Sunil’s trek along the Druk Path in Bhutan

29 January 2025

In early Dec 2024, Sunil Shah, Tresurer on the board of Sense International, led a group of 9 people on a trek on the Druk Path in Bhutan to raise funds for Sense International. This was Sunil’s 8th fund raising trek for Sense International over the last 22 years and he wanted to give you all a brief update on his experience.

Here is where Sunil tells us about his trek experience.

A group of people standing in front of a mountain range and holding a Sense International banner.

Although we completed the trek, I found it tougher than some of the others I have done. Maybe, it is because I am approaching 65 and have got too used to my homely comforts. The trek involved camping for 4 nights. It was cold like I have never experienced before, with temperature dropping to minus 10-15C immediately the sun set.

Sunset over a mountain range and a cabinf in the foreground.

Unfortunately, the whole team, including our UK medic and the local Bhutanese guide went down with some form of a gut viral infection, maybe caught from water or food, which made everyone ill for 2-3 days. At the higher altitudes not only did this make us all very weak physically but mentally it was a huge challenge dealing with the illness in camp with basic facilities such as a hole in the ground! Despite this we reached 3,750m instead of the originally planned 4,100m.

A group of poeple at the peak of their trek.

Although personally we feel a bit of disappointment at not smashing the challenge, I am really proud of the group for their fundraising efforts which was the objective of this trek. Each participant self-funded their cost of this trek hence all donations will go directly to Sense International beneficiaries. The group fundraising stands at nearly £75,000 against our original stretch target of £100,000.

Hikers at the a 3000 metre check point

My sincere thanks to you if you have already supported me. You donated in excess of £10,000 and in keeping with my promise to you I have personally matched it with my own donation of £10,000.

Students and teahers at a school in Kathmandu.

It is still not too late for you to support me in the spirit of giving. It has been said – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” – Sunil Shah

You can read more about my story and please help us achieve our collective group target of £100,000.