A team of 11 men and women from Bahrain is planning a weeklong expedition through the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas during February and March.

They are flying into Nepal's capital Kathmandu on February 28 before starting the Pun Hill trek.

The group, whose ages range from 30 to 60, are raising money for the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioural and Communication Disorders, located at the Alia Centre for Early Intervention.

Project manager Paul Henson, who took part in his first charity trek 15 years ago, is leading the trip - having completed the same trek last year.

"I first did a walk for a charity for disabled children in the UK and this time I wanted to do something for the local community here in Bahrain," he said.

"The chosen society is one of the main ones that we thought needed the most help and, if this trip goes well, then we will do some more in the future for charity."

Other people are being encouraged to sign up for the adventure and the aim is to take at least 20 trekkers to Nepal.

"So far we have 11 people of different nationalities with three British people, but we hope that some others would wish to join us," said Henson.

"Our aim is to raise a minimum of BD10,000 ($26,520) for the charity."

While the terrain is not gruelling, Benson is putting together a fitness programme for participants.

"It is a steady route and you don't have to be super fit to undertake the trek, but some level of fitness is a good idea," he added.

Meanwhile, the accommodation will consist of huts at various stages along the route.

Mountain people called sherpas will also be on hand to carry rucksacks and equipment, meaning walkers only need to carry water and a day rucksack for necessities.

The climate will be cooler than that in Bahrain, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. – TradeArabia News Service