Challenges, Inspiration, Latest News

WELLBEING IN THE WILDERNESS

October 8, 2025

At Charity Challenge, we are proud to share with you Wellbeing in the Wilderness, a ground-breaking new initiative created by Global mental health expert Thomas Duncan Bell, known by many as The Bipolar Businessman, and Geoff McDonald, former VP of HR for Unilever, who have teamed up with Simon Albert, Managing Director of Charity Challenge; with the aim to assist and enable business leaders and their teams to better understand and confront the issues surrounding mental ill health. 

Woman on mountain summit with arms raised, embracing nature and sunrise over snow-covered peaks

What is Wellbeing in the Wilderness? 

Wellbeing in the Wilderness is a series of life changing charity challenges for business leaders and their employees, delivered in iconic global locations by an award-winning team with incredible outcomes. 

The focus is on enhancing your own individual physical and mental wellbeing whilst undertaking a challenging trek and addressing the importance of improving wellbeing at work in a bid to create healthier and more productive workplaces. 

One of the keys outcomes is for all the participants to become agents for change back in their workplace, and to create workplaces where people can talk more openly about their mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as raising some money for a charity of their choice. 

Mental ill health is the leading cause of workplace absence in the UK. The total cost of staff mental health problems to UK employers is estimated to be between £42 billion and £56 billion annually each year, and this is nearly double what it was 5 years ago. Addressing employee wellbeing is the single most effective tool to reduce absenteeism, improve presenteeism and staff retention and increase productivity. 

“The most limiting factor of any business is the energy of its people. Today’s workplaces are fast paced, high pressured, and energy sapping. Businesses need to focus on strategies to energise their staff, not drain them of their energy.” said Geoff McDonald after returning from the Indian Himalayas where he provided wellbeing workshops for a group of senior leaders and their employees from a large financial institution. 

Challenges

Wellbeing in the Wilderness is bursting with action-packed itineraries across dozens of destinations around the world, including: The Sahara Desert, Indian Himalayas, Great Wall of China, Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Machu Picchu, Icelandic Lava Fields, Petra in Jordan and many more. 

“These challenges can be life-changing not only for the individuals who take part, but their colleagues, their families and friends, and their organisations as a whole. It’s an incredibly inspiring and fulfilling process to be a part of,” said Simon Albert, who has been organising challenge events globally for more than 26 years, raising over £91,000,000 for charity. 

Each itinerary is designed and adapted to the specific needs of any business. Typically, most trips will last between five and seven days, with every aspect designed to improve employee wellbeing and as such create energised, healthier and more productive workplaces. 

In addition, the trips inspire individuals to return to their workplaces as agents of change in addressing the stigma of mental ill health. Regardless of destination, each trip will feature:

  • Inspiring physical challenges 
  • Spectacular scenery 
  • New cultural experiences 
  • A mental health support plan 
  • Workshops and talks from expert wellbeing specialists 
  • Education on energy & wellbeing
A woman standing beside a flowing stream looking up to the sunlight, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of nature

Energy & wellbeing – A performance driver

One of the most limiting resources in organisation today is the energy of their people. Energy is a critical driver of individual, team and organisational performance. More and more, organisations are recognising the importance of the energy of their people as a performance enabler. The better people’s needs are met, the more healthy, happy, engaged, productive, and loyal they become. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of the business. 

As well as creating agents for change, another one of the key outcomes of our Wellbeing in the Wilderness challenges is that we want to try and enhance the wellbeing of all those who participate in a challenge.   

But what do we mean by wellbeing?  What we mean by wellbeing, and a lot of our thinking around wellbeing is very much informed by the Warwick Edinburgh Wellbeing Index. And this encapsulates four guiding factors. 

Physical Wellbeing 

  • Our wellbeing is driven by our Physical Wellbeing, which in many ways is maintained by sleeping well, being active, eating and drinking well, and, really importantly, learning how to recover. Taking moments out of our day every 2 hours to just have a recovery break. Maybe just 5 minutes to stand in the daylight and recover, listen to our music – just build that into our every day. Being active, going for a walk, maybe going for a run, walking up or down an escalator, eating and sleeping well. These are all critical elements of physical wellbeing. 

Emotional Wellbeing 

  • The next element of our wellbeing is our Emotional Wellbeing, and what we mean by emotional wellbeing is our feelings. We have all sorts of feelings, from feeling anxious to sad to happy and content. One of the key drivers of our emotional wellbeing and feelings is our ability to connect with friends and family. It’s all about relationships and maintaining good meaningful relationships with one another. Meaningful connection is really important in maintaining good emotional wellbeing, together with financial security. 

Mental Wellbeing 

  • Then we have our Mental Wellbeing, which is more around our cognitive ability, to think in a rational way, concentrate and make good judgement and decisions. Often building that cognitive ability by learning something new is a critical driver of our mental wellbeing. 

Spiritual Health 

  • And then finally at the apex we talk about Spiritual Wellbeing, which is more a sense of purpose and meaning. Just being kind to somebody might be a good expression of this. It was Mark Twain who once said, “the two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why”. Therefore, trying to get an answer to that question, finding a sense of meaning for each day of your life, is a very important driver of our overall wellbeing. 

So mental wellbeing is absolutely important, but we can’t have good mental wellbeing without good physical, and emotional wellbeing, or that sense of purpose. It might be as simple as just a random act of kindness, as you live out that sense of meaning. 

A view looking out of a tent at a trekker sitting on a rock enjoying the view of a snow capped mountain valley in the sunshine

Why join a Wellbeing in the Wilderness challenge? 

Whether trekking through the jungle in Cambodia or the Andes Mountains in Peru, these unique events are the ultimate retreat for business leaders and their employees with time and space for creative and strategic thinking. It’s not time away from the business, but time away from distraction. 

“Companies have a duty of care to support and look after the mental wellbeing of their employees. Not only because the commercial benefits of a healthier workplace are clear, but because it’s absolutely the right thing to do!” Brian Heyworth, former Global Head of Client Strategy at HSBC and Chair of the MindForward Alliance. 

UK employers are estimated to lose £103 billion annually due to employee sickness, with this figure increasing by £30 billion since 2018. This “hidden cost” of sickness includes the cost of presenteeism, where ill employees are at work but less productive, as well as lost workdays from actual absence. The cost of staff turnover due to poor mental health in the UK increased to approximately £22.4 billion in 2021, an increase of over 150% in the three years prior to that year. This figure accounts for the expenses associated with replacing employees who leave their positions because of mental health issues. 

Fortunately, the tide is now turning, with many businesses waking up to the huge toll that poor mental health can take on employees, employers and businesses overall.  Study after study has proven that exercise, engagement with nature and social interaction also have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing. All of these are integral to the Wellbeing in the Wilderness methodology. 

Through a series of informal workshops on a Wellbeing in the Wilderness challenge, specialist mental health and wellbeing experts and speakers will provide a safe environment in which to introduce and discuss the importance of recognising and addressing the stigma of mental ill health, energy and wellbeing. 

Where traditional workshops may be delivered in a training room at the office, sandwiched in between meetings and other distractions, these sessions allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the subject, with time to engage around the campfire or dining table afterwards, and throughout the following days. It all starts with a conversation, and the challenges provide focused time to do exactly that. 

A group of trekkers in Jordan looking out across the Wadi Rum desert in the morning sunshine

Participant Benefits

Research has proven the massive benefits to physical and mental wellbeing that are derived from: 

  • Feeling more energised.  
  • Reduced stress levels.  
  • Reduced absenteeism. 
  • Increased self-esteem. 
  • Sense of belonging and self-worth.  
  • Having a sense of purpose and meaning.  
  • Feeling happier. 
  • Better outlook on life.  
  • Pride in helping others. 
  • Improved lifestyle. 
  • Increased exercise. 
  • Improved diet and weight loss.  

Wellbeing in the Wilderness challenges combine all of these elements, leading to substantially improved wellbeing. Not only will this positively impact the participant’s individual physical and mental wellbeing, but also their leadership outlook and the relationship with their teams and colleagues. 

A group of trekkers celebrating with their hands in the air on the summit of Mount Toubkal, Morocco

Business Benefits

It can be a game changer for the business, from both a human and commercial perspective, with impact way beyond the life of the trip. Impacts include: 

  • CSR – Wellbeing in the Wilderness provides you with a means to action your company’s corporate social responsibility policy, while developing your greatest asset: your people.  
  • RELATIONSHIPS – Working together to deal with the obstacles that arise, whether it be the extreme climate, high altitude or physical exertion, participants are pushed to their limits and learn a lot about themselves and each other whilst away. Participants often form strong relationships having achieved a common goal together.   
  • PR – The challenges provide an incredibly powerful opportunity – internally and externally – to communicate how you are executing the company’s mission and values. 
  • REPUTATION – Returning enthused, your staff will filter back their experiences to their colleagues. These passionate testimonials are a great and authentic way to enhance your reputation both internally and externally.  

“Increasingly leaders in business and their teams are recognising the importance of creating mentally healthy workplaces. Enabling people to get together off site to focus on this important topic in an inspirational environment is worthy of some creative thinking which will pay great dividends.” – John Binns, MBE, former Vice Chair of Mind UK and Non-Executive Director of MindForward Alliance 

Reducing the stigma of mental ill health all starts with a conversation, and these challenges provide focused time to do exactly that. Bespoke wellbeing and leadership workshops each evening will inspire and equip employees to become agents of change for mental and emotional wellbeing in the workplace. 

For more information on Wellbeing in the Wilderness please visit www.wellbeinginthewilderness.com or email contact@wellbeinginthewilderness.com. 

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HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO TAKE ON A CHALLENGE?

September 25, 2025

We’re called Charity Challenge for a reason, our events are no ‘walk in the park’ – they’re designed to demand more of you. As a participant, you have dared to take yourself beyond your comfort zone – all for the good of your chosen charity!

But how fit do you actually have to be to take on a challenge, or to sign up in the first place? Well, everybody starts somewhere – and if there’s one takeaway from this read, it’s that your training matters. Keep reading for all you need to know about getting fit for your challenge…

A group of silhouetted people jumping in celebration against a warm orange sunset and blue sky.

Who can sign up to a challenge?

Our participants’ motives come in all shapes and sizes. They may have been spurred into action by an illness, divorce, bereavement or perhaps they are setting out to mark a landmark birthday or anniversary. Whatever their reasons, our participants all come united in the desire to do something completely different for a worthy cause, and for themselves.

Our only stipulations are that you are over 18, relatively fit and have a positive and flexible approach to adventure travel. We accept 16 to 17-year-olds, providing they are accompanied by a parent or guardian of legal age. As for the upper age limit, well, there’s no such thing! Our more mature clients have included a 75-year-old man who successfully completed the Rajasthan Tiger Bike Ride in India and a 72-year-old man who summited Kilimanjaro!

Top Tips:

  • Take a deep breath, commit to a challenge. You will NEVER regret. As for being fit, the Charity Challenge family supports all abilities and none of them are races. Thanks to Charity Challenge, I now concentrate on life’s positives and Kilimanjaro remains the greatest achievement in my life. – Sally Wilson, Participant
  •  I was 62 when I climbed Kilimanjaro with Charity Challenge, although not at the peak of my physical ability due to recent chemotherapy, my team encouraged me all the way. – Sue Gray, Participant
A group of challengers posing in front of a Kilimanjaro National Park camp sign in Tanzania.

How do I know how difficult a challenge is?

To help you decide whether you’re fit enough for a challenge (or have time enough to train), we grade each challenge by difficulty level. You can read all about a specific challenge via the Choose Your Challenge page of our website, including a breakdown of the difficulty level, suggested training plan and what a challenge day looks like.

Difficulty levels:

  • Challenging: A “challenging” trip will test someone who is relatively fit and has a spirit of adventure. Previous experience is not a must, as long as you commit to adequate training. Overseas trips may involve some altitude, but this will be compensated by easier terrain and hiking conditions.
  • Tough: A “tough” trip should be undertaken by someone with previous experience and interest in the activity – whether biking or trekking. It will usually involve camping, in a remote environment, with reduced facilities. Both cycle and treks will be hilly, and training is essential. On a UK “tough” challenge, you should expect 10+ hours of exertion over demanding terrain. 
  • Extreme: Extreme challenges will typically involve altitude, and a great deal of endurance. These trips are not to be taken lightly, taking place in extreme environments, without home comforts. They will challenge you physically and mentally, so training and experience is vital

Top Tips

  • Choose a challenge commensurate with your level of previous experience, fitness, personal commitment and determination. Sometimes people can achieve much more than they may think! – Don Maclure, Participant
  • Charity Challenge are best choice for organisation, attention to detail and people’s needs. I’ve done Peru, Kilimanjaro and Zambezi with them; where I had the privilege to meet two cancer survivors. No one ever slows the group down as it is always at a pace to suit everyone. – Trudi Clark, Participant
Three cyclists riding along a road, with mountain scenery in the background.

What support do you offer with fitness and training?

Getting fit ahead of your challenge is a vital part of the pre-challenge preparation and the importance of regular training should not be underestimated. We have written fitness training plans, which are provided in your Participant Account Area, to give you a structure to steadily increase your training efforts.

Training Challenge Discount – if you would like to test your fitness and kit out ahead of a longer challenge or overseas departure, why not consider booking a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge? 

  • We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed here. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. (T&C’s – you must have an active booking on another challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer).

Top Tips:

  • If someone is struggling a bit then it’s okay as everyone has those days – that’s what a challenge is all about. We all get each other through it! And the challenge leaders both from Charity Challenge and the local tour leaders really look out for us all, regardless of fitness or age! – Katherine Irvine, Participant
  • I did the Everest Base Camp challenge and we had a range on our group from 22 right up to mid 50s! There was a massive difference in ability too, but the guides and sherpas always made sure the people at the back had someone with them, and spread themselves throughout the group to make sure everyone was alright. Everyone did really well! – Iona Nelson, Participant
A solo trekker wearing a backpack, cap and Charity Challenge number trekking over vast green fields.

What are the principles of fitness training?

Plan before you start: Even if you are active, it’s good to adapt your training towards your chosen challenge activity. This is vital in building the strength, cardiovascular stamina and muscle endurance required. To start, first establish your fitness goals, ensuring they’re realistic and achievable, yet still challenging.

Make use of our resources: Once you book, in your Participant Account Area once you’ll fine information on warm ups, stretching, cardiovascular training, cross training, resistance training, cool downs and the hazards of over-training. Our also blog hosts a wealth of posts regarding physical health, nutrition and training.

Start well in advance: Start your training programme as far in advance as possible. We recommend a lead-time of at least 16 weeks prior to departure, to allow time to gently build up your fitness levels (and if you booked on to a challenge departing sooner, it’s always best to start as soon as you can!).

Top Tips:

  • Put the training hours in beforehand. The fitter you are, the more you’ll actually enjoy the challenge and all the amazing things it has to offer. – Jennifer McCall, Participant
  • I have done 2 trips with Charity Challenge. My first age 52 and second aged 56. The support you get from the other people with you and the organisers is incredible. I am hoping to do one more before I am 60! – Moyra Mcglynn, Participant
A man jogging on pavement surrounded by grass and trees.

Do you have any top tips for beginners?

The Charity Challenge team are always on hand to advise and support you in preparation for your expedition. Here are some of our top tips to get you off on the right foot with increasing your fitness:

  • Get up an hour earlier for a brisk walk before work (or walk to work if possible!).
  • If you commute, get off a couple of stops early and walk the rest.
  • Take a walk on your lunch break and commit to taking the stairs instead of the lift.
  • Cross training such as swimming, squash, badminton and cycling are fun ways to improve your overall fitness and reduce injury risk.
  • Walk as much as possible in ‘real’ hiking conditions, being sure to test out wearing your daypack, kit and boots.
A group of people trekking down a UK mountain, as the sun rises in the distance.

No matter your starting point, with the right mindset and preparation, you can take on a challenge, achieve epic things and make a real difference to a charity in the process! So, what are you waiting for? Book your adventure today!

CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
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GREAT WALL DISCOVERY: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE

September 18, 2025

Our Great Wall Discovery is a thrilling challenge of ups, downs, twists and turns. Appropriately named one of the ‘New Wonders of the World’, the Great Wall of China is a truly iconic location – perfect for a Charity Challenge! To help you prepare, we’ve pulled together an essential guide full of tips and tricks, including insider advice from our experienced team and past participants…

A section of the Great Wall of China, set against a mountainous landscape.

What is the Great Wall Discovery challenge?

Beginning four hours north of Beijing, this week-long challenge tackles a series of vigorous climbs totalling over 10,000 uneven steps. The trek will follow the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway and takes on the famous ‘heavenly staircase’. The challenge ends in the vast metropolis of Beijing, with time to explore the cultural highlights of China’s historic capital.

Highlights include:

  • Conquer the Great Wall, an imperial masterpiece of the Ming dynasty, and test yourself against thousands of challenging steps.
  • Savour views of the timeless landscapes and time-weathered watchtowers.
  • Enjoy the cultural highlights of China’s bustling capital city, Beijing.
A section of the Great Wall of China, leading over a hilly mountain range, with trekkers walking along.

What will I achieve?

This 9-day itinerary involves 5 days of trekking and is graded as ‘challenging’ – meaning a good level of fitness, adventurous spirit and training is required. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll accomplish (and can proudly share with your sponsors!):

  • Trek between 4-7 hours per day, covering approximately 50kms over 5 days.
  • Trek up and down thousands of stairs, including some un-renovated sections with tricky terrain!
  • Being exposed to the elements (rain, wind or sun) as you trek hours along the wall.
  • Staying overnight in basic lodges.
A group of smiling trekkers, climbing up some steep stairs of the Great Wall of China with walking poles.

I’m thinking of booking, what do I need to know?

For a quick overview of what to expect from this challenge, we’ve pulled together some advice below – including some top tips straight from our experienced team of leaders! For further information please visit our Great Wall Discovery webpage, which covers all details thoroughly.

1. Step into your training!

Tailored training is a must for this challenge! Work specifically on your stamina, leg, knees, and joint strength. Of course, this challenge involves thousands of stairs that you’ll be trekking up and down for hours at a time – so it’s key to incorporate stairs into your training. The environment will be mountainous, so get outdoors and familiarise yourself with walking on rugged terrain with a daypack.

Don’t just take it from us, our leaders and past participants can attest to how much of a difference adequate training makes to your experience…

Top Tips:

  • With there being a lot of steps both onto and off the Wall, as well as when you’re on it, it’s well worth building in some time on a stair climber machine or other long flights of stairs (e.g. in a high rise building) into your training routine. – Danny Barden, Charity Challenge Leader
  • As well as the steps, there is a lot of ascent and descent on this trek, and sometimes on loose and uneven ground – walking poles are invaluable to both keep you more secure (akin to 4-wheel drive in a vehicle!) and for taking the pressure off your knees and tiring muscles. – Danny Barden, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Training matters! I followed the training plan and felt prepared but others did not. – Amie Rosenblum, Participant

View from the bottom of a set of steep stairs on a section of the Great Wall of China, with two trekkers at the top about to descend.

2. Plan your packing

For a detailed breakdown of what to pack, always follow the Kit List carefully. Packing layers is vital for this challenge, as temperatures can fluctuate enormously from day to night. Even in the hotter months of May and September, evenings are cold in the remote mountain areas around Beijing. If you feel the cold, it’s a good idea to pack thermals to sleep in (and although sheets are provided, a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth) for the colder months of March/early April and October.

Top Tips:

  • Do take warm clothes, I underestimated this! – Juliette, Participant
  • If you choose to bring walking poles, it’s recommended that they have rubber tips/ends, as this will provide better grip against the stone, whilst protecting the stone from any damage caused by metal tips! (Many walking poles come with removable rubber tips included, or you can buy some separately – consider this when buying or borrowing). – Richard Simpkin, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Maybe bring an alternative food, like a favourite snack bar, if you feel you might crave something familiar. – Helen Burden, Participant
A charity challenge leader and participant walking up some stairs on the Great Wall of China.

3. Embrace the culture, enjoy the moment

The Great Wall of China and surrounding mountain ranges are truly majestic and wondrous to behold. Not only are you pushing yourself physically on this trek, but you’re immersing yourself in a rich culture and landscape. Remember to enjoy it! We also offer 2 different extensions that pack in lots of historical and cultural sightseeing and experiences (click the Extension tabs under ‘Essential Information’ for more info!).

Top Tips

  • Be in the moment! Each time you get to a watch tower, normally at the top of a long stretch of steps, take a break to catch your breath and get some shade, but also to stop and look around. The views are incredible, and no photo will ever do justice to what you can see through your own eyes. Take your time, and soak it all up. – Simon Albert, Charity Challenge Co-Founder and Director.
  • Keep it steady, one foot in front of the other, and don’t worry or focus on what tomorrow brings. The trip goes by fast, so just appreciate each minute and each step because by the end you won’t remember the pain – just the memories and all those views. – Saffron-Louise Cook, Participant
  • Practice using chopsticks  – okay, they do provide knives and forks for westerners, but embracing the cultural norms can be more fun! – Danny Barden, Charity Challenge Leader
5 people sitting in a row, on the edge of some steps on the Great Wall of China. They are all holding their hands in the air, celebrating and looking out at the view.

To conclude… start prepping!

If you are now seriously considering taking on the Great Wall Discovery, we strongly recommend heading over to our website to read through our full Itinerary, Costs, Kit List and extensive Essential Information tabs. You’ll find everything you need to know here in detail, from visa information, timings, locations, food and drink, difficulty level breakdowns, training advice, group safety, equipment and much, much more (including answers to those all-important ‘what if?’ questions).

Our blog also hosts a wealth of resources to help prepare you for your fundraising challenge.

View of a section of the Great Wall of China, with mountains in the background and a singular trekker sitting in the foreground looking at the view.

Why should I book the Great Wall Discovery with Charity Challenge?

Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the best Great Wall Discovery itinerary that is geared towards providing participants with an exciting-yet-challenging physical test, in a culturally rich location.

Since 1999, we have specialised in operating challenges for charity fundraisers. We partner with 1000’s of UK and Irish charities already – and our team is happy to reach out to a charity of your choice to make your dream fundraising challenge happen. (Or, if you don’t fancy fundraising, the good news is you can simply self-fund and join us anyway!).

  • Our expert English speaking guides will be with you every step of the way, managing your challenge and providing historical context to the Great Wall and its surroundings.
  • During your trek, you’ll visit an original, unrenovated section of the wall – allowing complete immersion and appreciation for the historical significance of this incredible ‘New Wonder of the World’.
  • We also offer 2 exciting extensions to choose from: ‘Warriors and Pandas’ or the ‘Terracotta Warriors’ extension.

Remember, the Great Wall Discovery is graded as ‘challenging’ and is designed to test you. With the right preparation, this immersive challenge is incredibly rewarding to complete – making it an excellent choice for an Overseas Charity Challenge!

BOOK YOUR GREAT WALL DISCOVERY HERE!

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MEET THE TEAM: ELLIOT SWINNEY

September 3, 2025

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of our amazing team of leaders. We know it can be a little daunting signing up for a challenge for the first time, so we thought you might like to meet the team in advance of your Charity Challenge. Today, we introduce you to one of our experienced Charity Challenge leaders, Elliot Swinney…

meet the team: elliot swinney blog

How long have you worked with Charity Challenge as a leader?

I’ve been a leader since 2015 and have worked with Charity Challenge for the past 3 years.

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

My favourite challenge so far has been the Brecon Beacons CoppaTrek! with Gi in 2024. Spending a week with both an incredible group of participants and with the Charity Challenge team was absolutely brilliant. It was an amazing location for the event, the trails were beautiful and the atmosphere, challenge and achievement by the end was just superb. 

elliot swinney, charity challenge leader, smiling with a group of particiapnts on the coppatrek! with gi brecon beacons challenge

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

Now that’s a long list! But I’d love to do the Sumatra Jungle Challenge and Trek Patagonia is at the top.

How do you keep your fitness in tip top shape for challenge season?

Luckily the job itself keeps me pretty fit, but through the winter I get out hiking as much as possible and when the weather is grim, the stationary bike keeps me going!

elliot swinney, charity challenge leader smiling whilst on a snowy trek.

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

You can’t go wrong with a Tunnock’s caramel wafer or a Toffee Crisp! But for longer treks, I don’t snack very much – I find that three good meals keeps me moving comfortably. The key is to drink lots of water and an occasional hydration sachet.

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

  • Tip 1 – The fitter you are going into a challenge the more you will enjoy it! Put in that little extra training work to get the most out of whichever challenge you sign up for. 
  • Tip 2 – Get your shoes off during longer breaks, cooling the feet down makes a long day’s hike much easier. 
  • Tip 3 – Keep smiling! There’s always something to smile or have a laugh about, even when you’re going through the hardest part of a challenge and you feel knackered.
elliot swinney, at a campsite, wearing an orange charity challenge down jacket and smiling to the camera

What 5 items do you always pack in your daypack?

Headtorch, waterproofs, a small medical kit, a power bank and an emergency choccy bar.

What is the best thing about being a leader?

When the job is going well, it really doesn’t feel like work. Being able to help people succeed in all manner of different challenges and get out of their comfort zone is incredibly rewarding. Also being able to lead trips and complete these challenges with my wife (who is also a leader) is really special.

elliot swinney smiling with his wife, whilst both working as leaders

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Crossing Costa Rica from East to West Coast with no trail or maps, just a compass bearing through the jungle over 12 days, whilst raising money for the Outward Bound Trust.

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DALAI LAMA HIMALAYAN TREK: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE

August 28, 2025

The Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek is a challenging and immersive journey from bustling Delhi to the peaceful Indian Himalaya. As a Charity Challenge participant, you’ll follow the pristine Uhl River, trekking through Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama. To help you prepare for this challenge, we’ve pulled together an essential guide full of tips and tricks, including insider advice from our experienced team…

a group of smiling trekkers posing with a Charity Challenge flag, surrounded by Indian Himalaya mountains

What is the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek?

This is a unique expedition through the Indian Himalayas, combining stunning mountain scenery with an immersive cultural experience. Trek along the Uhl River, passing rhododendron forests, Hindu villages and secluded Buddhist monasteries in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan community. You’ll discover an area of pristine, unspoiled beauty!

Highlights include:

  • Trek through the famous Indian Himalaya and witness spectacular mountain panoramas.
  • Immerse yourself in culture with guided visits to Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and experience a window into authentic Tibetan Life.
  • Follow a route rarely-trekked, resulting in a journey through peaceful, plentiful natural beauty.
people trekking with walking poles and daypacks in line formation over snowy ground in the Indian Himalayas

What will I achieve?

This 11-day itinerary involves 5-days of continuous trekking, and is graded as ‘challenging’, meaning a good level of fitness, adventurous spirit and training is required. Some high altitude is involved, but this is compensated for by easier trekking terrain and conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll accomplish (and can proudly share with your sponsors!):

  • Trek an average of 15-20km per day.
  • Reach high altitude, at a maximum of approximately 3000 metres above sea level.
  • Stay overnight in lodges and campsites, with very basic facilities.
  • Trek through unique remote areas, in which you will see no other tourists or trekkers!
  • To top it all off, you will be tackling this in aid of a charity of your choice – pushing yourself for a cause that’s close to your heart.
people trekking past farmland anf mountains on the dalai lama himalayan trek

I’m thinking of booking, what do I need to know?

For a quick overview of what to expect from this challenge, we’ve pulled together some advice below – including some top tips straight from our experienced team of leaders! For further information please visit our Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek webpage, which covers all details thoroughly.

1. Train for the Terrain

Training and preparation are essential for this trek – remember, you’ll be trekking over mountainous terrain, with ascents and descents each day. During your training, focus on building stamina, leg and joint strength and balance. Aim to get outdoors on rugged terrain with a similarly weighted daypack to prepare for the 4-7 hours of trekking you’ll face each day. Build up to a long weekend of consecutive trekking – this will set you up in great stead for your challenge!

Top Tips:

  • Your training must include mountainous and hilly terrain, as there are significant ascents and descents on trekking days. – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Don’t forget that the day’s high point is only half the journey! Focus on getting your knees as strong as possible when training to help ease the long descents that follow the summits. ‘Box step downs’ and ‘wall sit’ exercises both help build endurance and joint control. You can also carry Ibuprofen gel for any soreness that might develop. – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
a group of trekkers lead by a smiling woman, walking over rocky terrain in the Indian Himalayas

2. Gear up for success

Full details of what to pack can be found in your challenge Kit List. Generally, you can take one item of checked baggage (20kg max) and a 25-33L day pack, which is what you’ll carry with you as you trek – check out our blog on daypacks here! Depending on which month your challenge is, the average temperatures can vary – but generally, you can always expect the temperature to change from warm/hot days to much cooler nights (sometimes dropping below 0 degrees!). Our dates avoid the peak rainy season, but you should still be prepared for some wet weather and pack quality waterproofs.

Top Tips:

  • I highly recommend bringing a roll of Kinesiology tape (like SPORTTAPE) – rather than standard blister plasters. It works by reducing direct friction on the skin and therefore, the formation of blisters. It’s stretchy, so aim to apply in one smooth layer with no creases or doubling up. It can either be left on till it falls off – or can be replaced each night as it doesn’t damage the skin when you remove it. – Lizzy Codd, Charity Challenge Leader
  • They may not be an ‘essential’, but learning to use walking poles can be extremely beneficial for the tough downhill sections that strain your knees. Buy or rent your own and get used to using them during training, so they become a natural part of your stride. Your knees will thank you! – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Even though you are heading to the snow-capped Indian Himalayas don’t underestimate the heat – pack plenty of SPF50 sun cream. As you will also face colder weather, a multi-layered clothing system will give you the most flexibility and comfort. – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
a close up of a woman wearing a backpack with walking poles attached to the outside, standing in front of a view of some Indian Himalayan mountains

3. Consider the small comforts

While the trek itself is demanding, a few small comforts can make a big difference to your overall experience. From rest on long journeys to easing tired feet at camp – some little touches can help keep you feeling your best throughout the adventure.

  • Take a good neck pillow, ear buds and an eye mask, as you have a number of journeys on trains, coaches and 4x4s, up to and back from the Himalayas (in addition to the long haul flights) – these could help you get more of that much needed rest. – Simon Albert, Charity Challenge Co-Founder and Director
  • Comfy trainers or sandals to change into at camp are essential to let your feet breath after a hard day’s trekking. – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader
  • Travelling to India can pose other challenges, the change in diet has a reputation for causing upset stomachs. Eating the local yogurt when you get into the country is a great way to soothe any stomach issues you may have! – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
  • The most magical part of the day in the India Himalayas is sunrise and sunset. Give yourself time to enjoy these moments as they will be instilled in your memories forever. – Jenn Payne, Head of Sales & Marketing
two man tents pitched up with a woman standing in the background looking out at the setting sun

To conclude…start prepping!

If you are now seriously considering taking on the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek, we strongly recommend heading over to our website to read through our full Itinerary, Costs, Kit List and extensive Essential Information tabs. You’ll find everything you need to know here in detail, from timings, locations, food and drink, difficulty level breakdowns, training advice, group safety, equipment and much, much more (including answers to those all-important ‘what if?’ questions).

Our blog also hosts a wealth of resources to help prepare you for your fundraising challenge.

a man touching a Tibetan Mani prayer wheel as he walks past

Why should I book the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek with Charity Challenge?

Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the best Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek itinerary that is geared towards providing participants with both a challenging trek expedition and real cultural immersion.

Since 1999, we have specialised in operating challenges for charity fundraisers. We partner with 1000’s of UK and Irish charities already – and our team is happy to reach out to a charity of your choice to make your dream fundraising challenge happen. (Or, if you don’t fancy fundraising, the good news is you can simply self-fund and join us anyway!).

  • You will be lead by an English-speaking challenge leader and supported by local guides – including a guided walk through Dharamsala, where you’ll learn about Buddhism, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan way of life.
  • Our itinerary allows you time to explore and take in this amazing part of the world, offering plenty of opportunity to bond with your fellow participants over home-cooked meals and warming campsite fires.
  • We also offer an exciting optional extension, where you can visit the Taj Mahal, Keoladeo National Par and Fatephur Sikri.

Remember, the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek is graded as a ‘challenging’ and is designed to push you out of your comfort zone. With the right preparation, this picturesque challenge is incredibly rewarding, memorable and impressive to complete – making it an excellent choice for an Overseas Charity Challenge!

BOOK YOUR DALAI LAMA HIMALAYAN TREK HERE!

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Latest News, Tips & Advice

MEET OUR PARTNER: THE ALTITUDE CENTRE

August 22, 2025

What is high altitude and why might it affect me?

Some of our overseas Charity Challenges involve trekking at high altitude, where the oxygen levels in the air are reduced. Healthy people can travel to altitudes of up to and above 6000m, as long as they are properly acclimatised. If you’re not acclimatised, you could suffer from ‘altitude sickness’, noticing your pulse rate and breathing rate increases, as your body works harder to get available oxygen to the muscles.

When designing our itineraries, we ensure that we provide adequate time to acclimatise, so that the majority of healthy participants can function unhindered and avoid illness.

One of the benefits of booking with Charity Challenge, is the support and training you will receive from our partners at The Altitude Centre – the UK’s leading altitude training specialists.

meet our partners the altitude centre, experts in training for high altitude challenges

About The Altitude Centre

The Altitude Centre specialise in training clients for extreme adventure challenges in person, at home, and online. Whether you are preparing for your first foray into the mountains or planning a record-breaking feat at altitude, they are on hand to discuss the challenge, the preparation required, and how you can maximise your chances of success with altitude training.

Having worked with multiple record-breaking climbers, as well as overseen hundreds of first-time climbers achieving their summit success each year, they can help prepare you for the climb ahead!

A group of trekkers on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in the sunshine with blue skies.

What The Altitude Centre Offers Charity Challenge Participants

Altitude Training & Group Consultations

As part of your Charity Challenge, you can join a free online group consultation (30-45 minutes long) with the experts at the Altitude Centre, to discuss everything to do with preparing for your challenge and hash out a plan of action to take you to the top.

What’s included in the call:

  • Expert advice on altitude and acclimatisation
  • Common altitude challenges and how to overcome them
  • Understanding high-altitude environments
  • Tips on training, gear, and preparation
  • A chance to ask any specific questions you have around high-altitude travel

To book onto a free online group consultation please go to the High Altitude section of your Participant Account Area.

A specialist from the altitude centre running through a training session in the gym, on a treadmill

Discounted Training Plans

The Altitude Centre are also delighted to offer all Charity Challenge participants 50% off all relevant training plans. These have been custom-built for specific challenges by the experts at the Altitude Centre, such as…

• Kilimanjaro

• Everest Base Camp

• Mt Toubkal

• 5000m+ Trekking Plan

• 8-Week Alpine Preparation Plans

More information on the discounted training plans can be found in the High Altitude section of your Participant Account Area.

High altitude challenges are not to be taken lightly and require thorough training and preparation. But when you sign up with Charity Challenge, you’ll have access to a wide range of partner benefits and expert support – giving you the best chance to reach your goals and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

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