While most news on Nepal has focussed on its recent political problems, we here at Mutiny HQ take a longer term perspective. We know what really interests our readers. You’re all asking yourself (a) does sex in the Himalayas qualify me for membership in the Mile High Club and (b) can I catch something? [I’m just breathing heavy because the air is thin]
Well, researchers from Scotland’s Aberdeen University have been wondering the same thing. They plan to examine “sexual behaviour of Nepalese trekking guides and tourists.” It seems that Nepal is becoming a more popular vacation destination (despite the Maoist insurgency?), Nepali men don’t use condoms (they are considered “socially taboo”) and (gasp!) “visitors have become `high-risk’ as they lower their inhibitions when abroad.” Foolish yet exotic vacation sex; it’s not just for Ibiza any more.
Dr Padam Simkhada, of the university’s public health department, said: “There is an urgent need to undertake this study to understand more fully the nature and extent of high-risk sexual activity among young Nepalese trekking guides. “Medical problems and health risks of trekkers or tourists are documented to some extent, but little information is known about the sexual activity of trekkers’ guides. ” About 500 questionnaires will be distributed to trekking guides and the companies which hire them. Researchers also plan to carry out in-depth interviews with guides. [BBC]
Ah yes. A study of STD’s contracted by Trekkers willing to boldly go where no man has gone before!
There are many interesting anecdotes about sex in the Himalayas actually. Sherpas on many of the more difficult expeditions such as Everest actually become very angry when their clients are caught or suspected of copulating in the tents. They usually complain to the expedition leader that those people are “making sauce.” No joke. Sex on the mountain is considered an insult to the moutain Gods and can result in dire consequences (i.e. lethal weather). Personally I would abstain and not risk it in that position :). Then again, at those altitudes and that degree of climbing difficulty many men won’t be able to get erect. There is just no energy left for non-essential functions. The sherpas are all studs though. Here is an excerpt from a great article National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine did on the subject a few years ago.