Ani Pema Deki’s 400km Trail Walk Raises Over Nu 9M for Bhutan’s Children
British nun Ani Pema Deki completed a 400km trek from Haa to Trashigang along the Trans-Bhutan Trail, raising over Nu 9 million to support differently-abled children in Bhutan. Her 37-day journey drew nationwide support and highlighted her decade of dedication to inclusive education.
British nun Ani Pema Deki — also known as Emma Slade — completed her 400-kilometre cross-country walk along the Trans-Bhutan Trail, arriving in Trashigang on 22 Nov after 37 days of trekking through rain, rivers and rugged mountain terrain. The journey raised over Nu 9 million for children with different abilities, with support pouring in from both local and international donors.
Her mission, called “A Woman with Altitude”, was never about adventure or personal achievement. It was an act of compassion driven by a decade-long commitment to disability-inclusive education in Bhutan.
Trials on the Trail
The trek tested her endurance in more ways than one. She faced harsh weather, slippery trails and physical strain, yet she kept moving for the cause she believed in. She even had to visit Mongar Hospital during the journey to treat her leg rashes, and yet she persevered.
“When the cyclone hit, the effect of the cyclone hit, and we were walking through that for about four days, and it was very slippery conditions, going up and down mountains, the mud and the water, and then my robe got very wet and then I got rashes on my legs, and that was very hard, I have to say. And I think if I hadn’t been doing it to help others, I, to be frank, would have given up at that point.”
Supported by Communities Along the Way
Her walk began in Haa and covered more than 400 kilometres before reaching Trashigang. At every stage, she was joined by people from all walks of life — De-suups, locals, students, teachers and tourists — all offering encouragement and sometimes even stepping in to clear overgrown sections of the trail.
“A lot of local people came to say hello, offer tea, and they even sang songs. And the Desuups helped us. In some places they had to use their knives to make the trail, because, you know, in the summer it’s wet and warm, it gets overgrown.”
A Warm Welcome in Trashigang
As she concluded her final steps into Trashigang, the district administration received her with a medal and certificate in recognition of her extraordinary effort. Though the walk ended, her mission to support children with special needs carried on.
A Decade of Service to Bhutan
At 59, Ani Pema Deki is the founder and CEO of Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting children with special needs in Bhutan. This fundraising walk added a significant boost to the programmes she champions.
“We’ve raised Nu 9 M. A lot of it comes from around the world, but also some has come from here in Bhutan. Even local people have made little contributions, which have been very, very touching. The money will go mainly to help children with special needs, particularly in the Draktso Centre for Vocational Training in Kanglung.”
