9 days have passed since I last stepped on British soil so I have decided to write a quick update on my first week here in Nepal.

Having arrived in the Nepal’s crowded capital, Kathmandu, I was still a couple of days away from my final destination. A 7 hour bus journey, 3 hour jeep ride and 2 hour hike later I had reached Ghandruk. There are not enough words I can use to describe the settlement of Ghandruk. Located 2000 metres above sea level it is spoilt with beautiful panoramic views of the snowy Himalayan mountains to the luscious forests that hold more magical mysteries waiting to be discovered. Staying in Panoramic View Point Lodge I wake up to the breath-taking view of Annapurna South, measuring 8091 metres above sea level.

Each day brings different views, different challenges and different opportunities. The Himalayas is rich in biodiversity and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), of which Ghandruk is situated in, is the largest protected area of Nepal. Of the 175 mammals found in Nepal, 102 are located in the ACA. Similarly, over half of the different species of birds in Nepal are found within the ACA. To protect and preserve this precious area of land, I have started volunteering alongside the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

My work so far has involved numerous tasks, one of which is setting camera traps in the forest. This is to see which animals are living here, spot any patterns or anomalies and collect research. The cameras are also used to catch out the poachers because hunting is illegal in this protected area.  minor project we do is monitoring the birds in the area. By identifying the ones we have seen and analysing the collected data we can understand which birds prefer different altitude, the migrating patterns and much more. The vast number of butterflies creates a peaceful atmosphere, from how they are so elegant in flight yet relaxed on a nearby leaf, not knowing their true beauty. Butterfly surveys are completed to analyse which species are in the area and decipher why they are in the area.

Those who know me will understand how my diet isn’t the most normal nor the healthiest of diets. I have however been indulging myself into the Nepali diet which often involves noodles, rice, curry and a collection of vegetables and spices that I usually don’t know the name of. But old habits die hard and I can proudly say I have already bought myself and the others a locally made chocolate cake and trust me, it didn’t last long!

Hope all is well,

Stay tuned,

KP