Jackson’s Story

I would like to Thank Samuel Mico charity for giving me a grant towards my India expedition in the summer of 2018. Due to the kind grant I was able to participate in the Dorset expeditionary societies 4 week expedition to Ladakh , a region in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which spans a mountainous area that includes the great Himalayas.

We travelled to  the town of Leh, and whilst their visited many Buddhist monasteries, giving us an understanding of the local culture and acclimatized to life at 11000 Ft. We then spent 3 days camping and rafting the headwaters of the Indus river, the rapids were spectacular and a challenge but this was also accompanied by the views of the Himalayas. While we camped we met the locals who danced and played cricket with us.

Our next challenge was to trek across the Moon lands and the Karakorum region of the Himalayas, we had Sherpa’s travel with us that showed amazing skills and fitness and took great care of us.

We then spent 6 days cycling across the Himalayas, reaching the highest road in the world khardungla. The trip was finished off with a visit to the famous Taj mahal.

This expedition has taught me so much about the 3 rd world culture. Their outlook on life is very positive and admirable considering their living conditions. It helped to remind me that our first world stress is not as important as doing what makes you happy. Seeing third world culture has enabled me to really put my own life into perspective. What I have learned from this expedition will stay with me as I continue my studies at A level and in the future at University,  towards eventually becoming a Psychologist, where an understanding of diversity and culture will be incredibly useful. I would like to thank the Samuel Mico charity for this opportunity that has given me valuable life skills.