Classroom » Multimedia
Hiking near the Himalayas: Carrom board
About this recording
- Creator
- Kristin Post
- Date created
- October 20, 2000
- Duration
- 4:01
- Location
- Ghorapani Loop, Nepal
- File
- MP3
- License
- This recording copyright ©2000. Terms of use
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- Search LEARN NC for Annapurna, carrom, entertainment, games, guides, language, Nepal, Nepali, trails, and trekking.
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Trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal is not like trekking on the Appalachian Trail. Nor is it the same as climbing Mount Everest. Most tourists take certain routes, either to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or a shorter route along the same trail. The trails are made of paved stone stairs, they are dotted with villages, and trekkers stay in guesthouses along the way. The views of the tallest mountains in the world are always present, but distant.
Even though the trails are paved, many tourists make these treks with hired guides. Many young Nepali men aspire to be a guide because it is a relatively well paid job.
This audio captures what many guides do in their “down time.” They are playing a popular game called carrom board. The object of the game is to “pot” your nine pieces before your opponent does. The board is wooden, and has pockets on each corner. Like billiards, the player uses a “striker” (which is like the cue ball) to sink his pieces. A “queen” piece must be saved until the end (like the eight ball.) Usually players put sand or baby powder on the board so that the pieces glide more smoothly. Listen closely to the sound the pieces make as they glide across the board. One observer is playing the guitar as he watches the game. Other observers are chatting and laughing.
