SCOUTS from Bere Regis have reached the roof of the world on their expedition to Nepal.

The Kingsbere Explorers have safely arrived at Everest Base Camp at the end of a 16 day trek through the Himalayas on their epic trip.

The group of 18 scouts and seven leaders also visited villages and helped at a clinic during their month long odyssey.

Helen Unitt-Jones, from the scouts, said that the group was due to return home soon after the highpoint of their adventure.

“After spending about a week in Bumburi on their charity project, building a medical centre with the Moving Mountains Trust, the Kingsbere Explorer Scouts started their trek to Everest Base Camp.

“They took the route via Bupsa, Surley, Phakding then onto Namche Bazaar where they stopped in order to acclimatise.

“It was a challenging journey which included several acclimatisation days to make sure all the team were fit for their final destination. “ She added: “The really exciting news is that the team safely reached the official base camp site, although in blizzard conditions.

“The following morning, an early rise and a strenuous hike to a point called Kala Patthar gave the Explorers stunning views of Mount Everest at sunrise.

“Kala Patthar means ‘black rock’ in Nepali and its elevation is approximately 5,500m or 18,000ft above sea level.”

The scouts returned Lukla airstrip for a flight to Katmandu where they are spending a few days before travelling home to Bere Regis on August 31.

The Explorers have donated over £6,500 to the charity.

The trip to Nepal took two years of planning, fundraising and training.

* Bere Regis Scout Group has more than 100 members and holds weekly meetings for beavers, cubs, scouts and explorer scouts.

Anyone interested in becoming more involved with the Kingsbere Explorer Unit or the Bere Regis Scout Group is asked to get in touch.

Anyone who can spare the occasional hour or wants to join on a more regular basis is asked to contact them. Email Helen Unitt-Jones at helen.uj @hotmail.co.uk for details.