A Cumbrian adventure company has set off on a challenge of running, walking, hiking, paddling, swimming and cycling the Nepal section of the Great Himalaya Trail.
KE Adventure Travel will attempt the 1,700km challenge this month and next, but due to current travel restrictions, the team are to complete the challenge virtually on their local fells.
“We knew the KE team were a very active bunch but even we’ve been taken aback now we’re actually counting up all our outdoor activities – in two weeks we’ve hiked, biked, paddled and swum 1842 km – smashing our original target,” said Chloe Johnson, one of KE’s product managers who looks after their mountaineering adventures.
“Now we’re setting our sight on crossing the entire length of the Greater Himalaya Range from Nanga Parbat in Pakistan to Namche Barwa in Tibet, passing through, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet – that’s over 4,500km.
“So far we’ve raised enough money to plant 276 fruit trees with our target by the end of April being 4,000 trees. If you’ve been to Nepal, or you’ve always wanted to go, we’d be so grateful if you can help us plant more trees. Many thanks and wish us good luck.”
The firm is raising money to plant fruit trees in remote villages in Nepal – the saplings will be a mixture of walnut, pecan, peach, plum, Sichuan pepper, mandorin and lapsi.
They will prevent erosion, bring a regular supply of fruit to the villages and will generate income too for up to 10 years as they grow.
Each bundle of 20 trees costs £15 – this also covers everything from purchasing them in Kathmandu to transporting them to each village and planting them.
They are doing this with the help of The Juniper Trust, a charity completely run by volunteers so all money raised goes directly to the project.
