In July of 2025 I will be heading off, with a group of classmates, on a World Challenge expedition to Nepal. World Challenge is an inspiring organisation that works with groups of young people to organise trips to a variety of destinations.

My World Challenge in particular will be an adventure to Nepal, consisting of exploring the bustling cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Here, I will partake in community outreach programs and volunteering, working alongside organisations in the cities to aid with building projects, community aid programs and offering a helping hand to businesses within the cities such as through agricultural work. These programs will allow me to connect with the local people and experience a way of life different to our own. I will spend time learning and growing whilst having the privilege to explore these gorgeous cities, sightseeing beautiful statues and buildings, taking tours of temples, tasting local cuisines, taking part in local traditions, and joining in workshops organised by World Challenge.

After our time in the cities, we will head up into the Himalayas for the trek portion of our trip, taking us through bamboo forests, meadows, shrines, and a myriad of other beautiful sites to be taken in along the journey. Throughout the trek we will carry all our belongings with us, staying in tents on the mountains and learning how to adjust to the very different terrain and climate. The trek will last for two weeks and culminate in reaching Annapurna base camp where our trek will come to an end. Returning to Kathmandu, we will have a little more time to explore the city and fully immerse ourselves in the diversity that can be found there.

As a way of preparing myself, and as an added impetus to raise money, one of the challenges I am setting myself between now and when I go to Nepal is to climb the Welsh 3 Peaks. Having only climbed small mountains before, Snowdon especially will be a bit of a stretch! So far, through work and donations, I have raised just over £2,000 out of a total amount of £4,795 needed for my trip. I intend to keep working and contributing to the cause with my own earnings, but I have additionally set up this Go Fund Me page to receive any generous donations people could offer. Any small amount will be really gratefully received, with these extra funds going towards covering the remaining £2,000 I need for my expedition.

This trip is an extraordinary opportunity that I am immensely excited for and will allow me my first glimmer of what visiting Asia - and immersing myself in a culture so different to my own - can be like.

With many thanks, Keri :)