Himalayan Venture 18 (HV18) is the principal expedition of the RAF100 campaign and shaping up to be the largest RAF mountaineering expedition ever launched…
The application process opened in 2016 with 250+ initial applicants. There was no requirement for previous experience – anyone from absolute novice to experienced mountaineer was invited to apply. Since then, applicants have undergone summer and winter training in Wales, the Lake District and the Scottish Cairngorms.
80 personnel were selected and have travelled to the Rolwaling and Khumbu regions of the Nepalese Himalayan range for a 3 week expedition in one of the most beautiful yet challenging environments in the world.
HV18 is formed of five teams – an alpine team and four trekking teams. The Alpine team comprises experienced mountaineers who will be attempting the first British ascent of Mt Langdung (6357m) while the trekking teams will each be doing different routes but all attempting the challenging crossing of the Tesi Lapcha pass (5750m).
HV18 is the first time the entire RAF family has been united for a single expedition – from 17 year old Air Cadets to a 57 year old RAF Wing Commander. It’s set to be a fantastic expedition in commemoration of RAF100, the 70th anniversary of the RAF Mountaineering Association and the 75th anniversary of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.
