Memories of an Andean Adventure
Gulf for Good treks to Machu Picchu to raise money for a school in Peru
A trek in the Andes, following the ancient route of the Incas to Machu Picchu was a dream come true for a group of 13 adventurers from the Gulf. The hike included steep mountain climbs at high altitudes and freezing temperatures to reach the lost city of the Incas.
Following an alternative route to the usual Inca Trail, the group were delighted to find that they escaped from the tourist crowds and were able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the mountains. Dubai-based Girish Shivanand said, “It was great to get away from the busy tourist route, all we met were local people and the trek was awesome!”
However, it wasn’t just for fun. Between them, the group has raised over Dhs 107,000 so far to help build a much-needed school in a Quilla Huata village at 3,500m above sea level. In fact, the group felt that their visit to the school was the highlight of the trip, where they met the kids, parents, school director, social worker and community leaders.
But that wasn’t all, they rolled their sleeves up and helped to paint the school bright yellow and blue – “what a great job” said Bronwyn Adams of their handy work! The Abu Dhabi-based participant went on to say “Having seen the utter abject poverty in Quilla Huata, I'm very happy to have been able to contribute, in my small way, to uplifting the standard of living of these poor children, to some tiny extent”
Later this year Gulf for Good is hosting another fabulous adventure exploring the top of the world on the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. Following an 11-day route in late October, this trek is amongst the highest mountains on the planet, traversing varied landscapes and natural wonders, past Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries and from temperate valleys to snowline regions. Once again, no previous trekking experience is required to take part, but you will need to train seriously, as this is a tough but exhilarating route.
Luckily, Gulf for Good helps by giving training and fitness tips and organizing regular sessions at Fitness First, treks up Jebel Hafeet or, when the weather is just too hot, climbing up and down the staircase of the 57-storey Harbour Hotel in Dubai Marina! These sessions are a great way for participants to gauge their fitness and meet their fellow trekkers for the challenge.
The fundraising aim for this challenge will be to help build an orphanage in the Budhanil Kant district of Nepal, where there are many orphans and displaced children who need homes, clothing, food, education and, above all, care. Once again, Gulf for Good helps with some great fundraising tips and advice.
