Satellite Phones
We, at Explore Himalaya aspire to make the Himalayan journey of our clients’ smooth, hassle free, enjoyable and memorable. We are always in the lookout for latest products and gadgets that would make your travel into remote pockets of the Himalayas easy and smooth. The satellite phone is one gadget which has proved to be indispensable in this regard. During emergency situations in the high mountains, when life hangs on a balance, satellite phones have been useful in reaching out for help. Satellite phones are also useful keeping in touch with friends and families while traveling in the remote mountains.

The Satellite Phone for Expeditions, Trekking and Tibet Tours : Thuraya SG2520
After searching for an ideal set, we have finally selected the Thuraya SG2520 satellite mobile hand sets, for our trips and expeditions this year. We have chosen this model, because: it has a built in browser (which does not require connection to a laptop or PC to browse the internet), camera of 1 mega pixel and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) phone. It is also quite light and sleek (170g). With the use of this set while traveling in the high mountains away from human habitation, you can stay connected with your family and friends, because the satellite service option in Thuraya SG-2520 allows you to connect with your family and friends (the satellite service option helps you to roam across nearly one third of the globe). Thuraya SG-2520 is GmPRS(Geo Mobile Packet Radio Service) enabled. The embedded micro browser facilitates Internet access. Which means you can enjoy reliable internet access and efficient data transmission at 60/15 kbps using Thuraya’s satellite network. Whether you are traveling in “the roof of the world” (Tibet) or climbing up a 8000+ meters Himalayan peak in Nepal, you can stay in touch with your office or your colleagues via the internet using the Thuraya network. You can make and receive calls, send SMS and e-mails .In addition, the GPS (Global Positioning System) feature in the handset allows users to navigate and find locations, and thus reach destinations quickly and safely. Moreover the phone’s integrated 1.3-megapixel camera allows you to capture special moments and grand sights on your journey to the wilderness of high Himalayan mountains. The Bluetooth technology allows you to recode sounds as well.

Phone Accessories
The set comes with a heavy duty battery, solar battery charger and USB data cable.

Heavy Duty Battery
Heavy duty battery is used to power the set for longer periods of time.
The battery takes four hours to charge It gives you a talk time of up to 2.4 hrs and standby time of up to 40+ hrs.

Solar Charger
The Solar Charger kit is used for charging the satellite handset even in the most remote areas or locations with limited, erratic or no power service. It can charge the phone battery in around 3 hours. The Solar Charger comes with a built- in cigarette lighter outlet. It also can be used for charging Notebooks.

USB Data Cable
The data Cable is used for connecting your Thuraya handset to the serial port on your Windows PC where you can go online (Internet) or send data/fax.

The data cable comes with a Software CD. The software package is compatible with Windows 98/Me/NT 4.0/2000 & Windows XP Home & Professional editions. Once configuration is complete, users are ready to dial in and surf the Web, check e-mail, send and receive faxes, trade stocks, research an issue during a meeting etc.

How to upgrade the software on your PC
Step 1:

Download the Software CD on your desktop.

Go to the desktop and run the setup file.
Note: To double check successful download, click on Start programs and check if you have Thuraya SG-2520 on your programs list.

Step 2:
Download the Thuraya SG-2520 Firmware release 4.4 into your hard disk.

Step 3:

Go to Start> Programs > Thuraya SG-2520> Thuraya SG-2520 Software Upgrade Manual

Earset
The earset is a simple earphone and microphone arrangement designed to allow the user to utilise both hands while engaging in a telephone conversation.

Payment terms
You can hire the handset and charger (together with the software CD and data cable) against a rental fee of US$ 85 per week. You need to purchase a scratch card of 39 units (US$70) and 80 units (US$140). The talk time & charge varies from country to country.
Please do send in your booking queries to sales@explorehimalaya.com or contact us directly by phone: 977-1-4418-100.

Calling/data/fax rates from Nepal (in US$):

Download the list of countries

We would like to thank all the people who came by our booth during Fitur Trade Show this February. It was a pleasure meeting you all and we hope to see you soon in The Himalayas.

The Operation Department of Explore Himalaya organized an orientation workshop for the benefit of other employees. The Sherpas and other members of the operation dept. took turns to speak about and to demonstrate what sort of preparation is required and what goes on during a trekking and climbing expedition. All the employees of Explore Himalaya participated in the workshop.

The program started with the serving of breakfast at the dining tent, which was pitched up to give a touch of authenticity . The dining tent can accommodate around 20-25 people. Ram Kaji Tamang and Phurba Sherpa, both old hands and experienced ‘sirdars’, took turns at explaining at what goes on during a trek and expedition. While the breakfast was being served, Phurba Sherpa enlightened the participants on how the day starts while on an actual trek or expedition. The crew is led by a ‘sirdar’ under whose command are the Sherpas , kitchen crew and porters. Every evening he briefs the members on the next day’s schedule.

According to him the members are woken up with a cup of tea brought to the members’ tents. After that they are provided with a basin of hot / lukewarm water to wash themselves. After washing up they assemble at the dining tent where breakfast is served. The members get ready and begin the day’s trek after breakfast.
Ram Kaji Tamang explained that two types of tents are used for sleeping while trekking and on expeditions: ‘Two men dome’ and ‘A’ shaped. As the name suggests the Dome tent is shaped like a dome, semi-circular, and can accommodate two people. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. The tent has an inner and outer cover. Even if it rains or snows the inner shield keeps the tent dry. According to Ram Kaji Tamang, this type of tent has been used for several expeditions including the expedition to Everest. The ‘A’ shaped tent is shaped like an ‘A’, and is more spacious. But a level surface is needed to pitch it up. The dome tent can be pitched up in uneven surfaces too.

The inflatable Gamow Bag was next in line. According to Phurba, the gamow bag is a must during expeditions and trekking, especially in the higher altitudes. It acts as a life saver during an AMS attack. The Sherpas explained that they always take a gamow bag along with them.

Next on the agenda was a discourse on climbing and fixing rope , together with an exhibition of climbing equipments and clothing used during an expedition. Ice axe, ropes, carabiners,mountaineering boots, ice screws, harnesses, crampons, down suits, mountain boots etc. were on display.Two of the Sherpas gave live demonstration on belaying by climbing on a nearby tree using harnesses and ropes.

Lunch was served, prepared by the kitchen stuff and included items served during a trekking and climbing expedition. The orientation workshop came to a closure after lunch.

The valley of Pokhara is a paradise situated on the lap of the panoramic Annapurna Himal.200kilometers west from Nepal’s fabled Capital city of Kathmandu.This enchanting valley is one of nature’s rare places where dramatic views of the world’s highest mountain can be enjoyed from the subtropical setting. Having a total of 7 lakes, Pokhara is known as the valley dotted with lakes. The city has a population of around 95,000.It has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.

The city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.Pokhara is a rare combination of the long arrays of snow clad peaks, crystal clear lakes ,turbulent rivers with deep gorges and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly ethnic people.

Pokhara is most popular for its lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Best time to visit is between October and April. One can go for boating on these famous lakes. Exploring the deep-seated mysteries of intriguing caves like Mahendra Gupha will further heighten your adventure spirit. The Devi’s fall, the gorge of the Seti River, Buddhist monastery, Barahi temple, Gupteswar Gupha, Museums, Sarangkot, Bindabasini Temple, The Old Bazaar, World Peace Pagoda and Tibetan refugee camp are the other dotted places for sightseeing.

Phewa Tal (Lake):
Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the kingdom, roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is the center of attraction in Pokhara. Phewa Tal is surrounded by a combination of monkey-filled forests and the high white peaks. Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats can be hired for boating. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image.

Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake:
Out of town and away from the hustle, these lakes are located about 15km from Pokhara. Divided by the forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion. Splendid boating and fishing can be done here.

Seti Gandaki:
Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination – over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

Devi’s Fall:
Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell’s Fall), Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport Spectacular and unusual, Devi falls plunge into a cave and disappear into the earth.

The Old Bazaar:
Pokhara traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market’s original charm is alive and well.

Barahi temple:
This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, the two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

Bindabasini Temple:
Bindabasini temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. Worshippers flock here to perform sacrifices, and especially on Saturdays the park like grounds take on a festive fair.

World Peace Pagoda:
The pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa, recently built atop a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, beautiful sunset and Pokhara city. One can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.

Matepani Gumba (Buddhist monastery):
There is a splendid Buddhist Monastery on the top of the small forested hill above Matepani east of Mahendra pool. It overlooks a large section of the Pokhara city, and once there one finds oneself lost in time amid the chanting Ramas.there colossal guardian images of the Buddha accompanying two other gurus and a prayer house has an exquisitely carved columns and friezes.

Mahendra Gupha:
Mahendra Gupha is the nature’s wonders. This Gupha is the large limestone cave locally called the Chamero Odhaar (“House of Bats”). A two hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring a torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, although most of them have been carted out by souvenir hunters.

Gupteswar Gupha:
Gupteswar Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city. The entrance is right across from Devi’s Fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.

Museum:
Pokhara Museum, located between the airport and Mahendra Pool, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed.
Annapurna Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum, is located at Prithvi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar. The museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks.

Sarangkot:
This small village is perked on top of a hill just 5 kilometers from Pokhara Lakeside. At an elevation of just under 1,600m, it is perched on a high ridge to the northwest of The absence of motor vehicles contributes to Sarangkot’s peaceful atmosphere Pokhara and has panoramic mountain views of whole sweep from Dhaulagiri and across the Annapurnas to Manaslu, needless to say of the lake and the Pokhara valley itself.

During long mountaineering expeditions, we use specialised Solar Panels for electricity consumption. We have a 6 Panel Solar System which has the solar capacity of 90 watts. Perfect for camping and trekking, these Solar Panels are incredibly durable, lightweight, portable, extremely powerful and designed to standup to the toughest weather conditions.

Solar energy is cheap and very easy to change into electric energy. You just need to have a good spot to mount the solar panel. To ensure that the panel receives the most possible sunlight, it should be mounted on a south-facing slope unshaded by any object or trees. The solar panels will convert the light energy obtained from the sun directly into electric energy. This electricity produced is in DC format or Direct Current. The solar panels are connected to a 12 volt battery, through which direct current is acquired and is used to light DC bulbs. One DC port can light around 4 DC bulbs. You can charge around 5 batteries at a time but the more batteries you charge, the more time is consumed for charging all the batteries. After the batteries are charged, the DC is stored directly in the storage batteries, the charge remaining stored when not in use. A Solar Controller can be used to check the charge rate (fully charged, etc.) in the battery.

Direct Current can only light DC bulbs but cannot be used for other applications. Hence, Alternating Current (AC) is needed to operate computers, heaters, to charge laptops, mobile phones, satellite phones, etc. In order to obtain AC, an inverter is used. An inverter is an electronic circuit that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). This solar panel is multifunctional, as both DC and AC can be acquired at the same time, for multipurpose use. This is a very easy technique, known by every climbing Sherpa.