Sixth Form Himalayan Expedition to Nepal
Georgie F, a student in the Upper Sixth, recounts our Sixth Form Himalayan Expedition to Nepal.
Going to Nepal this summer was a life-changing experience for all who went. We spent time exploring key sites in Kathmandu with our brilliant Nepalese guides, Gautham and Gopal, who were with us for the full two weeks. Going in off-season gave us a unique opportunity to be fully immersed in the culture of the country.
Visiting Nepal provided us with an opportunity to learn more about both Hinduism and Buddhism in theory and practice. We got to receive teaching from a Buddhist monk and even had the chance to meditate with him. As part of our visit of key sites in Kathmandu, we visited a living goddess, a very important figurehead for Nepalese Hindus. It was incredible to see symbols of both religions side by side with our guide telling us that the Nepalese often refer to their national religion as a mixture of the two – ‘HiBu’.
As part of our trip, we were able to see some incredible NGO efforts that are changing lives in Nepal. Visiting the Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco Foundation was an inspiring moment. The foundation provides a community and livelihood for those living with leprosy and other disabilities. It was inspiring to see their school, community garden, and to see firsthand the difference their foundation has made.
The safari in Chitwan brought out the jungle explorer in us all, bringing us close to rhinos, elephants, and even man-eating crocodiles known as ‘marsh muggers’. We also met members of the local Tharu tribe and learned about their traditional ways of building houses. Visiting the Stand Up 4 Elephants NGO gave us even more insight into the treatment of these amazing animals, and we spent time learning how they and their carers could be better protected.
A five-day trek in the Annapurna region was a particular highlight of the trip. The sights and sounds as we ventured up to Ulleri were remarkable, encountering waterfalls and wildlife. The challenge helped us bond as a team, and we managed to reach a height of 3,165 metres. We were again enriched in the culture of the village we visited – Ghandruk, where six of the luckiest of us were dressed in traditional Gurung dress for some interesting pictures. We had a chance to hear from conservation experts about how tourism in the Himalayas has changed and the challenges it presents today.
November 2025