The Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging 14 day trek through the Khumbu region of the Himalayas, starting from Lukla airport at 2,846m above sea level all the way to Everest Base Camp at 5,354m above sea level.

The trek follows a well maintained route alongside the Khumbu Valley, inside Sagarmatha National Park - starting at Lukla, trekking to Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp & Gorakshep - taking in Sherpa culture, tradition, Himalayan wildlife & vegetation, Buddhist monasteries along the way.

What makes this 80mile trek so challenging is the altitude, acclimatisation days are a key part of the trek. These days are used to trek high and sleep low, some highlights of these days include; a trek to Everest View Hotel where we will get our first glimpse of Mt. Everest and is the most elevated hotel on the planet, Nagarjun Hill and the highest point of the trip, a trek up Kala Patthar (5545m) in the early hours to watch the sunrise over Mt. Everest.

Why did I decide to do the trek?

I took part in the NHS PS Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge in June 2019 and found while training for it that I really enjoyed hiking. I spend a lot of weekends away with my partner Chris, hiking in the lake district or out and about in Northumberland where we live. After watching a few documentaries on Mt. Everest, I began researching the EBC trek and watching blogs on You Tube of people who had done it and became a bit obsessed with doing it myself. I like a challenge and this will be a once in a lifetime trip Chris and I can share together, doing something we enjoy.

We chose to go in April as it's spring time so the days are a little warmer (although it can still get down to around -12c on an evening) there will also be lots of expeditions heading to Base Camp to prepare to attempt the summit, in general it's a busy and exciting time to trek the route. Only thing I am a bit scared about to is the flight into Lukla "the world's most dangerous airport" - the runway is only 75m long and in the middle of the mountains!!

Raising money for YLVC

As this trek will be no walk in the park, I thought why not raise some money if possible for NHS PS Charity Partner Young Lives V Cancer. Cancer is something that will impact us all in one way or another throughout our lifetime and having lost someone very close to me in August this is a charity close to my heart.

Young Lives V Cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. We’ll face it all together – but we can’t do it without you.

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk