Revised coach drop-off times ...

Due to delays experienced on M5 motorway ... the new estimated drop-off times for the coach are Churchill 1pm; Taunton 2pm.

Welcome Home ... and keeping the dream alive!

Good Morning ... and welcome home to all our 'adventurers' who are now on the coach and heading for home.

Estimated coach drop-off times:

• 12.30 Churchill 
• 13.30 Taunton

Help us to keep the dream alive and share in the memories and unforgettable experiences of  the expeditioners' special time in Nepal! 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our updates. Don't forget to share your son's or daughter's photos, experiences, anecdotes, personal stories and experiences with us (via the blog, Facebook, with Fee, or directly into the Outposts' office).

Photo Competition: We run a competition each year for the best photos from our expeditions with a prize being awarded to the winners. Why not enter your best photos by sending them in to us? Winners will be chosen and announced in September. Good luck everyone!

Here are some of last year's winning Nepal photos:

Flight landed at Heathrow!

News just in from Michael to say that the flight has landed.  (9.20)

Currently pick up times remain the same.  We will let you know if there is any change.

Now back in Kathmandu plus a special message from Michael Kingscote, Managing Director of Outposts Ltd

After a long trip by bus everyone is safely at their hotel in Kathmandu. They are all looking forward to a final bit of sightseeing before they board their flight and head for home.

*********************************************** 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

DD (my wife) and I set up Outposts Ltd 17 years ago; the aim for overseas expeditions was to:

·        Seek out overseas locations and projects, particularly in Africa and Nepal, that offer our clients an opportunity to know and understand the culture, ecology, history and true essence of the country.

·        Encourage the development of all who participate to learn about the wilderness environment in selected locations by providing a range of fascinating expeditions, courses and opportunities.

We wanted to enable young people to have the option to travel to far flung places to learn about others and themselves.

Thank you for allowing Outposts Ltd to take your children / wards away to South Africa and Nepal for the last three weeks. Since meeting the first of you at a parents presentation, nearly 22 months have passed and a long distance has been travelled.

Many of you heeded my advice and worked hard with your ‘Expeditioner’ (s) to raise the money for the expedition, getting them involved in the whole process of planning and earning; the reward of this process was the expedition, but the lessons learned have been witnessed by our leaders and will stay with your children forever.

You have read the Blogs from Nepal & South Africa and apart from some minor medical conditions, (parents have been advised when applicable), overall, both expeditions have been a success. The majority of Expeditioners have totally immersed themselves in the programmes, contributed with vigour and have learned a lot about themselves, other people, different cultures, environments and life. A few have struggled with their personal administration and hygiene, as a result they have had to be strongly guided; all will take away something worthwhile from the experience.

If all goes to plan, the expeditioners will arrive back at LHR on Monday, I shall be at Terminal 1 to greet the South Africa expeditioners and then, time allowing, will move to Terminal 4 for the Nepal arrival.

We would appreciate feedback, so please let us know what you and your expeditioner have to say …

Michael Kingscote

MJF Kingscote

Managing Director

Adventures in Chitwan Jungle ... rhino spotted on elephant safari and canoe trip on Rapti River!

Fee Bellamy reports having received communication from Martin, expedition leader:

All are well here in Chitwan! We've taken a canoe ride down the Rapti River, been on elephant safari and spotted Rhino! (Bengal Tigers remained elusive although we are told they are much more likely to be watching us than for us to spot them!). The expeditioners have also danced with the locals!

An Elephant Safari - Chitwan Jungle

Rhino - Chitwan Jungle

Canoe ride on River Rapti bordering the Chitwan Jungle

Baby elephant - Asian Elephant Breeding Centre, Chitwan.

From snowy Himalayan peaks to the steamy Jungle ... Expeditioners arrive in Chitwan for next phase of their expedition

Fee Bellamy receives word from expedition leader Martin that everyone has arrived in Chitwan ready for the next exciting phase of their expedition.

The Lonely Planet guide describes Nepal as ... 

"Wedged between the high wall of the Himalayas and the steamy jungles of the Indian plains, Nepal is a land of snow peaks and Sherpas, yaks and yetis, monasteries and mantras."

The Expeditioners transferred today by road from the Himalayas (Pokhara) to the 'steamy jungle' (Royal Chitwan National Park).

Here are some typical sights and views our 'adventurers' will have experienced on their bus ride today ... 

Community Project & Voluntary Work now well underway in Pokhara

The community project work is now well underway. Here's an introduction to the Project phase:

The Principal of the Metropolitan Academy, where the students are volunteering.

The Tibetan Refugee Camp that the expeditioners visited several days ago was Tashling. This has been there for many years and is very well organised, tidy and structured. Tibetans can live in Nepal but they can’t own any land. However they were allowed to build this camp which includes a monastery and a school, and is a place where they are part of the community.

Brief update and trekking video from expedition leader Martin ... having fantastic time and teams working well together!

"We are having a fantastic time and the teams are working well together on the community projects and teaching. A number of the expeditioners have said they regularly travel abroad, however, this is for the majority the best experience of their lives. I hope everyone's enjoying the videos that I've finally managed to send back. Here's a third of our trekking phase!" - Martin. 

All going well on project. Video and photos just in ...

Martin, expedition leader, reports: 

"We are now on day 2 of the project and all going well!"

Video of earlier in the expedition just received.

Some photos ... 

Fab video just received plus visits to school, orphanage and Tibetan refugee camp today

Expedition leader Martin finds a connection and reports: 

All is well, we are enjoying a relaxed day following our 6 day trek. We are visiting the school and orphanage today with view of project planning. We are also planning to visit the Tibetan refugee camp later today.  

That's all for now, I will send you diary comments and photos as soon as I can. In between times I hope you enjoy the video! - Martin 

Everyone made it to the top of Poon Hill (3,210m)! Trekking phase going well and nearly complete ... next stop Pokhara!

Fee Bellamy reports on receiving a brief update from expedition leader Martin: 

Wednesday: Trek going well. Only an hour to go until lunch and then the bus to Pokhara. The team have done brilliantly despite a day of what seemed like a thousand steps yesterday. Everyone made the high point at Poon Hill, though Monsoon rendered views "zero" the achievement was "100%". They have seen how wonderful the nature of the Nepali people is. Amazed at the loads they carry through the mountains, always accompanied by cheery and mischievous smiles. Su and Hari, their guides, have been stars!

Martin has been desperately trying to send us photos, but there has been no internet connection at all during the trekking phase. Please be assured that this is not unusual for Nepal - all is well - and we will post photos as soon as we receive them.

Nepali porter, often Sherpas, in Annapurna Himalayas

'The Gang' will have been roused from their beds at first light (probably 4 am) on Monday to make the climb up to Poon Hill (3,210m). As you can tell Martin was justifiably proud of the 100% effort and achievement from everyone in the group making it to the top. What a shame the cloud cover ruined the views when they reached the top. The descent on Tuesday from Poon Hill to Tirkhedhunga (1540m) was down some 3,260 stone steps! 

Today, they're making their way along the banks of the Bhurgundi River and following the trail along the river to Nayapul. Here they will board the awaiting vehicle and head to Pokhara for a well-earned rest.

Tomorrow they begin the Cultural & Educational Project phase of the expedition. 

Here are some typical sights and scenery that 'The Gang' will have enjoyed on trek.

Typical trekking terrain

The natural stone staircases - going up, up, up and then down, down, down

Nepali mother and daughter, Annapurna Himalayas

Lovely views of Annapurna South on trek ... and other news!

Fee Bellamy reports following receipt of a short communique from expedition leader Martin: 

All is well in Nepal! Yesterday they made their lodge by lunchtime and were preparing for an afternoon of culture and dressing up. Monsoon is being kind. Dry in the day and wet at nights. They had lovely views of Annapurna South (7,219m).

Expeditioners are into day 3 of their trekking phase: heading for Tadapani today ...

Communications and receiving signals is proving problematic (as we knew it would be) during the trekking phase of the expedition. We will post any and all news when we receive it ... and when we have comms!

It's now day 3 of the trekking phase in the Annapurnas* where 'The Gang' will be trekking through colourful villages, rich forests, traversing rushing mountain streams and spending the night in traditional tea houses.

On Friday, they left Nayapul (1,070m) following the Modi Khola Valley to Syange (1160m). Yesterday (Saturday) will have been a tougher trek up to 1,940m. They will have climbed through the rice paddies and up stone staircases to the 2nd largest Gurung settlement of Ghandrung home to many Ghurkhas. The temperature up here is cooler than the monsoon heat of Syange - which will be a relief! Clouds permitting (!) we hope that the expeditioners will have seen some good views of the Annapurna range and the sacred Fish Tail Mountain Machhapuchhre.
Today they will be trekking to Tadapani.

Some typical scenery on trek: 

*For reference: The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. Annapurna I is the world's eighth highest mountain (8091m). The area boasts of a variety of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, tribes and castes including the Brahmins, the Chhetri, the Newars, the Gurungs, the Magars, the Manangis and the Tibetans. This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows and windswept desert plateaus. The area is home to over 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, languor and the elusive snow leopard.

Machhapuchhre

*For information: Fish Tail Mountain ... Machhapuchhre  ("Fish Tail" in English), is a mountain in the Annapurna Himal of north central Nepal. It is revered by the local population as particularly sacred to the god Shiva and hence is off limits to climbing. It is one of the most photographed and distinctive mountains in the world.

All arrived in Pokhara. Trekking begins in Annapurna Himalayas

Fee Bellamy reports following brief communication from Martin the expedition leader:

Group has arrived safely in Pokhara and are now heading off into the Annapurna Himalayas for the start of the trekking phase of their expedition!

Typical Himalayan views of the Annapurnas from Pokhara 

Lake Phewa - Pokhara

Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu, visits to Bungamati and the 'Monkey Temple'

Fee Bellamy reports following contact with expedition leader Martin:

'The Gang' are now heading off for supper after a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. They have visited Bungamati, a typical 16th century Newari village* and Swyambunath, known as 'the Monkey Temple' because of the swarms of monkeys that inhabit its surroundings. 

Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to starting their trek tomorrow. Their guides Su and Hari are looking after them very well.

Internet connections are slow to non-existant ... VERY WET and HOT!

Kathmandu

Swayambhunath Stupa the 'Monkey Temple'

*Bungamati village is perched on a spur of land overlooking the Bagmati river. Bungamati is the birthplace of Rato Macchindranath, regarded as the patron of the valley and the large Rato Macchindranath, shikhar-style temple in the center of the village square is his home for six months of the year (he spends the rest of his time in Patan). The process of moving him around patan and backward and forward to Bungamati Central to one of the most important annual festivals in the valley.The chowk around the temple is one of the most beautiful in the valley - here one can see the heart of a functioning Newa: town. In Bungamati the Karya Binayak temple is also one of the most important temples in Nepal, is dedicated to Ganesh, the view is spectacular from the Karya Binayak, surrounding by trees and large bamboos and can look at the Bagmati valley to the foothills.

Macchindranath is also known by the name of “Karunamaya” meaning an embodiment of love and kindness like a mother figure.

Bungamati Village

Macchindranath Temple

Arrived in Kathmandu!

They’ve landed safely and are with Su and Hari (our Nepali guides) heading for the Hotel Manaslu in Kathmandu!

Hotel Manaslu, Kathmandu

Sudarshan 'Su' - One of our Nepali guides

Kathmandu and the Himalayas ... here we come!

How exciting! We said 'Next time we see you it will be to give you your plane tickets' and that moment has finally arrived!

Everyone is happy! All checked-in, through security and now airborne. Flight took off on time at 21.30. Scheduled ETA in Doha is 6.15 (local time) tomorrow morning where expeditioners will change onto their flight to Kathmandu.

Look out Kathmandu ... here we come!

Expeditioners depart for Nepal

 Leaders of the Outposts Open Expedition to Nepal, Martin Cope and Nicola Marsh, have met up with the expeditioners and they are on their way to London Heathrow for their departure to Nepal.
 

More news on Outposts Blog

 

"Next time we see you, we’ll be giving you your plane tickets!" …

As reported by Outposts' Megan Olding:  

Excitement builds for Expeditioners to Nepal as the second and final training sessions were held at Outposts’ Bush Camp for Outposts' Open Expeditions.

Teenage adventurers from around the South West moulded further into their united teams with new friendships flourishing and morale sky-high.

Are we 'bonding yet?' ... South Africa Expeditioners try not to get wet!

‘Next time we see you, we’ll be giving you your plane tickets!’ ... said Martin Cope, Expedition Leader, Nepal ... as realisation dawned on the excited expeditioners that their big adventure begins soon!

Expedition Leader Martin & Java 

Each group had a full schedule of team-building activities, kit checks, lesson planning (in preparation for their community project), risk assessments, cooking & clearing up.

First it was the more serious stuff that had to be covered. Expeditioners were slightly taken-aback as the risk assessment covered ‘everything’ in some detail. However, perspective and balance was soon restored when previous expeditioners arrived with their photos, diaries and stories to share with the group and to answer the many questions that this year’s expeditioners had to ask.

Brief individual presentations were given on what the expedition means to them and why they chose their expedition:

Some of Outposts Open Nepal Expeditioners 2013 ... and Java (again!)

Why Nepal

•      Wanted a challenge
•      Experience the culture and history
•      See magnificent views of the Himalayas
•      Lots of trekking
•      Ride an elephant
•      See animals in their natural habitat
•      Once in a lifetime opportunity
•      Chose Nepal over South Africa to be challenged – South Africa seems   more like a holiday.

Expeditioners also shared good ideas for raising money which included: 

Car boot sales, cleaning and dog walking for neighbours, bag packing, bingo event, barn dance, rotary donation.

SEE MORE PHOTOS:   NEPAL