World Expeditions 50th Anniversary Celebration in Thyangboche, Nepal | Lachlan Gardiner
A Celebration Across Continents
Fifty years ago, we set out on our first commercial trek into the Himalaya. Back then, trekking in Nepal was virtually unheard of for independent travellers, but we believed in the power of remote, responsible adventure. In September, we honoured that bold beginning with celebrations held on opposite sides of the world, one in Sydney, the other in Nepal.
Our Sydney celebration brought together long-standing staff, industry friends, media and past travellers, people who have walked alongside us in one way or another over the years.
In Nepal, more than 70 trekkers set off on various trails across the Himalaya, eventually converging at the spiritual heart of the Khumbu, Thyangboche. Among them was a special group retracing our original 1975 route, joined by our CEO, Sue Badyari. Together, they marked an extraordinary milestone with what may well have been the highest birthday celebration on the planet – complete with cake, candles, and a live simulcast back to Sydney.
As the sun dipped behind Everest’s flanks, laughter echoed from the mountainside and stories flowed freely. In both Thyangboche and Sydney, the energy was unmistakable, a shared pride in how far we’ve come, and a deep connection to the journey that began five decades ago.
Honouring Our Purpose
A standout moment came when CEO Sue Badyari joined the Sydney celebration live from the Everest region. “We’ve always believed in protecting the places we visit, supporting local communities, and making these journeys available to people who seek meaning, not luxury,” she said. “This isn’t a brand built on trends. It’s built on truth.” That sentiment echoed throughout the night. From the beginning, our focus has been on genuine travel experiences that connect people to place and leave a positive impact.
In Sydney, UTracks GM and long-time team member Kate Baker summed it up best: “Sustainability isn’t something we adopted – it’s something we were founded on. That’s why travellers return. That’s why so many of us have stayed.”
We were proud to hear those words echoed by many others in the room, including brand ambassador and travel photographer Richard I’Anson, who reflected on decades of shared adventures.
50 Years Forward
This 50th year has not just been a celebration, it’s been a turning point. We are actively working toward B-Corp certification, have launched a carbon measurement framework, and recently hosted a Sustainability Symposium focused on regenerative travel practices. We’re not looking to grow for growth’s sake, we’re evolving in a way that stays true to who we are.
Thank You for Walking With Us
Whether you’ve joined us on one trek or twenty, supported our guides and crew, worked in our offices, or simply followed our story - thank you. This celebration was for you as much as it was for us. And while we’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 50 years, we’re even more excited about where the next trail leads.
