Charity

[Guest guest]

Dear all

Many thanks to Site owner Ian Sharpe for the permission to send this to the

list

Mark Blackburn, a friend if mine, is doing a treck to raise money for breast

cancer. Mark is an Army medic and does many fund rasiing events for charity.

Please have a read or follow the link on Mark's website:

http://www.globalmilitarysupplies.co.uk/home

Mark's treck is detailed below. If you can spare a little bit, it would be

very much apreciated.

Thank you very much for your time.

Mark Blackburn

Mark, joined the services in April 1991 and is a trained Medic. For many

years he has been a member of the Regimental Recruit Training Team. Every

year he raises money for the Royal British Legion with collections held

throughout the year. In March 2007 he is going to Nepal to raise funds for

The Breast Cancer Care Charity.

Day 1 UK - Kathmandu

Depart London.

Day 2 In Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, on Day 2. The group will transfer to

a hotel for the night. A full expedition briefing will be given on arrival.

Not very long ago, it was said that there were just as many houses as there

were temples and shrines in Kathmandu valley. Rapid urbanisation and

population growth over the past three decades has meant that this is no

longer true. However, the valley still exhibits a living, breathing entity;

a vital culture that has miraculously survived over time.

A remarkable legend speaks that a lake once covered the valley until the

Bodhisattva Manjushri raised his sword of wisdom and sliced a passage

through the mountain walls, draining the water and creating the first

settlements.

Day 3 Kathmandu - Phedi - Dhampus

On Day 3 we will start with a long drive to the start of the trek at Phedi.

From here we will have a three-hour walk to our first night's camp at

Dhampus, situated at an altitude of 1,500m. Whilst the walk is short, it is

a steep incline thorughout involving many steps (although all are even). The

views from the outset are inspiring however with peace flags stretched

across beautiful blue skies. We see Nepalese rural life close up as we trek

pass fields still ploughed by hand and stop for a rest on the way at the

first of many tea houses. Our camp is on a flat plateau with views of snow

capped mountains eases us into our nomadic life gently as there are some

static toilets and running water! Dinner is eaten as it will be every night

of the trek along a long trestle table lit by candles. Today we will have

walked approximately 7-9kms.

Day 4 Dhampus - Hill Camp (Jungle Camp)

We will wake to a stunning view of the graceful " Fish Tail Peak " of

Machhapuchhare (6,993m) which is considered to be one of the most beautiful

mountains on earth and the purna mountain range. From here we set off

early (7 am approximatley) and soon take our own private trail, leaving

behind the well-trodden paths of the main trekking routes. Participants will

trek through forests of birch trees, rhododendrons, hemlock and pine, en

route to our camp in a small clearing at an altitude of 2,100m. Today is one

of our longest days and will see us covering 18km. Half of the route is on a

fairly even terrain however, once we leave the main trail it does become

harder to negoitiate-involving climbing over roots and uneven terrain. We

will be put to shame by our sherpers as they run past us carrying our packs,

nimbly leaping along the trail to set up our next camp. We should reach camp

by 5PM in time to unroll our sleeping bags and make ourselves at home before

supper.

Day 5 Hill Camp (Jungle camp) - Low Camp

Today we will climb through the thinning forests, with occasional glimpses

of mountains towering high above us. The Mardi Khola river will also be

visible, thousands of feet below. The first part of our day will see us

taking a steep climb through trees and negiotating roots. The next section

is flatter but involves some narrow ledges. The views of the mountains are

stunning with beautiful purple flowers pearing out of patches of snow. We

will camp this evening at 'Low Camp', which sits at an altitude of 3,000m.

with the most fantastic backdrop of Machhapuchhare sillouhetted against the

sky. We will be feeling the cold at night by now and will be glad of our

warm sleeping bags and extra fleeces. We will walk for approximately 6 hours

today covering a distance of 10kms.

Day 6 Low Camp - High Camp

A short climb in the morning will take us out of the forest. We will then

follow a ridge to our ?High Camp' at an altitude of 3,600m. Here, purna

South (7,219m) seems close enough to touch, and as the sunset turns the

Himalayas a mystical pink we will have an early night in preparation for the

following day. This walk takes approximately 5.5 hours. Today we will have

walked approximately 8-10kms. At this height it's always cold and you will

feel you are earning every penny of your sponsorship money if you have to

get up to go the toilet tent in the night!

Day 7 High Camp - Highest Point - Low Camp

After an early breakfast we will leave for the ascent to the highest point

of the week. If the weather is favourable, the views as we climb to 4,000m

will be unforgettable. We will have lunch at High Camp then our trek will

descend back to Low Camp. This is again a long days trekking over uneven

terrain but the rewards are immeasurable in terms of views and the sense of

achievement gained. We walk for around 6-7 hours today. Today we will have

walked approximately 15kms

Day 8 Low Camp - Shaidigahtta We will descend more than 1,800 metres through

forest, bush and terraced fields, pausing in the village of Khola for a

welcome swim before reaching our final camp. Again a fascinating day where

you will meet villagers and see Nepalese rural life like so few get the

opportunity to. The down hill climb is however tough on the legs! You will

cross a number of rivers using log bridges which may involve closed eyes and

gritted teeth for those with a fear of heights! Our camp by the river is in

a beautiful location with a welcome opportunity to paddle our feet. Tonight

we will be entertained by villagers as we begin to celebrate all we have

achieved so far. Today we will walk for approximately 7 hours covering a

distance of 15kms.

Day 9 Shaidigahtta - Pokhara Day 9 will see us on a beautiful walk through

the Mardi Khola Valley, passing quiet Nepalese settlements to our finish

point. It is a mainly flat walk but does involve some river crossings. This

will take approximately 5 hours in total and we will walk approximately

10-12kms. We will then drive back to Phokara for an overnight stay in a

hotel. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an

altitude of 827m above sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the

city is known as being a centre of adventure. With a population of around

95,000, the city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic

views of the surrounding mountains. Pokhara was once part of a vibrant trade

route extending between India and Tibet. Even today mule trains can often be

seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from

remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs,

hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as

Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are

known for their entrepreneurship. It is here that we will hold our gala

night. With plenty of shops (although much more laid back than Kathmandu)

you may like to buy some bargain new clothes to put on after your long

awaited shower!

Day 10 Pokhara On Day 10, we have a free day in Pokhara, to relax and

explore this beautiful town, you can hire a boat on the lake or commence

with your souvenir shopping. Tonight you will be staying in a hotel.

Day 11 Pokhara - Kathmandu - UK Transfer to Kathmandu before catching our

afternoon flight back to London.

Day 12 Arrive back in UK Arrive back at London Heathrow.