Join us on the Everest Base Camp Trek for Cerebral Palsy and raise funds to help us ensure Australians and New Zealanders living with cerebral palsy live a fulfilling independent and inclusive life.
On this adventure, you will first discover the sensory overload that is Kathmandu—Nepal’s bustling capital city. Fill your senses with the sights, sounds and smells of a city simultaneously hurtling towards modernity while stoically maintaining its traditional religious and cultural uniqueness.
Moving beyond city limits, you will then trek for 11 days through alpine meadow, into birch and rhododendron forest, across rivers and along narrow mule tracks between snow-capped mountains. Together with a team of local guides and Sherpas, you will discover the majesty and mysticism of the Himalayas by day, and fall asleep in traditional lodges and guesthouses in remote Nepalese villages at night.
Imagine the sense of accomplishment of standing in the shadow of Mount Everest knowing every step you’ve taken has raised vital funds to support Australians and New Zealanders with cerebral palsy live the life they deserve.
Join us on the Everest Base Camp Trek for Cerebral Palsy
Every 15 hours a child is born with cerebral palsy in Australia, making it the most common physical disability in childhood. The funds you raise as part of this challenge will be directed to providing vital equipment, programs and services to support those in our communities living with CP, or towards our international research program – the choice is yours.
- Medical research and new treatments – Since 2006 we have funded over 180 research projects resulting in discoveries in preventions and life changing treatment, but we need your help to continue to work towards a cure
- Technology and equipment – new innovations in technology is giving mobility to those who can’t walk and a voice to those who can’t talk
- World class services and programs – enabling those with CP to live fulfilling lives, enjoy activities and interact and connect with others in their community
- Support Services – Our support and respite programs provide a break for parents and carers through planned short term care for a person with a disability
Join us on the Everest Base Camp trek for Cerebral Palsy
Dates: 24 March – 10 April 2018
Registration fee: $770 (non-refundable)
Fundraising target: $4,500 (excludes travel)
Travel cost: $5,399*, including taxes
Trip duration: 18 days
Challenge duration: 11 days
Accommodation: Twin-share in accommodation in 2-3 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses
Minimum age: 18 (younger ages considered on application)
1. Enter your details in the form to instantly receive your information pack and booking form.
2. Complete and return the booking form to us at the email or fax on the form.
3. Or just give us a call on 1 300 905 188.
ADVENTURE BLOG: 24 March – 10 April 2018
Welcome to the blog for the Everest Base Camp Trek for Cerebral Palsy! Thanks for joining us on this amazing adventure through Nepal.
Day 1 saw the team formally meet and undertake a city tour of Kathmandu. We visited a number of ‘stupas’ (temples or shrines), beginning with one known as the ‘monkey temple’, for its many furry inhabitants. There we also visited a traditional Buddhist painting school, where we saw examples of intricate paintings, ranging from students to masters.
We then visited a public cremation site, on the banks of a stream that eventually flows into the sacred Ganges. We saw bodies being prepared for cremation, as well as some being cremated on bonfires of wood that very moment.
Finally we visited a third and final shrine and where we enjoyed lunch. From the it was back to the hotel and local shops to make preparations for the trek ahead.
For dinner we sampled local Nepalese cuisine, while being treated to some traditional Nepalese dancing. After dinner we had an early night to prepare for our 4:30am wake up call and 6am flight!
Today we had an early 4:30am wake up call for a 6am flight to Lukla. After a bit of a scramble at the airport, we managed to all get on the flight, and we were soon flying through and above the thick layer of dust and haze that blankets Kathmandu.
The dramatic landing strip at Lukla is something to behold. Surrounded by mountains, a small uphill runway ends abruptly in the face of the mountain. There is not much room for error for the pilots – in taking off and landing!After watching this spectacle unfold a couple of times, we began the trek in earnest. We wound our way up the valley, with a river winding its way below us. We fought for space at times on the trail with not only fellow hikers and Sherpas, but also donkeys and yaks. Even on the suspension bridges!
We arrived at our tea house around midday, and were welcomed with a hot meal. Some of the team did a day walk to a local school perched up in a hill, while others rested.
Over dinner we discussed the arduous day ahead, and also gave out the first of the ‘Everest Awards’. These are a daily event where we recognise someone in the group for thoughts, actions, or achievements. A handmade local bracelet is given out, and the recipient must nominate someone else the following day. I nominated Michael and Greg for the first award, as they had kept up excellent spirits during the day, despite a very short stay in Kathmandu and very little sleep. They only left the airport at 10pm, and were back there at 5:30am the next day. Given that Michael was running on essentially no sleep, I gave the award to him, with Greg as a runner up.
Given we were all feeling a little short of sleep, most went to bed early, while a few explored the local entertainment options before doing the same.
Day 2 of our trek – the ascent to Namche Bazaar – is one of the toughest days on the road to base camp. It involves an 11km hike with an altitude gain of around 700m.
We set off after breakfast for a hike that involves undulating terrain and multiple suspension bridges (which were enjoyed by 90%) of the group. We enjoyed an early lunch and some stunning views up the valley, before setting off for the difficult ascent.
The ascent began with a dizzying walk over a suspension bridge 130ft in the air. The next 3hrs was a tough slog up steeply inclined trail, punctuated by brief stops to catch our breath and rehydrate.
Eventually, after over 9hrs of hiking, we reached our destination: Namche Bazaar. Namche is one of the larger towns in the trail, and all manner of services can be found: souvenirs, coffee shops, hiking equipment, and even an Irish pub!
We made our way to the Snowland Hotel for a well deserved meal and for some, even a hot shower. During dinner, Michael gave the second Everest Award to Joel, for his constant kindness in looking after others, but Ben in particular. After dinner some of the group enjoyed a friendly game of Blackjack, with some of the guides joining in.
Guest Blog from John Tansley
Day three of trekking and the team has bonded really well, everyone is looking out for each other. Our trek today was a 4-hour acclimatisation trek to Syangboche at 3,700 meters. On the way, we visited View Point, where we had our first glimpse of Everest, truly spectacular! This location also has the statue of Tenzing, the first Sherpa to reach Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953!
We then reached Syangboche after a steep climb, this location is also a Heli-pad where supplies for base camp are dropped for Sherpas to transport, they are truly amazing. On our return to Namche, we relaxed for the afternoon, with most of the team having a long-awaited hot shower! The day finished at the world famous Namche Bakery! The Apple Strudle really measured up to expectations, those carbs will be burnt tomorrow!!!!!
Today we left our little oasis in Namche, which we were all quite fond of. As if to send us off, there was a light snowfall overnight, leaving us a beautiful powder coating alpine village to wind our way out. Those of us who had had altitude related headaches the day before were all recovered, so we set off into the cool mountain air with a spring in our step.
Our path wound it’s way along the side of a valley offering spectacular views of Everest and many other peaks of the region. We were stopping every few minutes at times to take photos, which, of course, could not do justice to the scale and majesty of the mountains.
After a rather spectacular view from our tea and lunch break continued on through birch, fir, and rhododendron forest. We spotted a local pheasant, as well as a large bird of prey circling above, which our guides believe was a griffin.
The day finished with a 2-3hr steady gradient up to our destination of Tengboche. Tengboche is home to a large monastery and is a sacred place. There we were lucky to see one of the monks chanting who also gave us each a blessing.
Over dinner, the Everest Award was given to John by Ben, for his constant support and care for those around him. After dinner, the now regular game of 21 was hotly contested, with Greg breaking a 4-way tie between himself, Glen GD, Glen K, and an unlucky Mickey Donovan.
We awoke to snow falling and a village shrouded in mist on Friday. In fact, many of us had been woken many times during the night by the local dogs, so it was a slightly weary morning for most, as well as cold.
On setting off, the mists parted, and we had glimpses of blue skies and even Everest. Our trail meandered through the low alpine forest, with slopes made slippery by snow and ice. Liverwort hung from the branches and blew gently in the breeze.
After another windy crossing of a suspension bridge, we began a long slow ascent along the valley wall. The low forest gave way to exposed rocky slopes and precipitous drops down to the icy rushing river below. The spectacular mountains above us were robes in mist and cloud. We occasionally had to share the path with passing yak trains.
We had lunch in a tea house with an excellent view of Mt Ama Dablam. After lunch, we approached the tree line. As the vegetation became more sparse, the track became more exposed, and the icy wind began to cut through. We were above 4000m in altitude at this point and all were feeling the extra effort this required. Despite this, we remained in good spirits and were soon at our destination.
Over dinner, the Everest Award was given by JT to Glen K, for his excellent companionship. The now regular game of 21 saw Michael race out to an early lead, only to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, as Greg won his second night in a row and 3rd out of four nights!
Pulling the blinds revealed clear blue skies this morning, but we refrained from opening the windows to the subzero temperatures. We had a later start today, with breakfast at 0800 and our acclimatisation walk beginning at 0900.
We ascended a ridge above the town, walking past a large stupa, and picking our way through loose rocks. This was made all the more difficult with a chilling wind, but we were rewarded with panoramic views of the 3 valleys that meet at Dingboche and the encircling snow-covered peaks.
We meandered back down to our tea house for lunch, and after lunch took the Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) for a test drive. A PAC is an inflatable chamber made out of canvas-like material about the shape of a sleeping bag, but bigger. It is designed for a person to be put inside and to be pressurised, to mimic a descent in altitude. It is used to treat altitude-related illnesses. Nobody volunteered to go inside the bag so we did a dry run.
In the afternoon, everyone was free to do as they pleased. Some had naps, some played cards, some read, while others explored the town and visited a French bakery. The latter was surprising as much for its existence as its (relative) quality.
For dinner, many of us chose the pizza – also surprisingly good. The Everest Award for the day was given to Rose, by Glen K, for her determination and persistence in the tough hike so far. After dinner, the blackjack game began but had to end somewhat early at 8 pm as everyone was falling asleep. It felt like midnight!
A late start was much appreciated on this cold morning, as it allowed the sun to creep over the mountainside and warm our rooms a little before heading off. Blue skies greeted our first footsteps in the crisp new snow. The cold night had brought a good snowfall.
A steep climb out of Dingboche levelled out as we followed low foothills above the town of Pheriche, nestled in the valley below. The clear skies afforded us views of the towering mountains around us.
Our trail descended towards the Dudh Kosi River, which we crossed via a bridge that he not yet been swept away by the ice meltwaters. Shortly after, our trail joined a yak trail and ascended steeply towards Tukla, which was our destination for the night.
After our short day, we had time in the afternoon to relax or go for a walk, but the icy wind and plummeting temperature meant most sat around in the common room in the tea house, which was heated by a stove. Like many stoves in the region, it was fuelled by dried yak poo.
Dinner saw Rose Award pass the Everest Award on to Glen GD, largely for being his splendid self. Rose also gave a special mention to her constant companion and supporter Glen K.
We were past the halfway point in the hike – 7 days down and 6 to go. We were getting closer and closer to our goal, but everyone was also feeling the effects 7 days of high altitude hiking. Most people had a cough or cold. Almost everyone he had symptoms of altitude. We were all cold and tired. Almost all activities at altitude were making us breathless. Our feet were sore, our clothes were dirty, and we smelt like yaks.
Bring on base camp!
Today saw us leave Thukla for a 3hr walk to Lobuche. The night and morning had been cold but we soon warmed up, with a very challenging climb to begin the hike.
We steadily ascended up to a Thukla Pass (4820m) where many local people and international visitors had crafted a number of memorials to clients who had died climbing Mt Everest. There were many shrines and these only a small proportion of the number of people who had lost their lives.
We then followed a trail along a slope overlooking a river separating us from the mighty Mt Lobuche. The trail continued and wound its way along to eventually we arrived at the village named after the mountain. Our tea house was located a further 30min down the road and was called Pyramids, presumably named after the pyramidal geographical formations in the area.
The tea house was more like a lodge and was quite comfortable. It turned out that an Italian research group used to use it as a remote research facility, but now its role is limited essentially to accommodation.
Over dinner, the Everest Award was given by Glen D to Greg, for their great camaraderie. The evening card game saw the trip doctor/team leader win the night.
We were all excited about the challenge that lay before us: the final leg of the journey to base camp was tomorrow.
Today, we sadly had to part ways with Rose. Unfortunately, she could no longer continue the climb to base camp. It was a hard decision, yet it was the right one for her health and safety.
We set off early up the valley leading to base camp. The cold eased once the sun was up, and walking became easier. We walked along the base of a glacial Rift Valley, complete with patches of underlying peat moss, where the glacier had retreated. The smell of honeysuckle occasionally graced the air, as it had done on a number of occasions in the last few days. We could not find the plant responsible but found some local spices resembling chives, which the locals burn as incense.
We arrived in Gorek Shep after a few hours, which is reported to be one of the highest villages in the world. It is certainly one of the coldest. A quick lunch later, we set off on the final leg of the trip to Base Camp.
We clambered up and down piles of rocks and boulders tossed aside by previous glaciers. We walked up and down ravines and foothills. We occasionally caught glimpses of the great Mt Everest above other snow-capped mountains to our right.
Everyone was feeling the effects of altitude. We were walking from 5000m in the morning to 5364m at base camp, and every step took our breath away. We were all exhausted after 8 days of hiking, but we were determined.
Finally, we arrived. We had done it! We were at Everest Base Camp! Something we had been planning and dreaming about for months, and in some cases, years. Ben led the way into the entrance to base camp and we celebrated heartily. All the hard work had paid off.
We spent a brief time looking around, then made ready to depart. We had another 3hrs ahead of us, and the weather looked to be closing in.
We were completely spent, and it was beginning to snow. It was the sheer determination that got many of us back to camp in the 3 hours.
We reflected on our achievement and celebrated over dinner. The Everest Award went to JP tonight from Greg, for his enthusiasm and passion in following this dream, despite being away from the family he loves. The nightly game of cards was won by Ben, who wiped the floor in Blackjack.
Today we are to begin our 4-day descent back down the trail but not before some of us were to attempt the highest point in the hike – Kala Pathar, standing at around 5600m.
After Base Camp, many of us were still sick with coughs and colds, some of us had altitude sickness and everyone was exhausted. As such, it was only a smaller party that set of for the option nap climb up Kala Pathar: Joel, Greg, Glen K, myself as team leader/doctor, and our guides Pemba and Puspo.
We set off before dawn in the -10 degree cold. While we had set off with hydration packs fully functional, the tubing froze within 10mins of being outside. We then slowly made our way up a steady steep slope.
We were treated by views of Everest, first illuminated by the sun from behind, and then as the sun rose over it.
As the sun came out it was as if the lights had suddenly come on everywhere, and the temperature jumped by 10 degrees. We reached the craggy summit of Kala Pathar, and were treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest. After some time soaking in the spectacle, we scrambled back down to join our companions for breakfast.
After breakfast, we set off for our 5-hour descent from Gorek Shep to Lobuche, Thukla, and finally into our destination in Pheriche.
Although we had quite the weather for most of the hike, it snowed for most of the 5 hours today. At times striking views of the valleys below and mountains above peeked through the cloud, but these views were fleeting as a rule.
We descended over 1000m today, and we felt our steps become lighter as the atmosphere became more oxygen-rich. Altitude symptoms melted away, and breathless plodding was replaced by more of a spring in the step.
We arrived at Panorama lodge before 5 pm, where some of us were able to indulge in hot showers and wifi. We were even treated to a movie on the DVD player – Hillary, about the famous knight’s ascent of Everest with Sherpa Tenzing and the vast support crew.
We left the comforts of the lodge at Kyangjuma after a somewhat relaxed 8am breakfast. We set off on a winding trail, high above the valley and river below. We had spectacular views of Mt Aba Dablam, and many other nearby peaks.
We found our way back to Namche Bazaar for an early lunch, and headed straight for the Namche Bakery – a favourite on the way up. We sampled the coffee (both good and bad – don’t order a flat white) as well as the uniformly good baked deliciousness.
From Namche we descended steeply down to a high suspension bridge, from where the trail followed the path of the nearby river. It began to rain during the afternoon, and although this was not ideal hiking weather, we agreed it was lucky to have rain at this point in our trip. Rain a few days back would have meant heavy snow at base camp, potentially making the journey impossible.
The rain eased, and after a couple of small but steep ascents, we arrived at our tea house in Chumwa. After settling in and having dinner, we got down to the real business of playing cards. This was greatly helped by the discovery of a 5 yo Australian Shiraz in the cupboard of the tea house. We optimistically sampled some local Nepalese wine, only to find it had much more in common with Ribena than wine. Glen K was the eventual winner of 21 that night, putting him on the championship board. We went to bed knowing there was only one more day left in the hike – the last 5 hours to Lukla.
We left the comforts of the lodge at Kyangjuma after a somewhat relaxed 8am breakfast. We set off on a winding trail, high above the valley and river below. We had spectacular views of Mt Aba Dablam, and many other nearby peaks.
We found our way back to Namche Bazaar for an early lunch, and headed straight for the Namche Bakery – a favourite on the way up. We sampled the coffee (both good and bad – don’t order a flat white) as well as the uniformly good baked deliciousness.
From Namche we descended steeply down to a high suspension bridge, from where the trail followed the path of the nearby river. It began to rain during the afternoon, and although this was not ideal hiking weather, we agreed it was lucky to have rain at this point in our trip. Rain a few days back would have meant heavy snow at base camp, potentially making the journey impossible.
The rain eased, and after a couple of small but steep ascents, we arrived at our tea house in Chumwa. After settling in and having dinner, we got down to the real business of playing cards. This was greatly helped by the discovery of a 5 yo Australian Shiraz in the cupboard of the tea house. We optimistically sampled some local Nepalese wine, only to find it had much more in common with Ribena than wine. Glen K was the eventual winner of 21 that night, putting him on the championship board. We went to bed knowing there was only one more day left in the hike – the last 5 hours to Lukla.
The final day of the hike was upon us. We awoke to better weather, with some blue sky to get us under way. We were all excited to be finishing, and were on the trail early.
In the 12 days that had passed since we walked the beginning of the hike, Spring had visited the trail. Flowers and trees were in bloom that hadn’t been, just 2 weeks ago.
We enjoyed this floral accompaniment to the spectacular mountain scenery as we made our way towards our tea break at a local bakery. After the break, we had 2 hours to walk until lunch, and this became harder with some fairly persistent rain. We sheltered for lunch at a tea house, before bracing the weather again and the final hour of our walk. Before we knew it, the rain had passed and we had reached Lukla – we had made it!
We found our tea house for the night in Lukla, and relaxed knowing we had no more hiking to do.
Over dinner we reflected on the amazing experience we had had on the trail, and thanked the guides and porters for their hard work. We’re all looking forward to getting back to Kathmandu, but knew that the flight from Lukla the next morning was not guaranteed.
We awoke early today for our flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Some were nervous about the small plane flight itself, but the larger issue was whether there would be any flights at all.
Many flights out of Lukla had been delayed or cancelled in the last few days, due to weather. The cramped runway requires good visibility for planes to be able to take off and land safely.
It was still foggy and cloudy when we were due to get to the airport, and we were told the planes couldn’t land. We passed some time in the hotel before we were called urgently to get to the airport, as a window of opportunity had opened up. Unfortunately by the time we got there, the window had closed, and we were back to waiting again.
At the airport we learned of people who had been delayed for 1-2 days waiting for their flights, and some of us were beginning to worry. Mickey and Greg had flights out from Kathmandu that night and the rest of us had flights to catch in the morning. As the hours went by and the weather failed to clear, we needed to think about a plan B. Helicopters were usually available for charter, if the planes couldn’t land. However, if the weather is bad enough, even the helicopters can’t land. There was an option of walking to Kathmandu, but it would take days, and this was not a popular idea after 2 weeks of hiking.
Eventually a few helicopters began to land, and then at 11:30, 4.5 hours after our flight was due to leave, the planes started to land. A window had opened up, and within 15min, 4 jets landed in quick succession. There was a mad scramble to get passengers on, and 15min later , all 4 jets had left. The rapid turnaround was required in case the weather window closed again and the jets were stuck.
We left knowing that other passengers at Lukla were not lucky enough to be on the first few flights, and would likely have to wait longer. We all felt very lucky and relieved to have made our flight back to Kathmandu, safe in the knowledge we would make our flights out.
We arrived in Kathmandu and were immediately reminded of just how dusty it is. We coughed and sneezed our way back to the hotel and began the process of reviving ourselves. Some lunch, hot showers, wifi, and free charging were all sweet relief after almost 2 weeks on the trail.
After making ourselves a little more respectable, we set off to procure some souvenirs from the nearby tourist area. When we returned, we were thrilled to find Rose at the hotel. She had been discharged from hospital just after we arrived. We caught up on stories and generally enjoyed having the team back together again.
After a late lunch, we met with Bimal Shrestha, who runs Cerebral Palsy Nepal. We had hoped to visit his centre in Kathmandu that day, but were unable to due to the flight delays from Lukla. We were all amazed by the service he and his organisation provide to the people of Nepal with cerebral palsy, and their carers and family. This was all the more impressive given the budget he was working with.
After making plans to stay in touch with Bimal, we then farewelled Mickey and Greg, who had to take an earlier flight. After their departure, the rest of the group headed to dinner at Bricks Cafe, as our last formal activity.
The next morning we packed up, had breakfast and said our goodbyes to Gopal, who had been our guide and looked after us over the 2 weeks. From their we headed to the airport and boarded our flights home.
It was hard to believe the journey was finally over. We knew that the experience was one we would never forget, and one that would leave us forever changed.
@Inspired Adventures
