Adventure Film Premiere - The Unclimbed Peak Expedition, Nepal

Join us for a FREE evening of adventure at the film premiere of 'The Unclimbed Peak Expedition Nepal'

Following the successful first ascent of Nar Phu Peak (5,930m) in the Chulu range of the Lost Valleys of Nepal, Expedition Wise would like to invite you to see the film premiere and meet the team of trekkers.

As well as the film premiere of the climb, there will be the following:

• Free Tea and coffee
• A chance to view all the equipment taken on the first ascent
• Short Q&A session
• Outdoor clothing and equipment, both new and second hand for sale (Nepalese wool hats, fleeces, 90litre expedition bags, down jackets, wicking base layers etc)

All proceeds go to Nightingale House Hospice.

For more information contact Brian Jackson at Expedition Wise Ltd:

 01978 750636

www.expeditionwise.com

Meet the Nar Phu Team - Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2014

When people think of those who would attempt an unclimbed peak in Nepal they would probably imagine some hardcore, multi-skilled bionic humans that do nothing other than climb mountains, have survival skills that would make Bear Grylls' escapades seem tame, eat nothing but raw meat and energy bars, spend 99% of their lives in the mountains with the other 1% spent shopping for mountaineering kit and don epic adventure beards.

OK, a slight exaggeration there but you know what we mean!

So who are the team that are heading to Nepal in November to attempt to climb a previously unclimbed peak in the Himalaya, and do they fit the profile described above? 

Let’s say yes...... and no.

The thing is the team are just normal people with normal lives, jobs, families and none of them have beards (yet), but they all share a love of climbing mountains. They all have trekking experience, having taken part in a variety of expeditions around the globe and it is this that has brought them together to become the Nar Phu Team. A team with a shared goal – to climb a mountain that has never been climbed before.

So, let’s meet the Team & hear their thoughts on the upcoming adventure of a lifetime.

Catherine

I have lived in Hong Kong for almost 20 years. I was a lawyer for 22 years (14 years as a Partner) with global law firm Allen & Overy, but since May 2012 I have been working for various NGOs (fundraising and doing a broad spread of volunteer work).  My hobbies include travel, hiking, working out in the gym, reading, the arts and spending time with friends.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History: 

In March/April 2013 I completed “Catherine’s Africa Challenge” to raise funds for AfriKids, comprising of trekking in the Ethiopian Simien Highlands. I also climbed Kilimanjaro in 2007.

I like to go on adventure/wildlife/nature trips to out of the way places which have included Tibet, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, India, Indonesia, Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falkland Islands, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic, Guyana, Brazil, Peru, to name a few.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

I recently went to the Kashmir Himalayas to try to see snow leopards. I managed to see some leopards, which was an incredible experience as they are so difficult to find. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why?

I would like to explore more of Africa as it has fascinating human history, amazing landscapes, incredible wildlife and very welcoming and open people.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

There are less and less places which remain untouched by humans. It excites me that the team will place footprints somewhere for the first time.  

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

A sense of humour.

Heather

I live in Suffolk, work as a vet and have 2 grown up daughters, 2 dogs and 2 cats.  I enjoy walking and being outside, theatre and food. I am quite competitive especially with myself and enjoy challenging myself.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

Kilimanjaro 2007
Avenue of Volcanoes and Cotopaxi
Elbrus
Stok Kangri

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Summit of Kilimanjaro - my first mountain, truly a live changing experience. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Norway Pulpit Rock & Finland - Anywhere to see the Northern Lights!

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Summit of Kilimanjaro and the amazing camarderie of a team of Charity Challengers.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The unique experience to the unknown.

James 

I live in Yorkshire with my family and work for myself.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History 

Kilimanjaro, Elbrus and Aconcagua.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Dimaniat Islands in the Indian Ocean…because there is no phone reception there.

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

To the black section of my bank account!

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Waking up with a bucket on my head at the bottom of a ski lift on Elbrus, beware the local vodka...

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

Struggling in knee deep snow until I feel like weeping, then reminding myself that this is a holiday.

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Shanks pony

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

Whether Barnsley FC will be promoted next season.

Rhiannon

I live in Chester where I work as a freelance Marketeer. I am a creative soul with a thirst for adventure, and love nothing more than spending my free time on the hills or in the wilds.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History

I have done many UK based challenges such as the Welsh 3000s, 3peaks and national trails, spending most of my time exploring the national parks of the UK. In 2011 I climbed Kilimanjaro, which was my first proper taste of an overseas expedition. Since then I have continued to explore the UK and beyond, completing the Tour du Mont Blanc and climbing Mt. Toubkal in Morocco. I have also travelled to Malawi and Zambia, which was an amazing experience.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

I can 100% say my favourite place I have ever been to are the islands of the west coast of Scotland. Be it the Outer Hebrides, the small isles such as Rum and Eigg or the Isles of Mull and Skye there is just so much to do there and the landscape and wildlife are incredible. We are incredibly lucky to have such amazing places in the UK.

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Top of my (extensive) list is Patagonia. For years it has intrigued as it seems such a wild & beautiful place. Plus it boasts some pretty gnarly peaks!

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

I am fascinated with exploration and by those explorers who have visited lands unknown over the centuries. To stand somewhere where people have not stood before is a very unique experience in an increasingly explored world.

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

The night sky on Kilimanjaro. Standing there under a vast amount of stars & the Milky Way was truly incredible.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The challenge of the unknown. To take it as it comes.

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

The experience of being in the Himalaya, the landscape, the culture & the people we will meet along the way. Oh, and the epic views!

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Music & morale food – 9bars and Mini Cheddar Branston Pickle flavour.

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

The weather. If the conditions are against us it could seriously affect our attempt on the ascent.

Dawn

I'm the senior PA for a nuclear power station.  Fascinating stuff!  Hobbies include anything outdoors but mainly running and cycling with the odd bit of swimming.  Love hiking and being up high.  I live in Darlington and regularly walk in the Cleveland Hills.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

I've mountain biked across Peru, Vietnam and Cambodia and hiked the Simien mountains in Ethiopia.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Bermuda  - it's a little piece of heaven.

  

What destination would you like to visit most & why?

 Australia - just feel it's one of those places I should go but the long flight puts me off! 

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

I guess it's something different, something no-one else may have done and I'm desperate to go above 6000 metres, slowly does it!

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

It has to be Ethiopia.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

 It's quirky!  Oh, and de-ranged! 

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

 Nothing - there's no room once I get several pairs of stilettos in my suitcase :) 

Brian

I live in North Wales and work for Expedition Wise Ltd. My Interests are visiting new places and walking up mountains!

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

Kili, Elbrus, Chhubohe, Kaloche, lots of peaks in South America, all the 4000m peaks in the alps.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Apart from the unclimbed peak last year, Ecuador is my favourite country.  It is  a small country where you can be on Cotopaxi (highest active volcano in the world – 5897m) in the morning and in the jungle in the afternoon. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Alaska – pristine wilderness of the area. 

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

The excitement about trekking in an area not often visited and then attempting a mountain that no one has ever stood on in the history of humanity blows my mind. 

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Last year – climbing Chhubohe in Nepal.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The fact that I will be walking in an area not often visited and I am not following lots of other people – the thoughts that you may be the first to walk on the summit ridge and the summit itself.

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

Trekking in to the Lost Valleys of Nar Phu.

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Kindle Paper white – my books are important in all the downtime and acclimatisation days. 

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

Finding a route up the peak and the snow conditions.  

I am sure you will agree they all seem pretty normal!

Though we are sure they are all excited and nervous ahead of this epic challenge, we wish them all the luck and safe travels.

You can follow their journey throughout November by liking the Expedition Wise Facebook page where there will be daily updates from the Unclimbed Peak Expedition, as well as on our Twitter account @ExpeditionWise.

If you would like to climb a previously unclimbed peak in Nepal, either for charity or just for your own personal experience, check out our 2015 Unclimbed Peak Expedition!


All the best Team Nar Phu!

'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.

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!

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