Kaya’s 19 day challenge – trekking the Manaslu Circuit to tackle pancreatic cancer
When you meet Kaya, the first thing you notice is her quiet determination. A London-based anaesthetic consultant with more than 15 years of experience, Kaya has devoted much of her career to caring for cancer patients in operating theatres and pre-surgery clinics across the country. But now, at 43, she's stepping out of the hospital and into the mountains - literally - to take on one of her biggest personal and physical challenges yet: trekking the remote Manaslu Circuit in Nepal to raise funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Why Kaya is taking on this challenge
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease, often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Kaya has seen this firsthand, both professionally and personally. She’s cared for patients with pancreatic cancer in surgery, and she’s also lost friends’ parents to the illness. Her deep respect for the work of Pancreatic Cancer Action, particularly their emphasis on early diagnosis, is what inspired her to take on this extraordinary trek.
“I think early diagnosis is key to getting good outcomes for patients,” Kaya says. “That’s why this charity, and this challenge, are so important to me.”
A mountainous journey with heart
Kaya’s challenge isn’t your average sponsored walk. It’s a 19-day high-altitude trek through one of the most remote conservation areas in Nepal: the Manaslu Circuit. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, means “mountain of the spirit” or “beautiful mind,” and is a far cry from the crowded trails of Everest. Kaya is drawn to its quiet beauty and spiritual solitude.
“The power of the Himalayas, rawness of nature and the Nepali Tibetan culture are part of my soul so keep drawing me back to walk amongst mountains that have been part of a long history and because I love the Himalayas so much – I see it as a place of expansion and peace,” says Kaya.
She’s no stranger to Nepal, having trekked to Everest Base Camp, the remote Upper Mustang region and the Annapurna circuit in recent years. But this journey will take her higher and further – peaking at 5,160 metres on day 17. She’ll be accompanied by a friend from Australia, who was forced to abandon their previous trek together due to illness. Their reunion on the trail will bring added meaning to this already emotional journey.
"I want people to know you don’t have to be an athlete or in peak condition to take on something like this. Even with an illness, it’s possible. It might just take you a little longer.”
Battling altitude and asthma
Kaya is candid about the challenges ahead. The cold, thin air at high altitudes is particularly tough for her asthma. “It makes my breathing more difficult,” she explains.
“But I want people to know you don’t have to be an athlete or in peak condition to take on something like this. Even with an illness, it’s possible. It might just take you a little longer.”
She’ll be starting in the warm lowlands (around 20°C) before trekking into temperatures as low as -15°C at the mountain pass. With only 10kg of gear allowed due to porter restrictions, she’ll be layering up, re-wearing clothes, and embracing the rugged reality of high-altitude trekking.
Bringing the community along for the journey
Kaya is hoping to raise £4,500 for Pancreatic Cancer Action. At the time of writing, she’s at £977 – just over 20% of her goal. But with her trek beginning this week, she’s inviting supporters to follow her journey on social media. She’ll be sharing photos and updates from the trail, village to village, mountain to mountain.
She’s also carrying a special banner from the charity to hold up at the highest point of the trek – a symbol of her commitment, and a powerful image of hope and resilience she plans to share from the top of the world.
From the operating theatre to the Himalayas
Her colleagues at the Whittington Hospital in North London have already started backing her efforts. But as Kaya points out, fundraising has been tough. “I’ve asked friends, colleagues, family… and it still feels like I’m far off my target.” That’s why getting her story out through local and national press, social media, and the PCA community – is so important.
Kaya’s challenge is about more than climbing a mountain. It’s about showing what’s possible when compassion meets courage. It’s about highlighting the urgent need for better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. And it’s about the difference one person can make, one step at a time.
Week 1 on the Manaslu Trail – From Excitement to Elevation
Namaste from Nepal!
It’s been an unforgettable first week on the Manaslu Circuit Trail, and I’m filled with wonder, gratitude, and a few sore muscles! The trail has taken me through lush forests, quiet villages, wild weather, and moments of deep connection with nature and local life. Here’s the highlights of week 1:
Day 1: Hitting the Trail
The excitement is real! After months of training and preparation, I am finally walking in the low Himalayas. The best part is simply starting, to put one foot in front of the other and begin this long-dreamed-of trek.
Day 2: Bridges and Monkeys
A bit tired after a rough night’s sleep, but once I got walking, muscle memory kicked in and I felt energised again. Highlights included multiple suspension bridges, being followed for a while by a sweet dog, and spotting monkeys in the trees. The not-so-fun part was scrambling over two recent landslides, definitely a bit nerve-wracking, but part of the adventure.
Day 3: Into the Gorge
What a day. Every corner revealed something new to photograph. The gorge we followed was stunning, with the roar of the river below and wind howling across the suspension bridges. I felt fantastic. A giant spider landing on me in the middle of the night gave me a bit of a fright – it was the size of my palm! I loved being in a tiny village with just one teahouse, witnessing local life, like a woman spinning yak hair into thread by hand.
Day 4: Bamboo Forests and Big Skies
The landscapes began to change as I moved into bamboo forests and gained altitude. The mountain air felt fresh and invigorating, despite a restless night due to a noisy rainstorm. The scenery more than made up for the lost sleep.
Day 5: Soaked but Soothed
It rained all day! Six hours of hiking soaked to the skin through slippery, muddy trails. But reaching the next teahouse made it all worthwhile. I stayed with a remarkable Tibetan family who made me feel so welcome, even preparing gluten-free buckwheat momo just for me. Playing with their child by the kitchen fire and hearing the mother’s story of strength and resilience was deeply moving.
Day 6: Forests, Flies & Cappuccino at Altitude
The weather cleared, and I had a lovely walk through pine, bamboo, and rhododendron forests with the river keeping me company. I’m now at 2620m in Namrung. A cheeky cappuccino at that altitude was a true treat! Flies and midges were the only annoyance – clearly they liked the trail too.
Day 7: Baby Yaks and Tibetan Culture
Today brought colder air (10°C) and the first sighting of baby yaks as they’re only found above 3000 metres, where the temperatures suit them. I also passed prayer wheels and my first gompas, signs of Tibetan Buddhism starting to appear more frequently. The wind picked up as I neared the village of Lho (3170m), but the spirit of the place carried me through.
Support Kaya’s journey
Donate on JustGiving https://www.justgiving.com/page/kaya-jeyarajah-1
Follow her trek updates on her Instagram
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Every donation brings us one step closer to early diagnosis, better treatment, and more time for those fighting pancreatic cancer.