Everest base camp

Arrive in Kathmandu and check into the beautiful 4* Hotel. This is nestled right in the heart of the bustling metropolis, a short walk to the historic Patan Durbar Square, a short taxi to Thamel, and not far from the Street Child of Nepal office itself. If you're lucky you will enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains from your window. Unwind, take a nap, you're going to need it! At a time where there is sensory overload, nervousness, and an emotional challenge in front of you, we want you to be comfortable and at home for these first couple of nights. Plan to arrive throughout the day as tonight will be a wonderful welcome dinner (our main man Urgen is quite the foodie!), and your trek briefing will take place today.

What better way to start the trip than to witness and understand the transformative work Street Child has been undertaking in Nepal since the earthquake of 2015. This morning is all about learning, listening, and understanding the immense work being taken on my Street Child of Nepal. You'll be engaging in empowering workshops and witness the project's positive impact on children. This is the 'why' - why you are here, why you support Street Child, why you are undertaking this challenge. Throw yourself in. Return to the Himalaya Hotel for relaxation and dinner.

Embark on a thrilling flight to Lukla, a gateway to Everest. Witness majestic peaks and rugged terrains. Upon arrival, feel the excitement in the air as you prepare for the trek. No sooner have you found your feet again, you'll be putting one foot in front of the other as your Everest trek begins. It is a short, enjoyable trek today: Descend to the charming village of Phakding. Traverse beautiful landscapes adorned with prayer wheels and fluttering flags. Cross iconic suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Spend the night in Phakding, embracing the serenity of the mountains.

Today the real trekking begins as you walk through stunning forests filled with rhododendron, you will also be waking alongside a river named in Nepali as the “milky river” due to its milky colour from the flow of melting of the ice. A highlight of your day will be crossing the famous “yak bridge”, the highest suspension bridge in the world, this is an experience to remember! The days trek ends at Namche Bazaar, Namche Bazaar is incredible, a trading town, the hub of the Everest region right there in the foothills of Mount Everest. It’s like something out of a movie!

Take a rest day in Namche for proper acclimatization. In a Street Child-only twist, you will have the chance to visit a Street Child supported school to gain a better understanding of how education is key in rural areas. This is the why, this is the reason you are undertaking this challenge, so a mid-expedition project visit is not only truly unique but immensely powerful. (nb. visit will be scheduled at appropriate time for school, and thus exact day of trek is not yet confirmed). Whilst in Namche, you will be visiting the Sherpa Museum and enjoy breathtaking views of Everest. Wander through local shops and cafes. Hike to nearby viewpoints or simply relax and soak in the culture.

Journey to Tengboche, home to a famous monastery. The trail offers panoramic vistas of the Himalayan giants. Participate in a prayer ceremony with monks. Rest under starlit skies, with the mountains as your backdrop.

Trek through alpine meadows to Dingboche. Cross icy rivers and marvel at surrounding peaks. Explore the village, meeting locals and learning their way of life. Spend the night in Dingboche, nestled among towering peaks.

Today we’ll help up our bodies further acclimatize to the altitude by hiking high and sleeping low – an important part of being a safe and smart trekker! We’ll walk up the mountain ridge that towers over Dingboche with the option of continuing your upward ascent to climb a small peak, taking breaks along the way at stupas with a view, before descending back into Dingboche for a relaxing afternoon.

Continue to Lobuche, crossing the Khumbu Glacier. Enjoy views of magnificent Mt. Pumori and other peaks. Reflect on your journey as you approach the Everest Base Camp. Rest in Lobuche, filled with anticipation for the following day.

We’ll start the day heading upwards with a challenging ascent to the village of Gorak Shep for lunch and breathtaking views of the magnificent Mount Pumori. After lunch, we’ll walk along the famous Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (5380m), where climbers spend over a month acclimatising and preparing for their summit attempt of the one and only Mount Everest! From Base Camp, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Khumbu Icefall, the seasonal tent village that is Base Camp before descending back down to Gorak Shep for the evening. It will be difficult for you to sleep tonight but things will become easier tomorrow as we head down.

The high altitude and cold temperatures make this early morning one of the toughest parts of our trek but this mornings trek really is worth getting up for! We’ll trek up to the highest point of our journey, Kala Pathar (5555m), for stunning, unobstructed, 360 views of the highest Himalayan peaks in the morning light. Afterwards you will return for breakfast in Gorak Shep before beginning the descent through the valley, past yaks and rivers to the village of Pheriche. Pheriche is home to the medical post used by the Himalayan peak climbers.

Return to the warmth and familiarity of Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the downhill trek, filled with memories of your ascent. Explore the town, revisit favorite spots, or discover new ones. Enjoy local food and entertainment in the Sherpa heartland.

Today we’ll continue making our way down, with some little ups in there for good measure, to Lukla for our final night (tear) in the Everest region. In the evening we’ll have our celebratory dinner to reflect and toast to the incredible experience and achievements we shared with your Street Child team!

This morning, weather permitting, we’ll take our return flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. It’s likely that you will be departing the region with mixed feelings, sadness to leave the mountains and your team but also excitement because of all that you have achieved. Once we’re back in Kathmandu, you’ll be able to use the rest of your time to shop, have a massage, eat cake and Momos before you depart for home or continue on your journey!

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. Explore Kathmandu's heritage sites or shop for souvenirs. Prepare for departure, knowing Nepal's magic remains in your heart. Farewell, until the mountains call you again.