Giving Back Through Adventure: A Journey to Nepal by trekker, Jane Ainslie

I’ve loved travelling from a really early age. There’s something about stepping into a new culture, seeing a different way of life, and meeting people whose stories are so different – and yet often so similar – to my own, that has always drawn me in. Over time, and with every trip, my sense of gratitude for the life I’ve been fortunate enough to lead has deepened. I’ve come to see travel not just as an adventure or a personal escape, but as an opportunity: to connect, to learn, and – where possible – to give back.

But giving back, to me, isn’t about charity. It’s not about swooping in and making grand gestures. It’s about small, meaningful contributions – about offering a hand up, not a handout. It’s about recognising that real change comes from empowering others to create their own opportunities and to build something sustainable for themselves and their communities.

This belief really came to life during a recent trip to Nepal – one of my favourite countries, and a place I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times. On this occasion, I travelled with a group of incredible women, an all-female team, with the goal of climbing Yala Peak. It was more than just a climb: we did it in celebration of Junko Tabei’s groundbreaking ascent of Everest 50 years earlier – the first woman to summit the world’s highest peak – and in remembrance of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal a decade ago.

From the outset, this trip felt special. We were supported by a team of experienced and warm-hearted Nepali guides and porters, without whom none of our adventure would have been possible. Their strength, resilience, and good humour left a lasting impression on me.

I’ve always felt that when travelling, making an effort with language is an important way to show respect and build bridges. In Nepal, “Namaste” and “Dhanyabaad” (thank you) are well-known, but I wanted to go further. So I committed to learning a new word or phrase each day – “Subha Namaskar” (good morning), “Subha Ratri” (good evening), and “Thik Cha?” (how are you?) – just simple phrases, but enough to start breaking down the barriers between us.

As the days went by and we trekked together through the mountains, those barriers began to fall away. The shy smiles of the porters turned to laughter. Language wasn’t a problem anymore – we found other ways to communicate. Two young porters in particular stood out to me: Jitan, with his cheeky grin and infectious energy, and Karan, whose smile reached all the way to his eyes. Both were bright, hard-working, and full of potential. Watching them in action, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much their lives could change if they had the opportunity to progress from porter work to becoming licensed guides.

So when I got back home, I started researching what it would take. An assistant guide qualification in Nepal isn’t as out of reach as you might expect when viewed through a Western lens. The cost, while modest by our standards, can be a significant barrier for someone working as a porter. Add to that the need for a decent level of English, and it becomes clear why so many get stuck in the same role for years.

But I knew that with a bit of support, Jitan and Karan could take that next step. So I looked into English lessons and the cost of an assistant guide course. And now, I’m thrilled to say that in October, they’ll begin learning English together. It’s a stepping stone – a chance for them to grow, develop new skills, and eventually qualify as full guides who can earn a better income, support their families, and build a future they can be proud of.

Importantly, this is their journey. I’ve helped to open a door, but it’s up to them to walk through it – and I have every confidence they will.

While on the trek, I had many conversations with our lead guide, Kumbha Raj – a kind, thoughtful man whose sense of responsibility to his community really struck me. He’s someone who recognises his own privilege and is passionate about using it to help others. In particular, he’s committed to supporting disadvantaged children in his home village – orphans and children living with disabilities who often have the least access to education.

One afternoon, as we chatted in the thin mountain air, Kumbha Raj offered to teach me how to meditate. I’m not the most naturally still person – my mind tends to race from one thought to the next – but I appreciated his calm presence and his offer to share something that clearly mattered to him. In return, I wanted to find a way to support his efforts in his village.

 

We talked about what might be helpful. Practical things. School bags and stationery came up – basic supplies that many of us take for granted, but which can be the difference between a child being able to attend school or not. So I made a promise: I would find the funds to provide 10 school backpacks fully equipped with everything a child would need to start the school year.

When I got home and shared the story with my group, their generosity completely blew me away. Thanks to their support, we didn’t just reach our target – we exceeded it. We now have enough for 20 backpacks, and we’re on track to be able to provide school uniforms and shoes as well. These supplies won’t fix everything, but they’re a powerful start. They send a message to those children: someone believes in you, and your education matters.

Education is everything. It opens doors, changes lives, and breaks cycles of poverty. For these children, it’s a chance at a brighter, more secure future. And again, it’s not about charity. It’s about investing in potential, and creating opportunities that allow people to shape their own paths.

I’ve come to believe that adventure and purpose aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, when they’re combined, something really powerful can happen. Travelling with Adventurous Ewe made that clear to me. This isn’t just a company that organises expeditions – they create meaningful adventures that leave a lasting impact, not only on the travellers but on the local people and communities they work with. Their ethos of connection, respect, and giving back aligns so closely with my own values.

The friendships formed on that trip will stay with me for a long time. There’s a unique bond that comes from sharing a challenge, encouraging one another through moments of doubt, and celebrating each other’s achievements. But even more than the summit, what I’ll remember most is the warmth and generosity I experienced – both from my fellow travellers and from the incredible people of Nepal.

The trip was a reminder of what matters. That small gestures can make a big difference. That laughter and kindness cross language barriers. That when we approach the world with open hearts and open minds, we find more in common than we ever expected. And that even the most adventurous journeys can be grounded in purpose, gratitude, and hope.

So, to my fellow trekkers – thank you for your support and spirit. To Jitan and Karan – I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next. To Kumbha Raj – thank you for teaching me about meditation, good karma, and the quiet power of giving. And to Adventurous Ewe – thank you for showing us that it’s possible to travel in a way that lifts others as we go.

Namaste. Dhanyabaad.

Jane