Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…
Humbling, Fulfilling and Adventurous.

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
The appreciation from the school and community.

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition?
Enduring the hardship reality experienced by the school/community.

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Being considerate of other people’s needs and to be content with the little I have. To be appreciative with no expectations.

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future?
Yes, without thinking twice.

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…   
Inspiring, enriching, calming.

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
I hadn’t expected it, but for me the camping was the highlight of the trip. Waking up early each morning and watching the sun rise over the mountains was just so peaceful. I also loved walking the steep steps from the school in Ghandruk with the little ones – they all hold hands to help each other get home safely, it’s the cutest thing!

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition?
Probably the food in certain places and the lack of hygiene. Some of us were struck down with sickness bugs which was difficult at times.

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
The Nepal Expedition taught me to slow down, and that life doesn’t need to be lived at a hundred miles per hour. Seeing the Nepalese communities living so contently in such basic conditions made me realise how little you actually need in life. It’s taught me to enjoy things in the moment, rather than constantly thinking ‘what next’ and I feel like I’ve returned home a much calmer and more centred person.  

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future?
One million percent, I loved it!

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Humbling, unforgettable and inspiring. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Impossible to choose just one, but playing and interacting with the kids, and seeing their excitement over the work we were doing. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
No. 2 in dumpy!!  

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Don’t take anything for granted and appreciate the little things, we are very privileged. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
100% without a doubt.  

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Rejuvenating, Soul-stirring, Joyful  

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
For me, it’s the amalgamation of moments spent bonding with the children and our team.  Playing games, teaching English, and encouraging the older ones to dream big while affirming their worth and value.  I have such a heart for youth and having the opportunity to encourage, inspire and just join in with their laughter not only moved me but rejuvenated me.  I’m also super blessed to now be the proud sponsor of two of the children and I cannot wait to share the next several years of their school lives and hopefully beyond. 

Additionally, building meaningful relationships with colleagues from all corners of the world has been an immensely gratifying experience, transforming them into friends I now cherish. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
A couple of things, really. The challenging climb to reach the school nestled in the mountains every day, along with the basic outdoor toilet facilities. 😉 Also, the hair-raising journey on the back of a bike at night, navigating roads scattered with stones and small boulders, and riding through two rivers in the freezing cold—all to buy clothing for two children I had met.  

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
The experience in Nepal made me acutely aware that I am truly alive. Sometimes, the regular routine can be a little mind-numbing. Nepal reminded me that comfort is my enemy. If you want to truly grow, you must step outside the cozy boundaries of familiarity. Embracing the unfamiliar challenges, navigating through the unknown, and connecting with the raw essence of life—these are the moments that invigorate the spirit and propel personal growth. Nepal was not just a destination; it was a powerful reminder that life’s most profound lessons are often learned beyond the confines of comfort.  

We’re meant for more than just focusing on our daily routines. Our design is rooted in the ability to connect, serve, and love others. Each of us is uniquely equipped with gifts, talents, and skills that can make a game-changing impact for those in need. While achieving success is absolutely fulfilling, genuine and enduring joy springs from living a life of significance—a life where you take actions that positively alter the course of someone else’s life. This is where true joy resides. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Absolutely. 100% I’m deeply grateful to be part of a company that not only believes in giving back but also offers these remarkable opportunities through the K2 Foundation, fostering the development of well-rounded employees/ human beings. On a personal note, I’m already setting my sights on China later this year.  Watch this space. 😊 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Challenging, breath-taking, enriching   

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Finally reaching Base Camp after days of walking and knowing that the hardest part had been achieved. This was like a reward itself. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
The logistical part, which in this case entailed the tea houses where we stayed. There was no running water in some, as the water was frozen in the pipes, and where there was water, it wasn’t hot! It was also cold and humid which made it hard to sleep and get a good rest for the next day’s hike.      

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
A greater appreciation for the things in life I might have taken for granted before. I also learned both physical and mental endurance. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
No 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…   
Hard, hectic, happy! 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Re-grouping in Kathmandu after the walk and volunteering, it was so satisfying to feel all the positivity from the group 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Sanitation, or lack of it! 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Teamwork is still key when it comes to achieving something and that we are very fortunate compared to others 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Yes 100% 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…
Epic, self-realising.

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
When we reached EBC, seeing everyone’s pride and joy, the hugs, and the tears the moment we stepped foot on EBC!

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Seeing the hardship endured by local Nepalese community, the condition, and the home sickness when illness and exhaustion sets in.

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Learning that I can do anything if I put my mind to it, nothing is impossible and most of all, appreciate the most insignificant comfort in life, because it does not come easy (or at all) for some.  

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future?
Yes.

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Unforgettable, amazing experience.

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Scenery, absolutely stunning seeing one of the few unspoilt parts of the world. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Most challenging was the length of the trek (and learning to pack lighter!). 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Anything is possible, stay humble, knowing how other people live and work. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Yes! 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Breathtaking, humbling, togetherness.

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
The sunset on the way down from Kalapathar.  

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Getting ready every morning – it was FREEZING.  

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
The friendships I built/enhanced among the group – it was such a great team. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Yes… I have already been looking at other trips!!!

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Challenging, Terrifying, accomplishment. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Dealing with fear of heights, reaching Basecamp, then having strength to get myself back home safely!  

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Being ill, altitude and lack sleep, cold and quality of food and accommodation.    

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
How strong and determined I can be.

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Absolutely 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…     Breath-taking, Humbling, Unforgettable.  

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
The warm hospitality. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
The Nepal Expedition taught me about personal growth, understanding different cultures, building resilience, forming strong community bonds, and appreciating the beauty of simplicity.   

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
A greater appreciation for the things in life I might have taken for granted before. I also learned both physical and mental endurance. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Absolutely, without hesitation. 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…   
 Motivational, breathtaking, bonding. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Everybody reaching Base Camp despite all the challenges that everybody faced. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Facing the cold was a challenge for me – changing clothes and getting out of bed in the morning was the hardest part of the day! 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
That you really don’t need a lot to be happy – fresh air, exploration and seeing breathtaking places is very good for the soul! 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Absolutely 110%. 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words… 
Amazing, incredible memories. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip? 
Arriving to Basecamp and celebrating all of us the success. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition?
I think the cold temperatures.

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?  
How lucky I am to live where I live and that if I put my mind to it, I can do anything (or most things 😊) 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future?
Yes, for sure! 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…   
Lemon, Ginger, Uno .

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
The flights to and from Lukla. An amazing way to start and end the trip that allowed you to ruminate on the adventure ahead and the one completed. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
The cold nights without proper sleep. 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
There is an Irish Pub in almost every Nepalese town on the way up to Everest.  

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
100%, I want to complete a trek across the Sahara.  

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Humbling, rewarding and inspirational.

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Camping onsite at the school and making connections with the teachers and local people staying in the village. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Most challenging was the food at times, other than that it was only good experiences. 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
I was reminded that happiness is subject to one’s reality, and people can be happy with much less than what we have in developed countries. That memory fades away eventually, but it is humbling to be reminded of this.  

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Absolutely!  

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    AMAZING, MEMORABLE & HEARTWARMING 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Being able to look up at a night sky full of stars and having a clear view of the Annapurna Mountain Range from the guesthouse at Ghandruk after all the volunteer works were done. It was like a rewarding moment from The One above and when the sunset rays reflect from the mountain top, it was like him telling me “You have done well, my child. Nice job.” I’m hoping the beauty remains always in this relatively untouched country.  

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
The stairs!   

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Be contented. Happiness is in the little things around you every day if you take the time to stop and observe. The children’s shy smiles, the sun rising and setting across the valley, even insects crawling in the trenches (the fact that I can observe this means I still have my sight and still have an able body to be digging). Not the materialistic things that you possess. That’s comfort which goes along with peace of mind. Do not confuse this as happiness. You can be in the most dire situations but a smile from your mates, laughter from people around you, watching the sun arises from the horizon, erases anxiety/worry/discouragement for that moment. You tell yourself “I’m glad to be here and I’m glad I am not alone”. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
Of course! Bring it on! 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Humbling, Impactful and Awe-Inspiring.  

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Reaching Everest Base Camp. I think at that moment we all realised what we had just accomplished, and I was extremely overwhelmed with feeling of joy and pride for the whole team. Well, that and being mounted by a cow… 😊 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
For me, physically, the expedition was easier than I anticipated, however mentally it was much more challenging. I think you can do a lot of research beforehand, but you still don’t know what to expect. That said, I enjoyed the challenge. 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Firstly, arriving in Nepal, we were faced with a lot of poverty and had to quickly adapt to a different way of living, this was the most humbling part of all. I started feeling extremely grateful for everything that I have and take for granted on a day-to-day basis. Something so small and basic to me could be absolutely mind blowing to them.

Secondly, I have never seen people work that hard in my life, it hit me the day that we saw a man carrying a deep freezer (amongst other things) up a mountain on his back from one village to another. As their only mode of transport is by foot, they have to carry everything up to the villages on the trek to Everest Base Camp. In the future if I ever have a “bad day” I will always remind myself of how hard they work, and how easy we have it.

And then lastly, I really did realise that money can’t buy happiness. We saw a lot of poverty and a lot of people working extremely hard, but not once did I have an encounter where anyone was bad tempered. Every single person that I met had the biggest smile on their faces, whether it was early in the morning or late at night. They were inviting, friendly and always had time to lend a helping hand.

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
I would love to do something like this again, with friends and family, as it would be amazing for them to experience the same.  

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…  Humbling, poignant, rewarding. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip? 
Experiencing the kindness and appreciation of the children and Nepalese people, and of course the sheer beauty of the Annapurna mountains. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition?  Processing just how little some of the children and communities have, yet seeing the extent of their generosity and gratitude. It was an incredible trip on so many levels. 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Embrace opportunities & new challenges in life, take on that mountain… We all have so much to learn, education is indeed a privilege.  

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future?  Absolutely, without hesitation!

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    
Inspiring, Exhausting, Spectacular. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip
Finding a heart-shaped stone when arriving at Basecamp. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition?  
Never escaping the cold.

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition? 
Finding out how hard I can push myself to achieve something I never thought I could do. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future?   
Yes, but in a warmer climate 😊 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…   
Heart-warming, admiration and moving. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Too many to pick from but final day of site 1 (completing the project and thank you ceremony) 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Getting enough sleep.

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Takeaway would be: do more volunteering work… you get to meet the people you are helping and see the difference you are making. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
1 million percent YES!! Even with the lack of sleep I would do this again and recommend everyone to sign up for opportunities like this. 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Humbling, Awesome, Unforgettable 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Interacting with our local guides who shared their culture and history, and taught me some basic Nepalese language. I will hold their hospitality and kindness dear to my heart. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Coping with bouts of sickness, the cold temperature and thin oxygen during the trek. 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
Every morning is a brand-new start regardless of how exhausted you were the previous day. A brand-new experience, if you allow yourself to embrace it. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
I will certainly embrace similar experiences in the future. 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…    Unbelievable, Indescribable, Unmatchable  

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
Besides reaching Base Camp, the highlight of the trip was climbing up to the highest point of the journey – 5,400m at the Kala Patthar mountain. It was so challenging that when we reached the summit, I felt that I could do anything if I have my mind and body in the right place. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
For me, the most challenging factor was dealing with the lowest temperatures I have ever faced (around -20 degrees Celsius) along with the modest structure of the cities.     

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
My biggest take away is that ‘ain’t no mountain high enough’ (😝) when you have a noble cause and are mentally and physically prepared. I also reinforced the importance of my life-motto of having a positive approach despite the challenge and difficulties I am going through. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
 Absolutely! This expedition has lit the trekking fire that I never knew I had.

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…   
Epic, character–building, fun. 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip?
My highlight for the trek was feeling the “can do spirit” of the team, regardless of personal circumstance or adversity. I felt very proud of the team. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition? 
Being way out of my comfort zone is always initially hard for me to mentally process, but then within a few days I started to unpack my mind and relax & focus into the challenge – I felt a lot happier & content in myself. The Sherpa’s remarked a number of times that as a group they could tell we were all of one mind and a pleasure to be around which I think was a credit to K2Q. 

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
That we all have 20% extra to give in life, you just need to dig deep. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future? 
100% and we will do! 

Q1. Describe your experience of the expedition in three words…   Unity, Caring & Humbleness 

Q2. What was the highlight moment of the trip? 
 There were so many events that touched me on this trip. As I need to choose one, I would say that was certainly the last day of work on the second project site in Fumrekhu. Led by Suraj, the project manager, Emma, Adelaide and I opted to hike towards the Ghandruk Village. We didn’t expect that the children would start the trek with us though. As their school day finishes earlier on Fridays, we bumped into them as we started to climb the steep path. They were so amazed to see us again when we had already said goodbye at the final ceremony. They then guided us up and wanted to hold hands with us as they were heading to their own homes. It was such a lovely moment and I really felt they wanted to show us how they appreciated the work we did for the community. They seemed to be very grateful for that. 

Q3. What did you find most challenging whilst on the expedition?  At first, I thought the most challenging part would be the camping as I hadn’t done it before and didn’t know what to expect. However, I did like it in the end. So, I would go with the cold showers.  

Q4. What is your biggest takeaway, or learning, from the Nepal Expedition?
With this experience I felt I stepped back from my own life and dipped into that new reality in a way I never had experienced before. Although I had already volunteered for other projects & causes, I never had this immersion for 17 consecutive days and in a country that is different from mine. The biggest takeaway from this experience is the kindness of the Nepalese people. All of them – even the ones not working directly with us – were very gentle and friendly. We really felt welcomed, appreciated, and cared for. The way they lead their lives has called the attention of everyone in our diverse group. All of us were amazed by their simplicity, happiness, and tolerance. This is something we all need to aspire and to learn from them. 

Q5. Would you consider doing something similar in the future?  Absolutely. I would love to come to Pokhara again in a couple of years to see how the schools are, meet the same children already grown and maybe trek to the Everest Base Camp as well? Haha. I would love to keep knowing initiatives like this in the future, mainly the ones linked with Education. I really love to contribute with initiatives that foster this cause.