Donate Now
Breaking the cycle of poverty

Categories

Jan Hrebien treks to Everest Base Camp
November 2014

I always wanted to trek to Everest Base Camp and, having climbed Kilimanjaro for the Nasio Trust in 2011, decided to trek for the Trust again. I flew out to Kathmandu via Delhi on the evening of 18th October and arrived on Saturday afternoon (and a 6 hour time difference). On Sunday afternoon I met my guide Lopsang and porter Dendi for a trek briefing.

On Monday morning we flew in a little 14-seater prop plane to Lukla to start my trek – we were at 9,300ft. The trail led us downhill and uphill through valleys and after 3 hours 15 minutes we arrived at Phakding, our first overnight lodge at 8,500ft.

Day 2 took us up and down more valleys on an 8 mile trek; during the afternoon I had my first sight of Everest through the trees, snow capped with blue sky behind. After 6 and a half hours we arrived at Namche, 11,300ft, and I hoped our lodge was the first one in the village as I was exhausted – cruelly, my guide Lopsang pointed to the lodge at the very top of the village, another 25 minutes climb!

Day 3 said ‘rest day’ on the itinerary – we went on a 3 and a half hour round trip up to world’s highest airport (little more than a short, stony dirt track with a wind sock at the end)and then on to the Everest View Hotel for stunning views to Everest.

Days 4 and 5 took me to Deboche (12,500ft, 6 hours) and Dingboche (14,400ft, 5hrs 30m) and Day 6 was another ‘rest day’ – we walked for a couple of hours up to 14,900ft, again with stunning views across the

valleys in clear blue skies. Back at the lodge, Lopsang introduced me to his uncle, Lhakpa Gelu, who holds the record for an ascent from base camp to the summit of Everest – 10hrs 56mins – amazing/crazy!!

Day 7 took me up some very steep climbs to Lobuche; it was getting windy and colder as we were well above the tree line now, with snow on the ground; by the end of the 6 hours 15 minute trek we had reached 16,000ft.

Day 8 – the big day had arrived! After a 3 hour 45 minute walk up to the last lodge at Gorak Shep at 16,800ft and an hour rest over lunch, I set off for Base Camp (17,600ft) across icy, rocky paths. After 2 hours 20 minutes I arrived, absolutely exhausted but pleased to have achieved my personal goal. After a photo to prove I had been there I set off back to Gorak Shep, arriving 1 hour 50 minutes later, just before it got dark, utterly spent of energy.

A good night’s sleep meant I was ready for the 5 day trek back to Lukla; apart from one different valley via a stop at Periche we returned on the same trail – I could appreciate again the walk along ridges, valleys and woods with the wonderful scenery.

One night in Lukla and one night in Kathmandu before flying home – I returned tired but elated at having made it to Base Camp and having raised £1500 for the Nasio Trust in the process. What a great adventure!

This story is listed in: Fund-raiser stories, Volunteer Stories

"The Nasio Trust has helped me possess what I never had. I pray to God that he may bless our sponsors abundantly for their good heart. I thank The Nasio Trust for their great determination."
Douglas Osore (supported by Nasio)

From the blog...

Katie Isbester Discusses Positive Effects of Reading At An Early Age

Confessions of a Female Publisher by Katie Isbester

Books are essential for broadening our intellectual horizons, but access to these books is found primarily in libraries, a precious resource that is often taken for granted. In her article ‘Confessions of a Female Publisher’, Katie Isbester delves into the positive effects of reading at an early age and the inspiration it provided.

Find out more

Muslim Farmers Project

Medina Rajab is a Muslim farmer from Ichinga village, she benefited from the Nasio Trust Muslim farming project where she received maize seeds, fertilizer, and vegetable seeds. She managed to harvest 2 bag of maize which she stored for consumption.

Vegetable production has improved her family’s health by increasing the number of meals per day. Previously, her family used to have a single meal a day but after harvesting the vegetables, she manages 2 meals a day due to availability of enough vegetables.

Find out more

The World We Want Foundation – Community Agriculture

Habbert Were, Margaret Chibasa and Grata Auma Sumba all benefitted from The Nasio Trust’s support with farming. ​

They are all working hard and looking forward to becoming self-sustainable in the future.

Find out more

Get updates by email

Stay up to date with Nasio news, appeals, volunteer stories & fundraising events