Breathtaking scenery, a fascinating cultural experience and a rewarding personal challenge sums up the inaugural Mt Everest Base Camp Trek for the Crows Children’s Foundation which 11 trekkers embarked on in October and November.
Across 11 days the group – seven from Adelaide and four from Sydney – took part on the trek of a lifetime which raised $36,000 for the Foundation and Childreach Nepal to help children in need.
In total, approximately 150 kilometres was covered, with 10 of the group managing to reach Base Camp Everest, 5380m above sea level, after one member was struck by altitude sickness.
Three trekkers also summited the optional Kala Patthar, reaching a height of 5550m.
The group was led by Crows legend Nigel Smart and Ambassador Katrina Webb and also incorporated a visit to the Tengboche Monastery which was a highlight for many.
The group also attended a project visit in Manekharka region and painted a newly built school, The Thilaune Higher Secondary School, that was damaged in the devastating earthquake in April 2015.
The hospitality from the Nepali people was refreshing and made the trek unforgettable.
Comments from the trekkers included:
“This was the only truly amazing thing I have ever done.”
“This has been the most unforgettable experience!”
“This trek will test you in ways you cannot understand but give back to you more than you ask.”
“So many highlights, the scenery is breathtaking, the team spirit the sense of achievement, every day you faced a challenge that you were unsure if you would succeed. Due to your own inner strength at the momentum of the team you achieved more than you believed you could on a daily basis.”
“The sense of achievement walking through the gate on your return to Lukla indescribable.”
“The Childreach Nepal Project visit was incredible. To put the fundraising component together with the work at the school was excellent.”
The trip was such a success it will run again next year, departing Australia on October 14, 2017. For more information email Louise McDonald on lmcdonald@afc.com.au
