JOIN IKCA FOR THE EVEREST

BASE CAMP CHALLENGE

1. Welcome and introduction

2. Registration

3. Fundraising & Costs

4. About the challenge

5. Trek itinerary

6. About the cause & IKCA

7. Equipment and what to bring

8. Preparation and Safety

9. FAQ’s

Registration Pack & Briefing notes

These briefing notes cover all the information you will need about the challenge, from

registration to preparation. Please do take the time to read them carefully (even if you’ve

already registered) to ensure you are fully prepared for the trip and the challenge.

This will be a 17 day trip. The travel dates are:

Departure – October 5th 2018 (Friday evening flight from the UK)

Return – October 22nd 2018

We’ve only committed to going with 20 people, and some experience is necessary! To

qualify you must:

• Be over 18 years old.

• Be willing to participate in practice treks organized by IKCA

• Have done some mountain climbing previously or taken part in similar challenges locally, or keep fit by doing some other regular training.

• Attend IKCA’s pre-event meeting.

To register, please contact the IKCA office directly at: 01274 424 444 or email us at:

info@ikca.co.uk

You will be asked to pay a non-refundable registration deposit of £250 (This is included in your fundraising target/ travel costs). In order to book local flights and obtain relevant

trekking licenses for you, we will also need the following:

• A copy of your passport

• 3 passport size photos

• A copy of your travel insurance policy

Participants are responsible for acquiring all equipment necessary for the trek, as well as

their travel insurance. Your travel insurance must include mountain rescue. It must be

arranged by January 31st 2018.

1 Welcome and Introduction

2 Registration

- Option 1: Raise £4,800 (costs included)

The minimum fundraising amount for this trek is £4,800. Out of this sum £1,800 will go towards travel costs including return flights, domestic flights, transfers, accommodation and

food. It will also cover challenge management expenses and fees for our Sherpa guides.

The remaining sum (a minimum £3000) will go directly to IKCA, helping us provide cancer

treatment for cancer patients at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) in

Pakistan.

- Option 2: Raise £3,000 and pay £1,800 towards the costs

There is the option of self-funding for those who wish to pay their own way and donate the full sum of monies raised to IKCA. If you opt for this you must pay £1,800 to cover your full

cost of travel. You can then fundraise for the minimum fundraising target of £4,800 or a

reduced target of £3000 or above.

The full sum of your minimum target should be raised by Sept 01st 2018

Remember, you don’t have to set your target to minimum, you can be as ambitious as you

like and may consider to set a target to sponsor a cancer patient’s treatment or to help with

buying a life-saving Medical Equipment. We will guide you all the way in achieving your

target.

3 Fundraising & Costs

Known in Nepali as Sagarmāthā and in Tibetan as Chomolungma, Everest is Earth's highest

mountain. It is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. This Tibetan

Plateau is known as Qing Zang Gaoyuan. The mountain’s summit is directly between the

international border between Tibet and Nepal.

Ever since the exploits of its first climbers put Everest on the map, it has captured the

imagination of explorers from all over the world. Though completing the dangerous assent to

its summit is reserved only for the most experienced climber, trekking to Everest Base Camp is

achievable even by people with average fitness.

With extreme weather, altitudes that rise up to 5,364 meters, and breath taking natural beauty

–the Everest Base Camp trek is truly unforgettable. It will involve days of walking and nights of

bonding with fellow adventurers over warm food and a fire.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a 14-day trek, with 13 nights spent in local mountain lodges,

which provide basic facilities.

Day 1: Arrival at Nepal, Kathmandu (1,350m/4,450ft)

Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Nepal. Private transfer to hotel in Thamel,

Kathmandu. There will be a trip briefing and orientation in the evening followed by personal

time to explore the city.

Day 2: Arrival at Lukla (2,850m/9,350ft) | Trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,690ft) | Trek time 3 hrs

Early morning start as we catch a 40 minute domestic flight to Tenzing Hillary airport at Lukla.

When we arrive there will be a brief meeting with our crew members and the trek will

commence. Our route through the village of Lukla to Phakding is short and easy, allowing

trekkers to acclimatize to the weather.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,285ft) | Trek time 6 hrs

A full day of trekking. Our route commences at the Northern bank of Dudh Koshi River and

takes us over many suspension bridges. At Sagarmatha National Park Check Post we’ll pause to

have our permits registered. The rest of the trek will be challenging as we climb through dense

forests until we get our first sighting of Everest. The day ends at Namche Bazaar: the gateway

to Everest.

Day 4: Acclimatization and rest day at Namche Bazaar

A day of ‘taking it easy’ and acclimatization. Trekkers may wish to explore Namche Bazaar or

hike to Sagarmatha National Park visitor centre; Khunde and Khumjung – a Sherpa settlement.

There will be a visit to Everest View Hotel for some awesome vistas of the mountain, then back

4 About the Challenge

5 Trek itinerary

to our lodge.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,855m/12,850ft) | Trek time 5 hours

A full day of trekking. This is a relatively challenging trek with sharp inclines and descents, but

with spectacular views and the possibility of catching sight of some wildlife! The trail will take

us across Dudh Koshi River, through dense alpine forests to Phunki Tenga settlement, and

eventually Tengboche.

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m/14,290ft) | Trek time 5 hours

Today’s trek is more challenging, as we follow a higher elevation trail. The trek gets easy at

Imaj valley and along the Lobuche river; then difficult again as we descend into the river and

trek the steep climb to Dingboche. Great views as usual and sights of local culture, as we pass

small villages along the way.

Day 7: Acclimatization and rest day at Dingboche

Another day of acclimatization, as we give our bodies time to adjust to the lower air pressure

at these high altitudes. There will be a gentle walk up to the ridge above Dingboche for some

panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,930m/16,175ft) | Trek time 5 hours

Trekking resumes. Today’s trail will lead us across glacial moraines and take us higher. At this

elevation, the views are stupendous. We will also pass some memorial statues of climbers who

died in the region. Our destination, Lobuche, is a large settlement with many hotels and shops.

Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) and back | Trek time 6-8 hours

The trek will take us through the moraines of Khumbu Glacier; on to Gorak Shep, surrounded

by looming snow-capped mountains; and finally, to our final destination at Everest Base Camp.

This is the closest we will be to the highest mountain in the world. We’ll also get to see

Khumbu Glacier –the deepest in the world. We will return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar Viewpoint (5,555m/18,208ft) and back | Trek to Pheriche

(4,250m/13,945ft) | Trek time 5 hours

The trek to Kala Patthar will commence before dawn so that we can catch the sunrise on

Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. We’ll return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and a brief

rest. Then we’ll resume our day’s trek to Pheriche village, following a scenic route through

forests and meadows.

Day 11: Trek to Tengboche (5,555m/18,208ft) | Trek time 4-5 hours

On the second day of our return trek, the route follows downward trails through hillsides

covered in rhododendron trees and across Imja Khola river. As we trek through Juniper forest

the path will become level until we reach Tengboche for the night.

Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,285ft) | Trek time 4-5 hours

Today’s trek takes us through forests and affords the chance to catch sight of local wildlife like

musk deer, mountain goats and possibly even snow leopards! There will be some steep slopes

to climb until we reach Namche Bazaar for the night.

Day 13: Trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,690ft) | Trek time 4-5 hours

Our trail will follow the Dudh Koshi River, and take us across many suspension bridges, through

forests and along small villages. The trek will mostly be downhill until we reach Phakding, after

a gentle walk through Benkar.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2,850m/9,350ft) | Trek time 3-4 hours

On our final day of trekking, the trail we follow will take us back down the DudhKoshi valley.

The route will mostly have gentle inclines, and one steep climb as we head to Lukla.

Day 15: Return to Kathmandu

Early morning flight back to Kathmandu and a transfer back to the hotel in Thamel. The rest of

the day is free for personal time to sightsee in the city, or arrange an optional Kathmandu city

tour of UNESCO Heritage sites.

Day 16: Return flight to UK

IKCA’s Everest Base Camp challengers return victorious to the UK (inshallah!)

Note: The above itinerary is based on ideal conditions and it may be changed by organisers at

any time

The National Health Service does not provide cancer treatment in Pakistan. As a result poor

people die without proper diagnosis/treatment. At Imran Khan Cancer Appeal (IKCA), we

raise funds for the treatment of underprivileged cancer patients at Shaukat Khanum

Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) in Lahore and Peshawar. At both hospitals, we offer

comprehensive cancer care free of charge in hospitals which house all the specialised

diagnostic and therapeutic facilities under a single roof.

Imran Khan was personally affected by cancer when his mother was diagnosed in 1985. The

experience revealed a jarring reality to him: Pakistan had a dearth of medical resources when

it came to treating cancer and this was costing lives. During the time spent with his mother in

cancer wards, Imran also witnessed the distress of other patients. He was especially troubled

by those with fewer means. How, he questioned, do the poor cope with a disease that is so

debilitating to patients and their families? After his mother passed, Imran Khan decided that

irrespective of their background everyone deserved an equal chance at life.

In 1994, following five years of fundraising, Shaukat Khanum Hospital was established in

Lahore, and Pakistan’s biggest cancer charity was born. As a comprehensive care facility

dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, it was a first in Pakistan.

To date, the hospital has helped hundreds of thousands of people with cancer. Your

participation in the Everest Base Camp challenge, and all your fundraising efforts will help

provide hope of recovery to poor cancer patients, who would otherwise have nowhere to

turn.

Find out more at https://www.ikca.org.uk/about-ikca/shaukat-khanum-hospital/

6 About the Cause

Shoes and Clothing

Challengers should bring along the necessary clothing and equipment needed for trekking.

The following is a list of suggested items to help you pack accordingly. Please note that

Sherpa porters will be carrying your main luggage, which should not exceed more than 20kg.

Equipment can be hired in Kathmandu as well.

CHECKLIST

1. For the Head

➢ Sun hat or scarf

➢ Winter hat or insulating hat

or wide brimmed hat

➢ Headlight with extra batteries

2. For the Face

➢ Sunscreen

➢ Sunglasses with UV

protection

➢ Face/body wipes

➢ Lightweight gloves

➢ Heavyweight winter gloves

3. Clothing

➢ Hiking tops

➢ Long sleeved tops

➢ Hooded rain jacket

➢ Fleece jacket

➢ Lightweight (trekking)

trousers

➢ T-Shirts (bring light weight

wool)

➢ Thermal (polypropylene)

under-wear / base layers

➢ Down jacket (available to rent

in Kathmandu)

➢ Sweater

➢ Water proof jacket and

trousers

4. Footwear

➢ Hiking Boots

➢ Thick wool socks and thick

light socks

5. Essential Gear

➢ Backpack or daypack

➢ Thermos

➢ Water purification tablets

➢ Trekking pole

➢ Sleeping bag (-15 bag is best

for high altitude trekking)

6. Toiletries

➢ Medium sized towel

➢ Toothbrush

➢ Toothpaste and gloss

➢ Deodorant

➢ Bio degradable bar of soap

➢ Nail clippers

➢ Small mirror

7. Personal Items and Misc.

➢ Money

➢ Watch

➢ Cell phone

➢ Camera

➢ First Aid kit

➢ Extra passport photos and

photocopies of passport

➢ Notebook and pen

7 Equipment and What to bring

•   The Everest Basecamp Trek is a moderate difficulty trek that can be attempted

by any reasonably fit individual.

•   It is not recommended to people who suffer from sensitive medical conditions such

heart or lung disease.

• Daily hikes will last between 5 to 7 hours, depending on the destination, with

regular breaks. The routes involve long climbs, steep descents and ascents along

rocky paths and forests.

• The fitter you are the more comfortable and enjoyable the journey will be for you.

Therefore, we recommend that some regular exercise (running, walking, local treks)

be done in preparation, to help build up your endurance and stamina. Previous

trekking experience is a must!

• To limit the chances of altitude sickness, eat foods that will help increase the iron

levels in your blood. A high level of blood iron increases haemoglobin, which will

help your body utilize more oxygen.

• During treks, you must remain close to trek guide(s). They will be setting a pace for

everyone and arranging breaks at suitable points.

• Everyone is expected to stick to the path set by the guide(s). Even this has tricky

sections but can be managed with care. What we cannot allow is for people to

wander off and to create their own paths because that’s when things can go wrong.

• Altitude sickness is commonly faced by many trekkers and will need immediate

treatment. It should not be left ignored! On this trek, we will stop to acclimatize in

two places to avoid the possibility of altitude sickness. These are Namche Bazaar and

Dingboche.

• Our tour and trekking operator in Nepal is a government authorized, registered, and

licensed company. Their trek leaders and guides are experienced at high altitudes,

with vast knowledge and extensive first aid training. They will be carrying all the

necessary gear and equipment for safety, as well as first aid kits. You are also

recommended to bring your own first aid kit.

• The health and safety of trekkers is very important and will be our first priority. In

the event that you become very poorly or are affected by altitude sickness, you will

need to descend immediately. Note that your group leader has the definitive

responsibility to decide whether you can continue the trek based on your overall

health conditions.

8 Preparation and Safety

Will there be many rest stops on the treks?

We will have regular rest stops throughout the treks at appropriate places. Daily treks will be

between 5 to 7 hours, so you are encouraged to walk at your own comfortable pace. Try to

remain close to trek guides. They will be setting a pace for everyone and arranging breaks at

suitable points. There will be two scheduled ‘rest’ days for acclimatization.

What will the weather be like?

The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable with temperatures changing very quickly

from day to night, and as we climb higher. It isn’t uncommon to encounter everything from

sunshine to snow and rain in a single day. Participants must be prepared for all eventualities.

Look over the EQUIPMENT & WHAT TO BRING section in this pack for a better idea of the

kind of clothing and gear you will require. Wear layers that you can take off or put on easily.

You will need to carry full wet gear and thermals are a must!

What kind of kit/gear will I need to bring?

Again, look over the EQUIPMENT & WHAT TO BRING section for a better idea of the kind gear

you will require. Main items include but are in no way limited to very warm clothing, thermals,

wet gear/water proofs, good hiking boots. On treks, you will need to carry your own personal

kit in a rucksack. Porters will carry your main luggage, which should not exceed 20kg.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is part of the booking condition for this challenge because we cannot get

you a trekking permit without it. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation,

and include mountain rescue in the cover plan with helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses

for trekkers at the highest altitudes. All trekkers must arrange their insurance by January 31st

2018 and provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. Challengers

who fail to do so will not be allowed to participate.

The Everest Base Camp Trek requires proactive and reactive preparedness. The Himalayan

mountains are not a place to visit casually as serious sickness or other casualties can occur.

Make sure you are fully insured against these possibilities.

What will a typical day of trekking be like?

During the trek, you are accompanied by experienced, friendly and qualified expert guide(s)

along with porters to carry your baggage. You will need carry your regular rucksack on every

trek.

A typical day will start with an early morning cup of tea and breakfast. After packing our bags,

we will set off on the day’s hike around 7am - 8am, depending on the duration and nature of

the day’s walk. We will be trekking at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to enjoy scenery, take

photos and explore local villages.

9 FAQ’s

After trekking for 3 to 4 hours, there will be an hour of rest around midday, during which lunch

will be served. The afternoon walk is generally shorter being only 2 to 3 hours, until we reach

our destination for the day, and our overnight lodge. Dinner is provided from 6 to 7 pm. After

dinner, there will be free time to explore nearby places.

At night, before going to bed, there will be a group meet for discussions as well as a briefing for

the following day’s trek. After the briefing, there will be an opportunity to chat with guides and

crew members or bond over games and entertainment.

What will the accommodation be like?

The night we arrive in Kathmandu and the one before we leave, we will be booked into a city

hotel in Thamel. Trekkers are required to spend at least two nights in Kathmandu (one before

and one after the trek) for rest.

On the trek, we will be staying at mountain lodges with basic facilities. At the lodges, rooms

will include beds with mattresses, blankets and pillows. Accommodation will mostly be twin-

shared rooms. Hot showers will be available at an extra cost.

What if I need to contact family back home, will we have access to the internet?

You can contact your family/friends at the lodges, where internet services are available at

an extra cost. Depending on your network provider, you may get a weak signal on your

phone while on the trek, though it is likely you will lose connection all together when we

reach high altitudes. A local sim card can be provided at an extra cost.

Will we have electricity to recharge batteries/phones on the trek?

The lodges we will be staying at overnight have hydroelectricity or solar panel electricity.

Phone or camera batteries can be charged at the lodges at an extra cost.

What about drinking water?

You can buy bottled water from local lodges and/or at shops en route. The option of

refilling your own bottle/thermos with boiled water is also available, at a cost. We also

suggest you bring along water purification tablets, which you can add to non-bottled water

you intend to drink.

Where can I exchange money while in Nepal?

The currency in Nepal is Nepalese rupees (NPR). Thamel, in Kathmandu, is a tourist hub.

There you will find plenty of ATMs that accept foreign debit and credit cards, as well as

places that privately exchange money. If you buy your foreign currency before travelling,

we recommend you get it in Thamel, as on the trek there will be no ATMs.

Note that the government of Nepal has banned the use of 500 and 1000 INR notes. You

should ensure you are not carrying them as you may be fined if you are caught with it at

the airport. You can also choose to exchange your money at banks, which may charge

service fees/commission. Also, note that banks in Nepal do not accept old, torn or faded

foreign currency notes.

Will there be any extra personal expenses on the treks?

Main meals and lodging on the trek will all have been paid for, but you should bring

personal spending money with you to cover small expenses. These may include drinking

water replenishment and other beverages, snacks, hot showers, internet usage at

overnight lodges, tips for crew members and porters, and the cost of recharging

phone/camera batteries.

What about safety?

Safety is of the utmost importance. Our fully trained trek leaders and guides have vast

knowledge and extensive first aid training. They will be carrying all the necessary gear and

equipment for safety, as well as first aid kits. You are also recommended to bring your own

first aid kit.

In the event that a trekker becomes very poorly or is affected by altitude sickness, he/she

will need to descend immediately. Note that your group leader has the definitive

responsibility to decide whether you can continue the trek based on your overall health

conditions. For more info have a look at the PREPARATION & SAFETY section of this pack.

Will I need a Visa?

All foreigners except Indian nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. You can acquire one on

arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. A standard, 30-day visa costs $40

and will have to be paid in cash. The visa application will require that you have a passport

of at least 6 more months of validity, and a passport size photo.

Citizens of China and SAARC countries will receive a free visa. There are certain countries

(Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq,

Palestine, and Afghanistan) that may not be able to acquire a visa upon arrival, so you

should contact your local Nepalese embassy to apply for one in advance.

How much luggage can I bring?

Your main luggage should not be over 20Kgs as this will be carried by Sherpa porters

throughout the trek. You will need to carry a lightweight backpack with essentials like

water, camera, toilet paper and extra layers of clothing and waterproofs. Any excess

baggage can be kept at our tour operator’s office in Kathmandu, where you can collect it

after the trek.

What about responsible travel?

Our tour operator in Nepal works in affiliation with the Kathmandu Environmental

Education Project (KEEP). They strive to organize eco-friendly trips, which are

environmentally sensitive and culturally rewarding, and that endeavor to meet the

expectations of both travelers and local communities.

If you believe that our environment must to be protected from the negative effects of

tourism, please take the necessary, personal measures to ensure your trip is as

environmentally friendly as possible.

How qualified is our tour & trek operator in Nepal?

Our tour and trekking operator in Nepal is a government authorized, registered, and

licensed company. Their crew members are local Sherpa people from the Himalayas’

remote areas. Able to thrive in high altitudes without being affected, the Sherpa boast a

level of physical endurance suited to their natural environment. Every trek leader will be a

fully experienced guide with qualifications in:

• Intensive wilderness first Aid

• Authorized Certificate of Trekking Guide Training

• Fluency in English and other major languages

• Conservation and Biodiversity

• Rock climbing

Should I tip trek crew members?

Whether you choose to tip or not is at your own discretion. In Nepalese culture, a tip is the

accepted and honored way of saying thank you (Dhanyabada) for good service. Our

trekking crew members (guides and porters) are all paid well and treated fairly and with

respect. However, they will be working very hard and taking good personal care of us

throughout the trek. A gesture of appreciation for their hard work will be equally

appreciated.

If you do decide to tip, you should only do so at the end of the trek, and as a group, not

individually. The amount is entirely up to you, depending on your perception of service

quality.