Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh hike the Himalayas

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have hiked some of the Himalayas Mountains in Nepal.

Their Royal Highnesses are on a multi-day trip to Nepal to celebrate the ties between the United Kingdom and the Asian country.

Prince Edward and Sophie hiked the Annapurna range, which is less than 200 miles from the famous Mount Everest, on 8 February, toward Ghandruk. The Duke and Duchess spent time at the Annapurna Conservation Area in a region of Nepal with a historic connection to the Gurkhas.

The Gurkhas are a group of soldiers from Nepal who serve in the British Army.

Photo by British Embassy Nepal via Getty Images

Photo by British Embassy Nepal via Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess met with the Gurkhas earlier this week, and Prince Edward praised the soldiers as they were initiated into their regiment.

“Thank you for choosing to serve in the Brigade of Gurkhas in the British Army, and thank you for swearing allegiance to His Majesty today. You are joining a regimental family with strong traditions and a reputation for loyalty, service and courage,” he said.

Prince Edward continued: “Gurkhas have served the crown for over 209 years. This now becomes your heritage and your responsibility to uphold.

“You will be living and serving a long way from home, which makes your decision even more impressive, and again, on behalf of King Charles and all the British people, we really do thank you and admire your decision.”

He closed by reminding the recruits of their connection to both Britain and their home in Nepal: “Finally, always remember, you are a soldier in the British Army, but you are a son of Nepal. Be proud of both.”

Photo by British Embassy Nepal via Getty Images

Buckingham Palace said the trip to the mountains allowed “the Duke and Duchess to experience some of the natural beauty and rich heritage of Nepal.”

Their Royal Highnesses arrived in Nepal on 4 February and will conclude their visit on 9 February. This is their first trip to the country.

King Charles previously visited Nepal in 1998 as Prince of Wales, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited the country in 1986.