First day of trek ...

Fee Bellamy reports following contact with expedition leader Matt: 

First day of trek went really well. They've tried rice from the paddy fields, played volleyball with the locals, had cockroaches and bugs in their rooms, eaten a fab Dhaal Bhaat now going to bed. It's raining now. 

P.s. Leaders have sorted the bugs!

Terraced Rice Paddies

Have arrived in Pokhara ... trekking awaits!

The flight to Pokhara has landed safely and everyone is now on the bus heading for the Annapurnas and the start of their trekking phase of the expedition!

Himalayan Annapurna views from Pokhara

Lake Phewa - Pokhara

Visits to schools, sightseeing and some exceptional Nepali guides.

Fee Bellamy reports:

I spoke with expedition leader Matt today ... They all went to the school yesterday and saw the children just before they went home. It was lovely and brought a few tears to some eyes as the students sang and gave them flowers.  They have earmarked a couple of classrooms for painting and the basketball hoop area for cleaning up. They aim to have bilingual lessons, i.e. they will get taught some Nepali by the students as well as helping them with their English. The Nepali teachers are very excited about them coming back in a week and a half to be with them.

Today was spent sightseeing at Patan (World Heritage Site) and Bungamati, a typical 16th century Newari village. The groups two main guides Udaya and Dawa have been great and the city tour guide Archana was brilliant.

Very hot, been pretty much dry so far. They are now packing for trek and will dine tonight in Sonam's restaurant.

I will try and speak to Matt whilst they are on trek but this may not be possible due to communications - so please do not worry if you do not hear any news over this next phase. 

View from the air!

Great views of Himalayas and the Ganges on approach into Kathmandu

Fee Bellamy reports: 

The group are all safely in their hotel in Kathmandu. They are being briefed by Udaya who will be with them for the whole trip along with Dawa. After a look around the Thamel area of Kathmandu they will go for lunch at Kilroys. Yummy food for all tastes. They will then travel to the famous Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath, and visit the school in which they will be working on the way back.

The school is called: Atlantic English Boarding School! Not a boarding school as we know it ... This evening they will eat in the hotel, it has been a long day. 

Weather is dry at the moment and very humid, great views of the Himalayas and the Ganges as they flew into Kathmandu ... what an amazing start to their adventure!

Hustle, bustle, colour, sights and smells of  Kathmandu

Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.

Expedition has arrived in Nepal

Flight has landed in Kathmandu and everyone will now be taken to their hotel. Time now to rest and acclimatise before a busy and exciting schedule.

All checked in ...

All checked-in. Heading for departures ... Flight on time!

Nate entertains the crowds - see video.

... on their way!

Excited expeditioners get ready to depart on the coach for Heathrow.