The group trekked from Bessisahar, through the very beautiful and popular Annapurna region up to Manang. Manang is an isolated town reminiscent of the dusty plains of Tibet. It is situated at 3,000 metres above sea level and is home to an aid post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA).

Background

HRA is a voluntary, non-profit making organisation which strives to reduce casualties in the Nepal Himalaya. Founded in 1973 it operates a rescue post at Manang which is situated along one of the most popular trekking routes in the Annapurna Himalaya. The aid post is staffed by volunteer doctors during the two main trekking seasons. HRA have a Kathmandu office and provide advice to trekkers and give a daily lecture on avoiding mountain sickness and other hazards in the mountains.

The Project

The objective of the project was to trek to the health post at Manang to deliver an oxygen concentrator. The oxygen concentrator provides life saving treatment for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). AMS affects both tourists and locals. Fund raising for the oxygen concentrator took place in the UK. The group stayed in tea-house accommodation en-route. Further project possibilities were identified as follows:

• Redecorating (painting) and general maintenance to the Health Post at Manang.
• Conservation work with Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Following completion of the project the group have a trekked over the Thorung La Pass (5,500 metres) and flew back to Pokhara from Jomsom.