Page 26 - 2023 AMA Spring

EXPEDITIONNEWS
EXERCISE
TIGER BLANDFORD
Matthew Clare
In this article, Matthew Clare recounts his once in a lifetime opportunity to tackle the Thorong La Pass (5416m) in Nepal’s Annapurna mountains. From hair-raising travel to starlit mountain panoramas, you will not be disappointed
Exercise TIGER BLANDFORD 22 was a type-3, High Risk and Remote (HR&R) AT package
scheduled during a post-monsoon expedition to Nepal over the period of 11-26 Oct 22. The expedition took place in the Annapurna region of Nepal with the aspiration of trekking Thorong La Pass (5416m); the highest pass in the world. Furthermore, this expedition was deemed extremely exhausting and challenging, both mentally and physically but equally rewarding. Prior to the expedition, we had to physically train our mind and bodies, so we endured months of training. I was
fortunate enough to be selected for the team of 14 expedition members. I considered this to be a once-in-a-life- time opportunity and was enraptured to be able to experience it.
11 (RSS) Signal Regiment’s adventure training expedition started on the 11 Oct 22, flying from London Heathrow. We stopped shortly in Doha for a transit flight before finally arriving early morning in Kathmandu. Nepal welcomed us with lovely, warm weather and beautiful blue skies. We stayed in the Nepali Ghar Hotel in Thamel which was stunning and exceeded all my expectations. The
following day was made up of a cultural tour, visiting holy sites in Buddhism and Hinduism religions such as Swayambu, Boudha, Pashupati and Patan Darbar Square.
On the 14 Oct 22, we checked out of our hotel and drove up to Dharapani which was an adventure to say the least. At 08:30 in the morning we set off for the start point of our trek. All I can say is, I am never complaining to the UK about potholes on the roads again.
Thorong La Pass