FROM our aeroplane window, flying in over Kathmandu, we were treated to our first glimpse of the mighty mountains that surround Nepal's sprawling capital city.

A day later and we were embarking on our journey into the Himalayan foothills, which seemed even more imposing looking up at them.

Our trek began with a steep three-hour climb and, by lunchtime, we were rewarded with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley.

After lunch, the climb eased off slightly, but by the time we arrived at our first campsite - with tents set up and dinner almost ready - we were already 2,194 metres above sea-level.

The walking was varied, with our route taking us through dense forests, along narrow ridges and beside lush terraced fields.

Mostly though, the hiking involved steep climbs up winding mountain passes which seemed to go on forever, followed by scrambling down steep, dusty paths into the next valley, where a new range of peaks would emerge.

With the political situation in the country unstable to say the least - on our second night in Kathmandu the Maoists massacred 120 police and soldiers - we were advised to change our route and backtrack the way we had come.

As our trek leader calmly commented at the time: "It gives new meaning to adventure travel."

But the change of route did not matter at all, and the last day and a half were spent walking, or more often half jogging, in glorious sun taking in some breathtaking scenery as we made our steep descent out of the mountains.

We finally dropped down into the outskirts of Kathmandu to find the city in the middle of a general strike called by the Maoists, and our 75-mile hike ended in style with a hair-raising bus journey speeding along deserted streets.

Once safely back at the hotel, after six days without showers the first port of call was the bathroom, followed swiftly by the bar for our end of trek party, where, cleaned-up and out-of-shorts, some of our fellow trekkers were unrecognisable!

Exhausting, hard work, and physically demanding - the trek was also easily the most unforgettable, amazing experience I have ever had.

l As a result of the trek, more than £60,000 has so far been raised to help support the YHA's Give Us A Break scheme.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the appeal can contact Victoria at The Westmorland Gazette on 01539-710187.

For the full story see this week's Leisure section