausmachen lassen. – „Hier treffen Tradition und Moderne, Träume und Wirklichkeit aufeinander. Geht mit uns auf die Reise und entdeckt das Zusammenspiel von Wissenschaft und Ästhetik im forschenden Blick der Kamera!”
"Das andere Afghanistan" läuft am Sonntag, 01.11.15 um ca. 16:00
American Alpine Journal 2015 reports:
Check out Bruce´s main report about the Shaksgam Explorations of the Durbin Kangri/Aghil Range of 2014 on pp 342-345 (or any of his other four reports since he really roamed the country) as well as our short account of Xiao Kangri.
Since the writing was not ready in time for the print, a nice "In Memoriam of Ales and Peter" has been published online on the AAJ website.
"..... if given the chance to repeat their last adventure they would have done it again."
Afghanistan Vortrag bei GLOBETROTTER Dresden 04.Dez
Am Freitag, den 04.12.15 ist "Das andere Afghanistan" ab 20:30 zu Gast bei GLOBETROTTER in Dresden.
Ein Vortrag über eine Bergexpedition in eines der abgelegensten Hochtäler des
afghanischen Kleinen Pamir. Eine Reise durch ein gastfreundliches Afghanistan, wie es schöner nicht sein kann:
Durchquerung des gesamten Wakhan Korridor von West nach Ost bis in die
Hochebene des Kleinen Pamir mit seinen kirghisischen Nomaden und der Erstbesteigung eines namenlosen Bergriesen (jetzt: Koh-e Elgha Eli IV, 5.725m) in einem Seitental der Ak Su Kette des
afghanischen Kleinen Pamir. Ein Vortrag über faszinierende Landschaften mit unberührter Natur, ursprünglicher Kultur der Wakhi und dem Turkvolk der kirghisischen Pamir Nomaden, unerforschte Täler
und unbestiegene Berge. Vor allem aber über ein Afghanistan wie man es in unseren Medien nicht kennt.
Globetrotter Filiale Dresden,
Prager Str. 10,
01069 Dresden
Beginn: 20:30 Uhr
Ort: Eventfläche im 1. OG der Filiale.
Shaksgam presentation at 8. KÖLNER ALPIN TAG on 24th of October 2015
We are totally psyched to be guest at the 8th edition of the KÖLNER ALPIN TAG 2015 (Cologne Alpine Day) on October 24th 2015 - an outdoor festival with more than 5.000 visitors a day and legendary speakers like PETER HABELER, THOMAS HUBER and DIETER GLOGOWSKI this year!
As if these names wouldnt be reason enough to come, there are also plenty of seminars and workshops, a huge outdoor & alpine fair with all the manufacturers and retailers, photo exhibition, climbing walls and much more.... and all this for free, except presentations and seminars - FREE ENTRY for the fair!
facts:
- more than 70 events, live reports & presentations, seminars...
- more than 5.000 visitors
- more than 900 qm of outdoor sports fair
Shaksgam China Expedition 2014 Samstag 24.10.2015, Forum Leverkusen - Am Büchelter Weg 9 - 51373 Leverkusen, Raum "Filmstudio", Start 12:00, Eintritt FREI!
First public screening of our Afghanistan Documentary at 17th Bergfilmfestival Gaudlitzberg
Good things take time - so did our Afghanistan Expedition Documentary, but finally, here it is:
The Premiere wil take place at the 17th Bergfilmfestival Gaudlitzberg (near Leipzig) on Saturday, August 29th. Looking forward to the first public screening.
Afghanistan´s Secret Peaks -
Das andere Afghanistan:
a film about the other Afghanistan, a diverse country with different landscapes, people, languages and culture, different to what we know from
general media. We set off on an expedition with the goal to traverse the complete Wakhan Corridor from West to East, past Lake Chaqmaqtin to explore side valleys of the Ak Su range of the Little
Pamir and try to ascend one of those nameless and unclimbed giants of rock and ice.
Wakhan Corridor is one of the most isolated high plateaus of the Pamirs and due to this isolation it remains to be one of the few places on earth that offers a
fascinating combination of untouched nature, pristine culture of Wakhi and Kyrgyz Pamir nomads, unexplored valleys and unclimbed peaks.
Bonner newspaper General-Anzeiger reports:
Bonn`s newspaper GENERAL ANZEIGER reports on our expedition last year into the Shaksgam Valley with the tragic loss of our two friends Ales Holc and Peter Meznar - referring to the charity fund donation account for the families left behind.
The next charity presentation will take place on July 12th for the Culture Club of Bonn-Lessenich, Alte Mühle, Bahnhofstr. 126 in Bonn. Start 17:00, Entry free!
Cover story of Touriosity TravelMag, print issue April 2015
Now available, the special mountain print issue April 2015 of Touriosity Travel Magazine with Shaksgam Expedition 2014 report as cover story.
Read more about this magical valley which has been described by Younghusband, the first western explorer to reach Shaksgam as "one of those sights which impress a man forever, and produce a permanent effect upon the mind - a lasting sense of the greatness and grandeur of Nature´s works - which he can never lose or forget....surely no view man has ever seen can excel that. To describe the scene in words would be impossible".
So do we want to keep the memories of our two Slovenian friends and team members Ales Holc and Peter Meznar alive by this report. Our thoughts are with you and your families. May both of you rest in peace in your beloved mountains forever!
Touriosity Travel Magazine reports on Shaksgam Exped
Touriosity Travel Mag reports in their December print issue about Shaksgam Expedition 2014 - more to come soon in the Mountains issue in May 2015!
Our multivision presentation "Afghanistan´s Secret Peaks" at Bergsichten Festival 2014 in Dresden, check it out:
"Das andere Afghanistan" auf dem 11. BERGSICHTEN Festival 2014
Welcome to the 11th BERGSICHTEN Mountain & Outdoor Filmfestival 2014 in November in Dresden, where we will present our Afghanistan Expedition 2012, "Das andere Afghanistan". Main live events are presented by ice climbing goddess INES PAPERT, mountaineer and one of the leading scientist on AMS OSWALD OELZ and HANSJÖRG AUER, who will present his first ascent of Kunyang Chhish East in Pakistan, Im really looking forward to his multivisionshow.
A festival weekend with a full schedule of speeches, presentations and documentaries like "Into the Light", "Velocity", "Frozen Ralley" just to name a few - a festival with a great atmosphere.
11th BERGSICHTEN MOUNTAIN FILMFESTIVAL 2014 or BERGSICHTEN on Facebook Highly recommended as a must see!
A first cut-together as sneak preview of Shaksgam 2014
More to come soon in our multivision presentations in Bonn, Ulm, Dresden, Darmstadt, Düren, Beckum...take a look at our dates in the "Talks&Presentations" section.
Enjoy our detailed film & foto presentations, all revenues go to the families left behind by our dear friends Ales Holc and Peter Meznar, who stayed in the mountains forever on our last Expedition. In memory of Peter & Ales!
Call for support: Friends, Kamnik Alpine Club and Mountain Rescue Team Kamnik opened up an account for donations to support the families of Ales&Peter:
While days are passing by, the members of Alpine Club Kamnik and Mountain Rescue Team Kamnik are still having a difficult time facing the fact that our friends, Aleš Holc and Peter Mežnar, are not coming back from their last expedition to the Chinese Shaksgam valley. Their lives were mostly devoted to the mountains and nature, exploring technically challenging mountain faces, nursing friendly bonds, unselfish help to the others and passing knowledge to the younger generation. They have affected us friends in Kamnik's Alpine Club and Mountain Rescue Team, the people who shared the rope with and everyone else connected to them.
The members of Kamnik's Alpine Club decided to help rasing funds for their families and for covering the expences of the search rescue. For that reason we opened a special purpose bank account, where you can help with your donation.
Account holder: Planinsko društvo Kamnik
Account holder's address: Šutna 42, 1240 Kamnik
IBAN: SI56 0231 1026 1048 689
SWIFT: LJBASI2X
(in case you need a donation receipt, please write at ao.kamnik@gmail.com)
The members of Alpine Club Kamnik appreciate keeping memories of Ales and Peter alive. Thank you for caring!
In Memory of Ales Holc and Peter Meznar, Rest in Peace!
I never thought we would have to write something like this…hope dies last we say…but now it happened:
Altogether nine guys, devided on three seperate teams, we entered “Magical” ShaksgamValley, right on the border of China and Pakistan on the north side of the Karakorum range. Nine guys with different targets in the same area – sharing the same love & passion for nature and its mountains, especially the adventure of exploring unclimbed peaks. Everybody knew the risks involved, everybody knew what he was doing….and why.
But now, Aleš Holc und Peter Mežnar, two great guys and experienced climbers stay in the mountains forever.
As members of the Slovenian Alpine Club of Kamnik and the mountain rescue team, they have plenty of experience. They succeeded on some of the hardest climbs worldwide, from Tien Shan to the Indian and Tibetan Himalayas, further to the Andes and much more, earning nomination for the Piolet D`Or for their efforts….they succeeded on inspiring first ascents like Xuelian North East in China, Southface of Nampa or the Northface of Gyachung Kang (7.952m) together with Marko Prezelj in Tibet, just to name a few new routes that leave no doubt of their great skills and experience.
But not only their climbing is unique, they are wonderful people with great character at the same time. We spent a great time together on this tour – their lust for life and joy of living was just contagious, their humour unforgettable…always with a joke on their tip of the tongue and fond of the good things in life. No matter if we enjoyed a cold “pivo” on the road to the mountains or trekking through rivers and high mountain passes on the approach – there was always time for a joke and some laughter, no matter how hard the day was.
In base camp we always lined up in front of their kitchen tarp when Ales and Peter were cooking. Because a lightweight approach idea is worth nothing when Ales and Peter put some fresh prosciutto, fresh veggies and their Slovenian mountain cheese into the pan!
Where Ales and Peter are, there is always a good mood and a lot of fun – no matter if working as the base campDJ with loudspeaker made out of kitchen material or shared cooking – we tried to create a “salami-garlic-onion” bread which failed brilliantly…but their fresh prosciutto-veggie-wok meals were legendary!
Or a crazy-funny idea of Ales planting a salad field in base camp – a pitty there won´t be any harvest anymore….
We shared everything on this tour, not only our summit celebration Salami or their Slovenian mountain cheese….no, we shared our life in this time.
And this is how we will always remember you, as wonderful guys sharing an unforgettable tour and time together. You are unforgotten!
Our thoughts are with you and your families….
Ich hätte nie gedacht, dass wir so etwas einmal schreiben müssten…die Hoffnung stirbt bekanntlich zuletzt….aber nun ist es passiert.
Wir sind als eine Gruppe von neun Leuten, aufgeteilt in drei Sub-Teams auf Expedition in das „magische“ Shaksgam Tal an der Nordseite des Karakorum in China an der Grenze zu Pakistan gezogen – neun Leute mit unterschiedlichen Plänen im gleichen Gebiet – mit der gleichen Liebe und Leidenschaft für die Natur und Berge, speziell für das Abenteuer der Erstbesteigungen namenloser Gipfel….jeder kannte die damit verbundenen Risiken, jeder wusste was er da macht…und wofür.
Nun sind mit Aleš Holc und Peter Mežnar zwei großartige Menschen für immer in den Bergen geblieben … Erfahrung hatten die beiden Mitglieder des slowenischen Alpenvereins Kamnik als Bergretter genügend, Erstbesteigungen weltweit auf schwierigsten Routen sind Ihnen gelungen: im Himalaya von Indien über Tibet bis ins Tien Shan, über die Anden und vieles mehr…Nominierungen zum Piolet D´Or für die Xuelian North East Erstbesteigung oder die Erstdurchsteigung der Nampa Südwand oder der Gyachung Kang Nordwand mit 7.952m zusammen mit Marko Prezelj lassen keinen Zweifel an den überragenden Fähigkeiten und Erfahrung der beiden!
Wir haben bis dahin eine wunderbare Tour zusammen verbracht – Ihre Lebensfreude, ja Lebenslust war ansteckend und ihr Humor unvergesslich, immer einen Scherz auf den Lippen und den „guten Dingen“ des Lebens zugeneigt….egal ob wir zusammen ein kühles „pivo“ auf der Anfahrt getrunken oder unser Gepäck auf dem Anmarsch durch Flüsse und über Pässe geschleppt haben….Zeit für einen Lacher gab es immer, egal wie hart die Etappen auch waren. Im Basislager bildete sich vor dem Küchen-Tarp von Ales und Peter immer eine lange Schlange, denn was ist ein minimalistischer Lightweight-Ansatz schon wert, wenn Ales und Peter frischen Proscuitto, frisches Gemüse und ihren slowenischen Bergkäse in die Pfanne werfen?
Egal ob als base-camp-DJ mit aus Küchengeräten gebastelten Boxenkreationen, gemeinsame Koch- und Backaktionen im Basislager – unser Versuch „Salami-Knoblauch-Zwiebel-Brot“ zu backen ist kläglich gescheitert, aber eure frischen Proscuitto-Gemüse-Wok-Gerichte waren die besten! Wo Ales und Peter sind, ist immer gute Stimmung!
Oder die verrückte Idee von Ales ein frisches Salatfeld im BC zu sähen – zu dessen Ernte es nun leider nicht mehr kommen wird.
Wir haben nicht einfach nur die Gipfelsalami oder den slowenischen Bergkäse miteinander geteilt – wir haben unser Leben auf dieser Tour geteilt. Für mich bleiben diese Tour und die Zeit mit euch zusammen - vor allem aber ihr als Menschen und Freunde – unvergessen!
Unsere Gedanken sind bei euch und euren Familien.
American Alpine Journal 2014 reports:
The American Alpine Journal AAJ reports on our first ascent in Pakistan 2013 in their latest issue 2014, Vol. 56, Issue 88. We have a sneak preview right here, take a look at the report and the panorama pic on pages 286-287.
The annual American Alpine Journal reports since 1929 on first ascents and new routes world wide - first hand from those who have explored and climbed in most of the world´s mountain ranges, both great and small. The AAJ is a climber´s first stop in researching mountaineering objectives.
The Alpine Journal of the BMC reports about our Afghanistan Expedition in their 150th anniversary issue of 2013
The ALPINE JOURNAL of the British Mountaineering Club reports on our Afghanistan Expedition in their 150th anniversary issue of 2013. Read more about Koh-e Elgha Eli IV on pp 282-283.
Last year´s KARAKORUM Exped 2013 on the cover of Tourisity Travelmag July 2014
Interesting read about SHIMSHAL´s High Altitude Porters and Mountaineers - also about Samina & Mirza:
Verlag Neue Literatur (3. Juni 2014)
ISBN-10: 3940085863
ISBN-13: 978-3940085863
A new book from Christiane Fladt about the small village of Shimshal with a deep impact on high altitude mountaineering in Pakistan: Shimshals high altitude porters and mountaineers, the true heros of all Karakorum expeditions!
A BIG thank you to all our friends, supporters and sponsors:
Exped training continues:
DAV supports our project:
DAV Panorama Magazin reports:
PANORAMA Magazine, the official magazine of the DAV (German Alpine Club) reports about our first ascent in Pakistans Karakorum range, Shimshal area to be exact, in a short note and a decent photo, mentioning our tour in their section "Bergsport Heute".
December 2013, Mag No. 6/2013, p.31. (circulation: 615.787 prints)
Take a look at :
Correction Note: there was not one member from Cologne ;-)
Expedition report now online:
The expedition report of our KARAKORUM EXPEDITION 2013 is online now on the homepage of our supporter DAV Expeditionsförderung in a short version.
The compete report can be found here!
A short interview is also available here.
DAV Sektion Neu-Ulm reports:
Mountaineering Club Neu-Ulm reports in their winter magazine on our Karakorum Expedition 2013 on four pages "Der Berg im Blumenland - Koh-e Gulistan" (Mountain of the Land of the Flowers), Winter 2013/14, pp. 140-143.
PTV World interview with the team of Karakorum Expedition 2013
After our successful expedition Pakistani TV station PTV WORLD invited the team of Karakorum Expedition 2013 for an interview about the latest climb of Koh-e Gulistan (6.224m) and the security situation of Pakistan - we talk about our experience this year and why we think it is safe for tourists and climbers to visit the incredible mountain ranges of Pakistan.
Take a look at the interview in the following video:
Summit Success in Pakistan 2013!
Our KARAKORUM EXPEDITION 2013 succeeded with the first ascent of the now called peak "Koh-e Gulistan", with 6.224m the highest peak of the Shuijerab Group in Shimshal, bordering to the Oprang Valley and the Chinese border.
We want to thank Wolfgang Heichel for supporting our research for unclimbed peaks, the German Alpine Club DAV for funding our project and OSPREY Packs for providing us everlasting packs for the approach as well as light packs for the summit push.
Alltogether we want to thank our supporters not only for trusting in our team but also in the safety of Pakistan - this beautiful country shattered by recent attacks. But especially the most difficult times bring out the best of all the local people we met, who overwhelmed us with their warmhearted hospitality and made us feel safe and enjoy our trip at its best. Thank you very much to all the helpful people we met on the way and especially to the Shimshalis without this expedition would not have been successful. Shukria!
American Alpine Journal 2013 reports on our Afghanistan first ascent 2012:
The American Alpine Journal 2013 - annual magazine by the American Alpine Club collecting reports and articles of the world´s first ascents and new routes all over the mountain ranges year by year - reports on our first ascent in Afghanistan´s Little Pamir range in 2012. Read more about our conquest of Elgha Eli IV in the far eastern end of Wakhan Corridor on pages 161-162 of the magazine, Vol. 55, Issue 87.
http://aaj.americanalpineclub.org/
Our Expedition Report made it on the cover of TT Mag´s May "Mountain Special" Issue 2013
After our cultural report about the Kyrgyz Nomads of Wakhan Corridor (March 2013) now the release of our Expedition Report in the latest MOUNTAIN SPECIAL Issue May 2013 of TOURIOSITY TRAVEL MAG. Read more about the complete expedition from the approach to summit day, from Bahr-e Gul to Yach Bandaan-e Bozorg and up Roh-e Asmaan to the summit of Koh-e Elgha Eli IV in the latest Cover Story! The chosen cover photo shows Mariusz stepping over crevasses made easy with the light backpacks of Osprey - at this point we also want to thank OSPREY Packs as our supplier of the expedition.
Enjoy the read with plenty of photos!
Unsere Afghanistan Expedition wurde mit dem "Globetrotter des Jahres 2012" ausgezeichnet
Seit 19 Jahren kürt Globetrotter Ausrüstung alljährlich den "GLOBETROTTER DES JAHRES"– Personen, die durch außergewöhnliche, individuelle Reisen auf sich aufmerksam gemacht haben und die sich mit Land und Leuten auseinandersetzen, sich mit Kultur und Geschichte beschäftigen. Es werden nicht die sportlichen Höchstleistungen prämiert, sondern das sanfte Reisen soll gefördert werden, das Rücksicht auf die Natur und Kultur des Gastlandes nimmt. Es sollen die Leistungen von Individualisten honoriert werden, die Länder nicht im Schnellgang abhaken, sondern die sich für ein Schwerpunktthema engagieren und abseits ausgetretener Pfade besonders intensiv in fremde Kulturen und Landschaften eintauchen und mehr bewirken, als vor Ort eine Cola zu kaufen. Wir suchen Globetrotter im klassischen Sinne, Menschen, die mit Leidenschaft an ein Gebiet abseits ausgetretener Pfade herangehen, so wie das Team von „Afghanistans Secret Peaks“. Die Jury sagt: »Sie wagten sich in ein geopolitisches Relikt und einen der entlegensten Orte dieser Welt mit ihren ganz eigenen Regeln«, zeigt sich Florian Bosse von Globetrotter, der mit in der Jury saß, beeindruckt. »Ihre Geschichte hat uns besonders fasziniert und den Spirit des Globetrotters toll widergespiegelt. Danke für die tolle Geschichte!«
Vielen Dank an "GLOBETROTTER AUSRÜSTUNG" für diese tolle Unterstützung!
4Seasons Magazine reports:
4SEASONS MAGAZINE , Summer 2013, Edition #38 (p.28), reports on Afghanistan´s Secret Peaks, which has been chosen for the "Globetrotter of the Year 2012" Award for a self organized expedition with a low impact minimal approach, crossing Wakhan Corridor from West to East with it´s untouched side valleys and unspoilt nomadic culture and climbing a previously nameless and unclimbed virgin peak (now called "Koh-e Elgha Eli IV", 5725m).The Jury says:
"Your report fascinated us the most and reflects the spirit of a Globetrotter. Thank you very much for your report."
Thank you very much, "GLOBETROTTER AUSRÜSTUNG", for your great support!
Coverstory of Touriosity Travel Mag reports on our cultural experience with Kyrgyz Nomads of Wakhan Corridor
TOURIOSITY TRAVEL MAG`s tribal issue March 2013 cover story pp.52-57 reports on our tour through Wakhan Corridor and the unique experience with the Kyrgyz Nomads, living with their herds of sheep, goat and yaks constantly above 4.000m in the far east on the Little Pamir high plateau. Despite the hard living conditions in the barren valleys at an extreme altitude and the absence of medical care, the hospitable nomads gave us inside views into their culture and traditions of a free nomadic life according to the traditions of their elders. Read more on the Kyrgyz Nomads of Afghanistan:
Postcard with Love...Touriosity Travel Magazine reports:
Postcards with Love....Touriosity Travel Magazine (media partner of Afghanistan´s Secret Peaks) received our expedition postcard straight from the tour and reports in a news feature with a short summary about our adventure in their latest Nov-Dec. print issue 2012. As a professional print media with love for the details they mention all team members in detail - so we dont have to fire our head of the marketing department ;-)
BEYOND LIMITS at the 9th BERGSICHTEN MOUNTAIN & OUTDOOR FILMFESTIVAL 2012
We were honoured to present our first ascent in Pakistans Karakorum range "BEYOND LIMITS" live in front of an amazing audience of nearly 900 people at the 9th BERGSICHTEN Mountain& Outdoor Filmfestival 2012. Gaining 3rd place in the audience election makes it best mountaineering presentation of the competition. Main events were presented by great mountaineers like GERLINDE KALTENBRUNNER & RALF DUJMOVITS, British mountain and adventure filmer LEO DICKENSON and the living mountaineering legend KURT DIEMBERGER - a man 80 years of age and experience, who has seen it all: he first summited two 8.000er peaks Broad Peak and Dhaulagiri, brought alpine style into the Himalayas with Hermann Buhl and reached many more 1st ascents in the Hindukush, a true adventurer and renowned mountain filmer.
A festival weekend with a full schedule of speeches, presentations and documentaries with a great atmosphere. Dont miss the next Festival with LYNN HILL, STEFAN GLOWACZ and ALEXANDER HUBER in November 2013 in Dresden.
9th BERGSICHTEN MOUNTAIN FILMFESTIVAL 2012 or BERGSICHTEN on Facebook Highly recommended as a must see next year!
DAV (German Alpine Club) PANORAMA magazine calls our first ascent in Afghanistan "cool stuff"!
PANORAMA Magazine, the official magazine of the DAV (German Alpine Club) reports about our first ascent in Afghanistans Little Pamir range in a short note and a decent photo, mentioning our tour as "cool stuff" in their section "Spitz&Breit" - mountaineering news from around the world.
December 2012, Mag No. 6/2012, p.27. (circulation: 592.794)
Take a look at :
Correction Note: the team consists of all 5 climbers, Sarah Sheridan, Malgorzata Skowronska, Mariusz Hoffmann, Andreas Schnall and Chris.
German newspaper KÖLNER STADT-ANZEIGER published a big article about our expedition:
An interview with team member Chris gives inside views of our expedition crossing Wakhan Korridor from West to East, from warmhearted encounters with the most hospitable Afghan people, from Wakhi to Kyrgyz Nomads in their yurt settlements to private concerts of the legendary Mir Maftoon, from old Russian trenches with barbed wire to newly built boys & girls schools, from tiny mosquitos and fat marmots to huge yak bulls, from fresh naan with salty yak butter tea to kebab and goat brain, from getting totally wasted on a lovely Tajik wedding (all halal style – except the vodka) to local turmoil and closed borders in Tajikistan, from beautiful sunsets & sunrises and sunburns to the worst diarrhea, from crossing icecold glacier rivers and trekking up&down high mountain passes during rain, sun and snow into the unknown side valleys to climbing the unclimbed and nameless peaks of the Afghan Little Pamir - this tour had all the possible ups and downs you could think of….and much more!
One of the leading German daily newspapers FRANKFURTER RUNDSCHAU reports on our expedition "Afghanistans Secret Peaks 2012"! Get your print issue and follow us on our tour deep into the Afghan Pamir of Wakhan Corridor. Our goal was to explore the hidden side valleys of Elgha Eli and Terghen Qorum and try to ascend a nameless and unclimbed giant of rock and ice. Read more...
Berlin´s major newspaper BERLINER ZEITUNG reports on Afghanistan´s Secret Peaks 2012.
In July our international team of five climbers started from Dushanbe (Tajikistan) on a nine day approach to unexplored valleys in the eastern end of Wakhan Corridor, south-east of Lake Chaqmaqtin, Afghan Little Pamir. The team consisted of Sarah Sheridan, Malgorzata Skowronska, Mariusz Hoffmann, Andreas Schnall and Chris Nettekoven. It took us two days by jeep from Dushanbe to the Tajik-Afghan border at Ishkashim and two more days to reach the end of the jeep track at Sarhad-e-Boroghil. From there we trekked for five days with yak and horse caravans past Kyrgyz nomad settlements and Lake Chaqmaqtin into the hidden side valley of Elgha Eli, which is named after a kind of willow bush that grows in the lower part of the valley. Our goal was to ascend an unclimbed and nameless giant of rock and ice....
The American Alpine Journal reports on our first ascent of Koh-e-Brobar in the Karakorum of Shimshal/Pakistan
The upcoming American Alpine Journal 2012 (Vol. 54, Issue 86), the annual journal for first ascents worldwide by the American Alpine Club, reports on our last years climb of virgin summit of Koh-e-Brobar in Shimshal/ Pakistan, deep in the Karakorum, border area to China.
Team members Malgosia and Chris of Afghanistans Secret Peaks took part in the expedition that supported a first Pakistani female mountaineer Samina Baig. We wish the best of luck to Samina on her future climbs!!
Read more about our first ascent of last year:
AAJ first ascent report of KOH-E-BROBAR
The American Alpine Journal provides Feature Articles on many of the most important climbs of the year, from Alaska to Nepal. But the heart of every AAJ is the Reports section, which covers all the big new mountain routes in the world.
http://aaj.americanalpineclub.org/
GORY magazine reports on our first ascent of Koh-e-Brobar
GORY magazine´s lates print issue (Sept. 2012, pp58-64) reports about our first ascent in Pakistan´s Karakorum mountain range in Shimshal. Team members Malgosia and Chris supported Samina Baig, Pakistans first female mountaineer, scaling the unclimbed and nameless virgin peak, now named Koh-e-Brobar (Mt. Equality), according to Samina´s gender equality mission.
Click on the pics below to enlarge & read!
Cały projekt skupiał się wokół dwudziestoletniej Saminy Baig, alpinistki pochodzącej z pakistańskiej wioski Shimshal, która podczas każdej ze swoich podróży chce zbliżać się do dziewiczego piękna natury. Jej pasją jest również zdobywanie szczytów i wchodzenie na wysokości, na które żadna z Pakistanek nie śmiała się poważyć. Check out GORY ONLINE on Facebook
Coverstory of Touriosity Travel Mag reports on our first ascent of virgin peak Koh-e-Brobar in Pakistan
Read about our last years successful first ascent of Koh-e-Brobar in Pakistan´s Karakorum Range in the latest print issue of TOURIOSITY TRAVELMAG´s 10 pages cover story (June-July/2012) !
Team members Malgosia and Chris report about their climb to support SAMINA BAIG´s Gender Equality Mission as Pakistan´s first female climber scaling virgin peaks. Their adventure took them to Pakistan´s Northern Areas, Shimshal - border area to China. Get your print version and check out the colourful report with plenty of pics presented by Touriosity Travelmag!
Click on the following pages to enlarge the pics for reading: