the Travel Enthusiast
- 08 May
The Tragedy of Nepal
Kathmandu under construction. ©United Nations Development Programme /flickr
Update on the Nepal catastrophe: second earthquake hitting the region on May 12 2015
Nepal has still been in the process of recovering after the devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude when it was hit by a second one just today! The epicenter of this second earthquake was near Mount Everest in a depth of 10.1 miles and its shock waves were felt even in the Indian capital, Delhi. It was of magnitude 7.1, later upgraded to 7.4. Although, data about the damage is yet unavailable, it is imaginable how much it affected the country still suffering the consequences of the first quake of April 25.
The first catastrophe killed over 8,000 people and destroyed entire villages and towns leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. Now the world fears not only for the lives of the Nepalese but also the many doctors, rescue teams and other volunteers who were still in the Nepal helping. According to the few reports that already arrived, the people of Kathmandu were panicked when today’s earthquake reached the city, immediately trying to call their loved ones and rush home. The quake lasted for over one minute and probably caused further damage but hopefully not more deaths. The climbing expeditions of camp Everest were called off today for the following months.
Unfortunately scientists are predicting more trouble ahead.
According to the publication Science
“Most of the region’s substantial earthquakes have occurred south of the line, where the plates are locked together and strain builds up. North of this “lock line,” however, the Indian plate dives downward and the character of the rock slab changes. Under higher temperatures and rising pressures, the brittle rocks become more plastic, and they creep past the Tibetan crust without rupturing. Or so researchers had thought.”
Gavin Hayes of the US Geological Survey states:
“We therefore have the potential for bigger earthquakes than we might have otherwise expected.”
He estimates, that we can’t exclude even magnitude 9 earthquakes, not only in the region, but throughout India.
You can also help the recovering country in many ways. One of the most noble causes is helping the children who lost their families and homes. You can donate to the Nepal Earthquake Children’s Relief Fund of the Save the Children charity. Even the smallest amount counts!
- 24 AprAdam in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
Top 10 Heritage sites to see in India
The mighty Taj Mahal as its finest ©sandeepachetan.com travel photography/flickr
India for me is a gorgeous land. It’s so ancient that makes this whole destination one of the most intriguing experiences that you can ever have. Because of India’s ancient background and diverse culture, it has a strong sense of religion, morality and tradition.
- 11 Martylerd in Travel Planning | 2 COMMENTS
The best hiking trails in Asia
Tiger Leaping Gorge, photo by Hector Garcia on Flickr
From the tallest mountains in the world to the most idyllic tropical islands, Asia has it all. The sheer geographical diversity of the continent is incredible, and naturally the scenery can be more beautiful than you thought you could imagine.
So it figures that Asia would be chock full of opportunities for hiking, climbing and trekking, and it’s a wonder that any of the routes are ever free of eager travelers.
Hiking is not all about physical effort and pushing your boundaries, but also about discovering natural wonders small or large, animals, plants and minerals, and getting a bit closer to nature than you were at the start. These trails can do just that and so much more – here are some of the best hiking trails in Asia. …
- 08 Octevike14 in Amazing Places | 1 COMMENT
The most beautiful hiking trails in the world
Salkantay Trail, photo by Helder Ribeiro on Flickr
Here’s the reason why there are so many incredible hiking trails in the world: our planet is pretty big (for us, at least), and not all people who claim to like hiking actually go hiking (otherwise there might be actual traffic jams on hiking trails).
That leaves us with expanses of magnificently rugged and challenging terrain through which daring travelers have forged paths in their search of beautiful vistas and healthy outdoor exercise. Some trails are difficult and technical, while others are easy enough that you have ample time to admire the surrounding scenery. So here are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. …
- 28 Sep
The craziest base jumping spots in the world
When it comes to extreme sports of all kinds, what you do is just as important as where you do it. Not many people would enjoy paragliding over a boring industrial town or bungee jumping above a boring car park. And this is why people are prepared to travel large distance to practice their extreme sports of choice, so that they will be able to get that adrenaline rush in an amazing place that will make the whole experience of whole lot better.Base jumping is no different, especially since the place where you jump off should be pretty tall in the first place, and it should also have a nice view. Base jumping is a dangerous and crazy sport, but if you are a fan of it (or you’d just like to see people base jump) here are the craziest base jumping destinations in the world. …
- 18 Octitachan in Travel Planning | 1 COMMENT
Offbeat travel destinations in India
Udaipur, India
India has been one of the most popular travel destinations in the world or quite some time, especially or backpackers. But the charm of backpacking lies in exploring places which are not seen as conventional tourist destinations. Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi or Kochi are all surprising and refreshing if you compare them to a traditional beach resort, for example, but as far as Indian destinations go, they are the staple.
Once you’ve visited these places, it’s time to explore the country a bit further, and start looking for some of the offbeat, quirky places where you can learn something new about fascinating India. …
- 16 Sepitachan in Travel Planning | NO COMMENTS
Hiking trips on Mount Takao
Some people like hiking, some people don’t, and some people would like it if they weren’t so discouraged by the physical aspect of it. Let’s face it, not everyone can boast of climbing the Himalaya. But fellow sloths, don’t despair!There are a couple of ‘mountains’ that we, the inexperienced hikers, can tackle as well, without the humiliation of having to return after only a couple of hours of wheezing and sweating. Mount Takao in Japan is the perfect spot where we can get our fill of scenic views, while leisurely walking on paved hiking trails (or even taking the funicular halfway up the mountains). …
© Copyright 2004 - 2024 Travelgrove, Inc.