A group of Sunshine Coast locals is combining adventure and philanthropy on a trekking holiday to the remote region of Zanskar in the Indian Himalayas.
The adventure, which aims to raise funds for the Australian Himalayan Foundation, will be escorted by Noosa author and AHF ambassador Heather McNeice.
“We have five Sunshine Coast locals signed up already, plus several interstate AHF supporters, and we’re well on our way to achieving our fundraising target of $20,000 but we’d welcome some additional team members to help make the biggest impact possible,” Ms McNeice said.
The trek – which is graded moderate to challenging – begins in Leh, the capital of Indian’s Ladakh region (also known as “Little Tibet”), and traverses high passes that afford incredible views of the Himalaya and Zanskar mountain ranges.
Team members will visit tiny traditional settlements and whitewashed Buddhist monasteries, following trails into some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes of the Himalayas.
The eight-day trek is timed to coincide with the Karsha Gustor Festival in which people from all over the Himalayas come to watch masked dancers performing.
The Australian Himalayan Foundation is a grassroots charity founded 20 years ago and now recognised as one of the most effective aid and development organisations in the Himalayas.
The trek is focused on supporting the AHF’s programs for education, particularly for girls, women’s health and conservation.
Ms McNeice, her fellow trekkers and a group of willing Sunshine Coast supporters raised almost $20,000 in October last year with a cocktail event held at Noosa Springs Golf Resort and Spa, which was attended by more than 100 people.
There are still spaces available on the trip, which is limited to 12 participants and goes for a total of 16 days. It departs on July 3.
The adventure is run by HUMA Charity Challenge, the charity division of World Expeditions. For more information click here or email Ms McNeice on heathermcneice@mac.com.
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