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The Adventure, Everest Base Camp A Himalayan Adventure that should be on everyone’s to do…
Mountain Everest for as long as we have dared to adventure has represented the pinnacle of pushing the human boundaries. The magnetic allure of Everest Base Camp and the Himalayas gives you the most incredible backdrop in the world. Your challenge over 11 days is to trek through the famous Namache Bazaar, home of the Sherpas, to reach Base Camp. Not to mention you’ll be able to experience the chaotic scenes of Kathmandu, the most incredible flight in the world and the renowned Everest Steakhouse! Guided by the stars and your head torch on that last night is one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have. Standing on the summit of a Himalayan peak, Kala Patthar, at a mighty 5,545m you will have the best seat in the house as the sun comes up behind Mount Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse – an unforgettable adventure to the rooftop of the world!
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Everest Base Camp In a Nutshell...
To get your place on the Everest Base Camp adventure you need to register online to confirm your place before committing to fundraising for one of our incredible charity partners. In a nutshell what you need to know: Registration Fee: £295 Fundraising Target: £2650 (less if you choose Flexi-Fundraising, see page 10 for more details) Net amount to charity: At least £1375 goes to charity, 100% of anything raised above the minimum goes to charity (our record from a student is £19k!) Charity, choose between:
Help for Heroes
Duration of Adventure:
22 days, 11 days on the mountain, 6 days to explore Nepal
Adventure Dates:
Range of dates over the summer months
Get your place on the adventure today by booking online at www.studentadventures.co.uk/everest 4
Or call us on 0845 643 9801 to register over the phone with one of the team.
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Your Itinerary 17 Day - Adventure Guide DAY 1:
Departure
Say good bye to the folks and catch a plane to from London to Kathmandu, Nepal >> Meals provided on the plane.
DAY 2:
Arrival and Team Briefing
Having landed in Kathmandu you’ll transfer to your hotel in Thamel, the main area for climbers and trekkers. Thamel is teeming with hustle and bustle, it’s a great place to explore and you will have the afternoon and evening to discover the sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu! >> No meals provided.
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DAY 3:
Kathmandu Experience and Team Brief
Today you will have the opportunity to be guided through the streets of Kathmandu as you check out famous temples, sample local cuisines and see typical village settlements in the Kathmandu valley - a great way to start to get under the skin of this incredible country, its people and their culture. In the evening you will meet your guides and have a team brief before enjoying a traditional Nepalese evening meal with entertainment! >> Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 4: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding (3 – 4 hours trekking) You will have an early rise to catch the first flight out of Kathmandu to Lukla, simply put the most scenic flight in the world! Look to your left and you’ll see the Himalayan peaks tower above your plane and the landing is incredible! Once we have got our feet back on the ground we’ll have some brekkie before dropping down from Lukla (2860m) to Phakding (2610m). This first stage of the walk is scenic through pine forests. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: Phakding to Namache Bazaar (7 – 8 hours trekking) Namache (3,500m) is where the Sherpas settled after crossing the Himalayas from Tibet hundreds of years ago. Your trek carries on up the banks of the Dudh Khosi which is fed from the melt water of the Khumbu Glacier at the foot of Everest. You’ll cross over Indiana Jones’ bridges above this raging torrent before starting on the ‘Namache Hill’ which presents a tough challenge. Namache is a vibrant town and is the capital of the Khumbu region where trade across the Tibetan border flows and it’s a great opportunity for you to get hold of Tibetan wares and souvenirs. This will also be your first real sense of being in the big Himalayan peaks as the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega sit opposite the valley from Namache. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6: Namache, acclimatisation day (3 – 4 hours trekking) To help your body begin to adjust to the altitude we have a rest day at Namache. In the morning you will have the option to take a hike up to 3,900m for some great views before descending back to Namche for lunch. In the afternoon you can chill out or explore the interesting Everest museum and get a sense of those who have come before you. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 7:
Namache to Deboche
(6 - 7 hours trekking)
Leaving Namache the trek contours around the mountain to reveal an incredible sight, the peaks of Khumbu including none other than Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam! Dropping down to river bed for lunch we then pull out of the valley for a tough hike up the pass where the famous Tengboche Monastery sits (3,870m). You’ll have an opportunity to visit and explore this Buddhist temple before finishing the day in Deboche on the other side of the pass. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 8:
Deboche to Dingboche
(5 – 6 hours trekking)
The incredible views keep coming as we continue to contour up the valley passing smaller and smaller settlements. Today you will have an incredible view of Ama Dablam, which some say is the most beautiful mountain in the world. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 9:
Dinboche to Pheriche
(4 – 5 hours trekking)
Departing from Dingboche we have a shorter day to trek up and over to Periche that sits on the Tsola River. Periche has some incredible panoramic views and plays host to Himalayan Rescue Association. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
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DAY 10: Periche, rest day
(3 – 4 hours trekking) We take another opportunity to rest and go for an acclimatisation walk before we progress to the upper regions of the Khumbu valley before descending back down to Periche (4371m) >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 11: Periche to Lobuche (6 – 7 hours trekking) Leaving Periche in the morning along the wide stunning valley floor we will take around three hours to cross the valley and pull up to Dugla where we will stop for lunch. We have incredible views of Lobuche East standing at 6,119m and the imposing north face of Taweche. After reaching Dugla the trail climbs steeply beside the glacier moraine before levelling off as we head towards Lobuche our rest stop for today.
DAY 12: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and onto Base Camp
(6 – 8 hours trekking) After about three hours trekking we will be approaching Gorak Shep, the original base camp of the 53 Expedition to the summit. The landscape will change distinctly in this part of the valley; it can only be described as what you imagine the moon to look like with a lunar scape feel. After lunch at Gorak Shep we have a few more hours trekking as we reach our goal, Everest Base Camp (5364m). An incredible achievement and a great moment to stand at the foot of the tallest mountain in the world!
After we have celebrated we will return to Gorak Shep for dinner and rest before the challenge of hitting the summit of your Himalayan peak begins! >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 13: Gorak Shep, summit of Kala Patthar and return to Periche (6 – 8 hours trekking) Setting of in the wee hours of the night you will aim to after a strenuous climb for two to three hours reach the summit of Kala Patthar, (5,545m) and you will have the best view in the world. Turn around and you’ll see the sunrise over the majestic Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse; an electric moment that will stay with you forever. We return back to Gorak Shep for breakfast before returning the way we came back down the valley to Pheriche. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
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DAY 14: Pheriche to Namache (5 – 6 hours trekking) Descending back down the valley and passing by the Tengboche Mountain the sight of Namache is a welcome one as its time to have a minicelebration with some apple pies and enjoy the atmosphere of this bustling Himalayan village! >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 15: Namache to Lukla (5 – 6 hours trekking) Dropping back down the Namache Hill into the pine forests it’s a pleasant and satisfying feeling knowing that you are coming to the end of the challenge. We rest in Lukla for the evening and toast our success! >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 17-21: Extension trips or Independent Travel (5 – 6 hours trekking) You now have an opportunity to explore with us some incredible extension opportunities. You could be visiting the Gurkha Regiment with Help for Heroes, something that you can only access with us. How about shooting the rapids with some white water rafting or jungle safari by elephant back to round off an incredible adventure!
DAY 22: Catch international flight home to the UK (5 – 6 hours trekking) The adventure has to end sometime! >> Meals on the plane.
DAY 16: Lukla to Kathmandu (5 – 6 hours trekking) An early morning rise to catch the flight back to Kathmandu! A great opportunity to relax and do some shopping in Thamel. If you’re looking for a great dinner experience head round from the hotel to the world famous Everest Steakhouse! >> Breakfast only.
Please note the itinerary is only an indication and is subject to changed based on group strength, weather, wildlife and other external factors. Your Adventure Manager’s decisions are final and we would ask you to be flexible in a result of a change to your itinerary.
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Flexi-Fundraising Flexible fundraising puts you in charge of how much your fundraising target is. Find out below how you could reduce your fundraising target by a lot if you pay a little extra.
So how does Flexible Fundraising work?
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You pay your registration fee when you confirm your place
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Choose to pay some of the trip costs yourself from £10 to £350 – this can be paid in instalments throughout the year to help you budget.
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For every £10 Flexi-Pay your target is reduced by £17. See your fundraising target get reduced by up to £600!
Example:
No Flexi Pay Fundraising Target: £2650
Registration Fee £295
+ Flexi Pay £200 (paid in two instalments over the course of the year) Registration Fee £295
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+ Flexi-Fee £200
Fundraising Target: £2310
Example:
Registration fee of £295 Flexi-fee of £200 paid in two instalments over the course of the year Fundraising Target reduced from £2650 to £2310
The maximum flex-fundraising fee is £350 to reduce your target by £600!
“Reduce your fundraising target by up to £600 by paying a little bit extra in instalments to meet the cost of your trip. The percentage of money going to charity increases whilst your fundraising target decreases!”
Your Adventure What’s included International flights to and from the UK to Nepal Internal transfers scheduled on the itinerary Hotel accommodation on a B&B basis for two nights prior to and one night after your trek Base Camp trek with full support crew, guides, chef and porters National Park fees, permits and vehicle fees as needed for the itinerary All meals and safe drinking water on the trek Support prior to and during the adventure 24 hour emergency response line Adventure T-shirt
What’s not included Personal kit Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Tips and gratuities to your Base Camp support team Optional extension adventures – Visit to the Gurkhas, White Water Rafting & Jungle Safari Visas for countries visited Personal Travel Insurance – we can recommend an appropriate provider for adventure travel Evacuation – in event of a serious medical emergency we will co-ordinate your evacuation with your travel insurance Vaccinations Spending money for drinks, souvenirs and additional activities
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More Adventure Than You Can Handle...
Everest Base Camp is an awesome challenge, but it’s not the end of the adventure! After your trek you have 6 days to either undertake your own independent travel or come with us for some unforgettable extension adventures that are amazing and great value for money as well. Not to mention that you’ll be hanging out with your new found friends from the Base Camp.
Visit the Gurkha Regiment Supporting Help for Heroes and the fantastic work they do is important. In return and in partnership with Help for Heroes we are in a position to offer you the opportunity and experience of visiting the Gurkha Regiment in Nepal – this is something that only we can offer you, this is a really unique opportunity to ‘go behind the wire’!
Spend the day visiting the Gurkha regiment, one of the toughest units in the world, to see where they live and train. Meet these formidable but friendly warriors and get to see something that your average civilian doesn’t get to see!
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White Water Rafting – Trishuli River Get the adrenaline pumping, get on board and shoot the rapids! Enjoy a day on the river where you will experience Class III+ rapids on the Trishuli river not far from Kathmandu. With the high water marks at this time of year it provides perfect conditions to go down the Snail’s nose, Ladies Delight and more! There is a good mixture of continuous rapids and calm waters to be able to look up and enjoy the view. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the side of the river at the take out point. >> Breakfast & Lunch.
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Jungle Safari – Chitwan National Park Going on jungle safari is an incredible experience over the course of three days. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a whole host of animals ranging from sloths, bison, deer, rhinos, monkeys, crocodiles, leopard, the elusive Bengal Tiger and so much more! After settling in and enjoying a night in the jungle lodge you will take to elephant back for a morning jungle safari penetrating through dense 18 – 20ft grassland; a favourite habitat of Rhinos and other mammals. Take your swimming costumes along with you as you will have the rare opportunity to see elephants bathing. In the late afternoon as the sun is going down take to dugout canoes to see up close the marsh mugger crocodiles and gharial croc before enjoying dinner round the campfire at the lodge! The following morning you will have the opportunity to go on an incredible bird walk and see over 400 different species and incredible flora and fauna. After an awesome three days it’s back to Kathmandu. >> Breakfast (x3), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x2) >> Breakfast & Lunch.
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What You Really Need To Know Frequently Asked Questions Is the Everest Base Camp Adventure I am worried about fundraising, how for me? would I raise the money? Absolutely! Trekking to the top of Everest Base Camp is simply once in a lifetime adventure that everyone should attempt. Standing atop of Kala Pattar as the sunrises over the back of Mount Everest is majestic sight that is simply unforgettable. Not to mention you will have the rare option to visit the Gurkha regiment in Nepal or to shoot the rapids and go on jungle safari! Everest Base Camp is for you… if you have a sense of adventure!
It’s natural to be worried about fundraising; it’s a challenge to raise the money for charity. You will have a great support network to help you through the process. There will be an Adventure Leader (a fellow student) at your University as your first point of contact who will help you every step of the way having been through the process before. Our great charity partners have dedicated staff to run fundraising workshops to help you develop a plan with loads of brilliant ideas and they’re at the end of the phone and email to help.
What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising target?
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If it looks like you’re not going to make your target you can postpone your adventure to a later date to give you longer to reach your fundraising target and take the pressure off.
Can I reduce my fundraising target in I have friends at another University, anyway? can they take part with me? Yes! Using our flexi-funder you can reduce your target by up to ÂŁ600 if you meet some of the costs of the adventure yourself. This can be paid over manageable payments over the course of the year to fit in with your student budget. For more details check the website on how to do this.
Is the adventure safe and how fit do I need to be? All adventure travel has an element of risk, but our adventures are risk-assessed and you are with experienced local guides who know the mountain well and how to look after you. Our adventures comply with the safety recommendations of BS8848 and is ATOL protected (no 10415) In terms of fitness, this is a tough challenge where you will have to trek at altitude and keep going when the going gets tough. You’ll need to train to prepare to get to the top.
Absolutely! All you have to do is send them the registration link on our website and get them to join the adventure with you!
Do I have to be a student to take part? No – all you need is a sense of adventure and you can take part in an adventure with some of the lowest fundraising targets in the UK!
What do you do to protect the environment? We support the national parks to help them maintain and restore paths to minimise erosion and we work in partnership with local communities to make an impact.
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What Do Students Say? A few thoughts from students who set foot in the Himalayas and set eyes on the mighty Base Camp... “Everest Base Camp was simply the most incredible 21 days of my life. I’ve seen Everest, been rafting and on safari in Chitwan National Park. Met some amazing people along the way, and I will never forget it for as long as I live!” Tom Middleton, Loughborough University “The flight to Lukla was probably the most scenic flight I have ever been on, the most exciting and the landing at the end was absolutely incredible, nothing like I have ever done before in my life!” Matt McGoldrick, Loughborough University “The views are literally out of this world, I don’t know if I can even begin to describe them. Without doubt one of the most beautiful places on Earth, totally recommend taking on the challenge!” Kate Weaver, Loughborough University
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Get Involved and Get Your Place! Everest Base Camp is an awesome adventure to the rooftop of the world that you should definitely do! Get involved and get your place today!
Book online at www.studentadventures.co.uk/everest Call to book with one of the team on 0845 643 9801 or ask any questions.