The Classic Everest Base Camp Challenge

Nepal | Friday 29th October - Friday 12th November 2021

Overview
Itinerary
Charity Project
Challengers

An absolute MUST for all the adventurous souls. This breath-taking 12-day journey will reach altitudes of more than 5,500 metres, trekking on the slopes of the mightiest mountain in the world, surrounded by the majesty of the Himalayas. The terrain is immensely varied with rhododendron forests, roaring mountain rivers, alpine meadows and impressive glaciers, all towered over by the awesome backdrop of the snow-capped mountain range.

FUNDRAISING: To fundraise for our charity project in Nepal, Child Rescue. We ask each individual to fundraise a minimum of USD1,370 (AED5,000) for our project. This challenge is fundraising to safeguard children from trafficking.

FITNESS LEVEL:
This will be an extreme test of fitness and determination. There is no technical climbing, but there will be plenty of challenging sections and trekking at high altitude.
Click here to read more about the challenge fitness ratings.

TRAINING:
In the run up to the challenge, Gulf for Good runs a variety of free, weekly training sessions that we encourage you to join. In addition, registering for this challenge grants you an unlimited membership to Gulf for Good's soulFIT fitness and hiking community.
Click here to read more about soulFIT, our hiking community and view the upcoming schedule of activities.

COST INCLUDES:

A challenge, adventure and charity experience of a lifetime!
An opportunity to visit the charity and experience the difference your fundraising will make
soulFIT training membership
Unlimited access to all Gulf for Good hikes, fitness and training activities in UAE
Fundraising approval and support with fundraising events
Pre-challenge briefing and get-togethers
Discount with Gulf for Good partner outdoor outfitters
Safety, medical and equipment advice
Internal flights and transfers
Accommodation, food and water
Experienced Outdoor First Aid certified, Gulf for Good support team
In-country medical and vehicle back up
Ethical, global standards for in-country guides and porters

Either pay at once or opt for our easy installment plan below.

PAYMENT DEADLINES:

On registration AED1,000 (USD 275) - Deposit toward Challenge Expenses (non-refundable & non-transferable) due to Gulf for Good
Thursday 26th July 2021: AED 3,000 (USD 800) - 50% remaining balance towards Challenge Expenses due to Gulf for Good
Thursday 16th September 2021: AED 3,000 (USD 800) - 50% final balance towards Challenge Expenses due to Gulf for Good
Thursday 21st October 2021: AED 5,000 (USD 1,360) - Minimum Charity Donation due to International Humanitarian City

(USD 1 = AED 3.67)

EXCLUDES:

International flights
Visas
Tips and spending money
Vaccinations
Insurance
Kit items
Drinks (other than water)

This event is pending approval by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department

Day1

Friday 29th October - Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

On arrival in Kathmandu we will be met by the guide company and transferred to our hotel. This will be followed by a trek briefing, equipment checks and a welcome dinner.

Overnight at hotel.

Day2

Saturday 30th October: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,860m) – Phakding (2,652m) : 3 hours

Today, we will take a short 45-minute flight to Lukla where we will meet the Sherpas and explore this small bustling hill top town. After lunch, we will start our first trek in beautiful surroundings, descending to Phakding (2,652m) and dinner.

Overnight in Tea House

Day3

Sunday 31st October: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,447m) : 4 – 6 hours

The trek will start gently, passing through small rural villages and a monastery. In the afternoon, we will pass through the Sagarmatha National Park to Jorsale. After crossing a suspension bridge, we will begin the steep climb to Namche Bazaar, enjoying the first incredible views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

Overnight in Tea House

Day4

Monday 1st November: Namche Bazaar - Acclimatisation Day

As the name suggests, the bustling village has numerous shops selling items of every description! We can rest, explore and visit the National Park Visitors Centre.

Overnight in Tea House

Day5

Tuesday 2nd November:: Namche Bazaar – Thyangboche (3,863m) : 5 – 6 hours

Following a brief uphill stretch, the path levels out for two hours, with dramatic views of the “big three”. We will then head downwards through the rhododendron forest to the Imja Khola river where we will stop for lunch at Phunki next to several water-driven prayer wheels. The afternoon is spent climbing slowly to the Thyangboche Monastery, one of the most beautiful spots on earth. It is the traditional place where Everest expeditions receive their blessings as they walk on towards base camp.

Overnight in Tea House

Day6

Wednesday 3rd November:: Thyangboche - Pheriche (4,220m) : 5 hours

The day starts with a steep muddy descent through mixed woodland to the meadows of Devouche, across the river’s suspension bridge and on to the village of Thyangboche. We trek along a trail cut out along a sheer rock cliff, to the upper Pangboche village followed by a steep climb to Khumbu Khola into the windswept valley of Pheriche for the night.

Overnight in Tea House

Day7

Thursday 4th November:: Pheriche (4,220m) - Acclimatisation Day

A wonderful day of relaxation and acclimatisation at this altitude before resuming the ascent tomorrow.

Overnight in Tea House

Day8

Friday 5th November:: Pheriche - Lobouche (4,931m) : 5 – 6 hours

Today’s trek traverses an open landscape, with a short steep ascent cresting a ridge, taking in the beautiful views of Mount Cholatese to the west. After an early lunch, we have a steep trek to the Sherpa memorial site for those who have passed away during Everest expeditions. From here we will continue through the moonscape of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, to emerge at Lobouche.

Overnight at Guest House

Day9

Saturday 6th November:: Lobouche - Gorak Shep (5,160m) : 7 – 8 hours

The day starts with a fascinating hike along the Khumbu Glacier, through jumbled moraine and scattered rocks, before a steep climb up to a ridge, from where Mount Everest can be seen on a clear day, looming behind Nuptse. The small community of Gorakshep is a short way down the ridge. After lunch, you can choose to rest or join an arduous climb to Kala Pattar (5,545m) for the breathtaking views of the giants of the earth: Pumori, Everest, Changtse, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and many others!

Overnight in Tea House

Day10

Sunday 7th November:: Day trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) and back to Lobouche (4,931m) : 8 hours

Finally, the day we have all been anticipating! Mounts Lhotse and Nuptse also loom over the site of the camp and we will be able to explore the area, including the entrance of the Khumbu Glacier and sites of several base camps.

Overnight in Tea House

Day11

Monday 8th November: Labuche - Devouche (3,800m) : 7 hours

Today’s walk to Devouche is delightful, made easier by decreasing altitude and warmer, softer climbs.

Overnight in Tea House

Day12

Tuesday 9th November:: Devouche - Monjo (2860m) : 6 hours

The walk to the small riverside village of Phunki with its water powered Prayer Wheels will be “up and down”, cresting ridges and bridging rivers with many beautiful spots, following the Dudh Kosi river to Monjo for the night.

Overnight in Tea House

Day13

Wednesday 10th November: Monjo – Lukla (2,860m): 5 hours

The morning’s hike will start with a 2-hour descent to Phakding, then we’ll have a 3-hour uphill climb to Lukla, where we will have a farewell party for the Sherpas at the campsite.

Overnight in Tea House

Day14

Thursday 11th November: Lukla - Kathmandu

We will catch the early morning transfer flight to Kathmandu, where we should arrive in time to explore and shop. During the evening we will enjoy farewell cocktails and a celebration dinner!

Overnight at hotel

Day15

Friday 12th November: Charity Visit and return home Kathmandu - Dubai

Today is one of the highlights of our trip - an opportunity to visit the charity project.

After spending the best part of the day at the charity we head to the airport for our return flight home.

Notes: This itinerary may change due to border regulation changes, unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, group strength, etc. We will endeavour to keep to the planned itinerary but cannot be held responsible for last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, the group leader will have the final say. This itinerary is tough, and you may encounter poor weather. The trek is not for the unfit or the faint-hearted. Most mountain treks have occasional exposure to sheer drops. Therefore, should you suffer from vertigo; you should discuss the itinerary with a member of our team.