August 8th, 2010 by Ambrose Bittner
Climb for Himalaya Children - Mt. Rainier

Starting out from Paradise

During the last year, 18 people took on a dual challenge to help orphaned and needy children in Nepal. They challenged themselves to get in shape to climb Mt. Rainier in Washington State and to raise a minimum of $1000 for the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children. Those 18 participants and 4 climb leaders ended up raising over $30,000.

Of the 22 participants and climb leaders, 18 of them started out from their high camps on two different routes at just after midnight on the 17th of July. They climbed through the night roped together, with crampons on their boots for traction in the frozen snow, and with headlamps on their helmets lighting their way. They successfully negotiated the crevasses and steep slopes and all of them summited the 14,411-foot Mt. Rainier in cold, but beautiful weather and light winds between 6:30 and 8:30 am–and more importantly, descended safely after the long and grueling day.

Mt. Adams from the Summit of Mt. Rainier

Mt. Adams from the Summit of Mt. Rainier

The Mt. Rainier Climb for Himalaya Children is organized annually by Seattle-based Red Lantern Journeys to raise money for the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children, a St. Louis-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the Mitrata Orphanage and children’s education in Kathmandu.

Please join us next year for the climb. Visit the Red Lantern Journeys web site for more information about the climb, signing up, and important dates.

July 21st, 2010 by Ambrose Bittner

Photo by Beb C. Reynol

Please join me this September for my inaugural Red Lantern Journeys’ President’s Tour. This year, I’m going to Northern Pakistan to raise money for the Central Asia Institute. This tour is a unique opportunity to visit the cultures and landscapes made famous in the book Three Cups of Tea and to raise money for the local schools in the area we’ll be visiting.

My annual President’s Tour is your opportunity to travel with me to visit an off-the-beaten-path destination in a small group of travelers who are equally inspired to explore and understand some of the remote parts of our world.

Greg Mortenson founder of the Central Asia Institute and author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools, has inspired me to visit the cultures and mountains of Northern Pakistan. We’re proud to be working directly with the CAI as one of their official fundraisers and will donate $300 per person on this tour. Personal donations by participants are also highly encouraged and will be collected and forwarded to the CAI by Red Lantern Journeys.

Also traveling with us will be photojournalist Beb C. Reynol. Beb has traveled extensively in Pakistan over the last ten years and his experience will be invaluable for exploring the sights and local cultures. He will also advise us on the best travel photography techniques and conduct daily reviews of our photos during the trip.

Photo by Beb C. Reynol

Despite what you’re hearing in the media, the regions in Northern Pakistan that we will be visiting are safe, and the people are very welcoming. The small size of our group, between 6 and 10, will help ensure we don’t disrupt or intrude on the cultures and villages we visit.

Tour Highlights:

  • Driving over the Shandur Pass, site of the world’s highest polo tournament
  • Visiting local families in small villages with ancient cultural histories
  • Spectacular mountain scenery
  • The famous Gilgit Suspension bridge – the longest in Asia
  • Travel photography instruction and advice from a seasoned Pakistan traveler and photojournalist, Beb C. Reynol
  • A chance to travel with Red Lantern Journeys CEO and adventurer, Ambrose Bittner

15 Days: September 25 to October 9, 2010

Photo Courtesy of the Central Asia Institute

Rate: $6,850 per person (based on double occupancy)

For more information about the itinerary please visit our web site : www.redlanternjourneys.com
Or, call me toll-free directly at the Red Lantern Journeys Office: 1-877-362-2793

The Central Asia Institute name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, of any product, service, company, or individual.