Bryce Reichel (16) was selected to take part in the Youth to Everest programme which offers the opportunity for a unique insight into the daily life of Sherpa people.
The South Otago High School pupil said he was looking forward to seeing Mt Everest and visiting the Pangboche Monastery, within 12km of Mt Everest.
"It will be great to see a different part of the world, and to see a different culture."
The trek also takes participants to Namche - the Sherpa capital, and to Khunde Hospital and Sir Edmund Hillary's School in Khumjung.
The programme is run by Everest Treks, is open to pupils aged 15 years and above, and is held annually in April. It is fully accredited by the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award, which Bryce is working towards.
Through the Duke of Edinburgh award programme, Bryce has tramped in Fiordland but this will be his longest tramping/trekking trip.
The 16-day journey cost about $8000. Bryce received money from the Balclutha Rotary Club and the local cub group (which he helped as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award), and he worked and fundraised to pay the remainder.
Bryce leaves for Nepal next Wednesday, where he will join 14 other New Zealand teenagers.
