In October/November 2019 a group of fifteen students (aged 14-16 years) and two members of staff from Egglescliffe School (Yarm, England) undertook a trip to the Solukhumbu District of Nepal with the assistance of Community Action Treks (part of Community Action Nepal) in the UK and Adventure Zambuling Treks Ltd in Nepal.
From the very beginning of the process of organising this adventure the experience and expertise of the staff at CAT and Zambuling was obvious. We were well informed about exactly what to do, what to take and what to expect at each stage of our adventure. Every eventuality was anticipated and prepared for. This meant that the students and their families could enjoy the build up to the trip with excitement and positive expectation.
From the moment we arrived in Kathmandu we were made to feel safe and valued. We were warmly welcomed and efficiently transported to our hotel. Bhai Tamang made sure that he met us in person and stayed with us until we were all settled and happy. He made sure that we saw the most fascinating and moving sites in the city, accompanied by an expert guide. While in Nepal Bhai took responsibility for every aspect of the logistics of travelling, from long distance bus journeys to travel by jeep and on foot. He and his team also arranged for good quality hotels and well organised camping throughout. We were also provided with plenty of tasty, hygienically prepared food, which got us through the rather demanding days of trekking in the hills.
In the field we were cared for with skill and patience by a team of Zambuling’s guides, cooks and porters. This team was brilliantly overseen by Pasang Dorje Tamang in whose very capable, cheerful and gentlemanly hands we were able to proceed with absolute confidence. All the guides spoke good English and were highly experienced in mountain navigation and first aid. The way in which this team responded to all the needs of our students and calmly dealt with any changes in weather or itinerary was deeply impressive. We felt safe, secure and confident at all times, knowing that the right choices of challenge and experience were being provided. We all quickly grew to like, trust and respect the whole Zambuling team.
The experience that our group had during our stay in Nepal was certainly memorable for all and life changing for most. The landscape and people of Nepal are extraordinary and our encounter with both was made richer and more enjoyable by the fact that we were in the hands of the dedicated, sincere and professional personnel of Zambuling Trekking. We will certainly use them again and enthusiastically recommend them to any other individuals or groups who intend to travel in Nepal.
