Everest Base Camp Trek
Trek to Everest Base Camp in Brain Tumour Awareness Month and accelerate a positive change for those affected by brain tumours.
When:
6 – 23 March 2025 *
* other trip dates available
Where:
Nepal
Registration fee:
£495
Sponsorship:
£4,895
Standing at a formidable 8,848m, the summit of Mount Everest offers the perfect backdrop for this trek of a lifetime. Starting in Lukla, your route will take you through Sherpa villages, past beautiful monasteries and over jaw-dropping suspension bridges until you reach the base camp of the world’s highest mountain.
You’ll have the option to wonder at the scenery below the highest point of Kala Patthar before celebrating in mystical Kathmandu.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: International departure from London
The big day has finally arrived! Wave goodbye to family and friends before boarding your overnight flight to Kathmandu where your challenge will begin.
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu
On landing in the capital, you’ll be welcomed by the local Charity Challenge representative, who will transfer you to your hotel (you will stay in Mulkot, 3 hour transfer, if flying from Ramechhap the following day) for the first team dinner. This is the perfect opportunity for you to meet your fellow trekkers and ask any questions about your challenge ahead. After dinner, there will be time to prepare your trekking kit before getting an early night.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu/ Ramechhap to Lukla and trek to tok-tok village
You will have an early start as you transfer to Kathmandu/Ramechhap Airport where the adventure begins. The flight alone is an experience, so be sure to take in the scenery of towering, snow-capped mountains before you swoop dramatically into the runway. After arriving, there’s a chance to pick up any last-minute kit and meet your sherpa crew. After lunch, there’s a pleasant acclimatisation trek with a view of the kusum-kangru crossing at Tok-Tok village. 6,369m.
NB. This flight is weather dependant and can be subject to delay or cancellation. There are several acclimatisation/rest days built into the trip to allow for potential delays (up to three days). If flights are unable to take off after three days, we will implement an alternative trek itinerary.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar
As you leave Tok Tok this morning, you will cross the first suspension bridge of the trek, a truly breath-taking experience. You will follow the trail to Monjo, beneath the peak of Thermasarkhu (6,608m), and continue down the meandering path along the river. Finally, you will cross another spectacular bridge before reaching the foot of the steep ascent to Namche. Weather permitting, this may be your first chance to glimpse the summit of the mighty Everest. At the top, the colourful, bustling Sherpa Capital of Namche Bazaar is your final destination for the day.
Day 5: Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar
With Everest now in sight, you’ll have time to acclimatise by walking to the top of Namche Bazaar. There is an optional walk to the Everest View Hotel, which boasts sweeping panoramic views. Alternatively, you can head to the Sherpa Culture museum to learn more about the region’s fascinating mountaineering history. You will spend another night in Namche Bazaar, ready to continue trekking in the morning.
Day 6: Trek to Deboche
This morning follows the winding trail from Namche Bazaar, with exceptional views of Everest. From Shanasa, descend into Phungitenga (3,250m) a pretty settlement in the midst of alpine woods before taking on a tough ascent to Tengboche (3,867m). With its monastery and stunning views, Tengboche is arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the Himalayas. Continue along the trail to Deboche (3,800m) where you will spend the night in the shadow of the Ama Dablam peak.
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche
Leaving Deboche, your route follows the long Prayer Mani Wall up towards Shomare. The altitude may start to take its toll as you climb higher above the Imjatse River. However, from here it’s a lovely descent into the Imjatse Valley and the shadows of the Nuptse, Lohtse and Ama Dablam mountains. The village of Dingboche is where you will rest your weary legs for the night overlooking a patchwork of fields.
Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Today is another acclimatisation day. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the monastery and admire the incredible vistas from the ridge over Dingboche and the Imja Khola tributary. Spend the afternoon drinking tea in a coffee shop and resting up for the days ahead.
Day 9:
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep
Day 11: There and back to Everest Base Camp, 5,357m
Day 12: Ascent of Kalapatthar and back to Pherice
Day 13: Trek to Kanguma
Day 14: Kanguma to Chumoa
Day 9: Trek to Loboche
Heading north, the trek follows the path above the village of Pheriche towards Thukla for lunch. The colourful memorial ground of fluttering prayer flags and monuments are dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives whilst mountaineering. It also serves as a reminder of how challenging the natural environment can be, so be sure to take a moment to appreciate your achievement so far. From here you have unrivalled views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. This is a good spot for a short break before continuing on for another 1½-2hrs up to Loboche.
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep
Set off on a rocky moraine path and climb above the glacial pond and icebergs of the Khumbu Glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to the town of Gorakshep, below Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Mt. Pumori (7,145m). Gorakshep, famous for being Sir Edmund Hillary’s base camp during his expedition to Mt. Everest in the 1950s, is your home for the night.
Day 11: There and back to Everest Base Camp
Today is the day – the finale of your trek to Everest Base Camp. The high altitude and difficult terrain makes the trekking a lot more strenuous, but the lively commotion from Everest Base Camp will help to spur you on. Celebrate with friends old and new as you reach Everest Base Camp, making sure to take plenty of photos to document your achievement. You will then head back to Gorakshep to sleep for the night.
Day 12: Ascent of Kalapatthar and back to Pherice
Although optional, the steep hike to Kalapatthar is well worth it and is often considered one of the highlights of the trek. At Base Camp, the summit of Everest is hidden from view. From the top of Kalapatthar, however, you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Everest’s peak. Now it is time to start the descent back down to Lukla, beginning with an overnight stay in Pheriche 4,245m.
Day 13: Trek to Kanguma
The return journey will take you through the village of Pangboche, as you continue back along the Imja-Tse gorge and up to Tyangboche. The village of Kanguma is home for the night, sitting alongside the beautiful Dudh Koshi River
Day 14: Kanguma to Chumoa
The morning climb from Kanguma is steep, pushing weary legs through pine forests and valleys towards Namche Bazaar. Enjoy lunch here, the largest Himalayan village, before continuing along the path towards Monjo and your teahouse for the evening.
Day 15: Trek back to Lukla
The last day of walking is pleasant, following the Bhote Kushi River towards the village of Phakding, before embarking on the final stretch of your journey. It’s one last push to tackle the 45 minute uphill climb to Lukla where you will be staying in a traditional teahouse. Now it’s time to revel in your success with a hard earned celebration meal and an evening spent sharing memories with your new found friends.
Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu
Bid farewell to Lukla and the magic of the Himalayas. Touching down in Kathmandu you will transfer to your hotel where a delicious celebration meal will await you.
Day 17: Kathmandu
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the magical city of Kathmandu. You will have time to visit its many temples and monasteries, mingle with the monkeys at Swayambhunath Temple or go for a stroll through the Garden of Dreams. Don’t forget to pick up some prayer flags before you head back to the hotel for your last supper together.
Day 18: Depart Nepal and arrive home
Today you depart from Nepal, leaving with fond memories and a great sense of achievement. Touching down in the UK, it may be harder than you expected to say goodbye to all your team mates so be sure to swap details before heading home to share the stories of your adventure.
What’s included?
Before you go
- Support materials (itinerary, kit list, visa information, travel insurance, health notes, travel tips, responsible travel policy and guidance)
- Sponsorship forms
- 12.5% off Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, and Runners Need
- Access to your own password protected account including support materials and training schedules
- Warm up exercise routines
- Risk assessment and emergency management planning
- Public liability insurance
- Fundraising advice
- Fitness training notes
- Access to training weekends (optional and at additional expense)
- 16 and 20 week trek/ bike training schedule
On your challenge
- UK-based 24-hour emergency support line
- Internal transfers (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
- Equipment as per the challenge activity
- Drinking water on challenge days
- An English speaking first aid trained challenge leader and full local support team
- A donation to a community project in one of the countries in which Charity Challenge operate
- A contribution towards funding the reduction of carbon emissions through Climate Care’s portfolio of award winning projects
- Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
- Accommodation during the challenge (usually in twin share)
- Three meals a day (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
- Entrance fees to national parks or other places of interest visited on the itinerary
- International flights to and from the UK including air taxes (but excluding the fuel element)
What’s not included?
Before you go
- Any covid tests required for entry to any countries or places of interest on your challenge itinerary
- Visa (if required)
- Travel to and from the UK airport of departure
- Vaccinations
On your challenge
- The fuel element of the air taxes for your international flights
- Tips
- Departure tax (if applicable)
Payment Options
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Registration fee: £495. Pay a non-refundable registration fee or £495 when you book plus the fuel element of air taxes (capped at £250).
Fundraising target: £4,895. To guarantee your place on this trek, we ask that you have raised £3,916 (80%) 12 weeks before departure and the final £979 (20%) within 4 weeks of your return.
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Registration fee: £495. Pay a non-refundable registration fee or £495 when you book.
Remaining cost of trip: £495 paid directly to the event organisers Charity Challenge 10 weeks before your challenge plus the fuel element of air taxes (capped at £250).
Fundraising target: £3,885. To guarantee your place on this trek, we ask that you have raised £3,108 (80%) 12 weeks before departure and the final £777 (20%) within 4 weeks of your return.
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Registration fee: £495.Pay a non-refundable registration fee of £495 when you book.
Remaining cost of trip: £2,399 paid approximately 10 weeks before your challenge to the event organisers Charity Challenge plus the fuel element of air taxes (capped at £250).
Fundraising target: Raise as much as you can!
Want more information?
You can read more about the Everest Base Camp Trek and sign up on the Charity Challenge Website!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the events team events@thebraintumourcharity.org or call 01252 237867.