From London Streets to Himalayan Trails

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‘A London native's lifelong passion for exploration led him from childhood dreams of Himalayan adventures to a career as a trekking guide in Nepal. This interview explores his journey, highlighting memorable experiences, common misconceptions about trekking, and his commitment to both environmental conservation and community development through non-profit work in Nepal and Colorado.’

Background

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Born and raised in London, England. Dyed in the wool city boy….but always aware of and yearning for the open countryside. School trips and family holidays introduced me to rural areas of England and Wales and I always loved camping and exploring. Climbing a windy ridge to discover what views awaited was always an adventure.

Moving to Colorado in my early 20’s really blew the lid off mountain exploration with camping, hiking and trekking. I discovered the life-giving energy of Predawn starts, sleeping out in the wilderness and backpacking away from city lights. Witnessing Alpenglow above treeline is a measure of richness in my life and something I take deep peace and meaning from.

When did you first begin trekking?

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In my early twenties; relocating to Colorado. Starting with local, short hikes I soon discovered how accessible the abundant wilderness on my new doorstep was! I climbed Longs Peak, my first Fourteener that first summer living in Colorado.

What initially drew you to this kind of outdoor activity?

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From about 12-13 years old I began avidly reading tales of far-off expeditions and discovery in the Himalaya and beyond. To name but a few inspirational characters- George Mallory and Sandy Irving, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, Chris Bonnigton, Doug Scott, Joe Tasker and Pete Boardman, Reinhold Messner, Joe Simpson, John Krakauer. The Himalaya seemed like such a frontier and mystical place; so far away.

Had you ever made any critical errors in the early days of first trekking? Can you tell us a little about that?

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Nothing critical! I certainly stayed out longer and with less food and gear sometimes than I should have. But always had a good instinct when to turn back in the face of deteriorating conditions/nightfall etc. One backpacking trip/climb above treeline was curtailed due to an intense summer thunderstorm with lightning and hail that piled up like snow-In July!

At some stage, you turned your personal hobby into a career, can you tell us a little more about this shift in your life?

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I knew immediately upon arrival in Kathmandu that my ‘trip of a lifetime’ to Nepal and the Khumbu region of the Himalya was not ‘once in a lifetime’. Every step along the 120 mile/22 day circuit I trekked deepened the instinct and knowledge within that this would become something more. How, exactly, that would happen wasn’t immediately apparent. But I knew I would find a way.

I maintained close contact with the owner and head guide of the trekking outfitter I travelled with, Sherpa Mountain Adventures, and a year after my return I became their newest guide and trip leader.

What is your favourite thing about trekking in the Himalayas?

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That is challenging question! I could answer it a 100 different times with something unique. Overall, it is the sense of self discovery derived from the outward journey. To challenge oneself physically, to connect with new people and humble the ego in an awe-inspiring landscape.

What is your most memorable trekking experience?

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For a long time, the message of peace and compassion attached to the ritual of Buddhist prayer flags has resonated with me. I had brought to Nepal with me a section of prayer flags that I must have owned for 10 years. I wanted to leave them somewhere as an offering of my journey and positive message to the world. I didn’t ‘know’ where this place would be until one morning as I traversed a high mountain valley, I discovered this simple stone shrine with old faded flags.

Asking my native friend and guide if it would be respectful, he told me yes, I added my flags, and it was just the most perfect intimate ritual I couldn’t even have imagined.

What are your goals as a Himalayan trekking guide?

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To safely and responsibly share with people the profound energy within this incredible region. I’ve found it to be such a meditative experience and one of presence and surrender to the here and now.

As a guide - What are some mistakes you see people make while trekking in the Himalayas?

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It would be the tendency to rush or feeling over confident in dealing with altitude. High elevation trekking is accessible to most moderately fit people, but you have to go methodically and gradually.

What are some common misconceptions you hear often surrounding what you do and/or the Himalayas itself?

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“I’d love to but don’t really like camping” ( which is ok because we stay in lodges/teahouses that make you feel like family!)

“You’re pretty fit but I couldn’t go as high as that…how do you train for that?”

“Wow, thats so crazy that you’re climbing Mt Everest!”

“I can't climb Mt Everest!”

“I’ve always wanted to go there but it’s really far away!”

Can you tell us more about the non-profit work you do?

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Thank you, yes….

In a couple of ways…our company, Sherpa Mountain Adventures,-which is Sherpa owned, has a non profit called the Himalayan Development Foundation.

Along with school funding, construction projects related to the 2015 earthquakes and installation of composting toilets in rural villages.

Additionally, we provide an annual volunteer medical clinic in rural Nepal for a population that otherwise would not have access to modern healthcare. I am extremely excited and grateful to be attending this year in November.

I also recently set up a charitable organization closer to home in Colorado called Homewaters Cleanup. As an avid fly fisherman, I saw a need for grassroots action in rubbish/trash cleanup in local waterways. Seasonal river clean up events enable small groups of volunteers to make a direct positive impact.

Thank you, Michael, for taking the time to answer some of our questions. feel free to use the space below to write anything you want to share with your audience.

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Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I love the intention of The Roamers Trail and broader community to inspire travel and discovery. It is magical that sometimes, really, people just need some support and encouragement to try something new and discover what they are capable of!