Everest Base Camp

Day 1: Departure

We meet the Action Challenge representative at the airport and check-in together before boarding the flight to Nepal.

Day 2: Kathmandu - Menthali

On arrival in Kathmandu, we will be met at the airport and transferred 5-6 hours to the hotel on the outskirts of Manthali where the local flight departs from the following morning. At the hotel we have a briefing from the crew and in the evening we have a welcome meal and relax before commencing the challenge of a lifetime.

Day 3: Phakding (2,656m/13km trekking)

An early transfer to the airport for our exhilarating flight to Lukla. Clear skies give views of the Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse. This is a real highlight of any Everest  Trek and is something you'll never forget! On arrival in Lukla we head to Phakding 2,656, which is below. A winding trail, with climbs and descents, gives a wonderful introduction to Himalayan Trekking. 

Day 4: Namche Bazaar (3,449m/5km trekking)

For our first full trekking day, we cross the might Dudh Kosi river and continue through forested valleys to enter the Sagamartha National Park. We cross the iconic twin suspension bridges passing high above the raging Dudh Kosi river before beginning one of the biggest ascents of the trip, to Namche Bazar. Half way through this ascent trail, there is the chance for our first view of Everest in the far distance. We arrive for the night at the famous village of Namche Bazaar. 

Day 5: Acclimatisation Day (3,449(4-5 hours trekking)

Today we rise early to climb to the ridge above Namche for a stunning sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks. We spend the morning trekking along the beautiful river valley, returning for a more leisurely afternoon in Namche, before settling in for a second night to allow for further acclimatisation.

Day 6: Debouche (3,820/7km trekking)

From Namche, the trail follows the contours of the valley, high above the Dudh Koshi  river. From here we will see incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an ideal stop over for lunch. Here we can rest before makaing the steep climb to Tengboche, famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in Khumbu. From here, it's a short trek through Rhodendrom-shaded trails to reach Deboche. 

Day 7: Dingboche (4,410m/9km trekking)

The trail winds through Rhododendrom forest, crosses the Imja Khola river and has fine vantage points of Ama Dablam. It then climbs gradually past beautifully carved mani stones to reach the village of Pangboche where we continue along the confluence of the Khumba and Imja Kholas, turnign east into the Imja Valley. A path lined with stone walls leads us through fields to our accommodation in Dingboche village. 

Day 8: Acclimatisation day (4,410m/4-5 hours trekking)

Dingboche village lies at the head of two valleys in the shadow of Pkalde (5745m). For our acclimatisation walk today we head up the Chukung Valley for fantastic views of the Himalayas majestic mountains including the towering south face of Lhotse and Island Peak. We return to our accommodation in Dingboche for the night. 

Day 9: Lobuche (4,910m/8km)

We head up the Chola Khola valley towards the village of Dughla and descent to follow the valley to Lombuche. We will feel the temperature drop today, but the stunning sight of Nuptse bathed in an ethereal moonlight will keep our spirits high. 

Day 10: Everest Base Camp (5,364m/10km)

We leave Lobuche at dawn. The sun soon reaches the summits of the Himalayan peaks and slowly lights up the valley floor. We traverse the Khumbu Glacier, climbing towards Gorak Shep ('Graveyard of Crows'), where a couple of simple lodges are set amongst breathtaking scenery. We continue at a slow but steady pace to reach Base Camp along the Khumbu Glacier at 5,364m. It's a long, tiring day at altitude but team spirit drives us on to reach Everest Base Camp. We spend a little time taking photos and celebrating our achievement before making our way back to our basic lodges at Gorak Shep for the night. 

Day 11: Kala Pattar (5,550m/15km)

Today we have the option to take on the slow and steady climb to the summit of Katla Parrhar. This tough trek begins at 4am and is rewarded with spectacular views of the mighty Everest and the Khumbu Glacier below as the sun rises. We then rejoin the rest of the group at Gorek Shep and descend to Periche to complete a long but unforgettable day. If a trek to Kala Patthar is not possible due to inclement weather, we will descend directly to Periche. 

Day 12: Descend to Namche (3,559/20km)

After breakfast in the morning, we descend back down from Periche to the colourful village of Namche. 

Day 13: Descend to Lukla (2,850m/20km)

Today, we complete the last leg of our challenge together back down to the town of Lukla.

Day 14: Return to Kathmandu

This morning, we take a local flight back to Mentali, and take the long transfer back to Kathmandu (7-8hrs). Here we enjoy a decent shower and sit down for our last meal together; a celebration of our great achievement and a toast to our new found friends!

Day 15: Depart Kathmandu

This morning, we will have the opportunity to take in the ancient Durbar Square, a UNSCO world heritage site, crammed full of brightly-coloured stalls laden with Buddhist and Tibetan souvenirs and surrounded by palaces and temples. We can also visit Sayambhu, a large Stupa with stunning views of the city, plenty of monkeys and a great place to eat Momos (a delicious local specialty!). This evening we transfer to the airport for our return flight. (or take a morning day flight tomorrow).

Day 16: Arrive in the UK

In September there is the possibility of lingering Monsoon rains which can delay internal flights. By October, these are mostly gone, although rains are possible at any time. The Himalayan region is mountainous and the weather can be unpredictable. If internal flights are delayed by weather, a contingency plan is in place:

1. If the flight is delayed by one day, participants would lose a day exploring Kathmandu.

2. If the flight is delayed by two days, participants would require a helicopter on the descent back to Lukla. 

3. If the flight is delayed by three days participants would require a helicopter lift to Lukla.

After three days of delays the trail becomes too dangerous to reach Basecamp and the group would pursue the Ama Dablam Base Camp. 

In the extremely unlikely event of more days cancellation, a shorter trek would be arranged that avoided the requirement for an internal flight.

• A dedicated member of the Demelza fundraising team to support you with your fundraising.
• Fully supported 16-day group challenge
• UK Leader & medic
• A member of staff from Demelza will join you on the trip
• Full support team, including local guides
• International flights and air travel taxes
• Action Challenge trek leader
• All accommodation, hotels before & after the trek, and teahouse accommodation during the trek
• All meals with the group; breakfast, lunch and dinner
• National Park entrance fees
• Celebratory dinner in Khatmandu with evening drinks
• Pre event support & Challenge APP
• Optional training weekends