Army Reservists from A and B Troops of 210 Battery – part of 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) and based in Wolverhampton – have returned from a challenging and inspiring high-altitude expedition to Nepal. The soldiers took part in Exercise NORTHERN NEPAL 25, culminating in the successful summit of Mera Peak (6,476m) – one of the highest trekking peaks in the world.
Departing from Wolseley House, the Wolverhampton-based troops joined a small, elite team of Army Reservists who spent over three weeks navigating Himalayan terrain, battling altitude and supporting scientific research efforts thousands of miles from home.
Working in partnership with GAPS (Global Action Plan Scientists), the expedition also gathered environmental data, including microplastic samples from the glacial regions of Mera Peak – a striking example of how today’s Reservists can combine physical challenge with global responsibility.
The ascent took the team through remote Nepalese villages, across snow-covered ridges, and up to the summit under a clear, starlit sky. Their final push began at midnight and was rewarded by a spectacular sunrise over Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. “There was a moment at the summit where no one spoke – not from altitude sickness, but because we were completely stunned by the view,” said one of the team.
Despite the intensity of the challenge, morale remained high, buoyed by strong team spirit and a shared sense of purpose. As one Reservist joked, “We climbed a Himalayan giant, survived the world’s worst toilet, and still found time for Bananagrams – if that’s not character building, I don’t know what is.”
For A and B Troop personnel, the experience proved both physically demanding and deeply rewarding – a powerful demonstration of what West Midlands Reservists can achieve. The expedition showcased the resilience, adaptability and leadership that the Army Reserve continues to develop in its people, both at home and abroad.
Find out more about 210 Battery, 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery.
Find out more about the Army Reserve.
Published 12/06/2025
