Gulf Air is supporting the Scout Association in their dream to climb Everest in 2007 to celebrate the centenary of Scouting. Sir Edmund Hillary is patron of the Scout Association’s expedition to Everest in 2007. In preparation for this attempt, a Scout Association groupÊhas justÊdeparted for Nepal with Gulf Air to test their systems and operational capabilities before the big Everest attempt in two year’s time.
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Facing their toughest challenge yet, the Scout Association group is off to the Himalayas to climb Mount Cho Oyu, the 8th highest mountain in the world standing at 8201 metres (26,906 feet). The objective of the expedition is to train at altitude to prepare the group for the Everest climb in 2007.
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Clive Wratten, UK General Manager for Gulf Air, said: “The Scout Association’s expedition to the Himalayas this year and the Everest attempt in 2007 are both extremely exciting projects. Gulf Air is delighted to be offering support to the group and we will be following their progress closely”.
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Expedition Leader Nathan Figg said: “The reality of the enormous task ahead is starting to hit home. We’ve trained hard for this climb and it will be a real test of how the team operates above 7000 metres”.
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The group has been in training for the Everest attempt for five years; a tough training schedule which has seen them enduring the Scottish Highlands during winter, the steep climbs of the Swiss Alps and climbing the highest mountain in North America, Mt McKinley in Alaska, acknowledged to be the coldest mountain in the world.

Gulf Air offers daily flights from London Heathrow to Nepal via either Bahrain or Abu Dhabi. Flights from London to Kathmandu start from £424.00, including tax.
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