In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, Emma Slade, the only Western female fully ordained in Bhutan, is set to embark on an awe-inspiring 403km trek across the rugged Wild Bhutan Trail. This journey, aptly named "A Women With Altitude", is part of a campaign to raise vital funds for a special needs school in Bhutan and showcase the resilience and potential of children with special needs.
Launching on Monday, March 31st, the campaign will culminate in September 2025 when Emma begins her 37-day odyssey. Clad in traditional nuns' robes, she will traverse 12 mountains, navigate seven diverse climate zones, and reach a peak altitude of 4000m. This challenging feat will not only test her physical endurance but also serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for children with special needs.
Emma's mission is to raise £1000 per kilometre walked, which will ensure the school's sustainability for the next five years. Her journey is a testament to her life's transformation. Once a financial analyst, a life-altering encounter in Jakarta led her to embrace Buddhism and dedicate herself to serving others. Now an established author, inspirational teacher, and advanced meditator, Emma faces her most formidable challenge yet.
The Wild Bhutan Trail is an untouched and arduous route, rarely traversed and deliberately left in its natural state. Emma's trek is not just a personal challenge but a powerful statement about the capabilities of children with special needs.
"The trek across Bhutan is not only for a cause that I am passionate about, but also to highlight the capabilities of these exceptional children," says Emma Slade. "Every child deserves to have an education and have opportunities in life. Bhutan has taken me to its heart, and by taking on this challenging feat, I hope that others will feel able to join in and support these wonderful, joy-filled children."
This journey is more than just a trek; it's a story of transformation, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Visit https://www.openingyourhearttobhutan.com/ to find out more and join Emma in supporting this extraordinary cause and witness the power of compassion in action.
About Emma Slade
Emma was born in Kent, UK. A Cambridge and London University graduate with a finance background in London, New York, and Hong Kong, Emma transitioned to yoga and meditation after a life-altering experience. In 2014, she became the first Western woman ordained as a Buddhist nun in Bhutan, aiming to bridge Eastern and Western perspectives.
Emma is also a TEDx speaker, coach, media speaker, advanced meditator and author of "Set Free: A Life-Changing Journey from Banking to Buddhism in Bhutan". For more information about Emma Slade and her extraordinary journey, go to https://www.emmaslade.com.
About ‘Opening Your Heart to Bhutan’
Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, a UK charity run by Buddhist nun Emma Slade, provides essential medical care, disability support, and educational resources to children with special needs in rural East Bhutan. All donations directly benefit those in need. For more information about the charity, visit https://www.openingyourhearttobhutan.com.
The Unseen Summit: One Woman's Determination to Help Bhutan's Children
By Matthieuse Coombes-Olney | 31st March, 2025
