Ours are the Journeys that take us to the Unknown – Unclimbed Peak 2014

On the 9^th of November 2014 a team of 6 intrepid adventurers will set off to Nepal, where we will embark on an incredible journey to climb an unclimbed peak.

Located in the Lost Valleys region of the Himalaya, the previously unclimbed peak ‘Nar Phu’ stands at approx 5921m in the far eastern Chulu range. This is an area that is home to snow leopards and the isolated Tibetan villages of Nar & Phu. It is relatively unexplored by both climbers & trekkers.

This really is a once in a lifetime trip for many. How incredible to explore an area where few have been and to be the first to stand on a summit overlooking the Himalayas, with views across to Pisang Peak (6,091m)  with the Annapurnas beyond and the main peaks of the Chulu range to the west.

Four of the NarPhu Team in Snowdonia

From our research studying maps and Google Earth, Nar Phu  Peak is more of a ‘Trekking’ peak.  Therefore, the ascent should not be overly technical like a climbing peak but we will all be prepared with the right kit and will have fixed ropes to be used if needed.

The Nar Phu Team members look at the route on the map 

There are many obstacles to overcome and things that could affect whether the team are able to successfully summit the virgin peak. These include injuries on route, altitude sickness, unknown territory, poor weather conditions, stomach bugs, and a whole host of other things. There’s also the issue of whether we will be granted permission to climb the mountain from the village Lama as many of the peaks are seen as deities by the local Tibetans in Nar village and it may be that they would find westerners climbing it disrespectful. We require the Lama to give us permission so that we can carry out a Puja, a Buddhist blessing ceremony, as otherwise, our Sherpas would not accompany us. It would be both disrespectful and dangerous to continue on without them and in essence, our Unclimbed Peak Expedition could end right there before it had really begun.

It is these elements of the unknown that makes an expedition such as this all the more intriguing and exciting and indeed challenging. Perhaps it would be a less attractive adventure if it involved following a well known path, climbing a much ascended mountain and following in the footsteps of many trekkers who have stood on the summit.

From our first day of trekking, it will take 7 days to reach the virgin territory where NarPhu Peak stands and the truly unknown meets us. Here we will have left the main trekking path having spent a tough day ascending Kang La at 5,306m and need to explore the area to source a suitable Base Camp. Standing in the Chulu range, the ever present view of the mountain will be a constant reminder of why we are there.

 Once Base Camp is set up, we plan to spend the next day resting, acclimatising and discussing possible routes to the peak. As the east end of the Chulu range is relatively unexplored, our route planning so far has evolved from looking at maps and Google Earth images of the peaks. It is only when we are actually at Base Camp that we will be able to determine what route would be best to take to the summit and evaluate the conditions on the ground and high up on the ridgeline. Again, poor weather conditions could now abruptly bring this expedition dead in its tracks as it could be that the snow conditions are too dangerous to ascend.

All being well in terms of weather conditions, acclimatisation and general health, our plan is to spend the next day ascending a neighbouring unclimbed, unnamed peak at 5890m. This will allow the team to experience the type of climbing we will be doing on the main ascent, testing our ascent skills, getting comfortable with our kit and surroundings and ultimately building our confidence ahead of the main summit attempt a couple of days later.

With another day of rest and preparation for the main climb the next day, the team will no doubt be experiencing mixed feelings that often arise prior to such a challenge. Here it will be important to pull together and work together to ensure everyone is ready to go for the summit. It will also be a time to reflect as to why we are here, take in the stunning scenery and appreciate that moment of being in unexplored territory, for many a once in a lifetime experience.

Fingers crossed everyone will be in tip-top condition, well acclimatised, feeling strong, determined and ready to go. Though nervous I am sure we will be, we must eat and sleep well for tomorrow we will begin our ascent of Nar Phu.

Summit Day: It will be 15 days since we left the UK to embark on this adventure, with 10 days of trekking to lead us to this point. After an early start, we will attempt the ascent of the mighty Nar Phu Peak, with hopes of great conditions and a safe and successful summit bid. Here we will also be able to accurately measure the true height of the mountain.

Nar Gate on the route to Nar Phu Peak

If all goes well, we will then stand on the summit of Nar Phu Peak as the first people to climb this mountain. After months of planning, training and dreaming about the expedition we can only hope that we achieve what we came to do and more, to climb the mountain, to experience the unknown and to achieve the amazing.

What if we don’t? Nothing good has come from negative thinking so we try to not focus too much on the ‘what ifs’ at this point. If it is meant to be it will be and if not, nothing is wasted and we will be thankful for everything experienced on this truly remarkable expedition.

Hopefully our team’s story will be one of success and a safe descent back to Base Camp where we will take a moment to reflect on our achievement before trekking down to the village of Ngawal, looking back every now and again for our last view of NarP hu Peak where we stood only hours before. Here we will stay overnight to be met the next day by our helicopters that will fly us out to Pokara. What better way to end this incredible adventure than to fly through the Himalayas, passing 7000+m  snow capped mountains as we go.

Once the helicopter lands in Pokara we will then take a commercial flight to Kathmandu where we will have time for a shower (the first in a long time!), enjoy a celebratory meal and sleep in a proper bed! The next day we will visit the Ministry of Tourism where we will have to take all our documentation and evidence to prove we actually did reach the summit of Nar Phu.  This is quite a detailed affair which includes showing the route we took, photos of us at the summit and GPS/Altimeter readings at the summit. We will also need to meet the famous Elizabeth Hawley who has been officially recording all new summits and new routes for the last 50 years and is a legend in the climbing world.  As her decision is final, this could make or break the success of the Unclimbed Peak Expedition. Sure, we will know did it but if it isn’t in the log book it isn’t seen as a first ascent!

Team Training weekend on the hills of Snowdonia

In between now and November (which really isn’t far away at all) the Team will continue to train, as well as sort out all the administration needed for such an expedition including visas, purchasing final bits of kit, Travel Insurance, Mountain Rescue cover etc.

Practising rope techniques on the Team Training Day

There’s a lot to think about and to prepare for such a trip, but all the hard work will be worth it to stand on the summit of NarPhu, knowing that we are the first people to do so.

Good Luck Team NarPhu & safe travels!

'Lights Out' Moel Famau - WWI Centenary Walk in aid of the Royal British Legion

 On the evening of Monday 4^th August a group of people from local areas of North Wales and further afield met at Moel Famau Country Park near Ruthin to take part in the ‘Lights Out Moel Famau’ night time walk to commemorate the WWI Centenary, organised and led by Expedition Wise on behalf of the North Wales Poppy Appeal.

 

A fantastic turnout of over 40 people were greeted by a beautiful sunset before commencing the walk to the Jubilee Tower at the summit of Moel Famau just after 9.15pm, walking up the mountain with their head torches lighting the way.  With perfect weather conditions and an endless sky of stars the participants arrived at the summit of Moel Famau just after 10.15pm, where a special commemorative ceremony took place. 

Gathered around at the top of the Jubilee Tower, they watched as the candle of hope was lit and the WW1 Centenary Wreath was laid by Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Local Govt.

After wreath laying all torches were turned off for ‘LIGHTS OUT’, leaving the summit in complete darkness apart from the single lit candle and the stars above. Bugler Gareth Rogers of Rhyl Youth Marching Band played the Last Post followed by a reading and a 2min silence to reflect and remember all the brave men and women who gave the lives all those years ago. The silence was broken by Reveille, its haunting echo drifting across the mountain range.

Head torches were all turned back flooding the Jubilee Tower with light, signifying rebirth and new hope.

It was such a special event where people could share the experience together and take the time to reflect and remember. It was also great to see children taking part with their families.

Kevin Forbes with Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Local Govt.

Kevin Forbes, North Wales Community Fundraiser for The Royal British Legion said of the event

‘The Lights Out’ programme has been a huge success. People were given the opportunity to stop and reflect in a focussed way. It truly was a mass act of remembrance by the nation. I was particularly impressed by the large numbers of young people who participated. The huge number of participants across the nations ensures that ‘Lest we Forget’ is not just an empty phrase’

He added ‘As Poppy Appeal approaches we could all show further support by assisting the leading supporter of the armed service family so that those in need can ‘Live On’. Poppy Appeal volunteers just ring 0808 802 8080’

Our Director, Brian Jackson, who organised and led the walk said “This was truly a fantastic event that we are honoured and proud to have been a part of. It was great to see so many people take part and share this experience together whilst raising money for such an important charity.”

We would like to thank all those who participated for making it such a special and memorable event that saw hundreds of pounds raised for The Royal British Legion.

Fantastic charity challenge events for the local community!

As well as providing charity challenges and expeditions across the UK and overseas, we also love to provide events for the local community and local charities.

This year we have the pleasure of organising the Erddig 10K on behalf of the National Trust Erddig Estate charity and the ‘Lights Out Moel Famau WW1 Centenary Walk’ in aid of the Royal British Legion.

These are great opportunities for people in the local community to take part in something fun and challenging whilst raising money for local charities. It is also a fantastic way for companies and work colleagues to do something active and enjoyable together outside of the work environment and all for a great cause.

If you are in the local North Wales/Cheshire area and fancy taking part in a charity challenge why not sign up to our local events today!

Lights Out Moel Famau

 ‘Lights Out’ is an invitation by the Royal British Legion to commemorate World War One by encouraging everyone in the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on 4^th of August 2014 – leaving only a single light or candle for this symbolic act of reflection and hope.

The North Wales Poppy Appeal are inviting people in the local area to take part in the ‘Lights Out’ campaign in a unique and special way by joining them for an evening’s walk up Moel Famau on August the 4^th in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Participants will begin the walk up Moel Famau at 9.30pm, climbing the hill as the sun sets and reaching the Jubilee Tower at the top of Moel Famau for 10:15pm. There will then be a ceremony where all torches will be turned off to replicate the ‘black out’ during the First World War, followed by a 2 minute silence to reflect & remember the more than a million Commonwealth Service men and women who lost their lives in the First World War. Torches will then be turned on again to signify the new hope, before the group start to make their way down Moel Famau arriving at the bottom before midnight.

For more information and to book your place on the Lights Out Moel Famau Walk please click here.

Erddig 10K

Following the success of last year’s event, we are happy to announce we will be returning to the beautiful location of the Erddig Estate on Sunday 14^th September for the Erddig 10K!

With three running options including the 10K, 5K and 2km Fun Run, it’s a great event for all levels and a fantastic event to do as a family. Each runner will receive a goody bag and free entry for themselves and one other to the Erddig Estate Gardens, so you can make it in to a lovely day out for the family!

So whether it will be your first 5K, or you are a seasoned runner looking to beat your Personal Best, this is a fantastic running event to be enjoyed in stunning surroundings.

£2.50 from every entry goes to the Erddig Estate charity.

For more information and to book your place on the Erddig 10K please click here

Please note:

Strictly NO entries on the day.

Entry closing date is 30th August at 12pm. 

Challenging & Exciting Times!

Taking part in challenges and expeditions are a fantastic way for people to raise money for the charity of their choice, while testing themselves to the limit both mentally and physically. With so many different types of challenges to choose from, it's good to know that not all challenges have to take a huge amount of time or involve going overseas. In fact, there are many brilliant challenges taking place right here in the UK! 

Whether you have a day, a weekend or a few weeks, a fantastic charity challenge or expedition is waiting for you!

1-Day Challenge:

This is ideal for those who are looking to take part in a challenge but are unable to do a weekend or multi-day challenge due to time constraints. It is also great for those looking to really push themselves throughout the day (or night!) to then be rewarded with a feeling of euphoria, pride and happy exhaustion at the finish line, followed by a fantastic sense of achievement as you head home!

1-Day challenges can be great to do as a group of friends, families, colleagues or individuals looking to do something physically challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.

1-Day Challenge Ideas:

• Beat the Sun - a fantastic 1-day pairs challenge walking 34 miles on one of the iconic long distance trails in the UK between sunrise and sunset.
• Snowdon - Climb the highest mountain in England & Wales in a day
• Welsh 3000s – Reach the summits of the 15 mountains over 3000ft in Snowdonia in under 24hrs! (This can also be done as a two day challenge)
• Erddig 10k – a 10k, 5k & 2km Fun Run
• Lights Out - An evening’s walk up Moel Famau in North Wales
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Trek 30km over the classic 3 Peaks in under 12hrs
• London to Brighton - 1 Day cycling from the capital to the coast.

Weekend Challenges:

Weekend challenges are a great way to experience a challenge over a couple of days without taking too much time from your home/work life. They are a great way to get to know the other participants, share laughs over a sandwich at a summit, swap stories over a snack and enjoy the experience together. These can include hiking and cycling challenges where you can either camp or stay in a hotel overnight, providing a time to rest/celebrate at the end of the day!

It is a fantastic feeling to wake up on a Monday morning knowing that you have taken part in a rewarding challenge, and when the question “What did you get up to at the weekend?” comes up you can reminisce all those fantastic memories!

Weekend Challenge Ideas:

• UK 3 Peaks – Climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales all within 24 hours
• Coast to Coast (Ireland) - 2 days cycling from Dublin on the East coast to Galway on the West coast of Ireland.  
• Coast to Coast UK (Morecambe to Whitby) - 2 days cycling 115 miles from coast to coast.

Multi-Day Challenges:

Multi-Day challenges are ideal for those who have a bit more time on their hands and are keen to take part in a challenge that takes place over a few days. These can involve hiking in the mountains, walking coastal paths or, cycling across the country. You could even cycle from the UK to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam! 

Having the challenge spread across a number of dates really allows you to get into the swing of it whist testing you both physically and mentally. You will have time to get to know the other participants during the day and recuperate over an enjoyable meal at night.

Multi-Day Challenge Ideas:

• London to Paris Cycle - cycling 178 miles over 3 days and through 2 countries.
• London to Amsterdam – Brussels - 4 days cycling 260 miles through 3 capitals (5 days including travel)
• Summit to Sea - cycling 185 miles over 3 days from the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to Marbella on the coast. (5 days including travel)
• Coast to Coast (Scotland) - 3 days from East coast to West coast of Scotland.
• Hadrian's Wall - 1 to 5 day itineraries trekking along the wall from Carlisle to Newcastle

Long Expeditions:

If you are looking to take part in an epic challenge that is often a once in a lifetime adventure to destinations across the globe, our expeditions are exactly what you are looking for. Whether you want to trek Kilimanjaro, climb Elbrus in Russia or walk the Great Wall of China, these overseas expeditions can take anything between 1 – 3 weeks.

If you are feeling really adventurous you could even trek in relatively unexplored areas of the Himalaya, climbing previously unclimbed peaks. Whatever your ideal destination our overseas challenges are a great way to experience different countries and cultures whilst achieving your goals, dreams throughout a once in a lifetime experience. 

You will often find that the other people on your expedition will become lifelong friends as you share the incredible adventure together and help raise money for very worthwhile causes.

If you are looking for an overseas expedition that involves an adventure whilst also providing an opportunity to experience the local culture, wildlife and surroundings, then expeditions such as our Mt Elgon Trek would be ideal for you. Not only will you climb the oldest solitary peak in Africa, but also have time to visit local community projects and see Uganda’s amazing wildlife.

Expedition Ideas:

• Great Wall of China
• Elbrus
• Mt Kilimanjaro
• Everest Basecamp
• Iceland Trek
• Unclimbed Peak, Nepal

Do you want to do a challenge but fancy doing something a bit different?

With years of experience leading and planning expeditions and charity challenges in the UK and across the globe, Expedition Wise have the knowledge and expertise to plan tailor-made challenges for companies, charities and individuals. 

If you would like to discuss any charity challenges you would like to do as a group, company or charity please do not hesitate to contact us on 01978 750636 or email info@expeditionwise.com to discuss further.

For more information about our Challenges & Expeditions please also see www.expeditionwise.com.

Keep up to date with our adventures! Follow us on Twitter & find us on Facebook!

Mt Elgon - Discover Africa's oldest solitary peak!

Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base and the largest complete caldera in the world with its summit crater being 8km in diameter. This enormous mountain is shared by two countries lying on the border between Uganda and Kenya. It is the oldest solitary mountain in Africa and stands at a height of 4,321m / 14,177ft. The trek uses the Sasa Trail route ascent and Piswa Trail descent passing cave paintings, hot springs, amazing scenery and with every chance of spotting monkeys, apes, mountain elephants and hundreds of species of birdlife.

So, what is involved in trekking Mt Elgon?

This incredible expedition starts with a drive from your hotel in Entebbe via the source of the Nile to your mountain lodge for the night.

You will begin the trek the following morning taking the Sasa Trail from your mountain lodge to Sasa River Camp (2,900m). Here you will have chances of spotting forest monkeys, apes, small antelope, buffalo, elephants and over 300 species of bird that call Uganda home.


Your second day of trekking sees you reach Mude Cave Camp at 3,500m with great views of Jackson Peak (4,165m). You will have the opportunity to walk in the afternoon to some of the spectacular nearby waterfalls which will help assist with acclimatisation, before bedding down to camp at night.


Today is summit day, and will begin with a very early departure as you set off to reach the summit of Mount Elgon - Wagagai Peak (4,321m). It is a tough trek to the top but the rewards make all the hard work worthwhile with stunning views across the whole expanse of the 8km diameter crater with its ring of peaks, dropping away to the forest and the African continent below your feet. After congratulating everyone for reaching the top and taking time to experience the incredible views you will descend back to the Mude Cave Camp.

The following morning, you start your descent using the Piswa Trail, descend through lush vegetation to Hunters Cave Camp (3,383m) visiting the famous Tatum Cave with its ancient cave paintings and the hot springs nearby.

Your final day on Mount Elgon sees you trekking out to Piswa Patrol Hut. Here you say goodbye to your amazing Ugandan crew before driving to a local mountain lodge to freshen up and celebrate your achievements.

                      

Today you drive back towards Entebbe, visiting one of the projects that part of your expedition costs are supporting - the school at Namagunga run by the charity Teams 4 U. You will have time to speak with the children and present the money from the expedition to the school.

After an enjoyable & inspiring day the group will drive on to Entebbe at a hotel for a celebration meal.

The next day, after a late breakfast, you will travel by boat across Lake Victoria to the Ssese Islands and to the largest - Bugala Island. Here you will have a relaxing evening of rest and recuperation whilst overlooking the lake from your hotel.

Today you have the day to visit the other project that part of your expedition costs are supporting - Maranatha Gateway Vocational Training Centre run by the charity Equipe. You will have time to get involved in the project and then present the money from the expedition to the staff at the centre.

                       

The next day you will travel back across Lake Victoria to relax at your hotel before flying home overnight, reflecting on this once in a lifetime experience in the beautiful country of Uganda.

This is truly an incredible trip that sees you conquer a beautiful mountain as well as give back to the charity projects. There will also be plenty of time to relax and explore the area whilst taking in the beauty that Uganda has to offer.

For more information and to book your place on this amazing trip click here.

Iceland: The Land of Ice & Fire

Iceland is a truly fascinating place where contrasting forces of ice and fire exist side by side, creating a truly incredible landscape. A unique destination that offers pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, it a fantastic place to explore and a great trekking destination.

Join us in 2015 for our Iceland Trek & experience many of the incredible features the country has to offer. From climbing up through the rhyolite, crossing lava fields and passing steaming vents to crossing snow fields, the contrast creates a truly magical experience. Throughout the trek you will pass hot springs, geysers and even camp beside Alftavatn, a huge volcanic lake. As you admire the beautiful scenery and take in views of the amazing Markarfljót gorge and the bridged Ljorsa fissure, look out for the diverse wildlife that calls the Island home.

What better way than to finish your fantastic experience than to explore Reykjavik, the country’s capital!

See our itinerary for more details.

Here are some interesting facts about Iceland to help you envisage what a remarkable place it is:

•  Iceland is an island of 103.000 km2 (39,756 sq.miles), about one-third larger than Scotland or Ireland. Its highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, rises to 2.119 m and over 11 per cent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe.

•  Iceland contains about 200 volcanoes and has one-third of Earth’s total lava flow

• There are many myths & legends associated with the country and the rich Icelandic culture has a strong association with folklore. telling stories of ghosts, elves & ice trolls! Even today, if a farmer moves any stones in their fields they always take care not to disturb stones that could be home to trolls. Even construction companies have been known to change the course of a road that they think will disturb the peace of the fairy folk! The Icelandic belief in elves is so strong that you will find plenty of elf houses in gardens that have been lovingly put out to provide shelter for the wee creatures (and to stop the elves from turning mischievous!).

• It is home to the only 'Elf School' on the planet!

• Some 11% of the country’s surface is covered with glaciers and about 30% is lava fields

•  Hekla – Iceland’s most famous Volcano last erupted in 2000, with the earliest eruption on record in 1104.

•  The tallest mountain in Iceland is Hvannadalshnjúkur 2119 m

•  The largest glacier is Vatnajökull 8300 km2

• During the months of June and July, Iceland has days with a full 24 hours of precious, beautiful sunlight, with the annual golf tournament teeing off at midnight!

•  The Arctic fox is the only native mammal

•   Roughly 85 percent of Iceland’s energy is from renewable resources, and well over half of that is geothermal alone.

The Equipe Project: Ssese Islands, Uganda.

Having just returned from Africa today from an overnight flight, I thought it would be good to share with you what Expedition Wise Ltd have been doing in Uganda while the heat, dust and beauty of the country is still fresh in my memory.

A substantial percentage of any profit we make each year goes to support an overseas project. For the next 3 years, it will be the Equipe project on the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria, Uganda. They have 2 projects which I was able to visit this week. Firstly, they have The Bridge of Hope School, a school for orphans and then the Maranatha Gateway Adult Vocational Training Centre.

Upon arrival in the Ssese Islands (after a beautiful 3.5 hr boat crossing), we went straight to the school and even though it was a late Friday evening, some of the children sang for us to welcome us to the island. The school is a basic, one classroom building at present, along with living quarters. It was very humbling and quite emotional to hear the children sing. We were able to bring some money with us for them which will make a huge difference in feeding the children and providing work materials.

The following day, we went to visit the Adult Vocational Training Centre that is in the process of being built. This will be a 16 person training centre teaching sustainable skills to local over 18 year olds on the island so that they can then get work as labourers, brick layers, farmers, builders etc. The students will live on site as well as undertake the intensive course in the grounds. 

The area the charity has rented to set this up is right on the north eastern tip of the main island – Kalangala. It is in a beautiful site which when finished will be fantastic. There are just 3 British people doing all the work and living on site at present with their small holding. They have so far built, or are building, 1 x house, 1 x student sleeping quarters and classroom, 1 x toilet block, 1 x shower block, 1 x kitchen, 1 x chicken coop, 1 x pig pen and cleared a lot of the land. All this has been done by hand over a period of 6 months. It took them actual years to get all the permissions and paperwork sorted – this is Africa! 

We took over a large amount of money that we changed on the mainland into Ugandan Shillings (I was actually a millionaire for a while as £1 = 4000 Ugandan Shillings) and presented this to the charity workers just before we left. There were lots of tears and hugs all around as this meant so much to them, so a massive thank you to all those who took part in EW challenges in 2013 to allow us to do this.

We are looking to run a 2015 expedition to climb Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley (5,109m), the 3rd highest mountain in Africa, on behalf of these two projects. If you are interested, please get in touch.

  

Whilst in Uganda, I also had the privilege of travelling to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, close to the Rwandan border. Our group trekked for 6 hours before tracking to a family of Gorillas. We then spent 1 hour watching them which was one of the most amazing wildlife experiences of my life and one I will never forget. 

Brian Jackson, Director of Expedition Wise Ltd