11 personnel from B (Sari Bair) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, supported by two Summer Mountain Leaders and a Combat Medical Technician, successfully completed Exercise TIGER SARI BAIR YATRA to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp in eastern Nepal.
Led by Lieutenant Matthew Sutton and Sergeant Bel Bahadur Gurung, the self‑supported expedition focused on endurance, navigation, and team cohesion in one of Nepal’s most remote and demanding regions.
After a safety and route briefing, the team began their ascent into the Kanchenjunga region, pausing at Ghunsa for acclimatisation. There, they joined a community‑led puja and tried traditional archery, one of the trek’s standout moments.
Beyond Lonak (4,756 m), the route became increasingly challenging, testing physical and mental resilience. The team reached Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at 5,142 m. Severe weather and deep snow on the Sele La Pass prevented the planned full circuit, forcing a return via the original route.
The expedition concluded with a visit to Pathivara Mata Temple and a Gurkha Kaida messing session, strengthening team bonds and thanking the Nature Travel Explorers guides for their support.
