Reaching Tumlingtar yesterday was the final stretch of walking for the Expedition. It has taken been five very enjoyable, but punishing, days. We have moved through several different stages of vegetation since leaving our Base Camp at 5600m to arriving at Tumlingtar at 400m. We have now been re-introduced to the colour green and are re-familiarising ourselves with animals, other then Chuffs, and the products of a modern world. Cars, although few in this area, are still a novelty. Arrival in Kathmandu is likely to be a culture-shock for all.
The last couple of months have been extremely enjoyable. The Expedition has been a success and every member should be proud of their achievements. It would be naïve to think that we have not had our more heated moments, we, of course, have. The main thing is that we have walked away from an extremely demanding and stressful time as friends.
As for the future, plans are already hatching for the years before the next British Services’ Expedition. The pull of the mountains, for me at least, is a strong one. Such an environment, in which to test oneself and to test a team, is only found on an operational deployment. Adventurous Training, as a medium for personal and team development, with exposure to potentially fatal threats, provides an ideal environment in which to learn. We have all learnt a great deal over the last couple of months. The aims of Adventurous Training have been satisfied. Here’s to the next Expedition.