The aim of Exercise BLACKCAT KHUKRI was to introduce novice and intermediate level Army mountaineers to high altitude mountaineering techniques, through the ascent of a 6000m peak in the Mahalangur Range of the Nepalese Himalaya. The trip would take participants on an arduous 3 week trek from the historic road-head at Jiri, all the way to Kalapatar (5540m) which overlooks Everest Base Camp, over the Cho La Pass (5330m) and finally to the top of Cholo Peak East (6049m).

The long days trekking through the foothills, climbing an average of Ben Nevis each day, proved incredibly demanding for the team and the constant stress on joints from carrying up to 20kg of personal equipment forced 3 team members to halt through injury. As the days progressed, the increase in altitude tested each mans mental and physical resolve, with the culmination of effort at the top of the peak.

The view from the summit proved breathtaking with a direct line of sight through to Mount Everest herself. That feeling of triumph mixed with exhaustion and a tiny bit of fear for the difficulty of the route down, can only be experienced by mountaineers. Often, it is not until the safety and comfort of being back home that participants feel the sense of achievement and enjoyment gained from the experience.

Each participant returned to the UK better able to fulfil their duties both at home and overseas, as a result of being tested in such an austere and demanding environment. Adventurous training of this kind facilitates the development of soldiers by pushing them outside of their comfort zone and operating in an alien environment. This training enables the individuals to better cope with the uncomfortable realities of operations.