Prince Harry to launch expedition at Mt Everest

Prince Harry is always adventurous---after his highly publicised stint with the Gorkha soldiers in Afghanistan, the British royal is now all set for an expedition at the Mt Everest.

Third in the line to the throne, Prince Harry will launch an adventure training expedition in October 2009 to the base of Mount Everest for wounded service men and women, the Sky News has reported.

Exercise Khumbu Challenge 09 will involve 85 people, including veteran mountaineers to novice climbers, the report said, adding that the expedition will involve five teams drawn from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Moreover, the royal expedition team will also include British soldiers who suffered injury or trauma in Iraq and Afghanistan, the report said.

The aim of the high-profile expedition at Everest is to enhance the rehabilitation programmes and reintroduce the injured soldiers to life in a military environment, the report said.

In fact, Prince Harry has been keen to show his support for those wounded in conflict. It is the first royal expedition at Mt Everest, the world’s highest peak.

The main team of 12 to 16 experienced climbers will attempt Gokyo Ri, Lobuche East and few other peaks in the Everest region.

Though the British Embassy in Kathmandu is yet to officially confirm about Prince Harry’s expedition at the Mt Everest, the Tourism officials in Nepal are euphoric with the news.

“His (Prince Harry’s) expedition at the Everest region is sure to further popularise trekking in Nepal,” Sarad Pradhan, an official of the Nepal Tourism Board said, adding that Prince Harry’s respect for the Gorkha soldiers have always made Nepalis proud.

Last year, Prince Harry, who is also the Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving, had praised Gurkha soldiers in Afghanistan stating he felt most secure on their security ring.

Every year thousands of people flock around the Everest region and take part in different form of expeditions. While veteran mountaineers scale the world’s highest peak, others take part mostly in trekking.

During the last few years, world’s highest marathon is being held in the Everest region. Last month, few sky-divers added colour to the expeditions in the area by undertaking a diving show at the Everest region.