Ala Archa Expedition

In 2018, after 10 months of planning, training and securing sponsorships, five undergraduate students from The University of Sheffield set off on a self-led expedition to the Ala Archa region of Kyrgyzstan. Originally conceived by Alex Hyde and Sam Gillan in order to gather field data for their undergraduate dissertations, the trip was also an opportunity to forge local links and share knowledge about the challenges facing this environment due to climate change. Investigating the never before studied Fedorovich glacier with fellow students Calum, Louise and Tom, they lived alone and unsupported for 31 days in the Tian Shan mountains. Carrying all their equipment in on foot, they overcame challenging weather, dangerous terrain and ever dwindling chocolate rations... Their story demonstrates the importance of studying glacial systems in central Asia, as well as the opportunities available to explore such unique places; no matter what background or experience you have, just think big.