Tag Archives: everest base camp

Adventurers of The Month:
Berlian Ayudya and Tom Walter

Leave a reply

Berlian Ayudya and Tom Walter

Cause: UNICEF Australia
Adventure: UNICEF Climb for Kids Everest Base Camp 2018

As our Adventurers of the Month, Berlian and Tom have scored themselves a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

We’ve both been supporters of UNICEF for a while and are so supportive of all the work they do for underprivileged children in Australia and around the world. Looking back at our childhood, we couldn’t imagine becoming the people we are today without the privileges and security we had, so what UNICEF champions to do in giving kids the best start to life is something that we both feel strongly about. When we received an email one day inviting us to participate in the Everest Base Camp Climb for Kids challenge, we were not only inspired to support such a great cause but we were also excited about the prospect of committing to a challenge that will test us physically and mentally.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Nepal before?

We’re very excited, determined and nervous about our journey ahead, as it’s the first big trek we’ve ever done. Neither of us has been to Nepal before but we have friends who have visited the country and conquered the Base Camp trek, and they’ve all come back with some great stories.

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey so far?

Sharing our story with others to galvanise their support has been great. Our family and friends have been so supportive (albeit a little scared for us) and have offered to help with raising awareness and donations for our cause. Another highlight would be hiking to Mt Kosciuszko over the Easter long weekend. We committed to two hikes, travelling around 20km each day. It was tiring but really worth it!

"We’ve both been supporters of UNICEF for a while and are so supportive of all the work they do for underprivileged children in Australia and around the world."

Do you have any tips for other people currently training for their Inspired Adventure?

We’ve found that mixing up our training has been really important for us to stay motivated and engaged. We’ll do big hikes on the weekend, but then back it up with functional training, yoga, Pilates or running during the week.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

To prepare for the challenge, we made some pretty significant changes in our lifestyle, including what we eat. As two big foodies, this is perhaps the biggest change we’ve made, but it’s paying off. We’ve both lost weight and our friends and family have been very complimentary – either that or they’re all incredibly good liars.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Embrace the challenge and commit to your training.

unnamed (10)

Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

Urgen’s story of hope and strength

Leave a reply

“No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is – if we lose our hope that’s our real disaster “ Dalai Lama

Meet Urgen

Life comes with its fair share of challenges and obstacles. However, very few of us will be tested like Urgen Kalden.

A Tibetan born in Nepal, the opportunity for a better life lead Urgen to move to the United States, where she now lives in New Jersey with her family. With a positive attitude and rare enthusiasm for life, this wife and mother tells her story in the hopes of bringing awareness to burn victims in Nepal.

In September 2013, while cooking, her pan caught fire. As she rushed to put it out, the hot oil spilled causing third degree burns to 35% of her body, and left her face permanently scarred. Bedridden for six weeks, Urgen’s sister gave her Turia Pitt’s book ‘Everything to Live For’. Turia’s story gave her strength to see beyond her burns and the knowledge that when tragedy strikes, a positive attitude can make all the difference.

Urgen’s face took a year to heal. She had to learn to walk, eat and move again. She admits her frustration at not being able to do certain things by herself, like bathing, combing and dressing. However, this didn’t dampen her spirits, as she was able to accomplish all these things again with her family and friends by her side.

“I am very lucky” she says, “I have the support of my family. When I saw my two beautiful kids, my son back then was 15 and my daughter 11, smiling and telling me not to worry about them, that they are studying hard. Those two gave me motivation to feel better every day. My husband always visited me after work and on weekends. Sitting beside me praying… I never once had any negative thoughts, what happened to me was my mistake, but that doesn’t mean I blame myself. It was just an accident.”

She has found the strength to not simply continue living life as before, but to make an impact. Her compassion and desire to help others has allowed her to get through her most difficult times. She believes living a life of kindness and compassion is the best way to overcome challenge and become a stronger person. “My attitude to life is more positive now. I don’t mind my scar and people staring.” Urgen admits the recovery from burns is long, and mental as well as physical, but that having another chance at life and the ability to make a positive impact to others is what matters.

This year, Urgen hopes to scale the heights of Everest Base Camp alongside Interplast ambassador Turia Pitt. Joining her will be a whole team of Interplast supporters, who are taking on the challenge to raise funds for this important charity. So far, Urgen has raised an incredible $10,252 for Interplast, through a successful dinner party event and games. She is humbled by the support of her friends and family.

The journey back to her former country will be an emotional one. It has been 10 years since she has been back to Nepal, where her mother, father and brother still live. She hopes to bring burn awareness to the people of Nepal, and help those who are in need of surgical services performed by Interplast surgeons.

After the accident that changed her perspective on life, her advice is simple, “be kind to others. And don’t worry about tomorrow – live for today”.

Keep reading

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

[mgl_instagram_user username=”inspiredadventures” cols=”6″ number=”6″]

Adventurer of the Month – Sam Taylor

Leave a reply

Sam Taylor

Cause: Interplast
Adventure: Turia’s Everest Trek 2017

As our Adventurer of the Month, Sam has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your Inspired Adventure with Interplast ?

I was inspired to take on my adventure with Interplast when I saw Turia Pitt’s post about the upcoming Everest Base Camp Trek. I’ve always admired Turia and her work with Interplast and it’s been a bucket list agenda for me to Trek to Everest Base Camp.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Nepal ?

I haven’t been to Nepal before and couldn’t be more excited about finally going there and seeing the amazing mountains and villages, and of course the infamous Everest!

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

I have been surprised with the overwhelming support in relation to my fundraising. I have so many people whom have loved following all my training treks and can’t wait to see my adventure unfold soon. I’ve reconnected with people I went to school with, and through the power of social media had many old friends jump on board to support my fundraising. I also had my 2 boys help raise over $1k selling ice blocks and chocolates, so that was beautiful to see.

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

My biggest challenge in taking on an Inspired Adventure has been time away from my kids preparing and training…but I have met some other amazing people who have become life long friends and I cant wait to also see how their adventures unfold.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

Since taking on my adventure I have now visited and trekked some stunning parts of Sydney, in my own backyard, that I would have otherwise never seen.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming adventure?

I’m most looking forward to stepping on Base Camp at Everest, and being able to come home and bring my son a small rock he has requested for his collection – completing the adventure as a whole will be amazing and meeting a whole new group of like-minded people.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

It’s life changing!! And a must do. I have had an amazing experience as a whole and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe then you’ll be successful. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Fear is what stops you. Courage is what keeps you going. It’s not who you are that holds you back. It’s who you think you’re not. The reason we grow is so we have something to give of value. Things don’t always work out the way we’d like. When you don’t give up, you cannot fail. We cannot change the cards we were dealt. It’s never too late to start again. Believe in yourself, even when no one else believes in you.

unnamed (10)

Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

[mgl_instagram_user username=”inspiredadventures” cols=”6″ number=”6″]

Annapurna vs. Everest Base Camp – which one is right for you?

Leave a reply

So you’ve decided you want to visit Nepal. Tick. You want to take on a life-changing trek. Tick. You want a challenge but also awe-inspiring scenery. Tick. You want amazing food, local culture and history. Double tick. Do you trek the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail? Error: answer unknown.

Fear not inspired adventurers! We’re here to rescue you with our guide to choosing which trail is right for you. The main thing to take away from this guide? Both trails are absolutely stunning and your life will be irrevocably changed no matter what you decide.

Are you ready? Let’s get to it!

How easy is it to get to?

Everest

If planes and runways aren’t your thing, this factor alone might make your decision that much easier. The only way to get there? A spectacular (albeit tinsy bit scary) flight to the tiny airstrip of Lukla. The mountain views are incredible … just don’t look down.

Annapurna 

To get to the Annapurna region is easy. You can either choose to travel by bus or via a short flight from Kathmandu (no tiny airstrips required – winning!) to Pokhara, the gateway to Annapurna.

Ghandruk village in the Annapurna region, Nepal, HDR photography
Annapurna mountain, Annapurna conservation area, Himalaya, Nepal

What's the trekking terrain like and how difficult is it?

In short, the EBC trek is definitely more of a challenge than the Annapurna circuit. Why? The biggest factor is altitude. By day 2 on the EBC trek, you are at 3,420 feet above sea level. You reach this altitude on day 6 on the Annapurna circuit. Trekking is much harder at higher altitude because the density of the air decreases, which means less oxygen is available.

There are also a bunch of ascents on the EBC trek, whereas the Annapurna circuit sees you trekking on flatter stretches that don’t leave you gasping for breath. However in saying that, what goes up must come down and on the EBC trek, you come back down the way you came. On the Annapurna circuit, you start and finish in two different places which potentially means more variety in terrain and scenery.

Sunrise in Himalaya mountains, view from Sarangkot, Nepal
view of everest from gokyo ri with prayer flags - Nepal

What's your scene?

Everest

For incredible mountain vistas where you pinch yourself because you can’t believe the views are real, you can’t go past trekking to EBC. And, if you’re hiking in the dry seasons (the best time to hike), it’s possible you will catch a glimpse of the mighty Mount Everest on your second or third day of your trek. On the Everest trek, your days are spent at higher altitudes and therefore you are constantly surrounded by massive glacial mountains for most of the trek.

Annapurna

On the Annapurna circuit, the scenery is certainly much greener and more varied as you trek from emerald rice terraces to a high glacial pass and on to the arid landscape of the Tibetan plateau. Basically, if it’s huge, imposing and stunning mountains you’re after … the Everest trek is the one for you, but you’ll pay for it with aching thighs and calves. But if you’re after something a little flatter, greener and lush, consider the Annapurna circuit.

Everest_Caravan Yak going to Everest - Periche_shutterstock_100122554
Annapurna South from Trek near Jhinu Danda_shutterstock_88868551

The extras: communities, accommodation, food and price

The culture

As you trek to Everest Base Camp you can certainly feel an unwavering pull of spirituality. Tibetan traders often visit the village of Namche Bazaar, as they’ve done for centuries. The Annapurna circuit will take you through various rural settlements where small farming communities reside. Whilst religion is still present here, there is more of a ‘local’ flavour than what you’ll find trekking to EBC.

Accommodation

Accommodation is pretty similar along both trails, however, the biggest difference is the bathrooms. Lodges on the Everest route more often than not contain a shared indoor bathroom, whereas on the Annapurna circuit you’re looking at pitch-black bathroom trips into the woods. Western toilets are the norm on the Everest Base Camp trek, while you might only come across one or two on the Annapurna circuit.

Annapurna, Nepal
Everest region, Nepal

Food

There also isn’t much of a difference between the food you eat on either treks. However, you’re more likely to get more veggies on the Annapurna circuit.

Cost

There are a few reasons why the EBC trek costs more than Annapurna. 1) Higher elevations 2) It’s a bit more “luxurious” (well, as luxurious as you can get on a mountain) and 3) Everest just has a bigger brand name. Everything about Annapurna is more affordable, including food and transportation to and from the starting point.

The crowds

It really depends on the season but as a general rule of thumb, the EBC trek is usually much more crowded and large groups are common. The Annapurna circuit generally features hikers in pairs or small groups and is not nearly as busy.

So there you have it! Hopefully our guide has made it a little bit easier to decide which trek you should choose but as we said, no matter what, a trip to Nepal will be life-changing in so many ways and you can’t go wrong with either trek. Good luck!

Related articles:

Feeling inspired?

Check out our upcoming Annapurna and Everest Base Camp challenges!

For more informative stories like this, sign up for our monthly eNews

You'll be kept up to date with all our best and newest articles on travel, world news, philanthropy and lifestyle.

Adventurer of the Month – Bernhard Budiono

Leave a reply

 Name: Bernhard Budiono
Cause: UNICEF
Adventure: Unicef Trek for Children Kilimanjaro 2014 and Unicef Trek for Children Everest Base Camp 2015Bernhard

Bernhard is a true adventurer at heart! After having just climbed Kilimanjaro in 2014, Bernhard was one of the first to sign up to take on Everest Base Camp just a few months after his return. He also managed to trek the Kokoda Track somewhere in between! He has been a real trooper, proving that travel really can be a platform for personal  transformation and global impact! Bernhard captured some truly inspiring moments along his journey. You can see more on his Instagram gallery here: Bernhard Budiono Photography 

“The first time I took on an Inspired Adventure for UNICEF, we were off to the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro. To be honest, my first thoughts were it was just another bucket list item to tick off. However, the more I delved into the experience, the country, the people and the cause – I became increasingly engaged with the whole idea. After working in Northern Africa and seeing the UN flags and banners, the whole concept of their work began to be more real.

When the earthquakes occurred earlier this year, my motivations changed, but my resolve did not. The work with the NGOs became more about disaster relief, and I found that the trek became more focussed on the role of UNICEF. It was even more incentive to go! We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to go to the office in Kathmandu.

Screen Shot 2015-11-26 at 1.34.03 pm

My friends and family have been pivotal in my adventures, successes and above all, in me being who I am today.

“The adventures I’ve led haven’t been for notches on the belt, but more so to make an impact in a world that we sometimes see as spiralling out of control.”

The excitement of going to new, exotic places, pales in comparison to knowing that you are changing the lives of people elsewhere. Some wise words were given to me by a very inspirational person, and they’ll stay with me till the day I die.

 “Success should never be measured by wealth, fame and fortune, but by the number of lives you can impact in your lifetime…”

I think that was all I needed to motivate me. It wasn’t so much for the physical challenge or anything like that. Just one word – impact – that’s what excited me.

Learning and understanding the work that organisations like UNICEF do on the ground has been critical in motivating me to move into the humanitarian and development field. I think above all, it’s helped me find some purpose with my spare time. To explore, experience, learn and above all – love more.”

If you would like to be our next Adventurer or Fundraiser of the Month, simply share your inspired journey on social media and tag #IveBeenInspired

Feeling inspired?

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

[mgl_instagram_user username=”inspiredadventures” cols=”6″ number=”6″]