David Abramczyk

David Abramczyk was born in Chicago, growing up in Saint Charles, Illinois. He began his education at Colorado State University studying Wildlife & Fisheries Biology.

After answering an advertisement in a newspaper, David arrived in Nepal to study Nepali language, culture and history, a decision that prompted him to dramatically change his direction in life as he become fascinated with all aspects of the Orient. Lured by quick money and adventure, he traveled to Alaska in the summer of 1990 to work on a salmon fishing boat. Over the next six years he became increasingly involved in commercial fishing.

In 1992 David transferred to University of Colorado at Boulder as a Chinese Language and Literature major. This offered the opportunity to study with an affiliated study abroad program at the University of Nan- jing in Nanjing, China. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Boulder in the spring of 1995.

His knowledge of the region and his fluency in Nepali allowed David to work as a guide specializing in mountaineering, white-water rafting and kayaking. When not guiding David went exploring and mapping out relatively untouched trekking routes in the far reaches of Nepal, often alone.

David is a passionate sailor who has succeeded in two trans-Atlantic crossings and two crossings of the Pacific. He has professionally cap- tained numerous boats in several regions of the world. David currently resides in Kathmandu, Nepal, focusing on writing and mountaineering. He is in training for a summit attempt of another 8000-meter peak this spring.