Bethan is currently on VentureCo’s Himalaya Venture in India and Nepal. The 12 week Venture includes a development project in a village in Rajasthan, as well as an expedition, involving camel treks, tiger safaris, deserted beaches, mountain biking, rafting and the Everest Base Camp trek.

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Diary of a Himalayan adventure: Update Six Bethan Buck writes... "Adrenalin is still pumping from scaling the world famous Chola Pass! While ice-axes and crampons were not necessary, pure hard determination and unwaivering resolve were essential to our successful passage through this utterly real mountainous terrain. The following day we spent a leisurely morning enjoying views and photo opportunities. The weather was clear and crisp, and we appreciated an easy walk to our next destination, Labuche. En-route we heard a mighty thunder and turned to see an awe-inspiring avalanche cascading down the nearby mountainside next to us. During a small break, Hannah, Nicole and Bethan campaigned for Martin to pay us each 1000 rupees to consume a large yak poo. There was much discussion but in the end he refused as he feared for our health. On arrival at Labuche and after ten days of filth, Bethan, Lucy, Nicole and Hannah cracked and washed their hair in the bone-chillingly cold stream under the concerned supervision of Gopi. That afternoon in preparation for base camp, we crafted a banner from Hannah's travel towel and Bethan's spare scarf. Four hours of slaving later and we had the marvel before us. After Jangbu, our porter decided to run the Everest marathon. An idea was then hatched that perhaps Martin too could run the marathon (him being the fit specimen that he is!) There was much excitement for the marathon and base camp as we prepared to move on to Gorak Shep in the wee hours of the morning. Awoken at 5.15am the next morning, we travelled to Gorakshep on empty stomachs awaiting to see if the sky would remain clear for the morning. After a hearty breakfast, the sky is clear and blue and Gopi made the executive decision for us to do Kala Pathar and postpone Base Camp for a day. Slowly we made our way up the sloping black rock, calves burning, hearts beating as we fought the altitude. Morale was low as we had to leave Lucy at the halfway point due to injury but as we gained height, the view of Everest seemed to be drawing us to the top. At the 5600 metres, we reached the top of the world, as far as our expedition was concerned. The view was magical. We could see the ice fall stretching out below us and the summit of Everest stared dauntingly down upon our awestruck selves. In the distance below, we could see the tiny colourful dots of base camp and we knew that tomorrow we ourselves would be standing in that very place. To stand there and think that so many couragous men and women had embarked on the ultimate challenge that is Everest. Not that we would be doing the same...but at least we could see their tents. Everything that we have been working towards over the past four months is culminating on this very day - base camp day. Hazardous rocks, jagged ice and overall fatigue due to excessive games of rummy; Himalaya 22 persevered through all the elements and every obstacle thrown their way. As we work our way through the slowly melting glacier, we see the gutted corpse of the infamous helicopter materialise on the horizon contrasted against the fierce khumbu ice fall. We make our way past the loaded yaks and sherpas packing up base camp. The climbing season is over, but we still manage to see a team decending through the treacherous ice fall - the most deadly when climbing Everest. From base camp we can see the enormous serac and jagged crevasses that have claimed so many. After about an hours photo shoot, Martin and Bridget manage to surprise us with a champagne shower and we realise that Himalaya 22 has come quite a long way." Click here >> for arriving in India Click here >> for taking part in Hoil and renovating classrooms Click here >> for camel trekking Click here >> for trekking in the mountains Click here >> for elephant riding in Chitwan National Park Click here >> for Everest Base Camp Click here >> for bungy jumping, white-water rafting and home Name: VentureCo Address: The Ironyard, 64-66 The Market Place, Warwick Click here >> for details of this placement Click here >> to see all of VentureCo's placements Click here >> to email VentureCo Tel: 0845 344 7523