Nepal quest a fascinating subject at Gairloch talk
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But the subject of the presentation at Gairloch’s Gale Centre will not be the Highlands of Scotland, however, but the Dolpo-pa – the indigenous yak herding tribes of the Himalayan peaks.
Gavin Anderson, from Ullapool, has spent more than 25 years working in international development which has included researching how the people of north-west Nepal could benefit from adventure tourism often solely fixated on Mount Everest and Annapurna areas.
He spent time with the Dolpo-pa, in snow leopard country, and discovered how tourism had passed them by due to inaccessibility and poor infrastructure.
Drawing on experiences of developing enterprises in both remote Scotland and around the globe, he developed Nomadic Skies Expeditions – a tourism company aimed at harnessing and developing the skills of the native Nepalese villagers.
Not only will attendees learn how Gavin’s company plans to help build a new economic future for these people, listeners can also play their part by joining one of the tours in 2019.
“There are many parallels between the highlands of Scotland and the seldom visited valleys of the High Himalaya of north-west Nepal. Essentially, both need to have sustainable ways of making a living to avoid the young people moving away, and ensure that the unique culture survives,” Gavin says.
“What I will be looking at in the talk, as well as giving an insight into life amongst the turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks, is how Nomadic Skies Expeditions will attempt to test a whole new form of tourism that will benefit these remote cultures.
“How can we prevent the negative and unintended consequences of tourism and make sure the local benefits are maximised? I am sure people will have their own views, from the Scottish perspective and it will be good to hear them.
“People will also be given the opportunity to be part of the journey with us.”
The talk will take place in the Gale Centre in Gairloch next Thursday, October 4 at 7.30pm.
For more details about Mr Anderson’s tours visit www.nomadicskies.com
The 16 day expeditions start and finish in Kathmandu and typically feature no more than eight to 10 people, accompanied by Mr Anderson and a local Nepalese guide. The route climbs to as high as 13,000 feet, taking in the likes of Ringmo by the famous Phoksundo Lake (3650m, 11,975ft), as well as the high yak pastures and rock fields above that location.
The route is on relatively good paths but with some steep ascents and exposure in places.
That, coupled with the high altitude and lower oxygen levels, means that those looking to take part in any of next year’s expeditions should have a good level of health and fitness and experience of walking.
