What a Himalayan Trek Taught Me About Challenge, Community and Change

December 2025

By Lucinda Sowerbutts

Taking on a physical challenge for OSCAR is not just about endurance or fitness, it is about intention, perspective on our lives and above all, purpose. My recent trek from Sandakphu to Phalut in the Himalayas, organised brilliantly by Indiahikes, was a powerful reminder of just how powerful that combination can be.

Hiking this iconic Himalayan trail with a group of new and old friends was far more than a personal adventure. It became a wonderful pursuit with purpose. Each step felt meaningful, knowing that our efforts were raising vital funds for underprivileged OSCAR girls and boys living lives many of us cannot even imagine. When our legs were tired and the incline felt relentless, the sense of purpose really mattered.

The Sandakphu–Phalut trail does not ease you in gently. There are moments when the path feels almost vertical, testing your resolve as much as your calves. To be honest I think all of us at some point wondered why we had signed up. Luckily comfort zones are quickly forgotten! But what stood out most was not the difficulty, but how we pulled together as a team. We encouraged one another on the steepest ascents, waited at trail junctions, shared snacks and words of motivation. Teamwork and resilience became the most valuable piece of kit.

Indiahikes played a huge role in making this experience what it was. Their meticulous planning, attention to safety and deep respect for the mountains created the conditions for us to truly immerse ourselves in the journey. The guides were exceptional, calm, knowledgeable and endlessly supportive. Their understanding of the terrain, weather and reading the group dynamic meant we could push our boundaries while feeling safe and supported every step of the way. We all collected rubbish on the trails, none of us carried single use plastic or wet wipes and respected the tranquility, no loud music and adherence to local customs and community values. The food was very tasty, the accommodation simple and cosy (sometimes cold!) and the toilets were… well they were ….. a hole in the ground! And incase you were wondering we did not shower for seven days!

One of the great gifts of trekking is the connection with nature and we were lucky enough to have Lolly Dunne with us, who shared her love of birds and animals, encouraging us all to sit quietly and just observe and appreciate them. It is so much easier to focus when you leave the digital world behind and just concentrate on the breath, foot placement and allow the shift into a walking meditation. Dense forests, far reaching views and majestic Himalayan mountains remind us how small we are. It is such a grounding experience. Nature truly does strip things back to what really matters.

Waking before dawn (in minus 5 degrees) to watch the sun rise over Mount Everest and the Sleeping Buddha was one of those rare moments that stops you in your tracks. I was actually tearful! As the peaks slowly went orange with the first light, time seemed to utterly standstill. It created a special moment for us all to reflect on why we do the work we do, why we choose to challenge ourselves and why giving back matters. Those quiet moments stay with you long after the trek ends.

Of course, it was not all deep and meaningful! The journey was filled with stunning views, shared struggles, painkillers, off the richter scale snoring and plenty of laughter. Evenings brought tuneless renditions of Sweet Caroline, countless jokes and easy friendships that only come from walking, eating and overcoming challenges together. These are the moments that turn strangers into friends and experiences into lifelong memories. As Ashok always says, ‘we leave as friends and we return as family’.

It was especially meaningful to walk alongside my dear friend and OSCAR Foundation founder, Ashok Rathod and my inspiring colleague (and boss), Kumar Rathod, who was experiencing trekking for the very first time. I have taken on many physical challenges in support of OSCAR over the years, including Kilimanjaro, Mount Toubkal, the Mont Blanc circuit and a Sahara trek and each one has been equally amazing in its own way. Sharing the highs and lows of the trail with people who are deeply committed to social change added another layer to the journey. It reminded me how powerful it is when personal challenge and professional purpose align.

At its heart, this trek reinforced a simple truth, physical challenges for charity create impact far beyond fundraising. They encourage empathy, resilience and allow a real life, not digital connection. They give us stories to tell, lessons to learn from and a renewed energy for the future. Every blister, every breathless climb, every snoring neighbour and every aching muscle became part of a much bigger picture.

Most importantly, every step we took helped support young OSCAR girls and boys who deserve opportunity, dignity and hope. That knowledge made the finish line feel so meaningful.

Thank you to Indiahikes for an unforgettable experience, for your professionalism and for the incredible guides who walked beside us. And thank you to the amazing OSCAR group who turned a challenging Himalayan trek into something truly special. Shout out to the A Team…. Jo, Ruby, Ashok, Charlie, Sam, Izzy, Lolly, Joel and Kumar and all our new Indiahikes friends. Special thanks to my beautiful daughter, Ruby for setting a steady pace and guiding me safely down the bumpy bits and to each one of you who added something unique and memorable. Full disclosure…. I am missing my new family and hoping we are going to trek together in 2026.

If this story resonates and you are interested in taking on a similar challenge next year, I would love to hear from you. These journeys are so much more than just trekking, they are about reconnecting with people and creating real impact together. Please get in touch by email to register your interest and be part of the next adventure. lucinda@oscar-foundation.org

Footnote: I was proudly the oldest in the group, a fact kindly mentioned multiple times every day. Long hours on the trail gave me plenty of time to reflect on ageing. I came to the profound conclusion that age really is only a number (albeit quite a big one in my case) and I fully intend to use it until I lose it. 💪

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