Summiting Mera Peak: A Life-Changing Experience for Army Reservists from 103 Regiment Royal Artillery
In May 2025, a team of Army Reservists from 103 Regiment Royal Artillery returned from a three-week expedition to the Nepalese Himalayas, having successfully reached the summit of Mera Peak, which at 6,476 metres is Nepal’s highest trekking peak.
The expedition, titled Exercise NORTHERN NEPAL 25, brought together soldiers from across the North West and West Midlands, many of whom had never experienced such extreme conditions before. The team’s aim was not only to summit the mountain, but to develop personal resilience, leadership, and teamwork under physical and psychological pressure. The expedition was made possible in part thanks to generous support from the Ulysses Trust.
The journey began with a challenging trek through remote villages and high-altitude forests, gradually ascending to the snowline. As the team climbed higher, the effects of altitude began to take their toll. One participant had to be evacuated by helicopter due to illness, and many others faced fatigue, nausea, and freezing conditions.
Despite the hardship, morale remained high. Each day presented new challenges – from carrying heavy loads at altitude to managing cold weather kit and navigating difficult terrain – all under the guidance of experienced leaders and local Sherpa support.
The summit push began in the early hours of the morning, under a starlit Himalayan sky. After hours of climbing in silence and darkness, the team was rewarded with an unforgettable sunrise and panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. It was, in the words of one participant, “one of the most emotional and humbling moments of my life.”
The expedition also included an environmental component. Working with Global Action Plan Scientists (GAPS), the team helped collect microplastic samples from glacial regions to support ongoing research into the global spread of pollution in remote environments. It was a reminder that even in the most pristine corners of the planet, human impact can still be found.
Reflecting on the experience, one reservist said:
“It tested me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Physically, yes – but more so mentally. I’ve never had to dig so deep. But I also learned how much we can rely on each other. The camaraderie, the laughs, the shared hardship – I’ll carry that with me forever.”
The expedition has left a lasting legacy. Many of the participants gained a deeper appreciation of their own capabilities and returned to their units with improved confidence, leadership and communication skills. For 103 Regiment as a whole, it demonstrated the value of adventurous training as a means to bring together personnel from different batteries, foster cohesion, and develop potential in a way that no classroom or field exercise could replicate.
Thanks to the support of the Ulysses Trust, this expedition gave Army Reservists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to operate in one of the most demanding environments in the world – and come back stronger, both as individuals and as a team.
