Lt Col Johnny Fenn

The Nepali Way

114 Days Across Nepal Without A Map

Lt Col Johnny Fenn served for over 30 years in the British Army before moving to Nepal as Field Director of The Gurkha Welfare Trust. A lifelong admirer of Nepal and its people, he completed a 114-day, 2,000-kilometre walk across the country in 2023. His book, The Nepali Way, captures that journey through photography, personal journals and the stories of those he met along the way.

About The Nepali Way

In 2023, Lt Col Johnny Fenn undertook an extraordinary challenge: to walk the length of Nepal from west to east, entirely on foot and without a map.

Over 114 days and nearly 2,000 kilometres, he crossed some of the country’s most remote landscapes, navigating not by technology or guidebooks, but by relying on the knowledge, kindness and hospitality of the people he encountered along the way.

The result was far more than an adventure. Travelling at walking pace offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary Nepalis, revealing stories of resilience, generosity, hardship and human connection that are often hidden from view.

In his book, The Nepali Way: 114 Days Crossing Nepal Without a Map, Johnny combines stunning photography, personal reflections and unforgettable encounters to tell the story of a remarkable journey through one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating countries.

Now Field Director of The Gurkha Welfare Trust Nepal, Johnny will reflect on how the walk deepened his understanding of rural Nepal and the people whose lives continue to inspire his work today.

About Hari Budha Magar

The evening will also include a special introduction to Hari Budha Magar MBE – Gurkha veteran, double above-knee amputee, world record holding Everest summiteer and author of the book’s foreword. Hari’s remarkable story has inspired people around the world.

“This is a story about Nepal; but more than that, it is a story about people.”

Hari Budha Magar writes in the foreword of The Nepali Way: 114 Days Crossing Nepal Without a Map

In attendance, and opening this event, will be the Lord-Lieutenant Dame Sarah Rose Troughton

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Dame Sarah Rose Troughton is The King’s representative in Wiltshire and was appointed in February 2012.

She has held several voluntary positions both within and outside Wiltshire for a number of years and was particularly involved with the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon, Community First and Youth Action Wiltshire. Mrs Troughton maintains a strong interest in all aspects of life within Wiltshire including council services, commerce and industry, the Armed Forces, along with many voluntary, community and charity groups and organisations.