Sir Chris Bonnington meets Exodus in Nepal

Read time - 1 minute

Legendary mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington and his son Joe recently had a reunion with Exodus' Karma Sherpa Lama in Kathmandu.

Sir Chris climbed with Karma's father in the 1970s and was back in his beloved Nepal in November 2011. Exodus has been operating in Nepal since 1974 and was amongst the first to help develop the then-infant trekking industry.

With our partners, including the legendary Mike Cheney, Purna Sherpa Lama and Karma Sherpa Lama we have constantly been at the forefront in developing new routes, new styles of trek and improving the quality the trekking experience.

Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal

Purna worked as a cook and chief guide for 30 years and his contribution to the early climbing expeditions is well known in Nepal, especially his role as a cook on the 1975 British South-West Face Expedition, led by Sir Chris Bonington.

On 24th September 1975 the first Britons conquered Everest, Dougal Haston and Doug Scott reached the summit of the world's highest mountain. Purna was also the cook for HRH Prince Charles when he completed the Royal Trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

Although Mike and Purna are no longer with us, their careful organisation and ethical client-centred philosophy have been passed down to Karma Sherpa Lama, Purna's son, and his brother-in-law Pasang Bambu Sherpa, who manage Exodus' Kathmandu HQ today. They are dedicated to promoting the vision that had inspired the founders.

Find out more about our trips to Nepal below and plan your own adventure.