During November and December last year, we devoted a huge amount of air time to our epic Nepal Trip, which 24 of our courageous colleagues undertook in order to raise money for the K2 Foundation.
We nominated one ‘Walker’ and one ‘Worker’ to update us on their daily activities, and they did a sterling job of metaphorically transporting us to the foothills of Mount Everest and the rural villages surrounding Pokhara.
But what of the other team members? On returning home, each Walker and Worker took part in a post-trip interview, recounting their personal experience of what was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
We will shortly be sharing this collection of interviews on the K2 Foundation website; in the meantime, a taster of this content is provided below…
Mateus Perez, Walker
For me, the highlight of the trip was reaching a height of 5,400m at the summit of Kala Patthar, or ‘Black Rock’. This landmark, which is considered the highest point in the Himalayas that most trekkers will reach without a climbing permit, rewards its conquerors with a spectacular view of Everest. Ascending Kala Patthar was so challenging that when we reached the summit, I felt that I could do anything as long as my mind and body were in the right place.
My biggest learning from the trip was that there Ain’t No Mountain High Enough when your cause is noble and you are well prepared, both mentally and physically. The trip also reinforced for me my life’s motto of maintaining a positive approach towards everything, regardless of the challenges and difficulties that I might be experiencing.
Taynara Custodio, Worker
When I think back on the trip, the three words that shine the most brightly in my mind are Unity, Caring and Humbleness. In the remote villages outside of Pokhara, I felt like I’d stepped back from my own life and dipped into a new reality in a way that I’d never experienced before. Although I’d volunteered for as part of other projects in the past, I’d never been fully immersed for such a long time (17 consecutive days) within the culture of a country that is so different from my own.
What impacted me most during the trip was the kindness of the Nepalese people. All of them – even those who weren’t working directly with us – were very gentle and friendly. We felt really welcomed, appreciated and cared for. The way in which the locals lead their lives caught the attention of all the workers. We were all amazed by the simplicity of their lifestyle, by their happiness, and by the tolerance that they showed. It was truly aspirational.
Jodie Tan, Walker
Bouts of sickness, the below freezing temperatures and the lack of oxygen at altitude – these were just some of the challenges that the trip threw at us! But these were countered by the interactions that we had with our local guides, sharing in their culture, listening to them talking about their history, and learning a little bit of Nepalese. Their hospitality, their kindness and the laughs that we shared now hold a very special place in my heart.
I think my biggest learning from the trip was that every day has the potential to offer a brand new experience, if you’re willing to embrace it. A good philosophy to follow in daily life, with the bonus of not having to contend with pure physical and mental exhaustion every single day (hopefully!)
Jesper Albrekt, Worker
Humbling, Rewarding and Inspirational – three words to describe a trip that, with the exception of a few dodgy meals – was filled with positive experiences. Would I do it again? Absolutely!
Residing alongside and connecting with the local community reminded me that happiness is subjective, and that people can be happy even when they have much less than all those living in developed countries around the world. That understanding always fades away over time, but it is important to be reminded of, and then be humbled by it.
