The Nepali Way: 114 Days Crossing Nepal Without a Map
Before becoming Field Director of The Gurkha Welfare Trust Nepal, Lt Col Johnny Fenn set out on a journey that would fundamentally change the way he viewed Nepal, poverty, and the hardship that GWT beneficiaries face.
In 2023, he walked nearly 2,000 kilometres across Nepal from west to east, entirely on foot and without a map. For 114 days, he travelled through some of the country’s most remote districts, relying on local knowledge, village hospitality and the kindness of strangers to guide him.
What began as a personal challenge quickly became something much more profound.
Away from roads, hotels and established trekking routes, Johnny experienced a side of Nepal that few outsiders ever see. He shared tea with farming families, stayed in remote communities, listened to the stories of elderly villagers, and witnessed first-hand both the hardships and extraordinary resilience of people living far from services and opportunities.
The journey provided a unique insight into the reality of rural life in Nepal and, ultimately, became an ideal foundation for his later appointment as Field Director. Many of the challenges faced by the people he met on the walk are the same challenges that The Gurkha Welfare Trust works every day to address through welfare support, healthcare, community development and individual aid.
Throughout the journey, Johnny recorded daily reflections and captured thousands of photographs. The result is The Nepali Way: 114 Days Crossing Nepal Without a Map; a beautifully illustrated photographic narrative that tells the story of Nepal through its people.
Rather than focusing on mountains or adventure, the book explores themes of resilience, generosity, dignity, humility and human connection. It is, in Johnny’s words, “a journey measured in people, not distance.”
The foreword has been written by Hari Budha Magar MBE, Gurkha veteran, Everest summiteer and fellow Ambassador for The Gurkha Welfare Trust, who describes it as:
“A story about Nepal; but more than that, a story about people.”
For anyone who supports The Gurkha Welfare Trust, The Nepali Way offers a unique window into the communities, culture and character of Nepal that inspire our work every day.
Johnny will be holding lauch events across the UK at the following dates:
8 Oct – 1100 hrs : Gurkha Museum, Winchester
10 Oct – 1430 hrs : Guildhall, Brecon
12 Oct – 1900 hrs: Mere, Wiltshire – Find out more
16 Oct – 1800 hrs: Victory Services Club, London
The Nepali Way will be available from October 2026.
Pre-order now for a signed copy (and £5 discount from RRP)