Explore Himalaya’s Choice -TopOut Oxygen Mask
April 7, 2008

Among Everest and high altitude climbers, the revolutionary TopOut oxygen delivery system is becoming very popular. Designed and built by Ted Atkins, a former RAF Aerosystems Engineering Officer and an experienced high altitude climber, Ted summitted Everest in 2004 while testing the prototype.
The expedition teams who have climbed mountains using TopOut (among them the noted Jagged Globe team), have found the design of the mask to be much better, offering a better line of vision unlike the cumbersome old version, with an improved oxygen delivery. TopOut has a working bag that allows you to inhale a higher concentration of oxygen for every breath. The mask ensures that every last molecule of oxygen that leaves the cylinder is processed through the lungs. There is no wastage of oxygen. A good supply of oxygen not only helps you move faster but enables you to think more clearly which is crucial in decision making. Instead of the usual 12 or 14 hours, climbers have summitted Everest in 8 hours using the TopOut masks. To read the testimonials by climbers you can browse TopOut’s website www.topout.co.uk.
Explore Himalaya shall be using TopOut masks for its expeditions to the Everest and other high altitude mountains.

The mask comes is a convenient carry bag ( Pics 1& 2).It consists of a mask, a silicon hose or pipe (Pic 3)that is fitted to the oxygen bottle ( with the regulator) and a plastic canister with a reservoir bag inside, that is fitted to the mask. See Pic 4 to see the whole system fitted together.

(i)The mask: The mask is made of silicon. It does not harden like ordinary rubber when the temperature drops. It remains soft and flexible always. The mask comes in two sizes small and medium. It has a snug fit, ensuring that no oxygen from the bottle goes out in the atmosphere and thus wasted. The seal around the mask (Pic 6) ensures that no oxygen is wasted. There are holes on the masks for the valves. When you are breathing out, the moisture from your breath makes the inside of the mask moist. If you take off the mask to radio or to talk, the cold air might make the valve freeze. The oxygen keeps coming in but you will notice a resistance while breathing out. If that happens you can do three things:
(a )Just blow hard for a few seconds and the valve will move, or
(b)Break the seal at the side of the mask with your finger or thumb so that you are now exhaling through the side of the mask. In a short while your warm breath will have freed the valve.
(c)If steps a & b do not work, you remove the cover off and move the valve (Pics 7 & with your finger.
The holes meant for the valves are interchangeable. It means that if one is right handed, one can fit the valve meant for the oxygen hose on the left side keeping the right hand side free and ‘unhampered’ to work on (and vice versa for the left handed).
The mask is washable( just wash with warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly with clean water and it is germ free!) and reusable.

The Ambient Air Valve: This has a cover(Pic 5,right hand side) to stop it getting covered with the hood of your suit. The cover can be rotated so that the air can come in from any direction. The cover can also be easily removed, this will ease the flow of air into the mask.
The flow of inoming breath can be eased by first removing the small white washer in the centre of the valve(pic 7). This washer is there to stiffen the valve to ensure that the resevoir bag empties first. If you remove the washer ensure that you are still drawing oxygen properly.
We all breath differently so Topout is built so that it can suit you, tune it how you want it.


There are adjustable straps or harnesses and face seal (Pic 9) to attach the mask firmly to your face.
To detach the mask from the straps, simply clip the face seal off. The mask comes apart easily.

(ii)The reservoir Bottle or Canister: We breathe in a cycle of 3 parts: 2 of these are breathing out. While using supplementary oxygen, the gas is flowing constantly. With the old system there was no way to store the extra O2 that was flowing into the mask. It was flowing out into the atmosphere & thus wasted. Now TopOut has a working reservoir bag. When you breathe out the oxygen comes and collects in the reservoir bag. That allows you to inhale a higher concentration of oxygen during expiration, as the first part of your breath goes deep into the lungs for effective processeing by the avioli. When the resevoir bag empties the ambient air valve opens for the second stage of the breath. Thus lower oxygenated air fill the upper respiratory tract where no oxygen exchange takes place. As it is inside a clear plastic canister you can see the bag expand. The bag inside is very fine and has no resistance to the flow of oxygen. (Pic10)
There are vents at the botttom of the bottle (Pic11) to let out the air inside the bottle when the bag expands. If there were no vents, the air inside bottle would be compressing the bag thus trying to stop the bag from working. The canister should be clipped to your clothing or sack with the caribiner(Pic 12). It could be placed in a pocket or inside the suit if preferred but be aware that there are vents in the bottom which must be kept clear for the system to work effectively.


There is a danger that if the wet mask is removed and the oxygen turned off that the oxygen valve could freeze closed. When the oxygen is reconnected if the valve cannot move the bag will burst. This does not stop the system working. Now you cannot see the bag moving but oxygen is still being delivered.

(iii)The pipe or hose: The pipe (Pic 10, the pink hose) is made of silicon. It is very thick and very strong. It has laminated layers and it does not close. Even if the pipe is pressed or nipped it continues to deliver oxygen. In Pic14, you can see the valve that attaches the mask to the hose.
N.B: For those who can read and understand English, the instructions on how to use the mask are given on the plastic canister (Pic 13).

FAQ’s
Q1. If the reservoir bag bursts will the oxygen supply be cut off?
Ans: No, even if the reservoir bag bursts, the oxygen will still be delivered to the mask. You will still be able to breathe in oxygen.

Q2.What stops the mask from working?
Ans: There is only one thing that can stop the mask from working and that is you have to turn the regulator off or cut off the oxygen pipe.

Q3.What happens if I take off the mask to radio?
Ans: In the high mountains, if you take off the mask the cold air could freeze the valves. Exhaled air is heavily laden with moisture. This air has to pass over the outlet valve and must make it wet. This is not a problem while wearing the mask, as your warm breathe will keep the valve working .If you remove the mask the valve could freeze onto its seat. If this happens you will notice a resistance while breathing out. Just break the side seal for about 20 seconds to a min and it will move. Or in the unlikely event of this not working, you can remove the front cover (it simply clips off) and physically free the valve with a finger. Simply break the face seal of the mask for a few moments to allow exhaled air out and your warm breath will soon free the valve.

Q4.If I lose one of the valves, will the mask work?
Ans: Yes, the mask will still be working. You will still be able to breathe in oxygen. But there has been no report of valves getting lost.

The system ‘fails safe’ apart from cutting the delivery tube the system will always deliver oxygen, if at a lesser level of efficiency.

Before use, check that the valves are in place and free to move i.e. not iced up.

You will be asked to give a talk or talks when you get back. Your mask; the one used to summit Everest with, is a great ‘prop’ at your talk. It is something that people can touch, unlike your photos. Ask to take your mask home with you, you can buy it. It is too late to think of it when the invitations come in!

Project Himalaya Everest Expedition 2008

Jamie Mcguiness of Project Himalaya shall be leaving Kathmandu for Lukla along with his 12 member Everest expedition group. The group's plan was to climb Everest from Tibet side .But as the route was closed, they had to turn to divert their attention towards the southern side. With permit in hand and with lots of 'good lucks' & 'good wishes'  the team shall be leaving tomorrow (on the 08th April). They shall be flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and then to Namche, Pangboche and finally to BC, from where the real ascent will begin.

The names of the PH Everest Expedition 2008 are:
1.  James Stuart Mcguinness-Expedition leader (New Zealand) 
2.  David G.Cole (A ustralia)
3.  Mr.Raphael Gernez (USA)
4.  Gineth Soto-Buturla (Costa Rica)
5.  Andrew J.Falgate (UK)
6.  Timothy P.Burns (USA)
7.  Mr.Martin W.Schmidt (New Zealand)
8.  Anselm B.Murphy (Ireland)
9.  James D.Oleary (Ireland)
10. Boguslaw A.Magrel (Poland)
11. Slawomir Maksymilian (Poland)
12. Giovannina Cantale (Netherland) will be trekking with the group up to the BC only.

Two Danish nationals Soren Smidt and Henrik Kristiansen will be among the lucky climbers who will get a chance to summit Everest this Spring. Explore Himalaya is organizing their expedition. The two member team will be supported by a strong and able team of Sherpas led by Sherap Jangbu Sherpa, who is the Sirdar for this expedition. Sherap Jangbu Sherpa is a very experienced and has under his belt summits to 11 of the 13 eight thousanders. He holds the world record for summitting the difficult K2 in Pakistan twice, in one season. He has already summitted Everest from the North side.( To view his bio- data click here.)

As China has closed the peak from the North Side till May 10, Everest's mighty height will be scaled only from the south side. Amidst speculations on whether the Nepalese Govt. would close the Everest expedition at the insistence of the Chinese Govt, the former's 'no-ban-on-Everest-climbing' statement has brought on a huge sigh of relief for those groups intending to climb the Everest this spring. After months of planning and training to take on the ultimate challenge, it is cheers to them who are all set to scale Everest!

MICE ( Meetings • Incentives • Conventions • Exhibitions) TOURISM IN NEPAL

Nepal is fast becoming a popular MICE (meeting, incentives, convention and exhibition) tourism destination in Southeast Asia. MICE tourism converts the dull annual business meetings and conferences into an enjoyable and refreshing event for the delegates and attendants. Be it a meeting for bringing people together either from within one company or from a broader spectrum or an international conference of 100 delegates or product launch party or exhibition, MICE tourism caters to all.

Nepal has a vast range of hotels, convention centers and conference facilities.
In Kathmandu there are several five- star hotels with convention and conference facilities. Some of them are the Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Yak & Yeti, Hotel Everest, Hotel de l'Annapurna, Hotel Radisson, Hotel Hyatt, Hotel Shangri-La and Hotel Le Meridian.  Besides the conference facilities at the five star hotels, there are alternative centres like the Birendra International Convention Center (BICC).Located in the heart of the city Birendra International Convention Center has state-of-the-art facilities for conferences and conventions with sophisticated audio-visual, lighting, communications, catering, ventilation and parking facilities.
Other venues in the capital include the Royal Nepal Academy, Rastriya Sabha Griha (City Hall) and Russian Culture Center.

If you prefer a more natural and scenic setting you can always choose the hill resorts in Nagarkot, Dhulikhel or Godavari. These places are located just a few hours drive from Kathmandu and have some finest hotels and resorts. 
Pokhara, the second most important tourist stop in Nepal, offers The Fulbari one of the finest hotels in South Asia. Over here there are numerous ways to mix business with pleasure.

Bird Watching in Nepal

With more than 850 species of birds, Nepal is a veritable paradise for birdwatchers. A diverse topography and climate has resulted in a variety of habitats within the country, a home to over 8% of the total bird population. In the deep jungles of the Terai and the Kosi Tappu barrage, among the thick rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills and the windswept plateaus of the Himalayas you will always be greeted with a birdsong: the chirps, the cheeps, the twitters and the hoots. So grab your binoculars and head for the hills.

In Kathmandu Valley
The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, situated 20 km south- east of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded to date. Over here you can sight the babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, lying at the foot of Phulchoki hill, where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.
The wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds. The banks of the Manohara river on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river, which flows into the valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorge, are good places for watching waders and waterfowls. Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali,south of Kathmandu, also attracts flocks of migrant birds.
The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve situated 11km to the north of Kathmandu, is another very good location. Nagarjun Royal Forest situated 5 km from Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju is also renowned for its blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli’s eagles, great Himalayan barbets, Forktails, Redstarts and Kingfishers. Gokarna forest, 7 km to the northeast of Kathmandu, boasts of the speckled mountain thrush, orange-headed ground-thrush, brown wood owl and the white-bellied yuhina among other colorful varieties.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best locations for birding. The smallest (175 sq km) and easternmost reserve in Nepal, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies north-east of the convergence of the Sapt Koshi and Trijuga Khola rivers. During monsoon (May to September) the flow of the river becomes torrential and covers most of the floodplain, while during the dry season, many flat, sandy islands are exposed. The habitat is a combination of scrub grassland and deciduous riverine forest, with over 280 species of birds recorded so far. See Swamp Francolins, White Ibis, Storks, Lesser Coucal, Striated Marsh Warbler, Black Bellied Tern, Imperial Eagle, Pied and Marsh Harrier, Common Quail, Bengal floricans (Eupodotis Bengalensis), and many other exotic and migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal. .
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan is rich in wildlife. The Chitwan National Park is the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With over 255 species of birds recorded, among them, many species of parakeets, the Blue-Throat thrush, Long-tailed Nightjar, Indian Peafowl, Great Barbet, red-billed blue magpie and Tickell’s red-breasted blue flycatcher, the park offers much for the serious birdwatchers.
Bardia National park
Bardia National park situated in the far West of Nepal is also a popular destination for bird watching. Covered by sal forest riverine and grass lands, a boat ride on the slow current of the Karnali River provides you with an opportunity to view the birds, including Ruddy Shelduck, darters, Brahminy kites, brown headed gulls, cormorants, oriental pied hornbills, , cinnaon bitterns, orioles and  peacocks.
The Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna Conservation Area supports a remarkable biodiversity, with 441 recorded species of birds, including the spiny babbler. The bird habitat ranges from the sub-tropical lowlands towards Pokhara in the south of ACA to dry sub-alpine conditions above the tree-line towards the North. Crimson Horned Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant ,Cheer Pheasant ,Kalij Pheasant are some species of pheasants seen around the conservation area.
In Pokhara and Fewa Lakeside you get to see Ibisbills, Wallcreepers, Brown Dippers, Green Magpies, Lesser Raquet Tailed Drongos along walking tails in the sub tropical forest and aquatic species during a relaxing boating trip
The Kali Gandaki valley is also a major migration pathway in the autumn, when 40 species, including demoiselle cranes , can be seen around Jomsom and Tukuche. Migrating West about this time further South around Kaare and Dhampus are about 20 identified species of eagle and other birds of prey. The most commonly observed are: Bearded Vulture and the Golden eagle.

The first ever skydiving event over Mt.Everest is scheduled to take place this October. Explore Himalaya in partnership with High and Wild, a UK based adventure company is all set to organize the event, the first of its kind. Nigel Gifford, the promoter of High and Wild, formally announced this bit of news at a press conference recently held at ITB in Berlin. According to him the event would be repeated again in May 2009 after the successful completion of the '08 skydive. He also added that so far 25 skydivers ranging from 16 to 72 years have confirmed their participation. This event he believed would help promote Nepal as an adventure destination.
According to Suman Pandey, the President of Explore Himalaya, they will sponsor the first Nepali skydiver to take part in this event and thus set a record for the highest skydiving event. He also added that they plan to raise US$ 1 million for different charities in Nepal from this adventure event.
The cost for participants in this momentous event has been fixed at 16,870 British pounds for a tandem jumper,12,675 pounds for a solo skydiver and 3,750 pounds for an observer.
The skydiving over Everest will be done from a Swiss made Pilatus Porter aircraft.