home » stories by Kris

Reports

NEP05 Gaudakot [Gaudakot]

The maps at Blue Sky Paralgliding help us to prepare what we really want to do: going further inland, away from the very nice, but too touristy, Phokara, exploring new valleys and meet other people.

I’d love to talk with a real Maoist and learn about his perspective on the war and the how and why. Therefore, of course, we need to enter Maoist terrain. Easily done, as they occupy 80 percent of the country. But still, there are many stories about briberies and Maoists who are demanding unfair cash contributions of tourists.

One thing is sure: I don’t like the face of the King. And that will be at least one thing in common with the Maoists.

Gaudakot

And so we arrive at Gaudakot ... three days from Phokara ... fully Maoist controlled. People openly talk about their disgust of the greedy King, but I never meet a person who says he’s a Maoist.

It flies great around Gaudakot, though you better stay high as down in the rugged valleys, the landing alternatives are restricted! But thermals enough, and we even doubt to attempt a flight all the way back to Phokara.

We meet an enthusiastic young local farmer who cuts down a tree on his piece of land in preparation of his own launch. Ten minutes before the launch he suddenly runs down the hill.He returns with the broken shoes of a friend of his ... Once airborne, he cries about every five minutes of excitement. And it is a thrilling flight. Small strong thermals in front of a huge wall drive us 15km further up into the valley.

At our landing, a distinctive man approaches us with tens of questions. From the moment that that man appeared, all curious spectators keep a safe distance, which is very uncommon in Nepal. He presents himself as a teacher, but the respect of the surrounding mass clearly indicates that this man had other responsibilities. Finally a serious talk, and if I have to believe this man, the end of the King is near: a political agreement between the outlawed political parties and the Maoists will urge the King to withdraw.

Even if I start to accept the situation as natural, it is weird, and silly: here, these guys are fighting, with real weapons. People die every day .... and I am sure it will last for many more months. Nepal is one of those strategic countries where too many powers want to have their say. The Nepalese only want a better future, and for them, the end of the King will entail a new better era. Let’s hope that the new leaders will be strong enough to protect the interests of their own people.