Wiltshire to Everest: army major invites locals to join adventure of a lifetime

Local adventurers are being invited to take part in a life-changing expedition to the Himalayas, led by Warminster army officer, Major Rab Lundie.

Rab is organising a once-in-a-lifetime trek to Nepal in May 2026. The trip will culminate in a climb to the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) and Kalapattar (5,555m/18,225ft), where participants will watch the sun rise over the world’s highest peak.

This won’t be Rab’s first time tackling the Himalayas. In 2017, he successfully led a group of 29 adventurers from the local  area, ranging in age and physical ability, to Everest Base Camp – with 22 reaching their goal, many having initially doubted they could.

“This will be my eighth expedition to the Everest and Annapurna regions of Nepal,” said Rab, who is in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps based in Warminster. “Following the success of the previous expedition in 2017, so many people have asked if I’d ever lead another trip – and that was an easy one to answer.

“For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and no amount of words can do justice to what you will experience and see. Most of all, to say you’ve sat and watched the sun rise over Everest will be mind-blowing. Flying into what’s known as the world’s most dangerous airport at Lukla, trekking among seven of the world’s highest mountains, meeting new friends and experiencing new cultures will create memories you’ll cherish forever.”

Participants will need to train, prepare, and be ready for a serious physical challenge.

“Everest Base Camp isn’t ‘just Base Camp’ – think of stacking Ben Nevis on top of itself four times, then taking away half the oxygen,” Rab said. “That said, we have a year to prepare and train. Just as we did in 2017, we’ll prepare very well – and ultimately succeed.”

The trip will last just under three weeks, starting with time in Kathmandu for kit checks and cultural experiences before heading to the mountains. The cost is estimated at £1,395 (excluding international flights and spending money), which Rab says is significantly lower than most commercial trekking packages.

The expedition will also mark a personal milestone for Rab, who plans to complete the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon on 29th May 2026, celebrating the anniversary of the first summit of Everest in 1953. It follows his recent solo trek, The Kilted Climb for Cancer, where he raised thousands for breast cancer awareness and scaled Lobuche East (6,119m) – all while wearing a kilt.

Up to 30 places are available, and both novices and experienced trekkers are welcome to apply. To help interested individuals decide, Rab will host two or three information presentations at The Hollies Inn in Westbury, with the kind support of landlord Charlie Dale-Staples.

“These presentations are a great way to see what you’re getting into and to ask questions,” said Rab. “If you’ve ever dreamt of doing something extraordinary – whether for charity or a personal goal – come along. This could be your moment.”

Rab will again be working with his trusted contact Ashok, who runs Adventure Tansen Trek PVT in Nepal.

“He is nothing short of amazing, providing a first-class service from when you land in Nepal until you leave,” Rab explained. “Thanks to Ashok’s local contacts, we can offer the trip at a price you won’t beat – an estimated £1,395, covering everything apart from international flights (estimated £600–£800) and spending money.

“I’m not charging anything personally – my reward is seeing the local community benefit from this opportunity, and giving something back for the support they show to the Armed Forces. Most agencies would charge £2,000 or more just for the trek alone, so this offers superb value for money.

“Following the trek, you’ll also have time to experience the wonderful culture, sights, cuisine and some well-deserved rest and recuperation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.”

Rab has set the date for May 2026 to allow time for budgeting and preparation.

“For those interested, please contact me on 07894 647607 or email rabcniz@hotmail.co.uk,” he said. “After three or four weeks, once you’ve had time to discuss it with family and friends who might also be interested, I’ll arrange the presentations, which will take around an hour.

“If you have a personal reason for wanting to do this – perhaps to raise funds for charity or to achieve a lifetime goal – but feel it might be out of your league, come along to the presentation before you say no to an adventure that could give you the best memories of your life. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”