Sandra K. Athans - Secrets of the Sky Caves: Danger and Discovery on Nepals Mustang Cliffs

Copyright 2014 by Sandra K. Athans

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Main body text set in ITC Galliard Std 12/18.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Athans, Sandra K., 1958

Secrets of the sky caves : danger and discovery on Nepals Mustang Cliffs / by Sandra K.
Athans.

pages cm

Includes index.

ISBN 9781467700160 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)

ISBN 9781467725408 (eBook)

ISBN 9781467759243 (Audisee ISBN)

1. MountaineeringNepalMustang (District) 2. CavesNepalMustang (District)
3. Mustang (Nepal : District)Discovery and exploration. 4. Mustang (Nepal : District)
Antiquities. I. Title.

GV199.44.N462M873 2014

796.522095496dc23

2013017736

Manufactured in the United States of America

1 DP 12/31/13

I am grateful to the scientists, scholars, and climbers who gave their time
graciously so that the children who read this book can come to know them
as real people, doing real things. The story of these dedicated explorers is not
only a great tale of adventure; it is also a springboard from which children can
launch their own incredible journeys!

To Finn, Cleo, Liesl, and Petewhose spirit to venture into the unknown
lures us to tag along. Thank you for choosing the path less traveled. And to my
loving family: thank you for choosing the other.

To Peg: Thank you for the simple things, which are not at all easy to master.
I am grateful.

Vast cave cities are hidden inside these cliffs in the Mustang region of
Nepal. Experts have begun to explore the caves and the ancient treasures
within them.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Cities in the Sky

R OCK! Straining above howling winds, mountain climber Pete Athans sounded the
alarm. He and scientist Mark Aldenderfer were perched 150 feet (46 meters) high on
a crumbling cliff face. A section of the rock ledge they had just crossed had given way.

Falling rock was one of many hazards in the weathered cliffs of Nepal where they were climbing.

Team member Mohan Singh Lama was standing below the
cliff. He quickly moved to safety. The slab of dislodged rock plunged
downward. It exploded into rubble near where he had stood just moments
before.

Athans and Aldenderfer crouched low to get back to their work. They
stepped inside a narrow cave openingand got the surprise of a lifetime! The
small opening was a doorway into a vast complex of cave chambers. They were
all connected by shafts and tunnels. The entire cliff was a huge cave city that
had flourished with people and activity more than five hundred years ago.

The spectacular human-made caves are perched high in the cliffs in Mustang
(MOO-stahng). It is a former kingdom in the Himalayan mountains of Asia.
In modern times, this tiny region is part of the country of Nepal. From 2007