Everest Base Camp for the Children of Gorkha

About the Climb

We are working on several projects in the Gorkha District of Nepal. These projects started when the parents of several special needs children became ill, and were unable to take care of their family. Our goal is to expand the support from this one family to the entire community. We are building a community center that will serve as a library, daycare and have support for special needs children in the district.

On our Everest Base Camp Trek we experience astounding mountain views, get glimpses of the life of the world-famous mountain climbers (the Sherpas), enter Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site and tour high altitude Buddhist monasteries. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp of Nepal also provides us an opportunity to embark on an epic journey that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off to in 1953. Our Sherpa will guide us to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest on an adventurous trek package that also includes climbing Kala Patthar to admire the panoramic views of Everest and the Himalayan range. Nothing beats the thrill and sense of accomplishment that grips trekkers on seeing the power and grace of the mighty mountain up close.

This Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary is designed for beginner trekkers who are in good health with average physical fitness. The ample distance covered between daily itineraries, a steady gain of altitude and separate rest days ensures that we are properly acclimatized to enjoy our trek to the Everest base camp fully.

Additional Notes & Considerations

1. Packing List – Concerning clothing, LAYERING is the key. Test out combinations of apparel during your training workouts and hikes. Remember that you will need clothing that wicks moisture away from your body. You don’t want anything that will keep sweat locked in close to your skin. COTTON for any layer, including underwear and socks, should be avoided at all times.
2. What you will carry on the climb – Small Backpack (recommended) that holds approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches. The maximum weight you will be carrying is 8-10 lbs. (includes water bottles). Remember to work out while carrying your pack! A “daypack” typically has enough space for what you will need to carry. However, a “backpack” will have better padding in the shoulders and waist making it more comfortable (and in some cases durable) to carry during our climb. Comfort is king! Make sure the shoulder and waist straps have enough padding to ensure they don’t cut into your shoulders/hips. It needs to be large enough for your daytime walking items. Don’t forget a waterproof backpack cover (optional – you could use liner trash bags inside of backpack instead)
3. Notes about the Training – The key is to exercise 4-5 times a week and build up your endurance. Start with 30-45 minutes and build up to a long workout once a week that is at least 4-5 hours. Walk and hike as much as you can and remember to stretch! We will trek for 60-90 minutes, take a 10-15 minute break and then start again. This cycle will continue for 6-7 hours a day. The key is that you can recover within the break time and at night to continue trekking.
4. Immunizations and Medicine to Bring – Check with your doctor (or travel clinic) to make sure your vaccinations are up to date before traveling. The Center for Disease Control always has current information and recommendations. Check the vaccines list and visit your doctor well before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. You should also consult with your healthcare provider regarding Diamox (Acetazolamide) as it relates to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Be sure to bring any prescription medication with you from home. We will talk more about dealing with altitude later.

We will provide a lot more details once you sign up to be a member of the team. We will answer all of your questions and make sure that we are all on the same page. We look forward to sharing this incredible adventure with all of you.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

Day 2

Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft): 40 minutes flight; 8km, 3 - 4 hours trek

Day 3

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft): 11km, 5 - 6 hours

Day 4

Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)

Day 5

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 10km, 5- 6 hours

Day 6

Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 9km, 5 - 6 hours

Day 7

Dingboche: Acclimatization

Day 8

Dingboche to Duglha (4,600 m/15,090 ft): 4km, 3 - 4 hours

Day 9

Duglha to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 4km, 2 - 4 hours

Day 10

Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft): 13km, 6-7 hours

Day 11

Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7-8 hours

Day 12

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft): 20km, 6 - 7 hours

Day 13

Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 - 7 hours

Day 14

Fly to Kathmandu

Day 15

Celebration and Project Visits/Updates

Day 16

Final departure

Notes: Program led by a Director of Autism Beyond Borders. We can also help arrange any sightseeing, Chitwan National Park, etc. for before or after the trek.

Fundraising Goals Set by local charity partners - $8,000 cover all on the ground costs and airfare. $5,000 cover all on the ground costs NOT airfare to Nepal.