The Ghar Parau Foundation

A 100% voluntary-based charity providing grant-aid assistance for British caving expeditions to all corners of the world.

Photo: Sunbeams in Doline 1 Hang Son Doong, Vietnam. (Ryan Deboodt)

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The Ghar Parau Foundation is a 100% voluntary-based charity. Through the management of an investment fund, the GPF provides grant aid to British caving expeditions, in particular those that include an element of innovative exploration or scientific study.

Since 2007, the GPF has awarded £143,750 to 217 expeditions travelling to 48 different countries.

We are also particularly keen to encourage young cavers into expedition caving. Over the last 17 years, the GPF has additionally awarded 105 individual grants to cavers going on their first foreign expedition.

Photo: Alum Pot, Yorkshire Dales, UK (Mark Burkey)

A female caver wearing a yellow caving suit straddles the cave passage.

Matienzo 2024

Posted on By Henry Patton

The expedition is yearlong, with most activity occurring in Easter and August. The objective was to find, survey and document caves in the permit area allocated to us. We added over 7 km to the cave systems. We took steps to involve younger people who can gain skills in techniques and so support UK speleology. This year, 10 cavers under 30 years old attended.

Report | Photo: Cueva de Riaño, Spain (© Sam Davis)

Chris Hayes in M10, an ice cave not yet connected to the main system, but directly above it. Pickaxe in hand, on the way to dig at draughting holes. (Photo used in Descent 300) (© Ben Richards)

Migovec 2024 – Pol Stoletja (Half Century)

Posted on By Henry Patton

Our 50th anniversary expedition didn’t disappoint! A fantastic deep lead produced endless discoveries, including a magnificent 90m+ pitch, with a return to “Christmas Camp” at -400m. Together with a dig breakthrough, big discoveries in nearby Planja Jama, a surprise visit from the British Embassy, and much more – 2024 was one for the history books!

Read the report | Photo: M10 ice cave, Slovenia. (© Ben Richards)

Traslajayarda Bartekbiela

Ario 2024

Posted on By Henry Patton

Rebolting and resurveying the 300m shaft Tras La Jayarda led to a new extension. “Try a Little Harder” was pushed down new pitches to within 15m of an inlet in Pozu Jultayu. Meanwhile, establishment of a camp in Pozu Jultayu via Bill’s Cave enabled fixed aids in the main streamway to be replaced and many promising leads to be identified for 2025.

Report | Photo: The 300m shaft of Tras La Jayarda (© Bartek Biela)

Emma Porter in White Cliff Cave (© Andy Goddard)

Ang Khang 2024

Posted on By Henry Patton

From February 11-22, 2024, an international team of cavers visited the Doi Angkhang region. The cavers, from Thailand, UK, USA and Austria, were mainly members of the Shepton Mallet Caving Club (UK) and Progression Group (Thailand). 41 caves were visited, of which 23 were new sites. A total of 2,290 m of cave passage was mapped in 8 caves.

Report | Photo: White Cliff Cave (© Andy Goddard)

Thamnampu Craigholdstock

Thailand Chaiyaphum 24

Posted on By Henry Patton

We had a successful expedition this year. The main focus was on cave diving, which made quite complicated logistics. As per our short report, we achieved most of our objectives and managed to survey in the region of 1.3 km in new passage. Several ongoing leads are left for ongoing expeditions to go at.

Report | Photo: Sump 2 Tham Nam Pu (© Craig Holdstock)

Optimism is a Strategy Streamway in Tragadero de la Soledad, Peru (© Boaz Langford)

Spring ’24 funded expeds

Posted on By Henry Patton

A total of nine caving expeditions were funded by the GPF Committee during the latest round of funding in March 2024, distributing a combined total of £6,900. A further 7 Alex Pitcher awards of £100 each were also granted to young cavers going on their first expedition abroad.

The expeditions submitted this round span many continents, with cavers travelling to Peru, Mongolia, Gabon and several regions across Europe.

Browse the archive map to find out more about the funded expeditions’ objectives

Photo: Optimism is a Strategy Streamway in Tragadero de la Soledad, Peru (© Boaz Langford)

Mulu Bartek Biela

Mulu Caves 2023

Posted on By Henry Patton

There were three expedition objectives: 1. continuing the scientific programme; 2. laser scanning from Cave of the Winds entrance to Barangs entrance, and 3. exploration incorporating surveying and photography. All three projects were either completed or came close to being completed. The science will be ongoing.

Report and photos | Photo: Even scientists have to cave!! (© Bartek Biela)

A caver standing in a streamway cave passage facing away from the camera.

Benarat 2024

Posted on By Henry Patton

A well-planned and executed expedition. The major success was the discovery of the longest section of the main river passage draining the Benarat caves system. All details can be found in the preliminary report.

Summary report | Serendipity Passage, Benarat Caverns System (© Mark Burkey)