Milan Tamang, a tourism professional and social worker, will launch his book, 'Jugal Himal – Last Treasure of the Himalayan Frontier,' this November at the Kendal Mountain Festival in the UK. The book delves into the climbing history of the Jugal Himal range, its scenic beauty, cultural significance, and the environmental challenges it faces. It also highlights the impact of global warming on the Beyul Nepemachyal area.
The book delves into the climbing history of the Jugal Himal range, its scenic beauty, cultural significance, and the environmental challenges it faces. It also highlights the impact of global warming on the Beyul Nepemachyal area.
Tamang explores both the spiritual significance of Jugal Himal and the close bond between the local community and the mountain. He emphasizes the book’s goal of showcasing the region’s challenges, collaborative efforts, and potential for sustainable tourism. Maps and travel tips are included for adventurers seeking to explore the area.
Book Launch and Festival Highlights
The official launch will take place on November 23, from 11:00 to 11:45 AM, at the Basecamp Village Adventure Stage during the Kendal Mountain Festival. Tamang will share his experiences and engage in a Q&A session with attendees. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
The Kendal Mountain Festival, renowned as one of the world’s top mountain festivals, draws over 30,000 visitors annually. This year’s event will also feature a 30-minute documentary on the first ski expedition in Jugal Himal, focusing on the region's landscape and environmental initiatives. Additionally, the film 'Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa' will be screened.
“I am not a renowned writer or mountaineer, just an ordinary person raised in the shadow of Jugal Himal. Growing up, we worshipped the mountain as a god. This book reflects my desire to experience and understand the mountain closely.”
Following its Kendal debut, Jugal Himal will also appear at the Banff Mountain Book Festival 2025 in Canada, one of the largest mountain literature events worldwide.
Inspiration and Journey Behind the Book
Reflecting on his personal journey, Tamang said: “I am not a renowned writer or mountaineer, just an ordinary person raised in the shadow of Jugal Himal. Growing up, we worshipped the mountain as a god. This book reflects my desire to experience and understand the mountain closely.”
The book also chronicles Tamang’s efforts to promote tourism in the Jugal Himal region, detailing the obstacles he faced and the positive impact on local youth.
“Many villagers who had migrated to India for work returned after learning about the expedition. Now, they are contributing to the region’s tourism. This shift has driven significant economic and social change,” Tamang explained.
The book includes a foreword by British mountaineer Pauline Sanderson and has been designed, printed, and distributed by Map House. Tamang and his team previously participated in the Kendal Festival through their popular ‘Jugal Night’ event.
Located 140 km from Kathmandu, the Jugal Himal range features 14 peaks over 6,000 meters, recently opened to climbers. While the area was once little-known, it is now gaining popularity among tourists and mountaineers alike.
Tamang concluded: “This journey has taught me that with strong willpower, nothing is impossible.”
Expressing gratitude to his supporters, he added: “This project represents a significant achievement in Himalayan history, and I hope the book will inspire others too.”
Map House handled the design, printing, and distribution of this book. It is priced at Rs. 1,500 in Nepal and $25 internationally.
Images: Milan Tamang and Achitra Thing