The students had a photo with the bear in Doha airport before arriving and exploring Kathmandu and visiting NGO’s to learn about Nepal and the impact of climate change and tourism.
When visiting the NGOs, WWF and ISIMOD, students learned all about how climate change is impacting the communities in the Himalaya Kush. They were able to ask their own questions directly to the experts who were impressed with the depth of questions asked. After a sunset rooftop activity on Sustainable Development Goals, students ended the day walking through Thamel. The group then travelled to sister school, Jana Jyoti, in Lamjong Region. They took with them cricket equipment, donated by Lords Taverners along with tennis, football and rugby balls. Students then used the equipment to coach and play cricket, football and rugby with students at Jana Jyoti. It was fantastic to see the first game of touch rugby, after some coaching and practice, with Headmaster Bill even taking part and the youngest player in the village scoring a try. When Leweston students arrived they were greeted with a brilliant welcome reception which involved a traditional welcome of garlanding and gifts followed by speeches of welcome and friendship and displays of traditional dancing and singing. Leweston was dazzled by the warmth of the welcome and even though there was a sharp rain shower the spirit of friendship was not dampened and enthusiastic dancing between all students followed.
Leweston students have been writing to their Nepali pen pals for the last 18 months and both groups were very excited to finally meet each other. After introductions were made there was dancing, fun and games, as well as photos together at the Friendship Gate. The gate has become so iconic to Leweston students that it was hard to believe they were finally stood in front of it.
Students also spent time visiting the Vocational Agriculture course polytunnel and classroom. Here they learned how Nepali students are taught sustainable farming techniques and got to see first-hand how the money raised at Leweston for the agriculture equipment for the Year 10 to 12 students will be used. As school then closed for the festival of Dashain, Leweston's visiting group slept in the classrooms and spent the time off-grid getting to understand Nepali life and culture including learning how to make momos and walking to visit pen pals in surrounding villages. At one Gurang village, they were welcomed and blessed by the elders of the village. Time went by far too quickly and they soon had to say goodbye to their Nepali friends. Tears were shed and promises to keep in touch (some students, just like so many Leweston students before them, already planning to come back in gap years or beyond). Leweston would like to say a huge thank you to Headmaster Bill and all his staff and students who showed everyone such hospitality and friendship. It really was the most special time to spend those few precious days with them all.
It was then a six hour bus journey to Pokhara. Down the very steep mountain road and along the extremely bumpy roads to Pokhara. The air was thick with anticipation and excitement for the 5 day trek to Poon Hill.
Mrs Griffiths’ 5-day trek diary:
Poon Hill Trek
Day 1 – The group took on the infamous and brutal 3500 plus steps and 1000 meters in elevation climbing from Nayapul to Ulleri and sighted Annapurna South.
Day 2 – We trekked from Ulleri to Ghorepani, taking in the incredible sunrise view of Annapurna South and Himalchuli from first Tea House. More steps and elevation gained to 2874m.
Day 3 – Sunrise climb to summit Poon Hill for stunning views of the Annapurna range. Then back down to Tea House for breakfast before climbing up to Thapla Danda at 3165m, followed by trekking along the ridge and through the trees before descending along the river and finishing with punishing steps up to Tadapani!
Day 4 – Tadapani to Gandruk. A leisurely downhill walk to the beautiful village of Ghandruk where students were treated to a presentation by the prestigious ACAP organisation. We learnt about the conservation efforts and sustainable tourism implemented across the Annapurna region. We then visited a Buddhist Temple where our guide, Gautam, explained the different disciplines of the religion. We rounded off the afternoon with a visit to the Gurung Museum.
Day 5 – And we are back to Nayapul! A steep race down the rest of the mountain left us feeling very ready for our authentic Dal Bhat lunch. We saw signs of the festival in full swing on our drive back to Pokhara before using the rest of the afternoon to explore the city and do some shopping. We are incredibly proud of how all of our trekkers fared during the 5 days of challenging walking.
The group of intrepid Leweston students and staff then arrived back in Kathmandu visiting the Kopan Monastery, learning about Buddhism and experiencing a meditation workshop with a Buddhist monk. They also took a visit to the famous Boudhanath Stupa where they each received a blessing one by one and a piece of cotton tied around the wrist for good luck. This was the final day of the Hindu festival of Dashain where everyone spends the day with family and blessings are passed from the eldest to youngest.