Annapurna Base Camp

I am pleased to share with you photos taken by Ivy Lee who went trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (“ABC”) from 11 to 28 October 2008. As you can see, there was lots of deep blue sky in autumn compares to spring in May.

Please click here to view 368 photos taken by Ivy Lee..

Ivy Lee - admiring the peaceful and tranquil environment.

The 12-man KC and Team went there from 28 April to 4 May 2008 click here (and scroll down the pages); comparing the two seasons, you will see that in May, the ice and snow are still visible at the lower ground but the sky is always full of clouds. Hence, it is not stunning when taking photographs.

In October, most of the ice and snow would have melted save for those at the peak of mountains.

Which is the best season to go? The answer is: experience the different seasons in different trekking regions in Nepal. Both seasons have their unique experience and fun.

(AB Tan informed me that he will be leading a 7-man team trekking to ABC in early April 2009. Click here for his most recent trekking trip to Mera Peak, Nepal.).

Ivy Lee trekking to the peak of ABC (October 2008).

Ram, Cynthia, LimKH and NgChooi Ling (same journey in May 2008).

Ivy Lee arriving at ABC.

Weng arriving in ABC (May 2008).

Most ice at the lower ground is melted (Oct 2008).

Lili Ng standing almost at the same location (May 2008).

It snowed in May 2008 - Cheban, the boss of Nepal Trekking Agent.

Chooi Lin, Yee Choi, Chiew Hong and Weng (May 2008).

Posted by KC

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Trekking to ABC by TanCK

TanCK (left) at the Sydney Marathon

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Tan CK's group is going for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC... 4,100m) this October 28.

He is engaging Mr. Cheban, the trusted Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal.

In October and November, the fine weather in Nepal is superb for trekking with plenty of deep blue sky and snowy mountains; though it can be cold in the high mountains..

TanCK is the Area Team Leader of Putrajaya, Pacesetters Club. Currently, he is in Australia participating in the Sydney Marathon.

If you are interested, please send email to Mr. TanCK direct:

choonkok.tan combine with @ yahoo.com

Handphone: 012- 373 9407

Please click here for photos and the journey (Part 1 to 7) taken recently at ABC treks in May 2008 by yours truly (KC).

Here is wishing tham a successful and memorable journey.
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Filepix at ABC in May 2008. KC is at far right

The Itinerary for TanCK's team:

28.10.2008 Arrival hotel transfer short walk and welcome dinner O/N (over-night) hotel (D)
29.10.2008 Sight seeing in KTM O/N hotel (B)30.10.2008 KTM/Pokhara by tourist bus O/N hotel (Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner)
31.11.2008 Drive to Nayapul & trek to Tirkhedhunga (1577 m.) O/N lodge (B.L.D.)01.11.2008 Trek Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2853m.) O/N lodge (B.L.D.)
02.11.2008 In the morning visit Poon Hill & trek to Tadapani (2721m.) O/N lodge (B.L.D.)03.11.2008 Trek Tadapani to Sinuwa (2110m. appx.) O/N lodge (B.L.D.)
04.11.2008 Trek Sinuwa to Deurali in the begnning its little down and all the way to Modi Khola reiver bank 6 hours (2310m.) O/N lodge (B.L.D.)05.11.2008 Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp 7 hours (4095 m.) O/N lodge (B.L.D.)
06.11.2008 Trek back Annapurna Base Camp to Bambo 6 hours O/N lodge (B.L.D.)07.11.2008 Bambo to Kyumi 6 hours O/N lodge (B.L.D.)
08.11.2008 Kyumi to Nayapul and drop to Pokhara and lunch in Lakeside and walk around O/N hotel(B.L.D.)09.11.2008 Sight seeing in Pokhara O/N hotel (B.)10.11.2008 Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus and O/N hotel (B.L.D.)


Posted by KC

Planning for Post-ABC 2nd Dinner

Okay, Tai Kim Wone, one of the trekkers in the recent Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) treks, is organizing a dinner at Kuala Lumpur which is planned in August 2008. This time, the main criteria are to select a restaurant that offers good food and karaoke room for singing.
.Cheban (left) and PK Chan (with a unique hat) were singing Nepalese song

We realize that a few of the trekkers could sing while we were having our celebration in Nepal immediately after descent from ABC. In that cold and rainy night at Bee Hive View Guesthouse in Kyumi, Nepal (two days after descent from ABC), we were celebrating in a small but cozy dining room.
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Cheers! Cheers!

Imagine 12 trekkers, 6 porters, 2 mountain guides and Cheban (Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal) were packed in a 13x13 feet room. While Cheban and his mountain guides and porters were singing the Nepalese folks songs, the Malaysian trekkers were trying to show their singing ability by singing some Western, Chinese and Malay oldies.
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Kumar (left, second mountain guide), Cynthia, LimKH and Lili

That evening, the Nepalese songs sounded better and Cheban and his team were better singers. We were tapping our feet amidst the melodious songs though we could feel the vibration of the room were a bit unusual. Next morning, we saw that the dinning room was actually mounted to the side of a cliff next to the roaring river!!
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The six porters

To be continued…

Click here for the posting in Kyumi.

Click here for the first post-ABC celebration dinner in Kuala Lumpur.

Photos by Weng

Written by KC

ABC Post-Celebration Dinner

Note: next posting will be delayed. I will be at Sepang F1 Circuit on Saturday and Sunday watching the Super GT car racing.

Click here for all photos taken in ABC (Annapurna Base Camp).

“I am at the restaurant already”, I read Dr. Hamdan’s sms at 6:30 p.m., Saturday 14 June. Wow! That was early as we were supposed to meet from 7 to 7:30 p.m. After sending out sms to the rest of the ABC trekking team members to confirm the dinner, immediately, I drove to LaLa Chong Seafood Restaurant, Subang – the venue for our post-celebration dinner.
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Beautiful sunset opposite the LaLa Chong Seafood Restaurant

Menu for the Evening

The ABC-trained trekkers could really eat (applicable to guys). Here are the selection that we ordered:

1. LaLa in soup (the signature dish of LaLa Chong)
2. Big crabs fried with salted eggs (hmm… this dish tastes superb!)
3. Big fish steamed in plain source
4. Big prawns in thick, sweet and spicy source
5. Big Kampong chicken (half bird)
6. Paku vegetable with belachan
7. Vegetable.

On top of that, we ordered a plate of rice each. Before that, we have satay for starter, and we ended the dinner with fruits for dessert.
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PK Chan made a long-distant phone call to Cheban, the Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal, while we were still savouring the delicious food. Due to bad signal, the line was cut. A few minutes later, Cheban called back from Nepal. And PK Chan’s handphone was passed round one by one. Among other things, I told Cheban that “I wish you were here with us for the sumptuous dinner.”
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Front (L-R): Cynthia, Lili, Dr. Hamdan, Lok, Chiew Hong
Back (L-R): Yee Choi, PK Chan, Lim KH, KC, Weng.
Click here for an enlarge view (200KB). Press F11 key.

Wine All Round

Other than good food, good company, good conversation, we have good wine too. LimKH brought a bottle of wine while PK Chan brought three bottles, and Chiew Hong brought the Nepalese Rum.

Lili commented that one can get drunk easily when we mixed different types of wine. Well! The ABC-trained trekkers were good! Despite the thin air (in ABC) and the potent mixture, we could still walk straight. No problem.
.Lili - The attractive, hardworking and kind-hearted team member. She devoted much of her time to charitable work. Keep up the good work! BRAVO!

Sitting there the whole evening, I could observe that most tables were empty (still early at 7pm); then they were occupied (during prime time) and later were emptied (most customers had left). However, we were still there conversing!! And finally, at 11 p.m., we decided to leave.

It was a great dinner amidst great company.

Written By KC

Note from PK Chan:
Yes, that was one of my most enjoyable dinners amidst great fellowship and team spirit which continue to flourish since the trekking at ABC. It's always memorable that I received the largest Ang Pow from KC; I think Lily had also made similar comment :-))

Thanks again to Lok and others who had taken the trouble to organise the get-to-together and hope many more to come whilst gearing towards our next venture!

Note from Dr. Hamdan:
Thank you all for making it to the dinner, that was excellent !!

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Super GT Race programme, Sepang F1 Circuit

Saturday 21 June 2008

8:00 am - Formula V6 Asia Qualifying
8:40 am - Aston Martin Cup Qualifying
9:20 am - Asian Formula Renault Challenge Race 1
10:00 am - Asia Supercar Challenge Race 1
11:00 am - Super GT Qualifying 1
12:10 pm - Aston Martin Cup Race 1
1:00 pm - Pit Walk
2:00 pm - Formula V6 Race 1
2:50 pm - Asian Formula Renault Challenge Race 1
4:00 pm - Super GT Qualifying 2

Sunday 22 June 2008

9:50 am - Asian Formula Renault Challenge Race 2
11:00 am - Super GT warm up
11:30 am - Circuit Safari
11:55 am - Asia Supercar Challenge Race 2
12:40 pm - Pit Walk
1:25 pm - Aston Martin Cup Race 2
2:15 pm - Formula V6 Asia Race 2
4:00 pm - Super GT Race (54 laps)

ABC Celebration

One of the most enjoyable moments while trekking at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) treks, Nepal was spent during meal times. The entire 12-man team got to sit together and talked about a vast subject matters amidst jokes and laughters.

This time, we are going to have a post-celebration back in Kuala Lumpur for the successful completion of the treks. The Team will go for a celebration at one of the leading seafood restaurants opposite Terminal 3, Subang this Saturday evening, 14 June.

Only two trekkers could not come: Tai (in overseas) and Chooi Lin (have another appointment). Nevetheless, Chooi Lin wishes us that "Have a great weekend; eat, drink and be merry!"
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Waiting for dinner - First day of trekking

L-R: Lili, Dr. Hamdan, Chooi Lin, KC, LimKH, Yee Choi, PK Chan, Chiew Hong, Lok, Tai, Cynthia, Weng.

Ultra-Marathon:

Chooi Lin completed her maiden ultra-marathon (84km) in Singapore on 7 June 2008 during the Sundown Marathon. She finished the race in 13 hrs 47mins. She said, "Yes, I'm very proud that I have struggled to the finishing line. Trekking at ABC is so much easier!"

BRAVO to Chooi Lin! You are a class above the other runners!

Click here to view the journey of ABC by the Team. Scroll down continuously for seven postings.

Lunch at Hungy Eye Restaurant

Yours truly (left) and the Team at Annapurna Base Camp
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Descent to Bamboo - Tai (L2) opened his bottle of wisky for rounds of cheers!

Cheers again - Final evening of trekking ... Cheban (left, The Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal).

Posted by KC

Mission Accomplished

Yeah! The Team made it to Annapurna Base Camp on 4 May 2008!

Click here to view enlarged photo (164 KB). Press F11 key.
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Click here to view enlarge photo (182 KB). Press F11 key.

I am trying to sort out the 2,500 photos taken during the journey. Stay tune...

Posted by KC

ABC Nepal Trekking - Prelude

Scroll down the posting to read Linda Trivino's report.

Note: There will be no posting for three weeks.
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Olympic 2008 Torch Relay Fun Run in Kuala Lumpur. Please click here to view photos by courtesy of Chris Jong, who ran with his camera.
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After more than nine months of planning and preparation, the Team is all set and looking forward to the great trekking trip at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in Nepal.

The 12-man team, lead by yours truly (KC), is going for a 12-day adventure trekking trip.

The team members are:

Pacesetters Runners:
KC Leong, Chooi Lin, Lok C Chuen, PK Chan, Weng, Yee Choi (6 members)

Avid Trekkers:
Cynthia Chu, Lim K Hooi, Hamdan, Leong Chiew Hong, Lili Ng WL, Tai K Wone (6 members).

The Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal will be headed by Mr. Cheban and his team of committed mountain guides and porters. This will be the second time that I engage the same trek and tour agent. My first trip was to trek Cho La Pass (5,400m; near to Everest Base Camp) in May 2007.
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Message from Mak, a Pacesetter runner:
All the best to you Mountain Sifu’s. Take care and we look forward to viewing all the nice pictures and write up. KC, please drop us a mail if you miss us and if internet access is available somewhere. Of course we miss you people from Malaysia. Cheers!

Note from KC:
Thanks for the well wishes. The people of Nepal – just like Malaysia – vote for change in their recent election. Hopefully, in years to come, they will have internet and WIFI connection at the treks. While we trek, we can then do interactive blogging or uploading to YouTube ... :-)

For more photos of trekking in Nepal, please click the “Nepal Trekking 2008” icon on the left sidebar.

Mr. Cheban’s Details... do take a look at the websites below:
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Mt. Manaslu Adventure Treks (P) Ltd.
P.O. Box 15145 Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel.: 00977-1-4424632, 4423542
Mobile: 00977-98510-55876 Fax: 00977-1-4423542
E-mail: manaslutrek@wlink.com.np, info@alpinenepal.com
Web.: http://www.alpinenepal.com/, http://www.manaslutreks.com.np/
Treks & Tours organizer to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India
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Posted by KC

The Anxiety of Two Elections

Within a short span of one month, I show concern to the outcome of general election ("GE") not only for one country, but two. First is the GE in Malaysia on 8 March 2008 and now the GE in Nepal which will be held tomorrow, 10 April 2008.

In our homeland, the dust of election would have been settled down save for those loose ends that still require much talking as to who is responsible for the activities and the smooth hand-shaking for continuation.

Append here is a comic strip from Star newspaper published today, 9 April that look at it from a humorous perspective. In the middle of the diagram, the heap of earth is replaced by a heap of shit.
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I am concern for the outcome of the GE in Nepal because our 12-person team is going for a 12-day trekking in Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal, 18 days later (on 28 April). If there is political unrest arising from the election, then months of planning and preparation will be deeply affected and will have to be rescheduled.

A few weeks ago, with the unrest in Tibet, my friends asked me whether I am worried for the spill-over effect in Nepal. So, I quipped: Since Nepal and Tibet are separated by the Himalayan Mountains, it is not easy to cross over. Now that the unrest could be triggered within the country, this is no joking matter.

On Monday 7 April, the following is reported in the Star newspaper which I think is unfavorable news for tourists going to Nepal.

Fears of violence in Nepal: The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal votes on its political future this week, but many fear the landmark elections, which could mean the end of the world's only Hindu monarchy, could also end in violence.
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On the same day, I sent one email to Mr. Cheban, the Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal. He came to Kuala Lumpur four days after our GE and now I will visit Nepal 18 days after their GE.

Extracts from my email:
"Yes, hope that you will have a smooth election. Wish that the election will elect capable leaders in your country to take Nepal to greater height - economically for your country and welfare for your people. Hope things will be fine."

Written by KC

ABC Nepal Trekking - Last Call

This is the last call for those who would like to join us in the 12-day trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal this 28 April 2008. If you are interested, please contact me as soon as possible. Currently, we have 12 confirmed going.

My contacts: 012-216 8166 or email: sunshine_runners@yahoo.com

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Weng sent me one email containing the link to a photo album of Annapurna trek. This sifu skill of this photographer - Mr. Valentin - is superb. Every photo looks stunning and beautiful.

Please click here to view the photos.

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When in photo album, click Slideshow. Remember to press F11 key to expand the photos; click F11 again to return to normal view.

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For those who would like to trek in Nepal, you can contact the same Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal, Mr. Cheban Devkota. He quotes a very fair and reasonable price while maintaining the professional and good service of trekking agent.

Mt. Manaslu Adventure Treks (P) Ltd.

P.O. Box 15145 Kathmandu, Nepal.

Tel.: 00977-1-4424632, 4423542

Mobile: 00977-98510-55876

Fax: 00977-1-4423542

E-mail: manaslutrek@wlink.com.np, info@alpinenepal.com

Web.: http://www.alpinenepal.com/, http://www.manaslutreks.com.np/

Treks & Tours organizer to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India

Posted by KC

ABC Invitation

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

I am pleased to inform that there are still 2 to 3 seats available for the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trekking in early May 2008 (for 12 days, about RM 4,200) organizes by yours truly.

If you are a runner or an avid trekker (and from Kuala Lumpur), you are most welcome to join the team. Please contact me, KC @ 012- 266 8166 for more details (or click the email address on the left sidebar). Hurry! As the target date to pay up the deposit is quite close.

Weng, who will assume the role as a photographer in this trip, has been collecting galleries of other photos of ABC. You can click the link below to go to his photo album. In the Linked Galleries (right side), all photos are mostly on ABC trekking.

Click here for Weng's photo album.

One particular photo album that I would like to share with you is from a girl called Karen. The views (from her photo album) are just simply beautiful. Attached below are just four photos extracted from her album.

Click here for Karen's photo album.

Kevin and I loved ABC so much, we decided to stay an extra day and do a day hike. It was quite an adventure as we had to cross this moraine and a glacier to make it to the other side and up the peak.
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Sunrise at Poon Hill. Yes, it was worth all of the trekking and thousands of stairs that it took to get there.

Sunset at Annapurna Base Camp

To view other trekking photos in Nepal, please at "Nepal Trekking 2008" icon at the top left corner.
or click here.
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Posted by KC

Trekking at Annapurna – The Preparation

The preparation for trekking at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Nepal in May 2008 has been progressing well. The response has been encouraging. More than 14 trekkers and runners – my original target – have submitted the names to me.

Air Travel

It is a tough decision whether to go by Royal Nepal Airline or Thai Airways. After much thought, we decided to fly Thai Airways again.

Royal Nepal Airline: The airfare is cheaper; direct flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. However, there are only two flights per week and the trekking schedule does not fit nicely with the twice-weekly flight.

Thai Airways: Though the airfare is more expansive, the flight is punctual and according to schedule, and it is a daily flight. Of course, the hospitality of stewardess is renowned.
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I wish to express my gratitude to Chee Wee, our running buddy Penguin Runner-11, for his help. He actually went to Thai Airways office to submit the name list.

In an email to me, he wrote: "I went to Thai Airways office this morning before I walked into my office. I spoke to the beautiful lady at the front desk and unfortunately she couldn't help much on a group booking. She is so kind to refer your case to a sales manager, who can sincerely help on the group booking. We have a short discussion on your request and the required information has been given to him."

A few days later, the Sales Manager of Thai Airways gave me a shock. He called me that the seats for our departure date were full in May. He asked me to change date. So I made an urgent call to Mr. Cheban, the Trek and Tour Agent in Nepal (first time that I call Nepal) to confirm the new date. Later, Thai Airways managed to allocate the seats and the original departure date stays.

Trekking Itinerary

Currently, I am liaising with Cheban to fine-tune the details. It is really exciting to participate in the planning process to map out the treks. According to Cheban, there were noticeable increased in tourists and trekkers visiting the serene and scenic places of Nepal in September-November 2007.
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Local Training

The team has its first training at the Klang Gate Ridge on Saturday 5 January. The next training date as discussed with Tony, The Mountain Sifu, is scheduled on Saturday 26 January at Pine Tree Trail, Fraser’s Hill.

It is encouraging to see that a few of the team members are training on their own. The favourite training ground is Gasing Hill or Mount Kiara Hill.

What to Bring on this Adventure Vacation

I find that one of the simplest sports is running – that includes very little thing to bring (main items: vest, shorts, socks and running shoes). But trekking in Nepal requires much complex examination of things to bring ranging from baggage, trekking shoes, clothing for trekking, personal items, personal first aid kit, etc. As for clothing, we have thermals, fleece jacket and down jacket.
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On the Trail

Before my first trekking to Cho La Pass, Nepal in May 2007, I have no idea as to how trekking there is like. Thanks to TanAB, an avid trekker and a pacesetters runner, who spent two hours in explaining enthusiastically the details to me. Likewise, I will share my knowledge and experience to the other team members.

Other than the serene and scenic landscape, there are many lodges (or teahouses) lined the trail where they provide the much needed lodging and boarding after many hours of walking. The other challenge is to get used to the basic facility such as no hot shower (as fuel is a scarce commodity in the high mountains); no heater in the room when sleeping in cold nights.
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Note:
Tan AB is also going to Nepal this April, date is not confirmed yet. He will be doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek, including Pisang Peak climb (more than 6,100 meters), if time permits. Two friends will be joining him. He welcomes any like minded buddies to join them. The full trip will require 22 days. The trek is graded as Level 4 – the level of difficulty is similar to Everest Base Camp.

Written by KC

The photos are extracted from here and here and here.

Trekking in Annapurna of Nepal 2008

I will be organizing a trekking trip to Annapurna Base Camp of Nepal in May 2008 for 12 days. If you are interested to join me to embark on a journey of serene and scenic landscape, please contact me at 012-266 8166 or email:

kcleong3@gmail.com

Note: limited pax available.

At the peak of Cho La Pass, Nepal

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At the same time, Tony P3 will be organizing a trekking trip to Mount Kinabalu in May 2008. So, if you have not trek up Mount Kinabalu, you may want to join him. Contact Tony at 016-274 2213
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At the peak of Mount Kinabalu
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Tony and I have identified six local trekking trips at the various mountains in preparing members for the actual challenge. You are most welcome just to join us for the local trekking trips too. Next local trekking trip: Saturday 5 January 2008.

Minimum fitness requirement for trekking: That you have run a few 10km races. Or done a few trekking trips before.

New Icons at the Left Sidebar of KC&SR
I am pleased to inform you that I have created five icons at the left sidebar of this weblog to facilitate retrieval of specially selected postings. Clicking at each icon will take you to more details:

1. Foreign trekking trips - so far, the places are: Cho La Pass, Annapurna Circuit, Everest Kala Patthar, Ladakh India. Work in progress is Kunming of China by TanAB.

2. Local trekking trips - includes: Klang Gate Ridge, Pine Tree Trail of Fraser's Hill, Gunung Nuang at Ulu Langat, Gunung Apek at Cheras, Gunung Datuk at Seremban, Gunung Angsi at Kuala Pilah.

3. Outdoor quest and favourite postings – include running, duathlon, triathlon, biathlon

4. Leisure activities - on Concert, Theatre, Photography, Holidaying, Diving, Toastmastering. The photos of underwater world taken by WENG for his Sipadan diving trip were truly beautiful.

5. Photo Albums - clicking on this icon will show you the webpage for the following photographers: Jason Lee, Chan Wing Kai, Hon You, WENG, CS Wong and yours truly (KC). And clicking on each of the photographer will take you to their respective photo album.

New Years Eve Countdown
According to Tony, he will be watching fireworks on top of Klang Gate Ridge (Bukit Tabur). Weng and Jason Lee are interested to go and they plan to carry the photographic equipment up the hill for a panoramic photo shoot of KLCC and the fireworks. If you are interested to join in the fun, do contact Tony at 016-274 2213. They will trek up the hill at night and camp overnight.
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Malaysian International Fireworks Displays at Putrajaya on 31 August 2007

Outdoor Gears Exhibition/Warehouse Sales at Mid-Valley
According to ChanWK, there will be an exhibition/warehouse sales at Mid-Valley Exhibition Hall from Friday to Sunday (28 to 30 December). So, if you are going for camping or trekking, you may want to take a look and secure a few useful gears. Exhibition Hall is located near to Food Court or Lilian Too World of Fung Sui.

Posted by KC