Byron Vollweiler (16) has been chosen for the Youth To Everest scheme, which twice a year takes young New Zealanders to the Himalayas to get a first-hand glimpse into the life of the Sherpas and Nepalese people.
The Tokomairiro High School pupil will be in a group of 22 visiting the Himalayas and working with local people during a 17-day adventure that starts on April 16 and ends on May 7.
For the keen tramper, who enjoys outdoor adventures, it is undoubtedly the trip of a lifetime and something that has taken on extra special meaning with the recent death of Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary.
‘‘It's going to be a bit funny going over there with Sir Ed dying recently but I guess that will make it a bit more special,'' Byron said.
The school's assistant principal, Michael Wright, encouraged Byron to apply for the scheme.
Byron has a passion for tramping and hiking and spent some of his summer holidays walking various tracks and mountain passes. His family are also avid trampers.
After the group arrives in Kathmandu for two days of sight-seeing, it flies to the alpine airport at Lukla at the base of the Khumbu Valley, which attracts thousands of trekkers and mountaineers every year.
Then, the group treks to the city of Namche for two nights before heading through Khunde's hospital and Khumjung's Edmund Hillary School to Thyangboche and its impressive Buddhist monastery.
Throughout the visit, the dominating sight of Mt Everest will be all around. It is a sight Byron cannot wait to take in. ‘‘It will be just awesome. I can't wait.''
