The Davy Fitzgerald Everest Base Camp Expedition for Foundation Nepal
Expedition Summary & FAQ
Join Davy Fitzgerald, Manager of the Waterford Hurling Team, and his friends on the trip of a lifetime - the unforgettable expedition to Everest Base Camp and the rooftop of the world!
This historic trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m 17,598ft) is one of the most famous expeditions in world. Mt Everest (8848m), the world’s highest mountain is known as Sagarmatha “sky head” in Nepalese and Chomulungma “the mother goddess of the earth” in Tibetan. The scenery is truly breathtaking with mixed forest, flower filled meadows, glaciers, rivers and spectacular mountainous panoramas throughout.
Located in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal our route takes us through Sherpa villages, bazaars and Buddhist monasteries. Trekkers come away with great appreciation of the Sherpa way of life, their mountain culture and traditions.
This itinerary includes 12 days of trekking and has been designed with acclimatisation in mind. This makes the trip more enjoyable and gives everyone the best chance to reach base camp. We also spend two nights in Kathmandu and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the capital. This unforgettable adventure is perfect for those looking for a challenging trek to the foot of the world's highest mountain.
Dates: Depart Dublin Saturday 26th November 2011, return Dublin Wednesday 14th December 2011.
Duration: 18 Days.
Day 1: Depart Dublin.
Depart Dublin for Kathmandu.
Day 2: Arrive in Kathmandu.
Arrive in Kathmandu and check into the hotel
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding (2623m), 3hrs trekking.
Fly to Lukla in the morning and then enjoy the short walk to Phakding.
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m), 6hrs trekking.
Trek along the Dudh Kosi river and then pine forest to reach Namche Bazzar.
Day 5: Rest day.
Rest day for acclimatisation at Namche Bazaar. Explore the village market and surrounding area.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m), 5hrs trekking.
Enjoy a scenic walk to Tengboche.
Day 7: Tengboche to Pangboche (4252m), 5hrs trekking.
Some beautiful monasteries today on the route to Pangboche.
Day 8: Pangboche to Dingboche (4350m), 5hrs trekking.
A fairly flat walk today with stunning views as we clear the tree line.
Day 9: Dingboche to Dughla (4620m), 5hrs trekking.
Today’s walk offers amazing views of our route and surrounding landscape.
Day 10: Dughla to Lobuche (4930m), 5hrs trekking.
We gain more altitude as we near the base camp.
Day 11: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep (4930m), 9hrs trekking.
We start early to walk to Everest Base Camp (5364M) before descending back down to Gorakshep.
Day 12: Spare Base Camp Day.
Spare day in the event of bad weather on Day 11. If we reach base camp on Day 11 we will trek to Kala Patthar (5545m) today. Return to Lobuche in the evening.
Day 13: Lobuche to Tengboche (3867m), 5hrs trekking.
The air gets thinner as we descend back down to Tengboche with great views all the way.
Day 14: Tengboche to Khumjung (3780m), 5 hrs trekking.
Today’s walk takes us to the beautiful village of Khumjung.
Day 15: Khumjung to Lukla (2623m), 8hrs trekking.
Our last day of walking takes us back to Lukla.
Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu.
Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Enjoy a special celebratory meal in the evening.
Day 17: Morning Sightseeing, evening depart Kathmandu.
Morning sightseeing trip of Kathmandu, evening depart Nepal.
Day 18: Arrive in Dublin.
Arrive back in Dublin.
- How do I sign up for the expedition?
The total cost of the expedition is €4,500, of which roughly half covers your trip, and the other half funds our work in Nepal. Complete the application form and send it to Foundation Nepal along with a cheque/bank transfer/credit card payment for €400. Fundraise the remaining €4,100 to reach your minimum fundraising target.
- Is there an age restriction to join this expedition?
Participants must be 18 or over. Those over the age of 65 will need to have written medical consent from their doctor.
- How fit do I need to be for this expedition?
There is no set minimum fitness level required to participate in this expedition. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the expedition. The group moves at the pace of the slowest person and nobody is ever left behind. This trek is classed as moderate with an average walk time of 6 hours per day. Any type of of cardiovascular training will help you prepare for this expedition. We will be having training days prior to departure!
- What do the costs cover?
The costs include International return flights to Kathmandu, all transport in Nepal, travel insurance, all accommodation, all meals and drinking water (except in Kathmandu), guide and porter fees, permit fees, sightseeing in Kathmandu, a celebration dinner and an expedition t-shirt.
The costs exclude tourist visa (USD$40), spending money, medical vaccinations, drinks and tips.
The costs exclude tourist visa (USD$40), spending money, medical vaccinations, drinks and tips.
- What is fundraising used for?
Foundation Nepal was founded in late 2006 and has since developed a strong track record in helping the most vulnerable in severely disadvantaged Nepali villages to work their way out of poverty, giving a hand up, not a hand out. The organisation works to bring about lasting change through improved food production, micro-finance and micro-business; education and healthcare, with a particular emphasis on supporting women, which in turn helps children and the entire family unit.
- Can I raise the money?
There are many different ways of fundraising, and you will have no problem finding a fundraiser that suits you. If you are struggling to reach your fundraising target, you should contact us for some advice and encouragement. You need to ensure you reach your fundraising target before the fundraising deadline in order to hold your place on the expedition. When you sign up we send you an information pack with more information on fundraising.
- What equipment do I need?
If you are a hillwalker or you have been on an overseas trek before you will have most of the gear already. You need a good pair of boots, a warm sleeping bag, and plenty of clothes to keep you warm and dry in the event of bad weather. When you sign up we send you an information pack with a full equipment list.
If you have any other questions contact us at info@foundation-nepal.org / Amanda.milne@foundation-nepal.org or +353 (0)87 0687092, 091 446864
