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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is on steady rise, tensions running high in Israel. However, over 94 Israeli trekkers—34 with varying disabilities included—achieved something which is thousands of miles away in the northeast of the country. Among them were former soldiers injured in the war, currently in recovery, who sought solace and strength in the breathtaking yet demanding Annapurna Circuit. This trip represents a symbol of resilience, courage, and determination. At the same time, it highlights the pressing issue of climate change as Nepal grapples with its consequences, including heavy rains that left the group stranded for two days. As Israel is struggling with war, Nepal is in trauma of devastation caused by heavy downpours. 

This outstanding trek took place in the span of a week (Sept 18-26). There are physical injuries as well as environmental hazards. However, the tourists braved the odds and went on an incredible trek to Annapurna Base Camp. It is a story of the will of human beings, cooperation, and inclusiveness. The trek culminated in their return to Israel on Sept 30, where they were welcomed not only as trekkers but as symbols of hope and resilience.

Group of extraordinary trekkers

Among the 94 trekkers were 12 individuals using wheelchairs and 22 others with various physical disabilities, supported by able-bodied staff. Together, they navigated the rugged Annapurna Circuit, crossing the Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters—one of the world’s highest and most challenging mountain passes. This was no ordinary trek; it was a mission to prove that with the right support, even the most daunting physical and environmental challenges can be overcome.

It started from Humde Local Airport, a gateway to the Annapurna region. From there, the group embarked on the trek, making their way through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. Two nights were spent in the scenic tourist destination of Manang village to help the team acclimatize to the altitude and further experience the Nepali culture. They got to have a taste of the local cuisine and hospitality as a warm up ahead of the tougher sections of their journey. 

The group was stranded in Pokhara for two days due to heavy rains that blocked roads and grounded flights. Nepal, like many parts of the world, is facing the severe consequences of climate change, and this was a stark reminder of the environmental challenges that are becoming more frequent. Despite the delays, the group remained undeterred, using the time to bond and reflect on the significance of their journey.

Triumph amid challenges

When the group arrived back at Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport, they were treated as a hero’s welcome. Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Goder, and Laxman Gautam from the Nepal Tourism Board, were there to celebrate their incredible achievement. The trek was a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the vital need for inclusivity.

A statement released by the Israeli Embassy in Kathmandu emphasized the significance of the trek. “Through this audacious activity, the delegation hopes to inspire and send out a message of inclusiveness, determination, and teamwork. The delegation also intends to raise awareness about the capabilities of people with disabilities and remind everyone of the incredible opportunities that emerge when people come together to support one another.”

The trek was organized by a group led by Shimon Prientee, a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. For over 25 years, Prientee’s organization has been helping individuals with various physical challenges—including those in wheelchairs, people battling cancer, and individuals with cerebral palsy—to experience the world through adventure. This trek to Annapurna was one of many life-changing journeys he has facilitated.

“The organization started to help people who want to walk but are in wheelchairs, those with cancer, or those who are blind or have cerebral palsy,” Prientee spoke with a emotion about his mission, “We wanted them to see beautiful places like Annapurna, just like anyone else.”

For Prientee, Nepal was the perfect destination for the adventure. “I found Nepal to be the best place to do it, especially in the Annapurna region, because you meet friendly people, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Locals praise the courage of incredible trekkers in wheelchairs or with other disabilities. 

This was the sixth time Prientee had organized such a trek, but he believes the concept could and should expand globally. “I believe more people should be doing it—not just Israelis. People from Europe, the United States, and Asia could come here with people with disabilities, and together they could experience this beautiful place,” he said.

Overcoming personal battles

For many of the trekkers, this journey was not just about the physical challenge of the Annapurna Circuit; it was a personal battle against the limitations imposed by their disabilities or injuries.

One of the trekkers, 22-year-old Matan Misan, a former Israeli soldier, shared his story of recovery. Matan was injured during his military service and is still in the process of healing, both physically and emotionally. “It wasn’t my choice to come here,” Matan said. “It was Shimon Prientee who asked if I wanted to join the group. I said yes, and here I am, trekking the Annapurna.”

Matan was moved by the beauty of the region and the kindness of the people. “The people here are so nice, and the food is simple but delicious. Everything is beautiful, I just love it,” he said. However, he also admitted that relying on others for help was one of the biggest challenges. “The main challenge is needing help from other people. There’s no other choice. If I want to climb here, I have to get someone’s help.”

Another trekker, Nilly Ofan, who is physically disabled, shared similar sentiments. For Nilly, the trek was an opportunity to push her limits and inspire others. “My experience was amazing,” she said. “I never thought I could do something like this. It’s very extreme, but I like that- this trek fulfills my lifetime dream.”

Nilly’s determination was evident throughout the trek. “I chose to travel to inspire the world and show that if I can do it, anyone can,” she said. Despite the challenges, Nilly is already looking forward to her next adventure. “Nepal is a beautiful country, and I’m excited to visit Mount Everest next time if I get the chance.”

The trek was made possible only by incredible support from the local community and Shimon. Both Nilly and Matan expressed their deep gratitude for the assistance they received throughout their journey.

“The local community helped me so much. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without their support,” Nilly said. “Shimon helped me achieve my dream.” 

Matan also highlighted the kindness of the porters, who played a crucial role in making the trek possible. “The porters were so kind,” he said. “They helped me carry my bags and talked to me. Their support made the trip easier for all of us.”

Call for greater accessibility

While the trek was a resounding success, it also highlighted areas where Nepal can improve to make tourism more accessible for people with disabilities. Both Nilly and Matan noted the lack of accessible infrastructure, particularly in trekking areas.

“The main problem is accessibility,” Nilly explained. “The infrastructure isn’t really targeted toward physically disabled people, especially in trekking areas. There should be more focus on accessible toilets, walking trails, and guest houses.”

Despite these challenges, both trekkers spoke fondly of the experience and the lasting memories they will carry with them. For Matan, the simplicity of life in the mountains left a deep impression. “The thing I’ll take away from this trip is the simplicity,” he said. “There’s a beauty in how simple things are here, and that’s something I’ll always remember.”

For Nilly, the people she met along the way left the greatest impact. “I think the main thing I’m going to take from Nepal is generosity and welcoming of people here,” she said. “They work so hard, and they helped me achieve my dream. I’ll always remember them.”

Message to the world

As the group returned home to Israel on Sept 30, they brought with them more than just memories of the Himalayas. They returned with a message to the world: that physical disabilities do not define one’s potential, and with support, determination, and teamwork, anything is possible.

For Shimon Prientee, this trek was about more than just completing a challenging route. It was about changing perceptions and showing the world that people with disabilities can achieve the extraordinary. “It’s amazing to see how people in wheelchairs can experience the beauty of Annapurna,” he said. “I hope more people from around the world will follow Israel’s lead and create opportunities for disabled travelers to explore such incredible places.”

This group’s journey around Annapurna is proof that with the right support, no mountain is too high to climb—both literally and metaphorically. Their story is a powerful reminder that barriers are meant to be broken, and with perseverance, we can all reach great heights.

The IUCN/World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL) Nepal Chapter has expressed serious concern over the recent amendments made to the ‘National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973’ by the ‘An Ordinance Made to Amend Acts Relating to Investment Facilitation, 2024’. These amendments, particularly in Sections 5(a) and 6(1a), have drawn criticism for potentially undermining Nepal’s conservation efforts and international commitments.

The organization highlighted that Section 5(a) allows the government to designate highly sensitive areas within national parks, reserves, or conservation areas by issuing a notice in the Nepal Gazette. This discretionary power, IUCN/WCEL Nepal argues, could lead to the arbitrary exploitation of protected areas under the guise of development. The amendments could disrupt the balance between environmental conservation and development, as mandated by Article 30(3) of 2015 Constitution. IUCN/WCEL Nepal warned that projects within these sensitive zones, if prioritized for economic gain, may cause environmental degradation and harm Nepal’s globally recognized conservation achievements.

Similarly, Section 6(1a), which permits human intervention for profit-oriented use of natural resources within protected areas, has also raised alarms. IUCN/WCEL Nepal believes this provision could facilitate exploitation in the name of coexistence between nature and humans, ultimately risking the sustainability of protected regions, said Ravi Sharma Aryal, Chair, IUCN\WCEL, Nepal Chapter. 

The organization urged the government to reconsider these amendments, stressing that they contradict both national legal frameworks and international obligations, including those tied to UNESCO-listed conservation sites. IUCN/WCEL Nepal called on the government, parliament, and environmentalists to advocate for the removal of Sections 5(a) and 6(1a) from the ordinance to preserve Nepal’s conservation legacy and protect the nation’s natural heritage from profit-driven exploitation.

Kitab Publication published two books written by Sudheer Sharma on Sept 15. First, “Monks, Business and Rebellion: Nepal’s Bhot-China Relationship and India”. Second, “The Storm across the Himalayas: The Changing Nepal-China Relationship after the Republic.” After reading both the books here I have attempted to provide a review of the first one. Sharma, a well-known figure in Nepali media, appears to have done deep research for this 376-page book. This book is organized in seven sections including an epilogue. 

Nepal-Tibet relations and Chinese domination

The book begins by chronicling Nepal-Tibet trade relations dating back to the 7th century, noting Nepal’s diplomatic presence in Tibet for over 374 years. Despite ups and downs, the relationship took a pivotal turn in 1856 with the signing of the 10-point ‘Thapathali Treaty’ after Nepal’s invasion of Tibet. This treaty made Tibet a protectorate of Nepal, which raised concerns for China. A tripartite agreement followed, recognizing both Nepal and Tibet as under the Chinese emperor’s authority.

As China increased its military presence in Tibet by 1968, tensions escalated for Nepal. Historical records in the book reveal that China viewed Nepal as a potential part of its sphere of influence, even offering Nepal a place in its union of five ethnic groups (Han, Manchu, Mongol, Tibetan, and Muslim). Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China, even listed Nepal among China’s ‘lost territories.’ These accounts challenge the popular belief that Nepal was spared from Chinese domination, a sentiment that has lingered in Nepal’s historical narrative.

To counter the Chinese threat, Nepal sought British recognition as an independent nation, formalized in a 1923 treaty. Until the 1950s, Tibet was Nepal’s immediate northern neighbor, with whom it shared deep cultural, economic, and strategic ties. It wasn’t until China annexed Tibet that Nepal found itself facing a new geopolitical reality. While many fear the ‘Sikkimization’ of Nepal following India’s annexation of Sikkim, Sharma’s book argues that China’s annexation of Tibet and its desire to dominate Nepal receive less attention. Through historical evidence, the book sheds light on China’s expansionist approach toward Nepal.

Sharma also explores the influence of Chinese leader Mao Zedong in Nepal during the 1950s. Maoist ideology started spreading in Nepal, and by 2004, Gangalal founded the 'Lal Communist Party,' influenced by Mao’s ideas. Though short-lived, this marked the beginning of communist interest in China within Nepal. By the late 1950s, China became a political shrine for Nepali communist leaders, who were drawn to its propaganda and the spread of the Chinese language, which carried political undertones. The book’s fifth chapter, ‘Circus,’ examines how China used language education as a tool to indoctrinate Nepalis, with the first lessons being “Long live Chairman Mao” and “Down with American imperialism.”

Mahendra’s elusive nationalism

The chapter ‘Mao and Mahendra’ focuses on Nepal-India relations, particularly the controversial 1950 Friendship Treaty. Sharma portrays King Mahendra as having two distinct personas: one as the architect of modern Nepali diplomacy and the other as a ruler who curtailed democracy to consolidate power. His nationalist stance is scrutinized, particularly in relation to India. While Mahendra is credited with removing most of the Indian military camps in Nepal, Sharma questions his motives, suggesting that Mahendra used nationalism to preserve the monarchy rather than genuinely serve Nepal's interests.

Contrasting Mahendra’s nationalism with the actions of Prime Minister BP Koirala, the book highlights Koirala’s balanced foreign policy approach. For example, when Nehru tried to engage Koirala in a united front against China, Koirala resisted, choosing instead to maintain equilibrium between India and China. The book also revisits Mahendra’s controversial decision to cede part of Mount Everest to China, undermining his nationalist image.

Preserving the monarchy

Sharma argues that Mahendra strengthened ties with China not out of ideological alignment but as a strategy to counterbalance India’s influence. The book also shows how Mahendra cultivated relations with the United States to further his geopolitical goals. During his 1960 visit to the US, just months before imposing the Panchayat system, Mahendra received a warm welcome at the White House and secured substantial financial support. Shortly after, he overthrew the democratically elected government, signaling a shift towards authoritarianism.

The sixth chapter, ‘Rajtantra ko Samyawadi Saino,’ discusses how successive Nepali monarchs, including Mahendra, Birendra, and Gyanendra, maintained strong ties with China. Sharma’s analysis suggests that the monarchy strategically used these relationships to preserve its power. Interestingly, despite its title focusing on Nepal’s relations with Tibet, China, and India, the book’s chapter on US involvement, particularly during the Mustang rebellion, leads the reader to feel that “America” should have also been featured in the title.

Conservation activists in Pokhara have used satellite tags on endangered Egyptian vultures to study their migration patterns and movements, and identify threats.

Five Egyptian vultures in Pokhara have been fitted with satellite tags and released in the wild. This study aims to examine the activities of these tagged vultures to identify the problems and threats they are facing.

Krishna Bhusal, a vulture expert who has been studying and working in the conservation of vultures for a long time, is conducting this research as part of his PhD study to identify the threats to Egyptian vultures. Previously, satellite tag studies have been conducted on five of the six resident vulture species found in Nepal. Bhusal stated that this is the first time a study to identify threats to Egyptian vultures has been initiated.

The satellite tags allow researchers to track where the vultures go. Researchers can study their flight times, locations visited, nesting sites, and flight altitudes, among other details. According to Bhusal, the study will also reveal their main resting and feeding sites. If tagged vultures become sick or injured, they can be located and rescued based on their movement patterns. Even if a tagged vulture dies, a post-mortem examination can be conducted to determine its physical condition, Bhusal explained.

It is estimated that there are about 1,000 Egyptian vultures in Nepal. Unlike other vultures that primarily feed on animal carcasses, Egyptian vultures also consume small meat scraps and insects that grow on waste, thus helping to clean the environment. Studies have shown that Pokhara has the highest concentration of Egyptian vultures in Nepal. According to Bhusal, Pokhara is home to about 50 percent of the total Egyptian vulture population recorded in the country. After Pokhara, Tanahu district and Arghakhanchi also have significant populations of Egyptian vultures. This species nests on cliffs in the mid-hills and occasionally in trees in the Terai region.

Ankit Bilas Joshi, the Vulture Conservation Program Chief at Bird Conservation Nepal, said that the study will provide information on the breeding rate and lifespan of Egyptian vultures, as well as identify the threats they are facing.

All nine species of vultures found in Nepal can be observed in Pokhara. The Pokhara Valley, nestled in the lap of the Annapurna Himalayas, is considered a paradise for vultures. Six species—Himalayan Griffon, Bearded, Slender-billed, White-rumped, Red-headed, and Egyptian vultures—are resident in Nepal. The remaining three species—Eurasian Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, and Indian Vulture—are winter visitors. All nine species of vultures found in South Asia can be seen in the Pokhara Valley. All six resident species of vultures nest and breed in Kaski district.

The Egyptian vulture subspecies found in Europe, Africa, and Central Asia differs from the subspecies found in India and Nepal. The European, African, and Central Asian subspecies migrate during winter, while the subspecies found in Nepal and India have not been studied in detail. This is why the study of migration patterns, movements, and threat identification for the Egyptian vultures found here has been initiated, said Bhusal.

Vladimir Dobrev, a vulture scientist from Bulgaria, expressed his happiness at being able to directly observe and participate in vulture conservation and research work in Nepal. He came to Nepal after learning about the satellite tagging of Egyptian vultures to observe the process firsthand and exchange experiences.

Bird enthusiasts from various countries come to Nepal to observe, photograph, and research vultures, raptors, and water birds.

Ramji Gautam, who holds a PhD in white-rumped vultures, suggests that Pokhara could be developed as a bird tourism destination while conserving all bird species and the region's biodiversity.